The Top 10 Must-Pack Items When Going to Disney with Kids (And 3 Things You Can Skip)

2024 Edition

If you’re planning a trip to Disney with kids, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and maybe a little bit of stress. It’s a magical experience, but a little prep goes a long way in ensuring your trip is as smooth as possible. From the long lines to the unpredictable weather, having the right gear can make all the difference.

In this post, I’m going to share the top 10 essential items to pack for your Disney trip with kids, plus a bonus tip on three things you can skip packing altogether. Let’s dive in so you can get on your way to the happiest place on Earth!

1. Comfortable Shoes for Everyone

Let’s face it: Disney is BIG, and you’ll be walking A LOT. You’ll want comfortable shoes for yourself and your kids, especially since you might be walking 10+ miles a day. Stick with well-worn, supportive shoes to prevent blisters and tired feet.

For kids, sneakers or supportive sandals with straps are ideal. Crocs are popular, but I recommend going for something with a little more arch support for a full day at the parks.

For adults, athletic shoes or cushioned sandals will be your best friend. You’ll want to avoid flip-flops (as cute as they are) because they won’t give your feet the support they need over long distances.

2. Rain Gear – Ponchos or Lightweight Jackets

Florida weather is notorious for sudden rain showers, so it’s best to be prepared. You don’t want to be caught in a downpour with no way to shield your family. Ponchos are an excellent option because they’re compact, lightweight, and can easily be stored in a bag until needed.

You can pick up Disney-themed ponchos at the parks, but if you want to save some cash, you can buy them in advance for a fraction of the price. A few extra disposable ponchos or a lightweight waterproof jacket for each person will keep everyone dry during those spontaneous rainstorms.

3. Portable Phone Charger

It’s easy to get caught up in the magic of Disney and forget to charge your phone, but you’ll need it for everything from taking pictures to navigating the park using the My Disney Experience app. Between checking wait times, reserving Lightning Lane passes, and using mobile ordering for food, your phone battery will drain quickly.

A portable charger (or two!) can make a world of difference. Aim for one with a decent capacity—something that can recharge your phone at least once fully. Consider a power bank with multiple ports so you can keep several devices charged at once.

4. Backup Clothes for the Kids

As much as we love the Florida sunshine, rain is inevitable, especially in the summer months. Kids can get drenched in minutes, and you don’t want to deal with wet clothes for the rest of the day. Pack a small bag with backup clothes for each child. A change of socks, a T-shirt, and maybe a pair of shorts or leggings will do.

A good idea is to pack quick-dry clothing or clothes made from moisture-wicking fabrics to minimize discomfort. You can also include a plastic bag for wet clothes so you’re not stuck carrying soggy items the rest of the day.

And don’t forget to pack an extra pair of shoes if you want to be extra prepared for those rain showers! Hate to not have a back up pair and have to start the next day with wet feet if your shoes from the day’s rainstorm are still wet!

5. Snacks (And Non-Disney Snacks!)

The theme parks at Disney are full of tasty treats, but let’s be honest—they’re expensive. Paying $9 for a donut your kid only takes a bite out of isn’t exactly the best way to spend your money.

Instead, pack some easy-to-carry, non-perishable snacks to keep the kids energized throughout the day. Consider things like:

• Granola bars or protein bars (for a quick energy boost)
• Crackers or pretzels (easy to toss in a bag and munch on)
• Dried fruit or applesauce pouches (less messy than fresh fruit and great for kids)
• Trail mix (a mix of nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate bits)

Pack a small cooler bag with juice boxes or water bottles, as Disney charges a premium for beverages, too. And if you need a refill, don’t forget that you can get free water at any counter service restaurant in the park—just ask!

6. Sunscreen (And Extra Sunscreen!)

While Florida is beautiful, it’s also sunny—all year long. You’ll want to make sure that everyone has sunscreen applied before leaving for the park and throughout the day.

Pack a travel-sized sunscreen for quick reapplications in your bag. And if your family is particularly active, consider using a sunscreen stick or sunscreen wipes for easy reapplication throughout the day. The heat can be intense, so don’t skimp on the SPF! My favorite is bringing a sunscreen stick around for easily reapplying to the kiddos.I love this mineral based one.

Be mindful to reapply sunscreen after water rides or if the kids have been sweating. You’ll also want to pack lip balm with SPF to protect those lips from the sun’s rays.

7. Hat and Sunglasses

While sunscreen will protect your skin, a hat will keep the sun out of your eyes. Wide-brimmed hats are great for both adults and kids, as they offer additional shade on your face and neck. Plus, they’re super cute!

Sunglasses are another must-have to shield your eyes from the intense Florida sun. Consider UV-protection sunglasses for everyone in your family. For kids, look for ones with straps so they don’t lose them while on rides.

8. Disney Autograph Book (If You Want)

If meeting characters is on your family’s Disney bucket list, then a Disney autograph book is a fun souvenir to bring along. Your kids can ask their favorite characters to sign their book during meet-and-greets, which makes for a great keepsake.

Alternatively, you can go digital with the My Disney Experience app and take a picture with characters instead. However, for a tangible memento, an autograph book still holds a lot of charm.

9. Baby Essentials (If You Have a Baby or Toddler)

If you’re traveling with babies or toddlers, make sure you pack the essentials to make your day easier:

• Diapers and wipes
• Baby food or formula
• A lightweight stroller (more on that later)
• Baby carrier for when you need a break from pushing a stroller

Even if you’ve never been a stroller parent, consider bringing one or renting one from a company like Kingdom Strollers. They’ll deliver a stroller right to your hotel, which saves you from the hassle of hauling one through the airport.

Plus, Disney has very strict rules on stroller sizes and types allowed in the park. I have personally seen them turn away wagons from entering, even after they traveled through the tram to Magic Kingdom. That is a hard start to the morning when you have to return on the tram toting your family to return the wagon to the car, and then have to go in and rent a stroller.

But the long walks after leaving the park make me want a stroller every time. Even on our upcoming trip with a 5 and 7 year old, we will still be getting a stroller, because those legs will be tired and I do not want to hold a tired kid for that long!

10. Cooling Towels or Fans

If you’re visiting Disney during the warmer months (and let’s be real, even in the cooler months it can get hot), you’ll want to stay cool and comfortable in the Florida heat. Cooling towels or portable fans are a game-changer when it comes to staying refreshed during long days in the parks.

Cooling towels are designed to be wet, wrung out, and draped around your neck or over your shoulders, instantly cooling your body temperature. They’re lightweight, compact, and can fit easily in a backpack or even a pocket. Many of them can be reused throughout the day, and they dry quickly for easy storage when you’re done using them.

A small battery-operated fan is another great option. Disney parks often sell handheld fans, but you can save yourself a few dollars by bringing your own (& batteries). Look for rechargeable fans that you can easily charge throughout the day while you’re resting or waiting in line. Some fans even come with misting options, which add a cooling spray of water for even more relief.

Both cooling towels and portable fans are lifesavers when you need to beat the heat, especially while waiting in long lines under the sun.

Three Things You Can Skip Packing

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s talk about three things you can leave behind when packing for your Disney trip.

1. Stroller

While strollers are essential for little ones, you don’t need to bring your own. Renting a stroller is easy, affordable, and much more convenient. Companies like Kingdom Strollers offer high-quality, affordable strollers delivered right to your hotel. This saves you from lugging one around on planes, buses, or rideshare vehicles. Plus, you won’t have to worry about parking or navigating narrow park paths with your stroller.

2. Too Many Toys or Distractions

Disney is full of fun distractions, so you don’t need to pack your kids’ entire toy collection. A couple of small, quiet toys or activities for downtime are plenty (think coloring books or small puzzle games), but you’ll find that your kids will be so mesmerized by the sights and sounds that they won’t need a lot of extra entertainment.

3. Large Bags

You don’t need to bring a huge diaper bag or backpack to Disney. A small, comfortable backpack or crossbody bag will hold all your essentials without weighing you down. Keep it light to avoid carrying unnecessary items around. You can always store extra items at lockers in the park if needed.