Disney World is a magical place. However, it can also be incredibly hot in the summer! It's important to know what to bring with you on your trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Even when it's not very hot out, if you forget something that really could have helped your day go smoothly, then you'll probably regret not having brought it along.
Don't worry! We'll let you know exactly what to bring and how and why it will help your day at Disney World.
Have you ever asked yourself, “what should I bring to Disney World?" If so, grab those mouse ears, because here is the scoop on what you should bring on your next Disney trip. Here we go!
Technically speaking, there are tons of things that could be included on this list. However, 25 is a nice round number so we thought it would be best to narrow down the list as much as possible. Also, when you're at Walt Disney World you really don't need much more than what's listed below anyway.
Here are the items that made our list for your next Disney vacation:
1. Ponchos
If you know Florida weather for anything, it is unpredictable. It can rain any month of the year in Orlando with July being the very wettest month. So, it's always a good idea to be prepared with a poncho whenever you're at Disney World or any of the Disney parks. You can easily find them at gift shops too!
2. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is super important for your Disney vacation. See above regarding the weather in Orlando during the summer months (or any time of the year, really). It will never hurt to bring sunscreen (preferably something using aloe vera) with you, especially for special events that are outside.
You can apply it as many times throughout the day as you want, and reapply it if your skin starts getting dry or burning because of the sun exposure, or if you are laying out at the water parks. Bring a lot; there is no such thing as bringing too much sunscreen.
3. Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are perfect for wet clothes/luggage. If you get rained on or come back to your hotel room drenched from some water rides, then this type of bag is an absolute must-have item!
Wet clothes can be very uncomfortable to wear and a wet bathing suit is never a good time. Plus, there's nothing worse than coming back to your room after a long day at the park or pool with a bunch of wet clothes or towels.
4. A Small Bag
A small bag with stuff for headaches/nausea is a great idea if you or any loved ones suffer from motion sickness. Disney World can make you feel sick if you don't take care of yourself properly. Sometimes, all it takes is some medicine to help keep those unpleasant feelings away.
Also, having headache relief tablets with you is a great way to prevent pain. You may not want those now, but trust us...you'll thank us later!
5. Backpack
A backpack might seem like an obvious choice; however, many people get up in the excitement, so to speak, and forget their backpack or purse.
You should pack one of these even before you get a park ticket. If you're at the Walt Disney World parks for more than one day, get a Disney park bag or bring a backpack with you to hold your sweatshirts, water bottles, sunscreen, or any additional items. This is a great idea to stay organized!
6. Medications
Make sure you bring any medications that you might need while on vacation with you. Whether it's allergy medicine or pain reliever, don't leave home without them because the last thing you want is to suffer when you could just bring the medication with you in your carry-on luggage!
7. Baby Wipes
Baby wipes - No explanation needed here. You know how useful these are! It can get very hot inside of rides/attractions sometimes; plus, there are always little babies who need a quick wipe-down. Keep them in a diaper bag as well.
These are one of the most essential items for a Disney packing list next to wet wipes, depending on your personal preferences.
8. Snacks
Don't fill up on snacks before you get to Disney World, but do bring your own food in your backpack for when the hunger pains hit hard that the whole family can enjoy.
You can store them in your hotel room in small containers to enjoy before your dining reservations, or have them in the car for the road trip back from your Disney trip. Using glass containers lets you keep healthy snacks fresh.
It's better to have a granola bar that will give you energy rather than spend money on high calorie snacks. You know that fries and a mickey bar are delicious, but they aren't exactly healthy!
9. Cell Phone Charger
A cell phone charger isn't an essential item until you leave home without it...trust me! If your cell phone is everything to you, then make sure to either bring a portable phone charger or back-up power bank for emergencies.
It's always best to be prepared when you're away from home. Phone chargers will save the day!
10. Fanny Pack
If you're old school like us, then you know how fanny packs are an important thing! Our phones are practically attached to our hands these days.
We don't have to worry about carrying a purse around all day because the fanny pack has pockets for everything! This is a great way to store packs of your favorite face masks.
Get the scoop on The 20 Best Fanny Packs For Disney World!
11. An External Phone Battery
An external phone battery isn't something that you want to forget...ever! If there are certain rides/attractions that have long lines, you will want this item in your possession. It'll save your life when you can keep taking pictures and videos without worrying about not having enough battery to do so.
12. Handkerchief or Hand Towel
A handkerchief or hand towel is another great thing to bring to Disney! You never know what might happen when you least expect it and sometimes, it's nice to be able to wipe something off your face or hands without using toilet paper.
Plus, it's the perfect way to wipe your hands with this after eating a turkey leg since they can be greasy and sticky!
13. Water Bottle
A water bottle may seem like an obvious item; however, you might not even think about filling up your water bottle throughout the day.
Purchase reusable water bottles before you arrive at Disney World (or wherever you're going) then fill it up with cool water as many times as you want, or get free ice water at restaurants around the park with paper straws (protect the environment!).
A refillable water bottle helps keep people hydrated especially during summer months while standing in long lines with crazy wait times. Drinking lots of water will help prevent headaches/dizziness/etc.
14. Pajamas/Lounge Clothes
There are always those days where we want to wear something comfortable instead of bringing our actual pajamas because we won't have access to our rooms until the evening.
Lounge clothes are perfect for that! Especially in long x wide sizes, so they are extra comfy. Good thing there is no dress code for Disney, so you don’t have to wear that cute princess dress every single day.
15. Sunglasses Strap
We can't tell you how many times we've lost our Minnie ears or sunglasses on the last day of our vacation. It is ridiculous!
You don't want to lose your favorite ears or sunglasses, so make sure that they have a strap on them. Trust us, you'll thank us later.
16. Cash & Change
Cash or change is always a great idea for Disney! You never know when you might lose a credit card, your Disney gift cards, or how much something will cost when you least expect it.
If you have enough cash on you with easy access, then don't be afraid to spend it since this is your trip!
17. Multi-Purpose Tool
Whether you're traveling abroad or domestically, it's always smart to bring a multi-purpose tool (if permitted by the airline). This tiny gadget can help save the day in many ways.
For example; it has two flathead screwdrivers that can help fix anything that happens to break along your journey and/or a bottle opener so that you can enjoy an adult beverage while waiting for your flight.
This item may not be a good idea to bring into the park itself, but it is the perfect gadget to have in your hotel room!
18. Walt Disney World: The Official Vacation Guide
There are so many helpful hints inside of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2022 (The Unofficial Guides). This book will become your best friend when you're in Disney World.
If you want an easy way to learn more about the history of certain attractions, rides, get park maps, etc., then pick one up. Then, Disney offers things such as the My Disney experience app and magic bands, which connect data to the guests walking around the parks.
Lastly, Disney Pixie Dust is a program where random acts of kindness are done to better guests' experiences, so look out for that at the walk Disney World resort!
19. Umbrella
Depending on what time of year you visit Disney World, an umbrella might be an obvious choice for some people, but not everyone has thought about bringing an umbrella before they leave home.
We suggest grabbing one before you arrive because they don't sell them at the different parks. Trust us; if it rains while you're there (which is rare), then you definitely won't regret having one with you.
20. Comfortable Tennis Shoes
We're all guilty of not bringing our most comfortable tennis shoes. You want to wear cute shoes/heels while you're out enjoying your vacation, but they hurt after walking around large places like the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney springs, or Star Wars Disney world for a few hours, grab a pair of comfortable shoes.
If you don't like blisters or plan on visiting other parks/attractions, then make sure that your shoes are comfortable enough to go everywhere with you! Get a wide x size for more toe room and extra comfort.
21. Lip Balm (with SPF)
Lip balm w/ SPF is another item that may sound like an obvious choice; however, there are always those people who forget about sunscreen and lip balm. The Florida sun is unpredictable.
No matter what time of year it is, if you'll be outside for several hours then make sure that every exposed area of skin has proper protection against the sun/elements.
22. Fitness Watch (Apple Watch/FitBit/etc.)
If you have a FitBit, Apple Watch or something similar, then bring it with you to Disney World! This item is so helpful when completing different challenges throughout the day and they also count your steps for you. That way, you can see how many steps you've completed along your journey!
23. Exciting Toys
If you are traveling with young kids, you will want to keep them entertained! Since younger children love toys, bring some with you to give them a little more excitement when they're waiting in line for rides.
We suggest trying out any light-up toys even as simple as glow sticks (or ones that make noise) before you leave because not all of them will work in the dark.
24. Mosquito Repellant
If you know that there's a chance that your family could get mosquito bites, then make sure to pack plenty of bug spray.
Unfortunately, it can be expensive at Disney World and there are certain areas where these pests like to hang out; therefore, we recommend bringing this item with you instead of purchasing it once inside the park(s).
25. Snacks
Snacks are a must-have if you're on a budget. Instead of eating the overpriced food at Disney World, pack your favorite snacks from home so that you don't have to worry about it!
Bringing your own snacks can save some serious cash this way and bring something everyone in your group will enjoy. They also have a lot of quick service restaurants if you run out of snacks.
26. Autograph Book
Your autograph book is another great item to bring for cast members to sign if you have little kids with you. Since Disney World is mainly for the young ones, they'll want to meet (and take pictures with) their favorite character.
If their autograph book is filled up by the end of the trip then that's even better because it'll be something that they can cherish forever!
27. Cheap Sunglasses
A pair of cheap sunglasses is a must-have in the heat and humidity of Florida. Unfortunately, few people think about purchasing cheap ones from a local discount store before they leave home.
It doesn't matter how expensive or trendy these items are; just make sure that you buy something that won't break when dropped on the ground or left in a crowded area.
28. Hand Sanitizer
Disney World theme parks are extremely crowded all the time, so hand sanitizer is a must if you don't want to touch hundreds of germs.
If you aren't able to find them at the different stores in the park(s), then bring some with you before you leave home! This is an item that most people forget about until they're already inside, but it can be purchased anywhere.
29. A Watch or Clock
It's always better to be safe than sorry when traveling around Disney World because there are certain rides/attractions where cell phones aren't allowed.
Don't waste money on purchasing one of these items; just bring your own watch or clock you via car (or plane) and keep track of the time while spending the day inside the park(s).
30. Games
If you have kids with you and forgot entertainment on your last trip, make sure to bring along their favorite next-gen gaming devices (or yours) this time. The long lines at Disney World can be very tedious for children after spending several hours in them, especially when they're filled up by adults.
This item should only be brought if it's allowed on certain rides/attractions though; otherwise, you'll need to leave it behind while enjoying the experience.
31. Belt Bags
We suggest bringing a belt bag (instead of a fanny pack) because it looks more like a purse and adults tend to carry those around. This way, you'll save time during your day using it as a day bag.
It’s good at keeping your hands free and making it easier for you to walk or use inline skates through busy areas. These are also good for water rides or any roller coaster really. Waterproof fanny packs save the day!
32. First Aid Kit
It's inevitable to get a few scrapes while inside the park(s), so it's important to bring an extra first aid kit with you for small cute or blisters. Have another family member pack an extra kit as well.
You never know when someone in your group could cut their finger/knee, have an allergic reaction to something, break their glasses, etc. before leaving the resort/hotel.
Don't pay for this item at Disney World because you can find it anywhere beforehand. For any unexpected emergencies, Disney also has first aid stations.
33. Glow Sticks
Glow sticks/bracelets are another easy and fun item to bring to Disney. Kids love fun things that glow in the dark and they're perfect for any situation that doesn't have lighting , but only buy these items if they'll use them throughout the duration of your vacation.
If not, then don't waste money on them by bringing them with you to Disney World.
34. Noise-Canceling Headphones
If you purchase several tickets for your group and plan on splitting up at times, having a pair of these headphones will definitely come in handy.
Noise-canceling headphones can be purchased online or at the park(s), but make sure to bring them with you so that everyone can hear their favorite music while waiting in line.
35. Camera/Go-Pro
Since there are so many amazing rides/attractions to enjoy during your trip, it's important to take pictures of all of them There are even cool attractions like the Kali River Rapids in Lake Buena Vista.
However, don't waste money by purchasing an expensive camera from Disney World because it'll almost certainly get lost or left behind inside one of the attractions. A cheaper alternative is a Go Pro before leaving home and using it during the experience at the happiest place on Earth.
36. Face Masks/Bandanas
One of the best ways to keep cool during your day at Disney World is by using a face mask/bandana on some of the hotter days.
They're perfect for keeping away all of that excess sweat and can also be used to cover your mouth when riding through areas with ash/smoke. They also come in different colors and styles to meet your fashion needs.
37. Selfie Sticks
There are a few rides/attractions where you're not allowed to bring cameras, but by using a selfie stick (that has already been tested for this purpose), you'll be able to capture the best pictures while enjoying your day, even by some of the coolest water fountains.
Selfie sticks are great. You won't need to pay for professional pictures that will only end up in some trash can at home later on anyway.
38. Small Fan
Since it does get pretty hot during the summer months (and sometimes even cool during winter), you should bring a small fan with you to Disney World.
They're especially useful for those who tend to stay inside rides/attractions for longer periods of time and don't want sweat rolling down their face; just make sure it's turned off before boarding. A handheld fan is great to have for when you are chilling in your bathing suit at the water parks as well!
39. Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are perfect for storing all of your food (in case there isn't any available nearby) or anything else that could spill throughout the day.
Keep one in your pocket whenever going from attraction to attraction so that nothing gets lost, ruined, etc.
40. Watch Battery
Like watches, cameras, and phones, there are several attractions where you'll need to put your watch in a safe place so that it doesn't get ruined. If you don't have access to any of these items, then consider bringing some extra watch batteries with you because they can be purchased at Disney World for surprisingly cheap.
We hope that this article has shed some light on what you should bring to Disney World! All of these items are useful in one way or another and are great options to potentially save you time/money during your vacation. desires are different so make sure you think through every item before bringing it to Disney World.
Check out this affiliate link with more Disney info: Best Things for Adults to do at Disney World or 30 Best Shoes for Disney World.
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