I just got back from Disney World, and I think I’m finally locking in my core essentials when it comes to your park bag. I’ve talked at length about what I pack in my park bag before, but this most recent trip really solidified those basic necessities.
I actually switched my bag a few times, and the following items were the ones that stuck with me no matter what size bag I was using. If your goal is to pack as lightly as possible (which I recommend), then keep reading to see which items you should prioritize when packing your bag for a day in the theme parks.
The Bag
First thing’s first: you need a go-to park bag. The good news is that once you master packing these core essentials, you don’t need a super huge bag to bring to the parks! This is a GAME CHANGER when it’s super hot outside. The last thing you want is to have a large, heavy backpack sticking to your back in 99 degree Florida heat. No thank you, sir! So when it comes to park bags, I go for the belt bag, or fanny pack.
Belt bags have come a long way since the 90s when fanny packs were synonymous with mom jeans and crewneck sweatshirts (seriously, they’re in style now, I promise!). The great thing about belt bags is that you typically wear them on your front, so they’re easy to access without having to remove it. I personally use this belt bag from Freshly Picked, but I’ve recently used my lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag, too. Amazon has great dupes if you’re on a budget, some of which I’ve linked below!
**be sure to scroll through each collection of suggested items by clicking on the arrows!**
READ MORE: THE BEST PARK BAGS FOR WALT DISNEY WORLD
If you decide to go the backpack route (I usually opt for a smaller backpack in the winter months when I know it’s cooler and I need to pack an extra layer of clothing), there are plenty of cute options if you’re looking for something that suits your Disney vacation. Loungefly backpacks are huge right now, and they come in countless designs.
In general, I highly advise you bring the smallest bag possible for your park days. That becomes much easier once you master the art of packing just the bare essentials, which I’ve outlined below!
READ MORE: THE BEST HARDSHELL SUITCASES FOR YOUR NEXT VACATION.
The Basics
There are a few essential items you’ll want to have on hand at all times:
- Your phone
- A wallet or card holder
- Sunglasses
- Necessary medications
If you’re in the market for a new cardholder, I love mine from Kate Spade (here’s a similar version). But if you are looking for more affordable options, there are tons on Amazon that function exactly the same. If you’re also looking for discount sunglasses, I’ve purchased (and repurchased) this pair from Amazon.
READ MORE: FULL LIST OF PARK BAG NECESSITIES YOU’LL WANT TO PACK ON YOUR NEXT DISNEY WORLD VACATION.
Tech Must-Haves
In addition to your phone, a reliable external battery is necessary to keep it powered all day. With the various tasks your phone will handle, from Genie+ to dining reservations, Mobile Order, and photo sharing, your phone battery will drain faster than usual.
I recently purchased this portable charger from Amazon, and it worked great! I love how it displays its own battery percentage, so you know how much of a charge you have left. I’m happy to report that it never dipped below 50% by the end of each day, and that was with multiple charges throughout the day. Some external batteries come with their own wires, but I like to stock up on a few extra-long wires. That way, the battery stays tucked away in your park bag while you are still able to use your phone as it charges.
READ MORE: OVER 40 TECH GADGETS YOU’LL NEED ON YOUR NEXT DISNEY WORLD VACATION.
Comfort and Sun Protection
I am a major advocate for reapplying sunscreen throughout the day when in the Disney theme parks. Applying one time in the morning is not enough sun protection! Luckily, I came across this sunscreen misting spray at Ulta that doesn’t ruin your makeup. Plus, it smells amazing.
I didn’t need a handheld fan on this particular trip, but in the middle of the summer, it is a must-have. I used it religiously when I was in Orlando last July. Trust me, you need this.
READ MORE: A FULL DISNEY WORLD PACKING LIST (WITH A FREE PRINTABLE!)
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