Packing For Disney World: Our Tried and True Guide

Updated: 7/28/2025

Over the past 8 years, we’ve made countless trips to Walk Disney World both as out-of-state visitors at first, and now as in-state passholders. We’ve brought our girls as babies and now they’re still loving our time there at 6 and 10. We’ve made multi-family and multi-generation trips, for multiple night stays as well as day trips. Curtis and I have even managed a couple of Disney Adventures, sans kids. Even with all of that experience, packing for the parks can feel overwhelming! But, we’ve gotten our groove and have and handle on what we like to have with us. I put together a Disney Packing Guide, FREE for you to download and print, at the bottom of this post! If you’ve followed me for some time, by now you know I am not a packing minimalist, and while there may be things I bring that we don’t end up needing, I’m always err on the side being over-prepared. Additionally, there are ways to simplify your visit, and if you’re working with a great planner – like the ladies at Mini Mouse Counselors and Law Luxury Travel, they’ll talk over all sorts of options like ordering groceries (and diapers) to the room, renting strollers, arranging car transfers that have child safety seats already installed, booking cribs and meeting other child related needs. You’re also in luck, because my friend and fellow Disney Frequent Flyer, McKenzie Fussell, recently updated her e-book guide to enjoying Walt Disney World with a young family. You can purchase that here for an in depth look at all things WDW with kids.

How to Pack for Disney

While much of my Disney packing list is self-explanatory, there are a few areas I’d like to expand on as well as some tips and tricks I’d like to share. In this post, I’m going to break it down and share what to pack for babies, kids, adults, and the entire family when planning a trip to Disney. If you’re coming to us from a drivable distance, that certainly makes it easier to overpack. But even if you’re flying, I wouldn’t suggest that this is the trip to skimp on what you take with you. I do like to tell myself I can always get something at my destination if I forget it, and that is true in this case, but I’d bet most of us would rather avoid that scramble. Reserve your shopping session (and budget) for fun things! If you are flying – and most people who visit WDW are – my carry-on luggage approach is always to make sure we have our most important items with us like medications, chargers, whatever change of clothes we’d need for the first day (including a swimsuit in this case) as well as any outerwear necessary, if it is a chilly time of year. Odds are that your bags will make it to Florida with you, but this carry-on principal has gotten us through any unfortunate lost luggage moments and I’d hate for your Disney trip to start off rocky.

Packing for Disney World: Baby & Child

If you’re packing for Disney, there’s a good chance you’ll be traveling with children be it with babies, toddlers, or beyond. In that case, the most commonly asked question to me is, “Do we really need a stroller?” Long story short – yes, probably.

Strollers

If you’re asking whether or not you need a stroller, I’d bet your child is at an age where they will most likely benefit from having one. If you’ve never been to Disney World, let me warn you now that you will walk and walk and walk and walk. The average Disney World day will include an average of 7 – 10 miles, or more if you’re at one of the parks that is especially spread out like Animal Kingdom or Epcot. It can be very hot, incredibly crowded, and it is sensory overload.

You will see children of all ages in strollers. Under no other circumstance does Catherine (6) use a stroller anywhere other than Disney, but we’re going at the end of this week and I am sure she will be cruising in ours, at least for some of the time. When we bring our double, even Margaret (10) plop down to take a break here and there, though if it weren’t for Catherine, we definitely wouldn’t be bringing a stroller for her. At the end of the day, you know your children best and can make the call, but you’re not going to be the odd man out if you have your older child in a stroller. Disney is like Vegas in that way – what happens in Lake Buena Vista, FL stays in Lake Buena Vista, FL. They aren’t going to go home and beg for a stroller, Disney is just requires more stamina than a typical scenario. Perhaps your daily life already involves a lot of walking, or of course the weather can make a difference – if you’ll be visiting during a more temperate time of year – and in that case, your child might be able to make it. But walking 10 miles with the sun beating down on a 90 degree scorcher is a lot to ask. I think having a stroller is protection for your investment in the trip. You’ve spent time, money, and energy to do this and the stroller helps take that pressure off your littlest traveler. Honestly, Curtis and I are half dreading the day when we don’t have a stroller – it’s so convenient with the parent organizer and cup holders for our margaritas from La Cava del Tequila at EPCOT.

You can either travel with your own stroller for Disney World or rent one through a third party company. The ones that are actually at the parks to rent on site look terribly uncomfortable and I’d rather lug our own wheels or rent a nicer set in advance and not use it, than I would get in such a pickle that my only option are the ones at the park entrances. We love having our Zoe Strollers with us – particularly this double stroller. It has generous under-carriage storage and is easy to break down for gate checking at airports. (Use this stroller travel bag) This parent organize r is a must in our books especially at Disney for keeping hand sanitizer, sunscreen, snacks, magic bands, and water on hand.

Costumes

If your child loves dressing up, incorporating costumes is going to be so much fun! Whether they turn into Rapunzel or Buzz Lightyear, Princess Tiana or a Jedi, either park a costume or plan to shop for some while you’re there. On the days the girls dress up, we bring change of clothes as well. As adorable as they are, they can also be scratchy and uncomfortable. (Though I have good things about the comfort of these!) Most of the time our girls abandon them by lunch, but the joy they get from twirling around is worth it all.

For the ultimate dress up moment, Bippity Boppity Boutique is an experience of a lifetime for your little princess or prince! It can be pricey, but from our experience, it is worth it and there are a variety of packages for different budgets. If you don’t snag a BBB appointment, then stop by Sir Mickey’s, which is the boutique by Cinderella’s Castle. Ask for some pixie dust and they’ll shower your little one with glitter – it’s so fun!

Electrolyte Packets

These packets are not just a must when packing for Disney World, but for any type of travel with kids. Dehydration is a buzzkill and can get serious. It’s easy to get distracted at the park that dehydration creeps up on kids of all ages. Having Pedialyte packets on hand keeps everyone feeling great and can really save the day!

Noise Cancelling Headphones For Baby

We made the mistake of not bringing baby headphones for Catherine’s first Disney World visit. We quickly realized our mistake and being that she was way too young for fireworks without noise cancelling ear protection, and we had to leave.

Toy Straps

Toy straps are game changers when traveling with babies. They attach the toy – or whatever you’re hoping to keep off the ground – to the stroller. In a similar spirit, if your little one uses a pacifier, this is a great time to bring a pacifier clip, even if you don’t normally use one!

Baby Carrier

Even though we always had our stroller, we realized quickly that packing a baby carrier was key in the event we needed to stand in line for an extended period of time with baby sister. Sometimes she just needed a change of pace or a nap snuggled up on Mommy. I know there are so many options these days, but this was our favorite. We’d throw it under the stroller and use as needed.

Packing for Disney World: Adult Essentials

Kids might be first on your list when packing for Disney World, but lets get the adults in your crew ready as well! The biggest threat to a good time (besides a bad attitude) is chafing – ugh. Good thing we have:

Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Friction Stick

Raise your hand if your thighs touch! Me, mine do! Here in Florida, we consider the “chafe” factor year round and The Megababe Thigh Rescue Stick is the best friction fighter out there. They also have mini sticks (and a new key chain topper) that I throw in our park bag, just in case I need to reapply. I also put a mini of the Rosy Pits Deo that I use. They also rolled out a Megaman Friction Fighter Stick and their Dry Guy talc free powder which thankfully means Curtis can stop stealing my Thigh Rescue and Bust Dust. Bur the real MVPs might be this very special deodorant designed “for him” and these wipes that keep you fresh at The Hottest Place On Earth … uh, I mean the Happiest Place On Earth!

Blister Pads

Blisters can ruin the day or even the entire Disney trip. The first step in avoiding blisters is to wear your most comfortable footwear. However, even your most trusted shoes can turn against you! I pack Blister Band-Aids in our park bag and put them on at the first hint of getting rubbed the wrong way. Moleskin is also an incredible buffer. If you’re looking for a shoe recommendation, these sneakers that come in so many different colorways and styles have been 100% awesome.

Refillable Water Bottle

We pack one per person because if there ever was a time to stay hydrated, it’s on a Disney trip! Of course, there are tons of snack stands with bottled water if you forget and the Quick Service restaurants happily hand out free cups of ice water around the parks. But is is especially nice to have water bottles for the kids – bonus points if you can find one with their favorite characters!

Portable Cell Phone Charger

For better or worse, so much planning for a Disney trip happens on the app. The My Disney Experience App is where you find wait times, can make dining reservations or mobile meal orders, get Genie + and make Lightning Lane reservations – you can even use it to access your room. Between all that and using your phone’s camera to capture picture and videos, the battery can get run down. Bring a portable, back up battery (or two) to make sure you have a charge when you need it. If you do forget to pack them, you can find Fuel Rod kiosks scattered around the parks and get one there. In the printable list below, there is a section for “TECH” items to bring and the chargers are at the top, but I’d also recommend an air tag to help you find your stroller, or even put it in your car if you’re parking in the lots and struggle to find your car at the end of the night. Though the My Disney Experience app has a little tool for that too!

Fans: Stroller and Handheld

Orlando is warm most of the year, and quite hot for a decent chunk of it. Bring all the fans – stroller fans you can attach to your set of wheels and I like to have little hand held fans in our belt bags. Personally, I don’t recommend the water-spraying ones. For us, this always becomes a behavioral challenge and then everyone is just soggy and still hot. But we do sometimes bring cooling towels in the summer months!

Ziploc Bags

I’ve started bringing Ziploc bags on all trips (not just Disney) because the usefulness knows no bounds. From making ice packs for boo-boos, to holding extra filthy clothes, to storing unfinished snacks – you name it! If you end up bringing in a soft-sided cooler, you’ll also want to fill Ziplocs with ice from the machines at your hotel to pack in a cooler, as loose ice isn’t allowed into the parks.

Packing for Disney World: Children’s Clothing

The rhyme and reason behind how I pack our children’s clothing for Disney World could stand to have its own post. There is just so much variability, from seasonality, the duration of the visit, the ages of your children, the parks you’re going to, and any special events you’re attending. But, here are a few basic tips I’ve learned:

Pre-Plan Outfits: I like to plan – to the most reasonable degree possible – exactly which outfits will be worn to which park and place them into labeled bags or packing cubes. All the work on the front end makes everything go much more smoothly the day of because a) we’ve already tried them on the girls and know that they like them b) Curtis can easily tap in and help them get ready because it’s organized c)
Two (ish) Outfits Per Day: I realize this might seem overboard, but from messy food, to accidents, and general dampness from the heat and humidity – your little ones will be happy for a change, especially if you go back to the room for nap time and head back out again later.
Coordinating Looks: We try to do coordinating or sometimes matching looks for the girls. Now that they’re older and given how often we go, I don’t necessarily put as much effort and expense into it as I would if it were a big, special trip to Disney. The clothes don’t make the memories, but I can tell you from experience it IS a lot of fun. And if they are matching, it is a safety bonus as its easier for me to keep an eye on them! Curtis and I will sometimes try and coordinate with them too, even if it is just staying in the same color family or general vibe. We also like to reference the park we’re visiting, so for instance, that could mean Lilly Pulitzer at Animal Kingdom with a fun elephant or monkey motif.
Weather Watch: The number one goal for dressing should be comfort. This might mean wearing layers in the cooler months or being mindful of exposed skin in the hot Florida sun. I’m obviously a sucker for a cute outfit but comfort takes the cake.
Disney-Themed Clothing: Lean in to the theme! Whether you’re only there once, or (like us) you’re there more than you ever imagined! You can either dress your kids in Disney-themed clothing with their favorite characters, or stick to a Disney color palette and accessorize with touches of Disney – something like red and white or pink and white dress accessorized with Minnie ears, a Disney hat, a Minnie Mouse bow, or Disney sunglasses. You will see a variety of styles – lots of athletic wear – but the common thread is that almost everyone is embracing the Disney spirit!

Packing for Disney World: Adults

With all the anti-chafing and blister warnings, I’m sure I sound like I am preparing you for a marathon – and I kind of am! Disney trips are tons of walking, the heat can be a lot, and emotions are running high – so dress accordingly! Chances are, this is a special trip and hopefully that means lots of pictures. This is your reminder to jump in front of the camera with your important people. You can really take it to the next level and book our friend, Jessie Roffer Photography for some magical family photos while you’re visiting the area. She is a seasoned park pro who lives in the area and knows WDW like the back of her hand. We treasure her beautiful photos and they’d be such a fun souvenir if you can carve out the time.

I feel like while you’re prepping all the cute stuff for your kids, its also important to put thought into what you are wearing. Make sure you feel like your best self and most importantly, are comfortable. I tend to wear a lot of dresses, which I wouldn’t do if it weren’t comfortable. I love nothing more than just having one piece of clothing to deal with – throw it on and go! When I’m wearing shorter dresses, I make sure to have bike shorts on underneath so I don’t accidentally have a “Marilyn moment” when I’m running around with the kids and getting on and off rides. Sometimes I go for an athletic dress like this one, and top it with this moisture-wicking shirt to help stay cool and sun protected. I’ll also wear jean shorts (these) and a top, or when it is cool – my favorite time – I love wearing jeans and a sweater, or leggings and an oversized Disney sweatshirt. With all of the above, I’m never afraid to accessorize with Minnie Ears!

I’ve also shared a lot of inspiration in previous blog posts:

Women’s Outfit Ideas for Magic Kingdom

Women’s Outfit Ideas for EPCOT

Women’s Outfit Ideas for Hollywood Studios

Women’s Outfit Ideas for Animal Kingdom

Curtis likes to wear performance pieces around the parks due to their sun protection and moisture-wicking qualities. But he has recently started flexing his artsy side with a new hobby that includes designing some streetwear inspired Disney t-shirts that he sells on Etsy. This is so far off from his default, finance brain and I love that he has this outlet! I love it even more when people stop him in the parks to compliment his shirt and he gets to say, “Thanks, I designed it!” Besides fun tees, here are some of the clothing items he packs:

The Ultimate Disney World Packing List

After creating and using my own packing list multiple times, I decided to share it here for anyone who is gearing up for their own Disney trip! I included a separate page that covers things we brought when we were in the baby phase, as well as a page dedicated to what we bring into the parks with us. Click the link below to download and print it, FREE.

Download the Disney World Packing List for Free!

click to download