What to Wear to Disney World: Summer and Winter Outfits & Cute Plus-Size Stuff

I personally enjoy wearing dresses when I go to Disney World -- and in fact, on our last couple of trips, I wore almost nothing but dresses on our days at the parks.

Below are some photos of me, followed by the link to the dress I'm wearing:

V Fashion Halter Cocktail Swing Dress

 

 

KILIG Women Halter Neck Floral Sundress with Pockets

 

 

MOLERANI Women's Casual T-Shirt Dress

 

 

ACEVOG Womens Sleeveless Flared Swing Dress

 

 

I like dresses for two simple reasons:
1) I think they keep me cooler; and
2) I think I just look better in them.

Wearing a dress makes me feel like I'm doing something "special," and not just traipsing around an amusement park, getting sweaty and feeling dumpy.

I know a lot of people don't care about being stylish at Disney World, but I do (more than I used to, anyway.) And if I'm going to get paid to get my photo taken a zillion times, heck I want to look as good as I comfortably can.

I get most of my favorite Disney dresses by searching for "Sundress" or "Casual Dress" on Amazon.

I've worn several of these dresses below to Disney World in the past, in different colors and styles:

KILIG Women's Floral Print Sundress Adjustable Spaghetti Strap Sleeveless Summer Swing Dress(C013,L)KILIG Women's Summer Floral Dress Spaghetti Strap Button Down Sundress with Pockets(C005,M)KILIG Women's Halter Neck Floral Summer Dress Strap Sundress with Pockets (Wine Red Floral-4,L)Soybu Women's Dhara Dress, Nirvana, LargeMOLERANI Women's Casual Plain Simple T-Shirt Loose Dress Black XSMOLERANI Women's Casual Swing Simple T-shirt Loose Dress, X-Large, BlackOFEEFAN Women's Cold Shoulder Tunic Top T-Shirt Swing Dress with PocketsPCEAIIH Women's Summer Cold Shoulder Tunic Top Swing Dresses Loose T-Shirt Casual Dress with Pockets (Large, Black)BLUETIME Women Summer Cold Shoulder Tunic Top Swing T-Shirt Loose Dress Criss Cross Neckline (L, Floral4)OFEEFAN Women's Cold Shoulder Tunic Top T-Shirt Swing Dress with PocketsBerydress Women's Casual Beach Summer Dresses Solid Cotton Flattering A-Line Spaghetti Strap Button Down Midi Sundress (L, 6046-Brown)KILIG Women's Summer Floral Dress Spaghetti Strap Button Down Sundress with Pockets(Floral-04,L)ECOWISH Womens Dress Summer Tie Front V-Neck Spaghetti Strap Button Down A-Line Backless Swing Midi Dress Yellow SECOWISH Womens Dresses Floral Spaghetti Strap Tie Knot Front Flowy Pleated Mini Swing Dress White S

 

 

What to Wear Under Your Dress at Disney

Worried about flashing your underwear when you get on and off the roller coasters?

I wore these Jockey Underwear Skimmies underneath my dresses. I wear the black, as shown below, but they come in other colors too.

They are more comfortable than they look, prevent pantylines, and make you less self-conscious about flashing your underwear when you get in and out or a ride.

Note that these are not shapewear, just boyshort underwear.

The Ones I Wear

Check Price on AmazonThese are lightweight and comfortable, and they give you a smooth look with no pantylines!

 

Cute Disney Accessories for Adults

 

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The above photos of me were all taken in late September, when it's still pretty hot. On our last trip, the temperatures went into the 90's every day.

We've been to Disney World in both November and December, and I've worn sundresses then, too. However, I do bring a cardigan, jacket, and jeans, just in case.

When we went in November a few years ago, it was surprisingly cold.

Look at us, all bundled up! Not only that, but we were downright cold -- uncomfortably cold -- while watching Illuminations at Epcot that night.

 

I wouldn't say that's typical. That trip was significantly colder that when we went in December of another year. But be prepared, especially for the evening!

 

Update: I just came back from yet another November Disney trip, and yup, it was pretty cold again at times.

 

 

Probably the best advice about dressing for Disney World in the winter is to be prepared for the possibility of cold weather, and pack plenty of layers.

 

Lightweight Long-Sleeve Cardigan with Pockets

Disney Hoodies for Women
Instead of (or in addition to) cardigans, you might want to bring along a couple Disney hoodies, especially for the evening:

Best Rated

Check Price on AmazonReviewers love how this shirt is super-soft and warm, but not bulky

 

Best Seller

Check Price on AmazonThe puffy ears on this girls' hoodie is an adorable extra touch

 

In addition to wearing layers, here are a few particular clothing items you might want to add to your Disney packing list in the winter:

Thermal Shirts

Thermal shirts are great for layering. You can easily wear them under something else to add warmth, but not much bulk. They won't take up too much room in your suitcase, either.

Women's Wicking Thermal Shirt, WhiteWomen's Fleece Lined Thermal Shirt, Black

 

 

Beanie Hats

At strange as it might sound to wear a knit hat to Florday, at night it can get cold, and it's better to be prepared. Plus, hats are always cute.

Womens Winter Slouchy Knit BeanieSolid Ribbed Beanie - Heather GreyWinter Beanie Knit Hat with Ribbed Cap

 

 

Down Jackets

Like the thermal shirts above, down jackets are good at keeping you warm without too much bulk -- either when you're wearing them, or when you're trying to pack them in your suitcase.

Women's Mighty Lite III Jacket,, BlackWomen's Mighty Lite Hooded Jacket, Red CamelliaAmazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Down Coat, Olive Depths

 

 

What to wear to Disney World at Christmas Time

If you're going to be going to be going to Disney World at Christmas time (which, by the way, begins in November), you should have a little extra fun by adding some Christmas bling to your outfit.

Candy Cane Plush Fabric HeadbandChristmas Necklace for WomenChevron Sheer Infinity Scarf - Green/Red/WhiteClassic Cashmere Feel Check ScarfChristmas Infinity Scarf Lightweight LoopChristmas Tree Cubic Zirconia Pendant Necklace

 

And if you're going to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, you might want to wear a Christmas sweater, both to keep warm and to look cute.

Snowmen Christmas SweateReindeer Christmas SweaterChristmas Reindeer Knitted SweaterSweater Women Plus Size Christmas Sweaters Reindeer Snowflakes SweaterNovelty Christmas SweaterBlizzard Bay Women's Cold Shoulder Christmas Pullover, red, Medium

 

 

While I'm not exactly the thinnest person in the world, I don't think I'm officially considered "plus-size," so I turned to some other lovely ladies for advice on those particular challenges.

Bianca Karina loves wearing leggings when she goes to Disneyland. "Leggings are breathable, flexible, and stretchy so you can fully enjoy the Disney magic without getting swamp butt," she says.

Torrid Premium Leggings

Bianca also likes to wear a t-shirt dress paired with sneakers, claiming, "You get all of the breeziness of shorts and the stretchiness and comfort of leggings."

Plus-Size T-Shirt Dress

What do I wear to Disney World if I have thick thighs?

Whether you're wearing shorts or a dress, if you're worried about chafing (or "chub rub," as it's sometimes called), this product works wonders. I also wear rub it all over my feet before I put my shoes on.

Most Popular

Check Price on AmazonThis is THE most popular product among my readers!

 

April at Pixie Dust Savings, who describes herself as "Pooh-sized" and a "plus-size princess," lists these as her 5 favorite places to shop for plus-size Disney clothes:

1. Torrid
2. Pinup Girl Clothing
3. Cherry Tree Lane Dress Shop in Disney Springs
4. Walmart (the selection is huge in physical stores near Disney World)
5. ModCloth (not necessarily "Disney" clothes, but has some good options for Disney Bounding)

The pin below is a dress that April featured from Torrid. Cute, huh?

Plus-Size Fashion -- Disney World Outfits

Heather Traska, a size 16 Disney Style contributor, likes to wear bright colors and lush fabrics that "makes me feel like a real life Princess." And she always wears shorts, leggings, or Spanx under her dresses while at Disney.

 

Disneyland Outfit Ideas for Curvy Girls

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I personally refuse to go to Disney World in June, July, or August -- both because of the crowd levels and the intense heat in Florida during the summer.

Well, okay ... I guess maybe I would go if someone paid for the entire thing. But I haven't been to Disney World during the summer months since I was 8 year old.

I found this helpful bit of advice about dressing for Disney during the summer months on the WDWMagic Forums:

Actually, wearing skimpier clothing (e.g., tank top and short shorts) -- especially if they contain non-breathable fabrics like polyester or spandex -- can make you feel hotter than if you wear fuller-coverage clothing that breathes.

In a tank top, for example, your sweat just pools on your shoulders and in your armpits -- in a breathable top with short sleeves, it gets absorbed and wicked away from your body. (Locals in tropical climes put this principle to work all the time -- ever notice how when you visit someplace like India or the Caribbean, everybody's wearing long pants, button-down shirts and hats in the heat? They're doing it in light colors, and breathable fabrics, and staying cooler as a result than if they were wearing less.)

My suggestion would be to either go full-on vacation wear in breathable, natural fabrics, in styles that offer some protection from the sun (chambray rompers or sundresses -- no polyester, no spandex, etc.!, lightweight cotton maxi dresses, linen button-downs and bermuda shorts), or if your personal style is more sporty, to opt for athletic wear that doesn't necessarily look like athletic wear (e.g., golf polos and skorts).

Steer toward light colors if you want to repel the sun even more, and if you're a "hat person," by all means adopt a crushable floppy hat or a straw fedora with a decent-sized brim. If your hair is long, wear it up, or braid it, to keep it off of your neck and shoulders.

One thing I would absolutely "wear" at Disney in the summer (or even the fall and spring) is a Frogg Togg Chill Pad Cooling Towel.

Yes, these really do work. You wet them with cold water, squeeze out the excess, and it feels incredibly cool (yet dry) against your skin.

Being an Irish redhead, I particularly like how it gives me added sun protection on my neck, back, and shoulders.

Frogg Togg cooling towel