Walt Disney World Packing List (and Printable!)

Packing for a Walt Disney World vacation can feel overwhelming  Oftentimes, a stay at Disney can easily last a week or longer. And when you are packing for several people it can be easy to forget something. This is why I always utilize a packing list, especially for big vacations such as Walt Disney World. When you’re on vacation, the last thing you want to do is make a last minute run to the store because of forgotten essentials. My hope for you, is that by utilizing this packing list, you will be able to enjoy a less stressful Walt Disney World vacation!

In my household, packing usually starts several weeks before our departure.  And when I say “packing” I mean I start a large pile of stuff I know I will want to pack at some point in time, so may as well keep it all in one place for now!  It’s unsightly, but it works for us.

The great thing about Walt Disney World is there are a ton of shops located at the resorts and in the parks. These locations supply basic essentials you may need but could have forgotten to pack.  Medications, personal care items, batteries, chargers – all of these items can be bought from Disney in a pinch.  There is also a Walmart located about 10 minutes out of Walt Disney World that can be a huge lifesaver for guests travelling by car. This Walmart also carries a lot of Disney merchandise making it a great stop for some inexpensive souvenirs!

To help you streamline your packing and prevent any last-minute shopping trips, I have compiled a comprehensive packing list including everything your travel group may need for your Walt Disney World vacation.  This is a super charged list, meaning you most likely won’t need all of the items I have listed here. But, it’s a great reference to help you build your very own packing list.

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General Disney Packing Tips

Keep Comfort in Mind!

Park Bag – Choosing an appropriate park bag for your Disney trip is important.  You want to be able to carry all of your essential items (such as your wallet, cellphone, sunscreen, etc).  But you also don’t want to go overboard and end up lugging a heavy bag around the parks all day.  That can really wear you down!  You want to find a good balance between functionality and comfort.  I like to carry a small backpack in the parks.  Others find that a small purse or fanny pack is all they need for the day.  Whatever you decide, just be sure your park bag is lightweight and comfortable.

Water Bottles – Refillable water bottles are another important item you will need in the parks.  Disney can get hot, even in the winter months.  The heat, combined with long days of walking and standing in line, can easily lead to dehydration.  It is true that you can ask for a free cup of ice water from any Quick Service location, but that requires waiting in line and wasting precious park time. Bringing your own water will be a time saver and also save you the cost of purchasing bottled water. 

I will also mention here, I am not a fan of the taste of Disney World water.  This seems to be a fairly common sentiment with Disney travelers who are not used to how Disney treats their water.  I recommend utilizing water bottles with filters, or purchasing some flavored water enhancers before your trip. 

Check out Amazon’s selection of filtered water bottles HERE!

Footwear – Appropriate footwear is so important!  Make sure to pack more than one pair of shoes, and make absolutely sure that at least one pair is comfortable walking shoes.  The Disney parks are huge. That means there is a lot of walking involved to get from Point A to Point B.   Don’t make the mistake of wearing uncomfortable shoes and damaging your feet.  This can potentially ruin your vacation!

Rain Gear – Rain is almost inevitable in Florida.  The good thing about rainy days, is that the parks usually clear out. This gives the well-prepared guests the chance to run wild and free!  Packing ponchos, raincoats, and umbrellas can turn a rainy day into an epic park day with low crowds.  And trust me, you will be happy to have brought your own poncho because the ponchos sold at Disney are expensive!

Cold Weather Items – When you think of Florida, you automatically think of sunshine!  But this is not always the case, particularly in the winter months.  Make sure that you pack some long pants and long sleeve shirts for the cooler months and cool evenings you may be spending in the parks.  I have even seen guests wearing winter jackets and gloves!  Everyone’s tolerance to the cold is different, so be sure to pack accordingly.

Organization/Space Saving

Packing Cubes – These can be a huge help for keeping your suitcases organized and your clothing protected.  They are especially helpful if you are planning to organize specific park outfits for each day of your stay.  If you like the idea of organizing you park outfits by day, but aren’t interested in investing in Packing Cubes, large Ziploc bags are also a great way to stay organized.  Just pack each outfit and its accessories in separate Ziploc bags. Then label them with the date or park you plan to use them.  This will save you time and energy on those busy park mornings when you are trying to beat the crowd to rope drop!

Shop packing cubes on Amazon HERE!

Ziploc Bags – I already mentioned above how helpful large Ziploc bags can be for packing organization, but small Ziploc bags are equally as important!  You can use them to keep important items dry while enjoying your favorite water attraction. They are also great for storing leftover snacks that you or your kiddos might want to enjoy later.  It never hurts to have a few of these stashed in your park bag for whatever you may need!

Toiletries – While I created a fairly comprehensive list of toiletry items, keep in mind that many resorts (particularly Disney resorts) will offer complimentary items to their guests.  All Disney resort rooms offer shampoo, conditioner, soap, and body lotion.  Resorts rooms also supply hair dryers for guests to use during their stay.  I’m all about packing light when I can, so we make use of the freebies that Disney provides! 

Additional Items to Consider

Gum – Gum is not sold anywhere on Disney property in an effort to keep the parks clean.  If you are a gum chewer, you will need to pack and bring your own!  Just be sure to dispose of it in a trash receptacle when you are finished 😊

Dress Clothes – Some Signature Dining experiences require a dress code for their guests (such as Victoria and Alberts, Artist Pointe, and California Grill).  In these instances, tank tops and flip flops may not be permitted.  Be aware of any dress code associated with your Advance Dining Reservations that may require dress shoes or even a jacket for gentlemen.

Glow Sticks/Light up Wands – I have included these in the packing list because you can save a lot of money buying these at home versus in the parks. When night falls in the parks, vendors emerge selling light up toys and wands.  I promise you, your kids will beg for these.  And they are not cheap.  Buying these items at home and presenting them to your kiddos at the park will be a nice surprise for them, while saving you a ton of money.

Insect Repellant – Don’t bring it.  I have never packed it and my family has never had any issues with mosquitos while on property.  Disney does a great job of pest control on their end. Save the suitcase space for something more important to bring (or souvenirs to bring home)!

Final Thoughts

As I mentioned before, you most certainly will not need every item listed on this packing list for your Walt Disney World vacation.  If you packed every example listed here, you would be packing way too much!  But I hope this list helps you narrow down what you may need so no essentials are forgotten. Make it fun, and happy packing!

Did I miss any essentials you have on your packing list?  What is one thing you ALWAYS bring on a Disney trip that many others don’t consider?  Let me know in the comments!

Interested in other trip planning articles? Check out my post for My FAVORITE Way to Save Money on a Walt Disney World Vacation HERE and my Walt Disney World Planning Guide HERE!

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