
Planning a trip to Disney and think you have it all? It’s hard to remember everything that you need when you are packing for a holiday. I always end up packing, unpacking and re-packing to make sure I have everything. When you are visiting Disney there are many things you don’t always remember to pack or even know to pack. Therefore You end up shelling out a small fortune buying in the parks in times of need or wishing you had thought of it before! I have listed below some of my ultimate Disney packing list with fun and essential item that I can live without when planning a trip to Disney! I hope this guide makes it easier for you and ensure you have the best time when in the parks!
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FIRSTLY…ESSENTIALS
Now I know a lot of these may sound obvious…but the most obvious thing we tend to forget. Here are the top essential items you cant forget when packing your ultimate Disney packing list.
COMFY SHOES
Apparently, the average daily miles you will walk in the park can range from 10-14 miles! Now that’s a lot of walking. We all know what a lot of walking leads to… Sore feet and grumpy kids. We can be in the parks anywhere from 8 am-12 pm. That’s a long time to be struggling in uncomfortable shoes. This is why I’m putting comfy shoes at the top of my ultimate Disney packing list. You don’t want to start your holiday with blisters and sitting down every half hour in pain. Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes that are bedded in before you leave.

SWIMSUIT
Now waterparks are not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Disney parks. I know not all Disney parks have water parks but they do have pools at the hotels. The water parks and pool are a great way to break up the week or just to go and cool off! The last thing you want to do is turn up without a swimsuit and miss out on the fun! The water parks at Disney world for sure are amazing parks that you would not want to miss out on. Take a look at the cute Disney inspired ones below!
POWER BANKS
You will be spending very long days and super long nights in the parks. If you are like me and carry a phone, GoPro, Camera..ect you will need at least one power bank. We park hop and don’t tend to head back to our hotel until we have to. So with being all over the place, it’s hard to find the time to stop and charge. With keeping a power bank or two in my backpack, we can charge on the go. I’ll never miss a photo opportunity again due to a dead battery! I never travel without one! Here is the link to the ones I have below!
GOPRO
As I lightly touched on that last point, I always pack my GoPro for Disney. This was a game changer the first time we took it! With it being small, compact and waterproof… you can’t go wrong! I never have to worry about having to carry something bulky around. You can also attach them to anything! They are awesome for rides, Waterparks and filming parades. The quality is outstanding and is much easier to carry than a DSLR. I never go on holiday without it. Here is the link to the same one I use!
WATERPROOF PHONE CASE
Disney has lots of water rides as well as there water parks. The last thing you want is to be enjoying the most magical place on earth and get water in your phone. I always keep one of these in my suitcase. You can still use your phone while in the case. They even have lanyards so makes carrying easy. Make your phone benefit not a drag while away and worry no longer.
WATERPROOF BAG
Similar to the point above, always pack a waterproof bag. Even in the height of summer, we have been caught out in the rain in Disney. You do not want everything you have on you getting wet. This would mean rushing back to the hotel. Trying to dry the content of the bag and probably missing out on a lot of fun and time! I always use a waterproof drawstring bag as my main back while at Disney. This takes a lot of stress off trying to find shelter. As I know that if it gets a bit wet, everything will be safe and dry!
RAIN PONCHO
For the same reasons as above, you don’t want to have to worry about getting rained on in the parks! If you’re like me, you want photos with every character and everything possible in the park..hehe. You don’t want to be wet and grumpy in all your photos. I always make sure we have a big poncho each packed. With this, we can grab them out as soon as it rains. They even have enough space to go over our backpack and cover most of our legs. Winner!
HANDHELD MIST FAN
Okay on the opposite end of the spectrum here. Whichever park you are at it can get hot. Like seriously hot. There is nothing worse than uncomfortable heat. We ended up buying one of these at Disney in desperate need of release. It cost us around $20, which is eating into a big chunk of spending money. Pack one before you go and save yourself the cash and uncomfortableness!

COOLING TOWEL
Again I wish we had known about these sooner. Everywhere you go in the parks, you see people with cooling towels. They are great for the kids too to protect their necks and save them from overheating. This is a must to stay cool and comfy.
ZIPLOCK BAGS
Sounds like a bit of an odd one for the ultimate Disney packing list. Lots of people forget that you can take snacks into the parks. This is a great thing to keep in your bag in case you don’t finish that giant Mickey cookie or want to take some crisps out to the parks with you. Check out these reusable ziplock bags!
FLEECY JUMPER
Now I know I have been banging on about how hot it tends to be at Disney. Even at night in Florida, it can get a little chilly. Always pack a comfy jumper for those long evening spent watching the fireworks. You don’t want to spend half an hour waiting for a bus and be cold! Check out some of these Disney themed ones!
FIRST AID KIT
This is something I would ALWAYS forget to pack when we first started going away. I would always end up with some sort of cut or pain and regret not packing them. If like me you are sensitive to different pain relief, you don’t want to waste time reading labels. Always pack some pain relief and stomach tablet. You never know what might happen. Same with plasters especially since you are bound to get a blister at some point. If you have kids, I’m sure you will use a plaster or two! Why not purchase a mini first aid kit so you are prepared for anything! then you can keep this in the room and just pack the essentials in your bag.
NOW THE FUN STUFF
Now the fun part of the ultimate Disney packing list! for me Disney just wouldn’t be the same without these… Here are some of my top fun suggestions to help you have the most magical experience.
THEMED WARDROBE
Whether you are a child, teen or adult this is for you. The first time we went to Disneyworld I was so shocked by the number of people in Disney themed clothing. Whether it be a minimalist look or full-blown Disney geek. I would bet on 85% of people are in Disney attire. For me, this adds to the magic. I make sure I have a Disney dress or t.shirt for every day! Plus they look awesome in your photos. These are also great to have for ticketed events such as Mickey’s not so scary halloween festival. This is not only a great festival but everyone dresses up! Check out the ones below, these are similar to the ones I take to Disney!
EARS
Now I religiously collect a pair of ears every time I visit the park. I will wear this pair of ears the whole holiday then take them home and display them. you can also get hats with ears which i see alot of the men and boys wear. They are not the cheapest thing in the world as they are around $29.99. You can get great alternatives from around £5 from online markets like etsy, if you prefer. These are a great way to feel the magic. Its great to buy a pair before you go as you can wear them on the plane ( yes i have seen so many adults do this ) or before you arrive to get into the spirt of things.
AUTOGRAPH BOOK
If you love collecting things this is a great one. You can bring you autograph book year after year and keep adding to your collection. When you meet a character you give them your book to sign. This can also make interactions less akward for those characters who dont speak. I love mine and its a great way to hold my favourite memories. Bring your with you before you go so you can get collecting from day one.

PINS
If you are a keen pin collector or just looking for something cool to start while you are away. This is for you. I touched on this in my last disney post: Ultimate guide to Disney World Resorts Orlando, So check that out after! Bring pins with you ready for trading, or if you havent traded before and want to look into it more, by some cheap pins online or even a series pack that you can trade with to get the rest of while in disney. We have had hours of fun and thousands of pins from trading!
PENNIES
Last but not least! This is something I only started to do the last few times we visited, I wish we had started sooner. If you have some pennies left over from previous trips or just in your wallet, remember to pack them. There are over 80 penny press machines at disney world and numerous at other parks around the world. They are super fun to collect, small to carry and great mementos. You can also buy a pressed penny books before you go away. So when you do start collecting them you wont loose them!
I hope you have enjoyed my fun and essential Disney packing list! I would love to hear if there are any other things you can think to pack. Whether that be either fun or essential items, Let me know in the comments below!
Don’t forget to pin it
Wow, you definitely have everything covered. What a great and well-thought out list! The power bank is a great idea that I probably wouldn’t have thought about. I love the idea of a themed wardrobe, too! Thanks so much for sharing this helpful list.
That’s an awesome list. Saving it for our next trip.
There are so many handy items on this list that I’ve never considered! Thanks for sharing, I’ll be putting this article to good use when I plan my next Disney trip!
Thank you so much! Glad there were some items you can use next time!
Love the list! We are huge Disney fans and always take Ziploc bags and a few clothespins (there’s usually a clothesline in the tub, plus they are great for closing chip bags or curtains). First aid supplies have saved us several times–moleskin, Advil, Neosporin, and more. And, don’t forget the SUNSCREEN!
Thank you so much! glad you enjoyed the list! oh yes suncream is sooo important haha
This is a terrific list! I totally need something like this when I visited Disney Land a couple of years ago. It was so crowded and hot. Fortunately, I still have my fancy ears lying around in my house.
Aww thank you so much for the kind words! I wish you had had this then! I love my ears haha!
This really is the ultimate list! I haven’t been to Disneyland in years and I definitely didn’t pack as many of these things because you’re right, it’s the obvious things we tend to forget. Thanks for this list. It will be handy for traveling to many different places.
Thanks for reading! Isn’t it just haha! glad you enjoyed this post 🙂
Yes to the hand held fan! Definitely need one!
Emma- I will be honest– I would have NEVER thought to bring a GO Pro on a trip let alone Disney! BRILLIANT! JUST BRILLIANT! I usually take mine birdwatching and kayaking– you’ve inspired me to think BIGGER! thanks!
You are so welcome! I adore my GoPro and I now take it everywhere! was brilliant for Disney as you can just pop it away quickly when on rides!
How long does the battery last? We are kayakers and I was thinking it would be lots of fun to use a GoPro on our next trip to share with my Mom who is in a senior residence…
These is a great list. We have visited Disney twice and I
am sure will do more trips in the future. It is such a magical place and these vacations are always so fun!
Great list of must haves for Disney! I love the Penny idea – what a great momento with the Penny keepsake book. My kids would be all over this. Love your photos and details and thanks for sharing!
Aww glad that you found something fun on the list! Thank you so much 🙂
I am definitely missing a Disney trip! Thank you for this great list 🙂
That is the ultimate list, yes. I must save it for my toddler’s first trip to Disney. Thank you, especially for the fun items ideas!
Glad you enjoyed this post! The fun items are sure to make your trip memorable:D
Wow! Great and comprehensive post! We live an hour from Disney but have only ever been once, we didn’t plan well and didn’t have an awesome time. This’ll definitely help if we decide to go again.
I haven’t been to Disney in YEARS! But I can’t wait to plan a trip back. Thank you for creating this great list!
Loved the post. So much detail woah!
Thanks for stopping by!
Fun! I definitely recommend getting those cooling towels and ponchos at home, much cheaper! Great ideas! =)
Glad you enjoyed this post! don’t forget them for next time 😉
Wow! That’s good information. Thanks for taking the time to come up with these ideas. Themed wardrobe, love it!
I would have never thought of pennies! I love this list and have it bookmarked for when we make our trip, it’s sadley pushed back a bit due to Covid.
Oh no! I bet you are so excited to visit! At least you have some more ideas and have time to save those pennies now!
It has been a while since we were last at Disney. So good to get a reminder of things to pack. A waterproof bag is such a great idea. Way better than worrying about your things. I must admit I did buy ears the last time I was there. A fun addition to the pics.
Thank you 🙂 I am glad there was something to help on this list! Who doest love a good pair of ears hah!
When I went to Disneyland Paris I didn’t pack comfy shoes and wow it was such a mistake!!! This list is super helpful for when I visit in Florida next year (hopefully). A themed wardrobe is also a must, I have so many Disney themed clothes so won’t have to buy new things!
Oh no! thats the worst isn’t it haha! I did the same the first time we visited! I hope you enjoy your trip to florida im sure you will love it! I cant wait to see photos of your time there and themed wardrobe!
I never really thought about how much you’d need to pack to visit Disney. You sound like quite the pro, especially with a handheld mist fan! WOW! I didn’t even know this was a thing. Definitely going to check this little gadget out next time I go somewhere particularly hot.
Hehe! Glad you enjoyed this list and you will be so glad that you picked up a mist fan next time you go away!!
Wow now that’s a detailed list of things to pack for Disney. I never thought that we had to pack so many things. I thought the only thing that some one needs is a pair of good shoes as I do know you need to walk a lot. But this is awesome, I will ensure I am prepared with these things the next time I plan to visit Disneyland, which is in my list. I hope to visit the Florida and Paris ones soon.
That’s definitely an extensive packing list! Comfy shoes is a very basic necessity given the amount of walking to be done. Ofcourse, with the very many water rides, swimsuit is definitely a must. I wouldn’t have initially thought about waterproof bag and waterproof phone case. Thanks for the tip about pennies – pressed pennies are definitely great souvenirs.
Yes lots of people don’t think about waterproof bag and are so glad when they have one! Glad you enjoyed this post and hope you save your pennies for your next trip!
Oh I’m so relieved someone else has so much trouble packing like me where you end up unpacking and repacking. 🙂 We’re taking our nieces and nephew to Disney next year and I definitely hadn’t been thinking about all of the waterproof/rain essentials. Or an autograph book! So I’m really glad I found this list.
HAHA its such a pain! I always end up doing it lol. Awww that will be lovely! I hope you have the best time! glad there are some good tips on here for when you visit!
This is such a helpful list that you have created! It literally is everything that you WILL need but do not remember or think of at the time! A lot of what you mentioned on this list I have unfortunately learned the hard way! This list is great! I agree with collecting the mouse ears! It is a must!! Reading this has given me the itch to go the Disney again!
This is awesome! I am a disney baby and if you’ll ask me what’s my ideal vacation then no doubt it’s going to be in a Disney Park. Thank you for sharing this packing list. I agree with you that it helps to bring a handheld mist fan and yes, don’t forget the ears. 🙂
Going to Disney park is always an exciting trip. I went for first time without any preparations which I regret. Now looking to your post makes me feel that I should have read this before. Comfy shoes are really must as it is really tiring to walk all around in heels or uncomfortable shoes. Even taking some themed accessories or clothes is a great idea.
It sure is! Glad there are some things on the list that you found helpful and can take for next time!
Great suggestions! I never thought to bring a GoPro. I’ll be sure to bring one next trip!
What a great list, thanks! A rain poncho can be easily forgotten but would be missed!
This is a great list of items with things I would not have thought of before! I completely agree about all of the waterproofing items and the poncho. There was a downpour when I was at Animal Kingdom and I had to spend money buying a poncho! One thing I would add is the dry weave clothing for working out; it wicks away sweat and dries quickly, so it is perfect for wearing to amusement parks and on water rides!
I’ve only been once but after this I can say RAIN PONCHO. It was raining cats and dogs haha!
Oh bless you! At least you can still feel the magic even when it is raining!
This post makes me want to get back to Disney so bad!! We loved pin trading, and so many people dont know it is a thing!!!
I really want to go back to disney this post and list of neccesary things is really good. Perfect reminder.
Nice!!!! My sister has been wanting to take my nephew for ages. I’ll definitely bookmark this for her 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the post! I hope they have the best time when they visit!
Love this! When we went to disney it poured and we bought ponchos there. It was a fortune! Great tips!
Oh no! At leat you can still have fun at Disney in the rain! Glad you enjoyed this post 🙂
Awesome list! These are all very useful for the trip. I can’t wait to go back.
Thank you! Im glad that you enjoyed the post and there were some helpful suggestions on here! Me too hopefully soon!
Thanks for this handy list, saves so much trouble while you are planning a trip to Disney.
Glad that you enjoyed the post! See you on the next one! 😀
We had cooling towels on our trip last October and OMG GAME CHANGER!
So true! They really make all the difference!
This is a great list! I always carry my comfy shoes and my power bank whenever I go on holiday or on a trip. I will save this post for future reference
Glad you enjoyed this list and there were some helpful and friendly reminders on here! see you on the next post!
On the list, I already have the camera and extra batteries. Shoes and Water proof/plastic materials. It’s great to have this post to remind me of my shortages. Thanks!
Im so glad that you enjoyed the post and there are some handy suggestions! See you on the next one!
I didn’t realize that I can bring in outside food. That will save a ton of money next time I go to Disney.
I never knew this either on my first time! You are right it really does save a lot of money!
Having been to Disney a number of times as a kid and as an adult I can say this is a valuable list. My personal faves (and definite must-packs) are the comfortable shoes, the dry bag, and (for kids) the autograph book. That was a treasure for me when I was little. The hand-held fan I never did remember to pack on any of my visits but I remember being SO jealous of the people who had them!
Aww I’m so glad that you enjoyed this list and there were some great items on here for you! Yes mist fan envy is very real haha!
What a useful list. Most of those wouldn’t even occur to me to bring. Thank you for consolidating.
Glad you enjoyed the post and there were a few items you would have forgotten otherwise!
Great list! I actually second the fans, especially during summer! I got a headache when I visited Disneyland Paris.
Great list! Comfy shoes are an absolute must. So much walking!
Thank you! Yes so so much walking! comfys are a must!
Well this gave me wanderlust lol. Looking forward to travel opening up again one day so I can put these tips to use with my family!
Yes me too haha! Hopefully soon. Glad you enjoyed this post!
I really love the lists, this will be very handy for me. This will make planning my next Disney trip really easy.
We postponed our disney trip to next year so it’s perfect to read these tips right now so that I can prepare
Disney is such a wonderful travel destination. You have included so many great tips. I will keep this post in mind if we travel there again. Thanks for sharing!
I so love to walk. Comfy shoes are a must.
Of all the items you’ve mentioned (which I had back when we visited Tokyo Disneyland), only the rain poncho is a mistake of not bringing it and I have no idea. And I regret not bringing my own coz, the waterpark so cool and I have to spend 100-yen each time I need a rain poncho! Geez that is expensive!
This is such a good list. No harm in being prepared. I am the same way.
I take comfy shoes everywhere I go, but I imagine that waiting in line for long periods of time could give you a sore back! The waterproof bag and phone case is a great suggestion, I’d forgotten about all those rides that splash in the water!
Agree with the shoes! Having fun depends on how comfy your shoes is! And you can roam around the park, from morning til evening!
This is definitely a smart list. I haven’t been to Disney or any other theme park in a while, but I would always note having the essentials on hand.
This post brings back the memories of previous times I was at Disneyland and forgot my power bank and a wateriest Fantasias! Never again haha! Thank you for a really good reminder for my next trip!
Native Floridian here and DW AP holder as well. This is a fantastic list and pretty much everything I’d bring with on a weekend trip to Disney as well. Only thing I’d add is a refillable water bottle. Water is so dang expensive but if you go to the quick service counters and Starbucks and ask for ice water they will give it to you for free and some of them have big things of it sitting out so you can fill your bottle up for free with nice icy water. The cooling towels are amazing to have on hand during the summer because the heat in Orlando at the parks can be pretty brutal and there really isn’t a ton of shade… especially at magic kingdom. I’m glad you put in there about have something warm with you too. If you come down here from December to March you may be surprised by how cold it actually can get in Florida. Those of us in north Florida are used to hitting freezing and below and even sub zeros sometimes but central Florida can get pretty cold and windy too. Layers are your friend during those months. It may be in the 70s or 80s during the day but at night it may hit 30 and windy when the sun goes down.
Disneyland is my dream theme park , that’s why I’m so excited reading your fun and essential list , it’s very handy to know this, eventhough it might take a wee while that we can travel again.
I think you’ve got it all covered! Save room in the suitcase to bring back souvenirs! I’ve never seen or heard of a handheld mister! Is there really such a thing?
I didn’t even know cooling towels were a thing until now! Sounds super handy and great for travelling in general as well. It’s so cool how they have penny press machines too. I still haven’t been to Disney yet and reading this is definitely making me wanna go!