Our information to pack for Walt Disney World features a packing checklist of necessities, what to usher in your backpack for park days, and 50+ distinctive objects that’ll enable you get monetary savings, keep comfy in Florida’s climate, and enhance your trip. (Updated January 23, 2023.)
The first a part of this Disney packing checklist highlights the less-obvious objects–stuff you by no means knew you wanted. These are fascinating and typically odd issues we’ve realized about over time, a few of which have dramatically improved our experiences when touring. We pack a few of these when visiting Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Tokyo, Paris, and past. Consider together with a few of them in your baggage.
The second half is our complete Disney packing checklist which you can obtain and save. This encompasses stuff you nearly actually already personal–however would possibly neglect with out this downloadable packing checklist for Walt Disney World. We use this guidelines to ensure we’ve remembered all of the fundamentals. As for distinctive objects, we replace this checklist recurrently with new concepts, plus necessities primarily based upon suggestions and strategies from readers. We love discovering revolutionary issues that enhance journey, so please share your finds and suggestions within the feedback!
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World proper now, one factor we’d strongly advocate is making a grocery run upon arrival or having meals delivered to your lodge. This is as a result of Advance Dining Reservations are tough to attain because of diminished restaurant capability. At a minimal, get breakfast objects so that you’re not wasting your time within the morning. Read our Guide to Grocery Delivery at Walt Disney World for our tips about that.
This subsequent tidbit applies to all objects you order, but additionally non-perishable groceries and snacks. If you’re ordering lots and don’t need to trouble with bringing it with you, it’s potential to put an order with Amazon.com previous to our journey and have the objects shipped to your Walt Disney World resort. In Address Line 2, specify your arrival date. Resorts now cost a $6 package deal dealing with price will apply to all packages which are obtained by the lodge. This price doesn’t apply to grocery supply.
The subsequent factor it’s essential know is that this packing information is just not tailor-made in direction of any particular season. Those heading to the parks within the subsequent couple of months, complement this with our Winter Packing Tips for Disney publish as an alternative. Orlando climate could be like a curler coaster, and in contrast to the Walt Disney World selection, it’s not all the time enjoyable. Basically, there are about 3 weeks per yr when Central Florida climate is predictably temperate and delicate!
If you’re visiting in March 2023 or past, seek the advice of our Summer Packing Tips for Disney publish for strategies on beating the warmth and dealing with humidity. You also needs to remember that Storm Season at Walt Disney World is a giant deal and appears to get longer with every year. Storm season brings warmth, humidity, and spontaneous downpours. The triple climate whammy! On uncommon event, the parks may shut because of hurricanes–that has occurred on a couple of events within the final a number of years. So be ready for that if you happen to’re visiting this summer season or early fall.
Finally, the thought behind this checklist is just not that you just purchase and pack all the things right here. These are simply concepts, not a listing of complete requirements for Walt Disney World. If you packed all of this, you’d be taking method an excessive amount of. We are agency believers in not overpacking. It’s vital to comb via this checklist, decide what would possibly assist enhance YOUR trip, and take that. Not all the things right here is for everybody–they’re simply concepts.
With all of that stated, let’s get to the distinctive merchandise Disney packing checklist, after which the packing guidelines. We’ll begin with the objects our readers love essentially the most–sensible objects that’ll prevent time, cash, stress, or (actually) bodily discomfort and ache!
Smart Stuff to Pack
Autograph Book Substitute – One of our mates used this Junior Character Encyclopedia of Disney Characters, and we thought it was essentially the most good factor ever. Instead of getting characters signal a clean web page, have them signal this particular guide about 150+ Disney characters. After the journey, it’ll be a treasured memento. We’ve heard tons of suggestions on Facebook from individuals who have tried–and cherished–this!
Now that standard character meet & greets and eating experiences with hugs, autographs, 5 highs, and all the things else are again at each Walt Disney World and Disneyland, that is as soon as once more our #1 advice for households with babies. (NOTE: Do NOT purchase the
Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad
Frogg Toggs Chilly Sport – Same thought, however completely different dimensions that makes this much more appropriate for carrying round your neck. different if you wish to save somewhat cash in your Frogg Toggs buy.
Sukeen Cooling Towel 4-Pack – Some folks don’t just like the Frogg Toggs texture, which could make this breathable mesh materials extra enticing. The cooling system makes use of moisture from the towel to attract the sweat away out of your pores and skin to maintain you cool.
Personally, we don’t discover these Sukeen towels as efficient because the Frogg Toggs, however some Walt Disney World followers choose them. They’re additionally cheaper (the 4-pack these prices about as a lot as one Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad–they usually’re at the moment on sale), so there’s that. With that stated, there are additionally a bunch of knock-off manufacturers that look just like the Sukeen however are junk and must be prevented at any worth. You get what you pay for.
5-Pack of “Pro” Ponchos – While these are technically disposable, they’re a thicker and better high quality materials than the ponchos above. We’ve discovered that they’re simple to reuse–simply cling them as much as dry in your room on the finish of the day! Unless you actually need to throw away your ponchos after every use, that is positively the superior possibility.
If you need one thing with a bit extra character, Sarah loves this reusable “Minnie Mouse-Inspired” Polka Dot Poncho. There are additionally different patterns for males and people who aren’t polka dot fanatics.
10-Pack of Disposable Ponchos – These will prevent a ton of cash. Ponchos within the parks price $10 every, and over the course of a trip, that may actually add up. We advocate taking a 10-pack of ponchos (or extra) to your group. They’re small and straightforward to throw in a backpack.
Body Glide – Since making the unique checklist, many others have really helpful this product to us as one of the simplest ways to fight chaffing. Unless you usually stroll 10+ miles per day at dwelling over the course of a number of consecutive days, this can be a very actual downside that many individuals will unexpectedly expertise. Better to be secure than sorry!
Moleskin Padding Roll
Parade Mat – This sturdy blanket is a superb different to sitting on the bottom when you await parades at Disney, nevertheless it works in various eventualities within the parks. This has weighted corners, is pocket-size, and puncture-resistant. It’s additionally water resistant, so you need to use it as a poncho in a pinch. It’s actually versatile!
Compact External Charger – Poor reception within the parks and the necessity to examine wait occasions, planning apps, use Genie+ to guide Lightning Lanes, or share photographs through social media generally is a drain in your battery. We use 3 completely different exterior batteries, relying upon how a lot juice we are going to want.
- Anker “Lipstick Sized” Battery – This is often often known as a “lipstick charger” because of its form and measurement and is roughly 2 full cellphone prices. This is pocket-sized.
- Anker Ultra-Compact Battery (TOP PICK FOR VALUE & CAPACITY) – Double the capability of the primary battery, providing you with round 4 full cellphone prices. It’s a bit bulkier, however nonetheless simple to throw in a light-weight backpack. This one works effectively for the 2 of us.
- Anker High Capacity Battery – With a whopping 8 full prices, this can get a whole household (or one teenager) via a day at WDW. In our opinion, you’re higher off shopping for 2-3 of the center battery.
Lightweight & Water Resistant Travel Backpack — You most likely already personal a backpack, so hear us out on this. The materials is super-thin, that means it’ll simply pack into your baggage. The greater promoting level is the sunshine and breathable materials, which is essential within the Florida warmth. It’s designed to remain cool whereas climbing and different strenuous actions…and visiting Walt Disney World positively qualifies!
Life Straw Go Filter Water Bottle – Florida water tastes terrible straight from the faucet, so it’s key to get a bottle with a filter. This bottle is the best choice, arms down. It’s sturdy, BPA-free, dishwasher secure, and makes use of a 2-stage activated carbon filter reduces odor, chlorine and leaves zero aftertaste!
Brita Filter Water Bottles – If you don’t need to spend as a lot cash, that is the second-best possibility. It’s cheap and sturdy. Not fairly as efficient or sturdy because the above possibility, however nonetheless good. Either method, we extremely advocate bringing a water bottle. It’s more and more tough to enter counter service eating places (or discover open snack stands) to get cups of water.
Collapsible Water Bottles – These don’t have filters–important for us given the style of Florida’s water–however if you happen to’re extra involved with saving house and comfort, they’re an incredible different. Maybe you like the style of swamp water!
Apple AirTags – We now use AirTags to trace our automotive (good for rental automobiles that may get misplaced within the sea of the TTC), checked baggage (good for peace of thoughts), and far more that isn’t related to journey.
The finest use of all that we have now not tried is monitoring strollers. In a current article about Walt Disney World’s new strollers, a number of readers complained that Cast Members relocate parked strollers, making them tough to seek out. AirTags ought to supply an incredible resolution to this downside! There are tons of nice non-Disney makes use of for AirTags, or their non-Apple counterpart, Tile Pro Tracker.
Stroller Fan – Technically, this can be a clip-on desk fan. If you learn the critiques, nearly everybody shopping for it’s utilizing it for strollers. It’s nice to maintain your children cool, and it’ll final 5-10 hours earlier than the battery must be recharged–which could be performed through USB with one of many exterior chargers above. This is ideal for the most well liked hours of the day at Walt Disney World!
Glow within the Dark “Stuff” – Okay, this may appear foolish or pointless (my preliminary thought), however these glow-sticks are very helpful. They make it simple to seek out your loved ones (or stroller!) within the crowds at evening. Kids love creating cool issues to wear down of them–very enjoyable stuff!
Packing Cubes – These are excellent for organizing, and make it simpler to to handle your baggage. I like this 4-piece set as they’re the right measurement for organizing a carry-on measurement suitcase.
Compression Cubes – There are two nice choices right here–I’ve moved on to those compression cubes, as I discover they save more room in my baggage, which is large for me. Below is the cheaper different, if you happen to’re merely seeking to keep organized.
Anker PowerPort Cube Strip with 3 Outlets and three USB Ports — Disney has refurbished a lot of its rooms, including USB ports within the course of, so this isn’t actually needed for these. It is for a lot of off-site and older lodge rooms, although. Plus, this has fast-charging to get units recharged faster. (There’s additionally this “future-proofed” model with USB-C.)
USB Wall Charger with Motion Sensor Night Light – If you will have babies who’re afraid of the darkish–or just don’t need your lodge room to be pitch-black within the evening, this can be a nice possibility. As an added bonus, it converts an outlet to a USB charging hub.
Bladeless Personal Neck Fan — The little gadget is shockingly efficient. You know that refreshing feeling when briefly hit by a burst of air-conditioning whereas strolling in entrance of an open door on Main Street? This is like that, however fixed. Sarah prefers it to the Frogg Toggs because of this being dry, which is best for her lengthy hair. For me, it’s extra of a toss-up. While this fan is quiet and maybe a bit simpler, it’s barely extra obtrusive and distracting than the Chilly Pad, which I view as completely easy resolution.
With this, I think we’ll be chasing a extra highly effective, quieter, lighter gadget as expertise continues to evolve over time. It’s a very implausible thought, and I’m curious to see the place future improvements take it. Already, you’ll be able to splurge on a extra highly effective and high-tech mannequin–take a look at the TORRAS Coolify Portable Air Conditioner Neck Fan.
Sanitizer Wipes – Same thought right here with these alcohol-free sanitizer wipes. Walt Disney World is magical, however not magically clear. Every floor has been touched by numerous different arms. These are nice to scrub your arms, cellphone, stroller, or actually any floor–a necessary merchandise to scale back your probabilities of getting sick on trip!
EltaMD Face Sunscreen — Sarah favors this fancier model of face sunscreen, which is really helpful by dermatologists and distinguished scientists from everywhere in the world. (Probably.)
Sun Bum Oil-Free Face Stick Sunscreen – My face sunburns actually simply and I’ve tried quite a few sunscreens to fight this over time to no avail. While a bit expensive, this works fantastically. As an added bonus, it smells scrumptious!
Post-It Notes – On a associated word, in case you have children who’re afraid of loud bathrooms (per a number of commenters, this can be a factor), pack some post-it notes to cowl the automated sensor that may in any other case trigger “premature” flushing.
Honest Co. Hand Sanitizer Spray – Walt Disney World is now offering free hand sanitizer in every single place. You can’t miss it. However, we strongly advocate bringing your personal increased high quality stuff, until you need your arms feeling dry and uncomfortable after a couple of day. This is our go-to.
Tourit Cooler Backpack – This is a brand new one primarily based on reader questions on collapsible cooler choices for bringing meals into the parks. We checked out a wide range of choices, however in the end felt this backpack possibility was finest for retaining drinks, snacks, and sandwiches chilly–additionally the best possibility at bag examine. (If you don’t plan on carrying perishable meals, take a look at our light-weight backpack possibility beneath.)
Reusable Straws – A brand new addition to the checklist, as each WDW and Disneyland have eradicated plastic straws (and in-park Starbucks use horrible paper straws that disintegrate after about 10 minutes). merchandise to throw in your backpack.
Discounted Disney Pins – This one isn’t a lot a sensible factor to pack as a money-saving one. If you’ve learn our Disney Pin Trading Tips publish, you already know that pin buying and selling is a enjoyable, albeit costly factor to do within the parks. However, by shopping for pins earlier than your journey on-line, you’ll be able to pay ~$1 per pin as an alternative of $8-10. Highly really helpful!
Wireless Sleep Mask Headphones — Sarah has used “last gen” variations of this product for years, swearing by each sleep masks for journey and ‘cozy’ headphones for getting relaxation on flights.
Memory Foam Neck Pillow Airplane Travel Kit — This package additionally features a velour cowl, sleep masks, and earplugs. Sarah makes use of the pillow, sleep masks, and above headphones for flights. She seems actual cool.
Pop-up Hamper – With how a lot cash you pay for a lodge room, you most likely don’t need it to seem like the right habitat for Oscar the Grouch midway via your journey. We’ve discovered the largest challenge all the time (ALWAYS!) is with soiled laundry, and a great way to maintain this beneath management is by bringing a pop-up hamper.
Travel Sunscreen Packets – For your arms, legs, neck, and many others., we advocate these sunscreen packets. If you’ve ever had a tube of sunscreen spill in your baggage or backpack (we have now…many occasions), you know the way inconvenient it may be. These particular person journey packets maintain that downside, and are additionally a lot simpler to place in your pocket or in a bag. They’re an ideal resolution!
Frogg Toggs Rain Suit – If you need one thing increased high quality, extra versatile, and that may preserve you completely dry, this rain is nice. It’s cheap, light-weight, and breathable. It’s made by the identical firm because the Chilly Pads, so that you gained’t get too sizzling. It seems foolish, however after a dry afternoon with it, you’ll be asking: “why didn’t I think of this sooner?!”
Shout Wipes
Downy Wrinkle Releaser
Photography Gear – Only talked about right here as a result of we all know lots of people go to us on the lookout for digital camera strategies…if that describes you, you’re on the fallacious web page! Check out our Ultimate Disney Parks Photography Guide for pictures ideas and methods, plus digital camera strategies.
Clothing & Accessories
Crocs Classic Sandal
WetBrush Pro Detangle – This hair brush performs effectively with moist hair, and your hair will get moist if you happen to’re visiting Walt Disney World. A staple of Sarah’s Disney bag.
Repel Travel Umbrella – This journey umbrella is compact, windproof, and has a lifetime assure. We have ruined so a couple of umbrellas which have been caught by gusts of wind at Walt Disney World, so this truly is vital.
SPF Sun Hat – Sarah has a number of completely different colours of this low-cost and trendy solar hat, and wears them within the parks to maintain the solar off of her face, and to remain cool. They are breathable and light-weight. The solely draw back is their massive measurement, which makes them tough to pack (we advocate carrying them on).
Crocs LiteRide Sandal or OluKai Ohana Sandal – Sarah a number of sorts sandals (the Crocs listed first are her most up-to-date addition) that perfectly mix consolation and cuteness, and supply sufficient consolation so your toes gained’t harm after logging miles within the parks.
Aqua Socks for Water Parks & Pools – If you’re planning on visiting Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, or spending time at your lodge’s pool, these are important. The pavement will get sizzling–so sizzling it’s uncomfortable to stroll on it with out these.
Dresses – If you’ve ever considered one in all our journey experiences, it’s no secret that Sarah likes attire. Based on the emails we’ve obtained, she’s not the one feminine who does.
Check out her What to Wear to Disney web page devoted to the place she outlets and concepts for locating cute outfits which are additionally sensible for these humid days within the parks. She additionally has Tips for Accessorizing for Disney, to offer your regular outfits cute ‘dashes of Disney.’
Food
Mount Hagen Organic Instant Coffee – One of essentially the most embarrassing experiences (for our mates who journey with us!) is after we bust out these packets to make our personal espresso. In our protection, Starbucks is just not that good, the road is all the time lengthy, and we every “need” 3-4 servings of caffeine per day to perform. Buying espresso within the parks would add up shortly and value us lots of time. Cutting espresso from our journey funds saves us a ton of cash, and is price it even when we seem like cheapskates making espresso within the parks.
Caffeine Mints – Each one in all these mints has about as a lot caffeine as espresso or an vitality drink, in order that they offers you the vitality to get via night Extra Magic Hours, however gained’t offer you espresso breath or make you must run to the restroom whereas in line for Toy Story Mania. Win-win!
Clif Bar Energy Bars
Lenny & Larry’s Complete Protein Cookie – Want one thing even wholesome? These cookies have a ton of protein and fiber, however haven’t any excessive fructose corn syrup, no sugar alcohols, no synthetic sweeteners. Plus, they’re vegan.
Chomps Beef Sticks – If left to my very own units, I’d most likely carry a stockpile of Slim Jims. Apparently, these aren’t as “healthy” as Chomps, which boast a laundry checklist of “clean” promoting factors. These at the moment are our go-to beef jerky for the parks–they’re additionally out there at Trader Joe’s and a wide range of different grocery shops. (We like each taste besides the cranberry one.)
As far as less-ordinary issues go, not less than, the much less abnormal issues that will be helpful to others, that is about it for us. What about you? Are there any fascinating stuff you pack that may make the remainder of us say, “why didn’t we think of that?!” If so, share them within the feedback. We hope this information helps you better-prepare for Disney!
If you might be contemplating a purchase order of any of this stuff or every other provides to your trip, we’d significantly respect it if you happen to use the hyperlinks to Amazon on this publish to make your buy. It advantages the positioning, doesn’t price you something, and assist us to maintain offering you with helpful content material.
Alright, as promised, right here’s our Disney packing guidelines…
This Walt Disney World packing guidelines features a bunch of the above distinctive objects that we advocate to enhance your Disney journey, plus extra frequent issues that you just gained’t need to neglect, too. Note that you just don’t must pack all the things on this checklist–it covers the entire vital stuff however may be greater than you, personally want.
With this checklist, we tried to skip issues which are pointless (like shampoo, conditioner, a primary support package, and many others.) as a result of you will discover them in your lodge room or within the parks, or as a result of they aren’t realistically needed for most individuals. There’s the temptation to over-pack (particularly with all of the intelligent concepts on this checklist), and that must be resisted. There’s no want for 3 suitcases per particular person on a weeklong journey to Walt Disney World! 😉
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Your Thoughts
What distinctive objects do you advocate packing for a Disney journey? What intelligent objects do you pack to enhance your expertise? Any ‘smart’ objects you’d add to this checklist? Any questions we may help you reply? Hearing your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!