Every vacation demands the chore of packing your bags. What items should be on your Walt Disney World vacation packing list?
Vacations involve lots of fun and memories for a lifetime. That concept rings even more valid when planning a Walt Disney World Resort vacation. Many guest stories recount the perils of forgetting items when taking a Walt Disney World vacation. This resource intends to guide readers regarding a packing list for Walt Disney World to avoid any pitfalls. Of course, the “Pixies” at Pixie Vacations have plenty of stories about packing list fails when visiting Walt Disney World. We hope you can learn from our mistakes when packing for Walt Disney World.
Walt Disney World Packing List
Every group visiting Walt Disney World will differ slightly from any other group visiting. Your packing needs will not perfectly match the standard format. Do the kids in your groups need strollers? Will you have time to do laundry during your Walt Disney World vacation? What time of year will your group be visiting? This list of packing suggestions will cover the most common items.
Our Walt Disney World packing list suggestions start with the clothes you should plan to wear. Then, this resource explores other items and what to take to the Walt Disney World theme parks.
Disney World Packing List: Clothes
At the risk of stating the obvious, you must bring clothes to Walt Disney World for your vacation. As you might expect, Walt Disney World has rules about that!
When planning your packing list of clothes, one should focus on comfort. Sure, some of the clothes you pack will be for a specific part of the vacation, like a costume for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or a more adult night out. Some signature dining restaurants at Walt Disney World have a basic dress code. This is best defined as dress casual. In other words, guests will not be allowed to wear tank tops, swimsuits or swimsuit cover-ups, cutoff shorts, or torn clothing of any kind. Guests do not need to think about a stellar outfit for a nice dinner at Walt Disney World. The only exception would be if you made an advance dining reservation at Victoria & Albert’s, which has a strict dress code and a Michelin Star rating.
Nevertheless, your primary goal in terms of clothes is to remain comfortable. Comfort must be stressed since Walt Disney World theme park visitors might take over 15,000 steps daily.
Yes…. Yes, we can hear some of you now. You can still be comfortable at Walt Disney World and still look cute. Like most aspects of your Walt Disney World vacation, your packing list takes extra planning.
The hotel pools and water parks can be key aspects of a Walt Disney World vacation. You should pack at least one swimsuit unless you want to buy a brand-new one while on vacation. Depending on the length of your trip, you may need two. This allows one to dry while you enjoy the pool wearing the second one.
Disney World Weather Factor
Disney’ Blizzard Beach water park
A visit to central Florida might offer very different weather than your place of residence. The combination of sun and humidity during most of the year demands lighter clothes. One should remember the Florida rain. Guests need to plan for an afternoon shower during the warmer months of the year. This means bringing an umbrella, raincoat, or poncho.
Also, if visiting during the traditional cooler months of the year, guests will need a light jacket or sweatshirt during the early mornings and evenings. This means considering wearing light layers depending on when you visit Walt Disney World.
Disney World Packing List: Shoes
The heading for this section reads “Shoes.” This word is plural for a many reasons. You need at least two pairs of comfortable shoes. This is a must for a trip of more than a couple of days. We suggest switching back and forth between those shoes. You may also want to bring some slides, flip-flops, or sandals to wear to the pool or relax at your hotel.
Since we are discussing shoes, we should mention an accessory to shoes that will be needed for your Walt Disney World packing list: socks. We respect that this sounds obvious. Still, we have many stories of colleagues needing to remember to pack socks. With the weather in Florida, socks will be a considerable advantage since wearing sandals every day will not work out well for your feet during a Walt Disney World vacation.
Disney World Packing List: Plan for the Sun
Stating that Florida can be sunny counts as another obvious statement. Nevertheless, guests often show up at Walt Disney World Resort without a hat or any sunglasses. This could go better for them during a weeklong vacation when they are walking outdoors and experiencing the full power of the Florida sunshine. A hat will keep the sun off you and limit sunburns. Sunglasses are a must for most people visiting Walt Disney World when outdoors most of the day.
Final Thoughts on Clothes for Disney World
Once again, Walt Disney World guests should wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Still, guests should pack nice-looking garments since you will have photos of this Disney vacation for a long time. Guests should remember that they will be entering and exiting theme park ride vehicles during their Disney days. Modesty in terms of clothing should be considered for that reason.
Also, you may not be into matching shirts. However, there is nothing wrong with wearing some Disney merchandise during your time at “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Most importantly, find some clothes that you enjoy but are comfortable since you will walk more than usual and experience warmer weather.
Disney World Packing List: The Rest of the Story
A waterfront view of the Japan Pavilion in Epcot
Packing clothes and other essentials is only the beginning regarding the Walt Disney World packing list. There are several different items to make sure you bring to Walt Disney World, such as:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss – You would be surprised how often people forget these items.
- Razor, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash—After a day of rides and Disney characters, guests will want to refresh. Disney-owned hotels have some of these supplies, but guests who have their own will feel more magical.
- Deodorant—A full day at Walt Disney World might lead to some body odor. Guests can stay fresh and confident during their Walt Disney World vacation with plenty of deodorant.
- Backpack to use in the theme parks – You will need to bring items with you into the theme parks. You do not want a massive backpack because you will feel regret and pain after a long day in the theme parks. This backpack should fit easily on the rides with you.
- Phone Battery Charging Packs – A Walt Disney World vacation requires that you spend significant time on your mobile devices. With the inconsistent cell phone signal at some of the Walt Disney World theme parks, your phone battery will drain quickly.
- Water Bottle – The Florida weather and all the walking needed will demand that guests stay hydrated. You will need a water bottle in your backpack.
- Sunscreen – The Florida sun shows no mercy. If you are not used to it, sunscreen is a must! You also might want some aloe vera in case you sunburn.
- Resealable Plastic Bags—No matter your brand preference, you will be amazed how many times you will want a plastic resealable bag in snack, sandwich, or storage size on a Walt Disney World vacation. They can be used to keep things dry on water rides or for snacks.
- Lip Balm – Whether you prefer Chapstick or another brand, the Florida weather might play tricks on your lips.
- Hand Sanitizer – This will come in handy before meals and any other time you feel the need for it.
- Digestive Aids – Whether you prefer Pepto-Bismol or Tums, you may want to seek stomach relief during your Walt Disney World vacation.
- Gum – If you are a gum chewer, you must pack some. Walt Disney World does not sell gum.
- Pain Reliever- A travel-size amount of Tylenol or Advil might ease body soreness during your Walt Disney World vacation.
- Travel-size tissues- A small package of Kleenex for your backpack might be handy.
- Moleskin Patches – Guests might develop blisters based on the amount of walking involved with a Walt Disney World vacation. Moleskin or at least an adhesive bandage (Band-Aids) would help cover blisters.
- Essential Travel Documents – Guests should ensure all their necessary travel documents are in an easy-to-access bag. Examples of these are a driver’s license or passport, health insurance card, and emergency contact. In addition, a printed copy of your theme park ticket, hotel confirmation, and transportation service you plan to use. We would consider credit or debit cards as essential travel documents as well. If you own MagicBands, then they should be included in a place.
- Power strip: On a lighter note, your group might find having all your power cords and a power strip helpful. When staying in a hotel, power outlets may be limited. A power trip could solve that issue.
- Earplugs and Headphones – Hotel rooms with several people staying within them can get noisy. Earplugs can reduce the sound, especially when trying to sleep. Headphones also make a nice alternative. The kids in your group will probably already have headphones or AirPods, especially if you fly to the Orlando area for this vacation.
Disney World Packing List: Speaking of Kids
Many additional items are needed when traveling with children. Your group’s list will vary slightly from others. If you have very young children, items like diapers will be necessary! Still, some often overlooked items for your packing list are:
- Autograph book for the Disney characters (and a “Sharpie” for the characters to use)
- Glow sticks will cost far less when bought from your town of residence. They are great during the parade and nighttime.
- Coins – If you plan on collecting pressed pennies during your trip to Walt Disney World, the coins will be helpful. Bringing shiny pennies and quarters to operate the park machines will create a better souvenir. It should be noted that not all pressed penny machines take coins. Many are automated, with guests paying by credit card.
- Stroller – If your children need a stroller or two, you will save significant money by bringing one or buying from a third-party company. Do not underestimate how heavy a mall child will be after a long day at the theme park. They may look too big for a stroller. Still, it might be advantageous.
- Pins to Trade – Guests arriving with a Disney pin will save money and have a head start going around trading pins.
- Anything That Helps Kids Sleep – This could include a nightlight, a special toy, or a plushie. No one wants to experience a cranky child due to a lack of sleep on a Disney vacation.
Disney World Packing List: Extra Room in a Suitcase
No matter how you plan it, guests return with more items than when they arrive on their Walt Disney World vacation. We often see people buying an additional suitcase at Disney Springs just to fit all the stuff they bought on vacation. We suggest planning for the “extra” things for your return home to avoid baggage fees.
Ready to Pack Those Bags for Your Walt Disney World Vacation?
Even if you leave something behind as you pack for your Walt Disney World vacation, you will indeed have a magical time. The talented “Pixies” at Pixie Vacations have been helping people visit Walt Disney World for years. They can put their expertise to use for your next Disney vacation. Their services are fee-free for you. Feel free to get a no-obligation quote today. May all you Disney vacation be stress-free.
