Disney World days can be long, so what should you pack in your Disney World park bag to make sure you’re prepared?
Having several essentials on hand can make your days much more enjoyable.
In this post, I’m going to show you exactly what I carry in my bag to help you plan for yours…
Some packing basics
I’m not a minimalist packer. I like to be prepared and have all of my stuff with me.
I often take a backpack into Disney theme parks because I like having all of the things I could need available to me at all times. I used to even have a separate packing list just for my park bag because there were so many little items that I didn’t want to forget.
Does Disney World allow bags on rides?
Yes! Disney allows you to bring your bags on all rides so you don’t need to worry about what to do with it while you ride (however, Universal provides free lockers that they require you to use at many of their rides which means an extra stop going in and out of those rides and it’s kind of a pain).
Can you bring your own food to Disney World parks?
You definitely can. Pack a whole lunch, if you’d like. Just don’t bring alcohol or anything made of glass.
What’s the best bag for Disney World?
In this post, I’m showing a backpack to accommodate this number of items, but smaller backpacks or crossbody bags are another good option if you still want to carry some essentials.
When I’m not carrying a backpack, I’m using this crossbody bag which fits lots of things, but is more convenient to have in front, especially if you want easy access to your phone or other items you might access frequently.
What to put in your Disney World park bag
Here are the items I usually pack…
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’d suggest packing:
- Ponchos and/or an umbrella. Ponchos are more convenient and can easily cover up you, your bag and a stroller (if they’re big enough). I bought ours at Disney World and just keep packing them to take back each trip.
- Spray misters. When it’s hot, something to keep you cool can come in really 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.
- Sunglasses. I’d also recommend a sunglass strap, just in case.
- Light jacket – recommended for mornings/evenings for people traveling October – March
- Folding fans! – inexpensive, lightweight and life savers, especially when you’re in a queue with lots of other people and it can feel warm fast
Health-related items
On every trip, I’ve made use of several of these things:
- Mini-first aid kit – you can make your own little kit with some Band-Aids, itch/burn cream, ibuprofen, etc. There are also first aid stations in the parks with some of these items available.
- Sunscreen
- Anti-bacterial gel
- Wet wipes
- Bug spray (although bug bites are relatively rare at Disney World)
- Tissues
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 – read more about how to get your phone ready for a Disney World trip
- An external battery charger with charging cords – phone batteries drain so, so quickly at Disney World so bring an external charger, just in case. This is an affordable, powerful, and well-reviewed option on Amazon.
- Fitness band or smart watch – 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, such as the maps that are available to WDW Prep Members
- 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 off-site guests who will need to regularly use their park tickets and credit cards, I’d suggest a lanyard for easy access
- Bitbelts – I started using these after losing my MagicBand during a trip. WDW Prep readers get a 15% discount when using the code “wdwprepschool” at checkout on the Bitbelt site. I recommend the wider bands for the regular-sized MagicBands and the junior bands for children who will be using the inside of the MagicBand (not sure what size your child will be wearing? Wait until you receive your MagicBands and then order Bitbelts that fit).
- Credit card – although you can charge things to MagicBands, I always bring a little cash and a credit card just in case
- Photo ID
- Autograph book – you could also bring other items to autograph, such as a photo mat or pillow case
- Autograph pen – the characters prefer larger pens or Sharpies (bonus points for retractable Sharpies which are a really good option).
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 – deck of cards or game apps work well
- Bubbles – I carry little, party-sized bottles to blow while waiting. Kids around you enjoy it as well since they can try popping the bubbles your kids’ blow
- Coins for pressing – cheapest souvenir ever and it’s fun for kids to look for machines. The containers pictured are ones I created out of pill bottles because the mini-M&M containers are often way too big for us.
- Glow sticks – fun to use at night. I usually pick some up at a dollar store and bring extras to hand out to othe kids who are waiting for a parade or nighttime show to begin.
Pantry items
Make sure you stay hydrated and have some snacks handy for between meals.
I usually pack:
- Bottled water – I used to carry 1 around per family member but that got too heavy so now I carry one and refill it in the fountains or in restaurants.
- Snacks – I like bringing fruit, granola bars and whatever we’re having for breakfast on-the-go that day
- Gum – not sold at Disney World so bring it with you if you’d like some during your trip
Miscellaneous items
Some other things I’d suggest:
- Towel – used to wipe off a seat, sit on during parades, etc. I usually just grab one from our hotel room.
- Spare outfit for kids – my son wouldn’t wear wet clothes when he was little so if you think your child may play in the Epcot fountains, in the water area in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom, or get wet on Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids, you might want to pack a dry, spare set of clothes
- Extra Ziplocs – never know what you might want to keep dry or extra storage so I just always have extras in my backpack
Park bag items on Amazon
Many/most of the items listed above are available in the WDW Prep Amazon Shop, so be sure to check that out to save yourself time running around to different stores.
Video: What’s in my Disney World park bag
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Of course, if you don’t want to take a full-sized backpack into the parks, you could cross things off this list and fit your stuff into a cinch-style backpack or purse.
What other items would you put into your Disney World park bag?
69 Comments
Every time I’ve gone to Disney I’ve packed a very similar bag to what you have listed the best thing for security is to pack in a see through pouch/ziploc of some sort that way when they look at your bags contents during security checks they take out a pouch look at the contents through the outside and move on. Saves a TON of time trying to repack your bag and security will thank you for it!
love this. i get so annoyed with the sites that say don’t bring a park bag, it just wastes time. those people obviously don’t have children. but even before kids, i always wind up needing something and i’d rather have it with me than have to buy it and spend a fortune, or go without and have disastrous results.
In your video you show your Haunted Mansion folding fan. I am having trouble trying to find where to order one for my friend who really liked yours. Can you point me in the right direction? Thank you. ?
I had it made. They aren’t for sale (yet). 🙂
A group of 7 of us just came back from WDW on May 6, 2018. The five adults each carried a bag, backpack or messenger bag. Must haves were good footwear, ponchos we bought at the dollar store before we left and cooling Chilly Pad towel, which was great for cooling off while walking in the very hot sun or standing in line. They sell a version at WDW or I also bought an extra with a different name at Walmart for roughly $6.00. Must have item.
Although you said bug bites are rare, I’ve been bitten many times on summer evenings by mosquitoes in both the Magic Kingdom adventureland area and in the winter land summerland mini golf course. Bring bug spray wipes that won’t melt or leak.
I’ve also been bit by a bee on the rafiki planet watch train in the animal kingdom and found it simpler to just go to the first aid station in the park for that.
An extra pair of disposable contacts, the last thing I want is to be walking around blind trying to get back to my room
Good one! I wouldn’t have thought of that and I am so glad you commented!
Now it’s on my list!
Great article. So if you bring a fairly large backpack on a ride with you, what do you do with it when you are on one where you have be tucked in pretty tightly? Maybe turn it around to the front of you? or strap it around your feet/legs?
Great suggestions! I prefer to carry a cross-body messenger bag for easy access to everything I need.
I also use something similar to this: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WTHIZT0?keywords=passport%20holder&nodeID=9479199011&qid=1453246285&ref_=sr_1_6&s=apparel&sr=1-6
Be sure to use RFID blocking sleeves for your credit cards/debit cards if you don’t have an RFID-blocking purse or wallet. If you’re staying on-site, why not just charge everything to your room so you don’t have to carry cards?
Two bag additions:
1. I like to carry a mini composition book (dollar store) to jot down cute things the kids say, great ideas I have while at the park, and other things I don’t want to forget.
2. Add a book of stamps so you can drop your Disney post cards in the box on site.
I have been with my daughter a few times to Disney and she always carries a backpack. In 2016, myself, daughter, her husband, and two grandkids. Ages 3 and a 20 month are going on the land and sea trip. So we are having to pack for two events. Any suggestion for the cruise and the park. We will be at sea for 4 days, 3 nights. Then we will come back to Disney to stay for 4 days.
I love all the ideas that you have posted and will use them.
We did the parks then Disney Cruise in 2014 and I’ll share with you the invaluable tip I received: I packed for each part of the trip, and left the extra luggage packed up up while on the “other” part of our trip. My husband and I shared a suitcase for each part of the trip, and so did the kids. Two large bags and two carry on sized bags for the whole trip. Fantastic!! I also prepackaged the kids’ entire outfits in large ziplock bags (only excluding tennis shoes), so dressing at any one point was a breeze! It also made it easy to grab a complete outfit to take at any point where an extra might be needed (weather changes, soiled, etc).
Omg thank you for this advice! I have 4 little girls and we leave in 12 days. I will use this Baggie idea for sure!!
I’ve been to Disney World several times as a child and always had my parents, the vacationer pros always with everything we need. And like in most cases my dad was the human pack-mule. We’re going back but this time it’s only going to be my friend, parents and I going. So for this trip I bought a really nice hobo cross body bag from target that only costed $20!! Bonus. IMPORTANT NOTE: Deodorant and chapstick WILL MELT believe me, so be careful when applying or keep in a cooler location if possible.
Things to pack (I like to pack light and efficient): Sunscreen Stick,
deodorant (Small emergency stick),
Chapstick,
small bottle of perfume,
magic bands,
solar powered phone charger,
reg. phone charger,
phone,
ID, credit card, some cash for tipping,
Quarters and pennies for penny press machines
Frog Tog Chilly Pad
Extra Outfit
Extra socks
Ziplock bags
Travel Umbrella
We kept our quarters and pennies for the pressed penny machines organized (1 penny on top of 2 quarters then repeated) in empty M&M mini canisters. Perfect size and we had plenty of coins for two days worth of parks!
A few more tips I learned in my schools many trips to DL, small bottle of baby powder(works for deodorant or just to dry off a bit better after wet rides, and those rolls of doggie bags can be used to contain wet clothes, or dry ones,smaller souvenirs and jewelry that breaks/might get lost, left overs for a later snack, keeping your whole bag or just camera/phones dry. Cheap sunglasses are better as long as they are comfortable (in case they break or fall off on a ride) and if you can spare room, pack a pair of flip flops. While you don’t want to wear them for too long. they are great for swapping out of you tennis shoes for water rides(wrap them in a baggie) so you don’t have to walk around the rest of the day in soaked shoes(trust me, it sucks!) Or if you forget, swap after so your tennies and feet have a chance to dry out
NO! Don’t pack perfume, and don’t wear it. Please be considerate of those around you. Your vanity is not worth the health problems suffered by asthmatics, people with anaphylactic allergies, migraine sufferers, and those with sensory issues.
When we went a few years ago, I made i.d.s for each of the kids. It had a pic of them with their current age, height and weight. On the other side, it had pics of me, my mom and my brother, with our contact info. I laminated them, so they would still be good if they got wet. Each of the kids wore their own on a lanyard. Each of the adults carried a slightly longer one with all of the kids pics on it. I got lots of thumbs up from the characters.
I LOVE your idea! I’m totally doing this. Thanks!
I did a similar thing, only used the card holders with the ziploc zipper on them and kept our Disney cards and my ID in mine. It was really helpful when it came time for fast passes because we didn’t have magic bands! I also felt really good knowing if the kids got separated from us, a responsible adult could help call us quickly (we directed them to head straight to the closest CM if we got separated).
I just ordered the customizable MagicYourBand skin ($8) for my son’s MagicBand. I put a birthday greeting on one half (for a memento with date) and our cell phone numbers on the other half. These are waterproof already, so he can even have it in the pool.
I don’t like to carry anything on me at Disney except a small bag I hook to my belt loops for my cash, cell phone, and small things I can’t live without or of value. Since my children have outgrown the stroller I have modified an old smaller light weight stroller. A large bag containing all the things we need including a small soft sided cooler sits and is hooked onto the modified stroller that can be parked when on a ride. It is easy to move about and is much easier than a heavy back back causing me to sweat all day. No one has ever bothered with my stuff on my strollers so this is a much easier option for us. It helps tremdensly when you are an over packer like I am to have everything you need without the stress of lugging it around all day. And to my list I add an extra pair of shoes/flip flops to switch out during the day.
That sounds like a great idea! I wonder if we could get away with using a dog stroller for that purpose.
Don’t forget Chapstick or Lip Balm. My children desperately needed some and we couldn’t find it in any shop.
Great info! Wow, my family packs light in comparison, but we don’t have toddlers/small children.
I have a fanny pack (yes, I realize it is not fashionable…) that holds a large point and shoot camera, a small ziplock baggie with first aid items ( band aids, moleskin, Neosporin with pain relief cream, hydrocortisone cream), a small ziplock baggie with benedryl, aspirin, acetaminophen, etc), extra batteries and SD card, 4 rain ponchos from the dollar store, chapstick, cash, ID, and credit card bundled with a rubber band, change for penny souvenir machines, and sunscreen in stick form. Hubby carries an extra sunscreen stick in his pocket and a cell phone and wallet. I have on rare occasion used a cross body bag if we were carrying autograph books and click sharpies, and/or an change of clothing for a smaller child. I really have no desire to carry a backpack at anytime, but especially in the heat. I personally would never allow my credit card to be linked to my magic band. This summer we might carry the sport cooling cloths, but everyone can just wear that around their necks. I have considered ditching the fanny pack on our next trip and dividing up the items among family member’s pockets, but I do like to have a place to put my camera.