It’s intimidating to plan for a Walt Disney World trip. Packing for the Disney parks can also be difficult because you’ll want to have everything you may need with you. If you are staying on property, and don’t have a car, you probably won’t want to have to leave to shop for things you are missing.
While all of the Walt Disney World resort hotels have gift shops, you may not find the exact brands you are used to. So, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and pack everything you may need (keeping in mind airline baggage limits). Here are our suggestions and tips for how to pack for Disney World.
Below, you’ll find two downloadable theme park packing lists. These are general lists and should be used as a starting point for your packing. We don’t guarantee that they will include everything you need.
The master list is for whoever is packing for the family and includes items that everyone will need plus personal items. I recommend giving the other lists to your kids (if they are old enough) to let them start the process, and then you can check everything before it goes into the suitcase.
Before starting to pack for Disney World, take a look at the list of prohibited items on their website. You’ll want to make sure you don’t pack these items because you won’t be able to take them into the parks. Prohibited items include strollers of a certain size, glass containers (except for baby food) selfie sticks, wagons, rolling coolers, folding chairs, toys that look like weapons, and more. The ESPN Wide World of Sports also has a separate list of prohibited items.
You’ll also want to have a general idea of what your plans are. For example, if you are planning to visit the Disney water parks – Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, you’ll also want to make sure you pack enough bathing suits and sunscreen. The signature restaurants also have their own dress code, so you may need to pack some nicer clothes.
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Tips: Packing for Disney World
What to Wear to Walt Disney World
Clothes are going to be the most important thing you pack. Walt Disney World is very casual, but certain restaurants have slightly more upscale dress codes. I typically find that I change my clothes for dinner in the evening, especially if it’s hot outside. While there are laundry facilities at the Disney resorts, you probably won’t want to spend too much time washing clothes on your vacation.
We have an overview of what to wear to Walt Disney World by month here. It looks at the average weather patterns to recommend some things to wear. But I also highly recommend looking at the weather forecast right before you pack to make sure you know what to expect in terms of temperature.
If you have a child who has a special favorite character, you may want to buy Disney-themed clothes before you go. There are some great options on the Disney Store website that you can have sent to your house in time to pack for your trip.
It’s also important to remember that you will be doing a lot of walking – probably much more than you are used to. So, you’ll want comfortable walking shoes. I recommend packing several pairs of comfortable shoes so you can switch them out if one pair becomes too uncomfortable.
Bathing Suits
Whether you are planning a full pool/water park day, or just want to cool down in the afternoon, I’d recommend packing at least two swimsuits. There are so many opportunities to swim, and you won’t want to wear a wet bathing suit.
For a standard trip to Disney World (no water park), I’ll usually pack two swimsuits. That way, you can let one dry when you use the other one. You’ll also want shoes to wear down to the pool/waterpark (flip-flops work great for this). For water slides, make sure the swimsuits you pack are nice and secure.
For those inevitable wet items that somehow have to get home in your luggage, I’d recommend bringing along these pouches from Aloha Collection. They will keep the other items in your bag from getting wet as well. You may also want to pack a bag that you can use to bring your stuff to and from the pool/waterpark.
Rain Gear
Central Florida is prone to heavy, quick-moving rain storms. So while you may go to the theme parks in nice, sunny weather, you still may experience one of these storms.
Most of the Disney World gift shops sell rain ponchos that work well in a pinch. You can also purchase rain ponchos at home and bring them with you. You can usually get better quality ponchos outside the parks (and maybe save money), so try to pack a rain poncho or rain jacket if you have room in your suitcase.
The Best Types of Bags for Disney World
You’ll be carrying many things around with you for your entire Walt Disney World trip. From your carry-on bag on the flight to your standard day bag at the parks, you’ll need to make sure you have the right carrier for your belongings.
Depending on what you are carrying, you’ll have different bag options. For instance, if you need to carry diapers and baby food, you’ll need a larger bag. But, you’ll also have a stroller that you can use for storage.
My three recommendations are either a tote bag (for the least amount of items), a sling bag (for a medium amount of items), or a backpack (for the most amount of items). Regardless of which type of bag you choose, you’ll want something that closes on top. That way, if you go on a rollercoaster, you won’t have to worry about things falling out.
I’d also suggest finding a nice, lightweight bag. It can be heavy to carry a bag all day, and it’s good to start with something that is light. I really like my Aloha tote – it’s light, water-resistant, and has a zip-top. It’s also very packable, so I can just stuff it in my larger luggage.
Lockers are available in the theme parks. But keep in mind that you’ll need to go back to that location to retrieve your items. So, they aren’t practical for things you’ll want to have throughout the day.
Don’t forget important items like your ID, credit cards, and cash. There’s a first aid station at each park, so you don’t necessarily need to pack a first aid kit.
Refillable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is so important when you are in the heat and are active. Disney offers refillable water stations that you can use throughout the day using your own water bottle. Bring along a refillable reusable water bottle for every member of the family, and you’ll always have drinking water. If it gets too warm, you can get ice from the quick service locations.
Lip Balm and Sunscreen
That Florida sun is hot, so you’ll want to have plenty of sunscreen and lip balm with SPF. The gift shops do sell it, but you may not find your preferred brand, and you’ll pay a premium.
When you pack for Disney World, be sure to bring along smaller, trial-size sunscreen as well. These are perfect to tuck into your Disney Day bag so that you can reapply throughout the day. Apply your first round of sunscreen before you leave for the day from the larger size bottle that you can keep in your hotel room.
Portable Charger
We all use our smartphones so much now, and you are likely to face a low/dead battery at some point during the day. When traveling to Disney World, you’ll need your phone for Genie, Genie+, mobile ordering, and more. Pack a portable phone charger in your park bag and fully charge it overnight so that you’ll be able to charge it whenever you need to.
Mouse Ears
Mickey ears have been so popular, and you’ll find lots of styles and designs in gift shops. If you’ve purchased Mickey ears in the past, and want to wear them on your family vacation, don’t forget to pack them.
Water Ride Products
Planning to go on Kali River Rapids? You may want to bring along something to keep your belongings dry while you are on the water rides. This could be as simple as some ziplock bags. Or, you may choose to get a plastic case for your cell phone to keep it dry. These will also be helpful if you are faced with a heavy rainstorm during the day.
Bug Spray
There are plenty of bugs in Central Florida, especially in the evenings. Pack a bottle of bug spray to make sure you are covered during your trip. Place it in a zip lock bag in your suitcase so it doesn’t leak all over your belongings.
General Packing Tips
Here are some general packing tips that we recommend:
- Consider using your park bag as your underseat luggage on your flight, to save space.
- Packing cubes can be a great way to keep your clothes organized and unwrinkled.
- Walt Disney World doesn’t offer luggage service anymore, so you’ll need to get your luggage at the baggage claim. Add a bright-colored scarf or tag so that it’s easy to identify.
- Don’t forget your autograph books if your kids have used them in the past. Or, you can buy them at home and bring them with you.
- Magic Bands aren’t given out anymore, but you can still use any you have at home. Pack them in your carry-on bag so that you can use them right away.
- Make sure you have the My Disney Experience app loaded on your phone. It will have all of your reservations and can even be used as your resort room key. I also like using it for mobile ordering at quick-service restaurants.
- If you want to collect pressed pennies as an affordable Disney souvenir, bring nice clean pennies and some quarters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are some restrictions on bag size, but an average-sized backpack is absolutely allowed.
Yes, but glass containers are not allowed.
Yes, outside food is permitted, with some restrictions. Alcohol and glass containers are not allowed.
