Heading to Disney World or Disneyland soon and don’t know what to bring to the parks with you? I got you covered! I’ve been vacationing to the Disney theme parks since I was a wee little one, and over the years, I’ve nearly perfected the art of packing a park bag.
It’s all about that happy medium between under-packed and over-packed. You want to be Goldilocks-packed.
Keep in mind that this roundup is just for one adult – if you have kids in tow, you’ll want to make sure you have additional space for their needs as well! Happy packing!
The Bag
First thing is first: you need to pick the right bag. In general, I prefer a slightly larger bag if I’m visiting during the winter months (you WILL need that extra layer of clothes!). The warmer it is outside, however, the smaller my bag. When it’s hot out, the last thing you want is a large, heavy backpack stuck to your back. I personally don’t use Loungefly backpacks, but if they suit your needs, then they are a great way to add a pop of Disney to any outfit. Over the last year I have fallen in love with the Freshly Picked brand this year (their primary market is moms, but anyone can enjoy their products!).
Over the years, I’ve used a ton of different bags of all shapes and sizes from belt bags to backpacks. You want to find a bag that will fit all of your essentials and is comfortable to wear all day. Beyond that, it never hurts to have a little outfit coordination moment.
Comfort
It goes without saying, but comfort is key on a Disney vacation. This is especially true in the summer months, with soaring temperatures and relentless humidity if you’re vacationing in Central Florida. There are multiple ways to beat the heat (my personal favorite is taking frequent pauses in air conditioning), but having a few important essentials on your person will also make a big difference. Trust me – you’re going to want that handheld fan.
Sun Protection
Don’t mess with the sun. Not only can a bad sunburn ruin an otherwise perfect vacation, but skin cancer is nothing to trifle with. You should reapply sunscreen regularly throughout the day, no matter the weather conditions. Determine what kind of sunscreen you and your family prefer (spray vs stick, specific brands, etc.) and stock up. Sunscreen is available at park and resort gift shops if you run low, but you’ll pay a hefty upcharge. It’s best to overpack in the sunscreen department before your vacation.
Organization
Open up any of my park bags, and you’ll likely find…more bags. I’m a full convert to the bags-inside-bags system. Nothing stresses me out quicker than a bunch of loose items being lost to the bottom of bags. You only need a few smaller pouches, and your park bag is instantly organized. Oh, another thing…you’ll almost never see me in a theme park with a full-size wallet. Before my trip, I take out the essential credit cards, my ID, cash, etc., and transfer it into an ID holder with a lanyard (I have a ton of Disney ones from Vera Bradley!).
Tech
Our phones are necessities at the Disney theme parks these days, between Genie+, checking on dining reservations, and even MagicMobile if you prefer not to use a MagicBand. Add on top of that, taking thousands of photos and uploading your favorites onto social media throughout the day, and your battery will drain quicker than you realize. A portable charger and a few wires will be key to a stress-free day in the parks.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE TECH ACCESSORY MUST-HAVES FOR YOUR DISNEY WORLD VACATION.
Other
Speaking of thousands of photos being taken, we gotta look good in them! The heat in Florida and California is unforgiving, and you’ll want to freshen up at least a few times throughout the day. The best part is that you don’t really need to bring that many beauty products with you — a little goes a long way. Aside from that, you will want to make sure you have a refillable water bottle, and consider some ponchos if you’re visiting Florida!
And that’s all there is to it! Like I mentioned before, packing a park bag is an art, not a science. You have to determine what your personal needs are and pack accordingly!
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