After going to Disney World over 40 times, I’ve gotten really good at visiting the parks — especially when it comes to optimizing the space in my suitcase.
I’m also a travel planner at Marvelous Mouse Travels specializing in Disney destinations, so my clients often ask me about the most important items to pack for a trip to the parks.
Read on for the essentials I always bring, as well as the things I think you can leave at home.
It’ll probably rain, so you’ll be happier if you bring a sturdy poncho
If you’ve spent any time in the Orlando area, you know it will likely rain during your Disney trip.
Don’t let that stop you from having fun — just throw on rain ponchos and hit the parks. It’s often much cheaper to buy them before you leave rather than inside Disney World.
You can also wear ponchos if you don’t want to get wet on rides like Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids.
You’re going to want a small but roomy bag for the parks
Kari Becker
I’ve tried out every kind of bag you can imagine when visiting the parks. Ultimately, my biggest advice is to bring something small that fits your main essentials.
My husband’s favorite is a cross-body bag, and I love a small backpack, purse, or fanny pack.
You want something that’s easy to take on and off quickly, compact enough to take on rides, and roomy enough that you’re not cramming your phone and necessities in.
Travel-sized sunscreen and hand sanitizer are easy to carry around the parks
When you head to the parks, you want to travel light, so I like having smaller versions of essentials to carry.
I raid the travel section of my local store before every trip to make sure I have sunscreen, hand sanitizer, aloe-vera gel, sanitizing wipes, a mini first-aid kit, pain relievers, and tissues.
Disney gear and Minnie ears are nonnegotiable items
Kari Becker
It’s not a Disney trip without the quintessential Mickey or Minnie ears. At this point, I have plenty to choose from based on different seasons, holidays, and moods.
I also pack some of my many Disney T-shirts — one for each day at the parks. We always get one special matching family shirt for each trip, as well.
This way, we can stay on theme without feeling tempted to spend money on more merchandise while in the parks.
You’ll need to use your phone a lot, so portable chargers are lifesavers
A lot of planning in the parks requires the use of the My Disney Experience app, which is crucial for tasks like checking maps or making dining reservations. Plus, we love snapping lots of photos.
By mid-morning in the parks, I often realize my battery is almost depleted. So, bringing a heavy-duty but compact battery pack is a must, especially for those who like to open and close down the parks.
I can’t do a park day without super comfortable and waterproof shoes
Kari Becker
Visiting Disney involves a lot of walking — on many days in the parks, I log over 10 miles. Also, because of frequent rain and water rides, my shoes often get wet.
So, I bring comfortable, fast-drying shoes to ensure my experience isn’t ruined by blisters or sore feet. My husband always wears his Keen sandals, and I switch between my Sanuks and Tevas.
I always pack stamps so we can send postcards from Magic Kingdom
My family has made it a tradition to send a letter or postcard to someone back home from inside the parks.
You can always bring souvenir postcards to the front desk of your resort. However, it’s more fun to put it in one of the four mailboxes on Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom.
Disney gift cards make it easy to budget in the parks
Kari Becker
You can pay for almost everything at Disney World with Disney gift cards, including dining, merchandise, and resort charges.
Many external retailers offer small discounts when you purchase these cards, so buying them ahead of time is a great way to save a little money on your vacation.
To curb excess spending, we give each of our kids a gift card at the beginning of the trip for souvenirs. Once they use up their card’s balance, they’re done spending.
On the other hand, I never pack dress clothes for a Disney vacation
Aside from Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian Resort, none of the Disney dining locations really expect more than casual dress.
I love this aspect of Disney World because it means there are wonderful dining options with upscale-feeling food that are still super family-friendly.
My husband and I usually throw one nicer casual outfit in our suitcase if we decide we want to get a little fancy. But, generally, our dress clothes get left in the closet at home.
You don’t need to bring your own pool towels or life jackets if you’re staying on the property
Kari Becker
My clients often ask me if they need to bring life jackets or towels for their children to enjoy the hotel pools. Fortunately, the answer is no.
All the Disney resorts provide these items, so you can save space in your suitcase and leave them at home.
It’s tempting to pack all your own snacks, but it’s often easier to stock up after you arrive
It’s nice to have a few quick snacks on hand in the hotel room or in your park bag, but don’t waste space in your suitcase. You can have groceries delivered to your Disney resort.
Most national delivery services are available, or Garden Grocer is a local option. These deliveries can be picked up in the lobby at no charge or sent straight to your room for a small fee.
This story was originally published in January 2022 and most recently updated on December 29, 2025.
