Planning a day at Walt Disney World is all about maximizing your fun while minimizing stress, and one of the best ways to do this is by packing a bag to take with you into the parks. While it might seem like an extra hassle at first, bringing a well-prepared bag can actually save you time, money, and prevent a lot of unexpected challenges.
From staying hydrated to being prepared for surprise Florida downpours, packing a bag is a smart decision for any Disney-goer.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top five reasons why packing a bag for your day at Disney is essential, and we’ll also share some helpful tips on what to include so you’re fully prepared for a magical day.
1. Save Money on Food and Drinks
Food at Disney can be a big expense, especially when you’re dining out for every meal or grabbing snacks throughout the day. However, what many people don’t realize is that Disney allows guests to bring their own food and drinks into the parks—as long as they’re not in glass containers. This is a major budget saver, especially for families or large groups.
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Packing a few essentials like granola bars, chips, or fruit can keep everyone satisfied between meals, cutting down on the number of times you have to buy snacks inside the park. And don’t forget to bring your own water bottles!
Disney parks have numerous water fountains and water bottle refill stations located throughout, meaning you can refill your bottle throughout the day rather than spending $4 or more on bottled water. You could easily save $20 or more per person, per day, by packing your own snacks and drinks.
For guests looking to save even more, consider packing a small cooler with sandwiches and drinks. While lugging a cooler may not be convenient for everyone, locker rentals are available near the park entrances if you want to stash it there until lunchtime.
2. Be Prepared for Safety and Health Needs
At Disney, the unexpected can happen—whether it’s a scraped knee from a stumble, or a blister from walking around the parks all day. Packing a small first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and some pain relievers can be a lifesaver.
While Disney does have first-aid stations, having these items on hand allows you to quickly address minor issues without interrupting your day too much.
One thing you absolutely don’t want to forget is sunscreen. The Florida sun is strong, even on cloudy days, and you’ll be outdoors most of the time. Apply sunscreen before heading into the park, and be sure to reapply every couple of hours.
Keeping a small bottle of sunscreen in your bag is a simple way to prevent sunburns, which could otherwise make the rest of your trip uncomfortable.
You can also toss in some hand sanitizer and wet wipes—useful for cleaning up after meals or rides.
3. Stay Dry with Rain Gear
Florida is known for its unpredictable weather, especially in the summer months when afternoon thunderstorms pop up unexpectedly. You don’t want to be caught in the rain without any protection. Instead of buying expensive ponchos inside the park (Disney’s ponchos can cost around $10), we recommend grabbing some inexpensive, disposable ponchos before your trip.
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These can be found at most convenience stores like CVS or Target and cost around $1 to $2 each. They’re compact, lightweight, and can easily be thrown in your bag until needed.
When the storm passes, you can toss them in a trash can and not worry about lugging around wet gear for the rest of the day. It’s a small investment that will keep you comfortable and dry without breaking the bank.
4. Pack Extra Clothes for Comfort
One of the best feelings after a long, sweaty day in the parks is changing into fresh clothes. Florida’s heat and humidity can be intense, and after spending hours walking from attraction to attraction, it’s not uncommon to want a quick refresh before dinner or an evening show.
Packing an extra t-shirt, socks, or even a light pair of shorts can make all the difference in your comfort level as the day goes on.
If you’re planning to hit water rides like Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids, having a change of clothes is even more important. These rides will leave you soaked, and while it’s fun to cool off during the heat of the day, you don’t want to walk around in wet clothes for the rest of your visit.
Pro tip: bring a plastic bag for any wet clothes so you can stash them away without soaking the rest of your belongings.
If carrying a change of clothes sounds like too much, no worries! Disney offers locker rentals in all four parks, so you can store your bag for later and grab it when you’re ready to change.
5. Easily Manage Your Souvenirs
A trip to Walt Disney World isn’t complete without bringing home some magical souvenirs. Whether it’s a pair of iconic Mickey ears, a plush toy, or a limited-edition MagicBand, you’re bound to pick up some goodies while wandering the shops.
Having a bag with you allows you to easily store your purchases instead of juggling multiple plastic Disney bags.
If you’re worried about carrying too much, Disney also offers a few convenient options for handling your purchases. You can have your items sent directly to the front of the park, where you can pick them up before leaving, or have them delivered to your Disney resort if you’re staying on property.
However, having a bag handy for those quick, in-between purchases will help keep your hands free and your park experience hassle-free.
Final Thoughts: Why a Bag is a Must for Disney Parks
While it might seem like bringing a bag into the parks is just one more thing to manage, you’ll be grateful for it by the end of the day.
Having everything you need—whether it’s snacks to save money, extra clothes for comfort, or rain gear for the inevitable afternoon shower—will make your Disney day more enjoyable and stress-free.
Plus, with locker rentals available at all parks, you don’t even have to carry the bag around all day if that’s not your style. Pack wisely, and you’ll be prepared for anything that comes your way, making your magical day at Walt Disney World even better!
