The ultimate Disney World packing list (Word, PDF and Google Docs formats)

136 Comments

1. Allie October 26, 2018 Reply

   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!

2. Summer Oswalt October 23, 2017 Reply

   PLEASE make the packing app available on Android devices!

3. Kathy June 30, 2017 Reply

   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!

4. Luz May 31, 2017 Reply

   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.

• Shannon Albert June 1, 2017

  You’ll want to check the forecast before you leave for your trip.

• Patrick Walsh June 7, 2017

  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. 😉

5. Laura May 6, 2017 Reply

   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!

6. Kristen Epperly February 2, 2017 Reply

   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.

• Shannon Albert February 2, 2017

  Hi, Kristen –
  Glad you liked the list! Wagons aren’t allowed in the parks. Best to stick with a stroller.

7. Larry December 13, 2016 Reply

   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.

• Terra January 20, 2017

  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 🙂

• Elizabeth March 25, 2017

  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 ?

8. mommy3 October 18, 2016 Reply

   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

• Ginger November 7, 2016

  We travel this time of year everytime. Days are warm but layer or take a light jacket because nights can get cool!

9. Katie August 17, 2016 Reply

   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.

10. poppy July 3, 2016 Reply

    do anyone know if you need to bring swimming stuff to disneyland paris?

11. Bobby Sharp June 1, 2016 Reply

    This was a great list! I used it in order to pack for our family’s first Disney World trip. My son is four so I added a few things to the list:

    Quarters (for penny stretcher machines)
    Nightlight
    Foldable toddler toilet seat
    Bandana (for wiping sweat off my forehead) – gross, I know. I sweat on command….
    Toddler silverware

• Stephanie August 15, 2017

  We are thinking of taking my son once he turns 4, do you think it is a good age to take him. Im having mixed feelings about the patience and things…

• Andrea August 31, 2017

  Yes, I think 4 is the perfect age for a 1st visit to Disney. That was the age both of my children were the 1st time we took them & they had a great time. They still remember their 1st visit to Disney.

12. Miles May 18, 2016 Reply

    Maybe add “small cheap things for Jawa trading”

13. Lisa May 12, 2016 Reply

    Double-up on the undies in the summer! Not just a good idea for little ones who might have an accident, but for everyone to have fresh clothes after the mid-day pool/shower break & maybe to sleep in. My kids thought I was crazy when I told them to pack 10 for a 4 day trip, but we used them all!

14. Katrina April 1, 2016 Reply

    The M&M tube idea is fabulous! Myself, my husband, and our three year old son are going in about six months. Something I have to add is a pinch of patience. I know that for myself and my two guys we are good when it comes to waiting or the heat, but when mixed with thousands of other, more than likely less prepared tourists, it can be a bit frustrating. Mix it in with your pixie dust and all will have a magical time.

15. Kyra January 18, 2016 Reply

    We are planning for our second trip to Disney and I’m bring pool noodles in my suitcase to make “bumpers” for my 2-year-old who has outgrown the pack n play. Also for our first trip I packed some wide (2″) sparkly holiday ribbon and tied a huge bow onto the handle of my stroller. Disney “cast members” frequently rearrange strollers around the rides and the bright ribbon helped us find the stroller every time! Finally, I’m planning to collect some peanut butter and jelly tubs from restaurants in the month or so leading up to our trip and taking them along with some Ritz crackers for mini PB&J sandwiches 🙂

16. Layla December 12, 2015 Reply

    I would add a baby wrap/sling and toddler leash to the baby section. I’m bringing both this trip. Thanks, Shannon!

17. Kristle November 11, 2015 Reply

    If you don’t drink Coke products, bring it with you! I’m a Dr. Pepper person and my hubby finally had to make a convenient store run after the 3rd night. 🙂 This time I’m packing 3-4 can of Dr. Pepper!

18. Jennifer Estevao October 29, 2015 Reply

    It mentions dressy clothes in your list… is there a list or place I can see which restaurants at WDW have dress codes? I assumed most didn’t because if they are in the parks doubt people would be walking around and riding rides in their outfits, right?

    The only real fancy place I can think of is Cinderella’s castle and even then I’ve seen pics with people in shorts and tees.

• Angela from Ohio November 13, 2015

  Anywhere inside the parks shorts and tshirts are fine. The Yachtsman steakhouse or Victoria and Alberts are places to dress up.

• Amanda September 3, 2016

  There’s also a restaurant at Animal Kingdom lodge that has a dress code. (Not Boma, but can’t remember it.) I just remember seeing the dress code and thinking I couldn’t go in the last time I was there. I only had shorts packed since it was the middle of the summer.

19. Shay September 15, 2015 Reply

    One thing I always forget is a birth certificate for my baby. The airline requires it for all children under 2, riding as a lap child (just to prove that they are indeed under 2). It’s such an important thing that is so easy to forget! You don’t need to bring the actually certificate, a copy is just fine.

• Laura September 23, 2015

  Thank you for posting this! I would have had no idea that I needed to bring this.

• Marisa April 6, 2016

  Interesting. I’ve flown a dozen times with my under 2 year old. I brought their birth certificate the first time and was told I didn’t need it, so I haven’t brought it back since. Which airline?

• Grace January 5, 2017

  Southwest is the only one who has asked me. They were horrified when I told them I’ve never been asked before. It’s to protect the child from being taken out of state without the parent’s permission. So it is a little scary more airlines don’t ask.

20. Jennifer September 10, 2015 Reply

    A Memory Scent! We bring a glade plug in of the same aroma every time we go to Disney (and only Disney) and leave it plugged in the room through our entire vacation. Every now and then at home we’ll plug it in for a day and the scent-memory lifts everyones mood even if we cant be in Disney =D

• Kari \\ Graceful Mommy November 24, 2015

  What an awesome idea!!

• Shellymom January 9, 2017

  That’s great for your family, but for the family that comes after you, there’s going to be an artificial chemical stench filling the room, and for my family, that can be life-threatening due to anaphylactic airborne allergies. Please be considerate of others and rethink your aroma bomb.

• Anandalle March 16, 2017

  Do you know about housekeeping??

• Klin June 30, 2017

  Unfortunately, your family should reconsider going to Disney world due to the parks having Disney Air Smellitizers to make areas seem more authentic to not just looks, but smells as well. As a healthcare professional, airborn allergy anaphylaxis is rare, and if your family is that sensitive then you will be at risk in the parks.

  Not every uses “artificial chemical stench”. A lot of people use essential oils. Which some
  people can also be allergic to as well. My brother is allergic to everything, even the hair on his head, but my family is still going to live their lives and have a memory scent using oils.

  http://disneyfunfactoftheday.blogspot.com/2014/09/disneys-air-smellitizers.html?m=1

21. Matt September 7, 2015 Reply

    One question I cannot find a straight answer to. Can you take the spray cans of sunscreen into the parks or does it have to be the rub on type? At many sporting locations, they do not allow the spray cans.

    Thanks for the great list !!

• Jennifer September 10, 2015

  I know its still not an absolute straight answer but when we visited in May 2014 we forgot our sunscreen and bought a spray from a vendor inside the park and used it for the rest of our trip without issue.

• Cara September 14, 2015

  I’ve been many many times & I’ve never had any problem taking spray sunscreen into the parks. I could be wrong, but I’ve never had an issue.

• Selisha November 26, 2016

  We go every year and we use the spray cans. I also see other families using them also.

22. KC June 27, 2015 Reply

    Thanks for the list. I’d also add goggles. My kids have to bring them.

• Shannon Albert June 27, 2015

  You’ll spot them under the “water park bag” section which should really be the “swimming stuff” section, I guess.

23. KC June 27, 2015 Reply

    I’d recommend brining swimmers ear drops. My kids get ear infections easy. That can ruin a trip quick.

24. Jess May 3, 2015 Reply

    This may be on the list and I might have missed it, but I recommend bringing some body glide. It’s a deodorant like product that runners use to prevent chaffing. We have found it works amazing when doing lots of walking! We bought ours at Dicks, but I bet any athletic/outdoor store would have it!

25. Nancy May 1, 2015 Reply

    Don’t forget that if you smoke it’s a MUST to bring a carton of cigarettes!
    Also, if you like your “special brand” of tea or hot cocoa, bring it with you and ask for free HOT water at any of the QS restaurants in the parks. They will give you a large cup FREE if you ask!
    Lastly, old fashioned FANNY PACKS are great for the parks. Back packs are just too cumbersome when you are trying to ride the attractions. With a fanny pack you can just slide it to the side or in front of you and you’re ready to go!

• matthew May 4, 2015

  arent the cigarettes in orlando airport cheaper than alot of places?

• Tina June 9, 2015

  I’m taking a low profile sling style bag I saw on ABC’s shark tank. Marketed towards men, but who really cares! It’s the perfect size and style for disney!

• Marc Schreiber October 12, 2018

  Nancy if you ever plan on going to the United Kingdom get in the habit of calling it a BUM bag. Why, don’t ask.

26. Melanie Durham April 29, 2015 Reply

    Hello WDW Prep!!! Thank you so much for all your information that you share. I was wondering if you had a blog about rented EVC wheelchairs outside of WDW? They are so expensive at Disney….$70.00 but you get $20.00 Back each time. I see all these red EVC all the time. I have lupus and I can’t walk far or stand too long. And we are Disney freaks. We are there every 2 or 3 months.
    Thank you so much,
    Melanie Durham

• KT May 12, 2015

  If you google scooter rentals, you will find them at a much better rate than the Disney park rentals. If you’re staying on property, they deliver them to the airport for the ride back to the Disney hotels.

• Sandy another lupus warrior May 18, 2015

  HI Melanie, I too suffer from lupus and we are planning on taking our 5 yo grand daughter in October 2015. I was wondering if you could please share with me what company you were able to find I would greatly appreciate it.

• John Saldarriaga September 8, 2015

  Hey Sandy,
  I just got back from our Disney trip and had to get an ECV for my dad. I used Walker Mobility Orlando and they were GREAT! Fantastic service and on time and answered all questions at a pretty good price compared to renting from Disney.

• Catherine Christopher November 24, 2015

  Ok I’m new at this. I see a lot of the same questions I need answers to but I don t see the response? Where can I find the response ? Need help

• Lucinda gunter December 2, 2015

  Disney allows several companies to drop off and pick up from the concierge desk at their resorts they’re listed on this page:

  https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/ecv-rentals/

27. Sonja Lazzeroni April 16, 2015 Reply

    Such an amazing list! Thank you and especially for the Mousekeeping envelopes, they are adorable (just printed them out!). You wouldn’t happen to know where I could find some for Universal Orlando would you? I have a Mac and unfortunately could not download Gimp. Thanks for any help and again for the list, customized it and printed it out!

28. Melissa Brochu April 7, 2015 Reply

    This list is absolutely amazing! My only suggestion is that you will not need insect repellent because Disney World has a bug repellent system that is used throughout the parks.

• Jess May 3, 2015

  If you’re going to be spending any time at ft wilderness, you might want bug spray! We went horseback riding there and I got bit up! I do agree that you don’t need it if you are going to be just in the parks though !

29. Meghan Joye March 31, 2015 Reply

    You rock. I love that there are people like you out there to help people like me! I leave the house thinking, “keys, money, ID, kids? great! we’ll figure out the rest when we get there!”

30. Jenny March 30, 2015 Reply

    Hello! Love the list and the extra comments too! I bring a collapsible drying rack (it fits inside my larger suitcase). I take a hotel towel and lay it on the floor (for all the drips!) and set up the rack by the outside/balcony door. It may be a little bit of extra work, but if you are traveling with a larger family, it really helps organize all of the swimsuits, towels, etc. I was too tired at the end of a Disney day to remove all of the swimsuits from the shower area each night for all of our baths, so this worked well for me!

• Dee October 12, 2015

  I bought collapsible laundry hampers, different colors ($4.00 each maybe @ Wmart).
  We put dirty towels/clothes in one color hamper, and clean in the other color hamper.
  We had our big family plus grandparents staying in a house, & clean items might not get folded/put away so quickly. It helped the little ones and the bigger ones, Keep It Straight.

31. Jenniffer March 26, 2015 Reply

    Thank you very much! This is so helpful! I appreciate the Word version. For my needs, I added zip strips for luggage and the camera charger. Everything else was covered for me on your list!

32. Kim March 20, 2015 Reply

    I brought our collapsible step stool for the hotel bathroom which has high counters. It saves me from lifting the kids each time they wash hands or brush teeth.

33. Karen March 8, 2015 Reply

    pack a night light….comes in handy for everyone to find their way around at night. Another tip for kids using the bathroom at night-if your hotel room has the pull across curtain by the sinks, use that as the bathroom door at night…plug night light in by the sinks…this way the toilet can be used and the harsh lights don’t need to be turned on an wake up the rest of the occupants.

    I also pack a small size lysol spray can…works on everything from smelly sneakers to stinky bathrooms!

34. Wendi O'Kelley March 5, 2015 Reply

    I started taking epsom salt. It’s great for soaking your feet after a long day of walking, or maybe a long soak in the tub.

35. RBarnett February 15, 2015 Reply

    to pack the pennies to press, we pack a M&M’s mini tube with a stack consisting of 2 quarters and 1 pennie and repeat. Also the markers for autographs we use the large sharpie that are the click type style. That way you don’t have to bother with a cap. We make our own autograph books. use color paper cut in half and decorate with stickers and customize, then we take to the local Kinko’s and have the top and bottom sheet laminated and the whole book bound. For a few bucks you have a custom autograph book.

• Brandon February 23, 2015

  The M&M tube is a fantastic idea! I have used one of those cheap “ID holders” and they’re always a pain. And I never seem to have the right combination of pennies and quarters. I’m taking the kids down in a few days and I’ll have to give the M&M tube a shot!

36. Kristen Baus February 3, 2015 Reply

    This is a great list! Thank you!

• Dee October 12, 2015

  This is a great list! One thing you may or may not use depending on how nerdy/OCD…

  A highlighter for your maps. Or a Red pen to mark out where you have already seen/been, as you go.

  I Love It!!!

37. Brenda January 12, 2015 Reply

    This list was so helpful–I was going to type my own, but I was able to edit yours for our needs. The only things I would add are: a rubber bath mat to give my toddlers baths in the hotel tub without worrying about slips and falls and an extra Pack N Play sheet. Thanks!

38. DK January 8, 2015 Reply

    Thanks for the list. I added an aluminum carrying case or aluminum foil for my credit cards to help protect them from the latest electronic frauds.

39. Alyssa November 19, 2014 Reply

    Fabulous and exhaustive list! Thanks soooo much! But I’d think watching all the kids have meltdowns in the parks should be enough “birth control” for a while! 😉

• Tiffany July 25, 2015

  You never know…we went last September with kids ages 4,3 and 1. Then Our Disney souvenir baby was born on June 21, 2015. We had so much fun we are headed back this September.

40. Buffi October 27, 2014 Reply

    Great list and ideas from other readers! I would also suggest bringing a small bottle of air freshener for the bathroom. This will make the cramped quarters with one bathroom to share much more pleasant. 🙂

41. Ashley October 8, 2014 Reply

    Don’t forget a clear shower curtain for the stroller, it is much easier to pack away than a stroller cover for those rainy afternoons, and can fit any stroller you bring, buy, or rent while you are there.

• Desiree January 19, 2015

  Omg, I LOVE this idea! I was researching stroller covers and I hated that they were so expensive! A clear shower curtain is a MUCH better option. 🙂

• DB February 3, 2015

  Good idea! I never even thought of using a shower curtain!

• Heather Springer February 11, 2015

  This also works with a wheelchair. Just cut a hole in the top for their head to stick through. We do this with our son and it keeps his legs and feet dry. His head stays dry from the poncho.

42. Andrea October 4, 2014 Reply

    We’re going to WDWfrom Oct 26-Nov 6 and I have already printed this list and started to organizing. Super helpful!!!

43. Susan October 1, 2014 Reply

    I just printed the packing list off, again for the second time. Last year I used it, and it was a the best thing I could have done to prepare us for our trip. I don’t know what I did with it, so I printed a new one. Thank you Shannon for all your great tips and knowledge on things for Disney.

44. Donna September 9, 2014 Reply

    For those staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, a small pair of binoculars is really great if you have a savanna view room!

45. Rachelle June 12, 2014 Reply

    When I try to print the post, it just prints the rest of the blog post without the list. When I download the PDF, it’s just gibberish. When I try the Office file, it only shows as much as will fit on one page… need help.

46. Ulrika June 4, 2014 Reply

    You dont need autograph paper.

47. Kristen May 16, 2014 Reply

    I have a blow up baby tub that I bring with me when I travel so my little guy doesn’t have to sit in hotel tubs. It folds flat and fits easily in my suitcase.

48. Melissa May 6, 2014 Reply

    I would also add Benadryl/allergy meds for yourself and the kids. Allergic reactions are a bummer!

• Shannon Albert May 7, 2014

  Allergy medicine is listed under the medicine section. Especially important for kids as WDW might only have tablets available and not liquid.

49. AlternaKat May 6, 2014 Reply

    Maybe I missed it – but I would definitely add a light jacket – no matter what time of year you go!

50. Chantel May 6, 2014 Reply

    Plastic hangers or clips so you can hang wet clothes/bathing suits to dry from the shower rod and a collapsible mesh laundry basket that will fold flat on the bottom of your suitcase for dirty clothes helps keep the hotel room neat. Another good tip for a park touring bag; if you separate your items into ziploc bags it will make it faster during bag checks (you can dump everything out and then repack it really quickly and it will also protect your belongings on wet rides or in a sudden downpour).

• Dee October 12, 2015

  I carry extra hangers, cause there are never enough. (the plastic ones when you buy clothes from Wmart, that pants/shorts are sold on) for your Pants,Shorts,Skirts. And I carry an empty spray bottle, add warm water, spray the wrinkles from the clothes, and hang them on the shower rod, the night before.
  I despise ironing. And everyone feels better if they look nice.

51. Mary May 6, 2014 Reply

    I’ve perfected my list over a span of 20 years now, always saving it on my computer. I even have a Disney section (we travel other places too). I’ll have to compare yours to mine to see if I missed anything.

52. Betty Allen May 4, 2014 Reply

    Great list- You are awesome! Shannon, you are definitely the most super organized person I’ve ever seen! I didn’t notice that you included return address labels which we all have oodles of from charities that send them. (unless I’m going blind, which is entirely possible)

    These come in handy to put on flight tags as well as share your address with new friends you meet and want to stay in touch with. Saves lots of writing.

    Thanks for all you share!

    Betty

• Mahalia3 October 21, 2014

  Great idea!

53. Diane April 23, 2014 Reply

    This list is absolutely fantastic! There were so many things that I didn’t think of. Thank you very much very helpful.

54. Jeananne March 31, 2014 Reply

    Great ideas! I would also suggest for both boys and girls you bring compression shorts! These are thin spandex shorts that can be worn under shorts or skirts! The help prevent any chaffing that may occur from all that walking! My boys wear them under their bathing suits all the time. I would cut out the ” netting” briefs in the bathing suit . Also a small tube if aquafor by Vaseline will sooth chaffing should there be any!!

55. Patricia March 30, 2014 Reply

    This is great!!! I been stressing because we just decided about 3 days ago to take our first trip to Disney world with our 5 year old son, 4 year old niece, and 2 year old daughter the first week of June. So many good ideas and information on what to take. I APPRECIATE THIS SOOOO MUCH!!

56. Jeannie March 20, 2014 Reply

    Definitely don’t forget fat pens for autographs…just ordered new Super Sharpie Twin Tip pens for our upcoming trip from Amazon…they have chisel and fine tips (great for autographs). Used them for our last trip and every character went out of their way to express their thanks to the kids (or me/hubby) for bringing them. Even Darth Vader gave us a big thumbs up!!!

57. Tracy March 17, 2014 Reply

    I always bring a bottle of Febreez. It gets plenty of use when sharing one bathroom!

58. Nicole March 14, 2014 Reply

    Amazing list! I would add ALOE gel (for sunburn). Cause as much as you try to avoid getting the dreaded sunburn in disney (especially if your not used to the Florida sun) it’s a life saver.

59. Lisa February 9, 2014 Reply

    I love the list. I take a lot of stuff because you never know what you might need. I also like to put a few cheap plastic clothes hangers in. I can always leave them behind. The rooms just seem to not have enough hanger for all my clothes. I love the towel idea to take to the parks. Do you think I could leave it in one spot by itself for an hour or so without someone moving it? I’m travel alone this trip and one of my goals is to watch a parade from the curb. Thanks for the tips.

• Donna J May 5, 2014

  A towel will not hold a spot at Disney….especially on Main Street where is seems to be the most crowded viewing. Get there early, and be prepared to defend your spot. I will let any child edge up beside or in front of me to see Mickey or Cinderella but not their parents ~ most of whom are taller than my 5’2″ height. The parades are awesome ~ most folks aren’t.

60. Amber February 3, 2014 Reply

    Just remember some things you can’t bring with you if your flying there like me anything sharp you can’t pack period. and remember you might bring this back with you so you might need extra space Ziploc space savers might be your best friend

61. Cathy M January 20, 2014 Reply

    One important item(s) that I would add to this list, especially for families with school-aged children would be….
    1. Their homework (if being pulled out of school for the trip)
    2. #2 pencils with a sharpener. Automatic pencils have broken and run out of lead on a previous trip.
    3. Pens
    4. Calculator
    5. Any other special items needed to complete homework

• JoAnna Morris January 10, 2015

  Thank you for reminding me! Great addition to the list.

62. Sarah H January 11, 2014 Reply

    Baby outlet covers have made hotel stays a little less stressful for me with a very mobile little crawler on my hands. And they don’t take up a lot of space in your luggage.

63. Kristie D. January 8, 2014 Reply

    The best thing about Disney is that whatever you forget, you can buy there! (except maybe some prescriptions)

• Catherine Christopher November 24, 2015

  We needed a 9 volt battery for a medical device. None to be found. Bring back up for any medical needs

64. Maria B January 6, 2014 Reply

    I love this website! I have been to Disney with my kids about three times – once per year since 2011. Each time, I learn something that I should have thought to bring! Our trips have been very short, since my kids are young (my in laws live near by, so we’d only stay a day or two, max). This time, we’ll be there for 5 days, our longest trip to Disney yet. Since our kids will be 5 and 7 at the time we plan to go, we figure they can handle a longer trip. I never thought to bring a towel – this is a WONDERFUL idea for many reasons. I will definitely use this list this year!

    If you have children that enjoy dressing up, you might want to pack pirate gear (probably not swords, though; just bandanas and patches will do) OR princess dresses. My daughter likes to wear her princess gowns over her clothes (until she gets too hot and then we stuff them in the back pack). My son wants to be a Jedi this year, so we’ll bring his cloak. I’m not sure if they’ll let him carry his lightsaber, however.

    If you don’t want to spend the money on the Pirate’s League or Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, you can bring make up (black eyeliner and pencil for the boys and glitter and lipgloss for the girls) and costumes from home.

• Stacy April 29, 2014

  Thank you! It is a great idea to bring a princess dress/make up and pirate costume for my 5 and 8 year old. We are going in October 2014 and can’t find the time or money for “BB Boutique” and the “Pirate” dress up thing. I will be sure to remember this tip!

• Donna J May 5, 2014

  But don’t let your little girls wear the fancy plastic dress up shoes….just tennis or sandals. I see so many parents carrying their little princess because her feet just can’t take the shoes anymore

65. Christina January 6, 2014 Reply

    Our essentials for the WDW Backpack
    *My husband and I both carry one and split these items between – getting in to it in a crowd is easier because you are not digging through the layers and its much more gentle on both of our backs!*
    Passes/MagicBands/Key to the World
    IDS
    Wallet/Money/CCs
    Confirmation #s, hotel/dining/special events – re-write them all down in one spot (less paper to carry around)
    Pennies/Quarters for Penny Souvenirs
    Autograph Book / Pen/Marker with clickable top – NO caps (easier/faster for Characters to operate)
    Fruit Snacks/Goldfish/chips …individual portions make for happier kids
    Refillable Water Bottle(s) – Even if you purchase a bottle at a stand, you will be happy to be able to split it up between every one in your family
    Glowsticks/Bubbles .. YES for waiting in line or those long waits for the parade
    Wet Ones
    Hand Sanitizer
    Chapstick
    Large size Ziploc for wet anything(s)
    a few empty sandwich bags for splitting up popcorn or other Disney goodies
    ADVIL/TYLENOL or any other necessary meds – Disney can store meds that need to be refrigerated for you at the parks too
    Sunscreen for reapplications (trust me, you will need to and no you don’t want to pay Disney price for the same size bottle you bought for half the price at Target)
    PHONE CHARGER – In case of desperation, there are outlets in the restrooms and guest services will help you out too if you need a bit of extra charge
    **if you have little ones – Bring that extra set of underwear and a pair of extra pants .. lightweight so you can fold it down small at the bottom of your bag. You never know and you will feel terrible when your little one doesn’t have a clean pair of pants to change in to if an accident occurs – we’ve been there. That walk to the gift shop for Disney pants was not fun for my sick to his stomach 5 year old 🙁
    …Ponchos optional .. we never remember to pack them and always wish we had. But have survived Kali River Rapids and splash mountain without, each and every time 🙂

• Dee October 12, 2015

  My little boy suffered from extreme constipation at the time & needed extra underwear, a 3 pk. on the other side of the park was all you could purchase for $18 plus tax.
  Plus you may need wipes in a ziploc bag.

66. Melissa Brinn January 5, 2014 Reply

    Thank you so much! I always look for one, but have trouble finding one that I really like- this one is excellent!

67. Crystal November 15, 2013 Reply

    Love these lists but now I’m dying to know what kind of a bag you bring into the park. Do you have some kind of tips for organizing all the stuff you’ll need day of?

• Kasey Yates December 20, 2013

  Me too!! I’m leaving in two weeks: I’ve never been… Does anyone have any suggestions for how to:
  – “capture the memories” without carrying the over stuff back pack- I’m sure I won’t use 1/2 of!
  -any tips for the essentials AT THE PARKS?
  Please help it’s causing me stressing

• Melissa Brinn January 5, 2014

  Hi! I bet you have already left, but one thing I usually do is try to not pack too much for going into the park. In the past you could go through the “no bags” line with a camera bag that goes around your neck so that I what I usually limited us to

• Jamie P. May 22, 2015

  For me a cross body body bag is perfect! It’s hands free, stays close to your body and its easy to maneuver on and off rides. I use plastic baggies to organize the inside. For the kids I take one half filled, diaper-ish type bag for their belongings. I either shove it in the storage part of the stroller or attach with a “mommy hook.” That bag always comes bag filled!

• Heather February 20, 2016

  I bought a Travelon anti-theft cross body bucket bag. It was the perfect size for me and holds two water bottles (one for me, one for my daughter). I didn’t need to bring a lot but it fit a spare pair of shorts, a poncho, my map, wallet, etc. I didn’t want a backpack touching my body in the July heat. It worked out so well I didn’t switch to my usual winter purse this year! http://www.travelonbags.com/anti-theft/anti-theft-classic-cross-body-bucket-bag-1243

68. Sharon November 3, 2013 Reply

    Awesome list!

    I always include quart and gallon ziploc bags, for phone & camera on wet rides like Splash Mtn and even Kali River Rapids. (At Kali, you can store larger items inside their free locker, but for items you want to keep with you, they will get wet in your pocket, and the center storage container is usually already wet inside!).

    Also, some of the dark rides’ queues, as well as the sometimes dark walk back to the room from the bus, cam be a bit scary for the kids. We bring mini LED flashlights for them to carry with them, and it makes them feel more at ease. (Never inside the dark ride, though, of course!)

    Also, packets of wipes. May it be hand sanitizing wipes, flushable wipes, Chlorox wipes for tables & even for toilet, you can always feel cleaner with wipes!

69. Judy Mardula September 24, 2013 Reply

    We’re going to Disney World the first week in December and staying in a Nemo Suite at the AoA. I found small bath scrubbies with fish on them at the dollar store. One even had Nemo on it. I also found small bottles of hand soap with Nemo on them. They can be left behind at the end of the trip but will come in handy. I found small LED lanterns in Target that I am sure will come in handy.

70. Lisa Lawrence September 20, 2013 Reply

    Referred to this list about 10 times before our recent Disney trip. I would suggest adding scissors as we used them 3 or 4 times mostly for snipping off tags.

• Cheryl April 9, 2015

  Yes thank you for the reminder. I hate when I forget to bring scissors! I usually just bring a pair of kids ones. Mostly end up using them for cutting tags off things!

• Heidi January 27, 2016

  I use nail clippers to snip tags off new purchases. I bring them anyway so I try to use them for multiple things.

71. Melissa August 7, 2013 Reply

    My mom & I are taking my boys (5 & 3) at the end of August. Your list is WONDERFUL! Already started packing 😉

72. Kristie D. July 28, 2013 Reply

    Great list! I like the power strip so everyone can plug in their iPhones, iPads, iPods, DS… well you get the picture. I also love that I can use my phone for camera, white noise, radio, book, movies and games for entertaining, texting (who needs a walkie talkie?), video, and every great Disney app out there! ect and it sits in my pocket!
    Speaking of park entertainment my kids are enamored with finding Hidden Mickeys. Keeps them busy alllll day long. I downloaded the app ($9 but cheaper then the book and way better then carrying and flipping thru a book too).

73. Jennifer B. July 9, 2013 Reply

    Hello there fellow Disney traveler! We used this list last year when we went to WDW with our 3 year old son. I tweaked it here and there, but it was a time saver for sure. I was able to finally relax about planning and packing everything and enjoy our vacation so THANK YOU for compiling this list. We’re using it again this year when we go in September.

74. Angela Louise Johnson July 6, 2013 Reply

    Hi. This is a fab list and will be using it thanks. I would add blister plasters and sudocrem (or US equivalent – its like a nappy rash cream) as fab for sunburn, rashes and chaffing.

75. Cathy July 2, 2013 Reply

    I have a very similar list as an Excel spreadsheet and everyone laughs — until they need something, that is! I would add: duct tape (take out the cardboard roll and squash flat) and glasses repair kit with mini-screwdriver for fixing sunglasses and opening battery compartments. As for the baby stroller, I prefer bringing my own over renting one and I highly suggest having a stroller for non-babies too. Even a 5 or 6 year old will be exhausted by the end of the day. Good for getting to and from buses, especially. I dread the day my girl is too big/old for hers.

76. Sue Walizer May 28, 2013 Reply

    Shannon, this is wonderful. I always make a list about 2 weeks before we leave. This is a time saver for me. I absolutely love your web site.

77. Rachael May 22, 2013 Reply

    Hi! I live in the Tampa area and for some reason get CRAZY bug bites around here all the time. I mean during the day, in the winter, in my home (which is not open to the elements at all)…I could go on. If I get caught outside in the summer at sundown for 30 seconds without bug spray, my average is 20 bites. BUT, at Disney I get NO bug bites AT ALL- EVER! I do not use bug spray there ever. I don’t use it for my kids or husband either there and they don’t get as many bites as me anyway. Busch Gardens is the same thing. I don’t know why…maybe they spray the air there too (we do that in FL but usually it’s a joke) which keeps the bugs away or maybe there are so many people that the bugs are spread out so I don’t get bites. We usually go to disney 6 times a year at least, give or take, throught the year. I promise you can leave the bug spray home, at least while at Disney and their parks. I don’t know about their hotels/pools, we drive home usually 🙂

78. Misty Ehret May 20, 2013 Reply

    There was something you missed……scissors!!! I always travel with scissors. Seems like I’m always cutting the tags off of something or needing to open something. Also, I always have a pen and notepad with me (for notes of course) and yes, I’m a nerd!

79. Shana Gatewood May 19, 2013 Reply

    I LOVE the bubbles idea while you wait in line. We went to King’s Island with my 2 & 4 year old for just a few hours and my 2 year old had a melt down waiting in lines. But she LOVES bubbles, so we are trying this one! Thanks!

80. Amy D April 27, 2013 Reply

    We are taking our first WDW vacation in May. I have referred to this list so many times!! Thanks bunches!!

81. Stephanie April 27, 2013 Reply

    I thought of one more thing to add to your amazing and extensive list: Sheets! No matter what level of hotel you stay at, they seem to use the same white scratchy flat sheets that don’t stay on the bed. On top of that annoyance, I have very sensitive skin and get a rash from the harsh laundry detergent that WDW uses. So, we pack a set of sheets from our home bed and bring our own pillows. It makes sleeping so much more enjoyable!

    Also saw that you added a sound machine to your list. I have a sound machine app downloaded to my ipad that I play all night.

82. Trish February 25, 2013 Reply

    Wow that is some list. Definitely Pinning this and sharing it with my sis-in-law as we are heading there at the end of May! I want to pack now I’m so excited

83. Shawn November 16, 2012 Reply

    That is some list! Thanks!

84. Kim September 29, 2012 Reply

    Diet Pepsi! WDW only sells Coke products. 🙁