Packing for a Disney World vacation in 2023 is no simple task. With theme parks, water parks, resorts, golf courses, mini golf, spas, restaurants, boating, and more, going to Disney World is really unlike any other trip you’ll take. You want to make sure you pack the right things. With some preparation, you can bring items that save you money, prevent time-consuming detours, and enable magical memories. So, what should you bring to Disney World?

Luckily, Guide2WDW has you covered. I have been to Disney World more times than years I’ve been alive, and I’ve learned a ton about what are the best items to pack for a WDW vacation. I first published this article eight years ago as a list of a few essential items that I bring on every Disney World vacation, but over the years it has grown.

There are also certain things that I pack now as a dad that I never even thought of as a carefree childless adult. So I’ve upgraded this list to our Ultimate Disney World Packing Guide. Over dozens of trips, I’ve taken note of which items I’m so glad I packed, and which items I end up not really needing. Some of these won’t be the first thing you think of when you make your Disney World packing list, but they can save the day at the theme parks.

I’m also not afraid to admit that this list is the result of years of trial and error. My packing process used to be a mad dash of last-minute stress, only to find that I somehow packed 14 t-shirts but no pairs of socks. While I’ve gotten much better about procrastination by creating a reusable packing list, I still will forget things from time to time. Each time that happens, I come back to the list and update it, so this list will get better with time based on my experience and reader feedback.

On this list, I’ve included over 70 items that you should consider bringing to Disney World. This guide is meant to be comprehensive, meaning that not everyone will need every single item on this list. However, if there’s something you think you would find useful, we’ve also included links to items we recommend.

Be sure to make room in your suitcase, and read on for our ultimate Disney World packing guide!

Disclaimer: Guide2WDW may earn an affiliate commission from any products bought from links clicked in this article at no extra cost to you.

Disney World Travel Essentials

Disney World Gift Cards

Let’s start with the bare necessities for any WDW vacation: You’re going to need money, your ID, and your Disney World tickets. Do not forget these essential items, because you’ll need them for pretty much anything you do at WDW.

Your ID / Passport: Whether you are getting through airport security or checking into your resort, you’ll need a government issued-ID. Also, if you want to enjoy one of Disney World’s many bars and lounges, you’ll need an ID to prove you’re over 21.

Credit Cards / Debit Cards: This is fairly self-explanatory. You’ll need some way to pay for goods and services throughout your Disney World vacation. Many places are going cash-free, so having Credit Cards and Debit Cards are essential. You can find out which credit cards we recommend for Disney World here.

US Cash: Even though many places don’t accept cash anymore, having some physical currency is really key while traveling. We like to always bring cash so we have an easy way to tip the people working at our resort, from valet to bellhops to housekeeping.

Disney Gift Cards: This one might seem optional, but if you’re able to score the right deals, Disney Gift Cards could be a great way for you to save some money on your Disney World vacation. Through credit card cash back offers as well as sales at Target and Kroger, we’ve been able to save anywhere from 5-20% on Disney Gift Cards. This is huge considering that you can use these for everything at Disney World, from souvenirs to tickets to dining and even to your hotel room. Basically, if you look at the right places, you can get an extra discount on your WDW vacation and save up to hundreds of dollars. Be sure to check out our complete guide on how to save up to 20% (or more) on Disney Gift Cards for your Disney World vacation.

Tickets or ticket vouchers: You need to purchase your Disney World tickets before you go to Orlando! You will need a Park Pass reservation for every day you want to go into the parks. These reservations are free, but require a valid Disney World ticket

Smartphone with latest Disney World app loaded: A smartphone is an essential item for visiting Disney World in 2023. With the official MyDisneyExperience app, you can check wait times, reserve dining, mobile order food, join the Virtual Queue at the newest rides like Tron and Guardians of the Galaxy, and use Genie+ and Lightning Lane. Your phone can also act as your park ticket and payment device.

Digital Ticket Magic

Magic Band Plus Guide - Disney World and Disneyland

When you purchase tickets, you can redeem the voucher at a ticket booth at the parks for physical plastic ticket cards. You can also pay for them to be shipped to you, but we wouldn’t These cards will let you tap in at the park turnstiles and redeem Lightning Lane reservations. However, you can save some time with the following items that can be used as your tickets in the park. If you link the tickets and these devices to your MyDisneyExperience app, you can save time and have a better experience.

Using these items as your ticket is optional, but it can be very convenient because you won’t have to grab your ticket or credit card out of your wallet all day. Personally, I have a MagicBand+, and I load my tickets onto my iPhone and Apple Watch as a backup.

MagicBands or MagicBand+: MagicBands are wearable wristbands that can be used as your Disney World ticket, room key, and even a method of payment. MagicBand+ is an enhanced version, with light up effects and access to exclusive scavenger hunts. MagicBands are not free anymore, but guests with a Disney World Resort reservation can order them for a discount. MagicBands come in a ton of fun designs, and they can make for a great souvenir. We recommend MagicBands if you plan on visiting multiple times, as you can reuse your MagicBands over multiple trips. However, even for one visit, they’re a fun splurge that make your Disney World vacation feel a bit more frictionless.

MagicBand+ Charger: If you are packing a MagicBand+, you will need to charge it every night. The wristband comes with a charging cable that can plug into a USB-A charging port.

iPhone or Android smartphone with MobileMagic: You should link your Disney World tickets to your smartphone. But with eligible iPhones and Android smartphones, you can make things even easier with MobileMagic. This feature lets you load your Disney World tickets into your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Then when you bring your phone close to a MagicBand touch point, your phone will automatically bring up your ticket. With this feature, you don’t have to fumble around to load your ticket from an app. Just tap the touch point and you’re good to go.

Apple Watch: We love using an Apple Watch at Disney World. You can essentially use your Apple Watch as a MagicBand. If you load a MobileMagic ticket on your iPhone, you can also load it onto your Apple Watch. Since it’s loaded into your Apple Wallet, the ticket will come up automatically when you bring your watch in proximity to the MagicBand touch points. You can also use Apple Pay at pretty much every shop and quick service restaurant. Plus, you can keep track of how many steps you take and how many calories you’re burning so it’s a little easier to justify having both a Mickey Bar and a Dole Whip.

Weather-Proof the Magic

Five Best Items to Beat the Heat at Disney World - Frogg Togg at EPCOT

Insanely hot, muggy, and suddenly rainy: that can describe an average summer’s day in Orlando. If you’re not prepared, the weather can feel downright oppressive. The following items will make sure the elements don’t get in the way of your Disney World vacation.

Personal Cooling Devices: Whether you want to go with a cooling towel or personal fan, having a small device that helps you stay cool is one of our favorite ways to beat the heat at Disney World. Here are the items we recommend:

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Want to beat the heat at Disney World? Do yourself a favor and buy a Frogg Togg Chilly Pad immediately. These amazing towels feel like some sort of magic trick: rinse with water, wring out, and they stay up to 30 degrees cooler than the outside air while feeling dry to the touch. I’ve used a Frogg Togg Chilly Pad while training for a RunDisney half-marathon during a heatwave in Los Angeles, and my runs were so much more comfortable with this around my neck. My family never goes to Orlando without a Frogg Togg, and neither should you.

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On a recent Disney World trip during a very hot Memorial Day Weekend, my sister’s family all packed bladeless neck fans. These are like personal air conditioning units. They’re great because they’re hands-free, so you can put one on your neck and still easily navigate an event like the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival — gotta keep those hands free for eating and drinking, you know?!

This bladeless neck fan provides convenient relief from the Orlando heat. It has a rechargeable battery via USB-C, and it provides 3-10 hours of cooling, depending on the speed. Because it’s small and hands-free, it’s ideal for while you walk around the park. You could even continue to wear it on gentle rides like it’s a small world.

We prefer the white color, because white will deflect heat away from you.

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Ponchos / Rain Jacket: In Orlando, rain is pretty much always a possibility, no matter the time of year. Even if the forecast doesn’t call for rain before you head down to Florida, it’s a good idea to pack a poncho or light rain jacket. Disney does sell ponchos, at an extreme premium. You can save a ton of money by purchasing a set of ponchos on Amazon.

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This set of 20 ponchos will set you back about as much as 1 poncho will at Disney World. It comes in different colors, and includes both kids and adult sized ponchos. This pack will definitely be enough for your entire party. This set of ponchos ships with Amazon Prime and has a 4.5/5 star rating in customer reviews.

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Sunscreen: You should really wear sunscreen every day on your Disney World vacation, even if it’s overcast. You spend way more time outside than your typical day, and the Orlando sun can be relentless. Nothing can bring your Disney World fun to a screeching, uncomfortable halt like a nasty sunburn. I always pack a tube of sunscreen to apply in the morning, and a small sunscreen bar to put in my day pack for convenient reapplications.

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This SPF 50 sunscreen spray is ideal for putting on either in your hotel room or in the parking lot right before you go into the theme parks. This also comes in a SPF 30 variation. You could also keep one spray in your day pack for reapplications, but I prefer a sunscreen stick because it’s smaller.

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This sunscreen stick is perfect for popping in your day pack (or fanny pack) and reapplying in the middle of a sunny Disney World day.

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A UV Umbrella: An umbrella is not only your friend when it starts raining. It’s also a great way to provide yourself with some shade and protect yourself from the sun. Certain umbrellas have UV resistance, which can help keep you cool. My mom always brings an umbrella for the sun whenever she visits Disney World, and she receives many comments from strangers about how smart she was to provide herself with some shade.

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A compact umbrella with a rating of SPF 50, this is an affordable option for a good travel UV umbrella that comes in a few color options. One Amazon reviewer described it as “perfect to carry around when there is no shade,” which can be quite common at Disney World.

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Stroller Cover: A stroller rain cover is a great item for parents to pack for Disney World. They don’t sell these at the parks, and you’ll be so glad that you have one once it starts raining. We made the mistake of not packing one on a trip to Disneyland, and it took days for our soggy stroller to fully dry.

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This is the #1 best selling stroller rain cover on Amazon. It keeps both your stroller and baby dry, while providing them a view of the outside world while you navigate Disney in the rain.

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WDW Wardrobe – What to Wear at Disney World

James and Bethany - Guide2WDW - Disney World Guide

At Disney World, you want to be comfortable, stylish, and comfortable. Oh, and did I mention comfortable? Keep in mind that you will be walking for literal miles on an average day inside the parks, and temperatures can fluctuate pretty wildly between the morning, afternoon, and evening. So if you are planning on going into Magic Kingdom for a marathon day, you’ll want to be prepared.

But also, you’ll want to have some fun. Disney World is an excuse to bust out some character apparel, wear Mouse Ears all day, or get your crew to wear all matching shirts.

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You can find a wide variety of official Disney World shirts on shopDisney. Tip: We sign up for their mailing list, and then wait to buy our Disney gear when they are running a good sale, which is quite often.

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Amazon is a great resource for finding affordable Disney World shirts, both official and unofficial. My family is quite fond of this shirt with the icons of each of Disney World’s parks on it. We got matching shirts on a recent WDW trip, and we all love the design!

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Another great way to save money on Disney shirts is to buy official Disney apparel from Target. They have some really fun designs, and Red Card members get 5% off all this gear that’s perfect for a WDW vacation!

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Comfortable, themed T-shirts: Showcase your Disney spirit by wearing fun, themed t-shirts! There are plenty of options available on Target, Etsy, Amazon, and shopDisney. From classic Mickey Mouse to your favorite Disney characters, you’ll find something that suits your style. Bonus points if you can get your party to dress in matching shirts. When possible, opt for a soft, breathable t-shirt that will keep you cool under the Floridian sun. Moisture-wicking fabrics are a plus, as they’ll help to keep you dry during those unexpected splashes on water rides or during sudden downpours.

Headwear – Hats and Ears: Protect yourself from the sun or add a touch of magic to your outfit with Disney-themed hats and Mickey/Minnie ears.

Sunglasses: The Florida sun can be intense, so don’t forget to pack a pair of sunglasses to shield your eyes from the rays. Polarized lenses are a great choice as they’ll reduce glare, making it easier to navigate the parks and spot your favorite characters from afar.

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My personal philosophy about sunglasses at Disney World: you want something that you won’t mind if you lost while on “the wildest ride in the wilderness!” Sunglasses can break or go missing, so I opt for an affordable pair of stylish sunglasses, like this 2 pack of Joopin sunglasses on Amazon. They cost around $10-12 per pair, and I think they look great.

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Footwear

One thing you won’t hear too often is how much you’ll end up walking at Disney World. Thanks to my Apple Watch ownership, I’ve gotten into tracking how much I walk every day. Most days are anywhere from 3 – 5 miles; however, when I go to Disney World, I can easily end up walking 10-15 miles. Basically, a day at Disney World can be a very slowly paced half-marathon.

Even on days where I was trying to “take it easy,” I was still logging in 6-8 miles. That adds up over the course of a weeklong vacation. Do your feet a favor and be sure to pack a good pair of walking shoes, or at the very least some very supportive sandals. A pair of shoes or sandals that can support your dogs through all that walking and activity will make the difference between doing everything you want to do and being miserable for half your vacation.

Disney World Packing Tip: If you buy a new pair of shoes for your big WDW vacation, be sure to break them in before you go, otherwise you’ll definitely need the next item.

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Kiziks are our absolute favorite shoes for Disney World (and at home too). They are stylish and have a hands-free design that’s amazing for getting out of the hotel room and getting to the parks. Most importantly, they are extremely comfortable. My favorite design is the Kizik Athens, which features the HandsFree Cage. The heel springs back when you step into the shoe, making it super easy to slip on and take off just with your feet.

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The men’s design of our favorite shoe for Disney World: Kizik Men’s Athens – Cobalt Blue. However, Kizik has a wide variety of designs that appeal to anyone’s personal style.

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Comfortable sneakers / Socks: Kiziks have become our absolute favorite shoes for a Disney World vacation. They are incredibly comfortable and supportive, but that’s not even their best attribute. They are incredibly easy to slip on and take off hands free, thanks to proprietary technology included in the heel.

Supportive sandals: If you are more of a sandals person, just make sure that they provide support for your feet.

Water shoes: These are great if you are planning on visiting Disney World’s water parks or spending time at your resort pool.

Luggage

At least one carry-on sized bag for each member of your party: How many pieces of luggage you bring will really depend on your family size, and how much you typically like to pack. If you’re someone who preplans each outfit for every day of your trip and packs the bare minimum, you’ll need less space than someone

We really like these following bags for when we visit Disney World.

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Spinner wheels are a must now for any suitcase, and I’ve always had great luck with Samsonite’s durability and style. This Samsonite carry on bag features a 10 year warranty, an integrated TSA-approved lock, and has 4.6 stars across over 10,000 reviews on Amazon. If you’re looking for a durable bag that’s easy to tote from stop to stop, you won’t go wrong with this one.

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American Tourister has a wide variety of fun Disney designs for kids’ luggage. From Disney Princesses to Mickey and Minnie to Grogu, a Disney suitcase is a great way to make packing for the Disney World vacation even more fun.

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Packing Cubes: Despite how hard I work to pack everything all nice and neat, my suitcase usually looks like the aftermath of two wild animals battling over a piece of meat. There had to be a better way, so I purchased a set of Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes. You roll your clothing into these differently-sized cubes, and then pack them into your suitcase. Not only do you stay more organized, but these packing cubes actually save space inside your suitcase, as rolling is a much more efficient way to pack your clothes.

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I bought these packing cubes years ago, and I still love using them to keep my suitcase from becoming a disorganized mess.

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Bags, Backpacks, and Purses

Tickets, gift cards, park maps, water bottle, sunscreen, snacks: these are just a few of the things that you may want to have on you at any given moment while you tour the parks. Having a lightweight bag is a must, so you can carry all of your items without having to rent a locker.

We recommend brining any of the following items into the parks. Which one you choose is up to your personal style and preferences.

Lightweight Day Packs: I used to rely on light drawstring bags to hold my supplies for the day, but found that if I had anything over a pound in them they would be pretty irritating to carry. Luckily, my wife is a camping expert, and she opened my eyes to the benefits of a light daypack or backpack. These have padded straps that are much more comfortable than those drawstring bags, but they’re still extremely light and comfortable to carry. I’m currently using the Amazon Basics Backpack as my go-to Disney World bag, and I love it. Especially for how small it packs down to fit in our suitcase.

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This backpack is extremely lightweight, features multiple compartments, and can carry all you need in the parks.

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Purse / Purses: Whether you’re making a fashion statement or you just a bag to keep all your items organized, the right purse can make all the difference at Disney World. Here are some of our recommended Best Purses for Disney World.

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If you want the ideal mix of whimsical and functional, Loungefly is the way to go. These small durable backpacks can hold everything you need for your day around the Magic Kingdom, while still incorporating your favorite Disney characters into your outfit.

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This Travelon bag checks all the boxes. It’s affordable, lightweight, and secure. It also comes in many colors, so you can always match your outfit.

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A Fanny Pack: Know the joys of staying hands-free at Disney with a fanny pack. Also known as a hip pack, a fanny pack is a trendy and practical way to keep your essentials within easy reach while navigating the parks. Choose one with multiple compartments for organizing your phone, wallet, keys, and park tickets. Opt for a water-resistant material to protect your belongings from unexpected splashes or rain.

RFID Blocking Wallet: Thanks to MagicBands and MagicMobile tickets, I can go almost-wallet free at Disney World. However, I still find it really useful to have an RFID-blocking wallet to keep in my backpack. I can keep my ID, credit cards, and receipts in here. This type of wallet is designed to prevent electronic pickpocketing, giving you peace of mind as you explore Disney World.

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This travel wallet is great, especially if you want to consolidate your family’s items into one slim package. You can keep park tickets, hotel keys, Disney gift cards, credit cards, and IDs such as passports in this wallet that can easily fit in a day pack. Plus, it has RFID-blocking and it’s zippered, so you know your precious items are secure.

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ZipLoc Bags: For other looser items like gift cards or Disney pins or anything with liquid that could possibly spill, I like having some gallon-sized zip lock bags at the ready. These are actually extremely useful while traveling. Stash a few of these bags in your suitcase.

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Ziploc bags are a great Disney World essential to keep in your bag. They have about a million different uses, from keeping items dry, storing wet clothes/bathing suit for your little one playing in a splash zone or wet socks from your ride on Kali River Rapids, or packing snacks. The gallon size is ideal for bigger items, like clothes or wet ponchos.

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Electronic Essentials

Extra Battery: You already know your phone has become an essential part of life, and that doesn’t change at Disney World. Whether you’re checking wait times, texting with your traveling party, or posting the perfect selfie in front of Cinderella Castle, a phone is one of the most versatile tools you’ll have during your vacation. But all that activity can be a strain on the battery, especially if your phone isn’t brand new. An extra power bank has become a must for making it through a full day at the parks with my phone’s battery intact. These can also charge your MagicBand+.

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This Anker power bank is the ideal blend of portability and charging capability. With a USB-A and USB-C port, this can charge two devices simultaneously, offers fast charging, and the large 10,000 mAh capacity will offer multiple charges for a phone.

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Short charging cables: For years, I’ve used a power bank with the regular 3-foot cable that came with my phone, and it was always annoying. The cord would get tangled up in my bag, or I’d awkwardly try to shove the cable in my pocket. Either get a power bank with wireless charging or a short cable built in, or purchase a short cable to use with your external battery.

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If your phone has a USB-C charger, this pack of cables is great for using with an external power bank. No need to manage 3-foot cables getting tangled up in your bag or not fitting in your pocket.

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If you have an iPhone and your external battery doesn’t have a cable built in, this Lightning Cable pack is a must have. The 6 inch size is perfect for plugging into a power bank and charging your iPhone in your bag.

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Wall Charger: What about charging your phones at night? Get a USB power hub you can plug straight into the wall. These are a life saver at hotels! They have multiple ports, so you don’t have to worry about packing and managing several small power bricks in your suitcase. Also, this helps with dealing with limited power outlets in the hotel room. You’ll no longer need to search behind the bedside table and unplug the alarm clock!

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This wall charger is tiny and has enough power to charge three devices at once, including a laptop or tablet. This features two USB-C ports and one USB-A port.

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This 6-port USB hub is a more affordable option for charging all of your family’s devices. It’s not quite as compact and only features USB-A ports, but you get double the ports for half the price.

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Headphones / Wireless earbuds: One of the best ways to make the wait times at Disney World feel shorter is to listen to your favorite tunes, audioboooks, podcasts, or Disney soundtracks while waiting in line. I personally love AirPods Pro due to their transparency mode and how well they work with my iPhone. However, there are many much less expensive alternatives.

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If you have an iPhone, AirPods are amazing. Whether for waiting in line or chilling by the pool, these are my favorite headphones due to the audio quality, instant pairing, and transparency mode. Plus, the noise cancellation is a must for air travel.

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Sound Machine: Getting a good night’s sleep is essential at Disney. You’ll be waking up early thanks to 7 AM Virtual Queues and Genie availability, and you might be also staying out later than normal. With unexpected sounds from other guests, hotels can be a hard environment to sleep in. I’ve found that using a sound machine is really helpful. We got this for our son, but I find it just as helpful for getting a good night’s sleep.

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The sound machine we use (and love) is the Hatch Sound Machine. It has several different noises and songs, plus a night light, which can be very useful in a hotel room even if you don’t have kids. It is all controllable from your phone. It’s easy to fit in a suitcase, and it makes for a great addition to our hotel room when we visit Disney World or Disneyland.

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Health and Safety

Band Aid - First Aid Kit - Disney World EssentialsFirst aid items: Save a trip to the First Aid Station in the park! While Disney has a medical staff located at each park available to help out with emergencies and provide you with medicine, it takes valuable time out of your day. Keeping some small first aid items in your bag can help with minor ailments, like headaches, sore feet, cuts and scrapes, or a stomach ache. For anything beyond what you pack in your back can handle, be sure to visit the First Aid station. (Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. Consult with your doctor if you haven’t taken any of these items before).

Hand sanitizer / Sanitizing Wipes Pack: From doors to elevator buttons to lap bars on rides, you end up touching a lot of surfaces while visiting Disney World. Avoid catching a cold on vacation with some hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes.

Over-the-counter medications: We always pack a combination of pain relievers, allergy medications, and stomach remedies on any vacation.

Moleskin Padding Roll: Blisters are awful anytime, but especially at Disney World. With so much walking, a blister will make any day in the park a painful proposition. I always pack Moleskin as part of my emergency kit. I don’t need to use it every Disney trip, but I’m always glad I have it in those instances where I get a blister.

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Hopefully you won’t need to use these, but you’ll be very glad you have them. In case all that walking ends up resulting in a nasty blister, placing a Moleskin bandage on top can be a life saver. It can also be good to use if you feel a blister coming on to prevent the injury before it happens. Pack this item along with your other first aid essentials.

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Body Glide Anti Chafe Balm: Look, chafing happens. Especially when you are walking in a hot and humid environment. Do yourself a favor and put Body Glide on wherever you may chafe.

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I first got this for when I ran my first runDisney half marathon, but I found that it was extremely useful for preventing chafing when I was walking around the theme parks as well. It works like a bar of deodorant: just place it on before heading out in the morning.

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Motion Sickness Remedies: Between roller coasters and motion simulators, there are many rides at Disney World that can cause motion sickness. Here are a few items I always pack to have just in case I experience any nausea.

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Another option for motion sickness if traditional Dramamine makes you too drowsy is the non-drowsy Dramamine. The active ingredient is ginger, which does work for some people in eliminating motion sickness.

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If you struggle with motion sickness, you should pack some Dramamine when you head to Disney. Take this at least an hour before going on the ride you’re worried about. This is the less drowsy version, which can still cause some drowsiness.

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The Sea-Band, and other motion sickness bands like it, helps relieve nausea through acupressure on your wrists. It’s a good option if you do not want to consume any medicine, but it can also help in addition to those remedies if you’re especially prone to motion sickness.

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Toiletry Kit: You’ll want to bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, q-tips, shaving supplies, moisturizer, and anything else that’s part of your morning and evening routine.

Snacks and Hydration

A Hydroflask being refilled at a Water Bottle Refill Station at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe in Magic Kingdom - Disney World - Guide2WDW

Water Bottles: Nothing can stop your fun day at the Magic Kingdom than getting dehydrated. You can always get a free ice water from any Counter Service restaurant inside Disney World, but I’ve found that bringing in a reusable water bottle works really well and helps me avoid wasting time in restaurant lines early in the day when time is at a premium.

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The Hydroflask has become my go-to travel water bottle over the past few years, as well as my primary water bottle at home. Water just tastes excellent in these, and the vacuum seal keeps liquids cold or hot for hours.

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The water fountains at Disney World taste pretty funky (to put it lightly), so I’m reliant on refilling at Counter Service restaurants or my hotel during a mid-day break if I use a Hydroflask. If you want to have more flexibility, this Brita Filtered Water Bottle is a very good choice, as it will take the funky taste out of that Florida fountain water.

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Electrolyte Packs: Between the heat and all of the walking, it’s easy to sweat a lot during your day at Disney World. On my first trip with my son, I was doing a lot more lifting as well: loading him in and out of the stroller, picking him up for a good view of parades and fireworks, and carrying a big diaper bag. Because of this, I actually felt sick really one night because I got dehydrated. I was drinking plenty of water, but with the amount of exertion I was doing each day, I wasn’t having enough electrolytes. Rather than have to buy Gatorade, I prefer to pack Ultima electrolyte pouches.

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After doing a lot of research on the best electrolyte mixes, I tried Ultima Replenisher, and I couldn’t be happier. The mix tastes great while having no sugar whatsoever, which is very important to me. (Gotta save those calories for the Mickey bars!) I have a monthly subscription to Ultima through Amazon, and I drink this mix every day.

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Reusable Straws: Disney has done away with plastic straws throughout their parks. While this is a great move for the environment, the replacement paper straws leave a lot to be desired. Namely, they act as a good straw for approximately 10 seconds after touching liquid, then they turn to mush. Plus, they aren’t exactly great for milkshakes or smoothies. Save some headaches and be eco-friendly by investing in a set of reusable metal or silicone straws.

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These colorful BPA-free silicone straws are an awesome alternative to Disney’s paper straws. Be able to sip your iced coffee on Main Street without the straw disintegrating. Also highly recommended for EPCOT’s Festivals.

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Reusable Cutlery: While Disney World does provide plenty of free plastic cutlery at their quick service restaurants, here’s a more eco-friendly option. Note: Disney does not allow knives of any kind, so if you have a travel cutlery set, leave the knife in your hotel room. Even if it isn’t that sharp! I included a travel spork as part of my recommended items. You won’t need a knife for most items anyway.

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If you’re visiting the food booths at one of the EPCOT Festivals or just want to avoid plastic waste at counter service restaurants, this travel/camping spork set will be your best friend. Don’t worry if a booth runs out of forks or spoons. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly option!

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Travel Soap: You’ll want to be able to easily clean your reusable straws and sporks, so bring a tiny bottle of travel soap.

To-Go Snacks: You can bring snacks inside the parks! You can save a ton of money on your trip by packing chips, fig bars, granola bars, crackers, and other quick snacks rather than always buying Disney snacks.

Cereal / Granola Bars: One of our favorite ways to save time and money at Disney World is to pack a supply of quick breakfasts for your hotel room. If you don’t have room in your bag to pack them, a quick trip to the grocery store can be well worth it.

Mini cooler: Another way to save money on meals at WDW is to pack your own lunches. You can do this by bringing a cooler inside the parks. We recommend a small collapsible cooler that you can easily fit under a stroller or in a Disney locker.

Reusable ice packs: If you’re going the cooler route, just know that you can’t bring in loose ice. Instead, keep your cooler icy cold with reusable ice packs

Fun Disney Items

Disney World Trading Pins

Disney Pins: Pin trading is one of the best activities at Disney World that doesn’t require a line. Cast Members will always trade pins with you if you ask. One of our favorite ways to do pin trading for cheap is to buy a lot of trading pins from eBay or Amazon.

Lanyard: A colorful and themed lanyard is the perfect accessory to showcase your Disney pin collection. A lanyard is also a handy way to store your Disney World ticket.

Autograph Book: We consider this a must-have souvenir for visiting Disney World with kids. Whether you’re meeting Mickey Mouse or posing with princesses, an autograph book provides a charming memento of your encounters and a unique souvenir to treasure for years to come.

Pressed Penny Book: As someone who has collected a lot of Disney World merchandise throughout the years, I now try to opt for Pressed Pennies instead. Why? They’re inexpensive and small, which makes them ideal keepsakes as they won’t break the bank or create more clutter in my home. So I pack a pressed penny book so I don’t lose my tiny souvenirs.

Parental Essentials

Magic Kingdom - Toddler in a Stroller

If you’re traveling with little ones, you’ll need to add an extra page to your packing list. Fortunately, we have a complete Disney World Toddler Packing Guide, with the most helpful items for bringing tots to the Most Magical Place on Earth.

Here are a few of our favorite items from that list.

A stroller: A stroller is a must-have item if you are visiting Disney World with small kids. Besides transporting your child around, it will act as portable extra storage. If you have the room, we recommend packing your own stroller as it will save you some money on your vacation. Otherwise, there are many stroller rental alternatives that we highlight in our Disney World Stroller Guide.

Guide2WDW Recommends

A great lightweight travel stroller for Disney World, complete with easy one-step folding and plenty of under-stroller storage.

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If you’re looking for an affordable umbrella stroller dedicated for travel, the Summer 3D Mini Stroller is a fantastic option. It’s ultra-lightweight, folds up to be easily packed in a car, and it’s cheaper than the price of most stroller rentals.

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Carrier / Leash: Don’t let the stroller be the only way for you help your child get around WDW. A comfortable baby carrier gives your baby or toddler a much better view of the parks, and a leash can help your little one have more freedom to explore – safely.

Guide2WDW Recommends

The toddler harness / leash we used at Disney worked great. Easy to stuff in a bag or under the stroller when not in use, and it actually gave our toddler freedom to roam around and helped us spend less time chasing him. This particular harness comes in really cute Mickey and Minnie designs.

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Placemats: Pack disposable or reusable placemats to make mealtime clean and stress-free. These handy mats create a sanitary eating surface at restaurants and are easy to clean up when you’re finished.

Guide2WDW Recommends

If you want some reusable travel placemats for feeding your toddler at Disney, you can’t go wrong with these silicone mats from Munchkin. It’s one of our favorite brands for baby gear, and these placemats can be easily rolled up and placed in your bag.

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No-Spill Sippy Cups: Keep your little ones hydrated with these leak-proof cups. Choose an insulated cup to keep drinks cool and refreshing during those warm Florida days.

Guide2WDW Recommends

A great option for toddler travel cups that’s also very useful at home. This set of two 7 ounce toddler cups has 360 degree drinking edge eliminates spills completely, and the cup automatically seals when they are done drinking.

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Tablet case: I repurposed an old iPad as my son’s entertainment device, loading it with plenty of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Ms. Rachel YouTube videos. This has proven clutch for car trips, plane rides, in the hotel room, and at restaurants. I made the iPad kid-friendly by putting it in a durable and shockproof tablet case.

Guide2WDW Recommends

This is the iPad case that I use and swear by. It’s turned my old iPad Air 2 into a durable kids’ tablet, complete with a kickstand perfect for mealtime. If you order something like this, just make sure that it’s compatible with the model of tablet you are using.

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Food Pouches: Avoid having hangry kids. Apple sauce and veggie puree pouches are a great way to easily bust out a snack while in line.

Diapers: Be prepared for diaper duty by packing enough diapers to last the day, plus a few extra for emergencies. I actually forgot diapers one time, but luckily I was able to handle the situation at a Baby Center.

Wipes: Not only great for diaper changes, but wipes can help with sticky fingers or unexpected messes.

Changing Pad: A compact changing pad can make using those baby changing stations inside the bathrooms feel way less unsanitary. Plus, you can easily store diapers and wipes in here. We keep this changing pad clipped onto our stroller, and it has been hugely helpful while visiting Disney with our son.

Guide2WDW Recommends

A convenient, foldable clutch-style changing pad that can be easily stored in a diaper bag or clipped to a stroller. This includes storage pouches for diapers and wipes.

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A Disney Plush: One of our money saving tips for Disney World with kids is to buy a Disney plush at a discount from shopDisney or Target and pack it for the trip. You can give this to your child at the start of the vacation as their special WDW buddy. Depending on the age of your child, they’ll love exploring the parks with their new stuffed companion in tow, and it can also help temper their desire

Guide2WDW Recommends

shopDisney has a wide variety of Disney plush, and many of them are sold at a discount compared to the theme parks.

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Target also offers a ton of Disney plush. If you’re a Red Card member, this could be a great alternative to buying a toy at the parks.

Buy from Target

Disney World Packing Tips

Disney World Gift Cards

  1. Check the weather forecast: Before you start packing, check the weather forecast for Orlando during your visit. This will help you pack appropriate clothing and accessories for the expected temperatures and conditions.
  2. Be prepared with at least one “change up” outfit: Despite what the forecast might say, you never know when the weather will surprise you. So have at least one outfit that goes against what the forecast calls for. If it’s supposed to be hot, pack at least one pair of pants and a warmer top, just in case the temperature drops unexpectedly. The opposite is true.
  3. Roll your clothes: Save space and reduce wrinkles by rolling your clothes in your suitcase.
  4. Use packing cubes: Packing cubes help you organize your clothes and belongings, making it easier to find items quickly. They also compress your clothes, allowing you to fit more into your suitcase.
  5. Break your shoes in: Never wear a new pair of shoes to Disney World! Make sure you’ve broken them in sufficiently before you attempt to wear them in the parks.
  6. Don’t suffer in a costume: We love costumes at Disney World, but there’s nothing worse than dripping in sweat because you’re wearing a long sleeves costume with pants to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
  7. Leave room for souvenirs: If you’re the type of person who considers World of Disney to be one of the best attractions at WDW, then make sure you plan accordingly. Here’s one strategy: Pack a bag full of snacks for your trip. Once you’ve eaten the snacks, you’ll have a bag for souvenirs for your trip home.
  8. Treat Disney Gift Cards like cash: Be sure to pack your Disney Gift Cards in a secure place that’s easy to remember. You can link your Disney Gift Cards to your Disney account on DisneyGiftCard.com, which can help you in case you lose them. However, it’s still best to treat them like cash.

We want to hear from you!

Let us know in the comments below: What do you recommend to pack for a Disney World vacation?


James Grosch

James is a lifelong Disney Parks fan. While at the parks, he loves finding new details, learning more about Disney World history, and taking pictures. His favorite WDW attractions include Rise of the Resistance, Spaceship Earth, and Tower of Terror.
James is a filmmaker and writer based in Atlanta, GA.

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