Ultimate Disney World Packing List Tips: What to Bring & Unique Ideas
This guide covers what to pack for Walt Disney World, with a checkable packing list of essentials, smart stuff to bring in your backpack for park days, and 50+ unique products and clever gadgets that’ll improve your trip, helping keep you powered, stay cool & comfortable in Florida’s weather.
The first part of this Disney packing list highlights the less-obvious items–things you never knew you needed. These are interesting and sometimes odd things we’ve learned about over the years, some of which have dramatically improved our experiences when traveling. We pack some of these when visiting Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Tokyo, Paris, and beyond. Consider including some of them in your luggage.
The second half is our comprehensive Disney packing list that you can download and save. This encompasses things you almost certainly already own–but might forget without this downloadable packing list for Walt Disney World. We use this checklist to make sure we’ve remembered all the basics. As for unique items, we update this list regularly with new ideas, plus essentials based upon feedback and suggestions from readers. We love discovering innovative things that improve travel, so please share your finds and recommendations in the comments!
If you’re going to order this stuff for your trip and don’t want to hassle with bringing it with you, it’s possible to place an order with Amazon.com prior to our trip and have the items shipped to your Walt Disney World resort. In Address Line 2, specify your arrival date. Resorts now charge a $6 package handling fee will apply to all packages that are received by the hotel. This fee does not usually apply to grocery delivery.
With that said, the idea behind this list is not that you buy and pack everything here. These are just ideas, not a list of comprehensive necessities for Walt Disney World. If you packed all of this, you’d be taking way too much. We are firm believers in not overpacking. It’s important to comb through this list, determine what might help improve YOUR vacation, and take that. Not everything here is for everyone–they’re just ideas.
Note that we receive a small commission from Amazon for your purchases, so buying through these links helps support the site. However, neither the price you pay nor our recommendations are impacted by that. We only recommend products that we’ve bought and used ourselves, or that come highly recommended from friends or readers (if the particular products aren’t applicable to us).
With all of that said, let’s get to the unique item Disney packing list, and then the packing checklist. We’ll start with the items our readers love the most–smart items that’ll save you time, money, stress, or (literally) physical discomfort and pain!
2026 Packing List Additions
INIU 45W 10000 mAh Powerbank – We already own a lot of battery packs, as they’re a necessary evil at the parks given all of the screen time required. We didn’t need to add another to our bags, but wanted to test out INIU because we’ve heard a lot of positive feedback from friends, and these are often deeply-discounted.
So far, so good! One thing we’d note with INIU is that they often have “hidden” sales that only apply at checkout. For instance, the above powerbank had a $21 price tag on the product page when we bought it…but a 50% off coupon applied in the cart (this might be targeted?). That’s why we bought it in the first place–it was a great deal at ~$10, but not so much at double that price. Worth checking out for yourself to see if there’s a hidden coupon in your account.
Philips GoZero Insulated Water Bottle — This insulated metal GoZero bottle by Philips has great reviews–it’s durable, BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and uses a 2-stage activated carbon filter reduces odor, chlorine and leaves zero aftertaste. We bought this as a Lightning Deal over Cyber Monday but haven’t yet had the chance to test it. Oddly enough, it’s now even cheaper as part of post-holiday sales (46% off).
Inflatable Toddler Airplane Bed – Our daughter has outgrown flying in her car seat, so we recently switched this inflatable mattress that fits economy seats. I’ll admit to being skeptical at first, but this has been an absolute game-changer on longer flights, which is all of them for us–we pretty much only do 4-16 hour flights. (Update: flight attendants on two recent domestic flights have told us this can’t be used; we’ve had no issues on other flights, so consider this YMMV.)
Travel Toddler Toys – For flights and getting ready in the morning, we also have a selection of travel toys. Our daughter is screen-free, so we opt for a mix of LEGO DUPLO sets, sticker books, regular books, and Montessori toys. These items are mostly random and not travel-specific (although I will say that Little Golden Books are great for travel since they’re slim), but two specific items we like a lot are the following:
For the most part, we have not added baby or toddler products to this list since they’re more niche. We’re debating whether to add a section (or perhaps a new guide to traveling with toddlers?), as we’ve tested/used/returned a ton of products for long haul flights and trips and learned a lot in the process. Not really sure how much interest there is in this, though, since most people either don’t have toddlers or aren’t doing 4+ hour flights with regularity.
Travel White Noise Machine – We actually bought this for traveling with our baby as it was recommended by countless parenting blogs. As it turns out, this is just great for traveling in general. That’s doubly true at Walt Disney World, where I swear that even Deluxe Resorts have paper-thin walls.
FuelRod MAX10 – The newest swappable power bank from FuelRod is not a rod at all, but rather, a brick. This is their biggest and fastest charger, and also the most expensive. The MAX10 is not for us. But you might find this device to be a better option than the traditional FuelRods, especially if you’re a regular at Walt Disney World or Disneyland, where it’s currently being rolled out.
Frogg Toggs Ultra-lite2 Breathable Rain Poncho – We’re big fans of Frogg Toggs (see the cooling towels below), and this is the best poncho we’ve found for Walt Disney World. It’s also inexpensive at 41% off!
Frogg Toggs Ultra-lite2 Breathable Rain Jacket – Made with Frogg Toggs breathable, non-woven fabric that is waterproof, wind resistant, and extremely lightweight. In our view, the jacket is the better option for taking on and off at Walt Disney World–but it’s more expensive.
With the post-holiday updates for 2026 out of the way, let’s turn to the tried & true list of unique things to pack for Walt Disney World!
Smart Stuff to Pack
FuelRod 2-Pack – If you’re on the fence about FuelRods, we recommend giving them a try–and buying this 2-for-1 deal as opposed to a single charger. It’s really convenient to have two FuelRods as opposed to just one. If you have a larger family, consider the NEW FuelRod 3-Pack (or the MAX10 above).
We didn’t used to be fans of FuelRods, but the devices got a major update last year, and the new model has higher capacity and faster charging, which alone is a gamechanger. Add to that the ubiquity of FuelRod kiosks around Walt Disney World, and it’s now a great option for diehard Disney fans. First-timers and infrequent visitors should still look elsewhere, as FuelRods are as much a service as a device. Read our new review of FuelRods for more info.
Anker Zolo 10,000mAh 30W Portable Charger with Built-in USB-C Cable for Travel – This charger is the top pick for iPhone 15 (and above) or Samsung phones–or anything with a USB-C connector instead of the Lightning connector. Everything about this looks perfect to us, from the built in cable to the size and speed. And the price is certainly right, too! Also available in 20k capacity with faster-charging capabilities.
Anker 24,000mAh Power Bank 3-Port Portable Charger with 140W Output – For those who really go hard playing the Lightning Lane refresh game. This is massive and more than most people will need, but if you have a large family, are addicted to device, or have a niche use case, it could be a good fit.
Anker 3-Port 140W Charging Block – This is a niche product, but it’s another game-changer for me. This Anker 3-port block charges my Nikon mirrorless camera, laptop, and phone simultaneously and the device is smaller than my Macbook charger by itself. I just upgraded to this during Prime Day from the prior generation–I’ve been very happy with both.
Anker 47W Nano 3 USB-C Charger – This is what Sarah uses, and it’s perfect for her–or the average person. It’ll charge your devices faster than the standard charger (and lightyears quicker than in-wall ports at WDW hotels).
Anker Outlet Extender – If you don’t need something that advanced (really only necessary for high-end cameras or laptops), this is a much less expensive alternative that also gives you added outlets. I don’t think extra outlets are necessary for Walt Disney World hotels, but you’ll presumably use this elsewhere. We like it for older hotels where outlets are more scarce.
Brita Filter Water Bottles – If you don’t want to spend as much money, this is the second-best option. It’s inexpensive and durable. Not quite as effective or durable as the above option, but still good. Either way, we highly recommend bringing a water bottle. It’s increasingly difficult to enter counter service restaurants (or find open snack stands) to get cups of water.
Autograph Book Substitute – Instead of having characters sign a blank page, have them sign this actual book about 150+ Disney characters. After the trip, it’ll be a treasured keepsake for your kids. We’ve heard tons of feedback on Facebook from people who have tried–and loved–this! (Do NOT buy the Disney Pixar Character Encyclopedia New Edition. That’s an “update” to the best autograph book substitute, but it’s no longer suitable for autograph purposes. You’ve been warned!)
Apple AirPods Pro 3 – These are the headphones I use. They’re compact and noise-cancelling, making them perfect for travel. I tried the AirPods Max, but the form factor, weight and size was just too much for me. They’re also absurdly expensive, but they look great!
Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones — Sarah has owned two pairs of Bose QuietComfort headphones, which should speak volumes about what she thinks of them. They are spectacular, worth every penny, and way better than Beats or Sony headphones. The noise cancelling is perfect for flights, public transit, or just trying to work and maintain focus. The only downside is the large size.
Fire 8 Kids Tablet – Even if you strive to be screen-free, this can be a lifesaver on flights or in other meltdown scenarios. An educational and entertainment tool for kids with parental controls, goal-setting, time limits, plus 1 FREE year of Amazon Kids+ with access to over 20,000 apps, games, books, videos, audiobooks, and educational content from PBS Kids, Nickelodeon, Disney, and more.
Apple AirTags – We now use AirTags to track our car (good for rental cars that can get lost in the sea of the TTC), checked baggage (good for peace of mind), and much more that isn’t relevant to travel. The best use of all is tracking strollers. Cast Members relocate parked strollers, making them difficult to find. AirTags offer a great solution to this problem! There are tons of great non-Disney uses for AirTags, or their non-Apple counterpart, Tile Pro Tracker.
Repel Travel Umbrella – This travel umbrella is compact, windproof, and has a lifetime guarantee. We have ruined so a few umbrellas that have been caught by gusts of wind at Walt Disney World, so this actually is important.
Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad
Frogg Toggs Chilly Sport – Same idea, but different dimensions that makes this even more suitable for wearing around your neck. A good alternative if you want to save a little money on your Frogg Toggs purchase.
Sukeen Cooling Towel 4-Pack – Some people don’t like the Frogg Toggs texture, which might make this breathable mesh material more attractive. The cooling system uses moisture from the towel to draw the sweat away from your skin to keep you cool. We do not find these Sukeen towels as effective as the Frogg Toggs and don’t actually recommend them as a result, but some Walt Disney World fans prefer them. YMMV.
Crocs LiteRide 360 Pacer Sneaker – Want to recreate the stylistic sensibilities of a mid-tier Disney blogger? Well that ‘fit can be yours with these shoes! Joking aside, I cannot recommend these highly enough. (Here’s the women’s version of the shoe.) In case you missed it, they were the centerpiece of our list of the Best Shoes for Walt Disney World.
5-Pack of “Pro” Ponchos – While these are technically disposable, they’re a thicker and higher quality material than the ponchos above. They’re easy to reuse–just hang them up to dry in your hotel room! Unless you really want to throw away your ponchos after each use, this is the superior option. For something with even more personality and durability, Sarah loves this reusable “Minnie Mouse-Inspired” Polka Dot Poncho.
10-Pack of Disposable Ponchos – These will save you a ton of money. Ponchos in the parks cost $10 each, and over the course of a vacation, that can really add up. We recommend taking a 10-pack of ponchos (or more) for your group. They’re small and easy to throw in a backpack.
Body Glide – Since making the original list, many others have recommended this product to us as the best way to combat chafing. Unless you normally walk 10+ miles per day at home over the course of several consecutive days, this is a very real problem that many people will unexpectedly experience. Better to be safe than sorry!
Moleskin Padding Roll – Along those same lines, your “dogs will be barking.” Seriously, one of the biggest shocks visitors have is all of the walking at Walt Disney World, which can be brutal on your feet. This stuff is a great “insurance policy” that can work miracles, saving your feet significant discomfort and pain.
Parade Mat – This durable blanket is a great alternative to sitting on the ground while you wait for parades at Disney, but it works in a number of scenarios in the parks. This has weighted corners, is pocket-size, and puncture-resistant. It’s also water-resistant, so you can use it as a poncho in a pinch. It’s really versatile! Especially good now that Magic Kingdom has two daily parades between Festival of Fantasy during the day and Starlight at night!
Packing Cubes – These are perfect for organizing, and make it easier to to manage your luggage. I love this 4-piece set as they’re the perfect size for organizing a carry-on size suitcase.
Compression Cubes – There are two great options here–I’ve moved on to these compression cubes, as I find they save more space in my luggage, which is huge for me. Below is the cheaper alternative, if you’re simply looking to stay organized.
16-Pack Roll-Up Compression Travel Bags for Packing – We have never used these as we prefer something more durable since we travel frequently, but they’re a good option. Save even more space, but for that you give up reusability.
Lightweight Packable Backpack — Simplicity is best when it comes to backpacks to wear in the parks. This takes up minimal room in your suitcase and more importantly is super lightweight. That minimizes the amount of back-sweat you’ll have to endure from the Florida heat and humidity. It also works as a diaper bag, and thanks to having fewer compartments, it’ll get you through bagcheck faster–and is less likely to get you flagged for secondary screening.
Inflatable Neck Pillow Airplane Travel Kit — This being inflatable makes it more travel-friendly, and it’s more comfortable than you might expect (and also customizable by fully or under-inflating it). This kit also includes a velour cover, sleep mask, and earplugs. Sarah uses the pillow, sleep mask, and above headphones for flights. She looks real cool.
Bladeless Personal Neck Fan — Dorky, but shockingly effective. It’s like a nice little breeze that’ll cool you down a bit. Sarah prefers it to the Frogg Toggs due to this being dry, which is better for her long hair. While this fan is quiet and effective, it’s also a tad annoying and, again, dorky.
Foldable Handheld Fan – I prefer this fan. Sure, you have to hold it, but it’s less dorky and offers top-notch performance.
WetBrush Pro Detangle – This hair brush performs well with wet hair, and your hair will get wet if you’re visiting Walt Disney World. A staple of Sarah’s Disney bag.
EltaMD Face Sunscreen — Sarah swears by this fancier brand of face sunscreen, which is recommended by dermatologists and distinguished scientists from all over the world. (Probably.) It’s very nice, but I try not to use it so as to not “waste” the good stuff on my man-face.
BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One Air with 3D Mesh – If you’re considering babywearing at Walt Disney World, this is our favorite carrier by a wide margin. The lightweight, breathable 3D mesh fabric keeps both baby and parent cool, even outside on hot days. The combination of comfortable padded straps and supports along with ergonomic design makes this perfect for extended periods of use. Weight distribution meant no soreness or back pain even after carrying a 20+ pound baby on all-day outings for over 20,000 steps.
Stokke YOYO3 Stroller – Formerly known as the Babyzen YoYo, this is the Cadillac of strollers…or would be if Cadillacs were known as lightweight and nimble travel vehicles. Seriously, believe the hype. This stroller is worth every penny, with great handling and ease of use. Most importantly, it’s incredibly light, easy to use, and folds down incredibly compact–small enough to fit in an overhead bin. We’ve tried a lot of strollers, but this is the only one we love.
Stroller Fan – Technically, this is a clip-on desk fan. If you read the reviews, almost everyone buying it is using it for strollers. It’s great to keep your kids cool, and it’ll last 5-10 hours before the battery needs to be recharged–which can be done via USB with one of the external chargers above. This is perfect for the hottest hours of the day at Walt Disney World!
Sun Bum Oil-Free Face Stick Sunscreen – My face sunburns really easily and I’ve tried numerous sunscreens to combat this over the years to no avail. While a bit pricey, this works fantastically. As an added bonus, it smells delicious!
Honest Co. Hand Sanitizer Spray – Walt Disney World has removed its in-park hand sanitizer stations, but even if they hadn’t, we’d recommend this instead. It’s higher quality and won’t leave your hands feeling dry after a few days.
Honest Sanitizer Wet Wipes – Same idea here with these alcohol-free sanitizer wipes. Walt Disney World is magical, but not magically clean. Every surface has been touched by countless other hands. These are great to clean your hands, phone, stroller, or literally any surface–an essential item to reduce your chances of getting sick on vacation!
Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Gel – No matter how diligent I am about applying sunscreen, I invariably end up getting a little (or a lot) too much sun. This offers relief and recovery. Hopefully you won’t need to use it, but the Florida sun can really sneak up on you!
Tide To-Go Wipes– Shout Wipes, Tide pens, anything that can clean up stains. I’m an expert at making messes, and these stain treaters are lifesavers.
Downy Wrinkle Releaser
Travel Sunscreen Packets – For your arms, legs, neck, etc., we recommend these sunscreen packets. If you’ve ever had a tube of sunscreen spill in your luggage or backpack (we have…many times), you know how inconvenient it can be. These individual travel packets take care of that problem.
SPF Sun Hat – Sarah has several different colors of this cheap and fashionable sun hat, and wears them in the parks to keep the sun off of her face, and to stay cool. They are breathable and lightweight. The only downside is their large size, which makes them difficult to pack (we recommend carrying them on).
Aqua Socks for Water Parks & Pools – If you’re planning on visiting Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, or spending time at your hotel’s pool, these are essential. The pavement gets hot–so hot it’s uncomfortable to walk on it without these.
Wireless Sleep Mask Headphones — Sarah has used “last gen” variations of this product for years, swearing by both sleep masks for travel and ‘cozy’ headphones for getting rest on flights.
Reusable Straws – A new addition to the list, as both WDW and Disneyland have eliminated plastic straws (and in-park Starbucks use terrible paper straws that disintegrate after about 10 minutes). A good item to throw in your backpack.
Knockoff Loungefly Bag – Calling a spade a spade, this is basically a bootleg Loungefly bag. Now, I am definitely NOT the target audience for such a product, but this is a superior option if you want something that looks cute to wear to the park without breaking the bank. (Personally, I’d stick with the more practical packable backpack.)
Food & Drinks for Disney
Although not packing per se, we’d strongly recommend making a grocery run upon arrival or having food delivered to your hotel at Walt Disney World. At a minimum, get breakfast items so you’re not wasting precious time in the morning. Read our Guide to Grocery Delivery at Walt Disney World for our tips on that, and why breakfast is (mostly) a waste of money at Walt Disney World restaurants.
If you opt against grocery delivery for whatever reason–or want to supplement it with items from Amazon–here’s what we recommending order to fuel you during a day in the parks…
Mount Hagen Organic Instant Coffee – We each “need” 3-4 servings of caffeine per day to function. Buying coffee in the parks would add up quickly and cost us a lot of time. Cutting coffee from our travel budget saves us a ton of money, and is worth it even if we look like cheapskates making coffee in the parks.
Caffeine Mints – Each one of these mints has about as much caffeine as coffee or an energy drink, so they will give you the energy to get through evening Extra Magic Hours, but won’t give you coffee breath or make you have to run to the restroom while in line for Toy Story Mania. Win-win!
Clif Bar Energy Bars
Lenny & Larry’s Complete Protein Cookie – Want something even healthy? These cookies have a ton of protein and fiber, but have no high fructose corn syrup, no sugar alcohols, no artificial sweeteners. Plus, they’re vegan.
Chomps Beef Sticks – These are now our go-to beef jerky for the parks–they’re also available at Trader Joe’s and a variety of other grocery stores. (We like every flavor except the cranberry one.)
If you are considering a purchase of any of these items or any other supplies for your vacation, we would greatly appreciate it if you use the links to Amazon in this post to make your purchase. It benefits the site, doesn’t cost you anything, and help us to keep providing you with useful content.
Alright, as promised, here’s our Disney packing checklist…
This Walt Disney World packing checklist includes a bunch of the above unique items that we recommend to improve your Disney trip, plus more common things that you won’t want to forget, too. Once again, you should NOT pack everything on this list for Walt Disney World. It simply covers all of the important stuff that you might need. No one is going to need all of this stuff.
With this list, we tried to skip things that are unnecessary (like shampoo, conditioner, a first aid kit, etc.) because you can find them in your hotel room or in the parks, or because they aren’t realistically necessary for most people. There’s the temptation to over-pack (especially with all the clever ideas on this list), and that should be resisted. There’s no need for 3 suitcases per person on a weeklong trip to Walt Disney World! 😉
Finally, this Walt Disney World packing guide was not tailored towards any specific season. If you’re visiting between April and late October, consult our Summer Packing Tips for Disney post for suggestions on beating the heat and handling humidity. This summer has been brutal pretty much everywhere, including Central Florida. There are a couple of items on this list that’ll help you keep cool, but we’d also recommend dressing practically. Looking stylish for photos can be fun…but not at the expense of comfort.
Temperatures aren’t the only thing heating up, as the heart of hurricane season starts this month. Storm season brings heat, humidity, and spontaneous downpours. The triple weather whammy! On rare occasion, the parks can also close due to hurricanes–that has happened on a few occasions in the last several years. So be prepared for that if you’re visiting this summer or early fall. See our Guide to Storm Season at Walt Disney World for an updated forecast for the Atlantic hurricane season, historical info about past storms that caused closures, and more.
Those heading to the parks between November and February, supplement this with our Winter Packing Tips for Disney post instead. True winter weather is exceedingly rare in Central Florida, but due to the humidity and big swings in daytime highs versus nighttime lows, it can feel cold during a few months of the year. Orlando weather can be like a roller coaster, and unlike the Walt Disney World variety, it’s not always fun. Basically, there are about 3 weeks per year when Central Florida weather is predictably temperate and mild!
Need Disney trip planning tips and comprehensive advice? Make sure to read Disney Parks Vacation Planning Guides, where you can find comprehensive guides to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and beyond! For Disney updates, discount information, a free download of our Walt Disney World eBook, and much more, sign up for our free monthly newsletter!
Your Thoughts
What unique items do you recommend packing for a Disney trip? What clever items do you pack to improve your experience? Any ‘smart’ items you’d add to this list? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Great list! I always bring some carabiners – they are great to attach your water bottle or reusable resort mug to your backpack or other bag. You can also throw keys, etc, on there for easy acess. The one I use most is shaped like Sorcerer Mickey’s hat 🙂
Love this tip, going in Sep 2014 and throwing a few of those in my bag (and so handy for other trips too). Thank you 🙂
I would add a night light to the list. Allows you to hit the loo in the middle of the night without having to turn on the big light.
We take a small pump bottle of liquid hand soap so that we don’t have to deal with a wet bar of soap for the whole trip. I usually buy a store brand for about a dollar, and don’t feel guilty leaving it behind at the end of the trip.
This was going to be my addition as well!! On our last trip I was so frustrated trying to use the dinky bar of soap to wash my hands at the hotel. I don’t know why it hasn’t bothered me so much before, but as soon as we got home “hand soap pump bottle” was added to our packing list file!
I have a huge supply of hotel shampoo bottles and we put some soap from the bathroom supply in a few different from the Disney type (trust me, I have plenty of those too), bottles. That way we know what it is. On this note, we also cut up some dollar store sponges, add dish soap and let them dry out. Then just add water and viola! Instant mug cleaning device and easily disposable.
Tom, my family are leaving for a 5 day trip at WDW in 10 days! Bringing my 7D (don’t hate), Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 OS, Canon 50mm f1.8, borrowing a Vivitar 7mm f3.5 (same as yours Rokinon), 580 EXII, yada yada…
I am curious about a few things.
Did you ever test that Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad? This is our 4th trip as a family and being from western NY, the heat is a killer for me. I am tempted to get a handful of these for the fam, but wanted to get some feedback from a trusted source. Help?
I am also thinking about a different camera bag. I work in video production so I have a nice Pelican case for my camera system, but I was thinking of one of those sling bags like the Slingshot 202AW. Last time I brought my Canon backpack with all my gear. My wife was 8mo pregnant and I had to push her in a wheel chair. It was dreadful. I almost wasn’t going to bring my camera at all after that… and then I found your site and it made me want to capture some memories.
Also up in the air is a tripod (not literally). I don’t have a great “photo” tripod only expensive (and massive) video tripods. Brought one last time (Manfrotto 055XPROB) only to use it to take one family photo at Riverside. Kind of a waste. Thinking of maybe a gorilla pod…
Funny thing is… my wife is pregnant again! We just got first ultrasound and she is 8 weeks! Talk about timing. _Rim-shot_cue applause_
Anyway, my plan is to go as light as possible to counter my reaction to heat and my experience from 2 years ago. Now we have more kids (3 going and 1 in the oven) so memories will probably be important.
I may drop the 50mm and just use the 7 and the 17-50. On a crop those are not too bad. But I am open to suggestions and criticisms. I hate spending money on crap I don’t really need. After finding your site I all, “Gotta get a NDx400, carbon fiber sticks, brand new fisheye, new bag…” Then I took several moments to consider how much do-re-mi I would need to lay out.
Long comment. Great site. Any advice welcome.
Frogg Toggs – one of the greatest inventions every brought forth on this earth. They work just as Tom described: wet, ring out, and drape around neck/over head/etc. When they start to dry or lose their coolness, simply repeat. And the water doesn’t have to be cold to work. I can grab a bottle that’s been sitting out in the sun, wet my Chilly Pad or Danna, and you’d think the water I used was straight out of the fridge.
Hi I have a Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad and I love it. I am a handicapped woman over three hundred pounds(just a little,lol) and heat is a serious issue for me. My family and I go to WDW for two weeks every September and it is hot. I bought one of these pads and it comes in a airtight reusable container so it stays moist and cool all day without having to re wet it. If it can cool a woman of my demensions in the September Florida heat when I am having an added hormonal power surge than I would say that it could almost handle to heat on the sun,lol. Invest in one they aren’t expensive and they are a good size so you could probably cut a big one in half for the younger people in your group. Have fun on your next trip everyone.
The candle idea is great! I did that with our disneymoon (Carribean Escape from Bath and body works) and I will forever associate the scent with our perfect week at CBR. Jerky idea is brilliant, and I plan on copying Sarah’s hat idea for our next trip too. She always looks so elegant! My favorite shoes for traveling are Clarks. For insanely comfortable sandels they have some really cute girly options.
$1 glow-in-the-dark nail polish for the black-light rides (if you’re there longer than a couple of days, you’ll need touch-up) – NOTE – may irritate your husband at bedtime when you are glowing & he’s trying to go to sleep
Haha, nice tip!
Love it I’ve been doing it wearing it for years when we go it just seems to add a lil bit of extra magick to the experience.
I love this idea! I put together a “surprise” filled bag for my tween for our yearly visit….ideas are getting hard to come by.
LOVE this one, made me giggle, as do a lot of things on this site. Our first trip in Sep 2014 coming up (from South Africa) and I will definitely buy some “glow in the dark” nail polish!
Hi Tom!
Love these tips! Can’t wait to go shopping for the next trip. Also, the candle idea is soo great! I actually make candles and will definitely be bringing on the next trip to wdw! 🙂
This is a great list! I would add, for footwear, especially during the rainy season, Tevas. (Tevas are sometimes called River Shoes.) Like the Mens Hurricane XLT. When everyone scrambles for the buses, or stores, with a downpour, it’s great to bring out a slicker, and continue on the rides.
Tevas are also great for the HOT months. (I would imagine just as cool as crocs or sandals.)
(I will say that you may need to break them in a little before a trip.)
I used to wear Tevas all the time, and I loved them. Great for rafting or water sports.
I wore Teva’s for my first trip to Disney in August this year and they were PERFECT! Comfortable, dried quickly after water rides, and left my feet cool.
I’m going for my honeymoon this upcoming September and my fiance and I are both planning on wearing our Chaco sandals the entire week…those things are great! They go from wet to dry and back again with hardly a problem. I’d make sure to break them in first, though. We’ve had ours since we were camp counselors in college. I also wore mine all over Europe – they handle hiking through creeks and walking on cobblestones equally well!
Chacos are amazing! I wore those and Under Armour tennis shoes the whole time we were there. I didn’t get blisters, but my feet did ache. I will definitely try some of these things when we go at Christmas!
I LOVE the candle idea! And for those that are nervous about burning a candle in a hotel room (you know, like those that have kids running around) I would suggest the little room sprays from Bath and Body Works. They have some great fragrances!
I have been traveling with plug in room fragrances for years, but never thought about finding a “scent” for the memory. I just take one because you never know what kind of smell a room might have from previous guests, cleaning products, etc. It’s just nice to have a fresh scent – I use Febreeze plug ins, but Glade makes them too.
Ha, that’s just as good of a reason to use one!
The amazon tip is great! Thanks! I didn’t realize that the resort would hold packages. I never heard of the Brita Filter bottle i must get it. WDW water is aweful! The Starbucks VIA another great idea! And the candle idea is awesome! My sisters perfume will forever remind me of Disney since that was all I smelled the whole week. It’s be nice to have a different scent to remind me of Disney!
I always bring Body Glide. I apply it to the entire bottom of my feet then put on moisture wicking socks. I haven’t had a blister in 10 trips.
I’ll right away clutch your rss feed as I can’t in finding your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please allow me understand so that I may subscribe. Thanks.
Consider packing and shipping items prior to your arrival. You’ll be able to navigate through the airports quicker, especially if traveling with children.
I’m concerned with the safety of a backpack when we ride some of the more intense attractions, like the roller coasters or water rides. I know lockers are made available near such places but there some great photo ops that can be had while on the lines to these attractions. What do you guys tend to do with your stuff, as I know you carry multiple large cameras around the park each day?
Personally I carry an across the body bag or a one shoulder bag. It’s small enough that it’s not a hassle to carry around and get on rides but it has enough room for all the essentials. I have a small point and shoot (hoping for a better camera for Christmas!) and I usually make sure I bring some bubble wrap or a small towel and wrap my camera in it’s own bag if I’m concerned about it on rides.
Most of the rides have bag holders on the ride (large net pouches, with elastic at the top to help hold your items in), so you can keep your stuff with you. If they don’t have it, it’s usually not that crazy of a ride, so you can just hold it. I usually bring a mini backpack, and there’s more than enough room to stuff that in the on-ride storage.
Tom,
I’ll add one more to the list of must haves as far as I’m concerned: Body Glide. You’re skinny, so you never have this problem, but I’m a bigger guy and my muscular (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it) thighs rub together. After a hot day in the parks it gets VERY uncomfortable. Ever since I found this stuff, I won’t travel to Disney World without it.
BodyGlide Anti-Chafing Stick 2.5oz
Body glide is so great for hot, humid days. I bought it for running, but I use it on vacations like Disney as well. Highly recommended.
I’m concerned with the safety of a backpack when we ride some of the more intense attractions, like the roller coasters or water rides. I know lockers are made available near such places but there some great photo ops that can be had while on the lines to these attractions. What do you guys tend to do with your stuff, as I know you carry multiple large cameras around the park each day?
I apologize, I hit the wrong reply.
I plan on taking my awesome DSLR camera but will also always have my iphone with me for those moments when i can’t carry my big camera. I will take a ziplock baggie to store my cell phone in. Some of the lines are (almost) as fun as the ride!
Spandex people!!! I know this sounds funny but when I was in the Army Basic training, they made us buy Spandex for doing PT we would wear them under out shorts, and they are awesome!!! I am also a bigger guy and these will just replace your underwear. and at around 2-3 dollars a pair you can’t go wrong.
omg I was in the army too we should hook up sometime
LOL my “muscular” thighs have the same problem. Great tip as Ive never heard of it.
Your link for Sarah’s dress buying info doesn’t seem right… I THINK you’re aiming for this now, but…
https://www.disneytouristblog.com/disney-trip-planning/disney-dress-clothing-tips/
How soon before your trip do you place your Amazon order if shipping directly to the resort? Is there a time frame how long the resort will hold the package for you? I’m thinking of doing this for our next trip. Always enjoy reading your blog posts!
We order about five days before we leave. The resort will hold items for 10 days.
Holy Cow, the candle idea is genius. GENIUS. Scent brings back memories faster than any other sense… think about when you smell something that smells like your grandmother’s home. Or if you smell the perfume your wife used to wear when you were first dating. INSTANT memories.
Seriously, that is an amazing idea. We are so doing this from now on. Thank you!!!
Ha, glad you like the idea! I’m telling you…Sun & Sand! You can thank me later!!!
When I went on my ambassador trip to Europe I took a bottle of “Love Spell” body fragrence from Victoria Secret. Sometime during the trip the top came of and my entire suit case smelled of “Love Spell”. To this day whenever I smell that scent memories of Europe come flooding back. Now I always “accidently” leave the cap off a fragrence in my luggage when I travel. 😉
Crazy how smells can become almost embedded in our memories and associated with things!
I’m somewhat confused about the candle tip. Do you actually burn a candle in your hotel room?
Yes, we burn a candle in our hotel room.
To save $$$ and space while traveling, YC also sells the Room Sprays of most scents (they recently did a sale on cans at 2 for $10!) Much easier (and lighter) to pack, and when you return home you can purchase the larger candle to burn at home. I recommend ‘Sun & Sand’ as well, and I recently tried ‘Forget Me Not’, a delightful spring-like scent. My Husband and I now use the sprays in our cars, too. 🙂
This is an AWESOME tip. Thanks for sharing!
It is absolutely true that smell is the strongest sense linked to memory. I always talk to people about this scientific nugget 🙂
The first time I ever used Coppertone spray-on sunblock was the first trip I took to DLR with my now wife, the trip on which I proposed to her. Now whenever I use the sunblock during the summer, as soon as it hits my nose I am taken to that trip and that day!
May have to bring a new scent with us for our December trip this year!
Cool Runnings all!
Gary
Yankee Candle does an “Almost Anywhere Jar” with a suction cup and magnet on the back for small spaces like gym lockers or in this case, hotel rooms. The scent lasst 4 weeks, according to their website and the price was $5.49. I did not see dimensions but I think I did see them in a store last week and I believe they would do the trick. I knew I should have bought one for our Disney trip in November.
I am thinking about purchasing one of these “mouse inspired” scents: http://www.walterandrosie.com
Are you sure? I tried one and I didn’t like it.
3 more words… Scented body wash!!! That plus lotion and body spray in the same scent does it for me. Too bad bath & body works no longer carries Mango Mandarin. That was my Disney scent.
While I had most of those items on my list, there were some I hadn’t though of. Now I need to find a candle to bring with us when we go in September! Love that aspect of bringing the scent home with you and remembering a trip.
for any trip that is before October, Sun & Sand is an AWESOME scent! I love that one, but hate that it rarely goes on sale at YC.
I love the scent tip!! I will bring a candle thing!!! Im so excited!!! We like Nest-Bamboo Scent candle!
Moleskin is aammaazzziinng- I could not do Disney without it. My new favourite is Blister Stick. It’s more expensive than Moleskin but easier when you’re in a rush.
Love the list!
I agree 100% – Moleskin saved my vacation last year. My blisters (which I never get) were so bad that I could barely walk, then the person in Pop Century’s concession stand told me about this wonderful product. Worth every penny!
Totally agree. I don’t know how we toured before it. Thank you, moles for having such great skin!!! 😉
Hypafix is wonderful. Thinner than moleskin and stays on for days. Great when you feel that hot spot coming before the blister.
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I wanted to add that padded moleskin is best for me. Regular moleskin helps, but the padded one is amazing!!!
Blister stick…do you have a link to it? I just want to make sure I check out the correct brand and don’t buy something generic that resembles the product but really isn’t the same!
As an avid hiker. I would recommend wrapping duct tape around a pencil several times throw it in a purse or backpack and use it in lieu of moleskin. The adhesive will last longer than moleskin and costs a lot less.
Whenever I am heading out for an extended walk / hike I put duct tape on the typical hot spots on my and kids feet. Then there is no worry about blisters developing.
I’ll have to give this a try!
re: blister stick – Dr. Scholls and Band-Aid both make one. On the DIS they seem to be more popular with some than Body Glide.
Hmn.. I Think Any Brand Of Deodorant Will Do… But, If You Want THAT Kind, Try And Find It On Amazon! Sorry If I Came Across As Mean/Rude.. I’m Just Really Excited For My Trip To Disney Next Week! -Roselyn
I have discovered Orthaheel sandals that have an excellent arch support. I have navigated the parks from morning to late evening wearing Orthaheels with no foot pain or blisters at all. Great to relieve lower back pain and knee aches. They are available in both women and men’s styles. If you order a pair to try from Zappos.com and don’t like them, you can return them without having to pay for shipping.
Thanks for the tip on these. I’ll tell Sarah about them!
I have tried Orthaheel shoes a number of times as well as a number of styles and for me they are terrible. My feet already over pronate (I hope that is the proper term) (Turn outward)so the extreme arch in the Orthaheel shoes just pushes my feet out even more causing my ankles to swell from the pushing which actually cause my lower back to hurt. I love my Okabashi flip flops with built-in arch support that is not as drastic.
I have literally no arch and my doctor recommends orthoheel to me and they have made my feet less flat and it corrects your arch so obviously it’s going to be uncomfortable for the first few weeks if your arches are bad
I’m quite a bit overweight and arch support is a MUST for me. I have worn my Orthaheel sandals all day long when touring the parks and they are fantastic!! For me, they are even better than walking shoes. In cooler weather, I wear Japanese tabi socks with them (which I get in Japan in World Showcase). Wouldn’t be without them. They ARE a bit pricey for sandals but, for me, worth every single penny!!
Me too! It is so much better than foot pads.
I now know though we’re going next year
I thought the chill pad was not convenient I found it hard to find any where in stores or online so if any body finds it let me know !!!!!!!!!!!
Awsome me and 2 friends are going and nan and grandad we now know what to take thx
Ps you could put stuff for kids thx
Merrell Hydro Hiker Hiker Running Shoe are very comfortable and will dry quickly. They have a covered heel so my feet don’t get tired as fast.