This weekend we closed out another year of Disney fun and with Doodle quickly approaching the 3-year mark (and therefore requiring a ticket), we’ve decided not to renew. Frankly, we’re a little over the happiest place on earth and don’t want the magic to disappear completely so we’ll take another break and spend our family time (and money!) on other fun adventures.
A lot has changed since that first time we took the girls to Disney 3 1/2 years ago and we’ve learned a lot about how to best maneuver the parks and enjoy our time there. And one of the things that we’ve gotten better at is what to pack for Disney.
Our first visit, the girls were just barely 2 and 4 years old and I’m pretty sure I brought almost everything we would have taken on a long flight or car ride (aside from the toys) and it was definitely a bit excessive. I’ve definitely learned over the years what I really need to pack for a long day at Disney and what we can do without.
So here’s what’s in my bag (bags, actually) and my recommendations for what to pack for Disney:
Stroller
A stroller is family choice, you can bring your own or rent one at the park (there are also local rental companies that will bring them to your hotel if you are flying in). Strollers can sometimes become inconvenient because you have to park them outside each attraction/shop/restaurant (unless occupied by a small or sleeping child) which can delay getting where you want to go and cause stress if you’re trying to hurry into something. Our first visit we took a stroller in for Sugarplum and she ended up walking the whole time so we stopped taking it until Doodle was born and have continued to take it ever since and now with so many people, use it as much for stuff carrying as kid carrying! (We use a single stroller as I’m usually wearing the baby on rides and such, we don’t need the second seat.)
I highly recommend if you bring a stroller that you have a raincover for it. Your stroller will be parked outside the entire day and a raincover will protect your stroller from the unpredictable Florida rain and keep a nice, comfy spot for your little one to ride, even if a heavy storm rolls through. We only put our cover down if rain in eminent but usually always have it ready.
Bag 1: Water Bag
Our bag of choice is a wine bottle bag with a divided inside which helps to keep all the water bottles upright and easily accessible. This bag stays in the bottom of the buggy/stroller and in the bag we put:
1 water bottle/cup for each person in the family
Water (like everything else) is expensive at Disney but you are allowed to bring in your own food and drinks (read official rules here) so we always bring reusable water bottles and fill them up frequently at the many water fountains around the parks (which usually have delightfully cold water!)
Bag 2: Rain and Shine Gear
Florida is the Sunshine State, but it’s also known for its rain showers! We generally take a bag into Disney that ensures we are prepared for it all. Our bag of choice is a lightweight nylon bag. The one we have happens to fold up inside a little penguin guy and that is where I store our sunglasses when not being used. We also leave this bag on the buggy when going to do things.
Raincoats
I generally bring a raincoat for every person because it is Florida, after all, and rain can happen any time. We have lightweight raincoats that fold up inside themselves which helps with conserving space and weight.
Sunglasses
I encourage my kids to wear sunglasses whenever we are out walking around in the sun and Disney is no exception. I keep sunglasses handy for all.
Hats
My kids have decided baseball caps are awesome for sunny days and I think it’s awesome they protect their heads and faces from the sun so we carry them around with us and (try to) keep them in this bag when not being worn.
Flip Flops
I usually have the kids wear more comfortable shoes for walking around the parks but I also usually take a pair of flip flops for each. There are a few water experiences around the parks and I never want to say no because I’m worried about their shoes (or bare feet) plus the flip flops come in handy after/during rain or if their other shoes get uncomfortable. Plus they’re lightweight so easy enough to carry around.
Sunscreen
I’m not the most avid sunscreener, I use it pretty sparingly on the kids and usually only apply when we will be outside in direct sunlight without cover for extended periods of time like when we go to the beach or super hot and sunny Disney days. My kids don’t burn easily so it’s easy to get away with a single application but if your family needs more protection from sunscreen, be sure to throw it in your bag!
Bag 3: The Diaper Bag
This is our most important and prized bag. We use the same backpack I use as a diaper bag regularly but I do make adjustments to my load when I pack for Disney. This bag goes everywhere we do because it has all of our most important things in it and we want to make sure it stays safe and dry.
Diapering needs
This will obviously depend on the age and needs of your kids. Currently we carry a changing pad, diapers and wipes for Pipsqueak (I leave the cloth diapers at home when I pack for Disney because I don’t want to deal with the extra bulk and weight). We also have diapers/pull-ups for Doodle since he is still in his early potty training stage and is scared of the toilets at Disney (yes, this time they were pink ones left over from Sugarplum because that is what we had!)
Change of Clothes
I bring a change of clothes for each of the younger kids in case of potty accidents or baby blowouts and I choose the easiest, lightweight outfit I have for each of them.
Camera
It’s Disney, you have to have a camera to capture all those magical moments (like all of these from our first year at Disney!)
Sling
I usually carry the baby in a structured carrier while enjoying our time at Disney but I also bring my lighter weight sling for quicker and more modest nursing.
Bibs and Wetbag
Pipsqueak is a drooler and we can’t live without bibs so I am sure to have plenty on hand, especially when I am wearing him (a cold, wet bib on your chest is not that fun!) I also carry a wetbag for putting soaked bibs in as well as messy clothes, if necessary.
Baby Toys/Teethers
I keep a few of Pipsqueak’s favorite toys and teethers in the bag as well to help entertain him while we eat (which can be looooong if you choose one of the character or buffet dining experiences).
Bandaids
My family is blister prone. And while having a change of shoes available helps, bandaids are a must. They’ve also come in handy for scraped knees and excited kiddos take off and wipe out.
Snacks
I always keep a few quick and easy snacks in the bag because food is expensive at Disney and it can take a while to wait in line and sit and eat so being able to throw a granola bar or fruit snacks to the kids is a life saver!
(Not) Bag 4: My Purse
I do not take my purse into Disney. It would just be one more thing to carry and manage. Instead, I have “Disney wallet” which holds our Disney passes as well as some cash and I put my driver’s license and a credit card in it when we are in the parks as well. I keep the small wallet and my phone in my pocket (I am sure to wear pants/shorts with roomy enough pockets) and we keep our car keys in the diaper bag.
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