A Disney trip is all fun and magic … until someone gets a blister. Or it rains. Or … well, you get the picture.
Thankfully all it takes is a little bit of planning and a well-stocked park bag to be able to make it through even the most inconvenient little mishaps. Here’s our guide to what to have in your Disney park bag (or really any travel day pack) to keep you going strong! (We know not everyone feels the need to arrive ready for anything, so use this list as a guide. Feel free to pick and choose the items you think your travel party is most likely to need.)
Hydration is your friend
Instead of waiting in line to buy a single-use plastic water bottle, consider bringing your own refillable water bottle. Fill it up with ice-cold water in the morning, and you can get refills at any counter service restaurant — for FREE — all day. The hot sun on both Disney coasts can be intense, and only grabbing a drink at mealtimes is just not enough. Keep a bottle with you to sip in line and stay cool and hydrated all day. Note: some people prefer to bring a water bottle with a filter, since they don’t enjoy the taste of tap water. Mix-ins like Crystal Light or Liquid IV can add a bonus electrolyte boost, and give you some added flavor! And if you prefer a straw in your soda at lunch, you may want to bring your own reusable one. Disney parks are trying to phase out single-use plastic straws, and you may have trouble finding one (or end up with a paper straw).
Be ready for weather
If you’re in Florida, chances are, it is going to rain at some point during the day. We recommend packing a small, foldable poncho for each person in your group. These are easy to whip out when the afternoon storm inevitably hits, and they can double as protection on water rides! Pick up a pack at the dollar store or on Amazon before you come and toss them into the bottom of your bag. They take up very little space and will come in clutch if you do experience a storm! You also might want to consider wearing shoes that can get wet, or keeping a backup pair in your bag. Walking around in squishy socks all day is the worst!
Beat the heat
Disney is often HOT. Bring along some items to help your group cool down in the mid-day sun. These can vary widely by preference. We’ve had great luck with misting fans, rechargeable neck fans, or even just a classic hand-held fan! Cooling towels are also a big fan favorite, and some folks even prefer cooling vests! Whatever works best for you, bring it! And don’t forget a pair of sunglasses and/or a hat!
Stay connected
You’re going to want to make sure you have your phone with you so you can access your park tickets and reservations. And you want to make sure your battery lasts throughout the day, so don’t forget a portable charger! Your MagicBand or a smart watch is also nice to have. If you are bringing a camera and not just relying on your phone, don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards!
First aid
Obviously it is great to keep every day items like some bandages or over-the-counter pain reliever on hand. But you may consider going beyond that on Disney days. Moleskin is great for beating blisters, and those concerned about germs will definitely want to bring some hand sanitizer with so many people around! Sunscreen is also CRITICAL, because again, the sun is intense (are you sensing a theme?). Make sure you apply throughout the day! Tossing in some lip balm and bug spray is always a good idea too. And to combat the dreaded Disney chafe, you may want to throw in some anti-chafing stick or diaper-rash ointment (we know, it sounds weird. Trust us. It WORKS). Top it all off with some wet wipes, because you are going to get messy eating all those delicious Disney snacks! And if anyone in the group gets motion sick, you’ll definitely want to have items to treat that on hand!
The basics
Of course you don’t want to forget the type of things you carry with you every day. Think your credit card and photo ID, any makeup items you like to have on hand, etc. It’s also a good idea to carry any prescription medications that require specific timing. You never know when it might take you longer to get back to your hotel than you are expecting.
Disney-specific items
There are some super fun only-in-Disney items that you will definitely want to bring along. That cute pair of mouse ears definitely need to go in the bag (or you’ll at least need to have room for them when they are not on your head). Some folks like to add a carabiner or slap bracelet on the outside of their bag to attach their ears! If you plan to meet lots of characters, having an autograph book is a great idea, and it makes autographs easier if you have thick, clickable markers instead of a skinny normal pen. Others like to bring lanyards and pins, either to display or for pin trading. You may want to toss in a Hidden Mickey guidebook to hunt these while you are waiting in line, and a coin purse full of pennies can be fun for the various coin-pressing souvenirs around the parks.
Snacks
Yes, you are going to order food at all the fantastic Disney restaurants. Yes, someone will inevitably get hungry five minutes after you leave. Toss in a few snacks to keep your crew going between meals. Hungry = HANGRY, and nothing can ruin a vacation faster! Also note that gum is not sold at Disney parks, so if you want some to chew gum after a meal, you’ll need to bring your own. Some folks also like to bring sandwich bags or something similar so they can carry their leftover food and whip it out when hunger strikes.
Kid-specific items
If you are traveling with children, you’ll of course want your regular diaper bag items with you. But you may want to consider a couple of extra items specific to Disney. A change of clothes for each kiddo can be wonderful when an ice cream incident occurs, or your toddler gets soaked playing in a splash pad. Disney also has a ton of really amazing light-up toys that come out after dark. A nice alternative is to grab glow sticks or glow necklaces at home and bring them along!
The perfect bag to carry it all
This is one that is going to come down to personal preference. But we highly recommend making sure your bag is big enough to fit everything you need, and is also COMFORTABLE. You’ll be logging a lot of miles with this thing! A cross body bag or fanny pack is great for an adult traveler, while families may want to opt for a full-on backpack. If you are taking a stroller, consider taking a larger diaper bag that can stay with your stroller and a smaller bag that can go with you into lines and on rides.
We know this may seem like a lot to pack around, but each individual item is quite small and light. Pick what speaks to you or fits your needs, and we guarantee your park bag will come in handy and help you have a magical trip!
