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Going to a Walt Disney World theme park is a day-long event. There is so much to see and do. And eat! It’s a lot of walking and you need to be prepared. Never fear! We have you covered. Here is how to pack the perfect Disney park bag!
The Park Bag
Obviously, you need a park bag. But not just any bag. You need one that is comfortable to wear, will hold all the items you need, and maybe even be waterproof for those wet rides!
Different people like different size bags. I personally like to use a smaller slingback backpack. (similar to below) It has enough room to hold the things I need and it’s not super heavy or bulky. The Waterfly Slingback bag below is water resistant.
If you need room for more, like stuff for your kids or items to help with your comfort, you might need a full-size backpack. This SwissGear Travel Gear Backpack is TSA approved and can even be your carry-on.
Of course, if you just have a few items you need, like your phone, wallet, etc, you could just do a wristlet, or lanyard (like below).
Or the ever fashionable (NOT!) fanny pack! (ok, they have gotten cuter!) It all depends on your needs. The one below is from Loungefly and is SO adorable!
Now you can even get fanny pack alternatives, such as a running belt like the Flip Belt. It will hold your keys, phone, credit cards, and more.
Necessities of Park Life (Hehe)
There are certain things that (almost) everyone needs to have in their park bag. Certain magic makers that are pretty necessary! Here’s my basic list of what I need every time I go to the parks.
- MagicBands/Park Tickets – MOST IMPORTANT!
- Park Map – you can get this at your resort or at the park entrances.
- Photo ID – for when you make credit card purchases or want to get an alcoholic drink. (Now available in the Magic Kingdom too!)
- Cash – great for tips or getting that favorite snack. Some vendors do not accept credit cards.
- Planner/Ride checklist – Sometimes it can be necessary to make a list of the rides you absolutely want to ride. Gotta get your priorities straight!
- EARS! – Mickey ear hat or Minnie ear headbands are so much fun to wear! You can get them in the parks, or online. Even handmade ones from Etsy! Check out this pair.
- Quarters/Pennies – One of my favorite souvenirs and they are super cheap! Pressed Pennies! They usually cost 50¢ plus the actual penny you are pressing. You can also get pressed quarters which cost $1 (I think). You can even get a book to put all your pressed coins in!
- Autograph book & Pen – This one is great for kids and adults alike! If you love meeting characters, as I do, you definitely want an autograph book or something for them to sign. (Cute idea is to use a picture frame mat!) Make sure you bring a big pen so the “furry” characters (Mickey, etc) can hold on better. The retractable Sharpies are perfect for this!
- Disney Trading Pins – My number 1 fave souvenir!!! I have a pretty small collection compared to a lot of avid Disney Pin collectors, but I’m growing it every trip I take! I keep my pins in a case like this when I’m at home. (Here’s another option.) These are so fun, as you can trade with cast members at the parks, resorts, restaurants, etc. Make sure you have a lanyard to keep them on as well!
Gadgets & Gizmos
Sorry, I couldn’t help myself! We are all attached to our devices in this day and age. But some of these items can help you have a more convenient day in the park!
- Smartphone with My Disney Experience app installed – for making Fastpasses and Dining Reservations. And now even more with the Disney Play app!
- Portable Phone Charger – Using the My Disney Experience app, your phone’s camera, social media, and more is going to use up your battery very quickly. This charger will give you 2+ full charges on your smartphone. It can also power a portable fan!
- Speaking of portable fans, this one is really cool! (no pun intended!) It has a rechargeable battery that uses USB to charge, it can stand on its own, and is small enough to fit in a purse.
- Camera/Camcorder with extra batteries and memory cards – Take all the pictures and videos you want to help you remember your magical vacation.
- Smartwatch/fitness tracker – Keep track of all your steps and the time. Very important to get to your Fastpasses on time!
Just Keep Swimming – Water/Weather Gear
The weather in Florida can be erratic. Super hot one minute, torrential rainstorm the next. Trust me, you want to be prepared. Don’t forget there are also fun water rides that you will get wet on! (Kali River Rapids!!)
Sun/Heat
- Sunscreen – You should always wear sunscreen when you’re spending the day in a theme park! Better safe than sorry, use 30 SPF!
- Sun Block Lip Balm – Don’t forget the sunblock for your lips.
- Sunglasses – Protect your eyes from the blinding Florida sun. Sunglasses are especially great for people who are sensitive to light.
- Frogg Toggs Chilly Towel – We SWEAR by this thing! In the middle of the summer, we keep cool using this cool towel.
- Hat/Cap – You’ve protected your skin, lips, eyes, but what about your scalp? A hat is a perfect solution. There are so many cute Disney hats!
- Spray-mister – this fan/spray bottle can help keep you cool all day. Kids love these things.
Rain/Water Rides
- Poncho/Umbrella – My theory is if it’s raining in the parks, throw on a poncho and keep going! You could also use an umbrella. This one is super compact.
- Spare Socks – When you get soaked on those awesome water rides, you might want to change into dry socks. These moisture-wicking socks can help even more. Maybe even take extra clothes for your kids.
- Towel – Another great thing for your park bag is a towel. You can use these to dry yourself or benches off, sit on during the parades, etc. This towel is microfiber and will dry very quickly.
- Ziplock bags/Waterproof bag – I just got a great waterproof bag to put my phone and camera in while I’m riding the water rides. This one is very similar and comes in several sizes. You can also use ziplock bags, which can also come in handy for multiple things.
Your Personal Healthcare Companion (First Aid Kit)
No matter how careful you are, there is bound to be some reason you need a first aid kit. With some planning, your park bag can have everything you would need. Here’s what I put in mine.
- Small First Aid Kit – these usually come with several sizes of bandaids, alcohol wipes, gauze pads, etc. This one has much more and has a clip to hang on your bag. But it’s small enough to fit in your bag as well. I usually also add some Neosporin, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. You never know when you’ll get a migraine or have pain flare-ups.
- Moleskin/Blister protection – You will be walking A LOT (even if you use a wheelchair or ECV. They can’t go in all the attraction queues). Using moleskin pads can save your feet from a lot of pain.
- Bug Spray – You might be in the Disney World bubble of magic, but bugs can still get in! Keep them away by using bug spray.
- Tissues/Wetwipes – Tissues can be useful for blowing your nose, wiping up spills, even wiping up tears! Wet wipes are great for wiping the tables before/after meals, your hands after a ride (there are germs everywhere!), and even wiping your face after you eat that messy Mickey Bar!
- Hand Sanitizer – perfect for washing your hands before you eat. And other times because, again, there are germs everywhere!
- Deodorant – Can be helpful after being in the hot sun all day. Keep that stink away!
- Water & Water Flavor Drops – You definitely need to keep hydrated. Use a reusable water bottle and you can get free refills at most quick-service restaurants. Use these flavor drops to make it tastier. Or use these electrolyte drops to help stay hydrated. Hannah uses this every day.
- Snacks – Simple things like granola bars, trail mix, things that won’t melt. This can help save some money and keep you from getting hangry. (You know we all do it!)
- Shout Wipes – Not health related, but very handy to keep those stains away!
What do you put in your park bag?
Let us know in the comments if there’s anything else you would take to the parks! (Did you catch my references? 😉)
