I give you, your ultimate Disney World packing guide! Gather ’round, fellow Disney enthusiasts! Are you ready to embark on a whimsical journey to the most magical place on Earth? That’s right, we’re talking about none other than Walt Disney World! Whether you’re a seasoned Mouseketeer or it’s your very first time stepping foot into this enchanting realm, one thing’s for sure: packing for Disney World is an adventure in itself.
I recently surprised my two kids, ages 10 and 8 with their very first trip to Disney! During the months leading up to our trip, I spent hours and hours pouring over Pinterest articles, Facebook group feeds and google, researching the best tips and tricks on what to pre buy, pack, consider and skip in order to make the trip as smooth as possible.
Fear not, intrepid travelers, for I come bearing the ultimate guide to ensure your trip to Disney World is as smooth as Mickey’s gloves and as delightful as a Dole Whip on a hot summer day. So, grab your mouse ears and buckle up, because we’re about to sprinkle some pixie dust on your packing list!
Here is my – tried and true- ultimate guide on what to pack and what to leave behind!
1. Mickey Ears Galore
Let’s kick things off with a Disney must-have: Mickey ears! These iconic headpieces aren’t just accessories—they’re a rite of passage for every Disney-goer. Whether you opt for classic black ears, bedazzled princess tiaras, or even themed ears inspired by your favorite characters, wearing Mickey ears is the ultimate way to showcase your Disney spirit.
I went back and forth, trying to decide whether or not I should pre purchase some ears for cheaper, or letting my kids choose their own pair once at the parks. Etsy had some homemade options to die for… amazon had some adorable pairs as well. In the end, I decided that ears were probably the number one souvenir I knew they would want to find for themselves, and, seeing as the trip was a surprise, this meant leaving the purchase to the parks! Can they be bought beforehand for much cheaper? Yes. Did it mean more to me to allow them to choose their own IN Disney? Yes.
2. Snack Essentials
A day at Disney World is sure to work up an appetite, so be sure to pack some tasty snacks to keep you fueled for all the magical adventures ahead. Disney allows you to bring in your own food and drink. I packed a lunch bag sized cooler with portable goodies like granola bars, trail mix, applesauce pouches and fruit snacks—perfect for munching while waiting in line for your favorite attractions.
3. Disney-themed Apparel
Get into the spirit of the Happiest Place on Earth by donning your favorite Disney-themed apparel! From classic character tees to whimsical Disney bound outfits inspired by your beloved princesses and heroes, there’s no shortage of ways to show off your Disney style!
This was something I chose to buy before the parks (this doesn’t mean I did not buy any shirts once at the parks… I did). I, personally, didn’t own anything Disneyesque before hand, so I opted to buy a shirt for myself and my boyfriend before hand. That way, we could walk into the park and blend in! I also pre bought a shirt for each of my kids and included it in the little gift bag I gave to them when I surprised them with the trip!
On days I wasn’t rocking a Disney shirt, I opted for this truly magical dress.. I am an abnormally short woman (4’11) with and abnormally large chest (surpassing all the d’s…), so when I ever slid into this dress, braless! I just about died. It fit like a glove.. NO BRA NEEDED! I then proceeded to purchase it in most all the colors offered, as I usually do when I find a magical piece of clothing.
This is the shirt I purchased for my muscular boyfriend. You’re welcome!
4. Hydration Station
With all the excitement and Florida sunshine, staying hydrated is key to enjoying your Disney adventure to the fullest. Be sure to pack a refillable water bottle to quench your thirst throughout the day. I opted for a collapsible bottle so that after we refueled, it collapsed down to nothing and fit nicely in my bag! I also packed some Liquid IV to stay extra hydrated. No one became dehydrated and there were no headaches by the end of the day!
Pro tip: Disney offers complimentary water at any quick-service restaurant—just ask for a cup of ice water to stay cool and refreshed!
Here are the exact bottles I purchased, as well as Liquid IV.
5. Comfy Footwear
Let’s face it—walking is a big part of the Disney experience. Make sure your feet are up for the challenge by packing comfortable, supportive footwear. Whether you prefer sneakers, sandals, or even comfy Disney-themed kicks, prioritizing foot comfort will ensure you can dance down Main Street U.S.A. without a care in the world.
Pro tip: Bring at least two pairs of shoes! Switch them off everyday so your feet are never being slowly ground away in the same spots by the same pair of shoes. By alternating shoes, you have a different fit and feel and my feet didn’t hurt as bad as I thought they would after day 5!
Bonus tip: Pack tennis balls! Rolling our feet on them at the end of the day felt like heaven!
6. Park Essentials Bag
A well-packed park bag is every Disney adventurer’s best friend. Fill yours with must-have essentials:
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- First aid kit
- Moleskin (for those inevitable blisters)
- A portable phone charger
- Rain ponchos (if expecting rain)
7. Autograph Book and Pen
This is something I’m actually glad that I did NOT purchase. We hardly saw any characters at all. Instead, I opted for these precious Magical Day field guides that my kids filled in after each day. A perfect way to remember their experiences, with the option of getting an autograph or two if the opportunity arose.
8. Pin Trading Lanyards
My kids loved the pin trading aspect of the parks. The thrill of the treasure hunt for your coveted pins (Nightmare Before Christmas for my son and cats for my daughter) was so much fun! You can of course purchase a lanyard there, but I opted to pre buy theirs beforehand so that I could pre load them with pins, making them ready to trade!
Pro tip: You can buy old Disney pins in bulk on eBay for trading!
9. A Properly Packed First Aid Kit/Medicine Bag
I carried with me, in my backpack, a well stocked first aid kit. This included all the medicines and things I thought may be needed for adults and kids:
- Tylenol and Motrin
- Emetrol – anti nausea medicine
- Children’s Dramamine
- Bonine
- Bandaids, Blister bandages and Moleskin
- Neosporin
- Pepto
- Imodium
- Ponytails
- Tums
- Plastic baggies
Armed with these must-have items, you’re ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime at Walt Disney World! So pack your bags, don your Mickey ears, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime. After all, as Walt Disney himself once said, “Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.” Let the magic begin!
Below is a list of all the exact items I needed and successfully used on my trip!
Quick Access List
- Ears
- Disney’s Maui Gym Shirt
- Magic Dress
- Portable Phone Charger
- Collapsible Water Bottles
- Liquid IV
- Moleskin
- Comfortable Sneakers
- Tennis Balls
- Ponchos
- Pin Trading Lanyard
- Magical Day Field Guide
- Epsom Salt Feet Lotion
- Light-up wands for Fireworks
- Powder (for chaffing)
- Penny Passports (for all those pressed pennies)
- Phone Lanyard Tether