Ready to start packing for your Disney vacation but you aren’t sure what to take? Here are some tips and reminders of what you need to pack and what you need to leave at home for your family’s Walt Disney World vacation. (Be sure to check out the link at the end for your free Packing List!)
Don’t Pack the New Shoes
Be sure to leave the new shoes at home. Disney is not the place to break in a new pair of tennis shoes or sandals. Even with your favorite, well-worn shoes on you may find all those extra steps in the parks may create some blisters. Be sure to bring along a few bandaids or moleskin to help cushion sensitive spots on both big and little feet.
Bathroom Necessities and Medicines
While you definitely want to bring along your own toothbrush and toothpaste, know that some bathroom items will be provided for you in your room. All Disney hotels will provide shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner. Also, each room will have a hairdryer available for your use. Be sure to throw in your suitcase over-the-counter pain medicines for both adults and children (there will be lots of sore muscles from all that walking). Most importantly, remember the sunscreen! The small little sunscreen sticks are convenient to carry around with you inside the park for little noses or shoulders. If you forget to pack any of these items you should be able to find small travel-size items available for purchase at your Disney resort and inside the parks. For First Aid items while in the parks, you can find supplies and assistance at the First Aid centers located inside every Disney park.
Baby and Toddler Essentials
Once your diaper bag is packed full of diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream, be sure to throw in some disposable changing pads as well for those quick changings inside the park bathrooms. Add to your bag a hat for your little hat, a sippy cup, snacks, and favorite toy and you will be almost ready. Remember you need something to carry your little one as well as this full diaper bag, so don’t forget the stroller. Bring your own stroller from home, rent one once you get inside the Disney parks, or rent a stroller from an outside vendor to use during your trip. (Check out this article for more information about stroller rentals). Moms of little ones will be glad to know that each Disney park has a Baby Care Center. These locations offer private nursing rooms with rocking chairs, changing tables, a main room with a television with table and seating, and a kitchen with a microwave. All the Baby Centers have an on-site shop offering formula, baby food, juice, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, over-the-counter medications, and clothing for purchase.
Park Bag
Though I am a fan of traveling as light as possible inside the parks, there are a few items that will be helpful to have with you.
- Portable Phone Charger – Between using your phone for the My Disney Experience app, photos, and videos, the battery will drain quickly.
- Lightweight, disposable ponchos from the dollar store are handy to have in your bag for those afternoon showers.
- Lightweight snacks (items such as gummies and Rice Krispie treats) are great for passing the time while waiting in line.
- Few Band-Aids
- Sunscreen
- Gum – If you like gum, bring it with you. Gum is not sold at Walt Disney World
- Water – If you don’t want that extra weight, remember that free cups of ice water are available at quick-service restaurants.
- Ziplock bags to store wet clothes or leftover snacks
- Fun items – Pins for trading, little glow sticks for nighttime shows, and an autograph book once character meet and greets return.
Download a free copy of Walt Disney World Packing List by clicking here.
Ready to start planning your Walt Disney World vacation? Reach out to me at natalie@castleandcruiseadventures.com or click here to request a no-obligation quote.