Even the most enchanting, carefree magical day at the happiest place on earth takes some prep work, and it all starts with what you pack in your Disney World bag. We're here to help you pack like a pro with our list of must-have items for every Disney park-goer!
With these essential items, your day will be as smooth and hassle-free as possible. So grab a churro (or two) and get ready to take some notes for your next Disney vacation!
In this article:
Light Jacket or Sweatshirt
We know the weather at Disney World is usually pretty warm, but don't let yourself get caught off guard by the chillier morning and evening hours. It's always a good idea to pack a light jacket or sweatshirt just in case!
You could always snag some Disney gear to keep you warm at the gift shops, but that can get a little pricey. So, save yourself some cash and bring those extra layers from home! You'll thank yourself later when you're feeling all snug and toasty while enjoying the magic of Disney.
We really love the options from Lululemon and frequently toss these light layers in our backpack.
Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes
While Disney cast members work their magic to keep the parks clean, there's no escaping the fact that with thousands of visitors swarming the parks each day, germs are lurking around every corner. That's why we like to pack some hand sanitizer to keep those hands squeaky clean when soap and water aren't within reach.
When outdoor tables look a little questionable with spills and crumbs, use some wet wipes to give those tables a good wipe-down. You can also use the wipes to clean up those little hands in your group before dashing off to the next attraction!
Super easy to grab a small hand sanitizer here before your trip. That link takes you to a fun new brand that we like and tuck into a pocket of our bag.
Ponchos or Travel Umbrella
If you're planning a magical trip to Walt Disney World between June and September, you might want to consider packing a poncho or travel umbrella. They might not be the most fashionable accessories, but they'll come in handy during the rainy season.
While an umbrella is great for keeping the sun at bay, a trusty poncho will not only protect you but also your belongings from getting soaked during a monsoon-like rainstorm. So don't forget to pack your waterproof gear and be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way!
See our top poncho recommendation here.
Sunscreen
One thing on your Disney World bag list should always be sunscreen. We all want to leave with memories, but those memories shouldn't include a sunburn!
Whether you're visiting the park in the summer or winter, sunscreen is absolutely essential to protect your skin from the blazing sun. They don't call Florida the “Sunshine State” for nothing, so make sure you opt for sunscreens that offer broad spectrum protection to filter both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of 30 or higher. Also, don't forget to choose a waterproof sunscreen, because you'll be sweating from the heat or getting splashed on water rides like Kali River Rapids!
See our top recommendations for sunscreen here.
Refillable Water Bottle
While refillable water bottles may not seem like an essential park bag item, a bottle of water is usually priced around $3.75, and a fountain soda will set you back about $4.99, which adds up.
But fear not—there's a simple solution: pack a refillable water bottle. That way, you can fill up for free at several water refill stations located around the park (usually near restrooms) or even request a free cup of water at any quick-service or table-service restaurant. Plus, carrying a refillable water bottle means you'll always have access to water quickly and for free, so you can stay hydrated and energized throughout your magical day at the park. Let's quench that thirst and keep the Disney magic going!
Cooling Towel or Misting Fan
Brace yourselves for some hot and sweaty days, especially if you're planning a summer visit. You can take refuge in air-conditioned shops, restaurants, and attractions, but eventually, you'll have to brave the outdoors.
We highly recommend packing a cooling towel, which will work wonders in wicking away moisture and keeping your body temperature in check. You can also bring along a misting fan, which is like a personal AC on the go!
Sunglasses
Remember when we talked about Florida being dubbed the “Sunshine State?” Let's just say that nickname is well-deserved. So if you're planning a stroll down Main Street USA to admire Cinderella Castle, don't forget to pack your favorite sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later!
You can find a nice set of inexpensive sunglasses that still look good here. These Goodr glasses have inexpensive frames but high-end polarized lenses.
Ziploc Bags
Some may scratch their heads at this being an essential item, but trust us—it will come in handy. If you're planning on hitting up those splashy water rides, you'll need a safe spot to stash your electronics (like your phone or earbuds) so they don't end up waterlogged. That's where trusty Ziploc bags come in!
Also, these versatile bags are great for tossing in wet items (like soggy socks after a downpour) or storing soiled clothes for your little ones. And let's not forget about those leftover snacks that you just can't finish while strolling through the park. Ziploc bags to the rescue!
This is another one that we always have ready to go with us for saving snacks. Grab some bags in advance here.
Portable Charger
The My Disney Experience mobile app and Disneyland app are your tickets to selecting lightning lane passes, tracking wait times, navigating the park, and even enjoying contactless dining experiences with mobile ordering. But running out of battery mid-day is a major buzzkill, and hunting down an outlet isn't exactly a thrilling ride. Disney also offers FuelRods for purchase in the parks. That's why it's smart to pack a portable charger in your park bag, so that way, you can charge up while on the go and never miss a beat.
We have a strong opinion on which mobile charger to bring with you to the parks. We highly recommend the Anker 1000 PowerCore which is a perfect device that has a good amount of phone charges in it to keep you going all day. You'll often find good prices on these chargers here.
First Aid Kit
It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to first aid. The first aid centers at Disney World can hook you up with over-the-counter medications and bandages, but why not be extra prepared and bring some essentials in your park bag?
Bandages are a no-brainer for those pesky cuts and scrapes, and moleskin is a must-have for painful blisters. And let's not forget about medications that can be a real lifesaver on the go, like Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and TUMS. If you're prone to motion sickness, something like Dramamine can be a real game-changer for a day full of thrill rides at the parks. So, toss those first aid essentials in your park bag and enjoy your Disney World adventure with peace of mind.
Find a good selection of first-aid kits here if you don't end up bringing a first aid kit, you can find medicine at Disneyland when you visit.
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Don't Forget Anything We Mentioned!
There was a lot shared here. Be sure to read our Walt Disney World packing list and Disneyland packing list to make sure that you don't forget anything critical for your next trip.
