The Ultimate Florida Family Holiday Packing List
What to bring, what to skip, and what we've already got covered
Published May 2026 · Travel Tips · 5 min read
Packing for Florida can feel overwhelming — you want to be prepared for the theme parks, the pool, the Florida heat, and everything in between, but you also don't want to check three oversized bags. Here's our tried-and-tested packing guide for families staying at Sonshines Florida Villa — including all the things you can safely leave behind because we've got them covered.
What the Villa Provides (Leave These at Home)
One of the biggest advantages of a villa over a hotel is that so much is already taken care of. At Sonshines, you'll find:
- Pool towels — no need to pack bulky beach towels
- Full kitchen equipment — pots, pans, plates, cutlery, kettle, toaster, microwave, dishwasher
- Washing machine and dryer — pack less, wash mid-trip
- Free high-speed WiFi — stay connected throughout your stay
- Smart TV with streaming — Netflix, Disney+, and more for evening wind-downs
- Air conditioning throughout — essential in Florida heat
- Iron and ironing board
- Hair dryer
- Cot and high chair — available on request for little ones
Clothing & Accessories
- Lightweight, breathable clothes — Florida is hot and humid, even in spring and autumn
- Swimwear — at least two sets per person so one can dry while the other is worn
- Comfortable walking shoes — you will cover serious mileage at the theme parks
- Flip flops or sandals — for the pool and around the villa
- A light rain jacket or poncho — Florida afternoon thunderstorms are brief but heavy, especially June–September
- A light layer for evenings — air conditioning in restaurants and indoor attractions can be very cold
- Sun hat and sunglasses — non-negotiable in the Florida sun
Health & Sun Protection
- High-factor sunscreen (SPF 50+) — the Florida sun is intense; reapply every two hours at the parks
- After-sun lotion — for the inevitable first-day catch
- Insect repellent — mosquitoes are active in the evenings, especially near water
- Any prescription medication — bring more than you need and keep it in hand luggage
- Basic first-aid kit — plasters, antihistamines, paracetamol, ibuprofen
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes — essential at the theme parks
Theme Park Essentials
- Reusable water bottles — staying hydrated is critical; parks allow you to bring your own drinks
- A small backpack or day bag — for sunscreen, snacks, ponchos, and souvenirs
- Portable phone charger/power bank — park apps drain batteries fast
- Snacks — park food is expensive; most parks allow you to bring your own food in
- Pre-downloaded park apps — My Disney Experience, Universal Orlando app — download and set up before you fly
- Printed or digital copies of tickets — don't rely solely on mobile signal at the parks
Documents & Money
- Passports — valid for at least six months beyond your return date
- ESTA authorisation — UK citizens need an approved ESTA to enter the USA; apply at least 72 hours before travel
- Travel insurance documents
- Theme park tickets — buy in advance online for the best prices
- US dollars or a travel money card — most things in Florida are cashless but it's useful to have some cash
- Your driving licence — you'll need it to hire a car at the airport
Pro tip: Florida's Publix supermarkets are excellent and very close to the villa. We recommend a big shop on your first day — stocking up on breakfast, drinks, snacks, and BBQ supplies will save you a lot of money versus eating out every meal. The villa's fully equipped kitchen makes self-catering genuinely enjoyable.