By: Anna Trosper
August 1, 2024

Disney World days can be long, so I want to make sure you have the essential items packed in your Disney World park bag to make sure you’re prepared.

Trust me: even the most minimalistic packers will have times when having an indispensable item or two on hand will make their days much more enjoyable.

The trick is figuring out what items are essential for you and your traveling party, and which ones you don’t need.

In my experience, there are 2 different types of packers:

People who are totally fine going into the parks with the bare minimum.

And

People who feel more comfortable being prepared for almost anything.

You probably already know which type of packer you are, and depending on your circumstances, you may not have any choice about what size bag you bring or even which items you *have* to bring into the parks.

Keep in mind that I truly don’t think everyone will or should pack every item listed down below.

Instead, use my recommendations as a guide, and then put together your own set of essentials that are customized for you and your family.

Here are the items you may want to consider packing…

Weather-Related Items

Heat, rain, and sun are huge factors on most Disney World trips. During some months, chilly morning/evening temps could also be an issue. To deal with that, I suggest packing:

Ponchos and/or a travel umbrella. Ponchos are more convenient and can easily cover up you, your bag and a stroller (if they’re big enough) but umbrellas with UV protection can also be used as a sunshade.
Spray misters. When it’s hot, something to keep you cool can come in handy. If it’s not summertime where you live, you might want to order these online or they’re available to buy at Disney World.
Folding fans. Inexpensive, lightweight and a lifesaver, especially when you’re in a queue with lots of other people.
Handheld fan. The folding ones are great if you want something that you can just pack and forget, but the electric ones that are either battery-powered or rechargeable are more powerful and can move more air.
Sunglasses. We’d also recommend a sunglass strap, just in case.
Light jacket. Recommended for mornings/evenings for people traveling October – March. Something you stuff in a bag or tie around your waist is best.

Health-Related Items

It is often handy to have at least 1 dose of common over-the-counter meds with you, but don’t forget any prescription meds you may also need.

Mini-first aid kit. You can make your own little kit with some Band-Aids, blister patches, itch/burn cream, ibuprofen, etc. There are also first aid stations in the parks with some of these items available.
Sunscreen. Even if you put some on in the morning before you leave, you’ll often need to reapply during the day. Small, travel sized bottles that you can refill work well, as do sunscreen sticks.
Anti-bacterial gel. People can and do get sick at Walt Disney World. Make sure you are keeping your hands clean before you eat!
Wet wipes. Useful for hands, wiping down tables, or cleaning up after a Mickey Bar.
Bug spray. Although bug bites are relatively rare at Disney World, if you know you are sensitive, you might want to consider it.
Tissues. A small pack will do, but you can also grab napkins at any of the restaurants if you’re ever in a pinch.
Prescription meds. Make sure you have anything you might need during the day with you.

Gadgets

Many or most people rely on gadgets for their trip, especially since so many of the details are managed through the app. Don’t forget to pack:

Cell phone.
An external battery charger with charging cords. Phone batteries drain so quickly at Disney World, so bring one or 2 external chargers, just in case. I have a solar charger that I use in the parks, I got it on Amazon.
Fitness band or smartwatch. You’ll be shocked at how many miles you walk each day.

Park Touring Items

Without these, you won’t make it very far in the parks. Some items to remember in your Disney World park bag:

Park maps. You can pick these up at the park if you don’t have any of your own ahead of time or at your resort.
MagicBands/park tickets. On-site guests will likely use their MagicBands. Off-site guests will use their park tickets unless they choose to purchase MagicBands at Disney World.
Lanyards. For guests who will use their park tickets vs magic bands, I suggest a lanyard for easy access.
Credit card. Although you can charge things to MagicBands, I always bring a little cash and a credit card just in case.
Photo ID. Especially if you want to purchase alcohol, make sure you bring a photo ID from a U.S. state or territory or a passport.
Autograph book. You could also bring other items to autograph, such as a photo mat or pillowcase, but if you would like to capture autographs, make sure you bring them with you into the parks.
Autograph pen. The characters prefer larger pens or Sharpies (bonus points for retractable Sharpies, which are an excellent option).
Mouse Ears - you have to wear mouse ears!

Entertainment for Kids

Although I hope that you won’t end up waiting much, it’s always helpful to have things for kids to do while waiting for the parks to open, in line at an attraction, or for food to arrive. Some ideas:

Games. A deck of cards or game apps works well.
Bubbles. Kids love bubbles, and it is easy to carry little, party-sized bottles to blow while waiting. Disney also sells popular bubble wands that kids love.
Coins for pressing. It is one of the cheapest souvenirs ever, and it’s fun for kids to look for machines.
Glow sticks. Glow sticks are inexpensive and fun to use at night. Bring extras to hand out to other kids who are waiting for a parade or nighttime show to begin.
Look for hidden Mickeys - not sure what this is? Contact me and I'll tell you!

Pantry Items

Make sure you stay hydrated and have some snacks handy for between meals. Don’t forget to pack:

Bottled water. We used to carry 1 around per family member, but that can be very heavy. You can also bring 1 and refill it during the day. (You can also get free cups of water from Quick Service locations).
Snacks. Make sure they are things that can handle the heat. I like bringing granola bars, chips, and fruit roll-ups for the kids - whichever are your favorites.
Gum. Gum is not sold at Disney World, so bring it with you if you’d like some during your trip.

Miscellaneous Items

Some other things I would suggest:

Towel. This may sound silly, but they can come in very handy. You can use it to wipe off a seat after the rain, to sit on during parades, etc.
Cooling towels. These are great for the hot days
Spare outfit for kids. If you think your child may play in the EPOT fountains, in the water area in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom, or get wet on a ride, you might want to pack a dry, spare set of clothes for them.
Extra Ziplocs. You never know what you might want to keep dry or when you could use some extra storage.

Now that you have an idea of what you will be packing in your park bag, what is a good bag to use? Great question! Check out my next blog: Which is the best bag for Disney World.

If you would like to talk about your next Disney trip or your 1st trip, I would be happy to set up at time to talk. Contact me at annat@wishesfamilytravel.com

I hope this helps and that you have a very magical trip!

Disney Park Bag Essentials: What to Bring into the Parks