The Walt Disney World Blog

Walt Disney World Vacation Information and Advice

What’s in my suitcase? My ULTIMATE Disney World packing list.

Featured

Posted on May 31, 2018 by waltdisneyworldblog

Hey girl, what’s in your suitcase? Glad you asked! Have a peek at my ultimate Disney World packing list. I should note we love a road trip and usually drive to Disney World. This gives us a bit more space flexibility than if we are flying. I think this list works for both, but you may need to tailor it suit any luggage constraints.

Clothes – Let’s talk attire. What to wear at Disney World comes down to personal preference. More than likely it will be hot, and you’ll get wet. You should plan to wear clothes you know you find comfortable. For me that means a lot of dresses. I find them to be pleasant, breezy and cool. I will note, with skirts/dresses, you may want to be mindful of length. Shorter lengths can be challenging to for getting in and out of low attractions such as Test Track in Epcot. I will wear tanks and shorts too. Andy prefers shorts and sleeveless tees. He’ll wear t-shirts sometimes, but he’s usually happier in the men’s tanks. More athletic style wear helps to wick away sweat and moisture, and could be worth considering. But it’s all about what you think you’ll feel best in when it’s hot and humid. Plan for plenty of clothes! You may find yourself wanting to change during the day. We do! It’s amazing how refreshed it can make you feel.
Shoes – You will be walking. For miles, and miles, and miles. If you’re new to Disney World the amount of steps you take may surprise you. One of the things I SWEAR BY to keep my feet fresh is switching up my shoe game. I try not wear the same pair of shoes more than 2 days in a row. I recommend allotting a little extra suitcase space and bringing 2-4 pairs of shoes that you love. My favorite park shoes are Olukai Ohana flip flops. My husband likes those and Rainbows. I prefer to have my feet open, not enslaved in socks and shoes. Even still I will also wear a shoe like classic Keds, Converse Chuck Taylors, Toms, Vans, or a moderate athletic shoe every couple of days to keep my feet fresh. My parents are more comfortable in athletic shoes like Aasics or Nikes. My mom is trying out a pair of Allbirds this trip. You do you! But I do advise several pairs, and ones you have broken in, that you know are comfortable. Your trip to Disney world is not the time to experiment. Trust me on that.
Sunglasses – Obvious. I also like to bring an extra pair – just in case!
Hat – I love to wear a hat in Disney World. It may seem anti-intuitive to put something on your head in the heat, but a hat (especially a fedora or wide-brimmed hat) helps to keep your face and neck shaded. I’m usually in a straw fedora.
Sunscreen – Choose your favorite and keep it at hand. It’s nice to have both lotion/spray and a stick for your face.
After Sun Lotion – I do my best to keep sunscreen/hat on to avoid need of this. But I believe that re-hydrating my skin after a day of Florida sun goes a long way to ward off burn and irritation. This is hands down my favorite post-sun lotion.
Ponchos – It’s probable you’ll encounter rain on your trip. Fortunately it doesn’t usually last long! In the summer months especially, a small storm or shower will pass through and then move along. Keeping a poncho with you to stay dry is really great. I find it miserable to get rained on and then walk around in hot, damp clothes waiting for them to dry in the Florida humidity.
Waterproof Mascara – Let’s talk make-up ladies. I don’t tend to wear a lot of make-up in Disney World. It’s hot, you sweat, and it just doesn’t hold. However, I don’t like to go anywhere without mascara. In Disney World I highly recommend switching to a waterproof mascara. (I’m giving this one a go this trip.) Between sweat, water elements, misters, pool time, it saves the day by keeping black from running down your face. The other thing I usually wear is a tinted moisturizer/sunscreen combo. It evens skin tone without being heavy.
Makeup Removal Wipes – Waterproof mascara is stubborn these help with removal before a face wash. They’re also great for cleaning your face before/after a trip to the pool.
Gold Bond/Glide – Hubby discovered the need for this on our honeymoon. This helps keep chaffing at bay. Gold bond makes a small travel bottle that would be perfect for the park bag to keep things fresh.
Portable External Charger – Disney World has a way of draining your cellphone battery. You use it to snap photos, check wait times, order food, and of course check in on social media. There are charging stations throughout Disney World, but I prefer to charge on the go. Something like this external charger (or this) is inexpensive, small, and lightweight. Perfect to slip in your park bag and juice up your phones when needed. Also don’t forget chargers and cables for any other electronics you’ll be packing.
Hand Sanitizer – Lots of people in Walt Disney World. A little hand sanitizer is handy in helping keep germs at bay when you’re on the go in the parks. Bath & Body works makes cute ones that clip on your bag to be at the ready.
Brita water bottles – *TIP* You can get a free cup of ice water in any counter service location at Disney World. Awesome. But when you’re thirsty in line, that doesn’t help. Purchasing bottled water in the parks adds up quickly. We like to bring filtered water bottles into the parks with us. The water at Disney World doesn’t taste all that great. (It’s gross, actually.) But these filtered water bottles take care of that so you can refill at any fountain and stay happily hydrated without breaking the bank.
Lysol spray – I touched on this in my last post. I like to have this on hand in the hotel to spray down surfaces to kick the germs. This is great to do with your park bag when you get back to the hotel too.
Clorox Wipes – I love Clorox Wipes. They’re handy for messes and sanitizing. What’s not to love?
Laundry Bag/Pop-up Hamper – It’s much nicer to be in a clean & tidy space. Providing a spot for your dirty clothes keeps the aesthetic a bit nicer and the mess down. All Disney hotels have a laundry facility. Should you chose to clean a load of clothes on a pool day, it makes dealing with that much easier.
Mickey/Character Gear – This may be a bit redundant, but don’t forget your favorite Disney shirt/watch/shoes/hat etc.
Swimsuit/Coverup – Disney World hotels have GREAT themed pools, most with water-slides and other bells and whistles. I wholeheartedly suggest you take advantage of them on your trip. Nowadays Disney has controlled hours of their pools with locked gates. But, when I was little my mom used to get up early and take me swimming before we hit the parks. I love those memories. There is also Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach if you want to hit a Disney water park. Disney provides the towels. Wahoo! You can skip packing those.
Ziploc Bags – These are useful for a multitude of things. I especially love them for holding wet clothes/items or to keep wet OFF of certain things. Don’t want your sunscreen to explode in your bag? Ziploc. Boom!
Laundry Pods – I usually pack a tupperwear container with 3-4 of these because I often end up doing a load or two of laundry. They don’t take up much space and it’s much cheaper than buying from your Disney hotel.
Tide To Go – This snazzy little “pen” is perfect for the hotel or park bag to keep any Mickey Premium Bar, ketchup, or the like from permanently staining clothes.
Lightweight sweater/sweatshirt – OK, now I know what you’re thinking. “This woman has lost her mind. She’s been doing nothing but talking about the heat and now she’s saying pack a sweatshirt?!” I won’t be dragging one around the park, but the air conditioning can be chilly inside in Disney World. Especially if you’re wet from the pool/sweat. In the evening post swim or what not it can be nice to toss on. I also like to make this a gift shop purchase from the resort where I’m staying. I have a zip sweatshirt from Animal Kingdom Lodge that I just adore and a pull-on hoodie from Wilderness Lodge that put me in the Disney state of mind in the winter.
Snacks – I’m not huge on bringing food to Disney World, especially into the parks. It’s a great way to save cash, but I love to eat Disney chow when I’m there. It’s part of the experience. That being said, it’s nice to have a couple of your favorite options on hand in your hotel room. (And in your park bag for hangry if you have kids… or yourself…) If you’re considering bringing your own food/beverages into the parks just remember – no alcohol or glass is allowed. And be sure to bring things that aren’t going to melt on you.
Band-Aids + Neosporin – At times, despite our best efforts to wear our most wonderful shoes, we end up with blisters. Having these already packed is lifesaving. I especially like to have Band-Aid Hydro Seal Blister Heels in my bag in addition to an assortment of (Disney themed, of course!) regular Band-Aids.
Motrin IB/Advil/Tylenol – Whatever your favorite OTC pain reliever is, I would bring it along and keep it on you to fend off headaches and the like. I’d like to note that all of Disney’s parks have a great First Aid station where you can get bandages, ice packs, and OTC medications if you’re in need. (Hopefully you’ll have no need though!)
Cash – We never carry cash so I have make a note to get some before trips. (Perhaps I am speaking out of turn, but I find that younger generations frequently don’t carry it.) Making sure to have a cash allotment for tipping and whatnot is wise. There’s a safe in all Disney hotel rooms to stash any surplus or other valuables you may wish to secure.
Park Bag – You need a bag to take into the parks. Something comfortable and not too big! (Post on this upcoming!)
Glow bracelets – You can pick these up at your local dollar store or Target and they make a great special touch at night in the parks.

That’s it for my major hitters! Don’t forget the other things to pack that are more travel-general and less park-specific:

Chargers
Toiletries: nail trimmers, nail file, toothbrush, toothpaste & floss, face wash, moisturizer, deodorant (please!), razor etc.,
Make-up
Comb, brush, styling products, hair ties, headbands, bobby pins, etc.
ID, Insurance cards, discount cards, etc.
Feminine products

Looking to theme out your luggage? shopDisney has you covered with options.

Did I forget anything?!? Let me know in the comments below.

See ya real soon!

The List… My WDW Vacation Prep Struggle

Featured

Posted on May 10, 2018 by waltdisneyworldblog

Guys, I have a confession. I’m struggling! Normally I am so organized, excited, and filled with the planning spirit when I have an upcoming Walt Disney World trip. For me, the preparation is half of the fun. But I’m having a hard time with this upcoming trip.

We are so busy. Life is good, but life is full. And this fullness is overwhelming my ability to think about this trip, let a lone plan. I’m particularly frustrated by this because it’s been a long time since we’ve visited and I’m clamoring to make the most of this trip – including the planning! Probably a foolish feeling, but since when are feelings always sensible?

I’ve taken care of the essentials: making sure we have Fastpass+ and dining reservations. But beyond that? Oy.

I’ve hardly thought about it. My countdown calendar lacks daily attention. In fact, I’ve been lucky to get to it once a week.

And honestly, I feel daunted by visiting with my toddler. How much will she be able to do? Will she enjoy herself? Will be she be tired and fearful? How do I prepare for taking her? Am I going to feel like a backpacker lugging around everything to meet her needs? Are we going to be able to enjoy it as a family? I know in my heart we will. But I’m definitely in unknown territory.

To combat my sort of nagging, back-of-the-mind wanderings I’ve taken to constructing lists. When my hubby reads this he’s going to say this is just an outlet for my OCD, control-centric personality tendencies. He’s probably right. But, it’s also a great way to start preparing and ensure I take everything I need – particularly related to my toddler. I’ve also found it to be a fun way to jot things down that I’m looking forward to, to help foster anticipation and excitement.

So what’s on my random post-it list?

Sunscreen – Clearly needed in FL summer, but I gotta make sure to have toddler safe and convenient!
Ziploc bags – These are so handy. I always have a few in different sizes with me when I go to WDW.
Laundry bag – Much better than stuffing dirty clothes in a trash bag or tripping over them laying around the room.
Shoes – lol really? Of course we need shoes. Prime example of how my mind works. But my point was making sure to have enough appropriate footwear, and order more Olukai sandals if needed. And figure out little one’s shoes. I swear her feet grow every day. Actually, I think I’ll make my next post just about SHOES at Disney World! *Cue geeking out.*
Ponchos – It is very likely to thunderstorm/rain shower on our trip. I find it miserable to get wet and try to dry out in the FL humidity. I don’t like the way my clothes stick and feel heavy when wet. While ponchos are widely available in WDW, they’re much cheaper to purchase from somewhere like Amazon.com, and pack.
Thermometer – This is something I don’t normally take, but having a toddler it’s probably good to have on hand.
Motrin – Both adult and children’s version. For adults, it’s great for the headache or just aches that may find you from walking MILES every day. For my little one, I’ll be comforted knowing I have something to help if a fever should happen to strike
Juice pouches – Honest Kids Juice Pouches are something I always take on vacation. They’re the perfect liquid treat for a road trip/WDW vacation without being loaded with sugar. The lemonade and fruit punch are my favorites.
Snack singles – I am not big on taking food/beverage into the parks, outside of a refillable water bottle. I know it’s a great way to save money. But I’m OK with paying a little extra for Disney yummies. Especially when that means I don’t have to tote it around. I do not like to lug things around the parks. I’m sort of a “bare essentials” gal. However, I’m aware I’m probably in for a change in that tide with a 2 year old. I’ve seen her hangry meltdowns. I don’t think a couple of goldfish cracker packs will take up too much room, and I will probably be grateful for them at some point.
Diapers – I certainly don’t want to get stuck with a need for these.
Baby Wipes – See above, but also perfect for wiping off Mickey Premium Bars from little hands.
Diaper Rash Cream – I don’t normally have a need for this, but I’m leaving nothing to chance with the heat and humidity of Florida.
Hand Sanitizer – I’m not sure I’ve ever taken this into the parks before. I’m not sure why not. I know the numbers of people moving through the park each day. And since I’ve turned mom, especially after this last terrible flu season, I’m a bit of a germaphobe. I will have plenty of this on hand.
Clorox Wipes – Not an item I’ll be taking into the parks, but certainly something that comes in handy around the hotel and in the car.
Lysol Sanitizing Spray – Again, for the hotel. I think generally Mousekeeping does a great job preparing Disney hotel rooms. But I don’t see any harm in spraying down surfaces to keep germs at bay. No one wants to be sick on vacation.

This is by no means a comprehensive packing list. (That is upcoming!) Just a few things that I stuck on a post-it note.

I began writing this post a couple of days ago. Since then, I’ve been feeling excited! I’ve made many more post-it lists and doodles. My mood has shifted. I’ve been able to imagine being there with my little one and seeing her wonder. I’ve had a blast compiling my lists and daydreaming about the trip. I think I’ll even catch up on the countdown calendar tonight…

See ya real soon!

Packing Like A Pro For Walt Disney World

Posted on February 17, 2015 by waltdisneyworldblog

Today my friends, is a gift. I mean, all days we have on this earth are gifts, but today is a snow day! As a teacher, a day where school is cancelled and you get a few precious hours at home to catch up on life, is wonderful. So here I am with my little diet coke and my happy place Mickey straw.

I always find myself looking at a huge gap in my posts wondering how it got to be so long since my last check in. The school year certainly proves to be the biggest time thief, but recently I have had another task at hand. My brother is getting married in April and I’ve been working on making invitations for their wedding. Those got sent out over the weekend and so now I have a rare extra bit of free time. Speaking of weddings, my gorgeous cousin got married over the weekend too. Yay! Her new husband booked their honeymoon at Disney World as a surprise, and that’s where they currently are. Eek! And I’m so happy for them! I know that right now as I’m typing up this post with frozen sidewalks outside my window, I know that they are having a blast in the pleasant 65 degree WDW weather. (I might also be a teensy bit jealous.)

Knowing we are Disney World fiends, my cousin called for some tips on her upcoming honeymoon. She only found out about the trip a couple weeks before their big day and she wanted to plan to get the most of her time. She raised some great questions, mostly about dining. But I ended up writing her an email about a few things she might want to pack and what attractions are on our “can’t miss” list. Dining and attractions are big topics, so let’s tuck them away for another day. But, what to pack? That’s doable.

Packing smartly for Walt Disney World can make a significant difference in the quality of your trip. If you’ve never been before, or like my cousin you haven’t been since you were little and mom did your packing, you may not realize everything you may need.

Clothes – OK, obviously you need clothes. Check the weather before you go to determine what kind of temps you’ll be facing. Pack enough clothes to be able to change once a day. This is especially true if you’re going in the summer. It’s hot and you will sweat. There is nothing better than going back to your hotel to shower and get fresh clothes on after a particularly hot day in the parks before dinner. Or in the afternoon after a swim at your hotel pool. Or whatever it may be. If you’re not going in the summer, pack clothes you can layer. The temperatures can fluctuate day by day, and mornings can be cool while afternoons heat up. Don’t forget your favorite Disney gear while you’re choosing your clothes!
Shoes – Now, you may be tempted to save suitcase room and minimize your shoe count, especially if you’re flying. Luggage rates don’t seem to be dropping. BUT MAKE ROOM because shoes are key. Walt Disney World is huge, and you will walk miles, most likely daily, when there. And you will stand, and stand some more. I like to pack a pair or two of nice flip flops that have support (like Rainbows, Merrills, or Oluai Ohanas), and a of pair of sneakers. Three pairs of shoes may sound excessive, but I’ve found that switching shoes every day or two will save your feet from aching as much.
Swimsuit – Disney has awesome pools and water parks. Hubs and I tend to swim almost every day so I bring two suits for both of us so we can alternate.
Sunglasses/Hat – Protect your eyes and face from the sun. I don’t tend to wear a hat, but both Hubs and my Dad do.
Ziplock Bags – Bring a few sandwich, quart, and gallon ziplock bags. They just come in handy. They’re great for your toiletries, or to make an ice pack, or to keep a wet swimsuit isolated. (Many a time on our last day I’ve just had to squeeze in one more dip in the pool. Then I’m faced with a wet swimsuit to put in my suitcase. Gallon bag to the rescue!) Our family also tends to pack a garbage bag or two for dirty clothes. A pop-up hamper like the ones for college dorms are also great for that task.
First Aid Kit – Make your own or grab a pre-made version. I suggest including band-aids, neosporin, benadryl, Ib preufin (or other favorite headache medicine), your choice remedy for upset stomach, and rubbing alcohol.
Gold Bond Powder – As we’ve established, Disney World includes lots of walking and sweating. This helps keep chafing down. I’ve also heard Body Glide is great.
Sunscreen – This may seem like a no brainer, Florida sun = need for sunscreen. But it’s easy to get distracted at Disney World as you go in and out of attractions and forget about it. Trust us, it’s needed. In fact, I got lightly burnt in Magic Kingdom a couple of days before my wedding. Thanks be for aloe. That’s not a bad item to toss into your bag either.
Ponchos – Rain is a very likely happening on your trip to WDW. January – April tends to have 2-3 inches per month. May – just shy of 4 inches. June is typically the rainiest month with over 7 inches on average. July – September average about 6 inches per month. During October – December the average drops back down to 2-3 inches a month. Rain, especially in the summer is brief. It clouds up, pours, then steams away. Having a poncho to whip out will keep you dry and let you move on with your day mostly uninterrupted. I hate getting wet and then drying out slowly as I walk around the park. You will find very cute Mickey ponchos in many, many shops in Walt Disney World. We have ones that we bought years ago and that go with us on our trips. If you don’t own any, you can pick them up before your trip at Target, or somewhere similar for a better price.
H2O – Water can be life saving at WDW, especially in summertime. Are there water fountains all over Disney World? Yup. But I’m not going to lie, the water is gross. It does not taste good – at all. A bottle of water in the parks can cost $3-4. Buying a case of bottled water before you go will allow you to save substantially. We usually take two large bottles into the park with us every time we go to a park. I have not tried these, but I have read that the Brita Sport Water Filter Bottles are great. Many people have used them in the parks and claim they nip the nasty taste of the WDW water. I think we may try these on our June trip.
Snacks – As with water, bringing your own snacks into the parks can save you lots of cash. Disney allows you to bring food and drink into the park. They do not allow glass, alcoholic beverages, or coolers however. Remember is hot so you don’t want to bring something that can spoil or melt.
Adult Beverages – A cold beer in the afternoon before a dip in the pool is mighty refreshing. Bringing your own alcohol can be another money-saver.
Cameras and Tech Gadgets – I am usually manning my video camera in the parks while Hubs usually has a camera for pics. We both also tend to use our cell phones for photos. Make sure you’ve got all of the corresponding cords and chargers!
Magic Bands – Once customized on My Disney Experience these are usually shipped to you about a month before your trip. Don’t forget ’em!
Park Bag – Make sure to bring along a small backpack or your other favorite bag to take into the parks. In our park bag we always have our camera gear for the day, water, sunscreen, a snack or two, ponchos, and a mini first aid kit.

Hubs is ready with Shades and a Camera.

OK, now I’m really ready to go! Obviously I didn’t include things for kids in here as we don’t have any of those yet. However, I have heard that Tide Pens/wipes, sippy cups, change for the penny press machines, and glow bracelets/necklaces are great additions for little dudes.

%d bloggers like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: