If you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you might be wondering what it is you actually need to pack to make it through the day.
After walking through the enchanting gates of Disney parks over a hundred times, my approach to packing has been refined into an art.
So, if you've ever questioned how a die-hard Disney aficionado prepares for a day of fairy tales and thrilling rides, you're in the right place. Let's dive deep into my Disney park bag and uncover the essentials that I'm never without in the Happiest Place on Earth
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Here's how I pack for a day at Walt Disney World:
(If you want to skip the post and just scroll through my Amazon Store Front you can find it here.)
If you are at all unsure if you'll need a stroller that probably means the answer is yes.
The average person walks 7-10 miles a day at Walt Disney World. This can be a challenge for many adults, and even older children who typically may not ride in a stroller aren't used to walking that far.
The best strollers and stroller accessories for your Disney Vacation
If you have 2+ kiddo we love our "Sit-and-Stand" Stroller because it's the width of a single stroller and lets your older kiddo have a little freedom while still giving them a place to sit. You will also not need to collapse a single-width stroller to ride Disney's Skyliner (gondola) which is a huge benefit if you're staying at a Skyliner Resort.
It's not ideal if you think both of your kiddos will need to nap at the same time, and that's why when they were little we always brought our BOB Gear jogging stroller.
Why such a monstrous choice? I'm glad you asked.
First off, space. All that storage underneath means you're not lugging around a huge backpack and you have plenty of space for snacks, extra clothes, diapers, whatever you need. I also love the organization pockets in the
back for easy access to water bottles, rain ponchos, autograph books, etc.
Second, the burly wheels of a jogging stroller are a lifesaver because you will be going up and down sidewalk curbs, small hills (hello from Animal Kingdom!), and over trolly-car tracks with your stroller loaded down by kids, your daily gear, and souvenirs.
Since you will be walking a lot, your kids will be riding a lot, too. Having a huge sunshade and a stroller that can lie flat for naps just keeps everyone a bit happier.
While this stroller does meet standard park size and approval and fits through any regulation doorway, this and ANY double-width stroller will need to be closed if you take the Skyliner. You CAN roll this baby right on the monorail.
*It's worth noting that wagons of any kind are not allowed at any Walt Disney World park unless your family has a special need. If that's you, you will need to visit guest relations to establish that need before entering the parks.
This stroller organizer has a clear phone pocket to slide your phone into while you're on the go, but you can still see the screen for calls and texts. There are two drink pockets and two zipper pockets for keys or other small, easily lost items.
I love having one of these giant hooks at the ready on our stroller for easy storage of our popcorn bucket, my purse, or any shopping bags along the way. We also keep all our park-day essentials in one large bag clipped to the stroller until we go through security because you're required to have the bottom of your stroller empty at the security check.
Don't forget your stroller rain cover!! It rains A LOT in Florida. Usually not all day, but sneaky little
passing showers that can be torrential downpours, but are over in 45 minutes. I have tried cheaper universal stroller covers, and I had one blow away from on top of my stroller while we were on a ride. I love how this BOB Gear one secures to the stroller and creates a little fortress of dryness, but has vents so they don't get too hot in there.
Speaking of RAIN, do yourself a favor and buy some rain ponchos before your trip! The ponchos in the park cost $10 for children and $12 for adults.
They are lightweight, very packable, and ready to use at a moment's notice. Pack them in a gallon Ziploc Bag before your trip so you have a place to store them after the shower has passed. Some people even wear ponchos on rides like Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom or the Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom.
This bag is undeniably pricey, but it's my favorite park bag by far. I feel like I can fit
everything I need, and it has so many little pockets to keep things organized. Mostly, I love that it doesn't scream "I'm a diaper bag!" It's very well made, comes with a changing pad, and will stay open on it's own if your hands all full. They also make a smaller version and a fanny pack, but this is the one bag to rule them all in my opinion.
A full day at the park will drain your phone battery in no time between using Disney's MyDisneyExperience app to see wait times and loads of photos and videos. Taking an external battery to recharge your phone is a very handy way to not have to worry about going on a scavenger hunt for an outlet during vacation.
I love this particular power bank because you don't need to pack any additional cables to charge your phone or re-charge the battery. It comes with cables pre-attached and prongs to plug into directly into a power outlet.
I get that if you're not from the south a portable fan might seem kind of extra, but if you're visiting Walt Disney World in Florida anytime from April to October you will not be sorry you packed this.
I've tested the goofy ones you wear around your neck, stroller fans (nice if your kiddos might nap in the stroller, but I usually just find some AC for those times), and various versions that got caught in my daughter's hair (yikes,) but this is the most powerful fan I've purchased. You'll have your own personal wind tunnel.
MagicBands+ is a bracelet/band that you can use for many things on your Disney vacation.
(Disney is phasing out traditional MagicBands and they are no longer sold on Shopdisney.com, so I'll just be talking about the MagicBand+)
They are your electronic tickets and you can scan them at the turnstiles to enter Walt Disney Parks.
They can be used as your on-property resort room key to unlock your room door.
If you purchase Genie+ you can use your MagicBand to scan into the Lightning Lane (more on that here!)
If you have your photo taken by a Disney Photopass Photographer they can scan your magicBand so that you can access your photos in your MyDisneyExperience account. Ride photos will also link automatically to your account from the ride if you're wearing one.
If you're staying at a Disney Resort you can use them to pay for purchases (so convenient and dangerous) at restaurants, and gift shops, and scan in during your ride time if you choose to purchase Genie+.
MagicBand+ also includes features like lights and haptics during entertainment shows like the Fireworks and Fantastic, a Star Wars Bounty Hunter Game, interaction with Disney World 50th Anniversary Statues, and other special lights/sounds that Disney is constantly adding.
The downside to MagicBand+ is that these need to be charged (charger included) so it's just another thing to plug in. If they do run out of charge your park ticket will still work, but the lights and haptics will not.
They are SUPER convenient and can allow you to buy a Mickey pretzel at a moment's notice without the hassle of digging out your wallet, which you stuffed waaayyy down in the depths of your bag...
You should however buy yours before your trip (if you're staying at a Disney Resort you will have a special opportunity to purchase them in advance at a discount through your reservation) and try to find a time when Shopdisney.com is having a sale. They run Friends & Family events every few months where you can save 20-40% of pretty much everything (that's not a Loungelfy, special releases, or designer collabs) and this is the time to seize your moment! Even though they are an extra purchase it is well worth it to me for the convenience of being hands-free. If you don't want to spend your money on Magic Bands there are alternatives! You can create a mobile pass on your phone (works on your Apple Watch, too). Click here to learn more about that.
Let me just say I'm sorry that I'm not sorry for this hard sell. I am not sponsored by Real Shades nor do I receive any commission if you buy their sunglasses. This is just the damn truth.
These sunglasses are UNBREAKABLE. You can twist them, sit on them, step on them - it's all good. They offer 100% UVA and UVB protection (I'm kind of fanatical about sunglasses - like did you know that wearing cheap, unprotected sunglasses is worse for your eyes than no sunglasses at all??)
They make adorable shades for babies and adults and are not crazy pricey. Mostly in the $15-$25 range but HERE is the kicker:
***If you LOOSE them they will replace them for FREE. You must register them when you buy them, but if you do that and if they are damaged or just LOST they will send you a new pair. You just pay shipping. It's bananas.
A few years ago Disney did away with plastic drinking straws. While I appreciate the planet-saving gesture, there are so many delicious drinks to try, and the taste of the paper straws that break down in a matter of minutes is far from appetizing. If you or your kiddos like or need a straw then consider bringing these metal travel straws. They're pretty easy to clean, telescope in and out, and will make your drinks much more enjoyable.
This is an absolute must for me, not only for chafing, but it also prevents blisters and calluses and doesn't have a smell. All around, this is the MVP right here.
I'll be honest, I have not known compression packing cubes for very long, but I am obsessed. If you search for the link you can see there is every color and a variety of sets available. There are some that come with laundry bags, some with toiletry bags, shoe bags, and every color of the rainbow. I purchased a set of 3 in a different color for each member of my family so I can keep our things a bit more organized. There are two zippers: one to close the bag (duh) and a second zipper to compress your clothes and give you more space... Where have these been all my life?
Water is FREE at Disney. You can walk up to any counter-service restaurant in the parks and just ask for a cup of ice water. There is also the occasional water bottle refilling station, so don't spend your Mickey Pretzel budget on bottled water! We like these because they can keep the ice colder much longer, but the point is, bring a water bottle!
Crocs are lightweight, easy to clean, and dry quickly. They are a favorite park shoe among Disney locals because you can bring them for those afternoon rain showers to keep your sneakers and socks from getting soaked. I personally can't walk a whole day in them, but my kids sure can!
This is just like when the flight attendants tell you to put your own mask on first. Don't go getting your kiddos all the cute outfits and essentials, and then try to have a magical vacation with tired feet. I am a long-time HOKA stan. They are my ride-or-die. I simply cannot be happy when my feet hurt. These Clifton 8's are their walking shoe and I have multiple pairs.
And while I'm here confessing what an old lady I've become, let me also say that I am now an old lady who appreciates cushy socks. I love these Bombas socks so much that I ordered my
husband some, and when they are in the wash
I will do an entire load of laundry to have my nice socks back. Don't judge me. Or do, whatever. I will just be here with my comfy feet.
Emergency Essentials
As a parent, you probably want to come prepared for anything (ahem, particularly when you're shelling out thousands on vacation...) It's nice to plan ahead for those small bumps in the road so you can handle them with ease.
Medication Organizer
I have these small pill boxes to help me organize some standard meds just in case. They come in a 4-pack for around $9.00. and inside I kept things like chewable Children's Tylenol, adult Ibuprofen, Imodium, Dramamine (which really helps me with motion sickness on rides like Flight of Passage and the Millenium Falcon Smuggler's Run), and cold medicine. It even comes with tiny labels so you know what is in each compartment.
Waterproof Band-Aids
I also keep a ziplock bag with a few waterproof bandaids (Mickey ones of course) and MOLE SKIN in case anyone in your group is getting a blister.
Sunscreen
This sunscreen rubs in easily, does not leave a white cast, and doesn't have scary ingredients.
Apple Airtags let you track these little silver disc using the Find My app and you can even play a sound on a built-in speaker to help you find your things, or ask Siri to help you.
I try not to be especially paranoid, but it gives me a little peace of mind to have one on my kiddos and
in my stroller. I do think your stroller and kiddos are usually pretty safe at Disney, and while I've heard of theft in some Facebook groups, I've never personally been robbed, but better safe than sorry. You can buy all kinds of silicone or velcro wristbands, but I found these nylon bracelets stayed on the best and were the easiest to put on their little wrists.
We bought a 4-pack during a Prime Day sale and now we put them in our luggage when we travel, too.
You can get these keychains (you want a carabiner or something that easily opens instead of a keyring) or you can opt for something like these fabric mounts that discreetly attack your to things like your stroller, purse, or luggage.
I don't always love the taste of Florida water and it's so easy to become dehydrated with all the walking + humidity. I love having something I can add to my water bottle with vitamins and electrolytes. I can't explain it scientifically, I just know they make me feel better. There are a ton of flavors, some with caffeine, and some with probiotics. I always have a little packet in my bag.
Pack like PRO
These next items aren't exactly essential, but they will make your life a little easier and also make you look very smart.
Okay, this might seem weird, but if you don't have oily skin you can keep scrolling
This thing is smaller than I expected but REALLY worked to absorb extra oil and sweat in my face on the go. My sister saw me using it and assumed I was reapplying makeup because of the way it mattifies your face.
You can unscrew the top to remove the volcanic stone and wash it to use it over and over. I don't know what kind of witchcraft this is, but WHERE has this been all my life?
I came across this product by accident, but am so glad I did! Disney trips can be a whirlwind and this little book allows me to write down some highlights without making me feel like I have to full-blown journal (which I would never be able to do at the end of a long day). There are simple fields for characters seen, snacks eaten, and highlights — just a little record of your magic-making in a simple-to-use format.
There are several splash areas around the parks and if you're visiting Florida when it's likely to be hot it's a great break for your kiddos to play and cool off. I also just love packing a change of clothes in these bags and knowing I have a place to put messes. These Bumkins bags (Disney themed and all) are only $10 and worth the money.
I also bring some reusable & food-safe snack bags that are perfect for the parks.
$1 Dollar Bills
Disney recently changed out nearly all of their pressed penny machines to only take cash or cards. Our kids love to collect the different designs, but if you don't have a $1 and have to use a card you're stuck buying all 8 designs in the machine for $5.00. These machines don't give change either, so having one-dollar bills handy is key.
Slap Bracelets make an inexpensive and simple Minnie Ears Headband Holder
I enjoy having ears, but can't seem to keep them on my head all day, either because they start to pinch or I take them off on certain rides. But then I had no place to put them. You can take a slap bracelet and close it around your headband to attach it to your purse or backpack strap strap.
They sell these at the parks of course but if you can find something on sale or just save yourself a scavenger hunt when you arrive, all the better.
I especially recommend doing an autograph book if your kiddo might be shy when talking or getting their photo taken. It will give them a sense of purpose and of course an amazing souvenir of their trip. Not all characters are back to doing autographs since Covid, but many are, and if not you'll get a little pre-signed postcard they can stick in here instead.
If you're looking for a more exotic momento than a traditional autograph book I have seen people bring Photo Mats. This idea is adorable, just keep in mind you'll be carting it everywhere trying to avoid it being bent...
Autograph book alternatives:
A baseball cap! You can use one like this fine-tip Sharpie meant for fabric.
White Tennis Shoes I saw @michaeldoesdiz this once, and now it's on my bucket list!
A white insulated water bottle or cup.
I also recommend getting some retractable Sharpies instead of a pen, especially a pen with a cap, as those are very hard for characters to use.
Not what you were expecting, huh? Let me explain:
This is for my parents of easily startled kiddos. Have you ever taken your child to the bathroom and had them completely lose it when the automatic toilets flush because it doesn't register their tiny bottoms? Just put a post-it over the sensor and your little can potty in peace.
After I amass all of my supplies I like to keep things straight and organized in these clear bags so. I can easily see what I'm looking for.
These bags come in a 3-pack for $14 and I have...many. I use one as a first-aid kit, one for personal hygiene items that I can grab to pop into a bathroom, one for each kid with their pin trading, sunglasses, and dollars for pressed pennies, and one for electronics with batteries, charging cables, etc.
They come in tons of colors so if you want to really go wild you can assign your family members each their own color. Who said organization wasn't fun?!
One of my littles tends to get a bit overstimulated, and she also doesn't enjoy loud noises, so we started bringing these to the parks and she loved it. It's also great if you're hoping your kids will take a nap, because there is music and crying children just about everywhere.
I have no problem handing my kids my phone occasionally during a long wait, but over an entire vacation, it can start to become a battle at every wait for rides or food. Here are some things I pull our of our park bag occasionally to pass the time instead.
This Fidget Cube is small and can be a great distraction sitting in the stroller, in line, or at a table in a restaurant. This one has many satisfying buttons and clicks but can fit easily even in the tiniest child pockets.
My kids love the Disney Trivia on the Play Disney app, so I got this Classic Disney Trivia card game to brinh in lines so I don't have to hear any fighting over our phones. We all try and get into the spirit to make the time pass.
Disney Pin Trading is a whole thing that I can't get into all here, but the TLDR is that people buy and trade pins primarily with Disney Cast Members, but also with each other. There are pin trading stations (check your park map!) around all 4 parks, at every resort, and at many shops, You can buy starter packs of pins if you think your child will enjoy this activity. A lanyard is also great to keep your park ticket handy if you don't plan to use MagicBands.
How do YOU pack for a day in Walt Disney World? Let me know your must-haves or if you think I overlooked something!
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Stay magic, friends.
**This post contains some affiliate links, but don't worry, it costs you nothing at all additional.
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