Whereas Walt Disney World’s nickname is the Most Magical Place on Earth, it could shortly turn into probably the most irritating place on Earth in the event you’re not correctly ready. You can begin by studying up on the most recent journey reservation system modifications or making your restaurant bookings forward of time, however crucial step, nonetheless, is nailing down a complete Disney packing checklist to ensure you’re prepared for something that comes up, whether or not it’s blistered heels or a low telephone battery.
I go to Walt Disney World a couple of instances a yr and love amassing different parkgoers’ greatest tips about navigating the crowds, strolling 25,000-plus steps within the blistering Florida warmth, and extra. Along with packing comfy (but cute!) sweat-wicking garments and loads of sunscreen, I’m all the time on the hunt for good gear and necessities to make the lengthy park days simpler. So, I’ve rounded up the ten most typical Disney World packing errors — and what I like to recommend bringing as an alternative. And, within the phrases of my favourite Disney bloggers, Mammoth Membership, crucial factor you’ll be able to pack are your “endurance pants” — in any case, being form to solid members and different friends is a assured method to make sure your journey is as magical as doable.
Don’t Carry: a Massive Backpack
Pack This As a substitute: a Mini Backpack or Fanny Pack
Most rides in Disney World allow you to hold your bag on you if it is on the smaller aspect. However that is not the one perk you get by carrying a compact bag; you will not must lug round one thing cumbersome and heavy all day both. As a substitute, go for both a fanny pack or mini backpack (in order for you a Disney-themed possibility, take a look at Loungefly’s lots of of character-inspired luggage) that’s spacious sufficient to carry every little thing you want, however will really feel gentle in your again or waist. This Freetoo Fanny Pack is a brilliant choose as a result of it has a number of compartments, which many consumers mentioned match necessities like telephones, wallets, snacks, and extra. I’ve additionally been utilizing The Foldie Fanny Pack these days, and I’m excited to apply it to my subsequent Disney journey due to how a lot area it affords.
Don’t Carry: a Stanley Tumbler
Pack This As a substitute: a Light-weight, Reusable Water Bottle
Bringing your individual meals and drinks into the park is a budget-friendly tip most guests make the most of. However I like to recommend retaining your viral Stanley tumblers and different mega water jugs at residence since they don’t seem to be probably the most purposeful or handy issues to hold round (I used to be shocked by the variety of Stanley tumblers I noticed on my final go to to Disney). As a substitute, I extremely advocate this fold-up water bottle that weighs nearly nothing. I take advantage of it on the many Disney World water refill stations, then clip it onto my backpack or fanny pack with the included carabiner for hands-free carrying. Collapsible water bottles, in my guide, are additionally the simplest possibility, however I’ve additionally seen many parkgoers go for water bottles with built-in filters and even fruit infusers to offset the infamously bad-tasting Florida water.
Don’t Carry: One Pair of Snug Sneakers
Pack This As a substitute: Two Pairs of Snug Sneakers
Among the best Disney World hacks I’ve discovered is to all the time pack at the least two pairs of comfy strolling sneakers to alternate between every day. This fashion, you gained’t have the identical pair of sneakers hitting the identical painful spots in your toes on back-to-back days. I solely journey to Disney with the identical two pairs of sneakers: Allbirds Tree Runners and Tevas sandals. They’ve arch help, let my toes breathe, and dry shortly (nothing says Florida like a random rain bathe!). That mentioned, I’ll be testing out my new pair of Ryka Strolling Sneakers on my subsequent journey — after all, they’ll be damaged in earlier than I get there! Brooks and Hoka sneakers are additionally fashionable picks amongst theme park goers.
Don’t Carry: a Cumbersome Energy Financial institution
Pack This As a substitute: a Compact Moveable Charger
It goes with out saying {that a} moveable charger is a must have for any Disney journey — checking wait instances and snagging Lightning Lane passes within the My Disney Expertise app significantly drains your battery. However, as an alternative of packing your heavy-duty energy financial institution that may maintain a number of expenses (and weighs down your bag and must be charged at evening), these FuelRods are a genius Disney World hack. This $30 set comes with two rods that may be exchanged for fully-charged FuelRods at kiosks across the parks. So not solely are they tiny and may slot in any park bag, however additionally they require no charging forward of time (aka, you don’t must panic in the event you forgot to plug it in at your lodge the evening earlier than). In fact, it’s also possible to cost them by way of USB if you wish to use them outdoors of Disney, too.
Don’t Carry: an Umbrella
Pack This As a substitute: a Hooded Poncho
Earlier than you groan, consider me after I say it’s not possible to be embarrassed in Disney World: when it rains, everybody might be busting out their ponchos. An umbrella might seem to be a surefire choose, however it may be cumbersome to hold when not in use and much more annoying when navigating by crowds throughout a rain storm. As a substitute, choose for an inexpensive hooded poncho that simply suits in a fanny pack and is tossed within the trash as soon as the rain passes (not like a raincoat, which you’d have to carry on to nonetheless moist). Plus, everybody is aware of that “one of the best ways to ensure rain is to not be ready for rain,” so packing your poncho means you’ll most likely have a transparent, sunny day, proper?
Don’t Carry: Band-Aids for Blisters
Pack This As a substitute: Moleskin Padding
Even probably the most comfy, worn-in sneakers can provide you blisters after logging upwards of 30,000 steps a day. Band-Aids don’t present a lot padding and may rub off in your sneakers, which is why I all the time pack pre-cut squares of moleskin as an alternative. Moleskin is a heavy cotton material that’s suede-like on one aspect and sticky on the opposite; it stays put all day and is far more sturdy than a bandage. On previous journeys, I’ve utilized moleskin over blisters to stop additional irritation and it let me stroll for miles with zero ache. Plus, even when your toes get moist, it’ll keep on.
Don’t Carry: a Bottle of Ache Reliever
Pack This As a substitute: a Compact Drugs Case
A day in Disney World isn’t full with out taking some Advil or Motrin to fight the headache you bought from House Mountain whipping you round. As a substitute of taking a full bottle or these costly single-serve packets of ache relievers, pack a couple of capsules out of your stash with you to the parks with this mini capsule organizer. Hermetic and waterproof, it’ll hold your drugs safe and the screwtop makes it simple to entry. However in the event you neglect to refill within the morning, don’t fear: you’ll be able to go to the closest first-aid middle the place you’ll be able to normally choose up some over-the-counter drugs.
Don’t Carry: Shapewear
Pack This As a substitute: an Anti-chafe Stick
Sporting shapewear or bike shorts beneath a gown or skirt may match outdoors of the park to keep away from chaffing, however if you’re within the thick of a Disney day, all that further material may make you sizzling and uncomfortable. That is the place this Megababe anti-chafe stick turns out to be useful. Made with soothing substances like aloe and grapeseed oil, it prevents pores and skin from rubbing collectively and creating irritation. However it’s not simply your thighs it’ll assist with; apply it to your toes to keep away from blisters or underneath your bra to stop friction. This travel-sized model means you’ll be able to toss it in your park bag to reapply later within the day.
Don’t Carry: a Suitcase With out Separation
Pack This As a substitute: Packing Cubes
I all the time pack these compression packing cubes as a result of they let me stuff per week’s price of garments and sneakers in a carry-on, and hold my soiled laundry separate from my clear garments. Let’s face it: your garments sort of stink after an extended day strolling across the parks within the intense Florida warmth. I by no means re-wear garments on my Disney journey due to this, which suggests I want to have the ability to pack separate outfits for day-after-day. At face worth, these compression cubes assist me match all of the shorts, tops, underwear, and pajamas, plus a couple of nicer outfits if I plan on going out to dinner I want with out trouble. However, I’ve discovered that additionally they come in useful after I’m doing a split-stay (staying at totally different Disney World resorts in a single journey) and must repack every little thing in the midst of my journey. Then after I get residence, I throw the cubes within the wash together with my soiled garments.
Don’t Carry: Flat, Unsupportive Sneakers
Pack This As a substitute: Arch-supporting Insoles
I’ve seen many individuals put on flat sneakers like Adidas Grandcourt Tennis Sneakers or Vans Ward Low-tops to Disney World, and whereas everybody has their shoe preferences, it could’t damage to pack a pair of supportive insoles to offer your self somewhat further consolation. I just lately tried these Superfeet Medium Insoles in my Brooks Ghost 15s for the health club, and I couldn’t consider the carry it gave my toes throughout a exercise. The stabilizer cup will hold your foot in place when you trek by the parks, and the froth padding will assist alleviate stress. These Superfeet insoles are additionally customizable, so you’ll be able to lower them to completely match inside your shoe.
Love an awesome deal? Join our T+L Recommends e-newsletter and we’ll ship you our favourite journey merchandise every week.