Things to Bring to Disney Parks If You Have Kids
14 Must-Have Items For Your Disney World Backpack
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You're about to have the most magical day of your life, and possibly the longest one, too. You're headed to Walt Disney World, and the only thing left on that holiday planning to-do list? Fill your Mickey and Minnie-themed backpack ($190) with all the essentials to get you and your troops through the park happy and healthy.
Not sure where to start? We have you covered with the 14 things you and your little ones need — from clothing layers for Florida's sometimes unpredictable weather to tech accessories that will keep you connected to everything Disney at all times — to ensure that your day is everything you want it to be, while saving you time and money. Of course, not everything on your packing list has to be Disney themed, but seriously, why not go full-out?!
1 Magic Bands and Printed Itinerary
Ideally, everyone will be wearing their Magic Bands, like this Minnie Mouse bow version ($23), on their own wrists, but if you have small or bracelet-averse kids who are likely to lose their bands, stash them in your backpack. While you'll probably be glued to the map on your My Disney Experience app, it's nice to have a paper version handy as well. Pick a couple up as you enter the park.
2 Wallet
You won't want to drag around a huge purse and your backpack. Instead, bring a small wallet (like this sweet Kate Spade zip-around option ($198) with a credit card, photo ID, and some cash for incidentals. You'll likely be paying for your purchases with your Magic Band, but cash always works, too!
3 Cell Phone, Charger, and Portable Battery Charger
Your cell phone is a must, as you'll be living on the My Disney Experience app to get real-time ride wait times and interactive park maps. All that searching can drain your battery, so also pack a remote battery charger and a regular charger. All of the parks have cell-phone charging stations sprinkled throughout the grounds. A sturdy case, like the Disney Classics Cases For Otterbox ($45), is a smart idea, too.
4 Snacks
Save yourself some major cash and sanity while waiting in lines with hungry kids by stashing a range of snacks in your backpack. Throw in some Star Wars' shaped Honey Maids ($3) just for fun.
5 Water Bottle
All Disney parks have water-filling stations located throughout, so pack refillable water bottles like this Tervis tumbler ($23) featuring classic Disney characters, and you'll save yourself money and keep your family hydrated during long park days.
6 Sunglasses and Hats
It gets sunny and hot in Florida, so stash sunglasses for everyone — these H&M Mickey shades ($8) would make any kid's Disney day better — and sun-shielding hats to block the rays.
7 Autograph Book and Pen
If your kids are into getting character autographs, then bringing your own book like this Mickey Mouse and Friends version ($8), and a pen or marker.
8 Sweatshirt or Light Jacket
Even on the perfect warm Florida day, if you're taking advantage of Extra Magic Hours (meaning you'll be in the park early and staying late), you'll probably want to bring a light jacket or sweatshirt to keep everyone warm and fireworks-show ready. How cute is H&M's hooded Minnie Mouse sweatshirt ($25)?
9 Sunscreen and Lip Balm
A trip to Disney World means you'll be outside — a lot. So keep applying that SPF. Pure Sun Defense's Disney princess spray ($10) will make the process more fun.
10 Mini First Aid Kit
There are first aid stations located throughout the parks, but it's quicker and easier to bring your own small kit, including Band-Aids. And why not make them these adorable Mickey bandages ($2)? Also don't forget ibuprofen, antibiotic ointment, and tissues.
11 Rain Jackets or Ponchos
If you're visiting the parks on a day when rain is a certainty, you probably want to bring along some ponchos, like these Mickey Mouse ponchos ($13 for two, originally $29), just in case. You can purchase ponchos in the park, but bringing your own will save you serious cash.
12 Hand Sanitizer
Disney parks are notoriously clean, but they're also famously filled with lots and lots of people, who are all touching the same things, so keep everyone healthy by packing some hand sanitizer ($8), preferably in Mickey form. Bringing along a pack of wet wipes to deal with spills and messes is also a great idea.
13 A Change of Clothes
If you have a child who hates being wet but loves water rides, is a notoriously messy eater, or isn't quite potty trained, it's probably a good idea to bring along an extra set of clothes. Extra points if you make them Disney friendly, like these Gap Minnie Mouse shorts ($25, originally $35).
14 Extra Plastic Bags
If you're a big fan of water rides, stash a couple of extra plastic storage bags in your backpack, like these Frozen-themed bags ($3), to protect your phone and any other electronics from the splash zone.
