Packing Your Disney Park Bag

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Packing for a day in a Disney park takes a little forethought. You could be away from your hotel for as many as 14 hours so you’ll want to be prepared so that you don’t have to take an unexpected trip back to your hotel room. Disney attraction vehicles have room for you to stow a bag – even a large backpack – so if you’re a nervous Nelly you could probably bring everything on this list to cover yourself for any possible scenario.

But do you really want to be saddled down like that all day? Spreading out the various items among your group will help, and if you have a stroller you have plenty of room for storage, but you’ll probably want to really evaluate the likelihood that you’ll need any of the things on the list.

You’ll be required to go through a bag security check which can take 5-10 minutes. I’m always jealous of those smart people breezing through the ‘no bag’ line. I’ve cut down on the amount of things I bring with me over the years (mostly by transferring it over to my husband’s backpack), but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to go completely bag-free.

I’ve divided up the list into two levels of for each category. Just a couple items are listed for the minimalists. These things are probably all you REALLY need 90% of the time. For the Boy Scout / Girl Scout types who are always prepared for every contingency, I’ve listed everything else you could possibly need – many of these things you may have never thought of. You can decide for yourself if you want to dedicate precious bag space for them.

Personal Care
For the minimalists:

Lip balm
Sunscreen

For the Scout

Medications: headache, digestive, allergy or other often used meds. I pack a few of each of these into a weekly pill dispenser

Hand sanitizer or wipes. I’ve stopped using this and just wash my hands often, but it still a popular bring
Bandaids & first aid ointment. This used to be in my bag, but after more than 10 years of never using it, I realized I never used it, so it’s been cut from my list. I can always visit the first aid center if I need it.
Moleskin or blister bandages. You may want to bring this your first day while you see how your feet hold up.

Ponytails. I usually start off with my hair down, but the Florida humidity makes me regret that by 10am.
Mosquito repellent. I’ve never had a problem with bug bites as Disney has a pretty intense spraying program, but your mileage may vary
Tide to-go pen or shout wipes. If you’ve got messy eaters you may want to bring along one of these to protect those princess dresses or custom tee-shirts

Deodorant. If it’s hot (like it usually is) you may feel the need to re-apply

Situation dependent

Body glide . So much walking! If you chafe easily, bring along a stick of this

Feminine hygiene products
Eye drops
Tissues

Documentation

Photo id
Credit card
Insurance card. I take these last three items out of my regular (rather large) wallet and keep them in a little coin purse
Printed copy of reservations. This could probably fall under the Boy Scout preparedness category, but the My Disney Experience app can be glitchy and it never hurts to have physical proof of your reservations. If you want to save space, you could take photos or screenshots of them.

Technology
For the Minimalist

Magic band. If you’re staying on property, you’ll recieve one for free. If you’re not, you can buy one and link it to your account
Smartphone. You’ll also want to make sure you’ve downloaded the My Disney Experience app, linked your reservation and become familiar with the functions
Charger or cable. I use my phone to take hundreds of pictures a day so I run down the juice quickly. I like to use the Fuel Rod charger Disney sells (you can exchange for a new fully charge one at the kiosks located in each park and resort). There are also charging stations where you can plug in if you’ve brought a cable.

For the Scout

DSLR, extra batteries, SD cards. If you’re really into photography, you may want to bring along your big camera and various lenses.
Fitness Tracker. You’ll be amazed at how many steps you get in! Just be aware that some trackers might not be able to tell when you’re on a ride and will count the movement as steps.

Weather Related
For the minimalist:

Sunglasses
Hat
Poncho. You can buy them from the dollar store ahead of time – the cheap ones are lightweight and pack up very small, but you’ll generally just get one use out of them. I prefer the more heavy duty ponchos that Disney sells for about $10

For the Scout

Light sweater. For shoulder season or for over-air conditioned restaurants in the summer
Sham-wow. After that inevevitable afternoon storm you can use it to wipe of the stroller, outdoor seating, etc.

Mister fan . You’ll be thankful for this in the summer months!

Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad towel or neck cooler . These things are great – you just get them wet and wring out and they stay cold for a long time

Flip flops. Switch into them when the rain starts so you don’t have to suffer through soggy shoes the rest of the day

Touring Accessories
For the minimalist:

Autograph books, sharpies . If you don’t have kids, or they aren’t interested in character meet & greets – you may not even need this!

For the Scout:

Maps. I left this off the minimalist list because you could just rely on the map feature on the my Disney Experience app – but it probably is a lot easier just to pull out a paper map. They’re available at the park entrances.
Pennies for the pressed penny machines and M&M tubes to keep them in , If you’re looking for an inexpensive souvenir collection, there are a number of pressed penny machines around each park and at other locations like the resorts and Disney Springs. They all have unique designs. You can pack the pennies (and the quarters needed to operate the machine) in empty M&M tubes

Hidden Mickey Book. Spotting Hidden Mickeys is a fun activity to help you pass them time in line or waiting for shows

Trading Pins & Pin Lanyards: If you enjoy collectibles, this is a fun hobby. You can save money by purchasing “lots” of pins on Ebay to trade in the parks. Just make sure they’re official Disney pins and not fakes.
Pocket blanket . If you like to stake out a spot early for the parades, a pocket-sized blanket will give you a clean place to sit. It can also be used as a stroller cover.

Ziplocs. Keep a couple of these in your bag to store your electronics in on water rides or taking leftovers from meals
Reusable Bag. Disney is in the process of reducing single-use plastics. Stay ahead of the game by bringing your own bag for purchases.

Baby Care
It’s pretty difficult to be a minimalist when traveling with a baby. The good news is, you’re probably pretty good at packing for a day out by now, and you’ll likely have a stroller to stow a big bag to hold all your stuff.

Bandana or other identifying device for stroller. You’ll have to park your stroller outside the rides and the attendants often move them around. Especially if you are renting, you’ll need something to identify your stroller from the other 150 parked next to it.
Diapers and wipes. Duh. I’m telling you things you that no one needed to tell you, but I’ve forgotten the most basic things myself when I didn’t explicitly list them – so there you go. If you run out, you can buy them in the Baby Care Centers.
Extra clothing. You’re never far from baby’s next blowout.
Baby food. This is the one item that is allowed to be brought in glass containers.
Bottles and formula. Visit the Baby Care Centers for a quiet, comfortable place to feed baby.
Pacifiers. Probably want to pack a few extra and you might want to bring one of those clippy things so you don’t lose it
Sun hat
Stroller fan

For the Kids
For the minimalist:
Nothing extra not already listed in other categories – I mean, this whole place is for the kids, right? What more do they need?

For the Scout:

Snacks. If you’re not on the dining plan (and maybe even if you are), bringing some little bags of goldfish or fruitsnacks can save you money and keep the kids from getting too fussy.
Glow stick bracelets. Bring your own from the Dollar Store and maybe you can avoid shelling out for the expensive glow toys that the cast members wheel out on carts the minute the sun goes down (but probably not).
Drip free popsicle holder . This is just pure genius. No reason adults shouldn’t use them either.

Ear protection for kids . Some kiddos are sensitive to the loud booms and this can help help them enjoy the fireworks without fear

Small toys. You’ll inevitably be spending a good deal of time in lines. Disney does a great job of making the queues pretty entertaining. Some even have some interactive elements. But you know how quickly your kids get bored.
Swimsuits. In the summer, your kids will definitely want to play in every fountain they pass. You can come prepared, or you can let them drench their clothes, then be forced to buy $20 nightgowns for them to wear while their shorts take hours to dry because it’s October and there are no summer outfits for sale in the shops. True story.
Extra outfits. See above.
Safety Tat. Just in case you get separated, you’ll want to have a system in place. These Safety Tats are great for toddlers and preschoolers.

Food & Drink
For the minimalist:
Nothing. Especially if you’re on the dining plan – you really don’t need anything. You can get a free cup of water at any quick service and many snack stands (any that have a soda fountain). There are water fountains everywhere. You’ll be fine!

For the scout:

Snacks I mention this under “For the Kids,” but us adults get snackish in between meals too. It doesn’t hurt to throw a granola bar in the bag.
Water bottle. My husband carries one water bottle for the whole family and refills it whenever he comes across a water fountain. Quick service restaurants will give you free cups of water and you can use that to refill as well. If you’re okay with tap water (or have a filter bottle), this ought to do. If you’re picky about your water, you can still save money by ordering a case delivered to your resort and bringing your own bottles in with you each day. These lanyard clips (sold at Disney) are great for hanging disposable bottles off your belt or bag.

Gum. If you’re a gum chewer, make sure you bring enough with you, as Disney doesn’t sell it in the parks.
Reusable Straws. Like with bags, Disney is in the process of reducing single-use plastics and will likely do away with straws (except upon request) at some point in the near future. Be ready with your own.
Lunch. If you’re trying to save money, by all means pack a lunch! You can bring in food and drink in a soft-sided cooler (small, non-rolling type).

If you’re the Always Be Prepared, Scout-type traveler, you may want to rent a locker each day. At the front of each park, Disney offers different sized lockers that you can rent for the day. If you are using cash or card, you can pay right there at the lockers. To use your Magic Band or a Disney gift card, just head to the nearest shop. We find that these are really helpful in the winter especially when you tend to dress in layers. Prices are based on size: $10, $12 and $15 / day.

Just as important as what to bring – you should probably be aware of Disney’s rules about what isn’t allowed in the parks:

What not to bring