Our family has been lucky enough to visit both Disney World and Disneyland quite a few times and while each trip has been totally different, I still prepare the same way every time. We’ve visited in 95 degree weather, rainy weather, chilly weather, high crowd days, low crowd days.. you name it, we’ve probably seen it.
I’ve been asked to make a post comparing Disney World and Disneyland, but there is just SO MUCH to say about each. Maybe I’ll get my thoughts together soon and start that post, but for now I thought it would be good to make a list of the things you may not think to bring to Disney that will truly come in handy! Let’s just jump right in! And if you think of something that isn’t on this list, comment below and I’ll add it! Here we go!..
1) Mickey/Minnie Ears: Yes, they have these at the park, as soon as you walk in actually, but they are about $30 a pair. Head to amazon and get them for less than $10 and bring them with you on your trip!
2) Autograph Book: They have these at the park, too, but save yourself time and money and bring your own. You can find these on amazon, too! I also like giving these to the kids before we go and they love getting excited about meeting the characters. Autograph books also make a great ice breaker for shy kids to interact with the characters!
3) Phone charger/Power bank: Between all the pictures and videos I record at Disney, my phone usually starts to die around midday and ain’t nobody got time for that! There is so much more to document, especially as the events start happening in the evening, like parades, fireworks and shows! You can bring a wall charger, but good luck finding an outlet. I am like the queen of finding an outlet on a light pole or alley somewhere, but not at Disney. They actually purposely don’t have outlets accessible for the public, so bring a portable charger!
4) Stroller Tag: There are lots of strollers at Disney, and by lots I mean, parking lots. You park your stroller outside of each attraction and 9 times out of 10, when you get off of the ride, your stroller was moved by a cast member to save space in the stroller area. I highly suggest attaching a ribbon or something bright to the handle of your stroller so you can find it easily. Even if it doesn’t get moved, it definitely gets lost in the sea of strollers.
5) Sunblock Spray: Aerosol spray cans of sunblock ARE allowed in the Disney parks and they are the most convenient way to apply and reapply. I don’t think I need to go into any detail about why you need sunblock, but even on the gloomier days, my little babes’ face got a little red so always bring it.
6) Extra clothes for the park: I spend months before some of our Disney trips, planning out outfits and what our T-shirts will look like. You may plan out clothing for everyone and bring a few extra things, but not necessarily bring those extra things into the parks. We made that mistake when one of our kids was potty training. They had an accident at the park and we had no spare clothes. We had to buy an outfit (Minnie Mouse dress was about $50 and an underwear pack from Disney was about $20). Pack an extra tee, shorts and underwear just incase!
7) Ponchos: I know for us, Disney is a rain or shine kind of thing. Unless it’s dangerous weather, we’re going to the park! Ponchos purchased at the park are $10 minimum, so for a family of 5, you’re talking about $50 in plastic ponchos. Head to the dollar store before your trip and pick up a pack of them for about $5.
8) Umbrella: An umbrella that folds up really compact will come in handy, like the ponchos above! Rainy days can actually be really fun at Disney. A lot of people will leave the park, but we’ve found if we stick it out and pop into a store or grab a bite to eat at a restaurant, the storm usually passes and we can head back out to the park and find that ride lines are pretty much no wait!
9) Frozen water bottles and snacks: You can always buy water bottles in the park or ask for a cup of water, but the drinks are a little pricey and the water cups are pretty small. I’m also not sure where that water is coming from, but anyways, bring the water bottles frozen so as they thaw throughout the day, they stay cold. I also always bring snacks like Belvita bars or something similar so the kids have something to hold them over if we are trying to figure out dinner or having to wait longer than expected.
10) Glow Sticks: The light up toys they sell at Disney are expensive and while we do like to splurge for the kids every once in a while, we do not see the need to purchase a new light up toy every time we are there. We usually bring one we already have or bring a light up wand from the Target dollar spot. Or my favorite thing to do, is just buy a big pack of those skinny glow sticks and have your kids walk around and hand them out to other kids while you’re waiting for the fireworks.
Alright, so those are my top ten things I think you should definitely pack for Disney! Let me know if you have more and comment them below so I can add them! If you’re headed to Disney, I hope you have an amazing time! Relax, lower your expectations and have a blast! 🙂
