10 Things to Pack for Disney
A few days ago we returned from the most magical place on earth: Walt Disney World. The purpose of the trip was to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, an invitation-only event held once a year offering behind-the-scenes opportunities and details on all-things-Disney. This is the fifth time we have been invited, the fourth time we have been able to attend, yet each invitation has been a welcome surprise.
There was a lot to do at Disney’s Yacht Club, the host location of the event. However, we opted to extend our stay a few days beyond the conference to take in as much of the fun and sun that our schedules would allow.
Preparing the conference itself is like packing for any other business trip. A mix of business and casual attire depending on the events, business cards, a 2-in-1 device and power banks, along with normal carry-on items. But packing for a leisure trip is completely different, especially when it’s a destination like Disney. I received such great feedback to my post about “10 Things to Pack for a Cruise” that I thought I would do one for Disney, too. Here are 10 Things to Pack for Disney.
(1) Sunscreen. I’m a redhead with fair skin. This is always priority one for me. When you’re having fun at the Disney parks or in the resort pool, you may not even realize how much sun you are getting until it is too late. Load up on travel size sunscreen then keep one with you at all times… especially if you find yourself on water rides often!
(2) Shoes: I cannot stress enough the importance of proper shoes. Sandals and flip flops are great for heading to the resort pool or to Blizzard Beach/Typhoon Lagoon, but at the parks you’ll want (read: need) something comfortable FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY. We wear tennis shoes to Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Lots of walking means our feet will be comfortable and ready/willing for more walking. It also means less blisters.
Our one exception is for Animal Kingdom. Since we always hit Kali River Rapids multiple times and never stay dry, we wear waterproof sandals there.
(3) Snacks: If you’ve signed up for the dining plan, you won’t necessarily need this because there’s no shortage of food. But if you plan to have freestyle meals and graze, packing some granola bars, beef sticks and trail mix can go a long way to warding off hunger pangs.
(7) Dish soap: Disney’s refillable mug is a great deal. Maybe it’s silly of me to want to pack dish soap, but I’m not a fan of my hot chocolate tasting like pop or vice versa. I used to pack a travel-sized bottle of dish detergent but now I simply pack a stack of the paper towels with dish soap built-in. Speaking of cleaning; a few laundry pods can come in handy as well and don’t take up much space in the suitcase.
(8) Electronics: For the love of all things gadgety, don’t forget to pack your cords and wall chargers. Your phone is a lifeline to communicating, but you’ll also probably be using it for pictures, video and to look things up on your My Disney Experience app. You’ll want to make sure you don’t run out of juice! There have been a few times that I remembered the cord but forgot the wall charger so now it’s on my list so I don’t forget again!
(9) Medical: When you’re on the go, the last thing you want is to be taken down by a common cold or some other ailment that decides to join your vacation. Be sure to pack a thermometer along with some basic first-aid supplies such as Ibuprofen, cold or allergy medicine as well as band-aids for the inevitable blisters.
(10) A sense of patience. Lines can be long. The heat can get to you. Disney does a great job of incorporating interactive activities in the lines to help pass the time, but kids can get impatient. Remember… you’re on vacation so make the best of it!
What is your favorite activity when you visit Walt Disney World?
Great tips! I see another Disney trip in our near future, so I appreciate the tips!
Yes to all of the above! A ton of sunscreen and comfy shoes are a must!
I agree with all your points, and I’m sure all the mothers will appreciate your advice. I think snacks are one of the most important things to consider. On long trips away, I used to take a jar of mixed dried fruit and nuts for the kids to nibble on. Kept them motivated.
For us it’s snacks, food and drinks. With 5 kids it gets pretty pricey eating there!
We go to Disney every year and love all your tips. We started bringing a reusable brita bottle with us so we could fill up on water. It saves us a fortune not having to buy bottles there.
What a great list! Love the dish soap idea. It’s a great way to reuse and stay Green while on vacation!
My favorite activity is eating at the park! Great tips. Will include my soap
I have only been to Disney once and that was for maybe half a day at Epcot. My Mom used to be a snowbird and I was down there visiting her-All the above makes a lot of sense. One thing I will mention-it rains in Florida a lot–not for hours on end–but it rains and you do need something to keep you dry–They do sell rain capes there and wouldn’t you know it–we both had to buy one!!
I wear tennis shoes whenever I go there too. All that walking requires comfort and lots of it! I like the penny squisher machines too. 🙂
We have never been to Disney but planning to go at the end of this year or beginning of next year. I’m sure it will be a fun family vacation.
I always tend to overpack whenever we go on any vacation. It’s nice to have a guide to only pack the essentials when we go to Disney.
I can’t wait to plan my first trip with my baby :)!
As someone who grew up just outside of Orlando, these tips are spot-on!
these are awesome photos! Looks like you guys had a blast. Thanks for sharing these tips.
Laundry pods-that’s something I had never thought of before. And great tip on the dish soap. Those cups can get pretty nasty after a week of drinking.
Great list- now I’m dying to get back to Disney World!
Yeah! The voice of reason! I TOTALLY agree with the wear good shoes part! Ouchy feet make travelers of any age cranky!
Natalie, The Educational Tourist
One, two and 10 are a must for my family! 😉
We went in March of this year. Sunglasses are nice to have. Also, first time I learned mah new bald spot needs sunscreen too. My faves are the Star Wars ride, Soarin’ and Fantasmic!
Great tips! I didn’t know Kohl’s carries Disney apparel. That will save a lot of money!
Don’t forget sunglasses and sun hats! I also have a read head and without those, inaddition to your recommended sunscreen, we have sunburn!
I really like the tip about buying souvenirs at Kohl’s not on vacation. Much cheaper that way.
Love the Khoals Tip! Awesome idea
A water bottle! Hydration is important, especially in those hot summer months!
Don’t forget your camera!
Great tips! I would add a camera and a selfie stick too.
INJEST HOP I WIN
Great I would get my grandson into chess
this is a great list of to haves. would not of thought to think of simple medical stuff. and dish soap-who would think of that !
Have not been to Disney in years but this is good stuff to know when I go.
Besides the sunscreen, you may want to pack a foldable/collapsible hat that has UV protection and a chin strap. Great to help tone down the sun’s effects and the chin strap keeps it in place for those fast moving rides.
I always pack a flashlight and duct tape when we travel.
A flashlight because you just never know when the power might go out and you don’t want to waste your phone’s battery using it as a flashlight.
Duct tape because it works in a pinch. It holds curtains shut when they don’t quite meet, silences a noisy heat/ac unit (by keeping the parts from rattling), quick fix for shoes falling apart or hems that have ripped, repair luggage handles temporarily. One time, duct tape even held our windshield in place and kept the water out on a five-hour roadtrip.
Great list… Don’t forget a stroller if you have really young children because the strollers at WDW won’t accommodate babies or young toddlers. Also bring beach towels if you’re.planning on going to the water parks.
Very helpful list…I would add to bring a refillable water bottle for every member of the tribe…easiest to have one that snaps onto your backpack or fanny pack or belt. That way your hands are free when they need to be and you stay hydrated.
Another item you may want to consider packing is a travel sewing kit. They take up very little room and come in handy if you pop a button, rip a seam, or just need to make a repair.
I love these tips, we ALWAYS forget something! Thanks for the wonderful advice and awesome pics!
sanitizing wipes or gel!
Just returned from Orlando, lots of rain in February so you many want to pack a foldable rain poncho too.
I have only visited once and really I tip about hand sanitizer hits home.
thank you for all the great information
Great list! But you forgot Baby wipes!
Awesome tips! Sunscreen is absolutely a necessity. On long trips, I always take along something to munch on so we don’t wind up spending too much in expensive restaurants
great information. will come in handy
My three little ones have been begging me to go to Disney!! They are 1,3&5. We have been saving up slowly. This list will definitely be printed off and saved with the Disney funds! Thank you!