Hate that nagging feeling that you're forgetting something on your trips? I do too. That's why I put together this huge Disney World packing list to help you remember lots of items that you might otherwise forget.
THIS LIST IS NOT INTENDED TO IMPLY YOU SHOULD BRING EVERYTHING ON IT.
You shouldn't (though one reader's mother did that once!). This is just an all-inclusive list to help jog your memory.
Now, let's take a look...
Please pin it, save it, print it. Whatever you like. I hope you find it helpful.
(Downloadable Word, PDF and Google Docs versions are near the bottom of this page OR you can get the WDW Prep Packing List app for iOS to bring a convenient version to your phone.)
In this article
Clothing items
Because of the heat, humidity, and frequent rain I oftentimes find myself changing clothes at least once per day (typically whenever I go back to my resort for a break).
So, if you are like me and hate wearing damp or sweaty clothes, take that into consideration when packing by either planning to pack plenty of items OR by planning to do some laundry while you are there.
Consider packing:
- Clothing
- Shirts
- Shorts
- Pants/capris
- Suit/dressy clothes (rarely needed except on Disney cruises and a couple restaurants at Walt Disney World)
- Light sweater or jacket (especially for winter months & for chilly restaurants and attractions)
- Underwear & pajamas
- Underwear
- Bras
- Pajamas
- Shoes & socks
- Socks
- Walking shoes
- Sandals
- Dress shoes (rarely needed except on Disney cruises and a couple restaurants at Walt Disney World)
- Flip flops
- Accessories
- Belts
- Hair bands & accessories
- Costumes
- Hats/visors
- Jewelry
- Scarves
- Watches
- Sunglasses w/strap
- Swimwear
- Swimsuits
- Swimsuit cover-ups
Toiletries
Toiletries involve so many things that it can be easy to forget something important.
If you do accidentally forget something, all of the Disney resorts have shops where you can buy some emergency supplies or you can also use a grocery delivery service to have something delivered to your resort.
Consider packing:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Shower gel
- Liquid hand soap (only bar soap in WDW hotel rooms)
- Shampoo
- Hair conditioner
- Deodorant
- Contacts/glasses
- Contact lens solution & case
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm w/sunscreen
- Face wash
- Face lotion
- Body lotion
- Makeup
- Make-up remover
- Nail polish
- Nail polish remover
- Q-Tips
- Tampons/pads
- Foot spray
- Foot powder
- Razors
- Shaving cream
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
- Hair brush/comb
- Hair gel/mousse
- Hair spray
- Blow dryer
- Perfume
- Kleenex
- Kids shampoo
- Kids toothbrushes
- Kids bath soap
- Kids hairbrush/comb
Medicine
Medicine (especially your prescription medication) is one thing you don't want to forget on vacation.
Here are some common items you may find in your medicine chest that are useful to travel with.
Consider packing:
- Prescription medications
- Moleskin (for blisters)
- Band-Aids
- Antibiotic ointment
- Anti-itch gel/spray
- Aloe vera
- Antacids
- Birth control (or other prophylactic)
- Pain medicine (like Tylenol, Advil, etc.)
- Kids pain medicine
- Motion sickness remedies
- Midol
- Sinus/allergy medicine
- Eyedrops
- Vitamins
- Cough drops
Laundry Supplies
Laundry isn't typically on anybody's list of "favorite things to do while on vacation" but if you find yourself planning to do some on your trip, here's some things you'll probably want to have with you.
Consider packing:
- Laundry soap
- Dryer sheets
- Stain remover
- Laundry bags
- Quarters for machines (if you forget, most machines at Disney World take debit/credit cards now, too)
Paperwork and important documents
It may be the digital age but lots of people still like to have their most important travel information in paper form.
If you opt to do everything digitally we recommend saving any important confirmations to a spot where you can access it from multiple locations (like by emailing it to yourself or using cloud-based storage).
Consider packing:
- Hotel confirmation
- Rental car confirmation
- Boarding passes
- Cash/credit cards
- Dollar bills for tips & tolls
- Drivers license/IDs
- Notepad/notebook
- Envelopes for Mousekeeping Tips
- Insurance cards
- Guidebooks
- Membership cards (AAA, DVC)
- Theme park tickets
- Addresses for postcards
- Pens
- Stamps
Food and Kitchen
Even if you aren't staying in a room with a full kitchen there are still lots of reasons you may want to have some grocery items with you.
Many people have their groceries delivered, but if you are flying on an airline like Southwest where each person can have multiple checked bags for free, it might make sense to bring some snacks with you.
Here are some good options for that.
Consider packing:
- Bottled water
- Coffee
- Tea bags
- Sugar/sweetener
- Nondairy creamer
- Instant soup mix
- Cocoa packets
- Juice boxes
- Powdered drink mix
- Microwave popcorn
- Granola bars
- Chips/pretzels
- Crackers
- Fruit snacks
- Small cereal boxes
- Pop-Tarts
- Peanut butter
- Pre-measured seasonings
- Travel salt & pepper
- Dish soap
- Dish scrubber/sponge
- Paper plates
- Plastic utensils
- Disposable cups
- Ziploc bags
- Trash bags
- Paper towels/napkins
- Water filtering pitcher
- Straws
- Coffee maker
- Coffee filters
- Corkscrew
- Wine stopper
- Gum (not sold at WDW)
Road Trip
If you'll be taking a road trip to Disney World there are some things that can make that journey a little easier.
Consider packing:
- Maps/directions/GPS
- Proof of auto insurance
- Guidebooks
- Flashlight
- Paper towels
- Wet wipes
- Cooler
- Trash bags
- Umbrella
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Portable DVD player
- Movies
- Travel games
- New toys
Park Touring Bag
Crossbody purses and backpacks are 2 popular options for park touring bags and since you can take your bag onto nearly every attraction at Walt Disney World, it makes sense to carry at least a few items with you when you go into the parks.
Here are some things you might find useful when touring Disney World.
Consider packing:
- MagicBands or park tickets
- Drivers license/ID for each adult
- Cash/credit card
- Membership cards (AAA, DVC)
- Meal confirmation #s
- Guidebooks
- Park maps
- Camera
- Cell phones
- External battery charger and cords
- Lanyard for room key/tickets
- Sunglasses w/straps
- Water bottle w/strap
- Collapsible cooler
- Snacks
- Autograph book
- 1 towel (block the sun, save spot at parade, clean off a seat)
- Mini-first aid kit
- Bottles of water
- Walkie talkies (for non-American visitors and poor cell signal)
- Fat pen for character autographs
- Rain ponchos or umbrella
- Handheld fan to keep cool while waiting
- Moleskine
- Pain medicine
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm w/sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Kleenex
- Antibacterial hand gel/sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Hats/visors
- Large Ziploc for wet clothes
- Dry change of clothes for kids
- Glow sticks and necklaces
- Pennies for pressing
- Pins for trading
- Playing cards or handheld games
- Kids ID tags
- Small bottles of bubbles (to do while waiting)
Water Park Bag
If a visit to Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon is on your agenda, you'll definitely want to pack the sunscreen (plus probably a few other items in the list below).
Consider packing:
- Water park tickets
- Drivers license/ID for each adult
- Cash/credit card
- Waterproof/underwater camera
- Cell phones
- Lanyard for room key/tickets
- Sunglasses w/straps
- Water bottle w/strap
- Collapsible cooler
- Snacks
- Bathing suits
- Beach towels
- Earplugs
- Goggles
- Plastic pool cups w/top & straw
- Beach bag
- Kids ID tags
- Floatation toys
- Water toys
- Books/magazines
- Mister fan & extra batteries
- Pain medicine (like Tylenol or Advil)
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm w/sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Kleenex
- Antibacterial hand gel
- Wet wipes
- Hats/visors
- Swim diapers
- Waterproof watch
- Waterproof case
- Water shoes/flip flops
- Large Ziplocs for wet clothes
- Dry change of clothes for kids
Baby Stuff
Traveling with a baby often means that you'll find that your trip goes a bit easier when you have some items from home with you.
Take a look at this list for help remembering everything you might need to pack when traveling to Disney World with a little one.
Consider packing:
- Bottles
- Baby food
- Sippy cups
- Plastic pool cups w/top & straw
- Portable high chair
- Bibs
- Diapers
- Swim diapers
- Baby wipes
- Diaper bag
- Pacifiers
- Pack N Play
- Stroller
- Car seat
- Baby monitor
- Blanket/toy
- Board games
- Handheld games
- Car window shades
- Kids ID tags
- Outlet covers
Everything Else
After talking to countless readers and my own experience with hundreds of days visiting the parks, here are some other items you may find useful to add to your Disney World packing list:
Consider packing:
- Batteries
- Cameras (w/memory cards)
- Disposable cameras for kids
- Cell phone w/charger
- Power strip
- iPod & ear buds/headphones
- Laptop & charger
- External battery charger
- Umbrella
- Waist bag/day pack
- Lanyard for room key/tickets
- Beach bag
- Collapsible cooler
- Large Ziploc bags
- Sound machine for hotel
- Sewing kit
- First aid kit
- Safety pins
- Clothespins (to hang wet items and to help clothes gaps in curtains)
- Over-the-door shoe organizer (to keep hotel room organized)
- Earplugs
- Insect repellent
- Antibacterial hand gel
- Wet wipes
- Stain wipes/stick
- Wrinkle release spray
- Pillows
- Workout stuff
- Water sports bottle
- Waterproof case
- Night light
- Pen flash lights
- Pennies & quarters for pressing
- Pins for trading
- Books/magazines
- Playing cards
- Games
- Frisbees
- Kindle/iPad
- Eyeglass repair kit
- Small scissors and small screw driver (useful when opening toys purchased at Disney World)
- Reusable straws
- Pop-up hamper
Disney World Packing List downloads
- Download Word version of the Ultimate List
- Download PDF version of the Ultimate Packing List
- Get the Google Docs version of the Ultimate Disney World Packing List
WDW Prep Packing List App (available for iOS devices)
Prefer your packing list in digital form?
You can find all the items from the print form on the WDW Prep Packing List app.
Packing tips
Consider using packing cubes.
These handy little items can make staying organized so much easier (I recommend purchasing a different color for each family member).
They help keep your suitcase organized, plus they can help protect your clothes if you like to use the drawers in hotel rooms.
Pack younger kids clothes by outfit in Ziplock bags
This is one of my favorite packing tips that not only helps you stay organized but also helps speed up your mornings.
Pack each outfit (down to underwear and hair bows, etc.) in a Ziplock bag so that when it comes time to get dressed in the morning, you have everything for that day ready to go!
Make your bag easy to recognize
If you spend 5 minutes in an airport you'll realize that most bags look alike.
Make yours stand out by adding something to it that is unique, like ribbons or special tags on the handles.
Start packing early
Don't wait until the day before to begin packing. Pick a spot in your house where you can start collecting the items you'll be taking with you.
Leave some space
Unless you are planning on shipping stuff home (or buying a bag while you are there) make sure you leave some space to bring new treasures back with you.
Make sure you weigh-in
If you are flying, you'll want to make sure you know your airlines weight limit for bags and then weigh yours before you get to the airport. Luggage scales are an easy way to do that.
Spread your items out
Although the goal is to get both you and your luggage to the same destination at the same time, sometimes things happen. Because of that, it is better to not pack only 1 person's items per/bag.
Instead, spread it out so that if something does go missing you're not trying to replace everything for 1 person.
It's also a good idea to take some photos of what you are packing into each bag, that way if something does go missing you'll have an easier time remembering.
Tag everything inside and out
In the unlikely event that your tag on the outside of your suitcase rips off, make sure you have some sort of identification on the inside of your suitcase, too.
Even just simply taping your contact information or a business card to the inside of your suitcase will work.
And don't forget your carry on bags - give those tags, too. (For younger kids make sure their names aren't visible on their bags, though).
Toss in a pop-up hamper
Most of these fold down into basically nothing but they can make a tiny hotel room feel a lot more organized. Plus, if you are planning to do laundry they are super helpful for that!
Roll with it
Consider folding your clothes when packing. Not only can rolling help with wrinkles, rolling can make it easier to fit more in your suitcase (just be careful not to go overweight!).
Recommended products
Before you leave, check the WDW Prep Amazon Shop for recommended products to make sure you have everything you need.
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Thoughts or questions on this ginormous Disney World packing list? Tell us about it in the comments.
138 Comments
I love this list!!!! 4th trip and this list is a must!
One thing I would add is post it notes. My little is just learning to use the toilet and the auto flush ones scary her to death. I put a post it over the sensor and she knows it wont flush. Gives her a chance to relax and go to the bathroom all the way.
I’m heading there in Janurary with just me and my friend as a girls trip. Does anyone have any packing tips for the weather? I’ve never been to Florida in January!
PLEASE make the packing app available on Android devices!
Just to let you know, that I refer to this list no matter where I’m traveling. It’s so complete that I’ve found it to be so helpful for my non-WDW trips, too. Thank, Shannon!
This is definitely way in advance haha but I was wondering how much chance of rain is there in Orlando during December? We’re going about the second week of the month and I’m just wondering what kind of weather we’ll find when we get there.
You’ll want to check the forecast before you leave for your trip.
We actually went about the 12th of December every year for about 10 years. Mainly, its the slowest week of the year. The weather isnt so rainy however, it does get a bit chilly that time of year. Sometimes it drops into the 40’s which doesnt seem bad for someone coming from Wisconsin or the NE etc. but, it gets very windy an that adds to the chill. This wasnt always the case, and, one time we actually wound up having to buy parkas because the weather had suddenly dropped while there. If i were you, check the weather but do pack some heavier jackets. You can always just leave them in the car or room should you not need them. Have a wonderful time. I also suggest doing the Mickeys very merry xmas party. The price has skyrocket since the first year they started it plus they have added the amount of people they allow in. It used to be a lessor amount. But, all in all, the lines will be nil to none an walk on most. Not all are open, free cocoa an cookies (used to) havent gone in about 6 years now. Have fun, enjoy, an say hi to mickey for me. 😉
Thank you for all of this! We are taking our kids to Disney for the first time and I’ve had so many questions. You have had amazing answers. You have already lessened my anxiety a ton!
can you bring a wagon. the fold up ones. I have 3 kids and a wagon will work better than a stroller. but if wagons aren’t allowed we will just bring a stroller. thanks. great list. thanks for the sun block I totally forgot that one.
Hi, Kristen –
Glad you liked the list! Wagons aren’t allowed in the parks. Best to stick with a stroller.
Liquid Benadryl is also great for long flights with young children. We take a red eye every year from Seattle so the kids can just sleep. We got a ton of compliments about our granddaughter’s wonderful behavior! Thank you liquid Benadryl! We just gave it to her in line at the ticketing desk so we could get it into the checked luggage last minute.
if your child is not sick i dont recommend giving uneeded meds. a great alternative is melatonin for kids. its natural. we use Luna brand(Amazon) or if Zarbees honey all natural cough syrup night time.
trust me Im not judging I have totally done the same until I discovered these natural alternatives 🙂
Our pediatrician recommended that we use allergy/decongestant for our children when flying to reduce pressure from extra fluid in ears/sinuses. It’s a bonus if it helps them doze off ?
this will be our fist trip and we will be going in november any suggestions on what is a must have for clothing? I am not sure what the weather is usually like in florida at this time of year
We travel this time of year everytime. Days are warm but layer or take a light jacket because nights can get cool!
I would recommend making or buying Disney ears out of the park or on etsy. Also buy Disney stuffed animals out of the park and giving them to your kids in the park. They are so expensive and you could get them at 1/2 the price.