Best Sunscreen for Disney World (Leave the Sebastian Disneybound for the Pros)
You can always spot the people who underestimated the Florida sun. They’re redder than Sebastian singing “Kiss the Girl” by day two, wincing every time their shirt touches their shoulders. Don’t be that person.
Before we get into it: some links in this post are affiliate links. Clicking through and buying something earns us a small commission at no extra cost to you. It goes straight toward our vintage EPCOT merch fund.
Why the Best Sunscreen for Disney World Matters More Than You Think
Florida sun doesn’t take a day off, even when it looks like it might. Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds, so an overcast sky is not a free pass to skip sunscreen. And the stakes are higher than just a few uncomfortable evenings for you.
If your child gets burned, forget about it. For starters, they’ll be absolutely miserable, even more than the inevitable afternoon no-nap sugar crash. Even worse, just one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles their chances of developing melanoma later in life. Sunscreen at Disney World isn’t optional. Start using it on kids as young as six months.
Mineral vs Classic Sunscreen
Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and sit on top of your skin, reflecting and scattering UV rays before they get in. They’re more eco friendly, and because they sit on top of your skin, nothing gets absorbed into your body. The tradeoff is they can leave you with a ghastly pallor that’ll help you fit in on the Haunted Mansion ride. They’ll also wash off easier in the pool or an afternoon thunderstorm so reapplication is a non-negotiable.
Classic sunscreens, sometimes labeled chemical sunscreens, absorb into the deeper layers of your skin and convert UV rays into heat which gets released. They’re a lot easier to apply, feel lighter, and hold up better against pools and rain. The downside is UV light can break down that conversion process over time, leaving you less protected and more prone to irritation than you’d expect. If you’re someone who’s not thrilled about chemicals getting absorbed into your body, this might not be the choice for you.
Neither is wrong. It comes down to skin type and personal preference.
What We Actually Use
For Our Son: Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 50 Lotion (~$16 per 5 oz. tube) and Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF Stick (~$8 per .5 oz stick)
Most mineral sunscreens take real effort to rub in. Blue Lizard is one of the few we’ve used that actually absorbs, though it still takes a little elbow grease, especially on a squirming toddler. The lotion works as a base coat before we head out and the stick is great for touchups throughout the day. Our son has pretty fair skin, and it’s done a genuinely fantastic job protecting him in brutal Florida sun.
My Wife’s Picks: Blue Lizard for Body, Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen (~$19 per .68 oz tube) and Trader Joe’s Daily (~$13 per 1.7 oz tube in store, ~$19 per 1.7 oz tube online) for Face
She sticks with Blue Lizard for her body for the same reasons we use it on our son. Her face is another story. She’s particular about what goes on her face and her top pick is Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen. It absorbs fast, feels weightless, leaves no white cast, isn’t perfumed, and doesn’t stain clothes. It also works as a primer under makeup which is a nice bonus. The only downside is the price.
For something gentler on the wallet, Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen is her budget pick. It goes on clear, doesn’t cause breakouts, and won’t sting if it gets near the eyes from sweat or rubbing. It even adds a bit of moisture and glow. Easy to grab if there’s a Trader Joe’s nearby, and there’s one about 15 minutes from Disney if you have a car and the traffic gods on your side. It’s also available through third party sellers on Amazon at a slightly higher price.
My Pick: Neutrogena Dry Touch SPF 30 (~$10 per 3 oz tube)
I go classic. Neutrogena Dry Touch feels light, never greasy, doesn’t leave a white cast, and absorbs fast. I tend to have sensitive skin prone to breakouts and have no issues with this one.
Budget Option: Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF 30 (~10 per 8 oz tube)
Quick application, doesn’t feel heavy on your skin, won’t break the bank and gets the job done. One caveat: it has more of a scent than other sunscreens on this list. If you’re sensitive to smells, steer clear.
A Bonus Tip for Kids
SolarBuddies Sunscreen Applicator (~$16 per 3.4 oz reusable applicator)
It may be a bit gimmicky, but this thing is a lifesaver and should definitely have a spot in your bag’s valuable real estate. It’s refillable and makes application a breeze, which matters a lot when you’re trying to get sunscreen on a kid who would rather be doing literally anything else.
The One Rule Everyone Forgets
Reapply. Sunscreen isn’t a one and done deal. Florida heat, sweat, and water rides will wear it off faster than you think. Set a reminder on your phone if you have to. Your future self, several shades less red than a sunburned Sebastian, will thank you.
