Rope Drop to Goodnight Kiss - Your Ultimate Park Bag Guide

This is an all out "park hop til you drop" kind of packing list for adults as well as families with kids. From experience on many 16 hour+ days, I hope to provide you with a one-stop-shop packing list that you will find helpful for those long wonderful Disney World days.

Most, if not all of these items can be found on Amazon. Nearly our entire household is run on Prime and Prime Now. Seriously, I have a totally new admiration for my mom that raised 4 kids in an era without Amazon and smartphones!

I am not receiving any incentive on any product listed. These are just my opinions that I would like to share after lots of trial and error on my favorite type of Disney day -- pushing those magical hours to the max! ° o °

0. Lightweight Backpack

Start by avoiding the drawstring bag that will dig into your shoulders within a half hour at the park (we made this mistake one trip when we purchased an adorable one as a second bag, HUGE mistake! It hurt so bad!)

We purchased these bags for 1-2 day trips while traveling in Europe - https://www.amazon.com/HIKPRO-20L-Lightweight-Packable-Resistant/dp/B075F5DFFC/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2IDWT8MWL0LY9&keywords=hikpro+backpack&qid=1559068842&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=hikpro%2Csporting%2C157&sr=1-3 and have used them for many trips since. We have found them to be the perfect park bag - amazing price, so light and surprisingly durable!

1. MagicBand

If you're serious enough to go non-stop for a full day, you already know this, but they really do bring a whole new world of magic to your life. Even if you aren't staying on property (where they can open your resort room and make check in to the Magical Express much easier), they can still be a huge part of your Disney vacation. MagicBands are connected to your My Disney Experience account which links your tickets to your band (so you don't need to bring tickets) and where you can also book fast passes 30-60 days ahead of time, scan for Photopass+ photos, link your credit card to make paying easier, pre-order many quick service snacks/meals and assists with reserving additional fast passes once you've used your 3 for the day. I hardly even remember the days before the new system with MagicBands!

2. MagicBand Sliders

If you're a passholder, you already know these are super duper helpful. If not, check these out -https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010OX42WO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . They will save you the troubles that come from losing your MagicBand (because they do occassional pop off, especially if you have a toddler that you're constantly picking up and holding). They help avoid wasting time checking lost and found, buying a new band and activiting a new one and deactivating the lost one.

3. Phone & Camera

Because of the necessity of the My Disney Experience app for an incredibly organized vacation, your phone is a must and I love my phone camera, so we did our last trip without our nice camera that adds weight to our bag. However, some people can't be without that, so here's your reminder to pack it if it's a must for you. :)

4. Portable Phone Charger

Disney does have something called the FuelRod with stations throughout the parks. They're a one time purchase and after you use them you return to the kiosk to get a new one. Great concept, but they take a long time to charge. I love my Anker charger - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X5RV14Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . It is a little heavy so maybe go with a smaller one if you don't need alot of charge. This one charges up to 2 devices at once rather quickly many times in a day and can even charge tablets and computers! Because of keeping track of/booking fast passes, reviewing our park treats wish list and a toddler that demands Blippi videos any time he's bored, we need to charge quite a few times. So, the option with the most charging juice is best for us. I also love these little short charging cords - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NCL75QK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 to keep my bag organized!

5. Coin Purse/ID Holder

It's awesome that your MagicBand can be connected to your MDE account and that you can magically give all of your money to Disney by simply matching up the little Mickey heads, but I like to keep a credit card, my ID and my annual pass card (to show for discounts) on me at the parks. Rather than the weight of your whole wallet, a little coin purse is perfect! I love my Disney Vera one that I have in my favorite print, Midnight with Mickey, but this print is super cute too - https://www.shopdisney.com/mickey-and-minnie-mouse-paisley-id-case-by-vera-bradley-1518880?efc=280559&cmp=OTL-Dcom&att=DcomM_Search_Organic_vera+id .

6. Sunglasses

For obvious reasons ;).

7. Apple Watch/Fitbit

Who doesn't want to earn workout awards or challenge family to an insane amount of steps per day? Just make sure it's charged before you leave your room!

8. Water Bottle(s)

We've done this a few different ways. Since Disney offers fill yourself water stations throughout the parks at many quick service and coffee locations (with really cold water), bringing your own water bottle is a great option to save money by just refilling (the price of buying bottled waters is crazy at Disney). However, I feel compelled to tell you that the tap water in Disney has sort of camp fire taste. If you can't deal with the tap water, get an insulated bag and pack some frozen bottles of water. We have often put bottled water (that we ordered from gardengrocer.com - more on that in another post :) on the top shelf of the fridge in our Disney resort which freezes most of them and put them into an insulated bag. We've only really done this when we've had a stroller though so we had a place to put it. Either way, HYDRATE! Orlando is hot and muggy for alot of days in the year. Don't under estimate what that heat can do to you.

9. Sunscreen, Chap Stick & Bug Spray

We're from the Midwest and wouldn't survive the hot Florida sun without SPF, not that you should ever be without something to protect your skin. We enjoy the sports spray sunscreen since it has a lock option to avoid a mess while stored in your bag. It also doesn't wash away when you're sweating, which is an added bonus in the humidity. Chap stick with SPF, also important.

The bugspray goes in our bag primarily on Animal Kingdom day, but we've never really had an issue with bug bites. Disney does spray for bugs throughout the property which seems to help alot.

10. Ponchos

When I was a kid, I remember experiencing that first afternoon downpour and my dad ushering us into a packed shop on Main St. and standing in line for those iconic yellow ponchos, which we did get an adorable family pic wearing them. However, it's a hassle and it's outrageously expensive for a glorified garbage bag to keep you dry and no fun to stand in line with everyone else that wasn't prepared for the seamingly daily afternoon Disney shower.

We have since learned ordering ahead of time is the way to go. We have used these - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M7NKPWQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 the last several trips and pack enough for each of us for each park day. They're lightweight in the bag, don't take up alot of room, cover enough that the rain won't stop you from continuing your Disney fun, durable enough to fold up and reuse later in the day if needed and cheap for a bulk order! Bonus use for water rides if you hate getting wet.

On this same topic, if you have a stroller, be sure to have a rain cover as well. Whether it's protecting your kid from the showers or your stroller when you park it, it's super helpful!

11. Ziplock Bags

When you have wet things that need to go back into your bag, a ziplock prevents mixing wet, dry and making your bag stink. They're also great for keeping things dry on rides (phones, medications, etc).

12. Second Pair of Shoes

Lots of different ways to go about this, but the bottom line, have a second pair of shoes packed in your bag. Some like to alternate between gym shoes and flip flops for the sake of rain/water rides. And even if it doesn't rain, I find it nice 3/4 of the way through the day to change shoes just to have different support on my aching Disney feet! For the inevitable 10 minutes of rain you'll likely experience in the afternoon, it's good to know you have a dry shoe option, period. Nothing is worse than soggy socks in your gym shoes! I'm a new found HUGE fan of the adult version of Natives that come in a few styles. These are my favorite https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SCQFCY8/ref=dp_prsubs_1 . I wore them last trip and loved them!

13. Change of Shirt/Deodorant

We like to have a fresh shirt, especially if we park hopped so our Photopass shots are themed accordingly :). It's just nice to freshen up midway through the day and I'm sure other guests appreciate it too when we have to get cozy in long lines!

14. Cottonelle Flushable Wipes

We always have a travel package of these with us at the parks. Hey, when you like to try lots of treats at the park, you gotta go and when you gotta go, it's nice to wipe with the comforts of home! :)

15. Body Glide

My husband is a runner, so I've been privy to this little miracle stick as a lifesaver on long park days! Rub it on anywhere that may be prone to chafing or blistering. Seriously, you'll thank me later for this one. https://www.amazon.com/Body-Glide-Original-Anti-Chafe-1-5oz/dp/B00288L2N6/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=body+glide&qid=1559068945&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1

16. Cooling Towel

This is a new one for us that we haven't tried yet. I was searching for tricks to beat the heat since we'll be going at the the end of summer and I will not buy a mister fan in the park for the price. Going to give this a try and will update the post after our next trip. This is the one I found on Amazon that had some great reviews and seemed the most compact - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FSX4C2V/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_8?smid=A2R7IHCO63BNIN&psc=1 . This is mostly aimed at helping to keep our toddler cool, but no doubt we'll use it as well.

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What we don't pack (but you may want to) --

1. First Aid

I know, I know. Super moms have everything under the sun prepared, but we tried it once. After my husband needed dramamine and we stumbled across Magic Kingdom First Aid, we determined, first aid items take up unnecissary room (and weight) in our bag. All four parks have First Aid and Baby Centers and all are fabulous. Seriously, Disney takes such good care of guests!

I get it though, some of you may still want to pack some essentials, so I would say - any personal medication or medical equipment that you need, get them packed! As well, inhalers, bandaids (especially if you have clumsy kids), and maybe neosporin and benadryl would be helpful to have quick access to. Just keep in mind that those First Aid locations and Baby Centers are there to make life easier for you and I seriously can't say enough about how amazing the cast members are that help you get back to the fun when a stop there is necessary.

2. Snacks

We are Disney foodies and super duper love to follow Disney Blogs and YouTube channels for the best Disney snacks and meals out there, so this one just doesn't seem necessary to us. Even with our toddler, we don't use space in our bag for snacks. He loves all the treats too! By the way, the Disney Food Blog is A-MAZ-ING https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnpWedLQdHpZqhgTLdB9Yyg . Follow them if you don't already!

If this isn't your gig, I suggest dry snacks in snack packs, especially for kids. Disney allows you to brig your own food into the parks through security, so if you're being spending conscious, packing lunches and snacks can save you tons of money, just be sure to double check the most current rules on cooler bag sizes, etc. If this is your plan, I suggest ordering from a delivery service to your resort ahead of time as resort food items can be just as expensive.

3. Ears

This may need to move to the must pack list for some, but we prefer to take our Ears photos in the stores where we can put them right back on the shelf. ;) Just not a huge priorty for us right now, even though I looooove to see all the creative ears out there on instagram!

4. Autograph Book & Pen

Our son is just not quite to the age of appricating this yet, so for now, it's off our must pack list. However, I will be gifting him my autoraph book from when I was a kid as soon as he's old enough to get into this beloved Disney tradition (Eep! I can't wait!).

Disney of course sells them, but there are lots of adorable ones on Etsy or even just a cute little notepad with thicker pages will work. I've also seen some creativity with this...

a) Frame Matting - so that character signatures can surround your favorite family photo when you get home.

b) Backpacks - the plain black ones with colorful fabric markers for characters are pretty neat.

c) T-Shirts - I've seen characters signing the shirt a kid was wearing!

5. Coins for Pressing

Again, our son is not quite old enough yet to get into this fun tradition, but I loved the pressed penny machines as a kid and it's still a thing! So pack those pennies (and quarters to activate) if this is something on your must do list!

6. Gum

We are not avid gum chewers, but if you are, know that you can't buy gum in the Disney parks (This rule helps keep the place looking it's best when guests aren't as tempted to put that used gum where it doesn't belong). So if you need your gum, pack it!

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Packing for a Baby/Toddler --

1. The Essentials

Diapers, wipes, diaper cream, bottles, formula, pump, cooler bag, change of clothes/shoes, baby sunscreen, etc.

2. Extras

a) Clip on fan. This is the one I ordered for our end of summer trip this year - https://www.amazon.com/O2-Cool-Battery-Operated-Fan/dp/B074R5FLDD/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=stroller+fan+soft+blade&qid=1559069626&s=gateway&sr=8-5 . We've lucked out in the fall and spring for our regular trips with great weather, so I never felt the need to bring this. I have high hopes this will help keep our little guy cool.

b) Clip on umbrella. We used the umbrella bugaboo attachment to our stroller to help shade our son from direct sunlight while walking around. It was helpful, but with the right stroller having a large canopy, not really that necessary.

c) Bottle/sippy cup strap. This was super helpful, especially with a toddler to avoid that cup hitting the pavement a few hundred times. Could also attach to a favorite stuffed animal too! We loved this one - https://www.amazon.com/BooginHead-SippiGrip-Bottle-Universal-Attachment/dp/B000YHC6ZQ/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia?keywords=sippy+cup+strap&pd_rd_i=B000YHC6ZQ&pd_rd_r=55d95683-fb40-40af-bd86-286f46151838&pd_rd_w=rEdW7&pd_rd_wg=cAxSw&pf_rd_p=f0479f98-a32d-45cd-9c12-7aaced42b1ec&pf_rd_r=Z8YHYTCJHXP8K935YBRG&qid=1559069831&s=home-garden

d) Pacifier clips. For the same reasons as the sippy cup strap, it helps avoid things that go in your toddlers mouth from coming into contacting with things that have been touched by millions of people!

e) Sound canceling headphones for babies. These - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007BEHSDU?aaxitk=Wj0nvCsArzMy1GDcUrv62w&pd_rd_i=B007BEHSDU&pf_rd_p=3fade48a-e699-4c96-bf08-bb772ac0e242&hsa_cr_id=3664709640901&sb-ci-n=asinImage&sb-ci-v=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-na.ssl-images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F81Hs72uh2-L.jpg&sb-ci-a=B007BEHSDU were awesome on our first trip with our son who was only 4 months at the time. They helped ensure he still got some nap time and protected his ears during fireworks.

f) Mommy hooks. These are great if you want to max the use of your stroller for storage. Just be careful the added weight is distributed that it won't flip your stroller.

g) Clip on cup holder for the stroller. If you're bringing your own stroller, be sure to have yours packed. If you're renting a stroller, be sure to add this to your accessory package! We need our coffee and pushing that stroller isn't a ton of fun, so a convenient coffee holder is a must for us!

h) Stroller ID. You'll never see more strollers in your life than you do when parking your stroller at a Disney park and you'd be surprised how many look the same after a long day! Be sure to make your stroller (especially a rental since many look alike) easy to identify by tying a colorful ribbon on the handle, making a custom tag or coughing up the cash for an adorable balloon. It helps prevent someone from taking your stroller by mistake out of the zoo that is stroller parking and it also helps you avoid endless searching since cast members move strollers around (within the area) to keep things orderly.

3. Temporary Tattoo

Something we are going to try this next trip now that our son is older and loves to run. It will include my name and phone number. I don't plan to put his because I don't care for the idea of a stranger finding my kids name that easily. We will also be schooling him on knowing what we are wearing that day and things about us (names, hair color, etc). If we can get him to keep his MagicBand on, a cast member can scan that and have our information instantly which will be an added protection. I've heard (and thankfully haven't yet experienced) that Disney is amazing with helping kids find their "lost parents". Fingers crossed we won't have to deal with that, but plan to be prepared.

I hope this list was helpful to you as you plan out your most magical Disney day ever! Is there anything I missed that you can't live without? Comment below!