You’ve boarded your flight for Orlando and the plane is about to take off. You can’t shake off a niggling feeling that you left the back door open, or worse, that you’ve forgotten something important like the Disney World admission tickets. And it’s not only the essentials. Not having everything you need can suck the fun out of your Disney vacation. While you can buy most things in Orlando, it’s an unnecessary expense. Which is why we’ve created the ultimate Disney packing list for you.
From travel essentials to clothes, medicines to snacks, and gadgets to baby stuff – we’ve got you covered. If you’ve been wondering – What to pack for Disney? – here’s the only Disney packing list you’ll ever need.
No need to stand in front of empty suitcases, feeling a rising sense of panic. Simply check items off our ultimate Disney World packing list and you’ll have just about everything you are likely to need on your vacation. As a bonus, at the end of the article, we’ve included some nifty Disney packing tips and tricks that will save space and make it easy to find what you need.
Disney Packing List – The Essentials
Tickets, wallet, phone, and passport (if you’re traveling from overseas) – these are the essentials for any Disney World trip. A couple of quick tips – while cards are accepted at most places in Orlando, having some cash on you is not a bad idea. And we always carry hard copies of all reservations – just in case the phone acts up or there are internet issues.
So, here is a detailed list of the items that you “need” on your Disney World vacation. You can’t leave home without them, so right off the bat, let’s get them checked off our Disney packing list.
- Wallet
- Credit cards
- Cash
- Driver’s license/ID
- Insurance cards
- Airline tickets
- Rental car information
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Park admission tickets
- Magic Bands
- Dining reservations
- Copy of itinerary
- Magic Express tags
- Maps/Guidebooks
- Disney gift cards
Disney Packing List – Wardrobe
When you’re deciding what to wear to Disney World – the keyword is comfort. The Disney theme parks have a casual, family-oriented environment. You’ll need to use your common sense and discretion and dress accordingly. Disney does require guests to wear proper attire including shirts and shoes at all times (except at the water parks, of course).
Your days at the theme parks will be long and hot, so dress accordingly. We recommend cotton tees and shorts – or really anything that’s lightweight and breathable. Dresses are okay but they can make getting into and out of low-seating attractions a little difficult. And if you’re wearing a short dress, be careful or you might flash the queue when you’re getting on and off rides.
Flip flops are allowed on most rides at Disney World, but you could lose one on a ride where your feet are dangling free. And remember, the average guest walks 7-10 miles or 13,000-15,000 steps a day at Disney World. Happy feet make happy vacationers at Disney World, so you’re your footwear accordingly.
Here’s a complete list of what clothes to pack for a trip to Disney World.
- Clothing for each day of your trip +1 ((avoid jeans, leggings, tights, synthetic materials)
- Sweatshirt (seasonal)
- Nicer clothes for fine dining experiences
- Undergarments
- Gym clothing
- Night clothes
- Comfortable shoes
Disney Packing List – Accessories
Here are some accessories that should go on your Disney packing list – they will help you survive the Florida weather and keep your valuables safe.
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat or visor
- Battery powered handheld fan
- Cooling towel
- Makeup wipes
- Wearable neck wallet (it can keep your valuables safe even when you’re zooming on a roller coaster at 50 miles/hour – some neck wallets can be worn discretely under your clothes to minimize the risk of pickpocketing or losing something important).
- Extra trash bags or Ziploc bags for wet clothes or dirty clothes
Disney Packing List – Toiletries
Next on our Disney packing list are the items you’ll need in your toiletries bag for hot weather travel to Florida.
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hair mousse/gel/spray
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
- Facewash
- Moisturizer
- Lip balm
- Body wash
- Body lotion
- Perfume
- Deodorant
- Makeup
- Sunscreen
- Razor/epilator
- Shaving cream
- Hairbands/scarves/jewelry
- Earplugs
- Eye mask
- Q-tips
- Tampons/pads
- Spare eyeglasses, contacts, contact lens solution
- Sewing kit (for quick repairs)
- Tweezers, nail clippers, nail file
- Hairbrush
- Blow dryer
Disney Packing List – Items for Inclement Weather
Thunderstorms are common in Orlando. They usually happen in the afternoon and are short-lived, but it can rain cats and dogs even when clear skies are forecast. That’s why it’s always a good idea to be prepared for wet weather. Bringing rain gear for each member of the family will save you the discomfort of walking around in wet clothes or spending a small fortune on rain ponchos at Disney World ($10 each). Here’s what to put on your Disney packing list for wet weather:
- Rain jacket/poncho
- Umbrella
- Rain-proof backpack
- All-weather shoes
- Change of clothes
- Waterproof pouches or Ziploc bags for electronics
- Quick dry towels
Disney Packing List – Gadgets
No Disney vacation is complete without an armload of tech gadgets. Even for the most technically challenged folks, electronics are a necessity – they can give your Disney vacation that extra kick. You don’t want to miss capturing all those amazing experiences and sharing them with friends and family, do you? Here are the essentials for your Disney World packing list:
- Smartphone and charger
- Portable battery bank
- Laptop/tablet/iPad/Kindle
- Fitbit/iWatch/wearable device (it’s a thrill to see how much ground you’ve covered each day… or motivating if you’ve been lazing by the resort pool)
- Headphones
- Camera, cords, batteries, and extra memory card (lots of people are skipping cameras altogether now, given the amazing pictures you can get with smartphones – if you decide to go this route, you might want to consider bringing a smartphone camera lens to extend the functionality of your phone camera).
Disney Packing List – Park Touring Bag
We recommend bringing a lightweight, rain-proof backpack or daypack with you to Disney World on park days. This will hold all the essential items (admission tickets) as well as the other stuff you’ll need throughout the day. A well-planned backpack at Disney World can save you the expense of a rental locker.
A quick word of advice and a Disney money-saving tip – it’s important to stay hydrated in the Florida sun. Carrying your own water bottle makes it more likely you’ll remember to chug down some H2O. A refillable water bottle saves you the expense of purchasing bottled water for every member of your party. There are several water refill stations scattered throughout the Disney parks. You can also ask a cast member to refill your water bottle at any counter service restaurant in Disney World.
Here’s what you should put in your daypack at Disney.
- Hand sanitizer
- Disney autograph book and pen
- Change of clothes
- Ziploc bag for wet clothes
- Misting fan
- Camera
- Batteries
- Extra memory card
- Tissues/wet wipes
- Water bottle
Disney Packing List for Water Parks
The two Disney water parks in Orlando are great places to spend the day in the warm Florida weather. Make the most of your trip to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach by putting these essentials on your Disney packing list. Be sure to check what items are not permitted in the Disney water parks and leave them in your hotel room (for instance, coolers and food or drinks in glass bottles are not allowed at any Disney theme park).
- Beach bag
- Beach towel
- Quick dry towel
- Bathing suit
- Swimsuit cover-ups
- Swimming goggles
- Flip flops or water shoes
- Hat or visor
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Change of clothes
- Ear/nose plugs
- Swim diapers for babies
- Flotation toys
- Life vests
- Waterproof camera (for underwater selfies)
- Water-resistant phone pouch
Disney Packing List – Snacks
Bringing your own snacks to Disney World can save you $50 or more per day. Not to mention the time saved by not standing in queues at food service counters. And bringing your own snacks to Disney World also means you can control what you and your family eat. If someone in your group has food allergies, finding something to eat can become a challenge, so bringing your own food will save the hassle. With your own snacks on board, all you have to do is find a nice shady spot and stop to refuel. Here are some of the snacks we like to put on our Disney packing list. We’ve also included some snacks that can be rustled up in the hotel room if there’s a microwave.
- Bottled water (or a refillable water bottle)
- Juice boxes
- Granola bars
- Chips, crackers, and cookies
- Trail mix
- Fresh fruit
- Microwave popcorn
- Cereal
- Coffee/tea/creamer
- Instant soup
We love to start a snack gathering bin (laundry basket) at home before we leave, so each member of the family can put in their favorite snacks. If you’re flying to Orlando and want to save on suitcase space, you can have Amazon deliver your snacks to your hotel room or pick them up at the nearest supermarket.
Disney Packing List for Self-Catering Accommodation
If you’re staying at a resort hotel that has a kitchen or kitchenette, you might want to put these items on your Disney World packing list:
- Paper plates/disposable cups/plastic utensils
- Napkins/paper towels
- Dish soap
- Laundry supplies
- Quarters for machines (if your accommodation has a laundromat)
Disney Packing List – Medications
Walt Disney World permits guests to bring asthma medications, antihistamines, and EpiPens to the theme parks and water parks. You might need to inform the cast member at security that someone in your party has allergies and these items are medically necessary. Besides these essential medicines, we like to put some basic medicines on our Disney packing list. It saves us time and a trip to a pharmacy in Orlando if we need something.
- Prescription medications
- Tylenol/ibuprofen or other pain relievers and fever reducers
- Fever thermometer
- Cold/allergy meds
- Motion sickness medicine
- Antibiotic cream
- Over-the-counter steroid cream for rashes
- Adhesive bandages in different sizes
- Hand sanitizer
- Eye drops
- Vitamins
- Antacids
- Anti-diarrhea medicine
- Blister balm or other blister relief products (remember, you’ll be doing a lot of walking)
- Insect repellant
- Sunburn cream or spray
- First aid kit
- Birth control
Disney Packing List for a Road Trip
If you’re driving to Orlando, you should do a car audit before you leave (oil and water levels, tire pressure, brakes, spare wheel, etc.) and make sure you have all your car documents. Be sure to get breakdown cover and know how to access help on the road. And once all that’s taken care of, you need to put some things on your Disney packing list to keep the family occupied (Is it even a road trip if at least one kid doesn’t ask – Are we there yet?).
- Books/magazines/games/deck of cards
- Movies (downloaded or DVDs)
- Pillows/blankets
- Gadgets (laptop/iPad/tablet/Kindle)
- Car chargers for electronics
- Headphones
- Cooler
- Food and drinks
- Trash bags
- Flashlight
Disney Packing List for Babies
One of the most magical things on earth is watching your baby’s or toddler’s face light up when they see something attractive at Disney World. But you know what can spoil the magic real fast? An unhappy or fussy baby. Here are some essentials to put on your Disney packing list if you’ve got babies and/or toddlers in tow.
- Stroller with sun shade
- Car seat
- Portable baby carrier
- Diaper bag
- Diapers (there’s no such thing as too many diapers)
- Swim diapers
- Diaper rash cream (a must in the hot and humid Florida weather)
- Bottles
- Baby food
- Baby wipes
- Bibs
- Pacifiers
- Games/toys
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Rain gear
- Clothes – 2 for every day
- Comfortable shoes for toddlers
- Baby blanket
- Grandparents (the kids love it, the grandparents love it, and the parents can sneak in a date night)
Tips on Packing for Disney World
Now that we’ve pretty much covered all the things you need to put on your Disney World packing list, you’re probably wondering how you’re going to fit it all into your luggage. Here are some tips on the best way to pack your suitcase to maximize space.
- Use packing cubes – they save space, keep your clothes wrinkle-free, and make it easy to find what you need
- Rather than folding, roll your clothes (it’s the oldest trick in the book and it works – probably because rolled clothes can be squeezed into tight spaces and corners).
- We’d recommend a hard-shell suitcase – the stiffer shape makes it easier to pack with packing cubes and protects your stuff from bad weather and manhandling by disgruntled airport workers.
- Use every bit of space in your luggage – store socks in shoes, roll up a belt and fit it inside a collar, stack up bra cups and store socks between the cups.
- Carry travel-sized toiletries – you don’t need a gallon-sized shampoo bottle for a 5-day Disney vacation.
- Take multi-purpose items in your Disney packing list – for instance, a sarong can double up as a swimsuit cover-up and a summer dress; a reversible swimsuit can give you different looks.
What items can you not bring into Walt Disney World?
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests on their properties, Disney asks that you NOT bring the following items to Walt Disney World:
- Firearms, ammunition, knives or weapons of any kind.
- Objects or toys that look like weapons.
- Mace, pepper spray, or other self-defense or restraining items.
- Explosives, fireworks, fog machines, smoke machines.
- Marijuana or other illegal substances.
- Alcoholic beverages (except at Disney Resort hotels) – you may bring your own wine to select table service restaurants at Disney Springs, subject to a corkage fee.
- Remote-controlled toys, skateboards, inline skates, scooters, shoes with in-built wheels, and drones.
- Bicycles are only permitted in certain Disney Resort areas.
- Strollers that are larger than 31 x 52 inches or 79 x 132 cm.
- Any trailer-like object that can be pulled, pushed, or towed by a stroller, wheelchair, or person.
- Wheeled-mobility devices with less than 3 wheels that cannot maintain balance and stability when stowed or unoccupied.
- Bags, suitcases, backpacks, or coolers (with or without wheels) larger than 24 x 15 x 18 inches (61 x 38 x 46 cm) are not permitted in any Disney theme park.
- Folding chairs are not allowed at Disney World.
- Extension poles for cameras or selfie-sticks are banned at Disney World.
- Flags and banners are not permitted in any Disney theme park.
- Camera tripods that don’t fit inside a standard backpack or are longer than 6 feet (182 cm) are not allowed.
- Balloons are prohibited at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Disney’s Blizzard Beach, ESPN Wide World of Sports, and NBA Experience.
- Plastic straws are banned at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the two water parks.
- Floatation devices or swim noodles that are not coastguard approved cannot be brought to the water parks.
- Additional items banned at Disney World include propane heaters, large misting fans (hand-held ones are okay), and coolers at indoor venues.
So, you’re all set! We’ve not only given you the lowdown on what to pack for Disney World with this ultimate Disney packing list, but also what to leave at home. Use the comments section below to tell us if we’ve left anything important off the Disney World packing list.