How to Pack for Disney World
Packing for Disney World is its own kind of puzzle. Pack too light and you're scrambling mid-day for things you didn't think you'd need. Pack too heavy and you're hauling a bag that makes every step feel harder than it needs to be. The goal is to be prepared for the day without feeling like you're carrying your entire house through your resort.
This post breaks down everything you need to pack, from your suitcase to your park bag, for every type of trip, whether you're going solo, as a couple, or wrangling little ones.
Before You Even Start Packing: A Few Pre-Trip Tips Worth Knowing
Set a food and snack budget before you go, and decide how much you want to bring from home or purchase at a store once you’re in Orlando, versus buy in the parks. You're allowed to bring in essentially anything you want besides alcohol, but keep in mind that the more you pack, the more you're carrying around all day. A good middle ground is bringing breakfast items and snacks for your room, then handling park meals through mobile ordering at Quick Service locations or any Table Service reservations you may have. You can plan a grocery run once you get to Orlando, place a Target or Walmart pickup order to grab on your way in, or use Instacart to have things delivered directly to your resort lobby.
If you're bringing a stroller, it must be smaller than 52" long x 32" wide, and wagons are not permitted. I'd strongly recommend Airtagging your stroller or getting a fun stroller tag because Cast Members will occasionally move strollers to different parking areas, and it can get confusing fast. Don't leave anything valuable in your stroller. Even at Disney, things can go missing. Keep your phone, wallet, and keys on your person at all times.
What to Pack in Your Suitcase
Clothing
Park outfits: t-shirts/shorts, sweatshirts/leggings, a jacket, and a raincoat
Pajamas
Bathing suit(s)
Socks
Underwear/bras/undershirts
Pool/resort flip flops
Comfortable tennis shoes
Toiletries
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Deodorant
Skincare
Haircare
Glasses/contact case/contact solution
Makeup/remover
Medications
Hairbrush
Lotion
Menstrual products
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (note: Disney resorts do provide these if you're not particular about your brand)
Other Essentials
Phone chargers
Smartwatch charger
Headphones
Kindle (for long ride lines and/or your journey to/from Disney)
MagicBand+ & its charger
Plastic baggies (useful for wet swimsuits, snacks, and a dozen other things)
Disney ears and accessories
Park bag
Sun hat(s)
Reusable straws - Disney does paper straws, so if that’s not your vibe, bring your own! I’ve seen people put plastic straws in a travel toothbrush holder in their park bag, but reusable is better for the environment without being as gross as paper straws ;)
What to Put in Your Park Bag
For a deeper breakdown of park bag options by bag size and everything I personally carry, check out my full park bag guide here. What goes in your park bag every single day, regardless of park or weather:
ID/wallet
Chafe Stick
First Aid Kit
Tissues
Chapstick
Sunscreen
Hair ties/clips
Gum
Sanitizer/wipes
Electrolyte packets
Add based on the day and forecast: reusable water bottle, snacks, poncho/raincoat, personal fan, and menstrual products.
What to Add If You're Bringing Kids
In addition to everything above, here's what to add for babies and toddlers:
Snacks — pouches, yogurt bites, puffs, and anything your kid will reliably eat. Park snacks are expensive and not always toddler-friendly.
Diapers and wipes
Stroller, stroller cover, stroller tag
Sound machine and sleeping items if your child naps (blackout tents are popular)
Extra sets of clothes & shoes
Rain jacket
Disney bubble wand and bubbles from Amazon — one of the best money-saving tips out there. Your kid gets the exact same experience for a fraction of the in-park price!
Line activities: reusable sticker books, Water Wow coloring books, travel board books, and a loaded tablet with headphones
Autograph book + Permanent Markers (alternative items to books are also becoming popular! Things like: white water bottles, white t-shirts, and frames with large mattes)
A few things worth knowing if you're traveling with little ones: when you check in, you can request that housekeeping schedule around your child's nap time, and you can also request a Pack n' Play be brought to your room. Keep your stroller organized so you can fold it quickly when boarding buses — Cast Members will ask you to collapse it in order to get on the bus. I recommend keeping everything in smaller zip pouches inside one larger bag: one for a change of clothes and shoes, one for snacks and toys, and one for diapers and wipes. It makes everything infinitely faster to grab and go.
If your child wants one of the iconic Mickey balloons, buy it on your way out rather than your way in so you're not carrying it through the park all day. It can also be deflated for travel, and any Disney Store worldwide will re-inflate it for you.
Disney World is one of those trips where a little preparation genuinely pays off, not because it needs to be perfect, but because the less you're scrambling for things mid-day, the more you can actually enjoy being there. Pack what you need, leave what you don't, and trust that once you're through those gates, the magic takes care of the rest!
