10 Things to Pack for Disney

Ready for Disney? This list will help you pack. - SahmReviews.com

Disclosure

A few days ago we returned from the most magical place on earth: Walt Disney World. The purpose of the trip was to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, an invitation-only event held once a year offering behind-the-scenes opportunities and details on all-things-Disney. This is the fifth time we have been invited, the fourth time we have been able to attend, yet each invitation has been a welcome surprise.

There was a lot to do at Disney’s Yacht Club, the host location of the event. However, we opted to extend our stay a few days beyond the conference to take in as much of the fun and sun that our schedules would allow.

Preparing the conference itself is like packing for any other business trip. A mix of business and casual attire depending on the events, business cards, a 2-in-1 device and power banks, along with normal carry-on items. But packing for a leisure trip is completely different, especially when it’s a destination like Disney. I received such great feedback to my post about “10 Things to Pack for a Cruise” that I thought I would do one for Disney, too. Here are 10 Things to Pack for Disney.

Headed to Disney and not sure what to pack? Check out our list of 10 Things to Pack for Disney. - SahmReviews.com

(1) Sunscreen. I’m a redhead with fair skin. This is always priority one for me. When you’re having fun at the Disney parks or in the resort pool, you may not even realize how much sun you are getting until it is too late. Load up on travel size sunscreen then keep one with you at all times… especially if you find yourself on water rides often!

Grab a cute pair of sandals for a trip to the pool, but make sure you have comfortable shoes for walking around Disney parks. - SahmReviews.com

(2) Shoes: I cannot stress enough the importance of proper shoes. Sandals and flip flops are great for heading to the resort pool or to Blizzard Beach/Typhoon Lagoon, but at the parks you’ll want (read: need) something comfortable FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY. We wear tennis shoes to Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Lots of walking means our feet will be comfortable and ready/willing for more walking. It also means less blisters.

Our one exception is for Animal Kingdom. Since we always hit Kali River Rapids multiple times and never stay dry, we wear waterproof sandals there.

(3) Snacks: If you’ve signed up for the dining plan, you won’t necessarily need this because there’s no shortage of food. But if you plan to have freestyle meals and graze, packing some granola bars, beef sticks and trail mix can go a long way to warding off hunger pangs.

10 Things to Pack for Disney: Souvenirs from home. - SahmReviews.com  Whether you're headed to Disney or elsewhere, Kohl's has some cute American Tourister Disney luggage! - SahmReviews.com10 Things to Pack for Disney: Hunting for Hidden Mickeys is an adventure. - SahmReviews.com
(4) Souvenirs: There are plenty of opportunities and options for souvenirs while you are on the property, but you can also plan ahead. Kohl’s offers Disney apparel for kids as well as adults. From swimwear to dresses, Cinderella to Avengers and Star Wars, there’s something for every personality. If you want to surprise the kids, grab something at Kohl’s then hide it away and give it to them while at Walt Disney World. Are you familiar with Pin Trading? It’s awesome for developing social skills and they double as keepsakes. In the past we have purchased Disney pins on eBay. We’re to the point where we have enough and our interests have changed so we just bring along pins we currently own but no longer want. You can also pick up a copy of the Hidden Mickeys book to help pass some time as you wander about the various properties. Finally, pack old pennies (from the 50s or earlier if you have them laying around) along with plenty of quarters. Penny squisher machines are everywhere and by far the cheapest souvenir you’ll find.

10 Things to Pack for Disney: Pack the right clothes for the trip. - SahmReviews.com10 Things to Pack for Disney: Save some cash and grab Disney clothing while still at home. - SahmReviews.com  10 Things to Pack for Disney: Kohl's offers a great selection of warm weather clothing for the entire family. - SahmReviews.com
(5) Attire: This goes without saying but I’m going to say it anyhow. Pack appropriate attire for the destination and activities. Shorts, t-shirts and tank tops are a must.

Planning to swim? You'll need a suit for that. - SahmReviews.com  Beach, park or pool? Don't forget your towel! - SahmReviews.com
(6) Swim gear: Whether you plan to hit the pool at the resort, one of Disney’s water parks or trek to the nearby shoreline, you’ll need to have a suit. We also found it useful to have swim goggles for the entire family. While you can purchase them on Disney property, chances are you’ll be more likely to find a pair you like if you plan ahead. The resorts offer towels for the pool but if you are particular about your towel, be sure include a beach towel in your list of gear.

(7) Dish soap: Disney’s refillable mug is a great deal. Maybe it’s silly of me to want to pack dish soap, but I’m not a fan of my hot chocolate tasting like pop or vice versa. I used to pack a travel-sized bottle of dish detergent but now I simply pack a stack of the paper towels with dish soap built-in. Speaking of cleaning; a few laundry pods can come in handy as well and don’t take up much space in the suitcase.

(8) Electronics: For the love of all things gadgety, don’t forget to pack your cords and wall chargers. Your phone is a lifeline to communicating, but you’ll also probably be using it for pictures, video and to look things up on your My Disney Experience app. You’ll want to make sure you don’t run out of juice! There have been a few times that I remembered the cord but forgot the wall charger so now it’s on my list so I don’t forget again!

(9) Medical: When you’re on the go, the last thing you want is to be taken down by a common cold or some other ailment that decides to join your vacation. Be sure to pack a thermometer along with some basic first-aid supplies such as Ibuprofen, cold or allergy medicine as well as band-aids for the inevitable blisters.

(10) A sense of patience. Lines can be long. The heat can get to you. Disney does a great job of incorporating interactive activities in the lines to help pass the time, but kids can get impatient. Remember… you’re on vacation so make the best of it!

What is your favorite activity when you visit Walt Disney World?

58 thoughts on “10 Things to Pack for Disney

  1. I agree with all your points, and I’m sure all the mothers will appreciate your advice. I think snacks are one of the most important things to consider. On long trips away, I used to take a jar of mixed dried fruit and nuts for the kids to nibble on. Kept them motivated.

  2. We go to Disney every year and love all your tips. We started bringing a reusable brita bottle with us so we could fill up on water. It saves us a fortune not having to buy bottles there.

  3. I have only been to Disney once and that was for maybe half a day at Epcot. My Mom used to be a snowbird and I was down there visiting her-All the above makes a lot of sense. One thing I will mention-it rains in Florida a lot–not for hours on end–but it rains and you do need something to keep you dry–They do sell rain capes there and wouldn’t you know it–we both had to buy one!!

  4. I wear tennis shoes whenever I go there too. All that walking requires comfort and lots of it! I like the penny squisher machines too. 🙂

  5. We have never been to Disney but planning to go at the end of this year or beginning of next year. I’m sure it will be a fun family vacation.

  6. Laundry pods-that’s something I had never thought of before. And great tip on the dish soap. Those cups can get pretty nasty after a week of drinking.

  7. We went in March of this year. Sunglasses are nice to have. Also, first time I learned mah new bald spot needs sunscreen too. My faves are the Star Wars ride, Soarin’ and Fantasmic!

  8. Don’t forget sunglasses and sun hats! I also have a read head and without those, inaddition to your recommended sunscreen, we have sunburn!

  9. this is a great list of to haves. would not of thought to think of simple medical stuff. and dish soap-who would think of that !

  10. Besides the sunscreen, you may want to pack a foldable/collapsible hat that has UV protection and a chin strap. Great to help tone down the sun’s effects and the chin strap keeps it in place for those fast moving rides.

  11. I always pack a flashlight and duct tape when we travel.

    A flashlight because you just never know when the power might go out and you don’t want to waste your phone’s battery using it as a flashlight.

    Duct tape because it works in a pinch. It holds curtains shut when they don’t quite meet, silences a noisy heat/ac unit (by keeping the parts from rattling), quick fix for shoes falling apart or hems that have ripped, repair luggage handles temporarily. One time, duct tape even held our windshield in place and kept the water out on a five-hour roadtrip.

  12. Great list… Don’t forget a stroller if you have really young children because the strollers at WDW won’t accommodate babies or young toddlers. Also bring beach towels if you’re.planning on going to the water parks.

  13. Very helpful list…I would add to bring a refillable water bottle for every member of the tribe…easiest to have one that snaps onto your backpack or fanny pack or belt. That way your hands are free when they need to be and you stay hydrated.

  14. Another item you may want to consider packing is a travel sewing kit. They take up very little room and come in handy if you pop a button, rip a seam, or just need to make a repair.

  15. Awesome tips! Sunscreen is absolutely a necessity. On long trips, I always take along something to munch on so we don’t wind up spending too much in expensive restaurants

  16. My three little ones have been begging me to go to Disney!! They are 1,3&5. We have been saving up slowly. This list will definitely be printed off and saved with the Disney funds! Thank you!

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