What to Pack for Disney: Essentials for Your Park Bag

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Wondering What to Pack for Disney Parks? Pack These Essentials in your park bag before you head to Disney World for the day. 

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An in-park backpack…don’t leave home without it! Visiting the parks is often a lengthy day experience and there are undoubtedly things you will need to have on hand during the course of your magical visit. A backpack is the one thing that I always suggest to bring to Disney World. It doesn’t have to be huge, because you obviously don’t want to pack everything and the kitchen sink. Plus, you have to remember all bags will be searched before you enter the parks.

And if you are wondering what to pack for your entire Disney vacation, be sure to read this Ultimate Disney Packing List post and download the free Disney Packing Printable.

So what should you pack for Disney? Here are my suggestions for What to Pack In Your Disney Backpack

Water

Hydration is so essential, especially when there are so many hot days in Florida. Stay cool and as comfortable as possible. Don’t wait to become thirsty, and definitely don’t pay a penny for the bottled water they have in the parks. The mark up is egregious, which is why this is such a priority.

You can always ask for free ice water at a counter service restaurant, but it’s way better to come prepared with a bottle of your own water bought at a not super insane price. Pack a whole bunch in your luggage to last you through the trip and save. 24 bottles are about the price of one in the parks, and it’s the same brand.

Another easy option is to bring a refillable water bottle with you and just fill it before you leave the hotel each morning or ask for a cup of ice water at any of the counter service restaurants and fill it that way.

Snacks

Food is essential to get you through a long day a Disney. Snacks are an excellent backup plan to keep from going hungry on a busy day. Nothing against theme park snacks. To be honest, you will probably just get those anyway, but don’t deprive yourself of the option to have an easy free snack while inside the parks.

If you get hungry waiting in line, it’s right there for you. Having snacks is crucial when you have no reservations and you can’t find a quick service location with an open table. Just take a moment, enjoy a snack and you can buy more time to look for a good place to have lunch.

Protection

The main reason to have your backpack with you is for all the gear you need to protect you from the elements. Sunscreen is a must. Sunglasses and other sun-blocking or cooling devices will help keep you comfortable throughout the day. You should also prepare for cooler weather and bring a sweater or a light jacket. Since humidity is usually high at Walt Disney World and rain is common, always be prepared to get wet. Don’t get caught off guard and pay $9 for a Disney poncho. Especially if there are several people in your party. Bring your own disposable poncho. 

Autograph and Coin Books

If you like to visit the characters or collect pressed coins, then you definitely will not want to forget and autograph book or a coin book. Be prepared for any character encounter and make sure you have a convenient place to store pressed coins. Most merchandise in the parks can be sent to your room at no extra cost, or even shipped to your house, so you don’t have to walk around with anything, but unique machines stationed around the park will require you to have some method to carry your collectible.

Chargers

Phone chargers are absolutely essential. You will be using your phone a ton to for everything from taking pictures to Mobile Ordering. My Disney Experience holds your Fastpasses and real-time park information. Plus you have mobile order and the Play Disney Parks app. Since you will use your phone constantly while in the parks, you don’t let a low battery get you down.

Instead of buying a charger at a machine, bring one in your backpack and use it at your convenience. Also, don’t forget to charge up each night at the hotel. the rooms are equipped with several USB ports. It is also a good idea to bring extra charging cords.

Do you have any other suggestions on what to pack for Disney?

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Portable Charger

Walt Disney World Vacation Planner

Sunscreen

Hidden Mickey Guide

Disney Autograph Book

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