Packing for a Walt Disney World vacation is no small task. From planning park outfits to ensuring you have the right essentials, a well-packed bag can make all the difference in having a smooth and stress-free trip.
Disney pros know purchasing certain items before arriving at Walt Disney World can save money, time, and unnecessary stress. While many of these items are available inside the parks, they come with a premium price tag. To help you prepare, here’s a list of essential items you should buy before heading to the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Hand Sanitizer and Wipes
Walt Disney World does a great job of providing hand sanitizing stations throughout its parks and resorts. However, having your travel-size hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes in your park bag is a game changer.
- Hand Sanitizer: Keeping a small bottle in your bag means quick and easy access before meals, after rides, or whenever needed.
- Disinfecting Wipes: Useful for cleaning tables and high-touch surfaces and even refreshing your hands throughout the day.
For travel-friendly options, check out retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart. For an extra touch of fun, look for Disney-themed sanitizers.
Snacks
Disney is home to some of the most iconic theme park snacks, but not every snack is worth the price tag. Long wait times or ride queues can also lead to hungry and cranky moments.
Bringing your own snacks can:
- Save you money on impulse snack purchases
- Keep picky eaters happy with familiar favorites
- Reduce wait times since you’ll have something on hand
Some great packable snack ideas include:
- Granola bars
- Crackers (Goldfish, Cheez-Its, etc.)
- Dried fruit or trail mix
- Applesauce pouches
- Protein bars
Disney allows guests to bring outside snacks and non-alcoholic beverages into the parks, as long as they’re not in glass containers or require heating.
Weather-Related Gear
Florida weather is unpredictable, and Disney pros always come prepared.
- Rain Protection: Florida is known for its sudden downpours, especially in the summer. Instead of spending extra money on a park poncho, grab cheap disposable ponchos from Dollar Tree or Amazon before you go. Small travel umbrellas are also a good idea.
- Sun Protection: The Florida sun can be intense. Pack sunscreen, cooling towels, and a portable misting fan. Amazon has great rechargeable options.
- Winter Essentials: Florida gets chilly, especially in the evenings from November to February. Pack light jackets or hoodies, along with gloves and beanies for kids.
Disney sells weather-related gear, but purchasing ahead of time will save you a significant amount compared to in-park prices.
Portable Chargers
Walt Disney World’s My Disney Experience app is a must-have for managing Genie+, Mobile Ordering, wait times, and more. All that screen time drains your phone battery fast.
Bring a portable charger (power bank) to keep your phone powered all day.
- The Anker PowerCore series is a popular choice and lasts multiple charges.
- Disney offers FuelRod swap stations, but the one-time purchase price is higher than bringing your own.
If you’re traveling with teens or multiple family members, consider packing one charger per person to avoid battery issues.
Disney Gift Cards to Save Money
Purchasing discounted Disney gift cards before your trip can help you budget and save money.
Where to Buy Discounted Disney Gift Cards:
- Target (5% off with a Target RedCard)
- Sam’s Club & BJ’s Wholesale (bundled gift card discounts)
Use Disney gift cards for:
- Dining at Disney restaurants
- Merchandise and souvenirs
- Park tickets and special events
This is an easy way to budget and save money on your trip without extra effort.
Fun Items & Souvenirs
Disney parks are filled with souvenirs, but smart Disney fans buy certain items ahead of time to save money.
What to Buy Before You Go:
- Glow Sticks and light-up Toys are popular for nighttime shows. At Disney, they cost significantly more, but you can get a pack of glow bracelets for much less at Walmart or Amazon.
- Disney Apparel: ShopDisney, Target, and Kohl’s have Disney shirts for a fraction of park prices.
- Bubble Wands: A Disney park favorite. Bring extra bubble solution from home to refill wands instead of buying new ones.
By planning ahead, you can surprise your kids with fun Disney-themed gifts without paying the theme park markup.
Final Disney Packing Tips
Disney pros know that a little pre-planning goes a long way. By purchasing these essentials before arriving, you’ll:
- Save money on park-up charged items
- Be prepared for Florida’s unpredictable weather
- Avoid meltdowns with snacks and entertainment
- Keep your phone charged for those magical moments
Pack everything in Ziploc bags or packing cubes for easy organization. Now, get ready to enjoy your magical Disney vacation with less stress and more fun.
