What to Wear to Disney World in April

If you’ve booked a trip for Disney World in April, you should know that Florida weather is not like most of the country. It’s not really like anywhere else in America, except maybe Texas or Louisiana—sizzling and humid summers, easy winters, and a lot of rain.

My family and I have been to Disney World a few times in April, but we typically avoid it because of the Spring Break crowds. However, the end of the month is one of the perfect times to go to the most magical place on Earth because of temperature and crowds. So, all my tips will come from personal experience from those trips.

It’s warm and sunny in April. Shadow on my face because I don’t know how to edit pictures. Fun fact: my wife left her purse here, and someone turned it into guest services for her. Disney is magical.

In this article, I’ll explain the weather at Disney World in April and what you should pack for the Disney theme parks. I’ll also go over special events at Disney World in April, and what you should always take with you, no matter what month you go. Hopefully this guide will help you be prepared for an amazing family vacation because April is a great option!

Jump to Section:

Weather at Disney World in April
What to Pack for Disney in April
What to Pack for Disney Any Time of Year
Festivals and Holidays at Disney in April
What Not to Pack for Disney World
Can You Swim at Disney World in April?
Are the Disney Water Parks Open in April?

Weather at Disney World in April

The weather in Orlando in April is perfect, bordering on the side of warm, especially if you’re not used to the climate. In many parts of the country, April means a struggle back and forth between cold and warm as the season changes. In central Florida, April means consistently warm without being brutally hot, usually. It can also have the odd, slightly cooler day (never outright cold).

Weather averages from March to May, with data from April in the middle. courtesy of Weather Spark

The average temperatures are perfect, with the average high temperature in the low 80s Fahrenheit (high 20s Celsius for you Europeans) and average lows in the low 60s (high teens Celsius). The temperature almost never gets above 90 (30 celsius) or below 55 (13 Celsius). So don't expect any extremely hot days.

The coldest part of the day will be at park open between 7am and 9am. After that, it will heat up, and have relatively high temperatures until sunset. It will hottest from 1-5pm, and will typically be in the low 70s by midnight. During the afternoons, even the water rides will be tolerable.

Now these may seem like ideal temperatures, but remember, you will be in direct sunlight on the pavement for most of the day. Therefore, while you are in the parks and not in shade, it may feel a little bit hotter. Even when it’s 70 degrees outside at Magic Kingdom, I’m uncomfortable in long pants and long sleeves unless it’s cloudy.

Another reason April is a great time to go is that there is significantly less rain than during the rainy season (May-October). Therefore, weather, especially severe weather, is less likely to interfere with your vacation. However, 25% of the days in April still typically see rain, so plan accordingly.

What to Pack for Disney in April

At Disney World in April, dress for warm but not miserable weather. When we go, I wear shorts and t-shirts, and my wife wears thin leggings or shorts and t-shirts. My daughters will wear shorts and t-shirts, or short-sleeved dresses. Your little princesses can even handle big princess dresses if they are riding in the stroller, but they’ll probably get tired of walking in them.

Rare character interaction: I met Tinker Bell on the Skyliner in April.

If it were miserably hot, you’d need to worry about the color and thickness of your clothes to protect against the heat, but April means you can wear whatever you want it and expect a light sweat.

It’s possible that in the early morning or late at night you might night a thin hoodie, pants, or long sleeve t-shirt for the cooler temperatures. If so, I recommend having layers so that you can shed the warmer clothes when it heats up.

However, if you’re the type of person that wears jeans all year round, or you have a teenager that never takes off their hoodie, you can probably get away with that, too. It rarely gets dangerously hot in April in Lake Buena Vista.

When we pack for April at Disney, I usually pack all shorts and t-shirts except one pair of pants and one hoodie or light jacket.

In the next section, I’ll give you tips for items that you should bring to Walt Disney World Resorts no matter what time of year it is.

What to Pack for Disney Any Time of Year

For any trip to Disney, there are a few things you should bring. 

Disney Gear

First, bring your Disney gear—hats, ears, shirts, jewelry, bubble wands, and three-fingered gloves! Here’s an Amazon list I put together if you’re in need a few more souvenirs. (affiliate link, if you purchase I’ll take my kids to Disney more and report back about the weather)

Hollywood Studios: Rey told Della (right) that her hairstyle will let her to be a double in order to fool the First Order

Rain Gear

You also definitely need rain gear. Don’t wait to buy this at the Disney parks. Nobody wants to spend $20 on a poncho when you can buy tons of them at Walmart or Amazon for far less.

If you’re planning on using a stroller or scooter, make sure to bring along a poncho or shower curtain (and some clips) to cover them. It loses a little magic if your kid comes back from a ride and has to sit in a puddle filled with soggy goldfish.

Always be ready for a couple rainy days, even if your strategy is just to stay in your hotel room.

Shoes

Next, let’s talk about footwear. No matter the time of year, I’m always wearing socks and running/walking shoes. You’ll see an enormous array of footwear at Disney World, but I will never travel 10 miles a day on foot in anything that wasn’t designed for that kind of mileage. One time I tried to wear Hey Dude style loafers and ended up with shin splints. 

If you really want open-toed shoes, consider sandals that were designed for hiking like Chacos, Tevas, or Keens. (Also make sure you put sunscreen on the tops of your feet). Whatever you decide, make sure you use bring a pair of comfortable shoes.

Here’s my article about the best shoes for Disney World.

Whatever you do, don’t wear flip flops, heels, or platform shoes into the park. And, make sure you break in your tennis shoes or sandals before wearing them in the park. Blisters and Disney rash can derail a Disney trip, my friends.

My kids are young enough to wear what we tell them, but one day they’ll want to pick their own shoes. Then, all I can do is say I told you so at the end of the day.

Sun Protection

Now, let’s talk about sun protection. It doesn’t matter what the temperature or cloud cover is, subtropical sunlight is intense. If you have fair skin, bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses or you might be a blind lobster on day two. April in Central Florida is more intense than most summer sun elsewhere.

Water Bottle

On a related note, even if the weather is really mild, you’ll be walking upwards to 10 miles a day, make sure you stay hydrated. You can bring in your own water, purchase it at Disney, or use the free water stations located around Disney World. If you’re not used to Florida water, it’s very sulphury. In other words, it tastes like water with the essence of rotten eggs. If that’s not your favorite, bring bottled water.

It might not matter to you or what you wear, but the first week of February is also Super Bowl weekend, so be prepared for that.

Finally, remember that you’ll be walking a lot, using the restroom a lot, climbing in and out of rides, moving at high speeds, and so on. Think about doing all those activities and pack practical clothing. You might look amazing in a tuxedo or ballgown, but 8 hours in, you might be regretting it—unless you’re heading to Dapper Day (see below).

Festivals and Holidays at Disney in April

There a few school holidays and Disney festivals that you should be aware of as you prepare for a Disney vacation in April.

School Holidays

First, school holidays. This won’t affect how you dress, so I’m a little off topic, but it’s important to know that April can be extremely busy at Disney World. This is particularly true for the first two weeks, since early April is the prime time for Spring Break for American schools. Many school systems tend to plan their Spring Break to the week before or after Easter, as well. So if Easter is later in the year, that can make April more crowded, resulting in long lines for rides.

Disney Festivals and Events

One of the amazingly detailed topiaries we saw at the Flower and Garden Festival.

There are several festivals and events that happen at Disney in April each year. The biggest festival is the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival that runs from the end of February to the end of May. EPCOT will be transformed into a garden wonderland filled with topiaries, flowers, and food that looks like flowers. When we attend the Flower and Garden festival my daughters were mesmerized by the butterfly garden.

All the butterfly character meet and greets at EPCOT. They refused to sign autographs.

Another important Disney day is Earth Day, which is April 22. Earth Day is important not just because the Walt Disney Company is very environmentally conscious, but because Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day. Therefore, there are usually celebrations, rare characters, special shows, and other extra experiences at Animal Kingdom that day.

Third, a fascinating new event called Dapper Day has taken over Disney World and has two dates April (20-21). This event is unique because it was created by fans and not Disney. The idea is that anyone participating in Dapper Day dresses to the nines, typically in outfits characteristic of early to mid-20th century—think flappers and mobsters up to Howard Hughes and Marilyn Monroe.

An advertisement for Dapper Day 2024 (Photo Cred: Dapper Day

It began in 2011 at Disneyland and has since moved to Paris and Disney World. In can draw thousands of extra people to the park. It’s much more popular at Disneyland (think 30,000 or more extra people). At the Walt Disney World Resort, it’s estimated that Dapper Days draw an extra 10,000 people. Across 4 parks, that’s not an enormous increase in traffic, but it might cause a few longer lines, especially at the sophisticated Haunted Mansion.

What Not to Pack for Disney World

Here’s a few things you don’t need at Disney World—in April or ever. First, people over 14 years old can’t wear a costume (unless it’s a Halloween Party). This is to prevent people impersonating cast members, making Disney look bad, or deceiving kids for nefarious reasons.

Next, you won’t need a parka or winter coat. It will never get that cold, and it will take up a lot of room in your suitcase.

Third, I want to reiterate. Do not wear heels or flip-flops. You will regret it.

Finally, this is a family place. Don’t bring obscene or graphic clothing to Disney World. Even if it’s Disney themed. Especially if it’s Disney themed. Next, don’t push the envelope on risqué. Everyone has different opinions on what modesty looks like, especially when it’s hot outside, but Cast Members have been known to turn people away for inappropriate clothing. Remember also that you’ll be climbing in and out of rides.

Now on to another weather and clothing related question.

Can You Swim at Disney World in April?

Yes, it will be perfect swimming weather at Disney World in April, especially in the afternoons. Technically, you can swim any time of year at Disney (except in lightning and inclement weather). They keep the pools at the Disney resorts heated to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and deluxes and moderates have hot tubs. That being said, April it is GOOD swimming weather. Bring your bathing suit. We always schedule a resort day so that we can hang out at the pool. It’s one of our favorite parts of Disney any time of year.

My daughters giving their stamp of approval at the Riviera pool in April.

Are the Disney Water Parks Open in April?

Since the pandemic, Disney has alternated which of the two water parks is open at any given time. I can’t say for sure which park—Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon—will be open in a given month, but one will be open. Hopefully soon, they both will.

We love the water slides at the water parks, but we don’t want to be there when it’s cold. The water is heated, but I don’t want to walk slide to slide if it’s cold. Luckily, April is rarely below our threshold.

Conclusion and Further Reading

If you have other ideas for clothes or packing for April, I’d love for you to put them in the comments below. I hope this helps you prepare for a Walt Disney World vacation in April. It's arguably the best time to go as far as warm weather, and it's okay on crowds near the end of the month.

If you want to read about going on a Disney World trip at other times of year, here’s an article about going to Disney World in February, going to Disney World in July, and one for dealing with the heat at Disney in the summer months.