What to Pack for Disney

My Mom, sisters and I are going to Disney World Monday and we are SO excited! Even though the youngest person going with us is 17, we are all as giddy now as we were when we went when we were younger. Even though I would call myself somewhat of a Disney pro, packing for Disney is still the struggle!

I would compare packing for Disney like packing for a 10 mile hike combined with packing for a princess birthday party combined with packing for a 7 night beach vacation. Yeah… it’s a lot. There is so much you could take to Disney… and I HAVE fallen into the category of “let me put everything I have in my closet into my suitcase”. Now I am a little more experienced and I want to share how a structured packing list can increase your happiness when going to the already “Happiest Place on Earth”!

*Under my Packing Tips I am going to tag different items that you can shop.

Gear to Pack

1. Backpack : Someone in our group always has a backpack to carry when we head into the park. The reason… all the items you see below.
2. Phone Portable Charger : You are going to be using your phone probably more than usual while at Disney. Everywhere you turn is a picture perfect spot. It is also nice to have your phone when you are waiting in a 120 minute long line… If I don’t have a portable charger, my phone usually lasts a little over half a day. So pack that portable charger.
3. Sunscreen : Florida is sunny. I know you’re probably saying “duh Bre” but seriously, wear your sunscreen. If it’s sunny out when you’re there, then you could be out in the sun for 8-9 hours… and sunburn sucks when you’re riding rollercoasters.
4. Sunglasses : Again, Florida is sunny. Pack sunglasses, pack 2 pair of sunglasses.
5. Hand Sanitizer : There are SO MANY PEOPLE in the parks. It’s nice to be able to grab the hand sanitizer and not waste time going to the bathroom.
6. Lightweight Umbrella : It rains a lot in Florida. I know again “duh”. But it could be sunny and 10 seconds later you are stuck in a downpour.
7. Chapstick : I personally love EOS.
8. Water Bottle : I usually take my Swell with me when I travel. You can get bottles of water when your’e there but they cost a pretty penny.

What to Wear

1. Travel Jeans : If you have a comfortable pair of jeans, they are usually a great choice for travel days. If you plan to arrive to Disney before your scheduled check-in time, then I would suggest bringing a pair of shorts in your carry-on or backpack so you can change.
2. T-Shirts : It’s nice to wear t-shirts when your’e in the park late. Even though its scorching hot during the day, the nighttime can get a little chilly.
3. Tank Tops : My go-to! I wear tank tops during the day almost EVERYDAY. It’s usually so hot, and you want to be the most comfortable walking around the park in the heat, so tank tops are a great choice.
4. Comfortable Shorts : I prefer athletic shorts or linen shorts. My sister prefers to wear jean shorts, but I sometimes get rubs if I wear jean shorts for too long. Athletic shorts are usually the best for me. Linen shorts are also great, but the butt sweat can be BAD in them…
5. Tennis Shoes : MUST HAVE. You are going to be walking a lot during your time at Disney. Trying to get 10,000 steps a day? Well that’s EASY at Disney. I usually bring a couple pairs of tennis shoes so I can change them every other day, this usually keeps my feet from hurting too bad.
6. Nicer Outfit : So Disney has a location called Disney Springs. It is a really cool place to hangout, grab a bite to eat and shop! I usually will bring one nicer outfit to wear here. By nicer outfit I mean a romper, jumpsuit, or sun dress. If you are going to grab a bite to eat here, make sure to make a reservation ASAP. They tend to go fast.

Just-in-Case Clothes

1. Rain Coat : So if you have ever been to Disney, you know when it starts raining the streets of the parks become a sea of trash bag looking things with Mickey Mouse on the back… a.k.a the poncho. A poncho can be good if you are carrying a backpack since it can fit over it, but other than that I would suggest a rain coat.
2. Lightweight Sweatshirt : As I said before, it can get chilly at night so it is nice to have a lightweight sweatshirt. If you regret not taking one, just spend $99 on a Mickey sweatshirt and you’ll rethink not bringing one next time.
3. Swimsuit : There are waterparks at Disney World. Even if a water park isn’t on your itinerary, the hotels usually have pools. I usually take one swimsuit just in case.

Other MUST HAVES

1. Lacrosse Ball : If you don’t have a lacrosse ball you can also use a golf ball or anything small and hard. I take a lacrosse ball because after walking 7 miles everyday for 4 days… your feet start to hurt. It feels AMAZING to roll out the bottoms of your feet when they are soar and tired. We actually take it with us into the park so we can roll our feet out while standing in line. It makes a difference.
2. Snacks : You can take in a small cooler if you want. If you are using a stroller, this may be a great idea. But for those of you that don’t have little kids, I would recommend just taking a mini lunch box and putting any items that need to stay cool in that. Or, even better, don’t take things that need to be refrigerated.
3. Mickey Ears : You have to wear your Mickey ears to Disney at least once in your lifetime.
4. Misting Fan : The game of Disney is who can last the longest in the heat. If you want to win that game, take a misting fan. Everyone in the outdoor lines will be super jealous.
5. Advil : I mean having Advil all the time is just a good idea, even if you aren’t going to Disney.
6. Dramamine : Some of the rides can make certain people feel motion sick. If this makes you nervous, take some non-drowsy Dramamine before getting into the park.

As always, all opinions and text are my own.

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