by: Cruisin’ Diva
Packing for a trip is a task in itself. Packing for a Disney trip is like a part-time job that I can only accomplish at late hours of the night after I’ve gotten home from my full-time job. I actually start the process a week in advance. I clear off the sofa and have all of my and my kids suitcases open and ready to receive anything I throw in them. And yes, I begin to throw things in the suitcases, but I do go back and pack them more neatly before loading into the car. As I ponder on our upcoming trip, I was thinking of things that we ALWAYS take to Disney and the things that we need for this trip in particular. I believe that these are a must have for anyone who goes or is planning on going to Disney.
10. Medication
I’m not just talking about prescription medication. Take your Tylenol, Advil and Tums, or anything else that you or your family members might need. Although medication is available in most gift shops, they are slightly more expensive in my opinion. Just taking the Tylenol or Motrin for my children saves a headache of having to get in the car and drive to the Pharmacy. You also save you or your children the headache of being miserable while they wait for the medication to arrive.
9. Sunscreen
The Florida sun is very unforgiving. I know this from personal experience. Make sure to pack your own because again, it can get expensive when bought in a gift shop or anywhere on Disney property. Make sure to take all kinds that you will need, adult, kids, and baby!
8. Camera
Most everyone now has a smartphone and on that smartphone is a semi-decent camera. Depending on the age of your phone, the camera is either ok or great! I, personally, have an iPhone 6 Plus now and have no need whatsoever for an extra camera. With my husband just upgrading to an iPhone 6, we have double the great quality cameras. If you do not have a smartphone with a good camera, or choose to have a separate camera (such as my awesome best friend’s husband who is a photographer), then definitely don’t forget to pack this item. You don’t want to miss out on the memories that you will capture.
7. Cinch Sac/Back Pack
This is always good to have with you, kids or not. I used a Cinch Sac last year on our trip and really enjoyed the size for my husband, myself and the twins. I am debating, for this trip, whether to take a back pack instead because of our little one. Either way, you need something to keep personal items, snacks, water/drinks in for easy carrying. You definitely don’t want to carry a purse, or something that sits on one shoulder. With the amount of walking and things to do, the security of the back pack or the cinch sac lowers the chance of someone snatching it as well. As much as I would love to believe in my perfect bubble word that Disney is a safe zone, unfortunately it’s not and you have to keep your things safe. So I highly recommend something that goes on both shoulders. Plus it will be easier to carry!!
6. Laundry bag
Whether you are a washer during your trip, like me, or you take plenty of clothes to last the entire trip, you still need a laundry bag. Some people (and I have in the past) use trash bags, but they easily tear, especially when they are weighted down. You can find the pop-up laundry hampers just about anywhere.
5. Jacket
In Florida, you could have blazing hot days and cool nights in any season. And if it rains, a cold front could come through in an instant. Always take a jacket, because you never know when you might need it. If you are cold-natured, I would definitely take it with you everywhere, because, especially in the spring/summer/fall, all enclosed buildings will be air-conditioned and it can get quite chilly.
4.Ponchos
If you have them, bring them. If you don’t have them, buy them at Disney. The only reason I say this is because once you buy a poncho at Disney, keep the receipt, and if it rips or tears, you can exchange it for a new one with the original receipt! We love our Mickey ponchos and 9 times out of 10 forget to take them with us, but end of buying some while we are down there. It’s a good investment and will keep you dry, for the most part. Florida weather is unpredictable and you don’t want to be carrying an umbrella around WDW. Trust me!
3. Stroller
This is near the top of my packing list this year because we have an infant/toddler. I suggest bringing your own stroller if you have a stroller-aged child. The reason being is the parks do rent strollers, but they are hard plastic and not comfortable at all. I have a child who still takes naps, so I am going to bring our personal stroller for comfort and it leans back for his naps, so we won’t have to leave the park. If you don’t have one, consider renting one. At WDW, Kingdom strollers has a wide variety of single and double strollers. You can visit their website here.
2. Snacks
Kids or no kids, take snacks. They can get expensive if you pay for them out of pocket at Disney. You can take water/soda into the park in your back pack along with snacks. We will take these in ours for the kids and for ourselves. If you have the dining plan, I recommend not using the snack credits for coke/popcorn. There are so many other snacks at the parks to really get a bang for your buck.
1. Swimsuits
Swimming is just about everywhere at Disney. With two water parks to choose from and each hotel having multiple pools, relaxing in the water is just as much part of a Disney vacation than going to the parks. Whether it be relaxing pool side soaking up the sun, rushing to the water slide with the kiddos, or take a whole day at one of the water parks, you are sure to enjoy the water no matter what time of year!! At the resorts, if the temperature drops below 75 degrees, the pools are heated so you can swim year round!!!
I always feel as if I am packing up my entire house when we go to Disney. Add a baby on top of that, and you are packing everything times 10! My biggest piece of advice is to try to organize everything to the best of your ability, in your own way of course. Everyone’s method is different, but as long as you cover the essentials, you should be ready to go on the most magical vacation ever!!!
Friction Block is a must helps preveny blisters,and if you drive in bottled waters your room has a fridge in them. For the ones flying in there in a grocery store where you can order online and they will deliver to your room.
I totally agree with you! I wrote this article before I went on my last vacation and I won’t ever go without it again!! Thanks for the additional must have!!