Our information to pack for Walt Disney World features a packing record of necessities, what to usher in your backpack for park days, and 50+ distinctive gadgets that’ll make it easier to get monetary savings, keep comfy in Florida’s climate, and enhance your trip. (Up to date January 23, 2023.)
The primary a part of this Disney packing record highlights the less-obvious gadgets–stuff you by no means knew you wanted. These are attention-grabbing and generally odd issues we’ve realized 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. Contemplate together with a few of them in your baggage.
The second half is our complete Disney packing record you can obtain and save. This encompasses stuff you nearly definitely already personal–however would possibly neglect with out this downloadable packing record for Walt Disney World. We use this guidelines to ensure we’ve remembered all of the fundamentals. As for distinctive gadgets, we replace this record commonly with new concepts, plus necessities primarily based upon suggestions and ideas from readers. We love discovering progressive issues that enhance journey, so please share your finds and suggestions within the feedback!
In the event 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. It’s because Advance Eating Reservations are tough to attain resulting from decreased restaurant capability. At a minimal, get breakfast gadgets so that you’re not wasting your time within the morning. Learn our Information to Grocery Supply at Walt Disney World for our recommendations on that.
This subsequent tidbit applies to all gadgets you order, but additionally non-perishable groceries and snacks. In the event you’re ordering loads 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 gadgets shipped to your Walt Disney World resort. In Deal with Line 2, specify your arrival date. Resorts now cost a $6 package deal dealing with charge will apply to all packages which can be obtained by the lodge. This charge doesn’t apply to grocery supply.
The subsequent factor that you must know is that this packing information will not be tailor-made in direction of any particular season. These heading to the parks within the subsequent couple of months, complement this with our Winter Packing Ideas for Disney publish as an alternative. Orlando climate will be like a curler coaster, and in contrast to the Walt Disney World selection, it’s not at all times enjoyable. Principally, there are about 3 weeks per yr when Central Florida climate is predictably temperate and delicate!
In the event you’re visiting in March 2023 or past, seek the advice of our Summer time Packing Ideas for Disney publish for ideas on beating the warmth and dealing with humidity. You must also bear in mind 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 can even shut resulting from hurricanes–that has occurred on a couple of events within the final a number of years. So be ready for that in the event you’re visiting this summer time or early fall.
Lastly, the thought behind this record will not be that you simply purchase and pack the whole lot right here. These are simply concepts, not an inventory of complete requirements for Walt Disney World. In the event you packed all of this, you’d be taking approach an excessive amount of. We’re agency believers in not overpacking. It’s essential to comb via this record, decide what would possibly assist enhance YOUR trip, and take that. Not the whole lot right here is for everybody–they’re simply concepts.
With all of that stated, let’s get to the distinctive merchandise Disney packing record, after which the packing guidelines. We’ll begin with the gadgets our readers love probably the most–sensible gadgets that’ll prevent time, cash, stress, or (actually) bodily discomfort and ache!
Good Stuff to Pack
Autograph Guide Substitute – Certainly one of our mates used this Junior Character Encyclopedia of Disney Characters, and we thought it was probably the most sensible factor ever. As a substitute of getting characters signal a clean web page, have them signal this particular ebook about 150+ Disney characters. After the journey, it’ll be a treasured memento. We’ve heard tons of suggestions on Fb from individuals who have tried–and liked–this!
Now that ordinary character meet & greets and eating experiences with hugs, autographs, 5 highs, and the whole lot 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 Sport – Identical concept, however totally different dimensions that makes this much more appropriate for sporting round your neck. A very good different if you wish to save a bit of 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 present 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 value. You get what you pay for.
5-Pack of “Professional” Ponchos – Whereas 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 grasp them as much as dry in your room on the finish of the day! Except you actually need to throw away your ponchos after every use, that is undoubtedly the superior choice.
If you would like one thing with a bit extra character, Sarah loves this reusable “Minnie Mouse-Impressed” 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 advocate taking a 10-pack of ponchos (or extra) on your group. They’re small and simple to throw in a backpack.
Physique Glide – Since making the unique record, many others have really useful this product to us as one of the simplest ways to fight chaffing. Except you usually stroll 10+ miles per day at house over the course of a number of consecutive days, it is a very actual downside that many individuals will unexpectedly expertise. Higher to be protected than sorry!
Moleskin Padding Roll
Parade Mat – This sturdy blanket is a superb different to sitting on the bottom when you look forward to parades at Disney, however it works in plenty of situations within the parks. This has weighted corners, is pocket-size, and puncture-resistant. It’s additionally waterproof, so you should utilize it as a poncho in a pinch. It’s actually versatile!
Compact Exterior Charger – Poor reception within the parks and the necessity to examine wait instances, planning apps, use Genie+ to ebook Lightning Lanes, or share photographs by way of social media generally is 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 – That is generally often called a “lipstick charger” resulting from its form and dimension and is roughly 2 full telephone expenses. That is pocket-sized.
- Anker Extremely-Compact Battery (TOP PICK FOR VALUE & CAPACITY) – Double the capability of the primary battery, providing you with round 4 full telephone expenses. It’s a bit bulkier, however nonetheless straightforward to throw in a light-weight backpack. This one works properly for the 2 of us.
- Anker Excessive Capability Battery – With a whopping 8 full expenses, this may 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.
Light-weight & Water Resistant Journey Backpack — You in all probability already personal a backpack, so hear us out on this. The fabric is super-thin, that means it’ll simply pack into your baggage. The larger promoting level is the sunshine and breathable materials, which is essential 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 best choice, palms 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 – In the event 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. Both approach, 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 in the event you’re extra involved with saving area and comfort, they’re a fantastic different. Possibly 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 rather more that isn’t related to journey.
The finest use of all that we’ve got not tried is monitoring strollers. In a current article about Walt Disney World’s new strollers, a number of readers complained that Solid Members relocate parked strollers, making them tough to search out. AirTags ought to provide a fantastic answer to this downside! There are tons of nice non-Disney makes use of for AirTags, or their non-Apple counterpart, Tile Professional Tracker.
Stroller Fan – Technically, it is a clip-on desk fan. In the event you learn the evaluations, 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 will be carried out by way of USB with one of many exterior chargers above. That is good for the most popular hours of the day at Walt Disney World!
Glow within the Darkish “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 evening. Children 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 like this 4-piece set as they’re the proper dimension for organizing a carry-on dimension 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 large for me. Beneath is the cheaper different, in the event you’re merely seeking to keep organized.
Anker PowerPort Dice Strip with 3 Retailers and three USB Ports — Disney has refurbished lots of its rooms, including USB ports within the course of, so this isn’t actually essential for these. It’s 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 Movement Sensor Night time Gentle – If in case you have babies who’re afraid of the darkish–or just don’t need your lodge room to be pitch-black within the evening, it is a nice choice. As an added bonus, it converts an outlet to a USB charging hub.
Bladeless Private Neck Fan — The little machine is shockingly efficient. You realize that refreshing feeling when briefly hit by a burst of air-conditioning whereas strolling in entrance of an open door on Fundamental Road? That is like that, however fixed. Sarah prefers it to the Frogg Toggs resulting from this being dry, which is healthier for her lengthy hair. For me, it’s extra of a toss-up. Whereas 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 extremely implausible concept, and I’m curious to see the place future improvements take it. Already, you may splurge on a extra highly effective and high-tech mannequin–take a look at the TORRAS Coolify Transportable Air Conditioner Neck Fan.
Sanitizer Wipes – Identical concept right here with these alcohol-free sanitizer wipes. Walt Disney World is magical, however not magically clear. Each floor has been touched by numerous different palms. These are nice to wash your palms, telephone, stroller, or actually any floor–a necessary merchandise to cut 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. (In all probability.)
Solar 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. Whereas a bit expensive, this works fantastically. As an added bonus, it smells scrumptious!
Put up-It Notes – On a associated observe, in case you have children who’re afraid of loud bogs (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 “untimely” flushing.
Sincere Co. Hand Sanitizer Spray – Walt Disney World is now offering free hand sanitizer in all places. You possibly can’t miss it. Nevertheless, we strongly advocate bringing your personal larger high quality stuff, until you need your palms feeling dry and uncomfortable after a couple of day. That is our go-to.
Tourit Cooler Backpack – This can be a new one primarily based on reader questions on collapsible cooler choices for bringing meals into the parks. We checked out quite a lot of choices, however in the end felt this backpack choice was finest for protecting drinks, snacks, and sandwiches chilly–additionally the best choice at bag examine. (In the event you don’t plan on carrying perishable meals, take a look at our light-weight backpack choice beneath.)
Reusable Straws – A brand new addition to the record, as each WDW and Disneyland have eradicated plastic straws (and in-park Starbucks use horrible paper straws that disintegrate after about 10 minutes). A very good 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. In the event you’ve learn our Disney Pin Buying and selling Ideas publish, you already know that pin buying and selling is a enjoyable, albeit costly factor to do within the parks. Nevertheless, by shopping for pins earlier than your journey on-line, you may pay ~$1 per pin as an alternative of $8-10. Extremely really useful!
Wi-fi Sleep Masks Headphones — Sarah has used “final gen” variations of this product for years, swearing by each sleep masks for journey and ‘cozy’ headphones for getting relaxation on flights.
Reminiscence Foam Neck Pillow Airplane Journey Package — 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 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 appear to be the proper habitat for Oscar the Grouch midway via your journey. We’ve discovered the largest problem at all times (ALWAYS!) is with soiled laundry, and a great way to maintain this underneath management is by bringing a pop-up hamper.
Journey Sunscreen Packets – To your arms, legs, neck, and so forth., we advocate these sunscreen packets. In the event you’ve ever had a tube of sunscreen spill in your baggage or backpack (we’ve got…many instances), you know the way inconvenient it may be. These particular person journey packets care for that downside, and are additionally a lot simpler to place in your pocket or in a bag. They’re an ideal answer!
Frogg Toggs Rain Swimsuit – If you would like one thing larger 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 gained’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 consider this sooner?!”
Shout Wipes
Images Gear – Solely talked about right here as a result of we all know lots of people go to us searching for digicam ideas…if that describes you, you’re on the improper web page! Take a look at our Final Disney Parks Images Information for images suggestions and tips, plus digicam ideas.
Clothes & Equipment
Crocs Basic Sandal
WetBrush Professional Detangle – This hair brush performs properly with moist hair, and your hair will get moist in the event you’re visiting Walt Disney World. A staple of Sarah’s Disney bag.
Repel Journey Umbrella – This journey umbrella is compact, windproof, and has a lifetime assure. We’ve got ruined so a couple of umbrellas which have been caught by gusts of wind at Walt Disney World, so this truly is essential.
SPF Solar 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’re breathable and light-weight. The one draw back is their massive dimension, 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 damage after logging miles within the parks.
Aqua Socks for Water Parks & Swimming pools – In the event you’re planning on visiting Storm Lagoon, Blizzard Seaside, 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.
Clothes – In the event you’ve ever considered considered one of our journey reviews, it’s no secret that Sarah likes attire. Based mostly on the emails we’ve obtained, she’s not the one feminine who does.
Take a look at her What to Put on to Disney web page devoted to the place she retailers and concepts for locating cute outfits which can be additionally sensible for these humid days within the parks. She additionally has Ideas for Accessorizing for Disney, to provide your regular outfits cute ‘dashes of Disney.’
Meals
Mount Hagen Natural Prompt Espresso – Probably 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 will not be that good, the road is at all times lengthy, and we every “want” 3-4 servings of caffeine per day to perform. Shopping for espresso within the parks would add up rapidly and value us lots of time. Chopping espresso from our journey price range saves us a ton of cash, and is value it even when we appear to be cheapskates making espresso within the parks.
Caffeine Mints – Every considered one of these mints has about as a lot caffeine as espresso or an vitality drink, in order that they gives you the vitality to get via night Additional Magic Hours, however gained’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!
Lenny & Larry’s Full Protein Cookie – Need 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 in all probability deliver a stockpile of Slim Jims. Apparently, these aren’t as “wholesome” as Chomps, which boast a laundry record of “clear” promoting factors. These are actually our go-to beef jerky for the parks–they’re additionally accessible at Dealer Joe’s and quite a lot of different grocery shops. (We like each taste besides the cranberry one.)
So far as less-ordinary issues go, at the very least, the much less extraordinary issues that might 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 consider that?!” If that’s the case, 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 some other provides on your trip, we’d tremendously admire it in the event you use the hyperlinks to Amazon on this publish 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 gadgets that we advocate to enhance your Disney journey, plus extra widespread issues that you simply gained’t need to neglect, too. Observe that you simply don’t have to pack the whole lot on this record–it covers all the essential stuff however may be greater than you, personally want.
With this record, we tried to skip issues which can be pointless (like shampoo, conditioner, a primary help package, and so forth.) as a result of you’ll find them in your lodge room or within the parks, or as a result of they aren’t realistically essential for most individuals. There’s the temptation to over-pack (particularly with all of the intelligent concepts on this record), 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 Ideas
What distinctive gadgets do you advocate packing for a Disney journey? What intelligent gadgets do you pack to enhance your expertise? Any ‘sensible’ gadgets you’d add to this record? Any questions we may help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!