Packing for Disney World: The Ultimate Packing List

We have made countless trips to Disney World over the past eight years. We’ve traveled as both out-of-state visitors and in-state passholders. With babies and big kids. We’ve done day trips, visited all of the parks with our girls, and even a few adult-only Disney adventures. After all of these experiences, I feel pretty confident when it comes to packing for Disney World. However, if you don’t visit the parks often, and especially if it’s your first time, I know that packing can be very overwhelming. 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 I don’t end up using, I’m always going to err on the side of being prepared.

So without further adieu, I’m going to share some tips on how to pack for Disney along with the ultimate Disney World packing list. Be sure to print this list off (it’s free!) and use it for your next Disney adventure.

How to Pack for Disney

Having just been to the park last week to meet up with my friend Ashley, packing essentials are fresh on my mind. There is so much to take into consideration when packing for Disney World. While much of my Disney packing list is self-explanatory, there are a few items that require elaboration. Additionally, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. 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.

Packing for Disney World: Baby & Kid Essentials

Okay, first things first. If you’re packing for Disney World, you are most likely traveling with children. Therefore, I’m going to start by highlighting some of the must-have items for visiting the parks with babies, toddlers, and kids.

1. Strollers

The most commonly asked question besides what to do and what to wear at Disney is, “Should we bring a stroller?” If you’re asking this question, then my guess is that your child would most likely benefit from a stroller. If you’ve never been to Disney World, let me warn you now, you will walk and walk and walk and walk. It can be very hot, there are tons of people, and there is a lot going on – I highly recommend strollers! It 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.

I see kids of all ages in strollers. Margaret is 8 and will still use a stroller from time to time since we have our double with us. Walking 9 miles in the 90-degree sun is just plain hard. And honestly, part of me is dreading the day when we don’t have a stroller because it’s so convenient. I mean, that parent cup holder comes in handy for my margarita at EPCOT!

You can either pack strollers for Disney World or rent one. The ones available at the parks are molded plastic and I’d say are a last resort. You can rent through third party companies, but 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) If you’re traveling with a single child, this travel stroller would be a great option. This parent organizer is a must in our books especially at Disney for keeping hand sanitizer, sunscreen, snacks, magic bands, and water on hand.

2. Costumes

If your child loves dressing up, be sure to add a costume or two when packing for Disney World or pick one up at the parks! You will see many kids in costumes around the park, especially girls in princess dresses. If they wear princess dresses into the park, be sure to pack a change of clothes as well. As adorable as they are, princess dresses can be itchy and uncomfortable. Most of the time our girls abandon them by lunch, but the joy they get from twirling around is worth it all.

The Bippity Boppity Boutique is an experience of a lifetime for your little princess or prince! It can be pricey, but from our experience, it was absolutely worth it and there are a variety of packages for most every budget. 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!

3. Pedialyte 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 or on vacation that dehydration creeps up on kids of all ages. Having Pedialyte packets on hand keeps everyone feeling great and can really save the day!

4. Baby Headphones

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 ear protection, we had to leave. Never again have we forgotten to pack them!

5. Toy Straps

How did I miss these toy straps with Margaret? My friend introduced me to them a few years ago and they changed the game, and helping to keep toys and sippy cups off the ground. We used them with Catherine while out to eat, in the stroller, and all around the park. In a similar spirit, if your little one uses a pacifier, this is a great time to bring a pacifier clip!

6. Baby Carrier

Even though we always had our stroller, we realized quickly that packing a baby carrier was also a must in the event we needed to stand in line for an extended period of time. And sometimes little Catherine 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 & Family Essentials

Kids might be first on your list when packing for Disney World, but it can be tricky to pack for adults as well. These are some of my must-have packing items for myself, Curtis, and our family.

1. Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Friction Stick

Raise your hand if your thighs touch! Me, mine do! And most days of the year it is hot enough in Orlando to consider the “chafe” factor when planning your outfit. The Megababe Thigh Rescue Stick has been a game-changer for me. It is absolutely a “must” when packing for Disney World. And now they have mini sticks, making it easy to throw them in your park bag! My other chafing hack? Wearing these $20 biker shorts under my dresses for friction reduction and for the reducing my chance of flashing everyone getting off and on rides!

2. Megaman Friction Fighter Stick

Megababe for the women, Megaman for the men. Another Disney packing essential.

3. Megababe Mini Deoderant Stick

Obviously, deodorant will be included on any packing list. However, I also advise bringing a mini stick for your park bag. This may seem like overkill, but just ask us about our time at Disney in July 2016.

4. Blister Pads

Blisters can really 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 pads in our park bag and it has made a world of difference. We love moleskin pads and these Band-Aid ones.

5. Refillable Water Bottle

Not only is Disney World full of water fountains, but they also happily hand out free cups of ice water around the park. I’ve found it’s often easiest (especially for kids) to transfer the water into a water bottle.

6. Portable Cell Phone Charger

Do not forget a portable phone charger. I repeat, do not forget! So much of what you do at Disney is on your phone. The app is where you find wait times, can make mobile meal orders, get Genie + and make Lightning Lane reservations and dining reservations is on there, not to mention the million pictures you’ll be taking. Put this at the top of your list when packing for Disney World.

7. Stroller Fans & Handheld Fans

Orlando is warm most of the year, so you’ll want to bring fans. Bring all the fans – stroller fans and handheld fans. 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. In addition to fans, we also sometimes bring cooling rags.

8. Cooler

We used to bring a small, soft-sided cooler to Disney World. It’s a lifesaver for packing water, snacks, and milk (no one is happy when a child is hangry). It is also a must-have for storing breastmilk if you’ll be pumping at the park which if you’re in that phase of life, you’ll also want to read about the Baby Care Centers in the park.

9. Ziploc Bags

I’ve started bringing Ziploc bags on all trips (not just Disney). I also used to store them in our diaper bag when the girls were babies. They always come in handy! From making ice packs for boo-boos, to holding extra filthy clothes, to storing unfinished snacks – you name it. You will also want to fill Ziplocs with ice from the machines at your hotel to pack in a cooler, as loose ice isn’t allowed.

Packing for Disney World: Children’s Clothing

Honestly, packing children’s clothing for Disney World needs its own post. There is just so much that goes into it! But, here are a few basic tips I’ve learned:

• Pre-Plan Outfits: I like to plan exactly which outfits will be worn to which park and place them into labeled bags or packing cubes. It makes everything go much more smoothly the morning of a park visit.
• Two Outfits Per Day: I’m always grateful for an extra outfit. From accidents, messy food, general dampness from the heat and humidity – your little ones will be happy for a chance, especially if you go back to the room for nap time and head back out again later. I also like the backup outfit to be something cute as well.
• Coordinating Looks: We like to do matching or coordinating looks for the girls. Obviously, this isn’t a must, but it’s fun and the safety bonus is that if they’re both wearing the same thing it is even easier for me to keep an eye on them!
• 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 one, or are there more than you ever imagined, like us. 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. I always love 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 around the park but the common thread is that almost everyone is embracing the Disney spirit!

Packing for Disney World: Adult Clothing

With all the anti-chafing and blister warnings, if I sound like I am preparing you for a marathon, it is because I am! It is tons of walking, the heat can be unreal, and emotions are running high – so dress accordingly! You’re also taking a ton of pictures. At least I hope you are! Be sure to jump on in there with your kids and spouse!

Here are some things I like to wear around Disney World:

• A lightweight dress on warm days
• Lilly Pulitzer athletic skort and top
• Jeans and a top on cooler days
• Minnie Mouse ears…my favorite way to “Disney” up any outfit I wear!

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. Here are some of the clothing items he packs:

• Performance button-downs
• Performance polos
• Performance shorts and/or golf shorts
• Ironic Disney t-shirts from Hundred Acre Hood

The Ultimate Disney World Packing List

Thinking we’ve covered it all? Well, we’re actually just getting started! These were the “big” items I wanted to share when it comes to packing for Disney World. But there are so many other items that are equally as important. In order to make sure you have everything you need, I’ve put together the ultimate Disney World packing list! It includes 5 pages of Disney packing essentials for the entire family. Click the link below to download it for free!

Packing for Disney World

Packing for any trip can be a lot. And packing for Disney World can be extra overwhelming. I hope my family’s packing list serves as a helpful guide for those making plans to visit the “Happiest Place On Earth”! For additional Disney inspiration, be sure to check out 5 reasons why we love The Four Seasons, Orlando, our visit to the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek, and how to have a Disney day at home. You can also find a lot of Disney content over on my Instagram stories and highlights. As always, feel free to reach out via a comment below or send me a DM if you have any questions about how to pack for Disney!

All photos in this post were shot by Jessie Roffer Photography