If you’re a sucker for a great packing list, this blog is for you! Every time we book a trip, I find myself looking for packing lists curated by other travelers who’ve been there, done that.
But many of the Disney World packing lists I found were geared toward families with children, not DINKs (double-income-no-kids) like us. So I decided to create my own list to help other couples plan ahead for their magical date.
In this blog – the third in our series, “The Most Magical Date On Earth” – you’ll discover everything you need to bring on your trip to Disney World, from portable phone chargers and anti-chafing sticks to cooling towels and nausea bands.
Continue reading and be sure to check out the other blogs in the series:
*None of the products featured in this blog are sponsored. We are not making a commission on any links included below.
The Ultimate Disney World Packing List
1. Tennis shoes
Yes, this seems like a no-brainer, but I’ll admit that I went for form over function with my footwear at EPCOT and I paid the price.
Spending 12+ hours a day at a theme park is not for the faint of heart. Even with Genie+ – which allows you to make Lightning Lane reservations – you will spend hours on your feet walking around the parks. So don’t skimp on the proper footwear; pack tennis shoes that will be comfortable for long periods (even if they don’t quite match your outfit).
2. Sunscreen
Walking around the park all day in the unrelenting Florida sun without protection will leave you feeling toasted, and not in a good way. Don’t ruin the fun by getting a bad sunburn. Pack sunscreen to keep your skin protected.
3. Portable phone charger
You’ll use your phone for more than just snapping pictures at Disney World. Most quick-service food stands at the park require mobile orders via the Disney World app, and if you have Genie+, you’ll be using your phone to make Lightning Lane reservations.
If you bought Memory Maker, you’ll want plenty of charge to check your professional photos. Plus, the app offers several fun filters (called Disney PhotoPass Lenses) that are as entertaining as they are battery-draining. Keep a small, portable phone charger on you to juice up when your battery gets low.
We use Jackery-branded portable chargers, which have been discontinued since we bought them years ago. Here is a similar alternative that has good reviews on Amazon.
4. Snacks
Be sure to time your meals properly while at Disney World and bring snacks to hold you over when you’re feeling hangry.
We stayed at Magic Kingdom until close and skipped dinner thinking we could grab something after the fireworks. By the time they ended, we were starving but were still running around getting in a few final rides before leaving.
Many of the food stations were closed by this time, so we figured we would just grab a bite to eat at our Disney Resort hotel. Trouble was, the hotel restaurant closed early too. We ended up ordering pizza on DoorDash after midnight – not the wisest or most economical decision.
A few protein-rich snacks will come in handy in situations like this. Some great options include on-the-go beef jerky packs, CLIF Bars (white chocolate macadamia nut is my favorite!), Goldfish crackers and trail mix packs.
5. Water bottle
Staying hydrated throughout the day is key, and bringing your own refillable water bottle will help you save money on expensive disposable bottles.
6. Mickey ears
Your Disney World packing list isn’t complete without a pair of Mickey ears. You can certainly buy a pair at the park (most cost about $35) or you can find a pair online before your trip.
7. Nausea band
One of the rides I was most excited about was Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT. The 4-D ride takes you on a series of twists and turns through Gusteau’s famous Paris restaurant. Unfortunately, I suffer from motion sickness and had to close my eyes during parts of the ride to relieve my nausea.
At the time, I didn’t have a Reliefband – my secret weapon and magic cure for motion sickness. If you get carsick easily, I would recommend investing in a nausea band and bringing it with you to Disney World.
There are many rides across the park that may induce nausea (various 3-D and 4-D attractions, as well as hyper-immersive experiences), so be prepared before your visit, unlike me!
8. Comfortable purse or small backpack
Unlike other theme parks where you have to store your belongings in a locker before every ride, you will be able to carry them around all day at Disney World. For better or worse, this means you’re stuck with the bag (or bags) you bring, so be sure they’re comfortable to carry for long periods.
9. Anti-chafing stick or shorts
If you plan to wear shorts to the park, pack an anti-chafing stick to reduce the friction between your thighs. My favorite is Megababe, which you can find at Target or on Amazon. It spreads on like deodorant and keeps your thighs nice and smooth throughout the day.
If you plan to wear a dress or tunic, wear anti-chafing shorts, such as the 5″ or 7″ cooling shorts from Thigh Society. These are by far the best shapewear shorts I’ve found – they don’t roll down or ride up, and they’ll keep you cool all day long.
10. Sunglasses
Don’t forget to pack a pair of shades to stay comfortable and protected.
11. Custom Disney tees
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to sport your favorite characters, a custom Disney T-shirt is the perfect addition to your Disney World packing list. Etsy has some great options – it’s where I purchased my Toy Story-themed Mad Tea Party shirt!
12. Hand sanitizer
Stay safe and sanitized, especially before you eat snacks and meals. I’m partial to Bath & Body Works’ PocketBac hand sanitizers, but any will do!
13. Cooling towel
My dad first introduced me to cooling towels back in 2016, and now I swear by them. Simply get the towel wet, wring it out, snap it and voilà! The towel becomes instantly cool and refreshing. These are especially handy when walking around in the heat all day. I recently bought this ChillPal from Amazon, but you can find many different brands, sizes and colors online.
14. Lip Balm
Protecting your lips from the sun and heat is just as important as protecting the rest of your skin. Bring a couple lip balms, preferably with SPF, to keep them safe. Blistex Deep Renewal is one of my favorites and will help keep your lips soft for hours – all the better for kissing your significant other … or Mickey Mouse! 😉
Planning a trip to Disney World? Check out the other blogs this series –“Which Disney World Park Passes to Buy” and “Our Favorite Disney World Experiences“ – and subscribe to Traveling Twogether for more travel tips!