If you’re looking for the must-have items for a Disney World trip, this is the post for you. Complete with a master Disney World packing list and What to Buy for a Disney Vacation we’re covering everything in this post, from ponchos to portable chargers. All the things that you can bring to Walt Disney World so you don’t have to buy them when you get there.
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Disney World Packing Tips
If you’re headed to Disney World, you need a quick and easy list of things to pack. Here are a few things to keep in mind about a Vacation at Walt Disney World. By far our Best Packing Tips, these 5 things should guide your Disney World Packing List Items.
- At Walt Disney World you walk about 10- 15 miles in one day. 1 day. Wear good shoes.
- It’s Florida. It rains in the middle of the afternoon, a lot of the time. Bring a Poncho, or Packable Rain Jacket.
- It’s Florida. And close to 90 degrees, most of the time. Pack accordingly.
- Disney World is a Theme Park. You’re standing in lines and waiting for buses alot of the time. Wear Sunscreen.
- Your bags and stroller get searched pretty thoroughly. Don’t bring in what you don’t need. Pack Light.
How to Make Packing for Disney Easier?
Packing Cubes: We also always recommend a good set of Packing Cubes, if you’re a frequent traveler, or need to bring lots of things. While it slightly more difficult to tell what you packed, when it’s all tucked in cubes they are amazing if you’re trying to fit all your things into a small suitcase.
Ziplock Bags: A favorite Disney Packing Hack for Parents, using large Ziplock bags to separate your child’s clothes for each day is a godsend. The gallon freezer size is best, and perfect if you know you’re going to have busy mornings, and need the kids ready. We also love this method, since it prevents the need for little ones to dig through the suitcase to find their clothes. Simply label each bag so you have one bag per day ( per child). Then pack each day’s outfit in the right bag.
Disney Outfit Planning
Plan Your Outfits: Believe it or not, writing down which outfit you need to wear each day, prevents you from overpacking. Alternatively, we LOVE actually pulling the outfits out of the closet, and taking photos of them, so that we know what our outfit plans are throughout the trip. Again, it helps with the overpacking problem.
Bring the Right Shoes: It’s tempting to pack all your shoes. Mainly because different shoes go with different outfits. But, as avid Disney Parks travelers, here’s the thing. You really only need 2- maybe 3 pairs of shoes. And one of those pairs you should be wearing at the airport. Check out the Best Shoes for Disney for our tried and true favorites, that can handle 15-mile days, for 7-12 days in a row- or for however long your vacation is.
Wear the Bulk Things: Keep in mind too that when you’re considering what to pack for Disney, your travel day outfits should be your most “heavy” outfits. For instance, if you’re bringing a jean jacket or fluffy cardigan, wear it, don’t pack it. Do you have heavy-soled shoes you plan to wear in the parks, wear those to the airport, and pack your lighter shoes. Always be aware of your luggage weight, and how just choosing to wear your largest items, instead of packing them, can help you save your packing space for things you need.
Disney World Weather
When are you visiting Walt Disney World? While the general temperature is simply HOT, the temps and humidity do vary throughout the year. and enough so that you may want to pack a different lineup of clothes if nothing else. Here’s a quick look at each season in Disney World so you can be prepared for whenever you visit.
Fall Weather at Walt Disney World
Fall at Walt Disney World is our favorite season, and somewhat easy to pack for. Mind you Fall at Walt Disney World is still pretty warm, in the 80’s, but it’s bearable. Plan to pack shorts, t-shirts, and good shoes. Check out our Top 5 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World in the Fall.
Winter Weather at Walt Disney World
You’d be surprised at Winter in Walt Disney World. We always recommend adding a layer or two to your suitcase, as the weather can sometimes get chilly. Check out our Disney World Winter Packing List for ideas. And if you’re looking for ways to keep your skincare and makeup in tact during this colder season in Florida, read our Disney Beauty Bag for Winter: 15 Things We Love! post. Offering up some of the best weather of the year, read our Top 5 Reasons Winter is the Best Season to Visit Walt Disney World.
Spring Weather at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World in the Spring is warm. sometimes really warm. And also crowded. To make the best of it, check out our post on How to survive Spring Break Crowds at Walt Disney World. And if you’re looking to grab the best photos at the Flower and Garden Festival, check out 8 Fun Spring Outfits for Disney.
Summer Weather at Walt Disney World
As the hottest season in Florida, packing for a Disney Summer Vacation can sometimes be the easiest. While you’re naturally going to be packing light clothes, the big things to remember involve sun protection. Check out 8 Summer Travel Products You Need for Disney and what you need to know for Surviving the Summer Weather at Disney. In addition to a good hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, if you plan on your makeup to not melt right off your face, check out our Disney Summer Beauty Bag packing list.
Disney World Luggage and Bags
First things first. When visiting Walt Disney World, you will need a variety of bags. From luggage that can withstand the crazy of the Orlando International Airport to the Beach bag you need for Typhoon Lagoon, here’s the lineup of bags you may need on your Disney World Trip.
- Disney Park Bag: An easy bag that you can bring into the parks. We most like smaller crossbody bags, sling bags, or mini backpacks for this. You will be carrying it around ALL DAY. And it should only have Disney Essentials. Your water bottle, wallet, camera, lip balm, and mini spray of sunscreen, or wipes are all you need. Keep it light.
- A Beach Bag: If you’re headed to the Pool, Disney Water Parks, or Beach at your Disney Resort, be sure to make a beach tote. This is great for lugging around your sunscreen, snacks, sunhat, book, sand toys, or whatever else you may need. Every pool at Walt Disney World has complimentary beach towels, so do not pack those. You can simply grab them when you enter the pool area.
- A Tote or Large Purse for the Flight: A larger bag is sometimes considered a personal item, as long as it can fit underneath the seat on the airplane. This bag should have your Tech, which you aren’t allowed to put in your checked bag (iPad, Laptop, Game Devices), unless you are just bringing a carry-on. You can also have a book, sudoku or games, and sealed snacks.
Disney World Carryon Bag
- A Carry-On Bag, Checked Bag or Both: If this is a longer trip However, if this is a shorter Disney vacation, then carry-on items for Disney include all your clothes, tech, toiletries, and shoes.
And if you’re visiting for just a short time at Walt Disney World, a Weekender Bag may be a better bet. It’s easy, portable, and often fits within airline carry-on guidelines. Check out our Disney Weekender Duffle Bags post for all our favorite bags for a short trip to Disney.
Are Backpacks Allowed at Disney World?
Yes, everyone has a backpack. Keep in mind that there are security scanners in parks, and there is a list of what you are not allowed to bring to Walt Disney World. But, essentially, you want to pick a backpack for your Disney Park Bag that is light, small, and okay to carry around all day.
Can you Bring Water Bottles to Disney Parks?
Yes, you are allowed to bring water bottles into Walt Disney World. We highly recommend you do so. There are refill stations and water fountains throughout the park, and it’s the best way to make sure you stay hydrated. Florida heat can be treacherous, so plan on drinking plenty.
Can you Bring Food to Walt Disney World Parks?
Yes. Disney World Park Guests are allowed to bring outside food and nonalcoholic beverage items into the park for self-consumption, provided they are not in glass containers do not require heating, reheating, processing, refrigeration, or temperature control, and do not have pungent odors. In fact, if you plan on being in the parks all day, packing granola bars, and drinks in plastic bottles, or Capri Suns into the parks is a good idea. And a great way to save money.
Disney World Packing List
One of the benefits of being a grown-up at Disney World is that you don’t need to bring a ton of extra stuff! In fact, you can keep your Disney Park Bag packed with just the essentials. But what about what you actually need for your Disney World trip? Whether you’re trying to Pack Light for a Disney Vacation, or visiting Walt Disney World for the Weekend, here are the things you most need on your Disney World Packing List for Adults.
Tech
One of the main things on any Disney World Packing List is Tech. Most namely phone chargers and camera battery packs. Note you are all allowed to bring these into the parks, but they do sometimes set off the security gates. This isn’t a big deal, as security then just manually checks your bag. Additionally, if you are in the parks all day, your Phone will be searching for Wi-Fi all day, and while being used for photos, Disney Genie+, and Checking Dining Reservations, your phone will die by day’s end.
- Portable Phone Charger
- Charging Cord
- SD Card. If needed for your camera
- Camera
Every Disney World Packing List should include a camera. Yes, even if you’ve completely mastered your camera phone. Because while it’s always good to know How to Use your Phone to Take Better Photos, the novelty of being able to capture your memories, or those iconic Photo Spots at Walt Disney World with an actual camera is worth it.
First Aid, Meds and Vitamins
Don’t let your best-laid health goals go awry on vacation. Be sure to pack your vitamins and any medicine that you may be taking regularly. Also on this list should be a slew of first aid items. While Disney World does have First Stations at each park, and you can always get a band-aid from the front desk at a Disney Resort, here’s our list of what we always bring.
- Vitamins
- Medicines
- Tylenol/ Pain Reliever
- Band-Aids
- Neosporin
- Cough Drops
- Emergencee
- Face Masks
Toiletries
You can pack as much or as little as you want in the toiletry department. If you’re packing makeup, be sure to check out our Disney Beauty Bag Essentials. Keep in mind that if you are staying at a Disney Resort there are certain things provided for you. Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, and Lotion are all provided. If you’re not staying at a Disney Resort, be sure to add these to your Disney World packing list.
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Sunscreen
- Face Sunscreen
- Personal Products
- Deodorant
- Skincare
- Foot Care
Tennis Shoes
By far the MOST IMPORTANT thing on this Disney World Packing List for Adults is shoes. Yes, shoes. Because when you’re walking 15 miles a day at Disney World, you need to make sure your feet can keep up with you. Luckily, we’ve rounded up the Best Shoes for Walt Disney World for you to pick from. Vans, Converse, or really good tennis shoes that you have worn are needed.
If you think flip flops are necessary then toss them in your bag to give your feet a breather. The only flip-flops we can wear all day at Disney are Sanuk’s. So if you’re a flip-flop girl, be sure to invest in a good pair. Typically, you only need 3 kinds of shoes at Disney World; tennis shoes for park days, and the gym, flip flops or slip-ons for easier days at the resorts or beaches, and a pair of nicer shoes for restaurants or nice dinners. Either way, make sure that you have at least 2 pairs of shoes. This allows you to give yourself a break. We always recommend alternating between your shoes each day, this helps prevent blisters.
- Tennis Shoes
- Flip Flops/ Slip Ons
- Dressier Shoes ( if needed)
Ponchos
As we mentioned before Florida gets rain. And it’s not necessarily always rain you can understand. There are intermittent downpours on the sunniest of days. And we’ve had week-long Disney World trips, where it was 90 degrees and rained every day. As such we always, ALWAYS, have a poncho folded up in our Disney Park Bag. On trips where it looks like it’s going to rain the whole time we bring a proper Packable Rain Jacket that keeps us dry and doesn’t disintegrate y the end of the trip.
Sunglasses
Heart-shaped, White, Black, Aviator… whatever your style, a great pair of sunglasses can be a statement all their own. You’ll need them to protect your eyes anyway and if you get them larger, you’ll protect your face. While we reapply sunscreen all day cause we’re psycho like that, too many unfortunate souls get burned when they go to Disney, and there just isn’t any reason why you should! Buy a good pair of sunglasses, and maybe grab a backup pair just in case.
Athleisure Wear
Athleisure wear is all the rage. And for good reason. Disney World is hot most of the time, and with long days ahead of you, it’s important to be comfortable. Nothing wrong with grabbing cute leggings, high tops, and your favorite Disney jersey! If you’re looking for a good clothes brand for easy clothes that are both plane and Disney-friendly, try Sweaty Betty, Lululemon, Kate Hudson’s Fabletics, or Joy Lab at Target. And of course, we have a variety of Disney Outfits in our shop that are great for Florida weather. Disney Crop Tops and Skirts, and Disney shirts made of soft jersey are best for long, hot days. Check out the Best Disney Outfits at Polka Dot Pixie Shop.
Breezy Clothes
If you’re looking for something easy to wear, try linen anything. A button-down, tank, shorts, or beach pant is always comfortable. We usually wear linen beach pants on the plane because sometimes planes are cold and we don’t necessarily want to change when we enter the parks later that day. Also, it’s usually because we’re coming to Disney from a cold climate. Brrrr. You also never know how the night weather is gonna be. So having at least one pair of pants is always a good idea.
Bathing Suits and Cover-Ups
If you’re planning to spend time at the pool, don’t forget your bathing suits! We also always recommend bringing a cover-up as well, as you may have to run and grab drinks, or head somewhere nearby that you need a cover-up for. You won’t need a beach towel as you can use the resort towels at the pool.
Disney Shirts
A Disney tank top ( in the summer) or tee ( in the off-season) can make any Disney outfit look fun. Pair it with jean shorts or a sparkly tutu. Whatever your style let loose a little. You.Are. At.Disney. We love planning our Disney outfits based on the parks. So, choosing cute shirts for each park day is a great way to keep your packing simple. It also helps you save some money on souvenirs later! Check out our whole shop for great Disney Family Shirts at polkadotpixieshop.com.
A Hat
While not needed all the time a hat to protect you from the Florida sun is a godsend on really hot days. Whether it’s a Dad hat, baseball hat or brimmed floppy hat, all give you great added sun protection and can help you keep cool.
Foot Care
We’ve mentioned the 15 miles a day thing before. Walking in the parks all day long for about 12 hours means your feet will be killing you by the end of the day. Having things like socks, foot lotion or Vaseline, bandaids, and the Best Shoes for Disney helps your feet get through it. You can also grab blister pads or blister gel if you want to be extra cautious. Be sure to pack what you need.
Mickey Ears
While not on everyone’s Disney Packing Tips posts, we consider Mickey Ears a must-have on our Disney World Packing List for Adults. Whether you buy them, or make them Mickey Ears cheers up any outfit. They also come added to cute baseball caps which you can grab in the gift shop if you want the ear experience but need the shade from the sun. Check out all our favorite Mickey Ears and Disney Hats on shopDisney.com.
Reusable Silverware
One of our favorite ways to honor the planet is by limiting our plastic consumption. And if you’re visiting an EPCOT Festival, you will be using lots of plastic silverware. So, if you’ve got the room, we highly recommend bringing some small portable silverware, that you can use throughout each day, and wash in the evenings.
Autograph Book & Sharpie Marker
If you have little ones and are collecting Disney Character signatures on this trip, be sure to grab an autograph book and some Sharpie Markers for signatures. The characters do not go around with pens, though their handlers sometimes have some on hand. That said, go prepared and have these things in your daily Disney Park Bag. Note, that these things are pricey in the parks, so it pays, literally, to remember to bring them.
Disney Gift Cards
Disney Gift Cards are accepted at every Disney Restaurant in the Parks and Resorts, and at the Gift Shops. You can get Disney Gift Cards at 5% Discount when you use your Red Card at Target. So, why not add a few hundred dollars to them before you leave? This can help pay for food at Disney Restaurants, Souvenirs at the Gift Shop, and any other necessities you forget, which can be found at the Disney Resort Gift Shops.
Disney Day Bag
Let’s face it, You will need your phone, wallet, and a water bottle ( at least) in your Disney Park Bag. We always also have sunscreen and lip balm on hand. But, your bag doesn’t have to be huge. Keep in mind that you’re gonna be on rides so you’ll need that bag to fit in that ride seat with you. As such we always recommend a mini backpack or crossbody bag. You can also check out our Disney Dooney and Bourke Bags post if you’re looking for something a little more fancy!
- Hand Sanitizer
- RFID Wallet
- Phone
- Phone Charger
- Phone Charging Cord
- Water Bottle
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- Poncho
- MagicBand
- Lip Balm
- Disney Gift Cards
- Sunscreen
What NOT to Bring to Walt Disney World
There’s a whole list of things you shouldn’t bring to Walt Disney World. That said, there are also things you simply don’t need to bring to Walt Disney World. Here’s a quick list of what you don’t need on your Disney World packing list.
- Beach Towels
- Soap and Body Wash
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Lotion
What You Might Forget to Bring to Disney
There are a few things people ALWAYS forget on a Disney Trip. Here’s the lineup, so you can make sure these are on your packing list.
- Ponchos
- Glasses/Contacts
- Phone Charging Cord
- Phone Battery Pack
- Autograph Book & Sharpie Marker
- Reusable Silverware
- Foot Care
- Insect Repellent
- Extra Pair of Shoes or Flip Flops
- Water Bottle
- Disney Gift Cards
- Disney Park Bag, Beach Bag
- Cover-Up
- Mini Fan/ Cooling Towel
Disney Packing List
Check out all our Disney Packing Lists for all kinds of Disney vacations. From what to pack in your Disney Day bag to what to pack for winter at Walt Disney World, we have rounded up loads of recommendations. And if you’re heading on a cruise, we have a great Disney Cruise Packing List as well one specific to a Disney Alaska Cruise and Halloween on the High Seas! Hopefully, this post has helped you get a handle on what you need to pack for Walt Disney World. Grab the Disney World Packing List Printable PDF to start your packing!
Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer with an MLIS in Information Science and a B.S. in Arch and Design. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.
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