Extensive Disney World Packing List, including what to take to the parks.
Packing for a trip to Walt Disney World is slightly different to many other holidays due to the dress code, and knowing what to take to the parks to ensure your days go more smoothly.
Here I've put together an extensive Disney World Packing List, including everything we take with us for our family of 4.
As Brits, we always fly to Florida, so everything fits in our suitcases with a little extra room for those all important souvenirs.
For the Parks
Some guests prefer to pack for every eventuality for a day at the parks, whereas we like to tour as lightly as possible. Even so, we still take a few essentials.
These include:
- Mobile phones
- Portable chargers
- Magic Bands or Tickets
- Handwipes
- Ponchos
- Sunglasses
- Pocket size Sun Tan Lotion
- Large waterproof lanyard
- Mickey/Minnie Ears
- Hats/caps
You can by-pass the bag check line at each park entrance by touring bagless. It's something we endeavour to do as often as we can, so I've written a separate blog post here with tips on how to do this.
If you're planning to take a bag or backpack with you anyway, you might as well add in a few more items, such as:
- Refillable water bottle
- Pain relief
- Plasters
- Glo-sticks or light up toys for evening touring
- Autograph Books & Pens for character Meet & Greets
- Lanyard & Pins for trading
- Pennies for pressing
- Ziploc bags to keep electronics dry on water rides
For Pools & Waterparks
- Swimwear
- Pool towels
- Pool shoes/flipflops
- Swim aids
- Swim goggles
- Beach bag/rucksack
- Waterproof lanyard
Before you pack them, check you will actually need pool towels. If you're staying at a Disney hotel, towels are available for you to use at resort pools and can be requested at the waterparks.
Many private villas will also provide pool towels for their guests to use during their stay.
Shoes & Clothing
With the exception of Signature Dining Restaurants, which require slightly smarter attire, the Disney World dress code is very casual.
My main advice when selecting clothing and shoes for Disney World is to pack for the weather. Florida has a tropical climate, which means it can be extremely hot, humid, and wet.
Depending on the time of year you are visiting, you may need a few extra layers, however during the summer months, lightweight, breathable clothes are best.
These include:
- T-shirts/polo shirts/short sleeved shirts
- Shorts (or trousers during cooler months)
- Belts
- Skirts/summer dresses
- Light jacket or hoodie (you won't need many of these during the summer)
- Underwear & socks
- Sleepwear
- Comfortable shoes - make sure these have been well worn in. You don't want a blister on your first day!
- Spare insoles & foot spray
- Children's Disney costumes if they plan to wear them at any point during your trip
Toiletries etc
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Soap/shower gel
- Deodorant
- Toothbrushes/toothpaste/mouthwash
- Face-wash/make-up-remover
- Moisturiser
- Razors/shavers
- Hair brushes/ hair products & accessories
- Make-up & brushes
- Ear buds
- Tweezers
- Jewellery
- Feminine hygiene products
- Suncream
- Nail varnish/varnish remover/nail file
- Small pair of scissors
- Small first aid kit - containing: plasters, wipes, painkillers etc
- Pocket tissues
- Medication
If you're travelling with babies, you'll also need to pack the required extras such as nappies, wipes, nappy bags, swim nappies, bottles and/or children's eating utensils.
Miscellaneous items for the room / villa
- Reading glasses/contact lenses & solution
- Reading books/Kindle
- Travel games/cards
- iPads
- Chargers for all devices
- Plug adaptors
- Cork Screw / bottle opener (hotel only - there will be one in your villa)
I also pack plastic bowls and spoons as we tend to purchase cereal and milk upon arrival at the resort, so we can fuel ourselves up on breakfast before we head to the parks. If you do this, I recommend packing a travel bottle of washing up liquid, plus a sponge for washing up. This also comes in handy if you're planning to purchase the Disney World Refillable Mugs.
Travel Documents
As we fly from the UK, we also take all necessary travel documentation, plus a few additional items.
These include:
- Passports
- ESTAs
- Boarding Passes
- Hotel/villa confirmation
- Hire car confirmation
- Driving Licences
- Phone holder for the hire car
- Credit Cards
- Dollar bills for tips
- Extra luggage labels
- Keys (if padlocking suitcases)
This Disney World packing list includes all the items we take as a family of 2 adults and 2 teenagers. I've also included a few extras we took with us when the children were younger.
I hope it helps you remember everything for your own trip, and makes your Florida holiday that little bit more enjoyable.
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