What essential items should you pack in your Disney park bag?
I’ve already previously mentioned what you should pack to an amusement park trip, but what about the big trip? The ultimate theme park trip?
Yes, I’m talking Disney of course!
Your Disney bag or backpack requires very specific items to make your trip to your favorite Disney park more magical.
Be warned though – don’t pack the entire hotel room! You don’t want to carry a heavy backpack around all day at Disney. Trust me on this. Truly just pack the essentials!
What is the best bag to carry at Disney?
Let’s talk bags first. People take all sorts of different bags and choose based on what’s best suited to them.
During our last trip to Disney, I carried a crossbody bag. I specifically carried a Kavu crossbody backpack. This had a roped strap and was perfect for what we needed. It was the perfect bag to pack all my things for the Disney parks.
I was able to fit everything we needed inside. My particular style of bag also had a tiny zipper pocket that sat straight against my back on the backside of the bag. This was concealed when I had it on, so I used it to carry gift cards and money.
This is the Kavu rope bag that I carried while at Disney. It was perfect for use at the Disney parks and held plenty of items!
Don’t worry about being able to take your backpack or bag on the rides at Disney, you definitely can!
The rides often have a small area to place your backpack or bag in front of you, but the crossbody bag I carried was easy to sling around to the front and not even have to take it off!
The only ride I was on earlier this year that you couldn’t carry a bag was Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom, but they had bins to place your items right behind where you were sitting on the ride.
Backpacks were popular, such as this one and this one. There are a wide variety of backpacks out there, so I’d focus on lightweight and easy to carry while providing plenty of room for your park supplies.
I saw a lot of mini-backpacks, such as the popular Loungefly.
Drawstring bags also seem to be a hit among the park goers.
Now that we’ve covered some basic bags, on to the items we may want to include in them to ensure the maximum magic at your favorite Disney park.
Packing the Disney Park Bag
Sunscreen and Sunglasses
Sunscreen is a must. It’s HOT and SUNNY in Florida and you can burn easily! Even if it’s overcast, trust me and go ahead and put that sunscreen on.
Don’t forget sunscreen lip balm either – those lips need protection as well.
You will also want to have your sunglasses, especially if like me, you can’t stand to have the sun in your eyes.
Light Jacket
This really only applies in the winter months (November – March), but there can be some chilly evenings or mornings. When I went last February, I kept a very light jacket with me so I wouldn’t freeze. I took something small enough that I could roll up and place inside my bag.
Ponchos
Florida is also known for its rain that just suddenly pops up! Sometimes the rain goes as fast it comes but be prepared.
A Rainy Day in the Magic Kingdom! Pack a poncho in your Disney park bag and don’t miss out on any fun!
Don’t head back to the room because it is raining! Get that poncho on, and it’s the best time to catch some shorter wait times!
You may also want that poncho for water rides such as Splash Mountain!
I have found ponchos at our local Dollar Tree – so they are super affordable.
A Bottle for Water
Not only will this help you beat the heat at Disney, but you can refill it throughout the park. I particularly like Disney themed bottles, like this one!
Some of the newer rides, such as Nav’i River Journey, has places to refill your bottles as you wait in the long lines!
Slinky Dog Dash also has a fountain halfway through their line.
You can also get free ice water at any quick-service restaurant and they are happy to give it to you.
Snacks
While there are PLENTY of snacks around Disney (and I love them), if you are with toddlers or kids, you may want to have some additional snack options like granola bars or goldfish.
There have been some recent rule changes on coolers, such as soft-sided coolers only and no open ice. You can check out the official Disney rules to be sure you are good to go!
Gum
If you are someone who likes and chews gum, bring your own. It isn’t sold at Disney.
Pain Relievers
It’s a LOT of walking and sun, and you are very likely to need some sort of pain reliever at some point. Don’t ruin a day the park with a headache or sore legs/feet. Be prepared!
Autograph book and pen
You will want to have a Disney autograph book and pen/Sharpie handy in case you run into one of your favorite Disney characters and want their autograph!
Cell Phone Charger and Cord
I use my cell phone as my camera these days, so I definitely didn’t want it to die in the middle of my Disney packed day! Not only did I use my phone as a camera, but I relied on it for the My Disney App so I knew when our fast passes were or if I needed to look up wait times!
This cell phone charger on Amazon has some great reviews.
Cash or Disney Gift Cards
Don’t forget cash or gift cards for any souvenirs or additional snacks/food you may want.
Disney gift cards are readily accepted everywhere in Disney World, so we ask for these at almost every birthday or holiday so we can have extra spending money on our trips!
Hand Sanitizer
Well, because public places are kind of gross. It also gives you the ability to sanitize your hands before you order snacks or lunch.
Is there anything beyond those basic items for your park bag while at Disney?
Those are at least the basic essentials that you need in your Disney park bag.
I’ve seen some people recommend you have your paper reservations and tickets, but we link everything via the My Disney Experience app and I find it to be just extra paper in the way.
I also use the app as my park map and to look for wait times.
Whether you pack paper itineraries or maps is entirely up to you and your personality.
What else do you include in your Disney park bag? Comment below and let me know! Is there anything you leave out of your bag?
Other Disney World Articles you may enjoy:
Ways to Stay Cool at Walt Disney World
Fort Wilderness Cabins Review
Minnie Van Review
The Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party Review
I hope this list gave you some great ideas on things you will need to add in your Disney park bag on your next trip to Disney World or Disney Land!
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