What To Pack For Disney World

(Features affiliate links)

Disney World is the ultimate travel destination and one to be enjoyed to the max. To make sure your time at Disney World goes perfectly you need to do some planning. It is easy to become overwhelmed when planning a trip as there are so many things to do and consider. A great and handy way of organising ahead of your trip is to make lists. Preparation is the key to success and I want to make sure you have the best trip possible. That’s why I’ve curated a list of what to pack for Disney World so you have everything you might need.

Wallet / ID / Tickets / Fast Passes / Magic Band / Directions / Parking Info

You most definitely need to ensure you take a wallet as there will be lots to buy once you’re inside the park. You may need a form ID also so that’s always important to keep on your person. Whether you have tangible tickets or E-Tickets make sure you have them ready for entry. Disney parks offer free WiFi so make sure you connect to this at the gate to access E-Tickets. In the event of not having access to WiFi take a screenshot so you have a backup option. If you opt for the Magic Bands set them aside with your wallet, tickets and ID.

Chances are you’ll be unfamiliar with where you’re going so plan your journey in advance. If you’re driving and have a sat nav make sure the address is pre input before you’re ready to set off. Once you get near it’s really well signed to guide you in. Once you get parked ensure you take a note or photo of the car park you’re in so you can locate your car easily. This might sound a bit silly but with the volume of cars and car parks, forgetting where you parked is easily done. I’ve certainly been there myself and it quickly becomes a stressful situation. Fortunately, the car parks are all clearly named with Disney characters and numbers.

If you’re taking alternative transport into the park plan your journey with plenty of time to get there to make the most of your time in the park.

Download The Disney Park App

Providing you have a smartphone you should download the Disney Park App. It’s super handy for navigating your way around the park, booking meals in the restaurants, ride fast passes and tracking wait times for rides so you can go at the best time. The app also details what times the shows are on so you can really maximise your time there.

Comfortable Shoes / Trainers

You’re going to be walking around A LOT, I’m talking roughly around 15k steps. Comfortable footwear is an absolute MUST. My favourite option is a lightweight breathable fabric pair of trainers. Don’t be tempted to wear flat sandals as they do not favour long walks and will only hinder your time at Disney. Comfort is key.

Backpack

A backpack is the only way to go in the bag department. It’s zero fuss and allows you to be hands-free to hold your dole whip in one hand and camera in the other. You can get some super cute Disney themed backpacks from Primark and Loungefly do some fab pieces too.

Mickey / Minnie Ears

The freedom to walk around sporting mouse ears headband and not be judged? Who wouldn’t love that? If that’s you then Mickey / Minnie Ears are a must plus they make for a great souvenir. Of course, you’ll find endless amounts of headbands available on site in the shops but they’re the highest in price. Why not plan ahead and check out the headbands on offer from Disney’s online shop and order a pair and save some money. They’re kept up-to-date with the latest designs.

Rain Jacket / Poncho

The weather has a funny sense of humour at times so it’s best to be prepared for rainfall. Something Florida see a lot of and torrentially I might add. While it might be mesmerising to watch it is anything but when you get caught in it. Carry a light rain jacket or rain poncho just in case. Always better to be safe than sorry.

Ziplock Bags

Probably one of the lesser considered items but it can prove very handy indeed. That torrential rain I mentioned, if your bag gets caught in it it will likely seep through to your electronic items, wallet, etc. Pop them inside of a ziplock bag to prevent any leaking or damage. Similarly, if you go on a water ride you might want to put any wet clothes inside if you swap into dry clothes.

Snacks

Not a lot of people know this but Disney actually allows you to bring your own snacks into the park. This might be an option worth considering as everything you purchase in the park comes at a premium. This is a great way to save some money but remember not to pack snacks that might melt in the heat. You don’t want a gooey melted chocolate situation.

Battery Pack

If like a lot of us you use your mobile phone to take photos you’re going to burn through charge like it’s no one’s business. Be prepared and carry a fully charged backup battery pack to boost your phone between photos and recording. Also using the Disney app to navigate around the park, book restaurants, fast passes and track wait times will take up precious power.

Refillable Water Bottle

Staying hydrated while walking around all day in the sun and the heat is crucial. A great money-saving tip is to carry your own refillable bottle and ask the vendors to refill it will fresh, cold water.

Sun Screen

This goes without saying but applying sunscreen regularly is so important as you’ll get a lot of sun exposure while walking around. Not to mention sweating it off in the heat or going on water rides. Remember to reapply often and keep yourself protected especially at peak sun time.

Hat

Whether or not you chose to wear a hat it is always better to have one with you. Sun is great but you can get too much of a good thing and the last thing you want is sunstroke. Try and find shade where you can, even if it’s under a hat. Pop the Mickey ears on top.

Sunglasses

Don’t forget the eye protection now that you’ve got sunscreen and a hat covered. You don’t need me to tell you why you should wear sunglasses.

Hand Sanitiser

This is a must at any time but even more so in current times. There are thousands upon thousands of people passing through the park on a daily basis. It’s a hot and humid environment, just the kind that nasty germs and bacteria love. You can’t go wrong with a bottle of hand sanitiser to use regularly as you amble around the park or touch railings and harnesses.

Face Covering

Another great item to carry with you given the current situation. Some indoor areas might require the use of a face-covering so it won’t do any harm to pack one with you. Disney have cutest ones!

Pain Relief / Plasters

You don’t want pesky headaches or blisters getting in your way so prepare for the unexpected. If you have any other medical requirements make sure to pack for your personal needs. I tend to carry an inhaler as a safety blanket with all of the walking and the heat. It’s better to have more than you need than not enough.

Now we’ve covered what you need to pack, let’s cover what you need to do.

Check out my Disney World Magic Kingdom Bucket List to plan the ultimate Disney adventure.

Plan your trip here. Did you know you can book your tickets in advance and often this can save you money.

If you or someone you know is visiting Disney why not get them a Disney Gift Card to use while they’re there?

You can also save money and earn rewards with the Disney Visa Card.

What are your must-do things while there?

I have another travel post on Florida you can check out here.