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 article and I’m posting way after the fact but….WHERE DID SHE GET THAT DISNEYLAND TSHIRT?!?!?!?
Stumbled on your site earlier today and have been reading ever since! Going to WDW for the first time in Sept and this packing list is GREAT!!! I never would have thought of half of the stuff on here. Thanks!!!!
No problem. Report back on how the items work out for you if you have a chance! 🙂
Great suggestions! I was so concerned about my iPhone possibly losing its charge in the afternoon since I would be checking it for waiting times/FP+ times/dinner reservations/etc., but I just ordered the “lipstick sized” external battery charger and I am no longer worried. Also added the USB strip to my packing list AND beef jerky for treats, love it! Great site and thanks for all your tips.
No problem–glad we could help. If you think of anything else that would be useful to pack, let us know so we can try it out!
I love your blog!
Quick question what shoes would you suggest are the best for kids and myself?
Also where can I purchase a frogs chilly pad? Maybe you said but I didn’t catch it?
Disney trip in 2 months!
Great guide! writing down these items and adding them to the list of things we need for our trip in May. THANKS!
We have brought candles to Disney for over 15 years and I agree with the Beach Scents. I also have moleskin and have packed that for over 20 years. In 2008, we got the purple boxes so all that stuff no longer has to be packed. It is waiting for us when we get there.
Glow sticks!!! I have a daughter who the first visit was terrified of the dark rides, so when we went back a year later we covered her in glow sticks. She did much better and no one was offended.
That’s an interesting idea. Do they not cast light onto the scene in rides like Haunted Mansion? Especially in places like the Seance Room where you’re facing other rides, I think that would agitate other guests.
When we went I wore my Tevas (I had worn them all summer). But my feet were not ready for the humidity and heat along with long distance walking. Within the first 2hrs of being in the Magic Kingdom (Day 1 of our 5 day vacay) I already had hot spots on the bottoms of my feet.
By the next day I had a total of 6 blisters that pretty much covered the balls of my feet and the tops of my toes. Moleskin would not stick and either would any kind of bandage tape. Luckily, I know that hikers in our area use duct tape when they go out on long treks. So, I ended up asking the Maintenance guys at our resort for some duct tape. They thought I was nuts and I almost didn’t get it from them. But, I was able to score it and I wore it the rest of the trip. It worked like a charm!!!!
So – I will NEVER go to DisneyWorld again without a roll of duct tape. I already have our roll for our Oct trip (it is Mickey Mouse Duct Tape). It may not look cool with sandals, but at least I can walk!!!!
I hear people talking about applying moleskin or duct tape, but how do you apply it? Someone mentioned wrapping it around a pencil. Do you put it between your shoe and foot? Or on your foot? (sounds strange) LOL
I’m also going in Oct (just before Halloween) Any suggestions for Oct or Halloween in Disney World?
I Really Enjoy Going Through This and It Is Going To Help Me A Ton For Packing When I Go! Thanks So Much
Do you have any footwear suggestions for someone with a painful scar? I have a scar running from the ball of my foot to my heel on the inside of my right foot that hurts if ANYTHING rubs against it. I’m going to Disney for more than a week this summer and would really love some help. I need something with good arch support as well, since the injury the scar is from (I had surgery) is in the arch.
Chaco sandals!! They come in several varieties. I have a pair of flip flops and sandals. They have great arch support, and dry quickly (originally designed for hiking). My sandals have straps over the top and around the toes, but none around heel.
Another cool idea for kids (or adults!) who are avid pin traders, as buying pins in the park can be super $$$: Before the last trip I took with my nieces and nephews, I hit up eBay for ‘pin fodder’ (the term many refer to for pins you want to trade, not keep). You can usually get a pin lot in denominations of 25, 50, or even more, for a fraction of the cost (example: I ended up winning an auction for 25 pins for around $35, which included free shipping). That’s only a little over $1/pin! I then divided them up into goodie bags for each kid so they had pins to trade immediately when we got there (handed them out the night before our first day in the parks as a surprise). My sisters/brothers-in-law thanked me profusely! Yes, vacation is a time for treats, but no parent (or Auntie, for that matter!) wants to bleed money buying pins, esp. for the sole for the purpose of trading. Plus, it allowed the kids to save their spending $ for that ‘special pin’ that they want, but will never trade, and still enjoy the fun of trading 🙂 WIN WIN!
Thanks, I looked up Amazon and Ebay the past few days, and upon reading the reviews and comparing pins to the official ones, I have to say I have not found a legit set. A lot of the reviews say they were cheap knock-offs, and it wouldn’t be right to trade them for official ones from the Characters and other kids, so I’ll probably just end up buying a few pins that my kid picks out. Real shame about the Ebay sets. They did look good.
I’ve bought traders from eBay sellers several times, and they’ve always turned out to be real, authentic Disney pins. No problems whatsoever in trading them.
Same here (as Beth). We’ve bought from eBay every trip and have always gotten legit Disney pins. For my upcoming trip, I bought 3 lots of 25 pins and only ended up paying about 50 cents a pin including shipping (which was free with the seller we used, I believe). There were even some pins in each purchase that we chose to keep because we liked them so much.
I love this blog, and all it has to offer. I’ve been to Disneyland only once, and that was 4 years ago with an 18month old baby giant, and a 6year old girl, and my husband. It was all of our first time. We pretty much just puttered around and enjoyed all we could. Now, I have a 6 year old boy, and a 10 year old girl, and my husband can’t get the time off to join us on our trip – so I’m going it as a single parent with 2 kids. Your packing list is fantastic.
A couple of questions, as before we took a stroller in, and it was a life saver for all the ‘stuff’ we packed in there. Now, with older kids, we don’t have that benefit/burden! Can you come up with a list or fill me in on what you take INTO the park? I have no problem with backpacks for all three of us, but want to know what to actually take in the park. And what you do with the large camera’s and bags when you are on a wet or fun ride that might loose items.
My fear is hauling in and hauling around too much stuff, but also being on a tight budget – not wanting to have to purchase everything in the park. We are not staying near the park, and will have to drive in and back each day/night.
We will be going in March with two kids and a stroller in tow. But we’ll just take the essentials which might help. 1 one shoulder strap bag that goes around diagonally to carry the camera, accessories like extra battery and back up lens. I’ll be carrying them on rides except for the wet one with my older boy. There’s a two hour free locker, but my wife will hang on to the bag on that one ride. 2 Lots of large zip lock bags and extra socks and kid’s shoes. 3 Sunscreen, chapstick and bodyglide. 4 Light wind blockers for the evenings. 5 Brita water bottles but they’ll give out free water if you are willing to wait for water in yet another line. 6 Little kids so mini first aid kit, although there is a first aid station. And diapers etc. in the strollers. 7 Autograph books with retractable sharpie. 8 Neck wallet with one credit card one debit and some cash and hotel stuff. 9 Finally beef jerkys, plenty of it with a madeline bread that comes in individual bags from Costco. Perhaps Tom can fill in anything else missing.
I like to toss in a towel from the hotel room everyday – in case it rains, you can wipe off seats, people, etc., plus gives a little cushion on the curb for parade waits. But I have read about the swimmer’s towels for this same purpose that take up MUCH less space and am seriously considering the investment for our next trip.
I’m here at Magic Kingdom as we speak. I’m wishing I had thought to pack ear plugs. It’s New Year’s Eve and they have passed out party horns to thousands of people this afternoon. The noise is deafening!
Also, if you stay at the Disney Dolphin hotel, the handling charge is $6 if you have packages sent to the hotel.
Haha, ear plugs SHOULD be on the list for NYE. I remember having that same problem as you, too. Here’s hoping you still had a great time! 🙂
We haven’t been to disney in three years since our littles came along and we’ve only ever done one day but there are few things we love to take.
1) glow sticks. There great for parades, fireworks, and any other after dark activity. I can get a 12 pack at the dollar store. There 3-4 a piece at disney!
2) fat sharpie click it markers. If your going to do character meet and greets these are must haves. The charters can grip them easily and you don’t have the hassle of cap gets lost or com no off in a bag or purse.
3)zip lock baggies. I use these for everything! We take extra socks in and when are feet and socks get sweaty or soaked from a water ride we strip them off put them in a bag and put on nice dry ones. We use them to keep wallets, phones, and camers from getting wet as well. There great and a must have for us.
I love your scent suggestion will be adding this to our next trip packing list 🙂
Glow-stuff is a great recommendation! It always amazes me to see people buying those things at those prices, but I understand it can be tough to say no to the kids on vacation!
I like to pack 2 clothes pins for the hotel curtains that seem to have a gap. Good for rooms that face bright parking lights or for sleeping in without the morning sun coming through the hotel curtains.
Binder clips! They’re great for holding curtains closed, chip bags closed, papers/brochures together, holding bathing suits together over the shower rod and 1,000 other uses.
Also – not a packing tip, but regarding taking lots of photos: please hand your camera to a Cast Member or other adult and get in the picture with your kids!! I scrapbook for friends and family a lot, and one thing I’ve noticed is parents take lots of pics of the kids, but few of themselves. In 10-20 years, your kids will want to see what YOU looked like on that special trip!
A new book called “Disney Junior Encyclopedia of Animated Characters” is being released on June 3, 2014. It will be updated with characters from movies like Frozen and Wreak it Ralph. We have pre ordered 2 for our Christmas 2014 trip. This has been the best way to cherish autographs. Each page is dedicated to a character and along with a multi pack of retractable sharpie markers this book has been a great way to bring home the magic. I notebook autograph book loses its charm over time but a real life Disney book can be placed on the bookshelf and be read as a book. Each character signs their own page with a different coloured sharpie marker chosen by our kids. The book is quite large which may not suit the needs of many travellers. Our children are very young and seeing characters and obtaining autographs is a high priority.
Where can I preorder this book at?! We’ve been searching high & low for it!
I got it at Barnes & Noble. They have a website if there’s not one near you.
So many great tips! I love my New Trent 12000 mHz charger — 4-5 full iPhone charges and you can charge two items at once (any USB items).
For our room we bring a collapsible laundry basket as well as a over the door hanging pocket organizer (to put small items in so the counters are not so cluttered.
Great tip on the collapsible laundry basket. I hate clutter, too, so that’s a great idea!
Monistat Anti Chafing Gel works wonders! And ladies, it’s also great for under your make up and is so much cheaper than what you’d buy at the store.
Check out Garden Grocer for delivers to your resort. We used them last time and it worked out great.
Zip loc bags for everything! Pack extra clothes for the park, store your valuables so they don’t get wet, put wet clothes in… invaluable!
Get a cheap outdoor tablecloth from a dollar store for those days it rains and you want to sit down and wait for a parade.
Most importantly, bring a happy attitude! 🙂
Love your second to last tip about the tablecloth, but really love that last tip! SO IMPORTANT! 🙂
We always bring shower curtain liners from the Dollar store in case we have to sit on wet ground…just toss them when you’re done!
These are awesome tips. Thanks for putting all this together. There is much discussion surrounding adult shoes and comfort for walking the parks, but does anyone have a favorite brand of shoes for kids on the trip? I have 2 boys; a 7 yr old and a 3 yr old who are going for the first time and I want the trip to be as enjoyable as possible for them. Thanks so much!!
We are leaving in 10 days for my 3 year olds first Disney Trip! My husband hasn’t been since he was 5 and I haven’t been in quite awhile! Any tips to make this the most memorable trip ever! I have read alot off these tips and writing it all down, making my list!
My best response is to just have fun and let loose. Also remember to take a lot of pictures, and the candle idea is great. And something to play a little soft music at night to drown out the sound of any teenagers or pitter patter in the hallways, and earplugs for sensitive ears in the parks for sound or water.