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Disney vacation planning can be intimidating. How about a Disney packing list for families and help with Disney resorts, what to bring to Disney World parks, Disney transportation, how long to stay at Disney, the best time to visit Disney, Disney World planning checklist, and even what to do at Disney depending on your kids ages, and more? As a Mom of olders that love Disney and been going to Disney World since I was a kid, I’m here for all the Disney World How-Tos!
As a wife, Mom, and travel writer, I pray that my love for details will streamline your planning and make it fun. Today, you’re getting Disney packing list advice, what to pack & what not to pack, and a free Printable Packing Checklist!
DISNEY PACKING LIST & MORE
This Disney packing list post is part #1 in my Walt Disney World series. There is so much I want to share that I can’t contain myself! Yep, that’s what the Disney magic does to you. I’ll be answering the questions that YOU have been asking via my inbox, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Are those Magic Bands worth the hype?
- How should we dress for Disney Park days?
- Which Disney splurges are worth the money?
- How can we save money on food while at Disney?
- Should we stay at a Disney Resort or off property?
- Is Disney Springs worth the time and effort to visit?
- Can we really enjoy just one day in the Disney Parks?
- How can I avoid extra expenses like Disney Resort parking?
UPDATE: I’ve since added DISNEY WORLD TIPS AND SECRETS TO FINALLY BOOK YOUR DISNEY VACAY, and DISNEY WORLD HACKS: 5 WAYS TO ROCK A DISNEY TRIP WITHOUT GOING BROKE, and ULTIMATE LIST OF THINGS TO DO AT DISNEY WITH TEENS & OLDER KIDS – HOTEL, FOOD, & ENTERTAINMENT.
DISNEY PACKING LIST ESSENTIALS
I would highly suggest bringing bottled water and snack foods along for the hotel room. If your hotel does not have continental breakfast, bring convenience breakfast foods along too. Our resort did not have free breakfast. We saved tons of time and money eating pop tarts before heading out to Disney activities. It didn’t kill us, Y’all, I promise! 😉
Besides the obvious items like outfits and toiletries, here are a few things not miss for your Walt Disney packing list:
A fold up poncho for every person ~ Florida is known for its unpredictable weather. In the summer especially, it rains a little bit most days. Taking raincoats and ponchos on your Florida vacation is a necessity any time of the year. I’d pack raincoats for rambling outside of Disney Parks and save the ponchos for when you go into the Disney Parks. Ponchos also come in handy to keep you dry while riding wet rides like Splash Mountain.
This family pack of rain ponchos will fit men, women, and kids and they won’t take up much room. These things seriously weigh almost nothing and are tiny! They are cheap enough to be disposable after use and made well enough to reuse if you choose.
More than one pair of shoes for every person ~ In order to keep blisters and sore feet to a minimum, every person needs at least two good pairs of walking shoes.
Cash, credit cards & travel receipts ~ Of course, you know to bring your money, but I also take receipts for reservations and all things Disney that was bought in advance. I know it sounds old school but you never know if technology messes up and you need to prove a transaction that you made before the trip.
Sunscreen & Water ~ Inside all Disney water parks, counter service restaurants will give you a free cup of water when it’s hot or a free cup of hot water when it’s chilly. For the cold months, take packets of hot chocolate. When it’s warm, you can drink the water plain or you can bring electrolyte packets to ensure that no one gets dehydrated. You can also take these collapsible, pocket-sized water bottles.
Preventative and post-walking bandaids ~ Any time we will be walking for long distances, I bring these high-quality blister guards. We also take this moleskin wrap in case someone does get a blister but there’s more walking to do.
Magic bands ~ We’ll talk more about all the hoopla surrounding magic bands if you don’t know. If you already have them or are planning to get them, place them in your suitcase as soon as they arrive in the mail.
Pockets & Waist packs ~ This is my favorite Disney packing hack! Women have the curse of having to carry so much stuff in the parks – especially if you have littles. Princess and I did not want to lug purses around the Disney parks. That’s a dilemma because shorts and Capri yoga pants (my outfit) don’t typically have pockets. We needed to be able to carry cash, phone, GoPro, allergy meds, and an EpiPen.
Oh yeah, and we were being snobs by not wanting to wear a fanny pack. 😉 Two items came through for us that solved our probs and they were game changers:
This specific waist pack was a lifesaver because IT LAYS FLAT! across our waists and UNDERNEATH our shirts. We were able to fit cash, meds, debit card, EpiPen, Disney Pins, etc. There’s also a place for a water bottle but we didn’t want to sport that look.
These Baleaf yoga pants had two large side pockets big enough for a 5.5″ phone with a case and my GoPro. Most of the time, I carried my daughter’s large phone as well!
[clickToTweet tweet=”When THIS Amazon order arrived with my travel solutions, I may have heard angelic singing from heaven above! :)” quote=”When THIS Amazon order arrived with my travel solutions, I believe that heavens may have let me hear angels singing! :)”]
Disney Maps ~ Did you know that you can print out Disney maps of each park? That way, the fam can map out which attractions and restaurants are the non-negotiables. Just go to the main page HERE and click on the Disney park you wish to print out. Right under the main image, you see something like, “Magic Kingdom Guide Map.”
Travel activity bag for everyone ~ I would suggest a small travel bag or backpack with everything can keep you and your family entertained in the car. If flying, this would be everyone’s carry-on bag. Enjoy!
Devices & accessories ~ Phones and other electronics should go in your travel bag along with chargers, cords, and earbuds. The one thing that I almost bought and regretted not buying was a tiny rechargeable battery. I had a fully-charged phone and GoPro, and my phone still died rather quickly by early afternoon. You always have the option of the $30 rechargeable batteries within the park that you buy from. But tiny, pre-bought batteries like these make more sense to me.
Souvenir gear ~ If your kiddos enjoy collecting character signatures and/or Disney pressed pennies, don’t forget the books that hold those special souvenirs!
Specific packables for your family ~ Every family is different and has special needs. For instance, if your kiddos tend to be extremely messy, pack a handy stain remover stick. If you know you’ll be sweating exponentially on a summer trip to Disney, stash a mini deodorant in your waist pack. If someone in your group has special needs physically or medically, locate the first aid stations on each Disney parks map as you enter and take any essentials you must have.
WHAT NOT TO TAKE TO DISNEY
Some ideas that you can consider leaving home are things you aren’t sure you’ll need, inexpensive items you can purchase at your destination, and duplicates of anything except undergarments and shoes. Be sure to leave at home clothes that won’t mix and match with all the outfits too.
There are many things you could skip and get for free at the First Aid Stations inside the Disney parks and locations are marked on the park maps that you’re given when you enter the park. Each First Aid station inside Disney parks has an RN and lots of supplies like:
- bandages
- insect repellent
- Tylenol
- tissues
- thermometer
- ice for bruises
In my opinion, umbrellas are too obtrusive in the parks for you and other guests, but ponchos/raincoats are better. There are MANY things listed below that is against Disney magic to bring.
Don’t miss the rules below!!!
WALT DISNEY WORLD RULES
Walt Disney World has high standards when it comes to what you can and cannot do and wear within the parks and I’m thankful for it. Here are some paraphrased rules concerning what to wear or what NOT to bring:
You have to wear appropriate clothes and keep on your shoes and shirts at all times, folks. Don’t wear tons of layers or you could be searched. No one over the age of 14 can wear a costume or mask unless it’s a special event. There are specifics for wearing costumes for Halloween parties or runDisney.
No drones, remote-controlled cars, skateboards, scooters, or shoes with wheels on them are permitted. Strollers can’t be bigger than 36″ x 52.” Glass containers are prohibited too like baby food jars. Nothing pulled by a person or wheelchair (like wagons) can come in. No containers of any kind that are larger than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high.
You and all the stuff you try to carry in will go through screening and security. Selfie sticks, hand-held camera poles, or weapons of any kind are not permitted inside Walt Disney World Parks (even toy or squirt guns and pocket knives).
FREE DISNEY PACKING LIST PRINTABLE
I have a special gift for you! Below you can sign up to receive a free Disney packing list “checklist” with all the things we discussed. If you are already a subscriber, just check your latest email from me for the password to the “free Wifey Printable library” to find yours.
I hope this Disney packing list information and Printable were helpful to you. Let me hear what you think and share – share – share! Thank you!
Related:
- BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL IN OCTOBER
- OUR FAMILY’S CHOICE OF BEST EAST COAST BEACHES
- DISNEY WORLD TIPS AND SECRETS TO FINALLY BOOK YOUR DISNEY VACAY!
These tips are so helpful! Can’t wait to read more!
This is a great list! I love the yoga pants with pockets idea!
Author
Thanks, Mel! Those pants are SERIOUSLY my new b.f.f. I have to get the other colors!
shan
Author
Thanks, Ashley! Right?! Us girls have to stick together on all of these travel aids. lol 😉
shan
Never been to Disney, but this advice is great for all trips! Thanks, Disney is definitely on our list.
Author
You must visit. It’s one-of-a-kind for sure. 🙂
shan
Awesome tips! We are hoping to go next year, so this will be a great resource. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Author
Yay! Heather. That’s exciting. Glad to be helpful.
shan
Great tips! I will definitely make sure to wear pants with pockets and bring ponchos for the entire family.
These are some great ideas. I remember us having ponchos on our Disney trip. It poured one day! Saved us from getting soaked!
LOL- The poptarts comment, love it! What a great list! Saving this for when we take our kids!
Author
haha, Raina. Glad you get my humor. Not everyone does. hahaha 🙂
shan
This is perfect! I’m pinning this for later, we are planning to do Disney in January!
Author
Yay, Kelsey! Hope it helps. Be sure to subscribe if you haven’t because there’s an onslaught of helpful posts and videos coming! 🙂
shan
Poncho’s are a must have when going to Disney. This is such a great list.
Author
Thanks, Jalisa! A must for sure. 🙂
shan
Author
They make a difference for me, Amanda. Hope it’s helpful. 😉
shan
Author
Thanks, Maggie!
shan
this list is great! we want to visit disney world so badly!
Author
I hear ya, Karen! It’s such a special place. 😉
shan
Thanks for the tips! I’d add some extra clothes for after water rides, I remember spending the day in wet clothes once and even though it was summer it wasn’t nice.
Author
That’s a FABULOUS point, Cristina! I know you were wishing you had some dry clothes! 😉
shan
I live so close and never go! Filing this away for the possibility.
This is Awesome!! My family is going to disney in June and everyday I am reading all sorts of tips and tricks! We grew up growing, but its so crazy how much its changed and since we last went a couple years ago! Can’t wait to get our magic bands in the mail 🙂
My parents would not let me leave the house without a poncho when I was going to an amusement park or the Easter Show. This is giving me flashbacks to my dad yelling “Have you got a pancho?” as I raced out the door. Yes, English is not his first language, so some words got hilariously mangled.
Great tip on the snack food and water! I’m investing in one of those bottles that packs flat for my trips now.
Author
Haha, Katherine. Thanks for sharing that story. LOVE it! Gotta love those Dads. 🙂
shan
They keep things interesting… and sometimes, slightly annoying 😉
Author
Thanks for your comment, Katherine! Are you talking about Disney keeping things interesting?
shan
Those yoga pants with pockets look very comfortable! This is a great list, thanks for sharing.
Author
They are, Bekah! Love them. Thanks so much.
shan
Yes yes yes to all these ideas! We’re going soon, and I’ve been collecting a basket full of hacks for our trip too. Here’s another one: throw one or two ziplock baggies in your pack to put phones in when you ride anything that can include water 😜
Author
Fabulous addition to the list, Nicky!!! Love it. I hope y’all make more memories than you ever thought possible. Have fun!
shan
This is a great list! Will be helpful if I ever decide to take my crew to Disney. It’ll be several years though. 🙂
Author
Glad you liked it, Britta. Start saving those pennies now! 😉
shan
You covered all the basis which is awesome cause i’ll be planning a trip to Disney soon. Thanks for sharing and making it easy for me.
Author
That makes my day, Brandi that the Disney packing list helped you! Tune in for more Disney tips coming every week! 😉
shan
Great recommendations on the yoga pants with pockets! Comfy but useful. Awesome list on things to bring and not to bring. I had no idea adults cant wear costumes!
Author
Thanks, Michelle for your sweet words! I’m so glad it was helpful. Yeah, multi-tasking yoga pants are my jam! lol Didn’t realize about the costumes for a while but makes sense to me!
shan
I’ve never heard of the Mole Skin Wraps before, but I think these would be very handy for me, as I literally walk EVERYWHERE when I’m travelling! x
Author
Yes, the moleskin wraps are amazing!!!
shan
Author
YAY, Autumn. Glad it was helpful!
shan
I think you covered it all! I agree on ponchos-one year we had to buy them at MK and we’ve saved and brought them ever since.
I definitely pinned this for the next time we go!!
Ponchos and fanny packs are my must haves!! Along with snacks because I can get quite hangry 😉 Haha! Great list!
What an awesome trip to go to Disney. I think the printable is a great way to have a packing list in hand. Good thinking.