Chances are, a Disney World vacation will be the trip of a lifetime for you and your family. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been there numerous times, knowing what to pack for Disney World is essential!
Not only do you not want to overpack, but you also want to ensure you have all the Disney essentials to enjoy your family vacation.
Check out the ultimate Disney packing list to ensure you have everything you need to enjoy Orlando’s weather while making incredible memories with your family.
What To Pack for Disney World Vacation
Disney World vacations are meant to be fun, but don’t be fooled; they also create long, stressful days if you aren’t prepared.
To make your trip as magical as possible, use this Disney packing checklist to ensure you have everything your family needs.
What To Bring to Disney World During the Day
You’ll need more than you likely realize when visiting the Disney World parks, which is why a backpack is essential!
You’ll pack most of the same items for daytime and nighttime at Disney World, but there are a few items that are specific to the time of day you’re visiting the theme parks. Here’s the ultimate packing list for Disney World during the day.
During the day, you should focus on the heat/sun. Prepare to be hot, even on days when the temperature isn’t scorching, and always have plenty of sun protection.
Here are the essential items you need:
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Sunblock
- A chafing stick
- Cooling towels
- Fans
- Water bottles
You’re also more likely to need water bottles and snacks during the day on your Disney trip. The heat can make everyone thirstier and run down faster. Constantly filling your water bottles and keeping snacks handy can keep everyone feeling their best while you explore the magic.
Any time of day, you’ll need:
- A change of shoes and/or clothes
- Rain gear
- Entertainment
- Portable chargers
- Autograph books
- Plastic bags
- Earplugs
- First-aid kit
Things To Bring to Disney World for the Nighttime
Nighttime is a little different at Disney World. You no longer have to worry about the sun, so you can unload the sun protection gear if you return to your hotel room. You should still keep your rain gear, though, as it can rain day or night.
Depending on the time of year you’re traveling, you may need a sweatshirt or light jacket at night. If you have little ones or just love glow-in-the-dark items, consider glow sticks and other trinkets that glow.
You can grab them at the local dollar store and save yourself a lot of money rather than buying them at your Walt Disney World resort or theme park.
By nighttime, your electronics will likely be dwindling, so it’s essential to have portable chargers so you aren’t without power.
The crowds leaving the parks at night can be extreme, so a fully powered device is essential in case you want to opt for a Lyft ride versus fighting the crowds on the buses or monorail.
What Are Life-Saving Disney Essentials To Pack?
If nothing else, be sure to bring these items as the bare minimum!
Clothing
When you pack for Disney World, plan on a couple of outfits per day for each family member. The weather can be unpredictable (warm then cool) and is often wet.
You may also want to change from your theme park clothes to clothes for dinner or other entertainment when you get back to your hotel room. Disney vacations are packed full of fun and often require multiple outfits in a day, so be sure you have plenty of proper clothes to pack for Disney World.
Comfortable Shoes
You’ll need at least a couple of pairs of comfortable shoes for each person for all the walking.
Having multiple pairs provides a backup should a pair get wet in the rain or one pair become uncomfortable after days of a lot of walking. You may even consider waterproof footwear, like Crocs, that can withstand heavy rain. Don’t forget pool shoes, like flip flops, for convenience.
Backpacks
You’ll carry more stuff than you thought possible when heading to the Disney theme parks, so a backpack is essential.
If you have little ones with a stroller, a small backpack as your park bag will do because you can store items in the stroller or diaper bag. If not, consider a larger backpack for the family or have multiple family members carry one.
Items for Any Type of Weather
Count on at least one rain shower daily! Since you’ll likely spend most of your time outdoors, you must bring rain gear, such as a lightweight rain jacket, poncho, or compact umbrella.
Also, consider the clothing you’ll need for extreme hot and cold temperatures, depending on the time of year you’re traveling. The daytime can be scorching, and the nighttime cool.
Sun Protection
No matter the time of year you’re traveling to Disney World, you’ll need sun protection. Consider sun-protective clothing, sunblock, hats, and good sunglasses.
Even when the weather isn’t scorching hot, the Florida sun is still hot and can cause severe sunburn or heat exhaustion. Also, consider a chafing stick, as you’ll likely walk 10+ miles a day, and unexpected chafing can occur!
Entertainment
A Disney vacation is filled with entertainment but also plenty of lines, leaving room for boredom and tantrums that can ruin even the most magical vacation.
Be sure to have plenty of age-appropriate entertainment, including iPads or other devices your children enjoy that can keep them calm. If you aren’t an electronics family, a deck of cards, coloring books, or other easy-to-carry items also work.
Water Bottles
You can bring your own water bottles to Disney World, which can help you save money on expensive food and drinks. Water bottles are about $4 a piece at the parks.
If you have a large family and visit the theme parks for several days, you will see how quickly it can add up. You can use any of the free refill stations throughout the parks or even ask the servers to fill your water bottle at counter service restaurants.
Snacks
If you have a family that loves to snack, bring the family favorites in your backpack. As long as they aren’t in glass and don’t require refrigeration or heating up, you can bring your own snacks into Disney Work parks.
You’ll save yourself hundreds of dollars and potentially prevent meltdowns from hunger. This is also a great way to pass time and occupy little ones while waiting in long lines.
Extra Bag
If your family loves souvenirs like Disney t-shirts, Mickey or Minnie ears, or other trinkets, leave plenty of room in your bag for more items to pack on the way home.
If you don’t have room in your bag, consider packing an extra bag to lug home the memories from your Walt Disney World vacation.
Portable Chargers
If you’re visiting Disney parks, you’ll likely need to recharge your devices. Be sure you have extra cords and a few portable chargers to get you throughout the day, especially if your devices will also serve as line entertainment.
Cooling Items
If your Disney trip is during the hot summer months, you’ll want items to keep you cool, like a cooling towel or fan. Pack enough for every family member, and buy them before heading out on your Disney World trip. They are much cheaper on Amazon than at the Disney World theme parks.
Autograph Book and Pen
If you have little kids (or are a kid at heart), bring an autograph book and pen for the characters. You can purchase this before heading to your Disney World trip and save some money. Of course, you’ll find them at every Disney resort or each of the Disney parks if you forget.
Camera
Whether your Disney World vacation is a once-in-a-lifetime trip or you visit Walt Disney World often, you’ll want to capture your memories. Your smartphone will do the trick, but consider packing a camera if you want higher-quality pictures.
Important Documents
Your Disney World packing list should include documents such as
- Driver’s license
- Hotel confirmation
- Airline tickets
- Disney magic bands
- Car rental confirmation
- Transportation confirmation (if taking Disney transportation)
- A copy of your itinerary
- Confirmation of any dining reservations
Disney planning takes months, if not longer, so the last thing you want is to leave important documents or tickets behind!
Plastic Bags
There are a few water rides at Disney World parks, so be sure you have plastic bags for all your devices. This also comes in handy if the weather turns rainy, allowing you to protect your most important items from the rain.
First Aid Kit
Prepare for the unexpected to happen while on your Disney trip. Band-aids, ibuprofen, antihistamines, tissues, and anything else your family normally uses during emergencies.
Keep a small first aid kit in your backpack at all times. Of course, if you forget something, the cast members at Disney World are great about helping.
Earplugs
If you have anyone in your party who doesn’t like loud noises or gets overstimulated easily, consider packing earplugs. They are great for nighttime when they shoot off fireworks but may also come in handy throughout the day to shut out some of the excessive noise.
Bag for Dirty Clothes
To make life easier at the hotel and when packing to go home, have a bag for dirty clothes. This ensures you don’t get your clean clothes dirty or confused about what’s already worn.
What Not To Bring to Disney World
You might feel like you want to bring everything but the kitchen sink on your Disney vacation, but it can get to be too much. Here are the items you can leave at home because you either won’t need them or Disney has you covered.
- Towels: Leave the bulky towels at home. Disney resorts have towels for the bathroom and pool.
- Bug spray: You probably won’t deal with mosquitos, but if you do Guest Services at the parks or your hotel can provide repellent.
- Pack n’ play: If you have toddlers or babies, request that the hotel provide a pack n’ play or a crib for you, free of charge.
- Lawn chairs: Disney doesn’t allow lawn chairs into the park. There are plenty of great places to sit, including the ground with all the other Disney fans to watch the fireworks or a show.
- Shampoo and conditioner: Save the hassle at airport security by skipping the shampoo and conditioner. Disney resorts have amazing products for everyone to use.
- Life jackets: Each Disney resort provides life jackets and floating devices, so there is no need to lug them with you.
What You’re Not Allowed To Bring to Disney World
There are many things you can have in your park bag, like your snacks and even water bottles. However, there are several items they don’t allow in the parks. Here are a few highlights; you can see the full list on the Disney World website:
- Glass containers
- Fireworks or firearms, including toys that look like either
- Loud noisemakers
- Skates, shoes with wheels, or skateboards
- Stroller wagons
- Coolers or bags exceeding 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high
- Tripods that don’t fit in a standard bag
What To Wear at Disney World
Of course, we must discuss what to wear on your Disney vacation!
I’ve outlined different options for when you’re at the parks, relaxing at your Walt Disney World resort, or taking a family night out.
Outfits for Walt Disney World Parks
Think of breathable clothing for any park day. Chances are it will be hot, and you’ll want fabrics that allow you to cool off without looking like you just got out of the shower. Cotton and linen are the best fabrics, as are clothes made of sweat-wicking materials.
Everyone should have at least one good pair of biker shorts. You want shorts that won’t ride up or cause more friction on your thighs in the heat, or you’ll have unbelievable chafing.
Don’t be afraid to size up in your biker shorts, and if you wear a sundress to the parks, put those biker shorts on underneath!
Consider loose and flowing tops, including tank tops, in the summer. Loose-fitting rompers and jumpsuits are a great option if you’re more of a one-piece person. Sticking to light colors to combat the heat, no matter what you choose.
Don’t forget comfortable shoes. I can’t stress that enough. Disney World isn’t the time to try a new pair of shoes. The shoes you wear should be well-loved and super comfortable.
Supportive sneakers are best, but there are some great brands of supportive sandals if you worry about your feet getting too hot.
Outfits for the Resort and Dinners
Disney trips aren’t all about theme parks. When you visit Disney World, you may have plenty of time to relax and have nice dinners. You don’t have to be as picky about your outfits when not at the parks.
Of course, you’ll need plenty of bathing suits for everyone in the family. Don’t forget to include cover-ups and beach towels. Consider sun hats if you’ll spend a lot of time during the day at the pools, as that sun can cause sunburn really fast!
For other activities throughout the resort and the Orlando area, pack light dresses, jumpsuits, and other comfortable but fun clothing. When not at the parks, you can get a little braver with your shoe selection, wearing a wedge or platform sandal to feel a little dressier.
Don’t forget to pack a denim jacket or light sweater. The hotel lobbies and restaurants tend to be on the colder side to compensate for the Central Florida heat!
What Not To Wear at Disney World
Disney World is pretty flexible with what they allow you to wear, but they do have some restrictions:
- No one over 14 years old can wear a costume (the Halloween party is an exception)
- Masks are not allowed by anyone, including kids
- Clothing must not drag on the ground
- Clothing must not have inappropriate language or graphics
- Excessively torn clothing
- Clothing that shows too much skin
Best Food and Snacks To Pack for Disney World
It’s no secret that Disney food can get pricey. Having food and snacks on hand can prevent meltdowns and keep more money in your pocket. Choose foods that are easy to pack, don’t need to be cooked, and can be easily eaten, such as:
- Fruit snacks
- Granola bars
- Protein bars
- Pretzels
- Crackers
- String cheese
- Deli meat or PB&J sandwiches
- Trail mix
- Cut up fruit
How To Pack for Disney World
Now that you know what should be on your Disney World packing list, consider how to pack.
- Use packing cubes: If you have a large family, packing cubes can save space and keep everything organized. You’ll have a much easier time getting everyone ready each day without scrambling to find certain items.
- Know the weather: Always check the weather and pack for the unexpected! Disney World weather is unpredictable, so have something for any weather.
- Have extra room: When reviewing your packing checklist, be sure you have enough room for new items to come home with you. While you can pay to ship souvenirs home, it gets expensive. Saving room in your luggage is free and convenient.
- Make travel day items accessible: If you’re traveling early to Disney World, chances are your room won’t be ready when you arrive. Have a ‘jump bag’ of items like swimsuits or a change of clothes so everyone is ready for the day’s activities without emptying your entire suitcase.
FAQs
When Should I Start Packing for Disney World?
Give yourself plenty of time to pack for Disney World. Begin the process at least a week before you leave, and try to be completely packed a few days before departure. This allows enough time to review your packing list and ensure you aren’t forgetting anything.
What Outfits Are Not Allowed at Disney?
Disney doesn’t allow anyone over age 14 to wear a costume unless it’s for a specific themed party (Halloween and sometimes Christmas). They also don’t allow outfits that drag on the ground or show too much skin.
Can I Bring a Purse or Backpack to Disney?
You can bring any carry-on type as long as it is no larger than 24″ long x 15″ wide and 18″ high.
Can I Pack My Own Food for the Disney Parks?
Yes, you can pack your own food for the Disney Parks if it isn’t in glass containers and doesn’t require cooking. A small cooler fitting the 24″ x 15″ x 18″ rules is allowed, so you can bring food that must remain cold.
Do I Need To Pack Towels for Disney World?
No, save the room in your suitcase for other items and use the towels provided at Disney Resorts and water parks.
Do I Need To Pack Life Jackets for Disney World?
No, Disney World resorts provide life jackets, so save the room in your suitcase for fun stuff!
What Is the Best Way To Carry Stuff at Disney?
Try not to overload yourself at Disney World. If you aren’t using a stroller, consider a medium-sized backpack, but don’t make it too heavy. If you have items, like a change of clothes or shoes, you can rent a locker for the day, keeping the heavier items in there and retrieving them as needed.
Can I Bring a Water Bottle Into Disney World?
You can bring a water bottle into Disney World if it’s not glass. A reusable water bottle is a great idea because you can refill it at the dedicated refill stations or any counter service restaurant.
Everything You Need for Your Disney World Vacation
Knowing the best Disney World packing tips is the key to having a magical time!
You spend a lot of time creating the perfect itinerary to create magical memories; the last thing you want is to not have the items you need packed!
This ultimate packing list will ensure you leave no detail unnoticed, from the perfect clothing to the best accessories.
Susan’s Selections
Girlfriend Collective Bike Short
FJÄLLRÄVEN Water Resistant Belt Bag (Practical) or Coach League Leather Belt Bag (More high fashion)
Madewell Tie-Back Button Front Vintage Floral Dress
Taking another type of vacation?
I have packing guides and checklists for all kinds of trips. Check out the other posts in this series!
