Nothing is more magical than a Disney trip, no matter how old you are! The moment you walk up to the castle for the first time is something you’ll never forget. The last thing you want is to arrive in the park and realize you don’t have everything you need to make the visit a success! We’ve put together a list of must-haves for you to pack so you can have a great time from start to finish—the only other things you’ll need are faith, trust, and pixie dust. 😉
Essentials for Comfort and Health
Whether you’re doing one day at the parks or multiple, you’ll likely spend a lot of time on your feet! You’ll also need to be prepared for all kinds of weather, from blazing hot California days to a rainy Floridian hurricane season. These items can help you shake off the anxiety and sadness, so you’ll feel nothing but joy from the inside out!
- Comfortable shoes: This is a given—you’ll be on your feet a lot, so leave the glass slippers at home and go for something that won’t hurt too much!
- Anti-chafing cream: Unless you plan to wear pants every day, there’s a good chance your legs will get a little sore from all the walking. This could save you from a painful situation!
- Blister band-aids: Even the most comfortable shoes might not stand up to blisters when you’re walking all day. Protect your feet!
- Extra socks: If you get hit by a rainy day in the park, you’ll appreciate having dry socks to change into! You can still have lots of fun in the park when it rains, and little things like this can make it more comfortable.
- Motion sickness pills: You might feel like you can fly...until you ride Peter Pan’s Flight one too many times and start to feel those Mickey pretzels. Combat motion sickness before it hits so you can keep going all day!
- Sunscreen and bug spray: Bug bites and sunburns can really ruin the day, so make sure you’re prepared to combat them.
- Aloe vera: If you are worried about turning red as a red panda, this is something you’ll want to have on hand!
- SPF lip balm: Don’t forget your lips when it comes to sun protection! If you want to be ready for your own Prince Charming to wake you with a kiss, you might want to do what you can to avoid a burn.
- Hats: Even more sun protection? That’s right! Don’t worry—our classic Mickey ears can fit over your hat so you can still feel festive.
- Sunglasses: Protect those eyes! You don’t want the sun to get in the way of seeing what’s around you in the park.
- Water bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial for those long park days! The parks have water bottle filling stations available for your convenience! Try a filtered water bottle or flavour packs if you’re sensitive to the taste of water in new places.
- Hand sanitizer: Fight off germs and stay healthy by regularly sanitizing or washing your hands.
- Wet wipes: Whether you have kids or not, wipes are one of the handiest tools to keep in your tool kit! They work for small spills, big messes, and even to cool down your face on a hot day.
- Painkillers: You might be a little sore from all the walking, so bring these along to help prepare yourself for another full day! Just don’t forget the spoonful of sugar to help that medicine go down.
Electronics
From staying cool to staying connected, having the right electronics on hand can make a big difference for your visit! You might not have a robotic companion like Baymax, but these gadgets will certainly make your days better all the same.
- Mini fans: While you’re busy being Mickey’s biggest fan, these mini ones will keep you cool!
- Phone or camera: Moments in the park are unforgettable, but you’ll still want to have a way to look back on them and share with your loved ones back home! Make sure you have something to use for freezing those moments forever.
- Portable charger: You’ll be so busy snapping photos of every beautiful memory you’re making, you won’t have time to stop and charge your devices! With a portable charger, you’ll never have to stop moving.
- AirTags: No one wants to lose their stuff, so devices like AirTags—or other similar trackers—are here to help! You can track whatever you attach it to on your phone. You might not have your own J.A.R.V.I.S., but with all the tech available now, you can feel a little like Tony Stark!
- Ziploc bags: This isn’t electronic, but you can use it to protect things that are! If you love water rides, keep these handy to prevent waterlogging your cellphone, camera, or anything else you’re carrying.
Clothing and Gear
You don’t need Edna Mode’s super suits to be prepared for the elements on your park days if you follow this list! Make sure you know which parks you plan to visit before you pack as some items will only be necessary in certain spots!
- Layering clothes: If you’re unsure of the weather, bring options! For example, wear a light sweater to stay warm, or tie it around your waist when it gets too hot! Or make it a cape—you’ve got a built-in Avenger costume!
- Swimwear: If you’ll be hitting one of the amazing Walt Disney World water parks, this is a must! There’s nothing like embracing your inner Ariel and playing mermaids in a real Disney pool.
- Ponchos: Rainy days ahead? Don’t let them ruin your fun! A poncho is the perfect accessory for those damp days.
- Fanny pack/backpack: A bag that’s easy to wear is useful if you have a few things from this list to carry around with you!
- Extra duffel bag: You don’t need to bring this one to the park, but it will come in handy when you leave! Fold it up nice and small in your suitcase on the way there, and then use it to bring home the amazing souvenirs you’re sure to find on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Compression packing cubes: Unless you have Wonderland’s shrinking potions like Alice, these will be the next best thing to maximize your space when you’re packing!
- Autograph book: In addition to pictures, this is a great item to have to remember all the characters you had the chance to meet throughout your visit. They’ll be happy to sign it for you!
So, are you ready for your big Disney adventure? CAA Travel has travel consultants on staff who specialize in Disney Vacations to help you book the magical trip you’ve been dreaming of! Find them on our website—they’ll handle the details so you can get to packing!