Disney World Packing List

When I went to Disney World for my bachelorette party, the thing I looked forward to the most on the day of our arrival was unpacking and setting everything up at our resort. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed packing and preparing for vacation. I don’t know if it’s the anticipation or because I finally got an excuse to use the luggage I purchased on Shop Disney, but either way, it’s something I always look forward to doing. 

Unfortunately, because of this excitement and the errands you’re running trying to get all your ducks in a row before you leave, it can be very easy to overlook items you definitely should be bringing with you on your Disney World vacation. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate Disney World packing list for you to print out and check off. But first, let’s go over some simple travel hacks you should be incorporating.

Pack With Space in Mind

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when packing your suitcase is folding things the way you would if they were going in your dresser. This takes up way too much space and doesn’t leave a lot of room for souvenirs, dirty clothes and other essentials. It also can cost you more money by having to pay for an additional bag at the airport. 

When packing your clothes, always roll them. This will help prevent wrinkles and take up less valuable room in your suitcase. 

Pack A Few Days Before (But Make a List of Items You Still Need to Use Day Of)

Your bathing suit, sunscreen, and extra set of flip flops can be packed however early you’d like because chances are you’re not going to use them before your trip. But, things like your toothbrush, hair brush, contact lenses, retainers…they’re all things you’re going to be using up until the day you leave. Because of this, it can be incredibly easy to forget to pack them, especially if everything else is already stored away. 

I always make a list of everything I need and cross them off or check them off, leaving what I need to pack the morning of out on the counter. But even so, because I’m running around, sometimes I’ll forget to look at that list. So what do I do? I make a reminder in my phone to check the list. It might seem like a lot, but if you’re like me and tend to get a little bit scatterbrained the morning of a trip, you can never be too cautious. After all, buying amenities like toothpaste, deodorant and suntan lotion at your resort can be rather pricey….and wouldn’t you rather spend your money on something else?

Check the Weather Beforehand

When I was a teenger, my family had to buy brand new sneakers, long pants and jackets for our entire family because the weather was in the mid-30s because everything we packed was ideal for warmer, Florida weather. Not only were our suitcases filled with the summer clothes we had already packed with us, but now we were trying to stuff an additional week’s worth of clothing on top of it. 

Remember, the weather in Florida is warm but can also be incredibly unpredictable. It rains most days of the year (even if for an hour) and can get rather cold during the later months of the year. Check the weather beforehand and bring ponchos if it’s calling for rain and items that will keep you comfortable during your stay. 

Find Out What’s Permitted in the Parks

Before you pack, you should find out if what you’re trying to bring with you is even allowed in the parks. Selfie sticks, for example, are banned from property and coolers over 24”x15” in size are not permitted. 

Taking time to make sure what’s permitted in the parks can help you save luggage space. For a complete list of what’s prohibited in the parks, click here.

Be Realistic About What You Actually Need (And Will Wear)

While you may want to wear the 10 pairs of Minnie Ears you want to bring with you on vacation, you’re probably not going to. Likewise, high heels (unless you have specific reservations for California Grill, Victoria & Albert’s, etc) are a waste of space because you’re not going to wear them (although sometimes I do see people wearing them at the parks, and ouch). The same goes for umbrellas, floppy hats, multiple pairs of sunglasses, multiple stuffed animals, toys or purses. 

Remember, a Disney World vacation is not really all that relaxing. You’ll be standing in line the majority of the day, with the hot, Florida sun bearing down onto you. You’ll be walking long distances and be exhausted by the time you get to your resort. The last thing you want is to be carrying ANYTHING on you that you don’t have to, nor do you want to be uncomfortable while doing them. 

Everything You Should Bring to Disney

Now that we got those packing hacks out of the way, let’s take a look at everything you should bring with you to Disney World. We’ve broken them up by categories to make it easier:

Travel Documents

• Boarding passes  
• Park tickets
• Copy of itinerary/reservation numbers
• Magic Bands
• Driver’s license/passport/other identification cards
• Cash for tips
• Credit/debit cards
• Copy of important phone numbers (car rental place, emergency contacts, etc)
• Luggage tags
• Maps/directions

Carry-On Items

• Kindle/book
• Headphones
• Headphone adapter
• Cell phone
• Phone charger
• Laptop
• Laptop charger
• iPad
• Face masks
• Travel pillow
• Eye mask
• Travel blanket
• Disinfectant wipes
• Wall charger

Clothes to Pack

• Outfits for each day at the parks (including extra pair of clothes for children)
• Travel day outfits
• Underwear
• Socks
• Bras/undergarments
• Comfortable shoes and/or sneakers
• Flip flops
• Light jacket/sweatshirt (seasonal)
• Shorts
• Shirts
• Skirts
• Dresses
• Bathing suit/swim trunks
• Belt
• Nice outfit for dinner
• Pool cover-ups
• Ponchos
• Pajamas
• Jeans
• Pants
• Glasses

Accessories

• Sunglasses
• Minnie ears
• Mickey hats
• Jewelry
• Backpack
• Purse
• Fanny pack
• Hat/visor
• Pin trading lanyard
• Fitbit/pedometer
• Umbrella
• Watch

Toiletries 

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Hair brush/comb
• Hair ties
• Bobby pins/hair clips
• Hair gel
• Hair spray
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Face wash
• Razor
• Shaving cream
• Sunscreen
• Floss
• Body wash
• Feminine products 
• Hand sanitizer
• Makeup
• Makeup brushes
• Makeup wipes/remover
• Perfume/cologne
• Nail clippers/infant nail clippers
• Lip balm/moisturizer
• Lotion
• Deodorant
• Styling tools (hair curler, straightener, etc)
• Bandaids/anti-bacterial creams
• First-aid kit
• Breath mints/gum
• Contacts/contact solution
• Cotton swabs

Medicines

• List of medications
• Prescription medications
• Birth control
• Allergy medication
• Vitamins
• Pain relievers
• Aloe
• Cough drops
• Anti-gas relief
• Anti-diarrhea relief
• Antacids
• Eye drops

Baby Items

• Diapers/pull-ups
• Diaper cream
• Formula/baby food
• Bottles/sippy cups
• Favorite toy/stuffed animal
• Stroller
• Car seat
• Changing pad
• Pacifiers
• Bibs
• Extra change of clothes
• Extra change of pajamas
• Swim diapers
• Diaper bag
• Baby sling/carrier
• Pack-and-play/sheets
• Baby blankets
• Infant aspirin
• Bottle brush
• Infant utensils
• Monitor (if they’re sleeping in a different room)
• Outlet covers
• Breast pump

If you do forget anything, each of the parks have Baby Care Centers, which can help. These centers are open every day and offer parents:

• Private nursing rooms
• Changing rooms
• Feeding areas
• A complimentary kitchen area equipped with a microwave and sink
• An on-site shop that sells over-the-counter medicine, clothing, juice, formula, baby food, wipes, sunscreen and diapers. 

Read more: 5 Perks of the Baby Care Center at Disney World

Food/Snacks

• Reusable plastic water bottle
• Crackers
• Pretzels
• Cereal
• Oatmeal
• Gummy snacks
• Nuts
• Granola bars
• Reusable straws

Misc. Items

• Waterproof bags
• Large ziploc bags (for soiled/wet/dirty clothing)
• Pennies for pressing
• Sharpies
• Autograph book
• Camera
• Extra batteries
• Mini sewing kit
• Mini eyeglass repair kit
• Disney small shop items (for brand reps, shop owners)
• Misting fan
• Cooling towel/rag
• Portable phone charger
• Car/house keys (for when you return home)

Tips for What To Do With Your Dirty Clothes

After sweating in your clothes all day or if your child had an accident or got sick, the last thing you want is to store your soiled clothing loose with all the other items in your suitcase. Like we mentioned above, Ziplock bags are a great way to keep these items sorted. Place all of your soiled laundry in those zip lock bags and bring an extra backpack or duffel with you to store them when you go home to travel. Some Disney resorts do have on-site laundry services that are completely complimentary, so that’s always an option if you don’t want to bring home smelly clothes. 

If you’re traveling with children, bring a few ziploc bags with you to the parks in case of emergency, as well as an extra set of clothing for them each day.

Final Thoughts

We hope this list comes in handy for your next Walt Disney World vacation. But remember, even if you do forget one or two items on your list, you’ll usually be able to find it at your resort. 

Do you have a favorite Disney packing hack? Let us know what it is in the comments.