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Hi, friends! If you haven’t heard yet (or watched my obnoxious amount of instagram story countdowns)...we are going to DISNEY WORLD! In fact, by the time this blog goes live, we will be only one day away from flying to Orlando! *Insert high pitched enthusiastic squealing noise here*
Disney World trips are super fun, but they involve a lot of preparation. Packing for the trip is no exception. Not only do you have to figure out what outfits and shoes to wear, but you also have to think about what you are going to bring into the park to make it through those 12 hour days!
I personally really enjoy reading blogs or watching youtube videos about what people bring in their Disney park bags, so I thought I’d give it a go! Two things you should note before proceeding:
I know this looks like a LOT of stuff. Just realize that most of these items are very small, and certain things I will only bring in if the weather calls for it. However, this is definitely not the minimalist’s guide to packing!
This is an adults-only trip, so if you are traveling with kids there are obviously other things you would need!
First, let's talk about the bag(s) I'm taking to the park:
I am bringing two bag options, fully expecting to really only use one of them. However, on my last trip to Universal studios I only brought one purse and the strap ended up breaking at one point which was very inconvenient. I’ve learned my lesson.
Bag 1: Gray Crossbody Hobo Tote
I asked for this bag for Christmas partially because I wanted to use it for Disney, but mainly because I wanted it as my kind of everyday go-to purse. It’s gray, which matches basically everything and it’s very roomy with a few little compartments that make it easier to organize items. It has a fold-over top so you don’t even have to zip it, although it does have a zipper inside if I wanted to do that. This is the bag I plan to use everyday unless I have an issue or it feels too big for my needs.
Bag 2: Travelon anti-theft bag
I really love this bag and it is extremely high quality. The only reason it’s not my main bag for the trip is that I was worried it wouldn’t be big enough since I am bringing my camera. However, if there is a day where I want to pack a little lighter, this will be a nice option. I've used it for a few months as a daily purse, and I'm really impressed by the quality!
I’m not really worried about being robbed at Disney world, but it has some nice anti-theft features like a slash-proof strap, RFID blocking technology, and clips on the zippers so that you can “lock” compartments closed. I think this would be an awesome purse for those traveling internationally or to a larger city where they might be more concerned about being pickpocketed.
Bonus Bag: My husband’s sling backpack
The best perk of having a husband is that there is another person to carry all of your things to Disney World. (HAHA just kidding, Nick...you are more than just a pack-mule to me). However, we ordered this sling backpack from Amazon for Nick to take to the parks, and so far it seems pretty nice! This will make my load a little lighter because otherwise I would be carrying a very over-stuffed purse all day. I also just like the bag in general and I think it’s definitely something either one of us would use again in the future.
Now, onto the main event...all of the items I’m taking to Disney World in my park bag!
Basics
Wallet: Including ID, credit card, cash, or Disney gift cards!
Magic Band or Park Ticket: If you don't bring these, you aren't getting in!
Technology
Fully charged cell phone: These days, it seems like you can’t go to Disney World without a cell phone. You need it for park maps, wait times, fast passes, and more. Make sure it’s fully charged before you go and don’t forget to download the My Disney Experience app and login before you head out to the parks!
Camera: Most people use their phones as a camera, but if you are like me and want to bring another camera for videos or pictures, make sure you bring your camera, case, batteries, and memory cards!
Portable Charger: I bought this portable charger for our trip since we have our phones and camera. You will want to make sure you have the cord for these batteries as well.
Sun Care
Sunscreen: As the pale people Nick and I are, this is essential. I really like the Neutrogena sunscreen because I find it to be way less greasy.
Sunglasses: It's sunny in Florida, so sunglasses are essential.
SPF Chapstick: If you weren’t aware, it’s possible for your lips to get burned. I have a Neutrogena chapstick with SPF 15 that I use when I go on trips where I know I’ll be out in the sun a lot.
Weather Preparedness
Personal fan: Yes, we are going to Florida in winter, so I might not actually need this...but I’d rather be prepared. If you are going in the summer, you should definitely bring a fan. Believe me. It’s worth it. The last time I went to Universal I brought a fan and my friends laughed at me for it until we were all dying from the heat and they wanted to borrow it! I recently bought a new fan from Amazon and it is so powerful!
Jacket: Since we are going in February, it can get pretty chilly at night. I’m bringing a light fleece jacket to wear in the evenings.
Poncho: You just never know when it will start raining, and unless you want to be totally soaked, a poncho is your friend. I bought disposable ones from Amazon because ponchos are super expensive in the parks, and they don’t take up much room at all.
Rain Jacket: This is something that won’t technically be in my park bag unless rain is in the forecast for a big chunk of the day. I bought this Columbia rain jacket when we went to the UK several years ago and I still love it!
Small umbrella: Again, I will probably only pack this if rain is on the forecast for a big part of the day. I have been at Universal Studios in pouring rain without an umbrella...even with a poncho it can be rough.
Personal Care
Pain & Allergy Medicine: I pack little tubs with some ibuprofen and some of my Allegra that I take for allergies. Hopefully I won’t need either, but they are pretty small and take up almost no room in my bag.
Bandaids: There are first aid stations at the Disney parks, but I like to bring my own bandaids just in case I need one and don’t feel like walking across the park for something small.
Extra Contacts & Contact Case: As someone who almost can’t see without my contacts or glasses, I am definitely bringing at least two pairs of backup contacts for my trip. It would be awful to be in the park and lose a contact and not be able to see the shows!
Tissues: I’m bringing a couple little travel packs of tissues just in case.
Hand Sanitizer: Believe it or not, there are even germs at the happiest place on earth.
Anti-bac wipes: It’s always nice to have wet wipes in case there is a sticky surface at your table or if you need to wipe off your hands after eating a Mickey ice cream bar :)
Feminine Products: Just in case!
Little hairbrush/mirror combo: I have bangs right now, so this is a must for me. After rides, my hair will likely look a little crazy and I know we are going to be taking a lot of pictures! I just bring a small one like this.
Ponytail holders/headband: I plan to have my hair down at the beginning of the day, but if I get hot, I will definitely want to put my hair up. I’m bringing few of my favorite headbands and some ponytail holders in case I need to put my hair up half way through the day.
Foot Care
Moleskin padding: (I'm not sure if I'll take this into the park or just keep it at the hotel, but either way I think it's worth mentioning) I got this idea from one of my favorite youtubers, Blair Lamb. Basically, this is a padding with a sticky back that you can cut up into little pieces to place on your foot anywhere your shoe is rubbing uncomfortably. It’s great for preventing blisters when you are doing all of that walking.
Extra pair of socks: Just in case. I recently bought these no-show socks that I love! They actually don't slide down in my shoe which is basically a miracle. I actually ended up ordering even more because I loved them so much!
Shoe Inserts: I am considering bringing a pair of shoe inserts in my bag. My plan is to put them in my shoes about half way through the day just to change up the way I’m walking. I’ve heard this can really help to make sure your feet don’t hurt too much!
Miscellaneous
Park Plans: Call me old-fashioned, but I like to have a paper copy of my park plan (fast pass times, dining reservations, etc). The Disney app is kind of the living worst, so I’d like to have a backup on paper if I can’t get on the app for some reason!
Ziplock bags: It’s always smart to bring a few ziplock bags into the park. If it’s raining and you are worried about your phone or electronics getting wet, stick it in a ziplock. If you are eating a snack and don’t feel hungry enough to finish it right then, stick it in a ziplock. I’m even using these really cute patterned ziplocks to organize all of the stuff in the above categories!
Glow Sticks: I think it’s fun to have some glow sticks for fireworks at the parks, but buying them at Disney is SO expensive. We plan to bring a few extras to pass out to families near us just as a way to be nice :)
Minnie Ears: I have some super cute rose gold sequin minnie mouse ears I can’t wait to wear!
There you have it! I know that looks like a LOT, but in reality we have no problem fitting all of that into our two park bags. If you are going to Disney World soon, I hope you find this list helpful!
-Katie
PS: Did I miss anything on my list? Tell me your go-to park bag items in the comments!
*Note: Some items above are affiliate links*