10 Unique and Useful Things to Pack for Your Next Disney Trip

Sunscreen … bathing suit … rain poncho … these are typical items people bring with them to Disney World. Here are some other – more unexpected – items that you may want to pack so you have an even more magical vacation. 

Waterproof Backpack: Splash Mountain is a blast. But you can get pretty wet on this and other Disney water rides. Protect your things with a waterproof backpack. Here’s one I found on Amazon for around $20. It’s sleek, attractive, and comes in a few different colors. Best of all, you won’t have to worry about soggy stuff.

Filtered Water Bottle: Many people think Florida water tastes weird. I think it tastes fine but maybe I’ve just gotten used to it. Skip the lines to get bottled water and be kind to the environment with a reusable filtered water bottle. Fill it up at any water fountain and the filter will get rid of the funky flavor.

Kids’ Souvenirs: What? Pack souvenirs for the kids? This is one of my best tips. Shopping at Disney World is expensive. When my children were little, I would pack Disney gifts for them and give them one surprise every day. I told them that these were their souvenirs. They loved it. (If your kids are very young, maybe Tinker Bell can deliver a surprise every night.) Pick things that are easy to pack. I suggest mouse ears, stickers, books, pajamas, trading pins, T-shirts, and bathing suits. Yes, they take up a little room in your luggage, but you’ll save a lot of money.

Water Misting Fan: Children can easily get overheated and overstimulated at the most magical place on Earth. And a cranky kid can take all the fun out of the trip. Keep them cool and entertained with battery-powered water misting fan. (This can be their first souvenir surprise!) Amazon has them for around $13 and they come in bright, fun colors.

Pop-Up Hamper: Keep dirty clothes under control and off the floors with a pop-up camper. This set of two hampers is inexpensive. Plus, they are lightweight and easy to pack.

Snacks: I always pack snacks and juice boxes when we go to Disney to save money. I like dried fruit, trail mix, crackers, and granola bars. This gives kids something to munch on in the hotel room and you can bring them with you into the park. (Yes, you are allowed to bring snacks and drinks!)

Glow Sticks: If you go to the parks at night, you’ll see castmembers selling all sorts of glowing stuff. Appease your kids by bringing fun glowsticks with you. Another great option for the souvenir tip above.

Wine Opener: When the kids hit the sack, my husband and I like to decompress by having a nice glass of wine – or two – on the balcony. You can purchase bottles of wine at most Disney hotels.

Princess Dress: If you’re dining at Cinderella’s table, bring a lightweight, easy-to-fold princess dress with you. This is what I did with my daughter. She would wear her regular clothes to the park and change into her Disney dress in the restaurant bathroom before dining. That way, she could be comfortable but still feel special when she met the princesses.

Portable Safe: This tip is for the waterparks. I always feel uneasy leaving our stuff unattended while we go to the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon or on the family ride at Blizzard Beach. Yes, you can rent a locker, but it can be a pain walking back and forth. This one has plenty of room for your stuff and features a steel cable that can be attached to any lounge chair. Plus, it has a combination and key lock.

Thank you, as always, for joining my traveling party. If you have any questions or need further clarification on navigating cruise dos and don’ts, feel free to reach out via my contact page.