Waterpark Essentials: What to Pack for a Full Day of Fun

Counting down the days until your next family vacation? We share your excitement!

Here at Surf & Splash Orlando, we know all about the momentum that builds up to your big trip. As parents ourselves, we also know everything that’s gone on behind the scenes leading up to that moment—which is why we’ve done the heavy lifting for you.

Here is your effortless, kid-approved waterpark packing list and guide to a stress-free day at Surf & Splash.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

• The inside scoop on navigating the park and finding your home base.
• The absolute must-haves for sun-soaked fun.
• Parent-smart pro-tips for managing wet gear and keeping strollers organized.
• What to take to a waterpark, and the items we provide on-site to help you lighten your luggage.

Parent-to-Parent: Tips for a Smooth Start

One of the best parts about being in the heart of Orlando is the sunshine. While our summers are famously balmy, our pools are heated year-round. This means even on a breezy winter afternoon, the water is always just right for a full day of fun.

To make the most of your day, here’s the inside scoop on navigating the park:

• Front-load the fun: We recommend arriving early to snag your favorite spot by the pool and beat the afternoon sun.
• The Home Base Advantage: If you’re staying over with us at the resort, you have the ultimate shortcut. You can head back to your suite for a quick nap or a snack, then dive right back into the action.
• Easy Upgrades: Looking for a dedicated spot to gather the crew? Our cabanas are the perfect meeting point for the family and can be booked up to 60 days in advance.
• Day Guest Perks: Just visiting for the day? Your pass gives you the run of the park, plus easy access to the arcade and gift shop if you need a quick break from the splashes.

The Ultimate Waterpark Packing List

Getting the family ready for a full day of fun is easier when you have a plan. Use this simple checklist to ensure you have the “big three” essentials covered before you head out.

Absolute Must-Haves:

• Comfortable Swimwear and Rash Guards: Toss in a backup suit or two and a rash guard for extra sun protection. It’s much easier to change into a dry set than to wrangle little ones back into cold, damp suits after lunch.
• Flip-Flops or Sandals: Pool shoes provide extra grip on the deck and protect small feet from the sun-soaked pavement.
• Sun Protection: Staying sun-safe is easy with reef-friendly SPF 30+, SPF lip balm, and polarized sunglasses.
• Hats for the Crew: Baseball caps or sunhats are perfect for keeping ears and noses burn-free.

Pro-Tips for Parents

• The Wet Swimsuit Hack: Grab a few spare plastic bags or a small dry bag. These are lifesavers for keeping your dry clothes and car seats protected at the end of the day.
• The Change-of-Clothes Trick: Pack a set of soft, breathable linens or your kids’ current favorite jammies. You’ll be glad you brought them for a cozy ride home or the walk back to your suite.
• Stroller Essentials: If you’re bringing a stroller, top off your bag with extra swim diapers, wet wipes, and a portable stroller fan to keep things breezy.

The “Nice-to-Haves” for Extra Comfort

If you have a little extra room in your bag, these parents-approved additions can turn a great day into an excellent one:

• A Waterproof Camera: While phone photos are great, a small waterproof digital or disposable camera is a fun way for kids to capture their own memories.
• The “Parental Peace” Kit: Toss in some blister patches, anti-chafe balm, and your preferred over-the-counter pain reliever. We have first-aid on-site, but having your own stash on hand is a great “pro tip” for staying comfortable.
• A Poolside Read: You might not get much downtime with all the splashes, but if the kids take a nap in the cabana, you’ll be glad you brought your book or e-reader.

Pro-Tips for the Smoothest Day Ever

• Label Everything: Before you leave the hotel, take a quick second to label your bags and stroller.
• The Ziploc Strategy: Pack each child’s dry outfit in its own labeled gallon-sized bag. It keeps things organized and gives you an extra waterproof spot for their wet swimsuit later.
• Spot Your Stroller: Tie a brightly colored ribbon or a piece of fabric to your stroller handle so you can spot it in a crowd in a snap.

Save the Space: What to Leave at Home

We know that every square inch of your suitcase is precious. To help you lighten the load, we’ve taken care of these essentials so you don’t have to:

• Fluffy Towels: No need to pack bulky beach towels. Simply pick them up at our designated stations when you arrive and drop them off when you’re done—we’ll handle the laundry.
• Pool Toys & Tubes: Leave the noodles and inflatable tubes at home. We have plenty of pool toys and games on-site to keep the kids entertained all day.
• Heavy Snack Bags: Save that room for souvenirs! We offer a variety of family-friendly dining options, and our cabana rentals even include complimentary bottled water to keep everyone hydrated.
• Life Jackets: If your little ones are still finding their “pool legs,” we provide life jackets on-site to keep them safe and your mind at ease.

Easy Comfort Upgrades

If you did happen to forget a must-have, don’t worry—the Essentials Gift Shop has you covered. From backup swimsuits and stylish cover-ups to extra flip-flops and SPF, we’ve got all the “sun-soaked” basics ready for you.

Ready to Make a Splash?

Planning a family getaway should be just as fun as the trip itself. We’re ready to welcome your crew for a day of memories and smiles. Explore our special offers and learn more about Surf & Splash today.