Packing for a vacation can be a pain, and it’s easy to forget something important. When you were a kid, your parents packed for you, and it was all worry free and fun galore. Now that I’m older (and my parents no longer pack for me), I have found that this list of things are essentials that no adult traveling to WDW should be without:
Ponchos – In case you didn’t know…it tends to rain a lot in Orlando. And yes, almost all the stores in WDW sell Mickey Ponchos and umbrellas, BUT not only are they expensive, they also sometimes run out, and it also makes it harder to spot your people should you get separated…we bought our own ponchos at Target, and we bring them with us to the parks. They are more sturdy and leak less than the Disney kind, and when the rain starts we just pull them out and are good to go…so much more convenient!
Sunscreen – This may seem like an obvious one, but bring the kind you like from home and you will be better off. They sell several kinds in the park, but it is espensive! I also recommend putting it on before you leave for the park.
Sneakers and socks – even though it may be 85 degrees in Florida, your feet will be a lot happier after 12 hours of walking if you wear sneakers to the parks (even though I personally HATE doing it and would rather wear flip flops any day, but sneakers are a much smarter choice for sure!)
Camera – and more importantly, an extra camera battery – Obviously, you want a camera to document your trip to the happiest place on earth, but I know I have forgotten to bring a backup battery with me, or worse, I brought the 2nd battery but it wasn’t charged. Charge your batteries ahead of time and make sure you bring spares and the charger with you just in case (Shoudl you forget, you can purchase batteries at Walt Disney World, but the prices tend to be very high, so you’re always better off bringing your own!
As small of a purse/bag as you can get away with – there really isn’t any place to put large purses/backpacks while you are on the rides (as most of them end in a different place than they start), so pack lightly for the parks – we prefer a small messenger bag that can be strapped in next to me on the rides
Water bottle – it’s important to stay hydrated, so I like to fill up a water bottle with ice and water before I leave my hotel for a day at the parks, saves me from having to spend $3 on a bottle of Dasani
Snacks – if possible, pack some things you brought from home, like granola bars or fruit or anything small and easy to eat…snacks at the parks are super delicious, but can be pricey, plus if you are suddenly starving while standing in line for the Haunted Mansion, it would be much easier to have snacks on hand than to get out of line and have to search around for a snack cart/shop
Cash – Once you get within the WDW walls, you can pay for almost anything with a credit card (or make it even easier and hook your credit card up to your resort room key), but getting to the World isn’t free, and you will want cash on hand to take care of silly incidentals like tipping the airport shuttle driver (I ALWAYS forget cash for that one!), or paying for a cab, or lunch at the airport, or snacks for when you get stuck at some random airport on a layover…you get the idea. Bring some cash, it makes life easier
Tylenol/Ibuprofin – No one will deny that Disney World can tire you out – both mentally and physically. Walking around for 12 hours, riding roller coasters behind screaming children, eating in crowded loud restaurants…you just may need some Tylenol for your aching bones or head
All of these things may seem pretty simple/obvious to some people, but without them your trip could quickly turn disastrous, so trust me, they should all be in your suitcase when you leave for WDW.
OH and one more thing – when packing for WDW, be sure to bring a suitcase big enough to fit all of the souvenirs you are going to be buying while at Walt Disney World!
- Blogs to Check Out – WDW Not Just For Kids! (mydreamsofdisney.com)
- WDW Tiki Room Trivia Facebook Contest – Win “Hidden Mickey” Novel Collection (chipandco.com)
Still shopping? Of course you are, this is Walt Disney World and buying stuff to prove you’ve been there is half the fun! At your time in Animal Kingdom you’ll find some more goodies.
Still haven’t satisfied your inner shop-a-holic after reading my posts about where to shop in Magic Kingdom and in Epcot? Here are some Hollywood Studios finds you shouldn’t pass up!
