So now that you’ve planned your Disney trip, it’s time to pack your park bag!
Lots of creators have gone through their Disney must haves but it’s a conversation that feels like it’s missing some nuance. So I thought I’d tell you what my hubs and I consider MUST PACKS!
First, you want a bag that has some serious room, a good amount of pockets, and a drink holder! I’ve linked the type that I use, that also has an added security bonus of opening from the inside so it’s harder to steal from!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DFM2VG5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Got a bag? Good, let’s fill it up. Step 1, If you’ve got sensitive tootsies, I’d throw in a second pair of shoes (and socks). You won’t regret it! Anyone that’s walked a 12 hour, 8 mile day at Disney knows how on the ball these feelings are!
Just go ahead and toss in Band-Aids and precut mole skin of different sizes while you’re at it, for the exact same reasons. Can you purchase these products at the park if you need them? Of course! Will it cost three times the price as the ones you bought at home? Without a doubt!
Shoes, bandages, and mole skin are in. What’s next? Well, you should definitely throw in sunscreen (don’t forget one for your scalp, if you aren’t brining a hat!) and sunglasses.
But J, I’m already wearing sunglasses! Bring a second pair. You DO NOT want your shades to break when you’re on you way into Hollywood Studios and immediately have to buy a $18 pair because it’s sunny Florida like SOME PEOPLE had to. (Hint, hint) Learn from my mistakes, friends!
We’ve talked about all the expected things. What about the weird ones you bring? I would personally never hit the parks without these items: ziploc bags (for leftovers of any kind), kid friendly (or you-friendly) small snacks (so you don’t have to spend $5 on a bag of fruit snacks), a collapsible water bottle, and reusable straws (paper straws are the worst).
If you or anyone in your party is a pin collector, you’ll also want to bring a pack of much more stable backs for said pins.
And last, but certainly not least…..a charger. Reality is, everything at Disney is controlled or improved by the My Disney Experience app. You’ll use it to order ahead food at a quick service establishment, you’ll use it to book a Genie Plus ride time, you’ll use is to look for the nearest bathroom. IT IS A NECESSARY EVIL.
So trust me when I say that a charger is an absolute need. But not just any charger! You need one that doesn’t need to be hooked up to an outlet. Now, if you’re a big Disney World person, you’ve probably already seen the Fuel Rod stands.
DO NOT SLEEP ON FUEL RODS. These will absolutely come in clutch. It’s a one time fee (i think it’s $30) for the kit. The kit comes with the actual fuel rod, which will already be charged. It also comes with a connector for literally, every kind of phone. You can use this little rod to charge anything that hooks up to a USB.
And when your fuel rod is dead, you can use the same kiosks to swap for a new one. FOR FREE. (Or if you take it back to your hotel room, it’ll re-charge easily) It comes in a small plastic cylinder that’s so easily portable for any need! (Linked below!)
If you want to nab one before you even get to Disney, I’ve linked the Amazon page below.
Now, this is everything you NEED. BUUUUUT, here’s what I’d also bring: travel size deodorant, mints/gum/cough drops (whatever you prefer), a poncho (you’ll thank me later), back up contacts/glasses if you use them, hair brush, toothpicks or floss picks, DRAMAMINE if you have any kind of motion sickness, and medicine for stomach issues (pepto, immodium, lactaid, whatever).
Do you need ANY of these things? No. You may legit never use them on a single park day. But none of these items are large enough that you’ll be inconvenienced to bring them. So, I’d bring ’em along!
Be safe and enjoy your park days!
J. Essex Author 