Packing for a Disney World trip can feel a little overwhelming, especially if you're traveling with kids. There’s the Florida weather to consider, long park days, surprise rainstorms, and somehow needing to carry all the things without turning into a pack mule. After several trips (with and without a stroller), I’ve found a rhythm that works really well for our family. Here’s exactly what I recommend bringing to make your Disney World day as magical and low-stress as possible.
I grew up going to Disney World and now love getting to share that magic with my own kids. After several family trips over the years, we’ve really gotten the packing (and planning) down to a science. If you’re wondering what to pack for Disney , this list will help you figure out exactly what you need, so you’re prepared for the fun without overpacking or missing the essentials.
Jump to:
- Clothes & Accessories
- Shoes: Possibly the Most Important Thing You Pack
- Sun Protection
- Ponchos (Yes, Really)
- Power Bank
- Refillable Water Bottle
- Lightweight Backpack or Crossbody Bag
- If You Have Kids in Strollers...
- Cooling Neck Towels (If You’re Visiting in Summer)
- Healthy Snacks
- Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes
- Mini First Aid Kit
- Ziploc Bags (Trust Me)
- Disney Memory Stuff
Clothes & Accessories
Let’s face it, you know what you like to wear, and that’s what I recommend: clothes you feel good in, with a little Disney flair thrown in for fun. I love incorporating a subtle (or not-so-subtle) Disney theme in my outfits, but my number one priority is comfort. Think breathable, weather-appropriate clothes that can take you from rope drop to fireworks without any wardrobe meltdowns.
Just be sure to check the weather and plan accordingly. Florida can be hot and humid most of the year, but there can randomly be some surprisingly chilly days in the winter, so layers are a good idea.
One quick tip: if you or your daughter love the look of Minnie ears but hate wearing the headband all day (been there), check out these Minnie Mouse ear clips. They’re our new favorite Disney accessory. Super cute, super lightweight, and way more comfortable for a long park day.
Shoes: Possibly the Most Important Thing You Pack
Do not underestimate the amount of walking you’ll do at Disney. You will get your steps in (and then some), so make sure you wear comfortable, broken-in shoes. This is not the time to test out those cute new flats.
I personally love my Brooks Ghost Max shoes and think they are the most comfortable shoes on Earth. Tom loves his On Cloudrunner Sneakers, but whatever comfy sneakers you already wear and love are perfect. And the same goes for your kids...unless you want to end up carrying a tired child by noon, make sure their shoes are just as solid.
Sun Protection
Florida is bright, and squinting your way through the parks is no fun. Sunglasses are a must for everyone in your group, including the kids. (And maybe throw an extra pair in your bag just in case someone drops theirs on Space Mountain.)
And don’t forget sunscreen! Even on cloudy days, that sun is no joke. We apply it in the morning before heading out and always bring a small bottle or stick for reapplying throughout the day, especially on faces, necks, and shoulders. A sunburn on day one is not the Disney souvenir you want. The Sun Bum 40 SPF Face & Body Stick is great and really compact.
And if your crew will wear them, hats are a great way to keep the sun off your face and help stay cool. Just double-check when you get off a ride. Hats are one of the easiest things to accidentally leave behind. (Ask me how I know…)
Ponchos (Yes, Really)
Florida weather is wild. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s pouring rain. Ponchos are a must-pack, not only for surprise storms but also for rides like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Disney sells ponchos in the parks, but they are crazy overpriced. One time at Animal Kingdom, it started pouring and my dad was sent to buy ponchos for the group. He ended up spending around $150… on ponchos. Never again.
Just grab a multi-pack on Amazon and toss them in your bag. You'll thank yourself later.
Power Bank
You’ll be on your phone all day - checking wait times, managing your Lightning Lanes, mobile ordering meals, snapping photos - so your battery will drain fast. A high-capacity power bank, ideally solar-powered or one that can clip to your bag, is essential.
I've been using this Blavor Solar Charger Power Bank for years, both at Disney and on trips to East Africa for work. You plug it in to fully charge overnight and then you can clip it to your backpack to let the solar panel charge during the day. It's great for charging phones in the park.
Refillable Water Bottle
There are refill stations throughout the parks, and bringing your own bottle helps you avoid $5 bottled water and stay hydrated, especially crucial in that Florida heat.
Pro tip: If you’re visiting when it’s hot (which is most of the time in Florida), toss a few electrolyte drink mixes - like Liquid I.V. or LMNT - into your bag. They’re great for staying hydrated when you’re sweating a lot, especially if your kids start getting a little wilted by midday. Just add a little to your water bottle and you’re good to go!
Lightweight Backpack or Crossbody Bag
This one’s big. In my opinion, the smaller and lighter the bag, the better. Yes, you’ll need to carry a few essentials, but lugging around a heavy backpack all day is no fun. If your kids are older and you’re out of the diaper bag phase, I highly recommend going with a small, lightweight crossbody bag that fits your phone, wallet, portable charger, and a few snacks, and ideally, is waterproof.
If you still need to carry a lot of gear (looking at you, families with littles), I’d actually suggest bringing a stroller and keeping your main supplies there. Then just carry your valuables in a crossbody. Makes navigating the crowds so much easier.
If You Have Kids in Strollers...
Disney is stroller central, and if your kids are small enough to ride, bring one. Or you can rent one at the parks or from a third-party rental service that delivers to your hotel.
Here’s what we recommend for stroller days:
- A clip-on fan, especially in summer. It gets hot and the airflow helps little ones stay cool and happy.
- Something to make your stroller stand out: a balloon, a bandana, a bright ribbon. Trust me, there are hundreds of strollers parked outside every ride and they all start to look the same.
- Rain cover or poncho for the stroller.
- A lightweight stroller organizer or bag to stash snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, and extras.
Cooling Neck Towels (If You’re Visiting in Summer)
These Mission Cooling Towels might look a little silly, but trust me...they work. Soak them in water, wring them out, and they stay cool for hours. Our kids loved them when they were younger and still in the stroller. A total game-changer on a hot day.
My sister also loves these portable neck fans. I'll be honest when it's just my family of four at Disney I don't pack one, but I will say that we were all stealing turns and my sister's when she brings hers.
Healthy Snacks
Snacks at Disney are fun and we definitely make space in the budget for churros and Mickey pretzels. But those snack prices add up fast, and the lines can be long when you just need a quick bite.
When our kids were little and we had the stroller, we brought a ton of snacks: easy-to-pack fruit, granola bars, nuts, fruit leather, meat sticks—basically anything that wouldn’t melt or spoil. Now that our kids are a bit older (6 and 8), we still bring snacks, but just enough to fit in my crossbody or Tom’s small backpack.
Healthy snacks are especially great to have on hand, not just to balance out all the sugary park treats (which are absolutely part of the fun), but because they really help kids keep going during those long, hot park days. A little protein or fruit can make a big difference in mood and energy.
Pro tip: Consider getting groceries or snacks delivered to your hotel. You’ll save a ton compared to buying everything at the hotel or in the parks. We’ve used grocery delivery to stock up on snacks, drinks, and even breakfast stuff to save time and money in the mornings.
Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes
We love Disney, but let’s be real, there are a lot of people touching a lot of the same surfaces all day long. Between ride handles, railings, and snack counters, it can definitely be a hotbed of germs if you’re not careful.
Obviously we always wash our hands before eating, but I also keep hand sanitizer handy and spray everyone down after almost every ride. Wet wipes are great too for sticky fingers, mystery spills, or when someone inevitably touches something they probably shouldn’t have.
The last time we were at Disney World, there was a stomach bug going around the park... but we managed to avoid it. I’m not saying it was all thanks to our hand-sanitizing routine, but I’m not not saying that either.
Mini First Aid Kit
Disney does have great first aid stations throughout the parks if you need them, but it’s still smart to have a few basics on hand. We usually bring a little pouch with Band-Aids (blisters happen!), a couple of pain relievers, Aquaphor, that kind of thing. It takes up hardly any space and comes in handy more often than you'd think.
Ziploc Bags (Trust Me)
I know these aren’t the most environmentally friendly option, but Ziploc bags have been an absolute lifesaver when traveling with kids and that definitely includes Disney. They’re great for wet or soiled clothes, leftover snacks, keeping electronics dry on water rides, or even as emergency sick bags (been there).
We always pack a few half gallon or gallon-sized ones in our bag, just in case. You’ll be surprised how often they come in handy.
Disney Memory Stuff
Part of the fun of Disney is the magic you take home with you. A few things you might want to pack:
- Autograph book and pen – still a hit with younger kids who want to collect character signatures. You can absolutely get these at the parks OR buy 2 for the price of one in advance. The choice is yours...
- Lanyard or binder for pin trading – if you’re into pin collecting, this is a must.
- Pressed penny book – old school, but our kids love it.
- A designated spot in your bag for all those little keepsakes: stickers, maps, park buttons, etc.
These things might seem small, but they end up being such sweet souvenirs.
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