Disney World Packing List & Tips

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Once you’ve gone through all the steps to plan your Disney vacation, it’s time to turn your attention to preparing for departure. Packing for a Disney World vacation is slightly more complicated than meets the eye. There are a lot of components to a Disney trip, some of them unique to Disney World. It can be helpful to have a Disney World packing list as a guide to point you in the right direction.

This Disney packing list includes all the basics that everyone should have (it would be a bummer to forget your socks), but is also filled with many items which are unique to a Disney vacation. I hope this post gives you a good idea of what to pack for Disney World.

I will warn you, this post is lengthy and includes a lot of suggestions. No one should pack all of it, you would have a lot of luggage! However, go through and determine which of these unique Disney trip necessities are important for your family.

✅Want to cut to the chase? Click here for my Disney Packing List Essentials without having to read the whole post!

Disney World Packing List Printable

To make this even easier, I’ve put together a Disney World Packing List printable that can be yours for FREE! And yes, I even included the socks and underwear on the list! It’s a just a little something that includes most of the things on this post so you don’t forget anything important.

Disney Trip Necessities

Because no Disney vacation packing list would be complete without clothes, toiletries, and some basics, right? In an effort to try to remember all the Disney packing hacks, don’t forget to pack the standard items you need for any trip.

Disney Trip Essentials

While most of your Disney trip necessities will be saved in My Disney Experience (i.e. Dining, FastPass, and resort reservations) there are a few things you might need to remember to pack.

All of these things do not necessarily apply to everyone, but note down the ones that apply to you.

  • MagicBands or Park Tickets
  • Disney’s Magical Express letter and luggage tags
  • Annual Passholder Card
  • Disney Vacation Club Card
  • Tables in Wonderland Card
  • Face Masks (at least 2 per day per person)

Bit Belts

If you are worried about MagicBands becoming unsecured from little wrists and lost while you are out in the parks, then Bit Belts are your answer. These little “belts” slide onto your MagicBand and prevent them from being lost accidentally. They are really inexpensive and just give you some peace of mind.

Face Masks: The New Disney Packing List Essential

I truly hope that at some point in the near future I’ll be able to delete this section, but for now, here it is. If you bring nothing else, you need to make sure you bring face masks for the whole family. And make sure you understand all of Disney’s new face mask rules.

You want to make sure your masks are comfortable for long term wear since you’ll potentially be wearing it almost nonstop for hours. Also, you’ll probably want to have at least 2 masks for each person in the family, each day. You never know when one might get lost, wet, dirty, or who knows what else.

If you are looking for some cute Disney face masks for the whole family, check out the Face Mask Shop at the Disney Journey. I have masks in different characters, elastic earbands, ribbon ties, and more!

Disney face mask

Apparel

Whether you are packing for yourself or a family of 5, the basic clothes you should bring remain the same across age. Perhaps a few extra clothes for the kids, because you just never know what they might get into!

This example is specific to a week long Disney trip, so adjust accordingly based on your trip length.

  • 8 Shirts
  • 5-7 Shorts/Skorts/Skirts
  • 1-2 Sundresses
  • Undergarments
  • Pajamas
  • 1 Pair of Pants (more if going during the winter)
  • Socks
  • 2 pairs of comfy shoes (check out my favorite shoes for Disney)
  • Sandals
  • Nice Outfits for any nicer dinners
  • Bathing Suits/Cover ups
  • Lightweight jacket/sweater

Toiletries

Obviously, this list will vary significantly from family to family, but this should help cover some of the basic toiletries to bring to Disney World. There are a few items which I view as absolutely necessary for everyone to bring.

Moleskin (precut or also pack small scissors)

If you are worried about blisters or hot spots on your feet, moleskin is your very best friend. I never would have considered moleskin as a must-have until all the walking of Disney World. Even in the most comfortable pair of shoes, you just never know when you might start to get friction rubs or blisters. I tend to get them on my pinky toes so I throw some moleskin on those little digits each morning and have no problems the rest of the day.

You should either pre-cut some strips or pack some children’s scissors to cut them to size. I made the mistake of forgetting that once and ended up trying to cut pieces using nail clippers and brute force. It worked, but it was ugly.


Friction Fighting Power

Body Glide, or some other anti-chafe product such as Gold Bond Friction Defense, is indispensable for walking around in the sticky Florida humidity.

Let’s be frank, the vast majority of us ladies have thighs that rub together when we walk. When you combine friction with shorts/dresses, and humidity, it’s a recipe for some champion chafing. Body Glide can really help to minimize the chafing and make you more comfortable.

As an alternative for skirts and dresses, I recommend getting some yoga/bike shorts to wear underneath. This is my preferred way to avoid chafing and not worry about my skirt flying up on Thunder Mountain. As a bonus, this pair of shorts has pockets to stash chapstick or your phone.

Other Toiletries for Your Disney Packing List

  • Make-up
  • Styling Products
  • Ponytail Holders/Barrettes
  • Hairbrush
  • Lip Balm (preferably SPF)
  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste
  • Pain Reliever
  • Face wash
  • Deoderant
  • Sunscreen
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Medicine/Vitamins
  • Nail clippers
  • Deoderant
  • Shaving supplies

Suitcases, Backpacks, and Waist Packs, Oh My!

A good suitcase and some packing cubes sure can make actually getting to Disney World a whole lot easier. Not to mention the Disney park bag you most likely need.


TravelPro MaxLite 5

My personal favorite line of suitcases is the TravelPro MaxLite 5 series. They have various sizes and wheel styles, but the overall idea is a durable and lightweight set of suitcases. These are used frequently by flight attendants for this very reason. I love that they come in a few different colors, making them easier to spot on airport conveyor belts.


American Tourister Disney Luggage

If you want to add some Disney flare to your luggage, the American Tourister Disney Luggage set is the place to start. Again, there are a few different patterns and the choice between soft sided and hard sided suitcases. Check out how many options there are to see if one works for you.

They also have kids Disney themed suitcases!


Packing Cubes

Ok, so maybe these aren’t a necessity, but they sure do make me happy. I love having nice organized suitcases and these packing cubes from Amazon Basics sure do fit the bill. These come in especially handy if you have more than one person’s clothes in a suitcase.

They come in a variety of colors, sizes, and combinations, so make sure you look through to see which ones work best for your luggage and needs.


Water-Resistant Backpack

A backpack (or fanny pack) of any sort is absolutely necessary. Having one that is also water resistant is a huge bonus. It rains in Florida. A lot. There are also water rides to add to the wet fun. Knowing that your stuff is protected inside your bag is important.

Sling Backpack

I am a big fan of the sling style backpack. We personally have the SEEU Ultralight and find it fits the bill perfectly. It has several pockets to keep your stuff organized. It also has one pouch for your water bottle. The SEEU Ultralight also has hip straps to help distribute the weight of the bag evenly. This added touch really comes in handy to keep shoulder and back strain to a minimum on those long Disney days.

The biggest bonus of the SEEU Ultralight is the fact that it allows for more breathability on your back. The way it hangs keeps it from being plastered on your back I can’t stress enough just how important that is in Florida. Add the water resistance and it might be the perfect Disney park bag.

The Kavu Rope Sling is another extremely popular sling style bag. They are quite roomy and come in a few different styles, each with their own extra bells and whistles. Also, the Kavu Rope Sling comes in so many different colors and patterns you are sure to find one (or ten) that you love.

Traditional Water Resistant Backpack

If you simply feel more comfortable with a traditional style backpack, that’s ok too. As a bonus, you can get two pockets for water bottles instead of one. 20 L of internal space should give you more than enough room to haul your Disney stuff.

And the price is quite reasonable!


Fanny Pack

Yes, you read that right! Fanny packs are back baby! Fortunately they look a whole lot nicer than they did when I was a kid. A waistpack is a great alternative for people who want to travel a little lighter through the parks. It gives just enough space for the necessities without weighing you down. Not to mention you avoid all that shoulder fatigue that comes with wearing a backpack.

Or you go completely on theme with one of these beauties:

That’s right, Loungefly has an adorable line of Disney fanny packs. There is a wide array of patterns and styles to choose from. I think there will come a time in the very near future that I rock one of these…

Extra Bag for Souvenirs

You might think you don’t need a packable duffle bag, but don’t fool yourself. One of the fun parts of a Disney vacation is choosing your souvenirs. Well, those take up space in already full luggage.

Having a foldable duffel bag is a great way to deal with this potential problem. This particular model folds into its own pocket for easy packing on the way down. Then it opens up to a carry on approved size.

Then you don’t have to worry about buying a new bag while you are at Disney. Seriously, I’ve done it before.


Disney Park Bag Packing List

You know that water-resistant backpack you brought with you for the parks? Well here are some ideas of what to bring to Disney World parks! These are additions to your Disney World packing list which will supplement your trip and make it a little easier.


Portable Charger

Portable chargers are such an important item for Disney World that I wrote a whole post about it! Check out my guide to portable chargers at Disney to read all about why this is so important. The post also has reviews of various levels of chargers to decide which one is right for you.

The one pictured here is a bargain. The price is low but it gives you enough power to keep yourself charged up throughout the day.


Reusable Water Bottle

Staying hydrated in the Florida heat and humidity is very important. A common question that is asked is: Can you bring reusable water bottles into Disney World? Fortunately for all of us, the answer to this question is yes! This way you don’t have to spend $3.50 on bottles of water all day long.

In fact, you can refill your own bottles with water at any Quick Service restaurant throughout Disney World. I have two reusable water bottles for your consideration.

Camelbak Chute Stainless Steel Water Bottle

The Camelbak Chute is the go-to water bottle for my family. I use this on a daily basis and it is wonderful. When you add a bunch of ice along with your water this will stay cold (an I mean crazy cold) for hours upon hours. Ice cold water on a humid Florida day? Yes please!

As a bonus, this bottle comes in various sizes, including 12oz., which is perfect for kids. It’s also very easy to clean. No straws or valves that require special brushes.

Brita Filtered Water Bottle

Some people, like my beloved mother (hi, Mom!) will only drink water if it’s been filtered. Enter the Brita Filtered Water bottle. It comes in either a BPA plastic version or double wall insulated. There is an “easy use” straw for those of you who like having a straw.


Autograph Book

For anyone who plans to meet characters, an autograph book is a must. There are many different styles of standard Disney autograph books to meet your needs. However, I love the idea of using the Junior Encyclopedia of Animated Characters as an autograph book. You can can have each character sign next to their picture!


Sharpie Marker

Once you have your autograph book, you need something for the characters to write with! Skip the regular old pen and head straight towards retractable Sharpie markers. The marker makes for a bolder autograph, and the lack of of a cap just makes things easier all around. Make sure you bring more than one in case it gets lost.


Lanyards and Pins

If you don’t have a MagicBand, a lanyard with a sleeve is a great accessory for holding your ticket. You will need your ticket any time you enter a park or use a FastPass. Having it accessible on a lanyard makes it easier.

If you simply type “Disney lanyards” into Amazon a pretty wide selection of them show up. They are vastly cheaper on Amazon than they will be in the parks. I like this adorable Dumbo one I found! Lanyards are also really great for holding pins if you want to get involved in pin trading with Disney Cast Members.


Cooling Towel

Frog Togg Chilly Pad

Alfamo Cooling Towel

Have I mentioned that Florida is just crazy hot? Anything to keep cool is a good idea. The Frog Togg Chilly Pad is the cooling towel you see mentioned most often. However, I am not a fan of that brand. It’s fine when it’s wet, but when it’s dry it’s stiff as a board and hard to fold and pack.

We are making the switch to the Alfamo Cooling Towel on the recommendation of my friend Rachel. It stays soft and comes with a zip lock case and carabiner clip to store it when not in use. It comes in a variety of sizes, perfect for smaller sizes for the kids and larger sizes for adults.

Bonus: it’s machine washable!


Ponchos

Again, because Florida. It tends to rain a lot in Florida, often for just a little while, but man can it pour. The ponchos at Disney World will cost you a small fortune if you don’t come prepared. You can buy some cheap, disposable ponchos on Amazon to bring with you just in case.

They are very small, allowing you to pack them easily in your suitcase and Disney park bag.


Packable Sun Hat

Very often, the strength of the sun is completely underestimated. There are sections of the parks with little to no shade (I’m looking at you, World Showcase) and the sun just beats down on you. Having a packable sun hat in your bag when you need it can be a huge life saver.

I prefer the hats made by Outdoor Research. They have UPF protection and come in countless styles. I like the Outdoor Research Oasis Sombrero for the wide brim. It’s longer in the back, providing good protection for the shoulders as well.

Additionally, I have a tiny head and never find hats that fit. The Outdoor Research hats are subtly adjustable, making them the first hats to ever fit my head.They are totally worth the money.


Matador Pocket Blanket

Plan on staking out a spot on the curb waiting for the parade? The Matador Pocket Blanket is a great option to throw on the ground to make your spot a little nicer.

It packs into its own integrated pouch and is seriously tiny! There are no problems finding a spot in your Disney park bag to keep this.


Other Disney Park Bag Items

  • Sunglasses
  • Wet Wipes
  • Tissues
  • Sunscreen
  • Bandaids

Resort Essentials for Your Disney World Packing List

There are certain items that can make your resort stay more comfortable. For the most part they don’t take up a ton of space in your suitcase and for a week long trip are totally worth it to have.

Sound Machine

If you are a light sleeper, some sort of sound machine is an absolute must. Even in the Deluxe Resorts, you find yourself waking up to all manner of noises.

I love my beloved Wilderness Lodge, but man those fireworks are loud. And the Electric Water Parade. And the garbage trucks emptying dumpsters at some God awful time of the morning. You get my drift.

LectroFan Adaptive Sounds High Fidelity Sound Machine

I recently stayed at a Bed and Breakfast which had this LectroFan Adaptive Sounds High Fidelity Sound Machine and this thing was diesel. Compact and highly customizable you can block out all the sound you want. Unfortunately, it’s on the pricey side.

If the price is below $40, I highly recommend getting it. That is a great price for a sound machine of this quality. And if the price is below $35, don’t even think, just do it!

I have purchased this myself for both home and travel and I am extremely happy with it. It is a smaller size than my old sound machine and produces a better quality white noise. And the old one I had is the brand I used professionally for years. The LectroFan is better.

LectroSound White Noise Machine

Fortunately, that same company makes a cheaper version as well! The LectroSound White Noise Machine doesn’t have all the same bells and whistles but still has crazy high reviews. 4 stars on Amazon with 4087 reviews is no small feat.


Pop-up Hamper

A pop-up hamper is a great idea to help keep all that dirty laundry corralled in one place. Living in a hotel room for an extended time can be a messy prospect, but having a pop-up hamper can really keep things a little more organized. They fold up pretty small and flat, so they won’t take up a ton of space in your suitcase.


USB Power Strip

There is a shocking lack of locations to charge your electronics overnight. Whether it’s a cell phone, tablets, smartwatch, or more, we certainly have a lot of things to charge.

This has improved in some of the renovated rooms, but if you are staying in a resort that hasn’t been recently renovated, you are out of luck. Bringing a USB power strip will give you more than enough charging ports in your room.


Special Extras for Your Disney World Packing List

There are a few things you can consider bringing that are solely designed to add to the fun of your trip. In some cases, buying these before the trip ends up saving you a ton of money. Equivalent products bought in the park are much more expensive.

Princess Dresses

If you have little girls that dream of walking around Disney World in their princess best, buying them on Amazon ahead of time will save you a bundle. Amazon has a wide selection of princess dresses that any little girl will love.

Glow Sticks

For anyone who plans on being in the parks after the sun goes down, anything that glows makes it that much cooler. Disney sells all manner of glowing items once the sun sets, but they cost more than they should. Bringing your own collection of glow in the dark necklaces and bracelets will thrill the kids and be nicer to your wallet.

Mouse Ears

Shortly after you arrive, you will realize that most people are walking around with mouse ears on their head. It’s a fun addition to any trip. However, they cost at least $29.99 each in the parks. I found these mouse ears on Amazon which are super cute and a fraction of the price. There are 22 different colors and styles!

I also just recently discovered you can buy official Disney theme parks ears on Amazon as well. Depending on the style, the price is well below the price you would pay in the park. These are all ears that were released in previous season and likely aren’t sold at Disney anymore. I just ordered this pair for myself:

Weather Specific Disney World Packing List

There are certain items you may want to pack depending on the time of year of your Disney trip. Some of the things you might want in summer won’t apply to a winter trip.

All Year Weather

Some potential Disney packing list items might be useful all read round, regardless of the specific season. Because let’s face it, rain is universal in Florida.

Travel Umbrella

A small travel umbrella that can easily fit into your Disney park bag could be a lifesaver during a sudden rain storm. This Fidus Travel Umbrella is so compact and light, yet opens to a generous canopy. And it comes in so many colors and patterns there is sure to be one that strikes your fancy.


Stroller Rain Cover

If you already have one for your stroller, bonus. But if not, I highly recommend having a rain cover for your stroller. A poncho will work in a pinch, but this allows for much better coverage.

Remember, you will park that stroller often and there is no protection from the rain. If it starts raining while you are in line for a ride, the stroller will get soaked.

Most of the rental strollers, like Kingdom Strollers (the recommended stroller rental company of The Disney Journey), come with their own rain covers, but if you plan to bring your own stroller definitely consider adding it to your Disney packing list.


Disney Packing List for Winter

Winter in Florida is not always the warm and sunny stereotype. There are some days and weeks which are downright cold. And let me tell you, 45 degrees in Florida feels so much colder than 45 degrees at home in the Northeast. Because of this, your packing list for Disney World in January is different from your Disney packing list in August.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some additional Disney packing list items for a winter trip.

  • Winter Coat
  • Hat and gloves (I kid you not)
  • Layers, layers, and more layers
  • Rain Coat (My favorite is the Marmot Precip Rain Coat. It layers over top of things beautifully and packs itself into its own pocket. Sometimes in cooler weather it’s nice to have a little extra protection from the wind and rain.)

When you pack, think in terms of layers. It might be 45 in the morning when you get there but climb into the high 60s during the day. Then it falls back down again. By dressing in layers you allow yourself to adapt to the day.

Disney World Packing List for Summer

It can be oppressively hot during the summer months in Orlando. We’ve already talked about the cooling towel above which can be a life saver in the summer.

The other item to consider bringing with your is a portable fan. If you have a stroller, a clip on fan can help keep a breeze on the little ones.

Handheld Fan

This handheld fan is compact and easy to toss in your park bag. It also recharged via USB if the batter gets low. As long as you have your portable charger with you, you are good to go!

Clip on Stroller Fan

This clip on stroller fan is also recharged via USB making it ideal for traveling. Keeping a nice breeze on babies and young kids can really help during a long, hot day.

Disney World Packing Tips

There are a few things to keep in mind when packing up for your amazing Disney vacation. Honestly, the biggest Disney World packing tip is to try not to stress out about it. Use the Disney packing list printable from this page as your guide and modify it from there. Easy peasy.

Don’t Overpack Too Much

Sounds ironic after taking a gander at this list, right? But it’s the truth. On any one trip I don’t necessarily bring all of the items on this list. This list is meant to showcase all of the possibilities for you to ponder, not necessarily everything you MUST bring.

A little overpacking is OK. With the variability of Florida weather it’s better to be prepared. I’ve tried to make a note of anything I consider as essential to your trip.

Try to Be Organized With Clothes

Clearly, I’m a fan of packing cubes and have a system worked out that works for me. Another very popular tip is to pack one outfit for each day in a labeled Ziploc bag.

This works especially well for keeping children’s clothes organized for the duration of the trip.

Pack Your Carry-on Wisely

This is especially true if you plan to use Disney’s Magical Express. Your carry-on bag is the only bag you will have for hours (unless you pick up your own luggage at baggage claim). Don’t get stuck without your swimsuits on a beautiful arrival day.

Start Packing A Few Days In Advance

I think we all know that planning and organization is big with me. This extends to my packing strategies. I like to start up to a week in advance, getting things done in drips and drabs. It helps keep me organized. It also keeps me from getting overwhelmed right before the trip.

Pack Snacks and Breakfast Food

I pack snacks wherever I go as a basic rule. This goes double on a Disney trip where food cost is exorbitant. For Disney I also pack single serve cereal bowls and packets of instant oatmeal to eat for breakfast. Because anytime I save money it’s a good thing.

What NOT to Pack for Disney World

There are a few things that you don’t have to worry about packing, freeing up space in your suitcase for some of this more useful stuff.

  • Towels – all the pools provide towels for you
  • Camera – unless you are a professional photographer, your cell phone is more than enough. You don’t want to carry around an extra heavy item
  • Shampoo & Conditioner – all of the Disney resorts provide shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, and lotion
  • Hairdryer – I know everyone prefers their favorite hairdryer, but really, why lug it around when one is already provided for you?
  • Prohibited Items – If it’s something not allowed in the parks, why bother bringing it?
  • Bug Spray – once again, Disney provides this for you if necessary

Final Thoughts

Packing lists are really so personalized to each individual family’s needs. But I hope this list of unique packing items will help you get started in thinking about items to pack which make your trip better. My own personal Disney packing list always seems to be evolving to identify the best items for an easy trip.

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Your Thoughts

I am fairly certain that I’m going to come up with even more things to add onto this list in time. I’m sure I’m forgetting something! How about you? What are some of your must have items for a Disney vacation?

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