In preparation for your Disney Vacation, like any other trip, you’ll want to make a packing list. That list will include the basics; clothes, shoes, toiletries, and mouse ears. Unlike other vacations, you should also include items that will go in your park bag. Your park bag will be your life line in the parks. Most people bring a backpack into the parks to carry essentials that you might need while in the parks. The items that go in your park bag will help you make the most out of you day in the parks without having to leave.
Below is a list of items that I always make sure to include in my park bag. All of these items can be found on Amazon. My recommendation is to buy these things at least one week before you leave so they get delivered on time.
Portable Charger: Probably the most important item you’ll pack in your backpack. Phones have become an essential part of life. People rely on their phones for everything, and it’s no different at Disney. When it comes to taking pictures, most people only have their phone to capture those special moments. You’ll also be using your phone to operate your My Disney Experience App. This app is your lifeline in the parks. You use the app to book fast passes, pre-order food, navigate between lands, and checking showtimes.
Having your phone die on you is the worst feeling in the world. You will be completely disconnected from your own little world. Sure you’d still be able to get around, you can book fast passes at kiosks located within the parks and Disney’s photographers are always more than willing to take your picture. But it’s always a good idea to carry an external portable charger. Preferably one with a large battery life.
The charger I use has four USB plugs and can charge an iPhone 13 times before you need to recharge it. This charger is good for traveling with large groups because you’ll be able to charge up to four phones at once.
Collapsible Water Bottle: No matter what time of year you are visiting Disney, you are going to get thirsty. Constantly buying beverages at Disney will get expensive quick. Sure you can always buy a water bottle or cup when you first get into the parks and then keep refilling it but you can also bring your own refillable water bottle and cut out the waste. There are bubblers (water fountains) located around the parks and you can also go up to any vendor and ask for ice water and they will give it you free of charge. You’ll definitely thank yourself when you are waiting in line, sun beating down on you can you remember you have ice water in your bag calling your name.
Rain Poncho: Florida is a tropical state, with that being said, there is always a chance for an afternoon rain storm. Being prepared for the rain will make your day go a lot smoother than if you were to have to run and hide somewhere. Disney does sell rain ponchos in their gift shops, you’d rather have that money on souvenirs. You can find inexpensive, disposable ponchos on Amazon or you can invest in a good lightweight raincoat from the North Face. I definitely recommend getting something that can be folded up small enough so it won't take up a lot of space in your bag.
Hand Sanitizer and Wipes: Don’t get the wrong idea. Disney Parks are arguable the cleanest theme parks in the world. It’s because large crowds of people usually means a lot of germs. The last thing you want is to get sick while on vacation. There are plenty of bathrooms located around the parks to wash your hands but sanitizer is something easy to carry in your bag when the lines are too long or your hand just feel sticky. Having wipes handy can be helpful when you are looking for somewhere to eat and you want to clean the table up a little bit. They are also useful when you get messy from a melting mickey ice cream bar.
Disney Trading Pins: Pin trading became popular during Disney’s Millennium Celebration. Since that time, Disney Pins has become one of the most popular collectables for guest of the Parks and Resorts. It has grown so much over the years that almost every Cast Member, whether they are walking around the parks, in a shop or at a Resort, have pins that can be traded at any time. While pins in the parks can cost anywhere from $8 - $12, you can get a lot of pins from a third party source for around $1 per pin.
Remember, if you ever forget anything when packing, you can always pick it up at a gift shop or have it delivered to your Resort. Buying from the gift shop, whether in the parks or at the Resort, can get very expensive. You can get Amazon packages delivered to your Disney World Resort.
Please check back for more posts about planning your next Disney Vacation. And remember, every Disney Vacation holds its own Magic.