With spring break upon us and summer — and summer vacations! — not trailing far behind, you may be planning a trip to Walt Disney World. If you’re headed to the most magical place on earth during these especially busy seasons, you’ll want to make the most of your time at the four theme parks.
As veteran theme park journalist Arthur Levine points out, the most critical thing you can pack for your trip is knowledge. “The most important thing you should take with you isn’t stuff, but info,” Levine says. “I can’t stress enough the need to do advance planning.”
Especially if you’ve not been to Disney in a few years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, things around the parks have changed. Some policies are completely new — and will likely stick around for some time.
“You can’t just show up with your park tickets and expect to get in,” Levine says. “Reservations are a must. Once in the park, you’ll also want to make the most of the Disney Genie planning service. You can no longer make advance ride reservations, nor can you pick up free FastPasses.”
While Levine prioritizes planning and researching services like Disney Genie, Disney Genie+ and paid Lightning Lanes, he’s also got some great ideas on what to bring once you’ve secured your park plans. By bringing the right items with you on your trip, you can ensure your next Disney vacation is as chill as a frosty Dole Whip.
Beat the heat…and rain
While some extra research will see you successfully navigating the complexities of planning a trip to Walt Disney World, there’s no getting around the brutal Florida heat. Especially if you’re planning to visit in the peak summer months, the heat and humidity can be oppressive. However, a few small tools can go a long way to making you feel cool enough to continue a day’s adventure.
Peter Sciretta and Kitra Remick of YouTube’s Ordinary Adventures mitigate the hot, humid conditions at Disney with their favorite portable fan.
“We've?tried six or seven different neck fans and this one from HandFan is the best," they say. "It has three speeds, and the 10,400mAh battery allows it to last all day (if you turn it off when [on] inside rides and [in] restaurants)."
As Sciretta's quick to remind, Florida’s fickle climate can just as easily find you soaked by a passing rainstorm. “You never know when it’s going to rain, so a disposable poncho is a must," he says.
While you can find souvenir ponchos sold at the parks, we recommend bringing your own. A 10-pack of Cooy ponchos costs less than the price of two in-park ponchos, and they can pack down quite small to take up minimal space in your luggage. At that value, they're a must-have, plus their elastic cuffs and drawstring hoods do an especially good job keeping you dry.
While wet clothes are one thing, wet socks in a pair of sneakers can arguably be an even worse prospect on a day of adventuring through Disney. "We also bring a change of socks," Sciretta says. "There’s nothing worse than having to walk around in soggy socks after it’s rained.”
Similar to the ponchos, we also recommend a bulk-buying approach to extra socks. Save money on pricey souvenir versions and opt for a pack of quality socks you won't mind abusing over the course of your vacation. Atbiter's six-pack of athletic, moisture-wicking socks fit the bill and then some without breaking the bank.
Regardless of the Florida weather forecast, sunscreen is an absolute must when spending long days in the parks. Of course, covering a cranky kid in SPF protection can be as challenging as securing that perfect parade-viewing spot. With that in mind, we recommend a roll-on sunscreen stick for quick, easy, no-mess application. We like CeraVe 50 SPF adult- and kid-friendly sticks for their mineral-based ingredients and compact, convenient size. Plus, since it's in a solid stick format, you don't have to worry about getting through the TSA security checkpoint if you're traveling by air.
Alternatively, our pick for the best mineral sunscreen, the Coppertone Pure & Simple Sunscreen, is also available in a travel-sized 2-ounce container — perfect for sticking in your carry-on bag.
Equally important to blocking the sun's harmful rays is staying hydrated in the Florida heat. “Instead of constantly springing for costly beverages, bring along an insulated water bottle,” Levine says. “I love my Klean Kanteen, which keeps water remarkably cold and refreshing even in punishing heat. And don’t be shy about asking restaurants to refill your bottle or using self-service beverage kiosks to top it off.”
You can't take a few steps in a Disney park without passing a display of souvenir misting fans, a favorite item among hot tykes who adore the concept of these fan and water mist hybrids. Avoid the inevitable moment when your little ones beg for the ubiquitous cooling device by bringing your own.?The O2Cool makes for a fun, functional gift you can surprise the kids with pre-trip — and it'll run you about half the price of the fans sold in the parks.
If you do decide to treat the kids to misting fans, you should further leverage the investment with some cooling towels for the adults in your group. It's easy to dismiss a cooling towel as, well, just a wet towel. But it's difficult to argue with the tech and materials they're made of when you've got one draped around your neck in near-100-degree heat. Best of all, the kids' misting fans can provide a constant source of moisture for your new favorite towel.
Store and secure your stuff
It wouldn’t be a proper Disney vacation without spiking your adrenaline on a few thrill rides, but you’ll want to secure your valuables before experiencing a reverse launch, inversion, backward plummet or whatever other surprises the parks’ attractions have in store.
Between wearing the right clothing and carrying the right type of bag to ensure you can fit all of your essentials without weighing down an arm, proper storage is important.
“I like to wear cargo shorts when I go to the parks,” Levine says. “You’re probably going to be flipped upside down and otherwise tossed about, so you can secure your phone, wallet and other essentials by zipping or buttoning them in the deep utility pockets.” Levine likes L.L Bean’s take on the wardrobe staple for their tropic weight and reliable ability to secure your goods. Plus, they come in five colors to best suit your Florida style.
While these cargo shorts are designed for hiking, they're equally a great option for Disney adventures. Thanks to the cargo and zippered pockets, you'll have dedicated spaces to store everything from your phone to your wallet and even a power bank. They're available in seven different colorways and made of a water-resistant material (the waistband is even sweat-wicking!), perfect for keeping you dry if you're caught in a Florida rain shower.
When it comes to storing items that can't fit into your pockets, Levine also favors comfort and practicality. “To tote bigger stuff, you’re going to want a bag, but don’t bring a?bulky backpack," he says. "Instead, go for a low-profile cinch bag. Get one that’s waterproof and has at least one zippered pocket for extra security.”
We like this drawstring sports bag from Amazon for its affordable price, multiple pockets, thicker straps and a small opening for headphones and charging cords. Plus, have your pick of any of the 15 different shades available for this simple yet effective tote.
If you prefer a smaller satchel that also displays your adoration for Disney, Loungefly's got your back — literally. Featuring favorite characters, films and attractions — like this one with Peter Pan — the incredibly stylish mini backpacks?pull double duty. On top of celebrating your fandom, they're also comfortable, compact and functional, sporting a ton of compartments, pockets and zippered enclosures. As a bonus, thanks to its mini size, it can also double as a while you journey to Orlando and during days in the parks.
If you've got a seasoned Disney pin collector among your vacationing crew, we suggest losing the cumbersome, uncomfortable lanyards in favor of this hobby-aimed travel backpack from Steamedbun. In addition to the many storage-focused functions you'd expect from such gear, it features a pair of dedicated, transparent pockets, allowing you to store, display and access your collection with ease.
Health precautions
While Disney’s relaxed most of its COVID-19 requirements, it’s still best to play it safe when entering a crowded theme park. Between high-touch points and sharing crowded spaces, you may want to consider some extra precautions so illness doesn’t spoil your vacation.
Even if you don’t regularly wear a mask, it could be a good idea to pack some on your Disney trip. A single mask used repeatedly will get gross pretty fast, so we suggest bringing a box of disposables. Wecare's three-ply options are comfortable, adjustable and available in a variety of cool prints.
Regularly sanitizing your hands is the new normal, especially when you're in a highly trafficked place like a theme park. Public sanitizing stations can be unreliable, often not functioning properly or simply running dry. We suggest taking matters, well, into your own hands with Touchland's compact, convenient, mess-free misting dispensers.?Available in a variety of pleasant scents, the non-sticky sprays also moisturize while killing germs.
Charge, recharge, repeat
Keeping your smartphone charged all day is a challenge, and that’s before you consider all the additional power you’ll be sapping from it using the Disney app to plan your day.
“At the parks, we’re all on our phones,” Sciretta says. “Sadly some theme parks are making that part of the experience.”
On your trip, it’s important to make sure you have the right tools with you to keep your devices charged. Whether you’re planning out your day, taking pictures or posting on social media to make all of your loved ones back home jealous of your trip, your phone will be an essential part of your Disney vacation.
Among the best items you can take for the purpose of keeping your phone charged is a compact and powerful portable charger.
“We like the Vrurc portable battery charger," Sciretta says. "It has 10,000mAh, so it can recharge our phones two to three times. It also has a built-in cable that folds out from the side and on the back, and an AC wall plug that folds out so you can charge it. It’s an all-in-one unit that doesn’t require you drag along any extra cables.”
If you're looking for another option, our pick for the best overall portable charger, the Anker PowerCore 13000, boasts 13,000 mAh and carries enough power to charge an iPhone 11 two and a half times. Plus, the two USB-A ports mean you can charge multiple devices at once — a win-win if you're traveling in a group.
Two things you can count on doing when tackling the parks: braving the blazing sun and being on your smartphone. So why not make the most of it by harnessing those rays to power your device with?a solar phone charger? Packed with features, including the ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously, the Hiluckey solar pack can be hung from a backpack or travel stroller or laid flat during pool time for wireless, sun-fueled charging.
More trip-friendly fun, comfort and convenience
Ultimately, it’s the things you bring along with you that can make for an enjoyable Disney trip. These expert-recommended extras will make you feel like a Disney pro even if it’s your first trip.
With Disney recently adding Tron Lightcycle / Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to its stable of rollercoasters, you can look forward to some fresh thrills on your trip. If you crave the adrenaline rush but maybe don't have the stomach for it, Sciretta suggests an effective remedy.
“Kitra sometimes gets motion sick on rides, but that won’t stop her from riding them," he says. "She swears by Reliefband Premier Anti-Nausea Wristband. It has helped on fast roller-coasters, like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and also on cruise ships."
The wristband works by sending a pattern of pulses, which stimulate a nerve under the skin and relieve symptoms of nausea. It comes with a rechargeable USB battery and charging cable.
Whether you're simply staying hydrated or indulging in one of the park's many themed beverages like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge's Blue Milk, you might find yourself frustrated by paper straws that deteriorate before your eyes. Thankfully, Sciretta and Remick have a smart solution to soggy straws.
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“We always bring agave straws in our bags," Sciretta says. "While the paper straws are better for the environment, they're horrible for drinking. We bulk-order packs of agave straws and bring a handful with us. They feel like plastic straws, but are good for the environment and are made from discarded agave fibers from tequila waste.”
Comfortable footwear is a must on any vacation, but the physical demands of walking miles through theme parks make wearing the right shoes even more important. Don't let the cozy, slipper-like style of Merrell Men's Hut Moc Loafer fool you; they're as durable and lightweight as they are comfortable. Toss in a grippy sole and collapsible heel for optional slip-on convenience, and these will serve you well whether you're lounging by the pool or logging 10,000 steps at the Magic Kingdom.
We consider Crocs some of the best travel shoes out there — and that's especially true when it comes to theme park visits. The clogs are known to be incredibly comfortable for walking and easy to slip on and off. But what's especially useful for trips to Disney? You won't have to worry about sopping wet sneakers for hours on end if you get caught in a rain shower. Crocs dry quickly so you can get on your way without uncomfortable footwear dragging you down.
If we had a nickel for every time someone in our group requested a napkin, well, we'd have enough saved for our next Disney trip. Whether tending to a rapidly melting ice cream treat, sprucing up a table at a fast-food stop or simply freshening up our own sweaty brow, we're seemingly always in desperate need of a disposable cloth of some kind. That is, until we started packing Combat Wipes. Durable, biodegradable, textured and larger than your average baby wipes, these single-use life-savers are more than worthy of a coveted spot in your travel bag.
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