A trip to Disney World is full of magic: thrilling rides, parades, delicious snacks, and characters from every corner of your childhood. But amid all the excitement, it’s easy to overlook the small but essential items that can make or break your experience. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Disney traveler, forgetting certain things can lead to discomfort, unnecessary spending, or just lost opportunities! Let’s take a look at 15 things people forget when packing for Disney World!
15 Things People Forget When Packing for Disney World
1. Portable Phone Charger (Power Bank)
Your phone will be your lifeline at Disney—used for mobile tickets, Lightning Lane reservations, dining orders, and snapping endless photos. You’ll find that you will use it everywhere, constantly: from the queue at Space Mountain to the middle of Main Street U.S.A.
With constant app use and photo-taking, your battery will drain fast. Avoid being tethered to a charging station or missing out on memories and invest in a reliable power bank! Keep it lightweight too so you don’t weigh down your bags!
2. Ponchos or a Small Umbrella
Florida weather is notorious for sudden rain showers, especially in the afternoons (and even more so in the Summer!). We definitely recommend investing in ponchos or a small umbrella if you’re visiting Epcot or Animal Kingdom in particular. These parks have limited indoor shelters, and you may be far from them when the rain starts!
Ponchos are easier to carry than bulky jackets, and they also double as protection on water rides like Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids. But, on the other hand, an umbrella can double as protection against the sun too! And never buy the Disney World ponchos: too pricey!
3. Refillable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial, particularly during Florida’s hot and humid days. And since all four parks have water bottle refill stations and you can ask for free ice water at quick-service locations.
Think about it: bottled water in the parks can cost $4 or more! A refillable bottle will help you save so much money. Especially if you’re traveling in a big party! But it will also help the environment too: save on all that plastic!
4. Cooling Towel or Neck Fan
Long days under the Florida sun can be draining, even dangerous. And if you’re not used to it, traveling from out of state, you have to be cautious! A neck fan or cooling towel is perfect while waiting in outdoor lines like for Big Thunder Mountain or Expedition Everest.
This will provide instant relief! And it helps prevent heat exhaustion. Coupled with the other things you don’t want to forget, like SPF or water bottles, you’ll be sure to stay hydrated and comfortable during your trip.
5. Comfortable, Broken-in Shoes
Think about it! You’re going to be walking 10-15 miles per day without realizing it. And if you’re park hopping (or even if you’re not)?! You don’t want to know how many steps you’ll be clocking. Shoes are vital, as you’ll be using them every step: from rope drop to fireworks.
New shoes may look cute, but don’t make yourself uncomfortable. Avoid blisters at all cost! Comfort always wins at places like Disney World. Plus, who says comfortable shoes can’t be cute?!
6. Ziploc Bags
Protect your electronics from rain or water rides with ziplock baggies. Or use them in a more versatile sense and store half-eaten snacks in them! We love a good investment that can be used anywhere and for many things.
Ziploc bags are good on water rides, at meals, or while passing through security (clear bags help speed things up!). As an investment, baggies take up no space but offer endless uses.
7. Sunscreen (And General Sun Protection)
Florida sunburns are no joke! And shade can be difficult to come by (as mentioned in places like Epcot or Animal Kingdom). Think about all the places you’ll be exposed to the sun at: every outdoor line, parade or walking path.
Even in winter, fall, or spring, the sun can be dangerous. Be prepared! And never underestimate cloudy days too. You’ll be friend without any protection. So invest in some sunscreen, aloe just incase, SPF lip balm and more.
8. Band-Aids or Blister Pads
With all the walking and heat, blisters and minor injuries can be common at Disney. And sometimes you don’t want to spend time at the first-aid stations! While there are in-park first aid stations are available, it’s much easier to carry your own.
Prevent discomfort from turning into misery. We may even go as far as suggesting a little first aid kit! Something small may provide band-aids and blister pads, and maybe even alcohol wipes and such.
9. Hand Sanitizer and Wipes
Imagine this: your hands will constantly be coming in contact with rails, ride seats, and menus. And do you really want those germs? Use hand sanitizer and/or wipes before meals, after meals, and on Disney buses or monorails to protect yourself!
Disney funk is real. Don’t get it while at the parks, and don’t get it after the parks either! Stay healthy and keep your hands clean without relying on restroom stops that eat up time of your magical day!
10. Autograph Book & Pen
Characters and their meet and greets are half of the fun! Visit Disney for beyond the rides (food and meet and greets anyone?!). If you have kids, this is especially true. Let’s visit Elsa! And when we do it, let’s collect signatures too.
Character locations like Princess Fairytale Hall or Galaxy’s Edge have a one-stop-shop for a few meet and greets. Be prepared with your own autograph book and pen for memories! Remember, purchasing on site is more expensive. Don’t forget this classic souvenir.
11. Extra Socks and Underwear
This may seem like a no brainer, but we’re telling you…. take them INTO the park! Don’t leave your extra socks and underwear at hotels or in cars. In between sweat, water rides, and Florida rain, you may need a midday change.
This is useful for anyone. If you’re staying on property too, you can always go back and change and take a little break, but if you’re on a tight timeline, throw them in your backpack! This will prevent chafing and will keep you fresh. Your future self will thank you!
12. Lightweight Day Bag or Backpack
Carry your essentials throughout the day with ease. When you need snacks, ponchos, water bottles, and a place to store souvenirs, just reach around and find your day bag! We recommend a backpack or day bag in general.
This is because fanny packs may not have enough room or hold enough. Larger bags are also a huge hassle! So a lightweight backpack hits the sweet spot! Props if it’s Disney themed too!
13. Disney Gift Cards
A well-known Disney hack to help with spending is to “save up” and purchase Gift Cards before you go! Gift cards can be used for food, merchandise and more. Plus they’re accepted at nearly every register at all parks AND resorts.
This is super helpful for budgeting! You won’t spend more than you have, ideally. Plus, if you’re planning in advance, you can purchase gift cards in bulk or at a discounted rate through warehouse clubs (Hello Costco and Sams!).
14. Hat and Sunglasses
We’ve talked about the sun a lot… but we need to talk about it more. Protect your face and eyes from Florida’s intense sunlight as you take those long walks between attractions and restaurants and between parks.
Prevent headaches, sunburn and fatigue by simply throwing on a sunglasses and hat! If you want, you can purchase a Disney-themed hat that makes for a fun souvenir too! This also is perfect for pool days at your resort!
15. Printed Copies of Tickets/Reservations
Technology can fail, and you don’t want to be stuck if your phone dies or glitches. (But you’ll also have your portable charger so hopefully this won’t happen!). Either way, be prepared for park entry, hotel check-in, dining reservations, and Lightning Lane passes.
Just having a back up offers a peace of mind. Because when it comes to Disney World, planning is everything! The best way to avoid forgetting this and anything else is to pack ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
Packing for Disney World is more than just throwing some shorts and shirts into a suitcase. It’s about preparing for a high-energy, sun-soaked adventure that spans miles of parks, parades, and attractions. Remembering the small things can save money, improve comfort, and even make the difference between an exhausting day and an exhilarating one.
Many of the things people forget when packing for Disney World are inexpensive, easy to carry, and incredibly practical. Yet, they often get left behind in the frenzy of trip prep. Use this guide as your checklist to make sure you’ve thought through all the little extras that make your vacation magical—and manageable.
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