
- 1. Coordinated Outfits For Photos
- 2. Comfortable Shoes
- 3. Rain Ponchos
- 4. Portable Charger
- 5. Chafing Stick, Blister Balm, Or Body Glide
- 6. First Aid Kit
- 7. Sanitizing Hand Wipes
- 8. Sunscreen
- 9. Cooling Towels
- 10. Autograph Supplies
- 11. Glow Sticks
- 12. Gum
- 13. Small Insulated Lunch Box With Drinks And Snacks
- 14. Reclosable Baggies
- 15. Reusable Straws
- 16. Reusable Water Bottles
- 17. Drawstring Bag Or Small Backpack
- 18. Magic Bands
- 19. Something To Tie Onto Your Stroller
We reached out to three experts to find out what to pack for a day at Disney.
Travel professionals Seana Beard from Wish Upon a Star with Us Travel, Laura Liden from Pixie and Pirate Destinations® – Travel Agency, and Chris Cook-Leitz, owner of On The Road Travel, LLC, share 19 essentials you need to pack for Disney World based on experience.

1. Coordinated Outfits For Photos
Buy Now“Walt Disney World and Disneyland have professional photographers stationed throughout the parks (check the app for up-to-the-minute locations), so take advantage of these services, especially if you purchased the photo package. They even have photo studios in some locations. Think ahead for gifts, holiday cards, photo books, et cetera. Bringing a coordinated outfit can really elevate a family photo.” — Beard

2. Comfortable Shoes
Buy Now“Sounds like a given but so important — you will be walking tens of miles a day and not realizing it. Make sure the shoes have a good sole. ‘Disney rash’ is real. The heat from the ground can penetrate your feet and legs and can put a real damper on your trip. Good shoes can help prevent this.” — Liden

3. Rain Ponchos
Buy Now $5.84“These are great to pick up ahead of time and huge help for those short rain bursts that riddle Florida in the summertime.” — Beard
“It sure beats paying $12 for one in the parks.” — Cook-Leitz

5. Chafing Stick, Blister Balm, Or Body Glide
Buy Now $11“Disney Rash is very real! Runners use this all the time, and boy can it be a lifesaver when in the parks on those hot and humid days!” — Beard
“This helps the obvious foot blisters, but also chafing on your inner thighs from walking, especially when the inevitable rain storm comes through.” — Liden

7. Sanitizing Hand Wipes
Buy Now $12“Yes, Disney has hand sanitizer located around the parks, but these come in handy at times and are not as messy.” — Liden

8. Sunscreen
Buy Now $13.59“One of the most important- even on overcast days. Each park has a central lake or lagoon and the reflection off the water can lead to nasty sunburns. Reapply often.” — Liden
“Solid sticks are especially useful in the parks.” — Cook-Leitz

9. Cooling Towels
Buy Now $19.99“These are great. Waiting in lines that aren’t always shaded can make you hot. These towels, worn around your neck, can ease the heat.” — Liden

10. Autograph Supplies
Buy Now $29.95“Character meet and greets have returned! Make sure the kids are equipped with autograph books, pens, and Sharpies. This is a great opportunity to channel your creativity as well. We have seen families bring tee shirts, hats, and even pillow cases to sign. My son and I made our autograph book with stickers prior to our visit, and that becomes a real conversation piece.” — Beard

11. Glow Sticks
Buy Now $9.99“Nighttime shows and spectaculars are back as well. Take a trip to the dollar store prior to your visit and let the kids go crazy with glow bracelets, necklaces, whatever!” — Beard

12. Gum
Buy Now $3.78“Gum is not sold in the parks, so be sure to take it along with you.” — Cook-Leitz

13. Small Insulated Lunch Box With Drinks And Snacks
Buy Now $29.99“Most folks don’t know, but you can bring food into the Disney parks. If on a budget, don’t hesitate to have groceries (from Walmart or Amazon) delivered to your resort. All rooms have a small fridge perfect for holding some snacks or lunch items. You can even bring in cans of soda! You can not bring in a huge cooler, but the insulated lunch boxes are perfect for lunch items and drinks.” — Beard

14. Reclosable Baggies
Shop Now $17.99“These have many uses, from carrying snacks to keeping electronics dry in a rainstorm or on a water ride, plus a multitude of other uses.” — Liden

15. Reusable Straws
Buy Now $8.99“Disney has moved towards paper straws in the parks. While it’s an understood need for the sake of the environment, paper straws don’t last long when condensation takes over.” — Liden

16. Reusable Water Bottles
Buy Now $9.99“There are plenty of bottle refill stations around the parks, making water bottles a must. You can also ask for ice water — or even just a cup of ice at any of the quick-service food locations. Better yet — it’s free!” — Beard
“While you can typically get a cup of water at most quick-service dining locations or purchase bottled water around the park, it may not stay cold for long. In the Florida heat, you want to stay hydrated. Having a bottle to refill at the many fountains and filling stations can be a big help.” — Liden
“No one likes paying $4 for a bottle of water. Carry your own into the parks so you can refill and stay hydrated. My boys like the Owala FreeSip insulated bottle. I’ve bought them on Amazon and Sam’s Club currently has a two-pack for $30.” — Cook-Leitz

17. Drawstring Bag Or Small Backpack
Buy Now“A light and manageable day pack is best. Something that can carry your necessities but can slip off and on easily is key.” — Beard

18. Magic Bands
Buy Now $37.99“These are bracelets that Disney offers that electronically hold your room key, park tickets, and charging abilities all in one tap. No pulling out wallets and makes things incredibly easy all day long.” — Liden

19. Something To Tie Onto Your Stroller
Buy Now $3.75“If you’re taking your grandkids, tie something on the handle of their stroller that will make yours stand out among a sea of strollers.” — Cook-Leitz
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