Disney Packing List- The Ultimate Guide
Headed to the happiest place on earth but you are not sure what to pack to Disney? Read below for the ultimate Disney packing list. The essentials, general packing list, things you might need, and tried and true favorite items that will make your trip easier and more enjoyable!
This Disney packing list works for both Disneyland and Disney World parks. We are huge Disney fans and have been to both multiple times.
There have been times when we went and learned the hard way because were ill prepared. I like to think I suffered so I can help others avoid the same Disney parks mistakes.
That is why I am sharing what to pack to Disney with you, so you won’t be like me- stuck in the park without something you need!
You can read about how to go to Disney on a budget here.
If you can dream it, you can do it. -Walt Disney
The Essentials
These are the items in your Disney packing list that can really make or break the enjoyment of your trip and the ones I recommend you always bring on your Disney trip.
Comfortable Shoes
Your shoe game will either make or break your Disney vacation. Disney requires an insane amount of walking. There is nothing worse than having sore or blistered feet. Make sure your shoes are broken in. I like to bring two different pairs and alternate wearing them each day. For some reason this helps my sore feet. The most comfortable shoes I have found are these and these. My girls love these.
Backpack
You simply need a lightweight backpack. You will carry your tickets, maps, water, ponchos, sunscreen, portable charger, snacks, baby wipes (even if you don’t have kids), sanitizer, foldable blanket and more in it. My favorite light weight backpack for Disney is this one.
Portable Battery Charger
Part of the fun of Disney is taking pictures. There are so many great photo ops and so you will have your phone on a lot. You can also use the Disneyland and World Apps to look at wait times and access the park maps with restroom, dining, character meet and greets, and other information. In Disneyland if you are using Fastpasses (which I recommend) your battery will drain quickly. I highly suggest carrying a portable phone charger like this one with you in the park.
Foldable Blanket
These awesome blankets fold into themselves so they take hardly any space in your backpack or suitcase. Use them to save your space and be more comfortable waiting for parades, shows, and fireworks. It is much better than sitting on the dirty ground and helps claim your space from pushy people.
Stroller
I don’t care if your child hasn’t used a stroller in years, you are going to want on in Disney. Little legs get tired with all the walking and you will save yourself from having to hear whining if you have a place your children can rest their legs. They even make a great seat for the shows, parades, and fireworks. I like to rent my stroller from a third party not from Disney directly. You can rent super nice double strollers from companies near the parks that will hand deliver them to your hotel and pick them up. While my youngest sits in the stroller the whole time, my older two would swap out occasionally in the other seat to rest their legs.
Reusable Water Bottle
I absolutely LOVE Hydro flask. It gets hot in the Disney Parks so you are going to want to make sure you and your kids are staying well hydrated. There are water fountains all over the park or if you ask for water at any quick service dining area they will give you FREE water. Take advantage of this!
Extra Clothes and Socks
Some kids (and adults) have a major problem with wet clothes or socks. I bring a change of socks for the adults in case they are soaked on a water ride. I bring an extra change of clothes, underwear and socks for my small kids because you never know what is going to happen!
Dramamine
Nothing will put a damper on your Disney trip then one of your family members getting motion sickness. I like to error on the side of caution and carry this around with us at all times. I give it to my kids who I know are susceptible to motion sickness preemptively but then you have it on hand in case some unexpectedly gets hit. Sea bands also work well and they have kid sizes.
Ponchos
Rainy days in Disney are the best! The locals all clear out and the lines for rides are usually significantly shorter. Enjoy Disney days in the rain by packing ponchos. They do sell them at the park but they are quite expensive. If you don’t mind some funny looks you can also wear them on water rides if you don’t want to get too wet!
Snacks
It is always fun to try some themed food while in Disney. But to save some money and prevent any one in your group from getting hangry, I suggest packing in some snacks. Easy snacks include single serving size peanut butter and apples slices or pretzels, nuts, trail mix, goldfish, protein bars, squeezable apples sauce. If you get a small soft sided cooler you could pack in yogurt, string cheese, and other items that need to stay cooled.
Other thing that should be in your essentials list:
- chapstick
- sunglasses
- ziplocks for wet clothes
- sunscreen
- tissues
- sweater for evenings
- wet wipes
- moleskin
Nice to Have Items
These are the items in your Disney packing list that are fun or can help you be more comfortable but are not absolutely essential.
Misting Fan
It can get down right hot and sticky in the Disney parks which can make you uncomfortable and frankly a little grumpy. Having a misting fan like this can help take the edge off.
These amazing little towels are amazing for keeping you cool at Disney. They are both cool and dry which is awesome. You get them wet and wring them out and they will stay cool and when it stops just get it wet and a viola! You’ll thank me later!
If you, ahem, get some chaffing from walking in the damp clothes then this deodorant like product will change your life. Just glide it on to where you tend to chafe and it prevents it.
Bubble Wand
They have banned bubble guns from the park ( we learned that the hard way) so make sure not to buy them but you can save a lot of money by bringing in your own bubble wand. They also are a great way to entertain the kids while waiting in long lines.
Fun Disney Clothes
You will find young and old dressed in Disney gear. I find some cute deals at here and here.
Glow Sticks
Glow sticks are fun to have for parades and fireworks and for just in general at night in Disney. Kids love them and they might save you money from having to buy something glowy at the park!
you can save time and money by buying your ears before you head to the parks. You can get the most of the ones they sell in the parks online here as well as off brand but still cute options here.
Autograph Book With Pen
Kids LOVE getting characters autographs. It adds extra excitement trying to find as many characters as possible to add to their books. Another way to save some money is by buy
the autograph books and pens before you get to the park. There are some super cute options here.
General Packing List For Families
You can sign up for our email list here and get this list for you to print off!
I hope this Disney packing list has helped you with what what you should pack to Disney. By thinking ahead on a few things you can prevent discomfort or downright misery on your Disney trip so that you can have the best trip possible!
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