Disney World Packing: Essentials For A Magical Vacation

what to pack when traveling to disney world

Planning a trip to Disney World? It's the ultimate travel destination, but preparing for your trip can be overwhelming. So, we've put together a packing list to help you formulate your own list of what to bring on your trip.

First, the essentials: travel documents, wallet, tickets, phone, charger, and comfortable walking shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure your feet are happy! You'll also want to bring a lightweight backpack to hold all your essentials, like tickets, ponchos, sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, and phone chargers.

Next, consider the weather. It's usually warm and sunny in Orlando, so pack accordingly. Bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. It's also a good idea to bring a rain jacket or poncho, as it can rain even when clear skies are forecast.

You'll also want to stay hydrated, so pack a refillable water bottle. And if you want to save some money, bring your own snacks into the park.

Finally, don't forget the fun stuff! If you're visiting with kids, bring autograph books, glow sticks, and small toys to keep them entertained. And don't forget your Mickey Ears!

Characteristics Values
Travel documents Wallet, ID, travel insurance, travel confirmation, tickets, cash, credit card, Disney gift cards
Electronics Phone, camera, portable charger, Anker 3-port charging block, Anker Nano Portable Charger, Anker Zolo 10,000mAh 30W Portable Charger, Anker Slimline Phone Charger 10,000mAh Battery, Anker 20,000mAh 22.5W High Speed Charging Portable Charger, Anker 3-Port Charging Block, Anker Outlet Extender, Anker 4-Port USB Phone Charger, Apple AirTags
Entertainment Books, magazines, games
Clothing Outfit for each day, extra clothing, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, bathing suits, underwear, socks, flip-flops, hoodie, jeans, pants, Disney-themed clothing
Toiletries Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush, hair ties, makeup, makeup setting spray, hair spray, moisturiser, deodorant, hand sanitiser, hand wipes, wet wipes, tissues, feminine hygiene products, shaving products
Medication Motion sickness medication, painkillers, antihistamines, anti-nausea medication, anti-inflammatory medication, prescription medication
Other Water bottle, snacks, autograph book, sharpie, glow sticks, lanyard, reusable straws, hand fan, umbrella, blanket, poncho, laundry detergent, nightlight, earplugs, chewing gum, sunglasses strap, blister plasters, travel laundry detergent, travel blanket, travel pillow, travel hamper

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Travel documents, wallet, tickets, cash, phone, and charger

When packing for a trip to Disney World, it's important to stay organised and ensure you have all your essential items. Here are some tips for packing travel documents, wallets, tickets, cash, phones, and chargers.

Travel Documents

Make sure you have all your essential documents before you leave for your trip. This includes your ID (such as a driver's license), credit card, and any Disney gift cards you may have. It's also a good idea to bring some cash, just in case. If you've booked transportation, airline tickets, or hotel reservations, be sure to bring email confirmations or physical copies. Don't forget your passport if you're travelling internationally!

Wallet

Keep your wallet secure and ensure it has all the necessary contents, such as your ID, credit or debit cards, and cash. You may also want to bring a lanyard or neck wallet to store your cards and cash, especially if you plan on carrying multiple items in your park bag.

Tickets

Have your park tickets readily available, either physically or on your phone. If you have Magic Bands, bring those along too. It's always a good idea to have hard copies of your tickets and reservations as a backup, in case of phone or internet issues.

Phone

Your phone will be your lifeline during your trip, so make sure it's packed and fully charged before you leave. You may also want to download any relevant apps, such as the My Disney Experience app, which can help you keep track of reservations, park information, and more.

Charger

Don't forget your phone charger! It's also a good idea to bring a portable charger or power bank to ensure your phone stays charged throughout the day. With all the photos, videos, and app usage, your battery may drain faster than usual.

Other Tips

  • Keep your travel documents and tickets together in a secure place, such as a folder or envelope, to avoid misplacing them.
  • Make a checklist of all the items you need to pack, including your travel documents, wallet, tickets, cash, phone, and charger. This will help ensure you don't forget anything important.
  • If you're travelling with family or friends, designate a specific place to store everyone's travel documents and tickets together to avoid any last-minute panics.
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Clothes, shoes, and toiletries

When packing clothes for Disney World, it's important to consider the weather and the amount of walking you'll be doing. In Florida, the weather is usually warm, and there's a good chance of rain, so pack accordingly. Bring comfortable walking shoes—you'll be walking a lot!—and consider bringing two pairs if you want to alternate between them to give your feet a rest.

In terms of clothing, pack casual, athletic, or Disney-themed attire. You'll be spending a lot of time outdoors and walking around, so pack clothes that are comfortable and breathable. Don't forget to bring a lightweight jacket or hoodie for cooler evenings or air-conditioned restaurants. If you plan on dining at any signature restaurants, check their dress code, which usually includes resort casual attire.

It's also a good idea to bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. If you're visiting a water park or the resort pool, don't forget to pack a bathing suit.

When it comes to toiletries, the essentials include toothpaste, toothbrushes, and sunscreen. You'll likely be exposed to the sun a lot, so be sure to bring enough sunscreen to reapply throughout the day. Consider bringing aloe vera gel in case you get sunburnt. Hand sanitiser, hand wipes, and tissues are also useful to have on hand.

If you're particular about the shampoo and body wash provided by hotels, be sure to bring your own travel-sized versions. Other useful toiletries include pain relievers, anti-chafing balm, and blister pads to prevent or treat blisters from all the walking.

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Snacks and water bottles

Buy in Advance or Bring Your Own

It is recommended to buy snacks and water bottles in advance and have them delivered to your hotel. This will save you money, as food and drinks in the park can be expensive. Alternatively, you can bring your own snacks and drinks, which is allowed as long as the food doesn't require heating and drinks aren't in glass containers.

Save Money and Stay Hydrated

Bringing your own snacks and water will help you save money and stay hydrated while enjoying the park. The Florida sun can be intense, so it is crucial to have easy access to water throughout the day. Reusable water bottles are the best option, as there are many refill stations in the park.

Save Space

If you want to save space in your luggage, consider bringing collapsible water bottles. This way, you can easily pack them in your suitcase and refill them once you arrive at Disney World.

Stay Cool

To beat the Florida heat, consider freezing your water bottles before heading to the park. This will help keep your body temperature down while carrying your bag and provide you with cool water throughout the day.

Healthy Snack Options

When choosing snacks to bring to Disney World, opt for healthy options that will give you energy. Good choices include granola bars, pre-cut fruit, protein bars, and beef sticks. These snacks will fuel your body and keep you going through the long days of walking and exploring.

Keep Snacks Fresh

If you're bringing snacks that need to stay fresh, such as fruit or certain types of protein bars, consider investing in a small cooler. This will help keep your snacks cool and fresh, especially if you're spending a full day at the park.

Plan Ahead

Make sure to plan and pack enough snacks and water for each day you'll be at Disney World. It is recommended to bring at least two outfits per day for children and about 1.5 for adults, so plan your snacks accordingly. You may also want to bring extra snacks to give to your children if they start to get tired or cranky.

Be Prepared for Long Days

Disney World involves a lot of walking, so it's important to stay energised. Pack a variety of snacks that will keep you going throughout the day. You may also want to bring a small cooler with ice packs to keep your snacks and water cool.

Don't Forget the Essentials

In addition to snacks and water, don't forget to pack other essentials like comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a lightweight backpack, and entertainment for waiting in lines. With these tips in mind, you'll be well prepared for a fun and enjoyable trip to Disney World!

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Entertainment and electronics

Entertainment

Disney is all about fun, so it's a good idea to pack some entertainment for those long queues. Consider packing some books, magazines, or games. If you're travelling with kids, you could also bring some toys and crafts to keep them amused.

Electronics

Electronics are a must-have to stay connected and capture memories. Here's a list of electronics to consider:

  • External battery charger and/or additional batteries
  • Multi-port USB charger
  • Power bank
  • Portable fan
  • Waterproof phone pouch
  • Reusable straws
  • Autograph book and sharpie
  • Glow sticks
  • Night lights
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Wet wipes

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Weather protection

Rain Gear

  • A pack of disposable ponchos or a rain jacket is essential for sudden downpours. Ponchos in the Disney parks can be pricey, so bringing your own is a smart move.
  • A compact travel umbrella is useful not only for rain but also for shielding yourself from the hot sun. Look for a small, lightweight option that fits easily into your purse or backpack.
  • Pack a few extra plastic bags or Ziploc bags to keep your essentials dry, especially on water rides or during rain. These bags can also be handy for separating wet or dirty clothes from clean ones.

Sun Protection

  • Sunscreen is a must-have to protect your skin from the intense Florida sun. Opt for a sunscreen lotion instead of a spray, as it's easier to apply indoors or in crowded areas.
  • A wide-brimmed hat or ball cap can provide shade and keep your head cool.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection will protect your eyes and reduce glare. Consider bringing a couple of cheap pairs as backups in case you lose or damage them.
  • If you're particularly sensitive to the sun, consider a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt and lightweight pants for added protection.
  • Stay hydrated by bringing a refillable water bottle. There are water fountains, restaurants, and hotels where you can refill your bottle throughout the day.

Heat Management

  • A portable or clip-on fan can be a lifesaver when waiting in lines or sitting outdoors. Look for battery-operated or rechargeable options.
  • Cooling towels or cooling pads use space-age materials to keep you cool and dry. They can provide relief from the heat and are easy to reactivate by wringing them out and snapping them.
  • Handheld fans or foldable fans can also help you stay cool.
  • Breathable and lightweight clothing, such as quick-drying underwear and sweat-wicking socks, will make a big difference in your comfort.
  • Blisters prevention products, such as moleskin or anti-chafe balm, will protect your feet from the effects of extensive walking in warm weather.

Frequently asked questions

Essentials include travel documents, wallet, tickets, a refillable water bottle, compact battery chargers, phone charging cords, comfortable walking shoes, a lightweight backpack, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

Disney allows guests to bring food into the park that does not require any heating. It is also recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks to save money.

You can bring small coolers, as long as they don't contain loose or dry ice, and are not larger than 24" long x 15" wide x 18" high. You can also bring your own reusable straws, as Disney no longer provides plastic straws.

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