Whether you're a first-time visitor to Walt Disney World or are a veteran vacationer, there always seems to be something you forget to pack. Sometimes you need things you didn't even think to pack in the first place! Now you know to pack clothing, shoes, and underwear, but what about the other stuff? Well here's a quick list of the top 10 special items I always pack for my Disney vacations, including some things you may not think you'll need, but will:
#1 - Rain Ponchos I cannot stress this one enough! Florida is known for frequent rain and daily squalls in the Summer, so plan ahead. Get you and your family rain ponchos before heading to WDW to save a little extra cash and time once you're in the parks. Disney does sell their own ponchos and umbrellas, but they are also Disney-priced, and many guests will up and leave the parks once it starts to rain. If you bring your own ponchos, you're one step ahead of the game and don't have to forfeit your theme park time. Check out your local Target, WalMart, Dollar Tree, etc. for cheaper ponchos, and make sure to only buy those with hoods! #2 - Sunscreen A given on any Disney packing list. But more people forget to pack sunscreen than you'd think. Make sure to pack enough for all members of your family, at least two applications a day (a larger family may need two bottles), and put it in a bag you're planning to check through your airline. Nothing's worse that getting to security at the airport and having to throw things out of your carry-on that aren't allowed on the plane like liquids, gels, or aerosols. You can find ample amounts of sunscreen all over WDW property at various sundries shops, but just like the ponchos, the price may be higher than you normally pay at your local drugstore. Don't forget the sunscreen lip balm either! #3 - Extra camera memory cards/batteries You want to document all of the magic on your Disney vacation, right? Well don't get caught with a filled-up memory card or drained battery while meeting your favorite character or at your favorite photo spot. Plan ahead and make sure to bring along completely empty/cleaned-out memory cards, as well as fully-charged batteries. Your camera/phone charger is another easy one to forget during the rush to the airport, so charge your devices up the night before and put those chargers in your carry-on before you head to bed. While everyone in my family has the same phone, we all bring a charger if disaster strikes! #4 - Tums/antacids Even if you plan on "eating clean" at Disney or only giving into a treat every so often, it's inevitable that you'll break that plan, and you'll break it every day (let's be real). You don't want to miss out on all of the yummy food Disney has to offer! From sandwiches, to pasta, to ice cream, there are a lot of options. But with all of that eating comes repercussions, including upset tummies, so be prepared with your antacid of choice in your arsenal before indigestion strikes. This is another item you can find at any sundries shop in Disney, even in the parks, but it will be priced higher for a smaller dosage. And don't just put in your suitcase as a "what-if" item, take it in your park day bag/purse! #5 - Chewing gum If you're a gum-chewer, or have one in your family, you better stock up on your favorite stuff before making it to WDW. You will not find gum for sale in any store on Disney property. This is done to help prevent gum from being stuck everywhere and keep everything clean and hygienic. It's not prohibited to bring into parks, but it isn't sold anywhere either. If you absolutely need to chew a piece after a meal for whatever personal reason, pack your favorite in your park day bag/purse before heading out for the day, and make sure to dispose of it properly. #6 - Extra pair of sunglasses Florida is nicknamed "The Sunshine State" for a reason. Everybody has their go-to pair of sunglasses, but what happens if they break or get lost? Disney sells thousands of pairs of sunglasses each day and can be found in all of the theme park and resort hotel shops, but again, they're priced a little bit higher. Be sure to bring an extra pair of sunglasses for each member of your family if you're not willing to use some of your allocated spending money while on vacation on sunglasses. Or you can always bring along your favorite sunglass/eyeglass straps to help keep your specs on you at all times. Either option is better than having to buy a new pair! #7 - Band-Aids You're going to be doing a lot of walking while at Walt Disney World, and even if you plan accordingly and pack comfortable, worn-in shoes, blisters and accidents are bound to happen. Grab a box of your go-to brand and pack them in your park day bag/purse in case of emergencies so you don't have to scourer around for a sundries shop and waste valuable vacation time. Be sure that box also includes various sizes, so you're not trying to put a tiny finger bandage on a tough heel-blister. #8 - Hand sanitizer/wipes A lot of people visit the WDW theme parks everyday. Those people are touching the same handrails, door handles, and ride seatbelts as you are, so make sure to keep your hands clean throughout the day with the hand sanitizer or wipes of your choice. Disney always make sure to have their bathroom sinks stocked with plenty of hand soap, but it's nice to have the convenience of your favorite cleanser right in your park day bag/purse. I'm partial to the Wet Ones travel packs, which are also allowed in carry-on bags and can go through airport security! #9 - Collapsible tote bag Even if you're not planning on bringing back a lot of Disney souvenirs, you will still more than likely purchase a few to bring back home. Pack a collapsible tote bag or duffle bag that can lay flat in the bottom of your luggage so you can fill it up with your goodies on the way home and carry it on the plane. If your souvenirs won't squeeze into your bag or send it over your chosen airline's weight limit, you might be paying for new luggage or an extra fee. An extra tote is great if you purchase stuffed animals, breakable items (Christmas ornaments, mugs), or specialty snacks (Mickey rice crispy treats, coconut patties, etc.). Some Disney gift shops even sell grocery/tote bags or offer them at a discounted price with a purchase, so you can always pick one up if you forget or think you'll need another one with the amount of shopping you're doing. #10 - Disney-themed clothing and accessories Don't forget to have fun with your outfits each day on vacation! I personally like to plan my outfits ahead based on what theme park I'm going to visit each day, special dining reservations, events, etc. Characters love to see themselves on your t-shirts and hats, and the princesses especially love to see fellow royalty if you choose to sport a tiara. You'll find a ton of park-exclusive apparel and accessories all over property, but don't forget to bring the special items you already have, including your favorite Mickey ears! There are so many other things to remember to bring on your Walt Disney World vacation, especially if you're traveling with little ones, family members with special needs, or anybody with dietary restrictions (among others), so make sure to do your homework and make a list of your own to fit your family's needs. Be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/help/ for many valuable trip planning resources and more information, including helpful tips from Disney's Moms Panel. Check back later for more posts on packing tips, park outfit ideas, and what to leave at home. Until the next post, see ya real soon!
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About MeA twenty-something alumni of the Disney College Program looking to help others plan the Disney vacations of their dreams! Living that Disneyland AP dream in SoCal. Archives
February 2018
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