Packing for your Disney vacation can start months in advance with plans for matching shirts and custom Mouse ears. But don’t forget to include these essential items that you might not have thought of but will save the day during your trip!
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2 Pairs of Comfy Shoes
You will walk many miles when visiting a Disney park. I usually average 10 miles a day at Disney World and even more at Disneyland! So footwear is probably the most important thing when you are packing for Disney. Carefully consider what type of shoes you will be comfortable walking and standing in for 12 hours a day.
Once you have identified the types of shoes you will be most comfortable in, bring two pairs. There are several reasons for this. First, it’s not unusual for your shoes to get wet at a Disney park. Even if rain isn’t in the forecast, your touring plan might include a fun water ride that will soak your shoes. You will want a dry option to change into and to wear the next day. Another reason you want more than one pair of shoes is to change them out every day or so. Your feet just feel better when they ease into a different pair of shoes after walking all day. And if you start getting a blister with one pair, you will be glad to have another option! A final reason to have more than one pair of shoes is the off-chance you have a wardrobe malfunction. After that much walking, your shoes may simply disintegrate!
Footwear Recommendations
Everyone’s feet are different, but I like to bring a pair of sneakers and a sturdy pair of sandals on most Disney trips. If the weather is cold, I’ll opt for two different pairs of sneakers. For maximum comfort, choose a nice cushy running shoe such as Hoka or On Cloud. If you want to spend a little less, Sketchers Go Walk have great reviews. Good sandal options include FitFlops, Tevas, or even these cute Disney themed classic Crocs!
Weather-Appropriate Gear
Speaking of rain and water rides, it is likely you will get wet at a Disney park. So packing rain gear is am important preparation for Disney. You don’t need to haul around a heavy rain jacket, though. Simply take a few disposable rain ponchos to throw in your park bag. I also like to take a small umbrella. This has a dual purpose – it protects you both from rain and from the glaring sun!
In addition to your trusty umbrella, there are a few other things you should be packing for your Disney trip during the hotter months. A personal fan can be a life saver! You can opt for a hand-held or a hands-free option! If you don’t want yet another thing to charge, opt for a cooling towel. It can make a world of difference!
Although most of us associate theme parks with the summer months, remember that it might be cold when you visit. Definitely check the forecast and be prepared with clothing appropriate for all scenarios. When I visited in December one year, I wore shorts one day and was shivering in a jacket the next. You just never know. If it definitely looks like it will be cold, take a hat, gloves, and some Hot Hands. This will spare you paying theme park prices for dollar store quality gloves and hats!
Items to Soothe Your Aches & Pains
There’s no tired quite like Disney-tired. You feel exhilarated but your body might ache all over. Plan for this in advance by bringing a few items prevent and soothe those aches and pains. One key prevention tool for many people is an anti-chafing balm to rub on all the areas that rub together on you! It’s also super helpful if you don’t have clothing items that tend to rub you the wrong way, especially in the heat and humidity.
Another key prevention tool is moleskin. You can cut a piece just the size you need and stick it on places on your foot where you typically get blisters. If you are a bit too late with the moleskin, these blister cushions can save the day. Also take a variety of bandages like these cute Mickey Mouse Band-Aids!
After a full day of walking and standing, not to mention being tossed around on thrill rides, you will need something to soothe those aching muscles. I own and love this heating pad, but it’s pretty bulky to travel with. So you might opt for this smaller version. You may also want to pack a massage ball set to roll out those tired muscles!
Plastic Baggies
One thing that is indispensable on a Disney trip is resealable plastic baggies in a variety of sizes. Whether you call them Ziplocs or sandwich bags or something else, make sure they are on your Disney packing list! They come in handy in so many different ways. You can use one to keep your phone and portable charger dry on wet days or during water rides. They are also great for storing leftovers from those delicious meals you can have in a Disney park. And if you spill something all over yourself and have to buy a new t-shirt, you can store your soiled one in a bag until you get back to the hotel.
Gum
If you are a gum chewer, remember to pack your own for Disney. Gum is not available for purchase anywhere on Disney property. Walt Disney himself made this a rule when he opened Disneyland in an effort to keep the park clean and avoid having sticky globs of goo stuck everywhere. I always appreciate the lack of gum stuck under tables or on handrails, or even worse, on the floor where I could step on it! But if you like chewing gum, make sure to slide a pack or two in your luggage. Just remember to dispose of it properly once you are done.
Portable Charger
Arguably the most important thing on your list of things to pack for Disney is a portable charger. You will be using your phone all the time during your Disney trip. You need a fully charged phone to check wait times, book Lightening Lane reservations, mobile order food, and to take those great pictures of your amazing vacation. I usually need to charge my phone twice during a typical Disney day. Make sure you have a charger with that much juice, or pack two. And don’t forget to recharge them at night!
Patience
Patience is not something physical that you can tuck away in your suitcase. But it’s 100% necessary to pack your patience when visiting a Disney park. There’s nothing like a crowded, hot, and complicated Disney park to test even the nicest people. You can count on things going wrong at a Disney park. The Disney app will glitch after you pay a ton of money for skip-the-line access. You will stand in line for what seems like hours and a ride will break down. Your kids will whine and your spouse will snap at you. And it will be a thousand degrees then it will start pouring and your shoes will be soaked. All of these things combine to bring you to your breaking point.
There are two solutions to all of these problems. First, anticipate that things will go wrong and pack your patience. If you expect everything to go perfectly, you will be disappointed. But if you expect some chaos, you won’t be surprised when it happens and will have more coping skills. Second, mind your manners, stay polite, and give grace to everyone involved.
What’s must-have items are on your packing list for Disney?
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