Walt Disney World vacations are amazing – there is so much to do and see and experience, and there is definitely a lot of buildup when planning – you check out all the restaurants and menus and rides and attraction information, so once it’s time, you are READY to go, and NOTHING can stop you!
…Well, ok, not nothing, we are only human after all, and sometimes – things happen, and it’s best to be as prepared as possible for anything and everything that could come your way while on your WDW vacation
That’s why I came up with the Disney Essentials Survival Kit – these are all the things I never leave home without when I am heading to WDW:
Portable Medicine Cabinet: I make sure I have plenty of medication to get us through whatever may befall us while at Disney. Items I include are: Tylenol/ibuprofin/aspirin, Excedrin, Pepto-Bismol (in pill form), Tums, Benadryl, Mucinex, Sudafed, DayQuil and NyQuil. I also make extra sure that I am up to date on prescription refills and that I have enough of all of them to get me through. I make sure to pack all of this in my Carry on luggage, just in case my checked bags get lost, then I know I won’t be without my medications, should I need them
*Please note – you CAN buy some of these over the counter medicine items at the Disney gift shops, but
the selection is VERY limited and tends to be very expensive as well – so I highly recommend you bring
your own if you can
More after the jump…
Local Phone Number/Address Sheet: I recommend you take some time before your trip and utilize the Internet to make a list of phone numbers that include: Emergency Rooms/hospitals, doctors, dentists, grocery stores/pharmacies, and auto repair shops (if you’re renting a car while at WDW), or cab company phone numbers (if you won’t have access to a car) that will be nearby to where you are staying while in Orlando. You never know what can happen, and even in this age of Smart Phones where you can look things up, it still is helpful to have a backup list. Making google map printouts to these places can’t hurt either – you can leave them in your rental car so they are easily accessible in case of an emergency
Personal Information: Never leave home without some personal identification (your Driver’s license), and you will also want to make sure you have Health/dental/vision insurance provider information for everyone in your party. You will also want to be aware of allergies for everyone, which may seem pretty basic since you are probably traveling with your family, but having a written copy of this is a good precaution – especially for your kid’s friend who is coming along with you, just in case!
Sustenance: Keeping a stock of things to eat on hand while traveling and at the Parks will save you time, money, and most importantly – it may help prevent the inevitable mid-afternoon breakdown (adults AND kids alike are at risk for this one!). Pack things that are individually packaged, that don’t melt, and that are easy to eat on the go. I prefer things like granola bars, 100 calorie packs of cookies/crackers, dried fruit, and nuts. I also recommend carrying some hard candy and gum to help keep you satisfied between meals/snacks. Water bottles are vital too – you’ll need to stay hydrated while you tackle the Parks, and bringing your own is a MUCH more economical option that buying them once in the Park
Park Wellness: You’ll want to make sure you wear good walking sneakers and socks at all times while touring (trust me, those flip flops may look cute, but after about an hour you will be limping back to the hotel for your Nikes!), Antibacterial wet wipes (for when those Mickey Bars get out of control all over your hands and arms on a hot day!), kleenex, ponchos, extra batteries (for your camera/video camera/cell phone), cash, and ziploc baggies – I like to bring a few of all different sizes, they are great for stashing snacks for later, or for storing your valuables while on Splash Mountain
Some of these may be no brainers, and some may seem excessive (or even like I am being really paranoid?) to you, so I want to know – What’s in YOUR Disney Survival Kit?
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Me too, me too 🙂
OK, I thought it was just me. I would love to know where you can buy this at.
Rain jackets! We have the nice ones that fold up into their pocket so very portable.
Am I the only one that is dying to know where to find the AMAZING luggage up there? LOL
Its worth noting that many over the counter medications are put away so if you don’t see aspirin, Tylenol etc. in a store, it’s worth asking the store clerk, they may have it. You can also get most of these products at first aid. Also, you can’t get chewing gum at Orlando International Airport so if you want gum for a flight, get it before you go to the airport.