The first time packing for a Walt Disney World vacation can seem overwhelming. Every packing list will vary by person and family, but there are certain essentials everyone should remember to bring for a magical and stress-free Disney vacation.
Important Note: This list in no is meant to be comprehensive. Your individual or family packing list will vary depending on the number of vacation days, if you’re traveling by air or by car, if you’re traveling with an infant or anyone with special needs and the time of year traveling.
Walt Disney World Packing Essentials
Everyone visiting and staying at the Walt Disney World resort for any length of stay needs to bring the following items.
Comfortable shoes: If you walk around just the perimeter of each of the four main Disney theme parks, you’ll travel 8.51 miles. A visit to Disney World means a lot of walking so a comfortable pair of walking shoes are essential.
Clothing to fit the weather: April through September are the warmest months in Central Florida. In July and August it’s not uncommon for temperatures to soar into the upper 90s and higher. The warm temperatures plus high humidity levels can make for a very sticky day when visiting the Disney parks. Before packing your bags for Disney, check the forecast and pack accordingly. Months like November can be a bit trickier. It can be in the 80s during the day, ideal for tees and shorts, but at night drop down into the 50s at night making it essential to have a light sweater or jacket.
Toiletries: Each of the Disney World resorts do provide little bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, tissues and hand soap. However, you’ll need to pack essentials like toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, personal care products like hair spray, gel, razors, shaving cream, cotton swabs, make-up remover, deodorant, lip balm and other similar items.
Bathing suits: Every resort at Disney has its own themed pool(s) plus there are two themed water parks. Spending an hour or two at the resort pool in the middle of a hot afternoon is a great way to relax before heading back to spend an evening in one of the parks or exploring Disney Springs.
Medications: When packing for any trip, it’s important to pack any necessary prescription medications as well as items such as non-prescription pain relievers, allergy meds, aloe (to treat sunburn), antibiotic ointment, Band-Aids, moleskin (for treating blisters), eye drops, contact lens solution, antacids, vitamins and cough drops/throat lozenges. Some of these items may be available for purchase at your resort gift shop if you forget something or run out.
Electronics and Miscellaneous: Don’t forget to pack chargers for cell phones and other devices as well as extra batteries if needed. Cell phones, a camera, memory cards, credit cards/cash, large plastic zip-close baggies (ideal for wet items), sunscreen, hand sanitizer and a day-bag/pack to carry essentials into the parks. Please note that selfie sticks are no longer permitted in the Disney parks.