Hey Everyone!
With trips coming and going we have been super busy and can’t wait for the fun to continue. Packing for a Disney trip can be an undertaking in itself, especially if it’s your first time going. In this blog we will go over different items we find helpful and what could potentially be a use to you too! Here is a helpful packing list!
First Things First
What we like to do first is make a packing list of basics we know we absolutely need. This includes your essentials such as clothing, swimwear, shoes, bathroom items, and park bag, just to name a few.
Clothing
Bring enough for each day plus a few extra. We find it helpful to have a few extra of each item in case you want to change out of wet or sweaty clothing. Now if you’re super into fashion, some people like to have a full outfit or several, for each day. We obviously love rocking Disney shirts and even matching family shirts can be just as fun!
My rule of thumb is to pack extra socks and a couple pairs of shoes, you never know when you’re going to get stuck in a quick downpour. And trust us, you don’t want to be trapped in wet socks and shoes for a full day, it won’t end well.
Bathroom Items
Aside from your everyday bathroom essentials we highly recommend sunscreen. It’s a good idea to have some in your room to apply before heading to the park or pool. We even pack some in our park bag to reapply later in the day. The Florida sun can really do a doozy. In case you do find yourself more on the toasty side, it may help to pack aloe in some form, whether it’s a lotion or a spray, never a bad idea to have handy.
Park Bag
Here is where you need to be a little more intentional with what’s in your bag. This bag will go with you everywhere, so it’s good to have what you need within a quick reach. If you have little ones, we know more bags are essential. Some good ideas would be snacks for your littles, perhaps a swimsuit and swim diaper. Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney Springs have splash pads for younger ones to enjoy.
Again sunscreen, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer are always included. A good-sized plastic bag of some sort is helpful to hold your important items such as money or gift cards, phones or cords for charging on the go. If you’re getting too hot, we recommend a handheld fan or two and a cooling towel. Staying dry can sometimes be a challenge and for that we include a compact umbrella or ponchos.
It is also a good idea to have a mini first aid kit in your bag. You can buy a cheap one pretty much anywhere. I have bought some at Walmart, target and even bed bath and beyond. It’s always good to have band aids for those blisters that may show up, or some Tylenol to help with those aches and pains. For your little ones you may want to pack a small Childrens Tylenol just in case. If you need a helpful list for packing your park bag, go for it! Lists can really help if you know there is a lot you have to worry about.
Extras to Consider
Now knowing you have your basics down and accounted for there are a few other things to consider based on if you are flying or driving.
Here at Midwestdisneylife we absolutely love going on those long road trips down to Disney! They can make the trip even more special and memorable. As a kid I remember my parents playing the toy story soundtrack via cassette (that may or may not age me lol) with the windows down in the van and driving through the mountains. However, as we have grown, we also fully enjoy the speediness of a plane!
One thing I most definitely love about driving down is the flexibility and space you have in your own vehicle. You have room for pillows, blankets if needed, all the extra car things your kiddos need, it makes traveling with kiddos a lot easier, in my opinion. On the flip side, if your kids do well on a plane and you want to get there with more time at Disney, by all means fly! I enjoy the convenience of flying but driving allows you more freedom as far as packing.
Pack Snacks
If you are driving down, PACK SNACKS!!! These can make your trip much cheaper and have the potential to keep everyone happy! Especially if you have a few in your group that get hangry. Quick snacks are great to throw in your park bag, you never know when you may get hungry waiting in a long line.
When I went with my group of 9 in January, we had snacks galore. Prior to leaving we went to Sam’s Club and purchased breakfast muffins, pop-tarts, goldfish, cookie pouches, and more. We also brought packs of Powerade, Gatorade, and water. We brought bananas and apples too. There was enough for the 9 of us and had plenty for the road trip home.
If you are traveling with your little ones, more than likely you are already packing this, but just in case you are bouncing around the idea, we recommend bringing your stroller. Not only will this save your kiddos from wearring out too quickly but it’s also great for storage. It’s a place to put your bags, bags you accumulate while shopping, it’s a cup holder and more.
If you do not feel like you need to bring one and a few days in realize perhaps it may have been a good idea, you can always rent one in the parks. Disney has ya covered!
Something I have discovered recently and am finding super helpful are packing cubes. These are great when you have a lot to pack and need to make sure you have the space in your suitcase or bag. These are great for clothes, bathroom items, and even holding snacks. I love them, they make organization so much easier. If you prefer a cheaper way to organize, Ziplock bags are a fantastic tool as well.
Time for a List
Now that we have gone over some tips, here is a helpful packing list to use or consider when packing for your trip. These are general items we usually have. Add them to yours if you see any you may want to include!
The List
- Hairbrushes
- Razors
- Toothbrush\toothpaste
- Sunscreen
- Meds
- Contacts\solution\drops
- Hair products
- Deodorant
- Chargers for phones
- shirts
- shorts
- undies
- swimsuits
- socks\sandles\shoes
- undershirts
- laundry bag
- portable chargers
- fan
- cooling towel
- snack bags
- snacks
- water bottles
- stroller
- rain cover
- ponchos
- bug spray
- magic bands
- gift cards
- first aid kit
- tablets\chargers
- hats
- sunglasses
- pillow
It is our hope this list for packing is some help to you. Maybe you see something you may have not considered before and were undecided. Be sure to cater your list to you and your family’s needs.
Packing for your trip can be fun and really get you in the mood for the excitement ahead.
When you’re ready to book a trip make sure to reach out to our friend and travel agent Erica! She is amazing and can help you plan your trip for free! She really is the best! Make sure to tell her midwestdisneylife sent you!
Having a hard time trying to decide on the first steps or where to begin? Check out our blog “First things First” to help you get started!
Be sure to find us on our social media pages! When you do like and give us a follow!
