The Essential Vacation (Especially Disney) Packing List
Getting ready for a vacation is a mix of excitement but also anxiousness. You’ve made all these wonderful plans in consultation with your travel planner, you’ve spent a ton of money, and now it’s time to start preparing. A lot of clients ask me what they should pack when going on a vacation – especially if it’s a Disney or Universal vacation. Well, I’ve got you covered with today’s article. Use this article as a checklist or just as helpful reading. Let’s go!
A quick note – always count the number of days you’ll be traveling and add one (bring that extra set of everything). I recommend counting the first day of travel (even though you are already wearing the clothes for that day) and the last day of travel, and then everything in between – then add one. This will ensure that you have at least two extra outfits per person in the event you are delayed or you need to change because of weather.
Clothing & Toiletries
- Bottoms – Shorts & Pants. Be sure to look at the weather. The majority of what you pack should be for the forecasted weather, but always have at least one pair of the other type of bottom in case the weather changes (i.e. always pack at least one pair of jeans if going to Disney).
- Tops – Tees/Hoodies/tops. Same applies. Watch the weather and pack appropriately for the forecast. But bring a hoddie, always, in case it gets chilly.
- Bathing suits and coverups for the pool/waterpark.
- Swim diapers for young children.
- Beach towels. While Disney will provide regular pool towels, it’s fun to show off your fun character beach towels if you have them!
- Undergarments.
- Socks. Be prepared with an extra pair for the entire family. Remember, nobody likes to walk around in wet socks!
- Shoes. At least two pairs and be sure they’re broken in. Never use your vacation as an opportunity to break in new shoes.
- Flip flops or sandals. These are great for the pool or water parks or just walking around the resort. I don’t recommend them for a day at the parks however.
- Eyeglasses or contacts.
- Sunglasses.
- Toiletries. Remember that anything over 3.4 ounces must be in checked bags.
Essential Items for Travel
- Cell phone and charger.
- Boarding pass/tickets for your air travel.
- Wallet and Keys.
- Toll money (if you’re driving)
- Government-Issued ID with photos and/or passport for international travel.
- Medications. Always pack these in your carry-on, especially if they are essential. Never check them!
- Bandaids for accidental boo-boos.
- Backpack or bag.
- Tickets and/or is everything linked and ready to go on your My Disney Experience app.
- Book, Activity Book, podcasts, TV shows, etc. available for travel time on plane or in car.
- All electronics including tablets, computers, phones, etc., along with their chargers.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Cash for MouseKeeping tips. The cast members who clean our rooms do an amazing job. Consider bringing cash with you to leave for each day the room is cleaned. It’s considered appropriate to leave a dollar per day per person in your party. This can be done daily or all at once at the end of your trip.
For the Parks
- MagicBands. Remember these are not required and you can use MyMagic Mobile or plastic cards you get at check-in.
- Small, battery-powered fan. This is great for those hot afternoons as you’re walking around the theme parks.
- Hats and/or Mickey ears!
- Sunscreen (must be in checked bags if over 3.4 ounces.
- Autograph books and markers/pens.
- Mobile/battery-powered cell phone charger.
- Rain gear (ponchos). Buy these ahead of time for $2 or $3 versus $15 at the parks.
- Small bag.
- Water bottles.
- Snacks. Think protein or snack bars, Goldfish crackers, applesauce packets. This will save you a ton of money versus buying snacks at the parks.
Other Fun Things to Consider
- Decorations for your resort door/stateroom door. One of the many ways to express your Disney side is to bring decorations to adorn your door and let other guests known you have arrived.
- Prepurchased souvenirs. Items at the park can be pricey. A stop off at your local store to purchase some items up front can save you a lot of money and you can surprise your family with them each day when they wake up.
- Gift Cards. Buying souvenirs can get out of control quickly with kids. A fun way to keep this in check is to provide gift cards to everyone with a specified amount on it that can be spent throughout the vacation.
Baby Essentials
- Stroller.
- Small fan that hooks to the stroller.
- Diapers and Diaper Bag.
- Baby wipes.
- Baby Food/Bottles.
- Toys and Games to keep the baby entertained.
- Light jacket/blanket to keep the baby warm.
Seasonal Travel
If you’re traveling during a specific season, consider packing the following:
- Halloween Costumes. If you’re traveling and will be visiting Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World or the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland, you can dress up. Plan your costume with your family!
- Christmas Decorations/Christmas Tree – if you’re going to be spending time at a resort over Christmas time, be sure to pack your decorations, tree, or maybe even gifts from you or the big guy at the North Pole.
Magical Memories by Casey 