It’s almost time to head to Walt Disney World! Once your Disney resort hotel is booked, your park tickets are secured, and Advance Dining Reservations are made, it’s time for the most exciting step: packing!
This article will help you organize the key essentials for what to bring to Disney World. Aside from the no-brainers like clothing, toiletries, and cosmetics, there are some important items that are unique to tackling the theme parks like a professional.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
It should go without saying, but you need to be prepared to do a ton of walking in Disney World. An average day in the parks can easily add up to tens of thousands of steps, all of which are on cement and asphalt. Comfortable walking shoes are perhaps the most important item you can pack in your suitcase (maybe second to sunscreen).
You don’t want to buy a new pair of shoes days before your trip. If you are in need of a new pair of shoes, buy them a little further out so you have time to break them in.Â
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READ MORE: WHAT I PACK IN MY DISNEY WORLD PARK BAG
A Bag For the Theme Parks
If you’re new to the parks or you haven’t been in a while, you might not be thinking about the bag you’re bringing into the parks. However, this is another crucial item you want to make sure you get correctly. The right bag can make a trip to Disney World so much easier.
The best park bag depends on a number of factors, but in general, I advise going smaller than you think. The last thing you need is to be weighed down by a backpack that has been stuffed to the brim with items you don’t need. Backpacks can work in certain conditions, which is why I’m including a few below.
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READ MORE: THE BEST PARK BAGS TO BRING TO DISNEY WORLD
Sun and Heat Protection
More likely than not, you are going to deal with warm to hot temperatures along with that good ol’ Florida humidity. It’s imperative that you pack items to protect you from the sun as well as keep you comfortable when the temperatures climb up.
Sun protection is vital year-round, so even if you’re traveling in the winter, these are important items to pack. Sunscreen is costly at the resort gift shops, so don’t forget to add them to your list before you leave home!
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READ MORE: TIPS ON STAYING COOL AT WALT DISNEY WORLD
Rain Gear
Just like sun and heat, if you’re traveling to Walt Disney World, you have to assume it’s going to rain while you’re there. Rain gear is an important category of items to have in your suitcase in the event you are caught in a downpour.
This looks like stocking up on ponchos prior to leaving home (you’ll save a ton of money this way!) and carrying items like stroller covers if you’re traveling with one. You may also want to think about rain jackets and umbrellas, depending on the time of year you’re visiting. I tend to avoid umbrellas just because they’re so big and bulky to carry around, but if you have the spare room in your bag, it wouldn’t hurt to have one.
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READ MORE: ESSENTIAL RAIN GEAR FOR YOUR DISNEY WORLD VACATION
Electronics and Chargers
From portable cell phone chargers to white noise machines, there are several tech gadgets that are absolute must-haves if you’re going to Disney World or Disneyland. These days, your phone is an essential tool to having a successful day in the parks (whether you’re using it for Lightning Lane reservations or to simply take family photos). That means making sure it’s charged throughout the day with batteries and wires packed in your park bag.
Tech gadgets are also useful outside of the parks. Power strips are nifty tools to have in your hotel room, along with noise canceling headphones, digital luggage scales, and more.
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READ MORE: TECH GEAR TO MAKE YOUR DISNEY WORLD VACATION EASIER
Ears, MagicBands, and Other Disney Necessities
Of course, no Disney packing list is complete without those necessities that are unique to the theme parks. I’m talking Minnie Ears, MagicBands, and more of those little touches that elevate your everyday park #OOTD.
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READ MORE: UNIQUE DISNEY WORLD ESSENTIALS YOU AREN’T THINKING OF
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