What to Pack

The most important thing to bring along is comfortable shoes! We can't stress this enough! Do NOT buy new shoes the week before you go, no one will be looking at your feet. A well broken-in comfortable pair of walking shoes will be much better than trying to break in a new pair of shoes that look nice. You'll be doing a LOT of walking. If you feel the need to take new shoes along pack a pair of old ones too. You'll be glad you did.

Comfortable clothing is the rule; dress is very casual at Walt Disney World. With exception, if you'd like to make dinner reservations at one of the more elegant restaurants you should pack accordingly. If you plan to swim, don't forget your bathing suit. Women should bring along a one-piece suit if they plan on any of the "wild ride" water slides at Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach. Below is a list of a few other things you might want to take along. Keep in mind that some things listed may not apply to you or your family.

We read a tip from a lady getting ready to go to Disney with small children. For each day that they were going to be there she packed a days clothing for each child in a five-gallon zip-lock plastic bag. She said this eliminated any morning confusion and at the end of each day the clothing could be put back in the plastic bags to keep the dirty laundry separated from any new purchases made. We've not tried it, but it sounds like a good idea. Anything to avoid morning confusion before coffee is a plus. Now, onto additional packing...

• 2-Way Communication Devices
• Address Book & Stamps
• Antacids, Aspirins, Prescription Medicines
• Appliances - Travel Size Coffee Maker, Toaster, etc.
• Autograph Book
• Avon Skin-So-Soft to avoid the mosquito bites
• Backpack or Tote Bag to carry camera, ponchos, etc.
• Band-aids
• Extra Batteries & Film or Disposable Camera
• Beach Shoes for pool or water parks
• Book
• Camera(s) - Disposable, 35mm, Digital, Video
• Proof of Car Insurance if you're renting a car
• Cigarettes & Lighter if you're a smoker
• Dental Floss
• Fanny Pack
• Gum (you won't find gum for sale at Walt Disney World)
• Laundry Detergent, Fabric Softener Sheets, Stain Stick
• Moleskin for blisters
• Mister Fans
• Nail Clippers and File
• Needle, Thread, & Safety Pins for emergency repairs
• Night Lights
• Current Photos of Your Children in the event they get lost
• Rain Poncho or Umbrella
• Small Flashlight
• Small Scissors
• Sunscreen
• Toddler-sized Utensils if applicable
• Sunglasses plus an extra pair just in case...
• Trash Bags & Ziploc Bags
• Travelers' Checks
• Extra Video Tapes

What do visitors have to say?

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Your Tips Here!

We are avid amusement park visitors, and we always bring ziplocks to the parks to put our cameras and wallets in. One ziplock carries tissues and folded paper towels... just in case. Also, try to bring spray-on sunblock (I suggest Coppertone Sport spray) because it is easy to re-apply all day when you are in line and stuff because it dries fast and is so much easier than rubbing sunblock on every time. (Sandy, 08/04)

We carried all the "essentials" in a backpack that we would take turns wearing throughout the day. I bought cheap rain ponchos before we left and they were wonderful. Bring gallon size ziplock bags to put your camera in for water rides and rainy weather. I also brought granola bars, Rice Krispie treats, pop tarts and other small sized snacks. Throughout the day we could grab a snack while waiting in line, no mess and it would usually hold us over until we could actually stop for real food. Plus with the food gone we then had more room in our suitcase for souvenirs. There are now blister bandaids out from Band-Aid brand that will actually begin to heal and soothe your poor tired feet. (Tracey, 06/04)

We bring a clean and washed gallon milk carton and some crystal lite to our hotel. We have plenty to drink and then throw away the milk carton before we leave to make room for souvenirs. (Ginny Rigsby, 04/04)

HAVE AN EXTRA HAIR TIE! If the sun is beating down on you and you are sweating... the last thing you want is your hair down. It becomes such a bother because then it gets stuck to your back from you sweating... something some people just might forget. (michelle, 04/04)

1) Make a schedule for each day. Miniaturize a photocopy of the day's schedule & put in pocket. This way u won't forget what to ride.
2) Check Park Hours BEFORE U leave home-and design schedule accordingly.
3) Check the Rides out before ur trip: This way u can avoid wasted time trying to figure out if a ride has a drop or too steep to ride, etc.
4) Buy Water when u get to Florida & then put in a backpack.
5) In your backpack you should have: moist towelettes (to freshen up during the day), mini-sized Purell (to sanitize hands before eating), fresh pair of socks, hairbrush, sunscreen, baseball hat (if sun bothers u during day), water, menus of each restaurant for the park u r in (Print from online), a note paper/pad to write the parking lot space number/area down! A Plastic Garbage Bag/Baggie to waterproof your cameras, etc. *check your hotel out BEFORE u go! get all the info u can! MAP out your driving directions prior to leaving for your vacation. ENJOY! (Krissy F, 04/04)

Snacks,canned meats/fish,powdered drinks,mini boxes of cereal. You can get them on sale before you leave and not spend a fortune for them when you get there. (The Leahys, 02/04)

In response to the "how do I carry it" comment. A fanny pack or small to medium bag with a strap that can be wrapped around the waist will hold snacks, cameras, socks and sunglasses. There are straps available for $1-$2 that are designed to fit over the pop top on a water bottle. Then it can be worn around your neck, for on rides, or over the arm.

The other option is to utilize the baby swap area. You can leave your bags with someone in your party and then ride in shifts. This works out better if you are not attending during the extremely busy times/days. (Nancy W, 11/03)

My family loves to watch the parades. The first time we went to Disney ('95) we followed the guide books suggestion to find a seat about 20-30 minutes before the parade starts. BAD IDEA! We found one but it wasn't very good and we were cramped and felt like we were imposing on the people who were there first. NOW we know to try to get to our favorite sites to view the parades about 1-1/2 to 1 hour before the parade starts. We take a blanket in our backpack, lay it out so we will all have enough room, then I wait with the kids while my husband goes and gets either lunch(if its a day parade) or some snacks (for night parades) we enjoy our food , get rid of our trash, and then watch the parade. (Tink, 11/03)

Make sure you carry along extra baggies for gum, motion sickness, and for candy you don't finish eating! (Brooke, 03/02)

Hearing protectors for small kids that are afraid and startled by loud noises, they are lightweight and fit easily in a backpack. My son used to be afraid of fireworks, so we'd put them on him -- he actually fell asleep once with them on! (Lori, 01/02)

Our daughter just turned five, so I like to pack a Ziploc bag of powdered laundry detergent and a handful of dryer sheets -- just in case there are any bathroom mishaps or the occasional motion-sickness moments. (On that same note -- pack extra Ziploc bags to put soiled clothing in.) Also pack a roll of quarters for convenience. (Mindy, Southampton, NY, 01/02)

We took bottled water into the parks. We froze them in the refrigerator in the hotel room and wrapped them in paper towels. They stayed frozen for awhile and then we could refill them at the water fountains. Great way to keep hydrated and it helped save money. (Victoria, 01/01)

Under cameras you have every type but the waterproof disposables. These are great for the water parks and cost 1/2 of what they charge in the parks if you buy them at home. (Heather, 01/02)

Bring anti-perspirant spray for your feet -- not to stop them from smelling, but stop for getting blisters. Keep it with in the park, and during the hot days re-apply, especially if your feet get wet from a ride or rain. I was skeptical when I first heard about, but tried it last August. I am prone to the blisters, so I made sure I had the moleskin and didn't use it once. The only time I was close to getting a blister was in Epcot after a rain storm, because I didn't bring the spray or extra socks. I swear by it. My son even does it at home, he was landscaping this summer and used it for that! (MJ Casey, 09/01)

Personal stuff (feminine products, contact wearers solution, cases, and glasses, allergies medicine, eye drops). (Karrie S, 07/01)

I appreciate the suggestions regards what items to pack. However, I can't figure out a way to carry the rain ponchos, umbrellas, snacks, water bottles, camera, extra socks, sunglasses, etc., and still go on the rides! Any advice? (Glas8, 05/01)

If I know I'm going to Disney, I usually put aside the products that I am just about running out of (i.e., shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, etc.) and buy new ones of those products before I leave and then when I get down there I can throw the old ones away at the end of vacation and start with fresh new ones when I get back. This makes more room in my suitcase if I buy something new. (Lori V, 05/01)

FILM! How could you go to WDW without it? (Kimberly, 10/00)

The last time we were at WDW it rained every day at least once. We only took one good pair of walking shoes each. Our shoes got soaked and didn't have a chance to dry out over night. We finally had to find a place to buy more shoes to wear while we gave our others a chance to dry out! (Diane, 09/00)

We're going to WDW again in the Summer. What really helped us last year was the Mister Fans that spray water and have an attached fan. They were very helpful while standing on long lines in the hot sun. I used the zip-lock bag idea for packing the kids clothes and it worked well, I could really flatten out the bags with the clothes in them - thus making more room in the suitcase. (Mary, 07/00)

We bring water bottles and snacks for the park in an extra suitcase. This saves some money and then I use the extra empty suitcase to bring home souvenirs. We also tend to visit WDW in Nov. so I do plenty of Christmas shopping and put those in another soft, canvas bag I rolled up and brought in with the snacks. (Twombly, 07/00)

Toddler size utensils. I have a small fork and spoon for my two year old and I have a little case to keep them in. That way he eats a lot better since he has utensils he can handle. (M.McNeil, 04/00)

I find it better to not pack a lot of clothes, pack your suitcase with a lot of room to spare. I know when my family goes down we end having to buy another bag or suitcase to bring home all the things we bought! (Molly from Ohio, 04/00)

I think it is very important (at least for us) to each bring a good book. This can really facilitate afternoon resting and getting relaxed enough to go to sleep at night, particularly on those first couple of days when you aren't really worn out yet! (Laurabeth, 04/00)

Small scissors, Moleskin for blisters, Avon Skin-So-Soft to avoid the mosquito bites, Extra pair of sunglasses. (Susan, 03/00)

I have found that, when packing, you should ROLL your clothes. This not only cuts down on the number of bags/luggage you have to take by saving space, it also helps with the problem of wrinkles caused by tight folds. Pack a lint roller/brush for those nights out on the town. Very important. (The Jayman, 02/00)

Last Updated: May 9, 2009