2 days ago
I Visit Disney World Every Year. Here's What I Pack.,
I've been to Disney World more times than I can count — and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that the right packing list can make or break your Disney trip. You don't need to overdo it, but you do need to plan smart. As you prepare yourself for everything from that hot Florida heat to sporadic rainstorms and long lines to nightly fireworks, remember that your day at Disney is a marathon, not a sprint. The goal? Maximize magic, minimize meltdowns.
Over the years, I've fine-tuned my go-to gear for a stress-free Disney park experience. These are the items I actually bring in my backpack or wear in the parks — tested by long walking days, character meet and greets, and riding every roller coaster. Whether it's a portable charger that won't die by noon or a neck fan that saves you from a heat-induced spiral, here's what I'd pack to make the most out of every Disney day.
Stay cool no matter how hot it gets with a neck fan
Florida heat doesn't play around, and this bladeless neck fan will cool you down. It rests comfortably around your neck like headphones, blowing cool air directly onto your face and neck while keeping your hands free for more Mickey Mouse pretzels. It's quiet, rechargeable, and way more discreet than you'd expect — no need to sacrifice style for survival. Don't worry – your hair won't get tangled in this one like the old-school blade it from Amazon for $27.19+ (available in five colors).
Sanitize before eating your favorite Mickey Mouse-shaped pretzel
Let's try not to think too much about how dirty the handrails and dividers are on those long lines for the rides. This sleek, credit-card-shaped bottle from Touchland slips easily into any park bag or pocket, and the mist goes on evenly without that sticky residue. Aside from being on-theme, the mist also smells amazing. Get it from Amazon for $20.
A perfectly-sized backpack that you can bring on every ride
The last thing you want is to lug around a heavy backpack for 12 hours and then doing it all over again the next day. For a lightweight, no-fuss backpack that can fit on every ride, the Osprey Daylite backpack is my favorite. It's comfortable to wear all day and has plenty of space for park essentials without weighing you it from Amazon for $47.41+ (available in 18 colors).
Recharge your devices and check wait times on the Disney World app with a portab
Your phone is your lifeline at Disney — between taking photos, using the Disney World app or Genie+ and placing mobile orders — and this portable charger has the battery power to keep it alive all day (and then some). (The Disney app, for one, is a game-changer – it shows wait times for rides in real time.) With multiple ports and a digital display, it's easy to share power with your group and know exactly how much juice you've got left. It's a little heavy, but totally worth it for peace of mind when you're having 12-hour days of pure magic. Get it from Amazon for $28.49+ (available in four colors).
A hat that everyone will be asking about
Disney fashion is out on display in the parks. You don't want to get sunburnt on your first day, so this Stitch trucker hat gets the job done while playing the part. The mesh back keeps you cool on hot days, without blocking your view during parades or shows. It's lightweight, adjustable, and easy to toss in your bag after dark. Be prepared to get an influx of compliments!Get it from Amazon for $16.38+ (also available in eight other styles).
Keep your prized possessions dry as you're barreling down Tatiana's Bayou Advent
You have to ride the new Tiana's Bayou Adventure at the Magic Kingdom park – it replaced the long-running Splash Mountain last June. For log-flume rides like these that come with a high chance of getting completely soaked, a dry bag is a lifesaver. It keeps everything from your phone to your snacks bone-dry, and the lightweight design makes it easy to roll up and stash when you don't need it. Plus, the transparent plastic means you're not digging around blindly when you're in line for a Dole Whip ice cream it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in five sizes and 11 colors).
Affordable sunglasses that won't fall off your face no matter how fast you go on Tron
Leave your expensive sunglasses at home, because losing them in Hollywood Studios on Slinky Dog Dash isn't a very happy ending. These Goodr sunglasses are my go-to for park days — lightweight, non-slip, and polarized so you're not squinting at Cinderella's Castle. They stay put on rides like Tron Lightcycle / Run and Tiana's Bayou Adventure. The translucent frames and reflective lenses add fun to your 'fit. Plus, they're affordable enough that if you lose them on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, it won't ruin your them from Amazon for $25.
Hair clips that give a subtle nod to the magic of Mickey and Minnie
Don't underestimate the power of a good hair clip at Disney — especially when it's 92 degrees and you've been riding roller coasters since 8 a.m. These mini claw clips are lightweight, non-slip, and come in a pack of 20, so you won't stress if one gets lost in the depths of your backpack. They're perfect for quick updos, half-up styles, or keeping your hair out of your lunch. Get them in a pack of four or them from Amazon for $9.99+.
A pair of waterproof sneakers that will make those 20,000 steps feel easy
Comfort is everything at Disney World and the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 GTX sneakers are built for marathon days in the parks. With excellent arch support, responsive cushioning, and a waterproof-yet-breathable design, they keep your feet happy whether you're power-walking to the Lightning Lane or dodging Florida rainstorms. The grip is solid even on slippery pavement, and they don't need a break-in period — just lace up and go. Trust me, your feet will thank you by the time you hit mile them from Amazon for $119.95+ (available in men's sizes 7–14).
A T-shirt that pays homage to a beloved attraction
Muppet Courtyard, an area of the park that included the Muppets*Vision 3D attraction and PizzeRizzo restaurant, closed earlier this month to make way for a 'Monsters Inc' installation, and superfans paid their final visits to say goodbye to a classic. You can pay homage with this 100% cotton Comfort Colors tee printed with an original design from Main Street Thieves. The California-based small business specializes in unique Disney designs that offer new riffs on classic characters. Get it from Main Street Thieves for $39 (available in unisex sizes S–4XL and two colors).
Vlog the entire trip with a GoPro HERO13 Black that will become a family home vi
Whether you're traveling to Disney with your kids, your parents or your best friends, you're going to want to enter your vlogging era. The GoPro Hero13 Black is compact and easy to use with voice-activated shooting options. Set up your GoPro on its handheld tripod and simply say 'GoPro, take a photo!' to capture the moment. Keep in mind that you cannot bring a recording device on most rides for safety reasons – but there are a few exceptions, like Mad Tea Party and It's a Small World. Get it from Amazon for $329.
A book for collecting autographs from your favorite characters
Meeting characters is half the magic, and this Stitch-themed autograph book turns those moments into keepsakes. With plenty of pages and a spiral binding that lays flat, it's easy for characters to sign — even the ones with oversized paws. Get it from Amazon for $9.58.
A Canon camera to capture every single, goofy, magical moment
Disney World is about making memories for a lifetime, and sometimes the camera on your phone just doesn't cut it. The main feature to consider for the parks is a compact yet powerful device. The Canon PowerShot SX740 is a solid pick with 40x optical zoom that captures everything from the fireworks to posing with Goofy. Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth make it easy to send photos straight to your phone for quick posting on social it from Amazon for $805.50.
