Sun Protection Must-Haves for Your Family Disney Holiday
Planning a family getaway to Disney promises to be an exciting adventure filled with magical and
unforgettable memories. In our previous ultimate guide, we discussed aspects like logistics,
ticketing, tips for picking the right resort, and more.
However, there’s another aspect of your trip that needs equal attention – sun protection. A holiday
at any of Disney’s resorts means extensive outdoor activities, making sun safety crucial. In this
article, we’ll explain why and explore the must-have sun protection items to pack for an enjoyable
Disney experience.
Why you should prioritise sun protection at Disney
If this is your family’s first time visiting the Magic Kingdom, you should know a few things.
Disney theme parks, whether it’s Walt Disney World in Florida, Disneyland Paris, or Disneyland
Resort in Anaheim, California, are largely outdoors. You should expect to be doing a lot of
walking, waiting in line for attractions, and watching themed parades under the hot sun. This
means that a day at Disney requires taking proper sun safety precautions, as UV exposure can
result in eye damage and sunburns, which cause discomfort and increase the risk of skin damage
and long-term health issues like skin cancer.
Children are particularly vulnerable to the sun’s rays as their skin is more delicate and susceptible
to burns. A BBC article highlights that when a child gets sunburned, they are more likely to suffer
from related conditions like heat stroke. In addition to skin protection, their eyes must be shielded
from the sun since they cannot filter out harmful UV rays as effectively as adults. Long-term eye
problems not specific to children could include cataracts and age-related macular degeneration
that can dull colours, weaken vision, or even lead to growths on the surface of the eye.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable Disney adventure, remember to pack the sun protection essentials
below:
Sun hat
The sensitive skin on the face and scalp is generally prone to sunburn, especially during
prolonged outdoor activities like those experienced at Disney parks. Sun hats provide a physical
barrier to shield these areas from direct sunlight, helping to deter painful sunburns. Wearing a hat
also keeps the head and face cool and comfortable in hot and sunny weather. When choosing sun
hats for the family, opt for tightly woven, breathable fabrics like those by Solbari. Their sun hats
come in kids’ and adults’ sizes and are made with natural fibres, have a wide brim, and have a
UPF50+ rating, which means that they block 98% of UV rays.
Sunglasses
As we mentioned above, the open-air setting of Disney parks poses the risk of causing UV-related
eye damage in both children and adults. Fortunately, this is easily remedied by wearing
sunglasses. Sunglasses with UV protection minimise exposure to the sun’s rays, reducing the risk
of eye strain, sunburn of the eye, and long-term vision problems. However, not all frames are
made equal, so it’s important to buy from brands that are certified for sun protection. On Sunglass
Hut, you’ll find sunglasses from reputable brands like the Burberry BE4403, which offers 100%
UV protection and features a wide fit to cover a greater portion of the face. They also have a wide
selection of kids’ sunglasses to keep your little one’s eyes safe from the sun, including the Ray-
Ban New Wayfarer Kids from the Summer Capsule collection that includes a handy strap to
prevent the frames from falling off or getting lost.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable necessity for the entire family during a Disney holiday. Applying
sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 before heading outdoors protects against sunburn, skin
damage, and the long-term risks of skin cancer. This is because sunscreen creates a barrier that
blocks UVA and UVB rays, the specific rays that cause sunburn and premature ageing. If you’re
shopping for a sunscreen tube to take on your holiday, one with a short ingredient list that’s
fragrance-free and hypoallergenic is ideal for the whole family. Try sunscreen like the Ultrasun
Extreme SPF 50+, which has a lightweight formulation that doesn’t leave a greasy residue. Don’t
forget to reapply every two hours or after sweating to ensure total skin protection.
From sun hats to sunscreen, sun protection is important for preserving the magic of your family’s
Disney holiday. Whether exploring the parks, meeting characters, or enjoying thrill rides,
prioritising sun safety will allow you to immerse yourselves in the Disney experience fully.
For more articles like this, visit the Keep up With the Jones Family website, where you’ll find
more travel tips, recipes, and fun activities your family will enjoy!
