Our information to pack for Walt Disney World features a packing listing of necessities, what to herald your backpack for park days, and 50+ distinctive objects that’ll assist 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 listing highlights the less-obvious objects–stuff you by no means knew you wanted. These are attention-grabbing and typically odd issues we’ve discovered about through the years, 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 listing that you may obtain and save. This encompasses stuff you virtually definitely already personal–however would possibly overlook with out this downloadable packing listing for Walt Disney World. We use this guidelines to ensure we’ve remembered all of the fundamentals. As for distinctive objects, we replace this listing repeatedly with new concepts, plus necessities primarily based upon suggestions and recommendations from readers. We love discovering progressive issues that enhance journey, so please share your finds and proposals within the feedback!
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World proper now, one factor we’d strongly suggest 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 as a consequence 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 recommendations on that.
This subsequent tidbit applies to all objects you order, but in addition non-perishable groceries and snacks. If you’re ordering rather a lot and don’t need to problem with bringing it with you, it’s doable 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 payment will apply to all packages which might be obtained by the lodge. This payment doesn’t apply to grocery supply.
The subsequent factor you might want to know is that this packing information will not be tailor-made in the 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 put up as a substitute. Orlando climate could be like a curler coaster, and in contrast to the Walt Disney World selection, it’s not at all times enjoyable. Basically, there are about 3 weeks per 12 months 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 put up for recommendations on beating the warmth and dealing with humidity. You also needs to remember that Storm Season at Walt Disney World is an enormous deal and appears to get longer with annually. Storm season brings warmth, humidity, and spontaneous downpours. The triple climate whammy! On uncommon event, the parks also can shut as a consequence of hurricanes–that has occurred on a couple of events within the final a number of years. So be ready for that when you’re visiting this summer season or early fall.
Finally, the thought behind this listing will not be that you simply purchase and pack every thing right here. These are simply concepts, not an inventory of complete requirements for Walt Disney World. If you packed all of this, you’d be taking means an excessive amount of. We are agency believers in not overpacking. It’s necessary to comb by way of this listing, decide what would possibly assist enhance YOUR trip, and take that. Not every thing right here is for everybody–they’re simply concepts.
With all of that stated, let’s get to the distinctive merchandise Disney packing listing, 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 buddies used this Junior Character Encyclopedia of Disney Characters, and we thought it was essentially the most sensible factor ever. Instead of getting characters signal a clean web page, have them signal this particular e book 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 liked–this!
Now that standard character meet & greets and eating experiences with hugs, autographs, 5 highs, and every thing else are again at each Walt Disney World and Disneyland, that is as soon as once more our #1 suggestion for households with babies. (NOTE: Do NOT purchase the
Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad
Frogg Toggs Chilly Sport – Same concept, however totally different dimensions that makes this much more appropriate for carrying round your neck. An excellent various if you wish to save a little bit cash in your Frogg Toggs buy.
Sukeen Cooling Towel 4-Pack – Some individuals 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 favor them. They’re additionally cheaper (the 4-pack these prices about as a lot as one Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad–and so they’re presently on sale), so there’s that. With that stated, there are additionally a bunch of knock-off manufacturers that look much like the Sukeen however are junk and needs to 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 straightforward to reuse–simply hold 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 undoubtedly the superior choice.
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 value $10 every, and over the course of a trip, that may actually add up. We suggest taking a 10-pack of ponchos (or extra) in your group. They’re small and simple to throw in a backpack.
Body Glide – Since making the unique listing, many others have really useful this product to us as one of the simplest ways to fight chaffing. Unless you usually stroll 10+ miles per day at house over the course of a number of consecutive days, it is a very actual drawback that many individuals will unexpectedly expertise. Better to be protected than sorry!
Moleskin Padding Roll
Parade Mat – This sturdy blanket is a good various to sitting on the bottom whilst you look ahead to parades at Disney, however it works in plenty of eventualities within the parks. This has weighted corners, is pocket-size, and puncture-resistant. It’s additionally waterproof, so you should 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 e book Lightning Lanes, or share images through social media is usually a drain in your battery. We use 3 totally 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” as a consequence of its form and measurement and is roughly 2 full cellphone expenses. 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 expenses. It’s a bit bulkier, however nonetheless straightforward 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 expenses, this may get a whole household (or one teenager) by way of 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 in all probability 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 larger promoting level is the sunshine and breathable materials, which is vital within the Florida warmth. It’s designed to remain cool whereas mountaineering and different strenuous actions…and visiting Walt Disney World undoubtedly 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 most suitable choice, arms down. It’s sturdy, BPA-free, dishwasher protected, 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 choice. It’s cheap and sturdy. Not fairly as efficient or sturdy because the above choice, however nonetheless good. Either means, we extremely suggest 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 when you’re extra involved with saving area and comfort, they’re an incredible various. Maybe you like the style of swamp water!
Apple AirTags – We now use AirTags to trace our automobile (good for rental automobiles that may get misplaced within the sea of the TTC), checked baggage (good for peace of thoughts), and way more that isn’t related to journey.
The finest use of all that now we have 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 search out. AirTags ought to provide an incredible answer to this drawback! There are tons of nice non-Disney makes use of for AirTags, or their non-Apple counterpart, Tile Pro Tracker.
Stroller Fan – Technically, it is a clip-on desk fan. If you learn the evaluations, virtually everybody shopping for it’s utilizing it for strollers. It’s nice to maintain your youngsters 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 popular 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 straightforward to search out your loved ones (or stroller!) within the crowds at night time. Kids love creating cool issues to wear down of them–very enjoyable stuff!
Packing Cubes – These are good for organizing, and make it simpler to to handle your baggage. I really 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 extra space in my baggage, which is big for me. Below is the cheaper various, when you’re merely trying to keep organized.
Anker PowerPort Cube Strip with 3 Outlets and three USB Ports — Disney has refurbished lots of its rooms, including USB ports within the course of, so this isn’t actually mandatory for these. It is for a lot of off-site and older lodge rooms, although. Plus, this has fast-charging to get gadgets recharged faster. (There’s additionally this “future-proofed” model with USB-C.)
USB Wall Charger with Motion Sensor Night Light – If you could have babies who’re afraid of the darkish–or just don’t need your lodge room to be pitch-black within the night time, it is a nice choice. As an added bonus, it converts an outlet to a USB charging hub.
Bladeless Personal Neck Fan — The little machine 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 as a consequence of this being dry, which is healthier for her lengthy hair. For me, it’s extra of a toss-up. While this fan is quiet and maybe a bit more practical, it’s barely extra obtrusive and distracting than the Chilly Pad, which I view as completely easy answer.
With this, I think we’ll be chasing a extra highly effective, quieter, lighter machine as expertise continues to evolve through the years. It’s a very incredible concept, and I’m curious to see the place future improvements take it. Already, you possibly can 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 concept 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 wash your arms, cellphone, stroller, or actually any floor–an important 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 useful 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 through the years to no avail. While a bit dear, this works fantastically. As an added bonus, it smells scrumptious!
Post-It Notes – On a associated observe, if in case you have youngsters who’re afraid of loud bathrooms (per a number of commenters, it is 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 everywhere. You can’t miss it. However, we strongly suggest bringing your individual increased high quality stuff, except you need your arms feeling dry and uncomfortable after a few 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 finally felt this backpack choice was finest for preserving drinks, snacks, and sandwiches chilly–additionally the best choice at bag examine. (If you don’t plan on carrying perishable meals, take a look at our light-weight backpack choice under.)
Reusable Straws – A brand new addition to the listing, as each WDW and Disneyland have eradicated plastic straws (and in-park Starbucks use horrible paper straws that disintegrate after about 10 minutes). An excellent 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 put up, 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 possibly can pay ~$1 per pin as a substitute of $8-10. Highly really useful!
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 equipment additionally features a velour cowl, sleep masks, and earplugs. Sarah makes use of the pillow, sleep masks, and above headphones for flights. She appears to be like actual cool.
Pop-up Hamper – With how a lot cash you pay for a lodge room, you in all probability don’t need it to seem like the right habitat for Oscar the Grouch midway by way of your journey. We’ve discovered the largest situation at all times (ALWAYS!) is with soiled laundry, and a great way to maintain this below management is by bringing a pop-up hamper.
Travel Sunscreen Packets – For your arms, legs, neck, and so forth., we suggest these sunscreen packets. If you’ve ever had a tube of sunscreen spill in your baggage or backpack (now we have…many occasions), you know the way inconvenient it may be. These particular person journey packets deal with that drawback, and are additionally a lot simpler to place in your pocket or in a bag. They’re an ideal answer!
Frogg Toggs Rain Suit – If you need one thing increased high quality, extra versatile, and that may maintain 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 received’t get too scorching. It appears to be like 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 digicam recommendations…if that describes you, you’re on the fallacious web page! Check out our Ultimate Disney Parks Photography Guide for images ideas and methods, plus digicam recommendations.
Clothing & Accessories
Crocs Classic Sandal
WetBrush Pro Detangle – This hair brush performs effectively with moist hair, and your hair will get moist when you’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 were caught by gusts of wind at Walt Disney World, so this really is necessary.
SPF Sun Hat – Sarah has a number of totally 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 giant measurement, which makes them tough to pack (we suggest 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 received’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 scorching–so scorching it’s uncomfortable to stroll on it with out these.
Dresses – If you’ve ever seen one among our journey stories, 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 retailers and concepts for locating cute outfits which might be 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 buddies who journey with us!) is after we bust out these packets to make our personal espresso. In our protection, Starbucks will not be that good, the road is at all times lengthy, and we every “need” 3-4 servings of caffeine per day to perform. Buying espresso within the parks would add up shortly and price us quite a lot of time. Cutting espresso from our journey finances 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 among these mints has about as a lot caffeine as espresso or an vitality drink, so that they provides you with the vitality to get by way of night Extra Magic Hours, however received’t provide you with espresso breath or make it’s a must to 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 gadgets, I’d in all probability carry a stockpile of Slim Jims. Apparently, these aren’t as “healthy” as Chomps, which boast a laundry listing of “clean” promoting factors. These are actually our go-to beef jerky for the parks–they’re additionally obtainable 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, at the very least, the much less abnormal issues that may be helpful to others, that is about it for us. What about you? Are there any attention-grabbing 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’re contemplating a purchase order of any of this stuff or another provides in your trip, we might vastly recognize it when you use the hyperlinks to Amazon on this put up to make your buy. It advantages the positioning, doesn’t value 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 suggest to enhance your Disney journey, plus extra widespread issues that you simply received’t need to overlook, too. Note that you simply don’t have to pack every thing on this listing–it covers the entire necessary stuff however may be greater than you, personally want.
With this listing, we tried to skip issues which might be pointless (like shampoo, conditioner, a primary assist equipment, and so forth.) as a result of yow will discover them in your lodge room or within the parks, or as a result of they aren’t realistically mandatory for most individuals. There’s the temptation to over-pack (particularly with all of the intelligent concepts on this listing), and that needs to be resisted. There’s no want for 3 suitcases per individual on a weeklong journey to Walt Disney World! ????
Need Disney journey planning ideas and complete recommendation? Make certain to learn Disney Parks Vacation Planning Guides, the place yow will discover complete guides to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and past! For Disney updates, low cost info, a free obtain of our Walt Disney World eBook, and way more, join our free month-to-month e-newsletter!
Your Thoughts
What distinctive objects do you suggest packing for a Disney journey? What intelligent objects do you pack to enhance your expertise? Any ‘smart’ objects you’d add to this listing? Any questions we can assist you reply? Hearing your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!