We are in the Disney World parks every single day, and we are always testing out new park essentials. We have tried them all, and while some products are disappointing, there are certain products we have found that we can no longer live without! Not only do these essentials help us out day to day while we’re on the job, but we also love testing them so you can be prepared for your Disney World trips, too. We don’t want you wasting your money on products that won’t make your trip easier.
A rainy Hollywood Studios
While you are at Disney World, chances are pretty high that you will end up spending a lot of time in the sun. The chances are also pretty high that you will also get caught in some rain. We have tested some products for both scenarios, and we are letting you know what you need in your park bag for a day at the Disney World theme parks.
Let Us Introduce You to This Mini UV Umbrella
This item is GREAT for keeping yourself cool and out of the sun on those oppressively sweltering summer days in Disney World. It rolls up to be nice and compact and even comes in a convenient carrying case, so you can toss it into your park bag.
UV Umbrella
What this UV umbrella is NOT so great at doing, however, is protecting you from wind and rain on particularly severe weather days in Disney World. When we tested this puppy out on a sunny day? Magnifique. 10/10 — no complaints. But the umbrella seemed to have a mind of its own when it came to rain, and eventually, we had to concede defeat when it ultimately broke on us.
UV Umbrella in Hollywood Studios
It was so bad, in fact, that it made us immediately regret all those times we complained about having to wear ponchos in Disney World. Consider us officially poncho converts for rainy days in Disney World. But, you can’t just wear ANY ponchos to the parks, and you definitely don’t want to be caught spending an arm and a leg on a flimsy, single-use one from Disney World.
Beware the plastic poncho!!
Instead, we recommend a handy-dandy, reusable poncho like the one below! So in conclusion, we LOVE this mini UV umbrella for sunny days, but we recommend one of our favorite reusable ponchos for windy and rainy days.
Get the Frogg Toggs Reusable Poncho
FROGG TOGGS Poncho
We will forever be singing the praises of these reusable Frogg Toggs ponchos! They’re made from durable, waterproof, and wind-resistant fabric that’s lightweight and breathable.
Frogg Togg Poncho
It’s PVC-free and features a hood to keep your head from getting drenched in the rain. Oh, and did we mention it folds up into a convenient carrying pouch that comes with it?! That way, you can shake it off, roll it up into the carrying pouch, and toss it back into your bag without worrying about getting your essentials wet!
Frogg Togg
Plus, the Frogg Toggs poncho comes in plenty of different colors, so you can find one that matches your style! We may still be complaining about those single-use, plastic ponchos you’ll spend way too much money on in Disney World for — but we won’t be complaining about these reusable ones!
Don’t Forget About Your Shoes
Our Frogg Toggs poncho is always with is when we are at the Disney World parks! However, while it does a great job of keeping us dry and protected, there is one area that it doesn’t proetect well — our shoes. But we have a solution! We were a bit skeptical at first, but these Waterproof Shoe Covers are life-changing. Most rain gear doesn’t protect your shoes, but these shoe covers are perfect for an added layer of protection.
Waterproof shoe covers
They may not be the most fashionable park essential, but they truly made our day SO much better. Wet shoes and socks is no fun, but these shoe covers worked great! You can slip them on when the rain starts, and then take them off once the rain has passed. They help keep your socks, shoes, and feet dry, so you can enjoy the rest of your day at the parks.
Shoe Covers
We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the DFB for more!
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I purchased a supposedly reusable poncho in a pouch similar to the one shown from a good brand for around the same price as a Disney one, and it leaked around my neck like mad. We have a couple of Disney ponchos purchased at the parks in our car at all times. They are several years old and still work fine when it decides to pour on a grocery run. If one tears while you are at a park, go to any shop that sells them, and they should replace it for you. Yes, on a 90-degree day you’ll steam, but we’ve gotten our money’s worth out of them over the years. I do take a small folding umbrella and use a plastic sleeve from delivered newspapers to contain it in my park bag.