Heading to Walt Disney World and trying to pack your Disney Park Bag? Do not sweat it! As an avid Disney lover who visits the Disney Theme Parks almost weekly, I have the perfect Disney packing list for your Disney Day Bag!
A crucial component to preparing for a visit to the Disney Parks in Central Florida is understanding that it will probably be hot and it might rain. Florida is known as the Sunshine State - that is true, but that comes with a lot of heat and some rain showers, especially in the summer months. The good thing about both of those is that there are a good amount of air-conditioned rides and attractions at Disney World, and most of the rain storms only last a little bit. Either way, it is a good idea to wear light layers and bring some rain ponchos on your next Disney vacation. Now, let us dive into all the Essential Items you will need to pack for your upcoming Disney trip!
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. Meaning that, at zero cost to you, Dale, Let's Travel! LLC may receive a small commission if you finalize a purchase through the below links. Thank you for supporting the blog!
Outdoor / Weather-Related Items
1. Refillable Water Bottle
Having your own water bottle at the park is a great way to stay hydrated on a hot day! Bring it filled with ice and water from your house or hotel room, and you can replenish it throughout the day at the water refill stations near some of the water fountains or with free ice water cups from a quick-service restaurant in the park. It will save you a lot of money on your trip, as the bottled water costs approximately $4.50 on Disney property.
2. Lightweight Rain Jacket / Poncho / Light Jacket
Even if it does not rain on your Disney trip, you can use your poncho on water rides like Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom! Also, in the Fall and Winter there is a potential for some cooler nights, so having a light jacket in your Disney World park bag is a great idea!
3. Hair Ties and other Hair Accessories
These are essential for people with long hair, like me, because I cannot walk around the parks during the afternoon sun without it in a bun! I typically use my Goody hair tie to place my hair in a bun or ponytail and then the Minnie ears scrunchie for style.
4. Cooling Towel
When it is over 95 degrees on a random Tuesday in July at 2:30 pm, and you are in the middle of Magic Kingdom waiting for the 3 o'clock parade, a cooling towel may be heaven-sent! It will keep the sun off your neck and cool you down (when activated with water). They also sell cooling towels in the park with Mickey heads on them, but they will cost more than buying the ones below through Amazon.
5. Misting Fan or Handheld Fan
If you are not a fan of cooling towels, like me, misting fans or handheld fans are the way to go! They are portable, typically come with a lanyard/strap, and are not as high maintenance compared to the cooling towels.
6. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential whenever you are going to be in the sun! If you have read any of our other "get ready" or "packing lists," you have seen these four many times because we swear by them! These are ALWAYS in our Disney park bag when we are out and about during the day.
For a lighter-feeling sunscreen, the Neutrogena Invisible Daily defense lotion and the Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick are the way to go! They protect your skin while not being noticeable. Just remember to keep reapplying throughout the day, no matter which brand or type you use!
7. Bug Spray
One thing about Florida is that we almost always have mosquitos. It typically does not get that cold here, so I swear the mosquitos have adjusted to the weather changes and do not leave. As such, you will always find bug spray in our Disney park bag if we are going to spend the evenings in the parks.
8. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a great idea for navigating the Sunshine State, so you will want to keep a pair handy! If you are the type of person who loses stuff or is afraid they will break when you are maneuvering around the parks, check out this pack of 3 Aviator Sunglasses.
9. Hat
A hat comes in handy to not only protect your face from the sun, but it can also assist in keeping the sweat from rolling down to your eyes. Any ball cap works, but look at these adorable Disney-themed hats - perfect for your Disney trip!
Health Essentials
10. Hand Sanitizer
There is a lot to see at Disney, but there is also a lot to touch! These individual hanging hand sanitizers are great for helping you keep your hands clean and minimize your chances of getting sick. These are most helpful after you purchase a food item from one of the food stands at EPCOT and are not near a restroom to go wash your hands!
11. Wet Wipes
A great alternative or addition to hand sanitizer is Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes. Once you have used them to clean your hands, you can also use them to clean the surface you are eating on - serving as a multipurpose wipe!
12. Lip Balm
There is not a single place I go without lip balm. Not only are they helpful for keeping your lips moisturized, but some, like the one below, also have SPF!
13. First Aid Kit
If you or your party are prone to getting injured, having a first aid kit would be helpful for you! However, we do not carry a first aid kit with us. We instead prioritize bringing Pain Relievers, Tums, and Lactaid. Consider Dramamine if you get motion sick and want to go on the rides. Keep in mind that there is at least one first aid station within each of the Disney parks if you need a bandage or to clean out a small cut.
14. Any other Personal Items you will need on you during the Day
This includes but is not limited to prescription medicine, feminine hygiene products, inhalers, car keys, wallets, etc.
General Essentials
15. Magic Bands / Park Tickets
One of the most important items to bring with you when heading to the Disney parks is your park ticket! The tickets can be on your phone in the My Disney Experience App or in your digital wallet; it can be on paper or in your email, and you can even have it on a Magic Band or plastic Disney card. No matter the method you have it in, be sure to bring it with you to the parks as it is your admission!
16. Credit Card
Eyeing that weighted Stitch plush? Craving a Minnie/Mickey-shaped treat? Forgot to buy something you need from this list? Bring your credit card! It allows for easy and fast purchases when you are in the parks.
Are you interested in getting a Disney Visa Card? Use our referral code here! This card features additional perks while you are in the parks, like special photo opportunities and discounts on merchandise when spending $50 or more.
Another spectacular card is the Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card. For more details on that card, check out our blog post: 10 Reasons Why the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card is Worth the Annual Fee.
17. Portable Charger
A portable phone charger is essential for keeping your cell phone charged on the go! Having one will allow you to use the My Disney Experience App and take pictures all day.
18. Snacks
Pretzels, chips, applesauce pouches, and granola bars are great snack options that will last all day in your bag and not get too ruined. There are plenty of food options at Disney and delicious snacks like popcorn, ice cream, nachos, and hot dogs. However, when you are standing in a long line for a ride and start to get hungry, it is a good idea to have your own food on hand.
If you forget anything, do not worry there are plenty of gift shops at Disney where you can purchase what you forgot! Occasionally, the prices on these park essentials, like sunscreen and bug spray, match those of Walmart, Target, and Publix. However, the Disney-themed items, like the cooling towels and misting fans the prices are more expensive compared to your local grocery store.
Other Helpful Items
19. Autograph Book / Disney Passport Memory Book
Autograph books are not only for kids! The below Magical Day book allows you to make your own memory book full of your fun Disney experiences, character meet and greets, and more.
20. Reusable Straws
The Disney Parks no longer have plastic straws, and if you are not a fan of paper straws, I suggest bringing your own reusable straws. I typically drink my stuff off the rim, so I do not have to bring in my own straws or use their paper ones.
21. Ziploc Bags
These are helpful for various reasons, including protecting your phone from water rides or a rain storm, storing your pain meds, stashing away some snacks, keeping loose change together, etc. If you prefer reusable storage bags, those work just as well!
Type of Bag for your Disney World Vacation
There is not a specific perfect bag! Just make sure to get the bag that fits your needs and is the perfect size for you!
Loungefly
Are you looking for a stylish, Disney-themed bag? Grab yourself a Loungefly! There are many designs ranging from characters to holidays to movies and more. These also serve as a collector's item at the Disney parks!
Foldable Backpack
For a more affordable and practical bag, check out the below bags that are easy to pack away when not in use and open up to a decent-sized bag to store everything you need to bring into the parks!
Fanny Pack
In need of a small bag to keep the most crucial essentials? Get a fanny pack for easy access to your phone, credit card, sunscreen, and wallet! However, it will be a bit more difficult to store the rest of your essentials, so maybe consider renting a locker to put the rest of the things you will need throughout the day!
Extra Items to Bring and Leave in your Car or a Locker at the Front of the Park
There is a lot of walking to be done at all of the Disney theme parks, especially at Magic Kingdom if you park at the Ticket & Transportation Center. As such, you do not want your backpack to be too heavy, causing you to get tired and hot too quickly. With that, the above items are park essentials that you should have readily available, but these below items are extra things that are a great idea to have just in case. You can keep them in the car if you plan on park hopping later in the day or in a locker at the front of the park if you are staying at one park all day!
- Change of Clothes
- Deodorant
- Second Pair of Shoes
- Hair Brush or Comb
- Anything from above that you know do not mind walking back to the car or locker for
Be sure to pack some plastic bags to throw your dirty clothing or extra pair of shoes in if you do not want to stink up your car or locker!
Last Thing, Have a Magical Day!
These items are crucial for long days, long lines, and any time of the year in the Florida sun! Besides Amazon, another great place to find these items is at your local Dollar Store! However, if you choose to purchase any of the above items through Amazon, please consider using our links above to help support the blog at no extra cost to you! Now that you are well prepared, go enjoy your Disney park days - I hope you have so much fun!
What is your must-have item in your Disney bag? Let us know in the comments below! Share this article with the person or people you want to go to Disney with! Also, be sure to SUBSCRIBE below to learn about other places you should add to your "To Visit" List! Ready? Okay, vamos. Time to have fun!
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