Packing for the Magic: 9 Items to Pack for Disney

Danielle Jul 26, 2024
569 People Read
Disney World

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only. 

My Running List on What to Pack For Disney World


Planning a trip to the enchanting realm of Disney World is an exciting endeavor filled with anticipation and wonder. As you prepare for your magical Disney trip, packing strategically can enhance your travel experience and ensure you're well-prepared for the adventures that await. Everyone wants to have a great time on their trip. However, the best travel plans can be ruined if you do not have the right essentials. Here is my Disney World packing list (aside from your personal items) for the entire family. 

1. Crocs:

My kids live in Crocs over the summer. While Crocs can take some getting used to, If you've worn Crocs for long periods before and find them comfortable, they can be a great option for a day at Disney World. I always wear sneakers for travel days and pack our Crocs for the parks. In addition, my kids loved the water rides at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. Crocs are a great shoe for the water park, even if you are more comfortable in sneakers for the Disney parks. In general, we love crocs for all water parks. 

Crocs

2. Rain Gear: 

Florida weather can be unpredictable so it is a good idea to be prepared for the elements. Always have extra pairs of shoes in your hotel room, nothing is worse than wet soggy shoes. Packable Panchos are always good to have in case of rain. 

3. Portable Charger:

Between Genie +, DAS, wait times, maps, My Disney Experience App, and reservations,  the most magical place on earth takes significant battery power.  Using your cell phone while waiting in long lines is also a battery drain on your phone. It is a great idea to bring one power bank for each adult. These portable chargers are powerful enough to charge my phone multiple times. 

4. Air Tags:

I have a big fear of my checked baggage being lost. Nothing can put a damper on your Walt Disney World Vacation, like having to go shopping to replace everybody's clothes for the whole trip. Between the extra cost of replacing all your items in a lost suitcase, spending time at a Walt Disney World Resort is much nicer than having to scramble for clothes first thing when you arrive.  I wouldn't travel anywhere without Apple AirTags in my suitcase. When we are at the parks, I will place an Airtag in my backpack as well as one on each of my kids using these Airtag holders

airtags

5. Reusable Water Bottles:

We want to save as much money as possible on this trip, while still staying hydrated. So we will be traveling with our own water bottles.  Yeti water bottle for each person. They come in bright and neutral colors to meet everyone's travel style. My kids love the stainless Yeti water bottles. They take them to school every day and we used them in Disneyland. However, since they are stainless, they were heavy to carry around all day. This time I opted not to use a stainless bottle. In addition, we are not going to be using the biggest bottles as many quick service locations and water fountains to refill water for free. I opted for 25-ounce bottles for each person, to save weight carrying them around all day. Make sure to empty your water bottles prior to going through airport security. Most airports have a water fill station someone on the other side of airport security. We always opt for full-size bottles as we tend to drink a lot of water. 


6. Backpack or Bag:

The favorite travel backpack that I like to use as a carry-on bag is the North Face Jester-. For this trip, I also used it as a park bag. I find it is a great way to have my hands free both at the parks and while navigating the airport. This bag counts as your personal item on the plane.  It is a good idea to take any credit cards, prescription medications, travel documents, valuable items or any other important documents in your carry-on. The right bag can help ensure you can fit all these items comfortably in your carry-on. It is my personal preference to have a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. The best way to ruin a trip fast is to lose one of these items and spend your time trying to track them down, rather than enjoying your new destination. Each of my family members takes their own carry-on suitcase to place in the overhead bin, as well as a backpack with all of their travel essentials. 

7. Autograph Book and Pen:

Collect cherished character autographs with an autograph book and pen to create lasting memories. When we went to Disneyland I bought these autograph books, which I will be bringing again for the kids to get autographs from the characters. 

8. First Aid: 

Disney Theme parks require a lot of walking. Expect blisters and minor cuts, carrying a small first aid kit can help a family member get back on track from a cut quickly. I usually take a first aid kit in my carry-on luggage, since it does not take too much space. 

9. Hydration Packs:Liquid IV Hydration packs

I like Liquid IV when I exercise as a hydration pack. Depending on the type of year, you are likely to have hot weather at Disney World. If your park day is hot, you will sweat a lot and need to replace electrolytes. Hydration packs are small and lightweight, making them the perfect way to help everyone's hydration.

For your next Disney World trip learn some of my general packing tips: to use packing cubes or compression cubes, pick the right luggage, and have the correct travel bag. To check out my other packing tips check out Packing Pro Tips: 5 Packing Items for Efficient Travelers". To learn more about how to plan a free trip to Disney using points check out "Plan a Free Trip to Disney World Using Credit Card Points", "A Guide to Planning Your Disney World Using Reward Points" and "How to Plan a Cheap Disney Vacation with 3 Travel Rewards Tricks". To learn about discount Disney Tickets check out "Disney Magic on a Budget: Guide to Discount Disney Tickets"





Disclosure:  Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only.