Planning a trip to Walt Disney World is an event that starts months in advance for me. I love all of it – planning out our days, getting ADRs and FastPasses, and picking out new Disney-themed clothes (or ears, or accessories!) for my family. It all builds the anticipation and makes the trip even more magical. For my upcoming trip (11 days to go!), I even made one of Jacqueline’s spreadsheets.
I start packing for my family several weeks in advance. I make lists so that I’m not scrambling around at the last minute, and I can slowly buy the new things that we need. I figure out how many outfits each person will need (plus extras for unexpected weather), and then I pack each outfit in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag, complete with socks, underwear, and accessories. For our big trips, I may even coordinate which day the outfits are worn, and I will write the day on the bag. It makes those early mornings much easier! Don’t forget a laundry bag to put your dirty clothes in, because a pile of smelly socks in the corner is definitely not a magical sight to come home to every night!
There are several things that I never considered could come in handy until I had been to Disney several times. I also asked my co-bloggers to contribute some items that they find very useful. We have combined our experience to provide you with a list of less-obvious must-haves when packing for your next trip.
Ziploc Bags of various sizes – these can be used to hold anything, but my favorite use is for packing up snacks to take home! They’re also useful to hold spare trading pins, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom cards, or pressed pennies.
Power Strip – especially if you are traveling with several other people who have phones/tablets/computers, this can come in extremely handy in your room.
First Aid Kit – I make up my own first-aid kit in a case small enough to fit into a backpack. I include Tylenol, Immodium, Band-Aids, Moleskin, and a travel-sized sunscreen. Sure, all of the parks have a first-aid station, but I’d rather be prepared in the moment and not have to hike all the way across the park when someone is in pain. If you wear contacts, you may also want to pack a travel-sized bottle of solution. My eyes tend to get dry by the end of a long day, especially when I’m zipping around on rides with the wind in my face.
CamelBak backpack (or comfortable cross-body bag) – I will admit, when my husband decided he wanted to buy a CamelBak for our trip, I was hesitant. It seemed like a lot of money to invest in a backpack. But it was a great investment! We have used it for several years, and we always have water with us at the park. It’s a lifesaver on those hot days, and it keeps me hydrated for race weekends. Tip: fill the bladder up with ice before you leave the resort. Then the water stays cold all day, and your back stays cool, as well! Don’t want to have to tote around water? You can get cups of it free anywhere in the park. In that case, I would recommend a comfortable cross-body bag that is just big enough for your essentials.
Noise-Reducing Headphones – These are perfect if you have a child with special needs who may experience sensory overload during the fireworks. They are also very useful for a baby/toddler who is scared of the loud noises. We went through two pairs of these when my son was a baby – one pair was left in the Tiki Room, and the second pair he decided to toss through the fence while waiting for IllumiNations. Now, at three, he just holds our hands over his ears until he gets used to the loud noises.
Pump Foam Soap – Some people love the bars of soap that are provided in the resorts, but if you have a child who just doesn’t understand what to do with it (or an adult who likes a specific kind of soap), bringing your own can be an easy way to improve resort life. I have also heard of people who bring Lysol or Febreeze, because they want the room to smell a certain way, but I’ve never gone that far.
Misting Fans or Frogg Toggs – These can come in so handy on those hot summer days, especially when you’re sitting in the sun, waiting for the parade to start. Misting Fans go for about $17 in the park, so bringing your own can save a lot of money!
Mini M&M canister to hold coins for pressed pennies – Do you have a child (or a grown-up) who enjoys collecting pressed pennies? My son loves them, but I frequently find myself standing in front of the machine, rummaging through pockets for change. This time I’ll be prepared with a canister filled with quarters and pennies (I’ve started collecting particularly shiny ones). For you runners out there, a Nuun canister will also work.
Portable Phone Charger – You’ll be taking tons of pictures and video while you’re at the park, and probably posting them to social media. Make sure you bring a portable battery, and don’t forget your phone cable! You can also buy these in the gift shops, but you’ll be able to get a better deal if you purchase one (or two!) before you go.
Ponchos or Rain Jackets – As you probably know, thunderstorms tend to pop up without warning in Orlando. Be prepared by bringing your own rain jacket, or even a cheap poncho from the Dollar Store. Ponchos will run you $8 or $9 in the parks. We invested in nice rain jackets, and they keep us really dry. We throw them on and keep on going! If you have a stroller, bring an extra poncho and use it to cover your stroller. My son thought this was great fun, and it kept him – and the stroller – dry.
Familiar Snacks/Drinks– Do you have a child who is a picky eater? Or a toddler who may not be ready for his own Mickey Bar, but needs frequent snacks? Pack his favorite snacks, and lots of them! This will not only save money, but it also may save you from experiencing a meltdown when a hungry child needs a snack immediately. Also, if you are a fan of Pepsi products, you will need to bring your own, because once you’re inside the bubble, you’ll only find Coke products.
Pack a set of clothes/sneakers in carry on – If you’re flying, we always advise to pack an extra set of clothes in your carry on, just in case. Not that we don’t love buying new clothes at the parks, but in case there is a delay with your luggage, you’ll be set for an extra day.
Being confident about what you are packing will alleviate stress and start your trip off on the right foot. What unusual item do you pack? Share your packing tips with us!
