Are you looking for the ULTIMATE Disney World Packing list guide for your upcoming trip?
Well, look no further!
I know what it’s like preparing for a theme park vacation and not knowing where to start.
Many theme park travelers (like yourself) want to know what to pack for Disney World and what to wear to Disney…
That’s why I’m here to help you!
This will not be your typical packing list article that you see online. I will go into great details when it comes to preparing for Disney World.
Today I will go over the following:
- What to Pack for Disney World
- Tips for Packing for Your Disney Trip
- What to Know Before You Go to Disney World
I will also breakdown your packing list by categories such as what to pack for a week at Disney versus a day at Disney in this complete guide.
So, let’s get started!
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Things You Should Bring to Disney World at a Glance (Your Ultimate Disney Packing Checklist)
- Deodorants
- Lotion
- Make-Up/Lip Balm
- Sanitizer
- Sunscreen
- Tampons or Sanitary Towels
- Poncho
- A Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss
- Wet Wipes
- Portable charger
- Car Rental Information
- Debit/Credit Cards
- Your Disney World Itinerary
- Insurance Coverage
- Hotel Information
- Tickets and Confirmation
- Restaurant Reservation Confirmations
- Small Bag
- Stylish, but Comfortable Clothing
- Comfortable Shoes
- Small Snacks
- Have Disney World App Downloaded
- Autograph Book and Pen
- Waterproof Phone Case/Pouch
- The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guidebook
- Cooling Towel
- Handheld Electric Fan
- Water
- Ziploc Bags
- Hat
- Sunglasses
Keep reading to see what you must pack and bring on your Walt Disney World vacation!
WATCH: 13 Beginner Tips for Going to Disney World This Year!
The Complete Disney World Packing List for Adults Guide
Now that we know how to pack for our Disney World trip, let’s breakdown what your packing checklist will ACTUALLY look like.
Below are a few items to help you prepare your own packing checklist.
What should I pack for a week at Disney?
Let’s start with the obvious, clothes.
Clothing for Disney
You always want to pack comfortable items such as shirts, shorts, sneakers, swimwear, pajamas and underwear.
Pay special attention to the type of undergarments that you bring since you’ll want something that’s extremely comfortable and something that can withstand the heat of Florida.
Remember, you’ll be doing A LOT of walking so you want to always think of ways to prevent any injuries such as blisters, muscle soreness, and foot pain on your Walt Disney World vacation.
Toiletry Basics
As a solo traveler or adult traveler, this list can be endless since you’ll want to make sure you have all your basics covered.
Some of the things to think of are:
- Deodorants
- Lotion
- Make-Up/Lip Balm
- Sanitizer
- Sunscreen
- Tampons or Sanitary Towels
- A Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss
- Wet Wipes
- Hand Wash
- Nail Cutters
- Nail Polish
- Perfume
- Q Tips
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Shower Gel
- Sunscreen
- Tweezers
If you’re staying in a luxury Orlando vacation home, then you may end up doing your laundry. So, you should include some laundry soap and bags on your checklist. You can always check with your resort to see if the offer free laundry detergent.
Important Paperwork
A lot of times it is easy to forget your passport, photo I.D., boarding pass or your hotel confirmation number.
This is why packing important paperwork early should always be a high priority to you.
Other necessary documents include:
- Car Rental Information
- Credit Cards/Debit Cards
- Insurance Coverage
I do understand that we are in the digital age, so all these can be saved on your phone.
Plus, I am old school so I like to have my physical copy just in case I can’t access any of the documents from my phone.
Read NEXT: Disney World Travel Insurance: Is it Worth It?
Prescription Meds
Now the Pharmacist side of me has to come out.
When taking any trip, whether a business trip or a relaxing vacation, it’s important to make sure you have all your refills lined up and completed.
You’ll also want to have any special instructions on you at all times that way if there’s an emergency someone will be able to help you.
I recommend having the essential over-the-counter meds (OTC) on you for one of those “just-in-case” scenarios.
OTC’s Such As:
- Pain or Fever Meds- Acetaminophen (Also known as Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Also known as Motrin)
- Anti-Histamines – Loratadine (Also known as Claritin) or Diphenhydramine (Also known as Benadryl)
- Med to Help Diarrhea – Loperamide (Also known as Imodium)
- Anti-Nausea/Motion Sickness Med – Meclizine (Also known as Dramamine)
Save on your Disney World tickets with Tripadvisor TODAY!
What to Pack in Your Disney World Park Bag?
Now that you know what to place in your suitcase for Disney, let’s go through the essentials needed for a day at the park.
1. Have Your Disney Photo Checklist
You must have a list of some the most Instagram-worthy photo spots for your trip to Walt Disney World!
I also like the colorful wall in front of the Carousel of Progress and the purple wall in Tomorrowland are the best spots for photos at Disney!
Check out my latest theme park adventures on Instagram TODAY!
2. Disney Autograph Book and Pen
The inside pages contain 50+ blank sheets of high quality white paper suitable for writing in pen or pencil.
- Comes with alphabet stickers for personalizing
- Mickey Mouse Deluxe Autograph Book with Pen
- disney autograph books hardcover
- Package Weight: 0.5 pounds
3. Cooling Towel
The Florida summers are brutal and you’ll need this handy frosty towel to keep cool.
- INSTANT COOL AND REUSABLE: Hyper-evaporative breathable mesh material makes it easy to activate the chilling towel when you simply soak, wring out and snap it. The unique cooling system uses moisture from the towel to draw the sweat away from your skin to keep you cool. Everyone can use the cooling towel, even pets.
- KEEP CHILLS: The towel stays chilled for up to 3 hours (depending on conditions). No chemicals are used in the making of the cooling towels. It’s perfect for hot flashes, outdoor activities, indoor exercise, fever or headache therapy, heatstroke preventio sunscreen protection, cooling while absorbing
- MULTIPURPOSE SPORTS TOWEL: It’s perfect for sports fans into golf, swimming, football, workout, gym and fitness, also works for fever or headache therapy, heatstroke prevention, sunscreen protection, cooling while absorbing. Keep yourself cool during hot summer days, workout sessions, outdoor adventures or when someone has a migraine. If you are sweating a lot, rinse the ‘salty water’ out from time to time. Salt reduces evaporation/cooling rate.
- CARRYING POUCH WITH CARABINER CLIP: With the waterproof plastic pouch, it¡¯s easy to carry the chilly towel on a rock climb, golf trip, corssfit training, etc. The reusable pouch is friendly to earth and saves more space than a bottle. The storage pouch comes with carabiner clips of vibrant colors that match the towel, making it a great gift for all ages. The clip makes it convenient to attach the cooling towel to the belt of sports bag and traveling backpack.
4. Portable Fan
Handheld Electric Fans are a great thing to have to help you circulate some cool air your way. I always keep one with me during the summer months at Disney World.
You can also take it up a notch and get a water mist fan. It’s absolutely incredible especially if you can fill it with ice water!
5. Sunglasses
No trip to the sunshine state is complete without the Hipster glasses!
6. Mickey Mouse Hat
Stay protected from the brutal Florida sun with your hat!
Hats aren’t only practical but can be stylish too. Plus, they’re easy to fold and are lightweight so you can place them in your bag with no problem
Recommended: Ultimate Florida Packing List: What to Pack for Your EPIC Trip!
7. Disney Trading Pins
Jump start your collection by buying a pack online. Trading pins are always a welcomed gift for Disney fans.
They’re usually inexpensive and easy to ship if needed.
Get Your FREE Epcot Video Planning Guide TODAY!
8. MagicBand and Theme Park Ticket
Don’t forget to have your MagicBand and theme park ticket on hand. This will help you bypass the ticket booths and head straight towards the gates.
9. The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide
In this book, I show you how to enjoy theme park hopping alone in a simple and easy way.
This lighthearted travel book will dispel the myths of going to theme parks alone and will inspire you to create your own solo theme park memories.
The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide will also give a quick breakdown on each of the major theme parks in central Florida: Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and SeaWorld.
Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide
10. Hand Sanitizer
Portable hand sanitizer bottles are a must have for your Disney packing list.
- Help your family and those you care for kill germs on their hands with PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer Naturals and Refreshing Gel. Using PURELL hand sanitizer is a convenient way to kill germs
- PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer kills 99.99 percent of most common germs that may cause illness without damaging skin
- Perfect for frequent use. Mild formula is free of tricolsan, parabens, phthalates, preservatives and harsh ingredients; so it does not dry out or irritate skin. Hands feel soft, even after many uses
- Use JELLY WRAPs to attach 1 oz. bottle to purses, backpacks, key chains, diaper bags or gym bags. Reach for the PURELL bottle when you need to kill germs, refresh or clean-up in a hurry
- Case Includes: 8 PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer, 4 Refreshing Gel and 4 Naturals – 1 oz. Please note: Due to high demand, varieties may vary. Case packs may only include PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer Refreshing Gel Flip-Cap Bottles with JELLY WRAPs.
The PURELL sanitizer has a convenient hook for you to attach to your theme park bag.
11. Small Snacks
If you’re on a budget (which most of us are), you’ll want to save your money by bring small snacks to Disney World.
- Snack chest bulk sampler includes an assortment of 50 savory snacks
- A snack variety box for all occasions with a wide variety of chips, cookies and candies
- Perfect care package gift to send to friends and family at camp, or at school
- This 50 count care package includes a mix of sweet, salty, and savory, snacks. Includes the top chip, cookie, and candy brands
- All snacks are handpicked & shipped loose in a snack chest gift box. In certain cases based upon availability some snacks might be replaced
The Cookies Chips & Candies Snacks Variety Pack Bulk Sampler Assortment is the perfect food care package and great for a day at Disney.
Read NEXT: 17 Easy Ways to Do Disney World on a Tight Budget!
12. Disney World Guidebook
Birnbaum’s 2024 Walt Disney World: The Official Guide
The 2024 edition delves into detailed descriptions of all attractions, resorts, and eateries.
- Birnbaum Guides (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 384 Pages – 09/19/2023 (Publication Date) – Disney Editions (Publisher)
Plus, it offers money-saving coupons and strategies to maximize your vacation budget; and includes deep dives into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, TRON: Lightcycle Run and more!
13. Walt Disney World Itinerary and Vacation Planning Guide
Download your FREE Walt Disney World vacation game plan so that you can conquer Disney like a pro!
14. Disney Button
You need to let everyone know if it’s a special day. Plus, Disney buttons are free!
Some of the special buttons let people know that’s your first visit, your birthday, your anniversary and so much more!
You can pick up a button from guest services, the ticketing booths, or from your Disney hotel concierge.
Cancel your trip for any reason with Travel Guard TODAY!
15. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Ears
Because no Disney trip is complete without Mickey or Minnie ears!
The rose gold Minnie ears were the hottest Disney item a few years ago, selling out within the first day of release.
- They are cute and look nice, colorful double-sided sequins, let you stand out in the light or the sun.
- Handmade headband, the band and ears are tightly bonded together, they can remain standing without fall apart.
- Both sides of the ears are covered by sequins, the sequins are woven by the fishing line, firm and will not fall.
- Pack of 1. One size fit toddlers and adults.
- Suitable occasion: Photo props, party activities, role playing, birthday party, Halloween, Christmas, Disneyland trip, or any theme party.
These beautiful Minnie Mouse ears are sequined and padded with a glittery fabric bow and although it’s tough to find them, you can get alternative ones on Amazon.
16. Have the My Disney Experience App Downloaded
This app allows you to view each Disney theme park guide map. You can also book your Genie+ reservations and dining plans.
Don’t Forget to Pack These Items in Your Disney Bag for the Day
- Fanny Pack or Backpack or Purse
- Portable Phone Charger
- Phone
- Cooling Towel
- Water Mist Fans
- Water
- Ziploc Bags
- Disney Ears
- Hand Sanitizer
Check out some of the best backpacks for Disney World here!
5 Easy Disney World Packing List Tips for Adults
A lot of people find it difficult to prepare adequately for such trips, but with this ultimate Disney World packing checklist and some handy tips to make it easy, you’ll be ready to go in no time.
So, here are some Walt Disney World packing tips to help you on your next trip to this magical place.
1. As Much as Possible, Try Not to Over Pack…but I get it if you do!
First of all, if you have a Disney World packing checklist, try not to outdo that list.
Usually, people don’t want to overpack but going on a trip to Disney World may require the need to do so.
Such as, the crazy Florida weather!
You should always bring spare clothing, especially if you do not intend to do laundry while you’re at Walt Disney World.
2. Prepare for the Heat, Humidity, and Rain
The weather conditions are a bit more humid than a lot of people are used to so, it may be a bit too much for just a regular t-shirt.
This is why you’d need to possibly pack multiple lightweight shirts to defeat the heat and humidity.
Plus, you will most likely need to change your shirt because of the extreme heat if you plan on visiting Disney World anytime between June and late September.
Hipster Power Tip: Always pack a small umbrella to not only cover you during the rain, but to beat the Florida sun. You can find a UV Umbrella here on Amazon!
3. Start Packing Early
When planning a trip to Disney World, it’s vital that you start packing early.
The perfect hack is to put your suitcase in the center of your bedroom and gradually put the things on your Disney packing list inside of it.
This will help you remember things like all your chargers and little such as your toothbrush.
Plus, packing this way makes it so much easier and less stressful as your departure day approaches.
4 . Eliminate Those Awkward Situations
When prepping for your trip, you’ll want to get an additional carry-on bag ready to house your essentials that are needed for your travel day.
If you’re like me, then you know that your carry-on is so vital just in case a not so magical moment happens like the loss of your luggage.
Plus, if you’re using an airport shuttle bus, then your luggage may take a few hours to arrive to your room.
I know that is not always ideal for you, especially if you’ve been stuck on a plane for most the day.
You’ll want to have key items in your carry-on that will allow you to freshen up once you get into your resort room.
Carry-on Items Such As:
- An extra outfit or t-shirt
- Deodorant
- Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
- Chargers (always good to have to keep your phone charged)
- Underwear
- A TSA approved snack
- Makeup (lip gloss, mascara, eye-liner)
5. Have Snacks Available
Walt Disney World has some of the BEST theme park food options available, but it can hurt your travel budget.
So, in order to keep your food budget under control, you should consider packing some snacks that can help hold you over in between your main Disney meals.
Saving money on Disney food will allow you to enjoy other things like special events or the incredible Disney merchandise.
Cancel your trip for any reason with Travel Guard TODAY!
What to Know Before You Go to Walt Disney World
Taking a trip to Disney World should necessitate a few questions before you set out to do your packing.
What should I pack for Disney World in summer?
If it’s in the summer, you want to prepare for the heat and humidity. So, items such as:
- Water
- Lightweight clothing
- Water Mist Fan
- Cooling Towel
- A Hat and sunglasses
How should I pack if I’m going to Disney with children?
If you’re not traveling alone to Disney, then you’ll need to think about the needs of your child or kid that is with you.
You’ll want to have:
- A change of clothing
- Water
- Autograph book
- Cheaper souvenirs purchased before trip
- Snacks
- Hats
- Sunscreen
Recommended: 5 Best Disney World Deluxe Resorts to Stay at Right Now
Can you bring bags on rides at Disney World?
Yes you can. You can bring an average size bag with you on every ride at WDW.
You can learn more about prohibited items at Walt Disney World Resort here.
Is there Foreign exchange at Disney World?
Absolutely! You can change from any denomination to dollars in Walt Disney World at most Guest Relations locations.
Knowing that this is possible saves you the stress of knowing that there are locations to handle your currency on your trip.
Ready to start planning your next Disney World vacation? Listen to the latest podcast episode on Apple or on your non-Apple device now!
My Final Thoughts on Creating the Perfect Disney World Packing List for Adults
Taking a vacation to Walt Disney World can be fulfilling, so try not to stress too much if you feel like your packing list overwhelming.
Make the journey of packing for Disney an adventure and just enjoy the anticipation for a magical trip.
Did I miss an item on this Disney World packing list guide? If so, let me know in the comments section below!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
Also, don’t forget to save and print your own Ultimate Disney World packing list here!
(Original Article Date February 11, 2018/Updated April 4, 2024)