In an ideal world it would be great to be able to go to any of the parks at Walt Disney World and to not have to take anything with you. It would be an absolute dream but, if like my wife and I you have kids to think about when you are about to spend a whole day in the parks then there are some items that can really make your day that little bit easier. Here’s my list of what to bring into Disney World Parks.
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More on the Disney World Parks
- Which Disney World Park Has the Most Rides
- The DIsney World Water Parks
- All the Parks at Walt Disney World
- Which Parks Should You Visit First?
17 Essentials to bring into Disney World Parks
1. A Backpack
An obvious one but you need something to carry all your other items in. Go for a nice comfortable backpack, really take some time and think about which one to get. I had quite an uncomfortable back pack on our first Disney World Holiday, but I soon learnt my lesson. You can move a back around the adults in your group too and take turns carrying it.
We always take a Disney Themed backpack and you can find a wide range here.
2. Sun Tan Lotion
When that sun comes out at Disney World, boy can it get hot. Make sure you have plenty of sun tan lotion for all your family and top up as needed during the day. This one of our essential ‘what to bring to Disney World’ backpack items.
You can find the latest prices on Amazon here.
3. Ponchos
Ponchos are great for when it rains but also come in useful if you don’t want to get too wet on the water rides. In the past I have been on Splash Mountain and not gotten too wet but on some other occasions I have gotten absolutely soaked (it was fun though). If you don’t want to get wet pack some Ponchos. They don’t take up much space and you can pick them up quite cheaply if you buy them before your vacation.
You can find the latest prices on Amazon here.
4. Money!
You might be able to use your magic band to buy things if you have it linked to a credit card but it is always handy to have some cash in your wallet just in case you need it or if you need to give a tip for something.
5. Autograph Books
My kids love getting autographs at Disney World. They will take their autographs books everywhere and it is great to look back at them after your holiday. This is definitely a fun pick on this list but definitely worth thinking about if you have gone autograph collecting before in Disney World.
You can find Disney Autographs books on Amazon like this one.
The prices in the parks can be quite expensive compared to buying them before your trip.
6. Pins to Trade
Another fun pick and again based on something that my kids really enjoy doing when we are on holiday at Disney World. My kids will have the little lanyards around their necks that you can buy all over Disney World with their pins attached and then swap them with cast members and sometimes other guests whilst in the parks and at Disney Springs too where there is a great Pin traders store. Something to think about too is that if you haven’t done pin trading before then consider buying some random pins from eBay. We will usually do this before we go on holiday and give them to the kids. They can keep any cool pins and swap the rest.
Here is a link to the latest eBay listing for bundles of trading pins.
You can also find bundles of trading pins on Amazon too, here is a link.
7. Water Bottles
Think about getting some refillable water bottles for when you are out in the parks. Buying drinks can be expensive and you don’t want to waste too many dining plan snack credits on drinks if you are on the dining plan. We take collapsible bottles with us and then fill them up at drinking fountains when they are empty.
We use bottles like these that can attach to a back pack.
8. Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel
You could consider some wet wipes too if you have young kids that get a little messy eating snacks (to be fair I do a pretty good job myself). Anti-bacterial hand gel is useful though just to keep everyone’s hands clean after grabbing and touching all sorts of doors, handrails and ride vehicles during a day in the parks.
We like to use the small bottles that can clip on to your back pack like these ones.
9. Some Hoodies
At certain times of year, you might not need a hoodie at Disney World, but it can be a bit chilly really early in the morning and cooler in the evening. You’ll soon judge it after a couple of days, but it is something worth thinking about especially for the kids. Waiting for a bus at the end of a long day is a good example of when you might need a hoodie in your backpack.
There is wide range of Disney Hoodies that you can find on Amazon here.
For more information on the different times of the year at Disney World try this article.
10. Comfortable Shoes
Something I have mentioned before in other posts but comfortable shoes at Disney World are so important. You will probably be walking a lot of miles over your Disney World trip so make sure you are happy with your footwear and always go with comfort over style.
We highly recommend Nike Air Max which you can take a look at here.
I am also looking at Sketchers Go Walk trainers for our next trip which you can find here.
You can find our article on the Best Shoes for Disney World here or by clicking the image below.
11. Sun Glasses or a Hat
That Florida sun gets pretty bright so always have sunglasses or a hat for all the people in your party. I couldn’t survive without my sunglasses at Disney World!
I like to wear a really good pair of glasses and really like Ray Bans and wear these ones.
There is also a really nice selection of Disney Sunglasses for the kids too, you can find a wide selection here.
12. Tylenol/Advil (Paracetamol/Ibuprofen)
Not just for the kids but for the adults too. We take liquid sachets for the kids and a few tablets for the adults just in case. In the hot sun during a long day you never know when you might need a paracetamol to fend off a headache. Don’t worry these will be OK to take into the park.
You can find the latest prices for these here.
13. An Emergency Snack
Having a snack like a cereal bar in your backpack just in case someone starts flagging a bit is always useful. It might be needed whilst waiting for a bus and if it doesn’t melt pack a snack for emergencies.
For more details on taking food and drink into the parks click this link.
14. Portable Charger
Keep that smart phone going so that you can keep taking photos, using the My Disney Experience App or shockingly to make telephone calls with. A good portable charger is always a handy device to have in your backpack.
This one is very popular and a good price.
15. A Personal Fan/Mister
This one is really useful for the really hot times of the year. Sometimes it can get a bit too much and if you can’t pop into an air-conditioned shop then a personal fan or mister can give you a bit of light relief from the Florida heat. Especially handy for hot and bothered children (and grumpy adults too).
This is the one I am looking at for our next trip.
16. Passport or Driving Licence
If you want to have an alcoholic drink at one of the parks then do be aware that you could be asked for ID. This doesn’t happen all of the time but we have been asked in the past and especially if you happen to get served by a Cast Member who is still being trained. If you are from the United States then a driving licence should be sufficient proof but if you are not you will need to show your passport to prove your age. We have been advised by a Cast Member in the past that a photo of your passport on your smartphone should be sufficient proof if you don’t want to carry around your passport throughout your holiday. So do try to remember some proof of age just in case.
17. Don’t Forget That Magic Band
It can be so easy to forget your magic band first thing in the morning if you are in a rush to catch a bus to the parks. I have seen people that have got to the park gates and realised that they haven’t got their magic band on to much frustration. Do your best to remember it if you are using one because you really don’t want to have to go back to your resort only to then have to head back to the parks again!
What to Bring Into Disney World
So, there are my list of items to bring into Disney World in your backpack for a day in the parks at Disney World. You may have other items that are essential, or you may be planning your first trip and need some tips. Once you have been at Disney World for a few days though you will soon start to get an idea of the items that are essential for you and your family. Don’t panic if you think you might have missed something too as most things you can pick up throughout Disney World Resort.
Which park should you visit first at Disney World?
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Thanks for checking out this what to bring to Disney World Parks article, you can find our previous post here.
Darren
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