Disney days can be LONG, so it just makes sense to pack some essentials to have with you throughout the day. And while it may seem like a good idea to go as minimalist as possible, we've found having these items with you makes your day much more enjoyable! Obviously, feel free to adjust for what's best for YOU and YOUR family, but here is our list of must-haves in our Disney park bag.
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We can't stress enough the importance of taking care of your feet during your days in the parks. It may seem like a good idea to throw on those flip-flops to run around all day, but trust us...it's not!
Now it's true, it can rain almost every afternoon in Florida. So, if you're worried about wet shoes, then sure, bring those flip flops/sandals to change into. But having a pair of dry, moisture-wicking socks to put on is magical! We even recommend bringing an extra pair to change into mid-day. Thank us later!
It's obviously important to stay hydrated while in the parks, and what better way than with a vacuum-sealed insulated bottle! Tough as nails (I've rolled mine across a parking lot by accident with only a scratch to show for it...don't ask!) and can literally keep your drink cold all day, even in the heat of Florida summer.
This is also a convenient enough size to fit in most bottle holders on your backpack...but your mileage may vary ;-) There are several bottle filling stations throughout the parks and you can get a large cup of ice water for free from any quick service location to refill. There's nothing better than "free" at Disney!
EVERYTHING at Disney is done on your phone now. From room check-in to Genie+ to mobile ordering food to even opening your room door. The My Disney Experience app on your phone is your lifeline to all things Disney while on vacation.
Add to it any photo/video taking and social media posting, and you'll have a dead battery in no time! We use these power banks to keep us topped off and to be sure we can capture all the memories (and footage!) we want! Enough for a couple complete charges, you can share one throughout the day to keep everyone's phone in the game!
We mentioned earlier that it rains in Florida (duh!). It doesn't matter what the forecast is, it could say sunny with 5% chance of rain and that 5% will be directly over the park you're in that day! Just expect it and be prepared with this highly packable, lightweight rain jacket.
It comes in a ton of fun colors and packs down into its own hand pocket, making it super easy to throw in your day pack!
This has been a lifesaver for those hot and humid days, which there are a lot of in Florida! And nothing ruins a day in the park like having to go back to your resort and change into something else because you didn't have this in your bag.
Easy to apply, no mess, and smells great! Apply before you head out the door and keep it with you throughout the day so you can stay in the parks making memories!
We actually discovered this on a cruise, looking for something natural and reef-friendly. It's non-greasy, matte finish actually applies really well and doesn't feel heavy on your skin! It's a 100% mineral sunscreen with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide that offers broad-spectrum protection that blocks and deflects harmful UVA & UVB rays.
Oxybenzone free, phthalate free, reef friendly, and with no animal testing this is staple in our park bag!
There's no doubt you'll be bringing a pair of sunglasses with you on vacation. But if you haven't treated yourself to a pair of quality polarized sunglasses, you're missing out!
If you're not familiar, think of polarization as tiny "window blinds" that deflect bouncing light and reflections, reducing glare and strain on your eyes. Everything just seems clearer. And after a long day in the parks, your eyes will thank you!
While it's true there are hand sanitizers throughout the parks and resorts, there's something about having one of your own handy. These are a great size and can attach directly to your bag for easy access!
So real talk, have you seen people in the queues? They're gross. We've seen kids literally licking the railings. We've seen people do things that makes you wonder if they haven't gone feral. And yes, while the cast members do a decent job of routinely cleaning, it's still a good idea to be armed with some hand sanitizer. Nobody wants to get home from vacation sick!
Protection is key for your identity, and you never know who's running around the parks. It's easy to get caught up in the magic and forget not everyone is there to enjoy the parks. So as they say, "an ounce of prevention..."
The slim design of this wallet makes it easy to tuck away or quickly put in your pocket for that mid-afternoon Dole Whip run!
10. Rechargeable Personal Mini Fans
Last on our list is a bit of a fun item, but can definitely come in handy depending on the time of year! These are USB rechargeable, have 3 speed levels, and are about the size of an iPhone.
Plus, can we talk about how adorable these things are!
So, there you have it. These are our 10 must-have items in our park bag for a fun (and comfortable!) day at Disney! What items do you like to bring? Leave them in the comments below!