Disney is such a fun and magical place to go on vacation- it’s truly a home away from home. There is so much to do and see that it can be overwhelming especially when considering what to pack for Disney World!
Maybe the most important question is not what to pack for Disney, but how to get all the stuff home that you bought! Thankfully Disney thought of a solution to that, and it involves some great options for getting things shipped home to you. But can they also ship me some pixie dust? ✨✨
Seriously though, You need to account for the weather, packing for fun events and unexpected Disney memories. There’s the pretty dresses, the room for all your souvenirs, and of course, your Mickey Ears!
And if your reading this post you’re probably in charge of EVERYTHING- which lead you here to a professional Disney Traveler (that’s a thing right? I’m totally making that a thing!)
This can all be alittle overwhelming, and yes, you’ll forget something, but these packing hacks will make your planning alittle easier!
And while this list is helpful, things are different if you plan to bring a Baby to Disney World for packing must haves (so check out the packing list I linked!) and there’s another Disney packing list for Toddlers and Preschoolers too!
Let’s dive into all the things to bring to Disney World, plus some Disney Parks packing hacks designed to make your life easier and a lot more fun!
This post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you, and I may earn commission on qualified sales, check out my affiliate disclosure for more information and all the legal mumbo jumbo.
Table of Contents 🙌
- General Disney World Packing Tips and Hacks
- Disney Packing items You’ll Wish you had brought because it makes your life easier
- Must See Disney World Packing Hacks
- What you should bring in case it Rains on your Disney Vacation
- Disney World Items you should pack from around the house
- Do not forget these essential Disney World items!!!
- Disney World Packing Tips you should skip
General Disney Packing Tips and Hacks
For our list of Hacks, we’ll look at some of the items that Disney already sells in their park (because they are in high demand!) and let you decide if you should purchase them ahead of time, or get them when you need them on vacation.
⭐ First up: Sun and Heat Protection.
The Fans sold at Disney tend to break quickly in my experience- because I’ve been desperate enough to purchase them! Lately, I’ve prefered my neck fan... and it’s a game changer! The neck fan sits on my lower neck/shoulders and blows a steady stream of air onto my face. It fits myself, and my 6 year old, and the battery lasts all day if you keep it on the Low Setting (it has three settings) If you want to grab the same neck fan I’ve used for several weeks now in the Florida heat, it comes in multiple colors, and it’s by JisuLife (but no matter what- bring some sort of fan if you aren’t a heat person!)
I do use a handheld on from time to time, and I’ve gotten them for my kids. I do like them- I just like having my hands free more- and then I have the ever important fans for the kids strollers (pro tip, they also work with baby carriers!)
⭐ You should also bring or plan to buy: hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and UV shirts. The UV shirts can be hard to find in the parks, so it’s recommended to pack those ahead of time. I typically grab the Long Sleeve Swim Shirts (especially for those who don’t like sunscreen, like my toddler!), and we use those in the parks.
Bonus: It’s easy to find my kid when he runs away! Speaking of kids running away… I highly recommend Airtag bracelets for your kids!
You can see how I tested and tracked some of the leading options on the Tracking Market with my Kids at Disney in this comparison post.
⭐ Ponchos are ALWAYS in my bag. Always. Always. Florida is ridiculous when it comes to the rain. Disney DOES sell this by the truck load, so if you don’t bring them just grab one in the parks. I prefer buying them ahead of time to be budget friendly.
Bring a portable phone charger✨ (don’t forget the charging cord) which you likely already have, because the My Disney App drains your phone battery
If you’d like to use Fuel Rods, which is what I’ve switched over to, you can learn all about the recharging stations in this helpful post! I prefer and recommend buying the FuelRods on Amazon, because you can get 2 for the price of 1!
I love to bring stuff for the kids. Normally I go to Target before a trip and shop the dollar bin section. I also love grabbing the travel water wow and puffy stickers from Melissa and Doug.
Disney Packing items that make your life easier
Prevent wardrobe discomfort with a few simple items…
Nothing is worse than being on vacation and having an injury (from small to large, they all suck!) Save those feet of yours (and your legs!) with a few simple and small things to pack!
⭐ Mole skin is a super important (and sooooo cheap!) thing to bring. It’s better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it! Blisters can (and will) happen while at the parks. So grab some moleskin to help any feet problems. (and in a pinch you can get it at the first aid stations)
⭐ I also recommend several pairs of shoes. One could give you blisters, one gets soaked in the rain, then you’re left with one pair- yikes! For shoes I always recommend two pairs for whatever season (so two sandals for summer, or two sneakers for winter) and then one shoe of the opposite season.
So in March you’d want to bring two sandals and then one pair of closed toed shoes. And then in December, two pairs of closed toe and one sandal.
IF you end up needing shoes, you can grab some at a few places- there’s Disney Springs (you can take transport too) there’s amazon same day delivery, and there’s also Target delivery (and target is VERY close to the parks if you drove or catch an Uber)
Embarrassingly enough, my issue isn’t with shoe blisters, but rashes in other places. I have a “thunder thigh” issue- BUT I do have a solution.
⭐If you end up having chafing problems, definitely get some chub rub. You will be walking a lot. I have a favorite brand and it has saved my life more than once!
I used to hesitate sharing that with people, but honestly, my thighs eat my pants and no matter what I do, it’s still an issue. having a barrier there makes a significant difference.
Glow Stick/Light up Toys
Yes, Disney has an amazing selection of all things that glow and light up. And like you can imagine, they do cost money… and I’ve got the full break down on the Current Light Up Toys and Bubble Toys and their Costs!
To make life easier I’d recommend a pack of glow sticks. You can throw them away, you don’t have to worry about them getting lost. And you don’t have to take them home at the end of the trip!
EarPlugs
This is one item I have a hard time finding IN the parks, but often at Resorts. You can buy disposable ear plugs, which are so helpful for sleeping, for the fireworks, for the overstimulation of everyone and their brother mother sister cousin talking loudly in line… or you can bring reusable ones! I use the Loop Earplugs, I’ve got several pairs (one that I always keep in my Park Bag, one in my Travel Bag, and one in the Car!).
My children have Earphones that go in their park bags. These are helpful for meltdowns, for the Fireworks, and anytime there is a crowd that is quiet loud.
Personal Hygiene
Disney does not sell Gum on property. Which is smart but also inconvenient, because I really like to have some gum after I eat and it helps my sensory kiddo with waiting in line.
I always make sure to add some gum to my Target cart when I do my snack run (love getting pickup and delivery while at Disney!) but you can also grab it at the convenience store or add a Giant Pack to your Amazon List.
You should also consider packing something for fresh breath and some flossers– since you will likley be in the parks for most of the day. It’s also recommended to consider a spare t-shirt or pack some baby wipes. Add in some portable deodorant- but skip the perfume.
Traveling Disney World Packing Hacks
pop up storage can be lifesaver when organizing your room. I like them for organizing dirty clothes, souvenirs, and even reciepts. While the Disney rooms to have a lot of storage, I like that I can quickly move pop up storage around.
I’m also a giant fan of Packing Cubes. I honestly thought it was too good to be true until I grabbed some to try, and now I can never go back to regular packing! These cubes are my favorite and I feel like an adult that has my life together when I open my luggage to see everything tucked into organized cubes 🤪
For the Kids, I like to Organize their Outfits into complete sets, and then pack those complete sets into their own plastic bags labeled with the outfit name. So for my Son’s Birthday Mickey Outfit, I had that in it’s own bag, and didn’t have to worry about it getting dirty, lost or worn before it should have been.
For Shoes, I’ve been using Mesh Shoe Travel Bags from Amazon. I’m not linking it because I don’t like this one that I ordered (out of the 12 ordered, 3 of the bags broke! The others are holding strong but we’ll see in a few months). The upside is it keeps shoes from getting your things dirty, while also allowing them to breathe.
Disney World Items you should pack from around the house
If you have old ones around the house, or you went all out and got customized ones for your trip, these are a must have! Yes, you can get bottled water at the park BUT that requires standing in line. (and you’ll easily drop 60 in drinks for 4 people per day)
You need to drink lots of water at Disney and having a reusable bottle handy on transportation and the line rides will be very important to keeping you hydrated! Yes, the dining plan comes with a refillable mug that ONLY works at the resorts and I think it holds like 12 ounces? it’s deceptively small.
Plus, Disney has gone green with the paper straws and limiting the amount of lids they use (and PAPER cups- sturdy yet biodegradable). Paper straws are GROSS. I get it’s eco friendly, but mushy straw or, maybe worse to a toddler is a broken straw, is no fun!
So if straws are a big deal (especially those with sensory issues) you’ll want to bring some reusable ones. like these silicone ones because they clean easily AND they fold up so I can store them for later!
Another thing you’ll want to pack is a larger lunch box or a collapsible cooler. I’m sure that most of us have one of these lying around for family lunches and day trips. I’m a big fan of this one here, and I also rave about how its saved me thousands at Disney.
Fold it up and bring it along so that way you can bring your water in cold and keep snacks fresh. The Florida heat is brutal!
Plus it will keep everything organized. Once, you’ve eaten everything, just fold it back up! This one from Amazon is a lifesaver, it literally folds up so small! I love it!
Yes, yes, your on the dining plan- but there’s SO much food. And if you have anyone with allergies (that’s me so I’m just prepared to bring in food!) then you’ll want to bring these *just in case!*
Sunglasses/ Hat / Sunscreen
You obviously know what you will and will not wear as far as sun protection. Just make sure that you plan for it (even something like a SPF shirt can be helpful!) Don’t let sun poisoning or heat exhaustion ruin your trip!
For the love of all that is holy- put the sunscreen in a plastic baggie. And the shampoo (FYI- many of the resorts are doing away with single serve shampoo, the deluxe ones still have them but most value and moderate don’t. So don’t plan on taking these home with you!)
Jacket/Sweater
Even in the summer, there is a place for a light jacket. I’m crazy- I know, but the Florida wind can be brutal and a light cotton cover or swaddle blanket for the kids is perfect.
Some of these summer nights get breezy or the A/C might be wildly out of control. It’s better to bring it and not need it- especially when it comes to the kids.
Lights, camera, shoots
Most people use their phones now, but if there was a time to bring your own camera, the time is now. This is especially true for a DSLR- you will get some absolutely magical shots. Don’t forget about a camera bag, SD card and extra battery.
We just got the kiddos their own digital camera. It was incredibly affordable, totally digital, and they LOVED IT! Seriously, if you find it under 30 dollars its a steal and perfect for making memories!
Also, Selfie sticks ain’t allowed, and they’ll fuss at you for tripods that are too big- just FYI. I like using this smaller tripod that has adjustable arms, though I’ve seen a lot of influencers use ones that clip to the stroller.
Night Light
This is a must have even if you don’t have kids. Those rooms can get dark and the last thing you want is a stubbed toe at a resort. Just leave it in your toiletries bag for everytime you travel.
Ohh and a noisemaker. One of the times we got a ‘preferred’ room and it was right by the main pool that was open till 11. I wanted to scream! Now I always take a small portable white noise machine.
Plassssssticcccccc (said in my best pauly shore impression)
plastic baggies that is.
These baggies are so handy for everything! They work for storing snacks, storing souvenirs and for keeping your phone dry. They are also great for organization in your park bag and diaper bag!
Pack outfits in gallon bags and bring quart sized ones for snacks and keeping phones dry. Use the snack sized ones for… snacks and crayons and everything else.
Recently we’ve been using grovia wetbags (or any wetbag will do) in an attempt to stop using so much throw away stuff. It still works great at Disney World and they are washable. Pick your poison for your vacation- just make sure you bring something to store all the “little things” in!
Don’t forget to pack these Disney Items!
- Medications (there is a local pharmacy delivery service if you need it)
- Diapers/Wipes/Baby Supplies/Wet Wipes (they have Huggies at the parks)
- Shoes and socks
- Hand Sanitizer
- Sunscreen
- Extra Camera Batteries and Memory Card
- Small Fan/Stroller Fan (the mickey fans SUCK! we’ve had two break on us this year, please bring your own! My SIL recommended this fan and we’ve used it every year for the last three years. It lasts about 80-100 days (so the summer season) before dying by toddler throwing. Highly recommend!)
- Large Portable Charger
- Laundry Bag
- Wet Bag
- Disney Costumes
- Snacks
- Mouse Ears
- Disney T-shirts
- Travel First Aid Kit
Disney World Packing Tips you Shouldn’t Consider
Disney does have it rules about what you can and cannot bring in the parks. I’ve also been enough times to know that certain items just aren’t necessary.
Umbrellas tend to do more harm than good- literally. You’re poking other people, splashing water all over yourself when you fold them up and they take up a lot of valuable room when it’s not raining. Get a bunch of ponchos instead.
Selfie Sticks are simply not allowed at Disney. Pack one and you won’t be bringing it home.
Towels are a dime a dozen at Disney. You can get them from your resort, from the pool area and you can buy one in a pinch from many of the stores in the parks. But you should pack a towel if you plan to go to the waterparks, or purchase one for a few dollars instead.
Looking for something to sit on when you are waiting for the parades or fireworks? Try a monkey mat instead!
Adult Costumes are another item that simply isn’t allowed unless your going to the halloween party. Even then, they are very strict on what is and isn’t allowed. Make sure to check the rules before you go.
Lastly, Let’s Talk about what Luggage to use for a Disney World Vacation
So whatever luggage you have laying around is probably more than adequate for your trip- you DONT need to buy new luggage just because you are coming to Disney.
What you do need to do, is plan strategically! (And Consider Compression Packing Cubes!)
Pack an extra bag or two (OR pack your bags half full!) as you will have stuff to bring home and you don’t want to have to buy several extra bags there. You can ship stuff home (and the prices are reasonable- way better than you’d find at the post office) so don’t panic if you’ve used all your space up.
In your Carry On bag you’ll want to pack a bathing suit/extra change of clothes. Your Magic Bands, Money, ID, snacks, and whatever you want for your first day at the resort.
Chances are you’ll wait awhile when checking in- normally we wait a few hours (yes, even with checking in early on the app) and a few months back we waited 5 hours at Beach Club. Not typical, I know, but plan for the unexpected. We had to dig bathing suits out of our luggage and it was not pretty with three kids!
Speaking of which, Magical Express (the people that bring you to and from the airport) give you two options for luggage. The first is to bring it on with you, the other is to check it with them and they’ll deliver it.
Except for many times they ‘loose’ peoples luggage. Accident’s happen, so if keeping your luggage safe is a big deal, make sure you handle it yourself on Magical Express.
One last packing tip
Bring extra undergarments!
Hear me out- socks get wet, kids get over excited and might have an accident, you are sweaty and HOT! So just bring several more than you think you need. You can thank me later!
Disney does sell underwear at the resort shops- but yeah… just so ya know.
Wrap Up
Disney travelers- I’ve got to know, do you have any extra packing tips or hacks to share? Let us know in the comments or on social media !
Look at these other great resources!
I wouldn’t have thought of half of these packing tips!
Glad to have helped Eric! These are all pretty helpful and ones I’ve done, they really do make a difference when you are getting ready for your Disney Vacation