The Essential Walt Disney World Packing List For Families [With Free Printable!]

Packing for a Disney vacation can be exciting, but a pain at the same time. Wondering what are the must-packs and which items can you leave at home? I’ve narrowed it down by essentials and suggestions so you have choices. Here’s my ultimate Disney packing list – feel free to print out!

I’m a professional travel writer so I have a travel essential bag that never gets unpacked. If you travel constantly, it’s definitely a massive time saver. But, with every trip, I do look over my bag to make sure all of the items are good to go. Some are must-haves, others not so much. The same goes for packing for a Disney World vacation. This packing list is also good for a Disney Cruise and Disneyland, too. What should you pack and what must you pack? Here’s the scoop.

Scroll down to find our free printable Disney packing list to use on your upcoming vacation.

Table of Contents

Disney Packing List Essentials

Disney World packing list: clothing essentials

Photo By: Pixabay

Depending on the time of year, you may be packing shorts and tank tops or pants and sweatshirts. When it comes to packing for Florida, and I know this sounds crazy, I’ll pack the essentials and then check the weather at the last minute for changes. You’d be surprised at how quickly the Central Florida weather (and your Disney World packing list) can change. Also, if an unexpected cold snap hits, you’ll be able to find needed items in the resort and theme park gift shops in a pinch.

The top question is “how much should I pack?” . The answer depends on your family. You know your family well, so pack to cater to each member. Kiddos tend to go through outfits quicker than adults (unless you’re my husband who is the king of spilling!), but I like to pack 1 outfit per day plus a couple of extras just in case.

Want the scoop on what you shouldn’t bring to Disney? Here’s a list of 8 things not to pack for your Disney World vacation.

Clothing to Pack

Shirts
Shorts
Undershirts
Pants or jeans depending on weather and time of year
A jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt
socks – bring more than you think you’ll need if you have room. We love to change out socks midday.
At least 2 pairs of shoes per person. There’s nothing worse than hurting feet when walking in the parks. I like to alternate my shoes – it really does help.
Princess or character outfits – princess dresses are much less expensive to purchase off-property.
Underwear – Bring extra if there’s room
Bras
Swimsuit
Swim cover-up
Sunglasses
Belt
Flip Flops for the pool and to wear around the resort room
Pajamas
MagicBands – If they were shipped to you, make sure you pack them. If not, you’ll pick them up when you check in at the resort. And, no worries if you forget the ones you were sent, either: you’ll receive standard gray ones if you so.
Watch
Hat or Vizor
Jewelry
Backpack or fanny pack – You’ll need one or both for all of your in-park necessities.

Electronics

Photo By: Pixabay

Again, add or omit depending on your family’s needs.

Laptop or MacBook
Phone
Waterproof phone case
Tablet
Chargers for tech
Portable game systems – A must when traveling with teens
Headphones or earbuds
Camera
Battery chargers – There are charging stations in the parks, but carrying one with you is essential .Many of the apps you use within the parks drain your battery quickly. I suggest carrying 2 battery backups per day.
Books or EBook reader – Books can be cumbersome when flying, but if you’re road tripping they’re worth considering.
Batteries – If flying, check with your airline for allowances
Extension Cord – I always pack one in my suitcase. It’s saved me from charging my phone at the bathroom sink countless times!

Toiletries

Disney World packing list: hats and Minnie Ears

Photo By: Pixabay

I do pack all most of these items when I travel to Disney World, but feel free to omit or edit what you pack depending on if you road trip or fly.

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Hair brush and comb
Deodorant
Sunscreen – It’s expensive to purchase on Disney property, so pack more than you’ll think you’ll need. Being in the Florida sun, you’ll go through it like water
Shampoo & Conditioner – WDW Resorts do have shampoo and conditioner in either small bottles or in a shower dispenser. Personally, I really like it and use it but, if you have special shampoo and conditioner, remember to bring it.
Make-up – Not preaching here, but make sure it has sunscreen in it if you can swing it.
Sunburn soothing lotion or gel – No one wants a sunburn, but they do happen.
Lip Balm with sunscreen – I know, I sound like a mom.
Nail polish and remover
Hairspray, gel, or hair treatment – The central Florida humidity will either give your hair more body than you’ve ever had or will leave it flat.
Hair bands/elastics and bobby pins
Curling iron and/or flat iron
Nail file and clippers
Razor or electric shaver
Shaving cream or gel
Face Wash
Baby Wash
Face and body lotion
Shower gel – Some resorts have shower gel, some don’t. If you’re adamant about not using soap, pack your own.

Disney Packing List: Medicine

Photo By: Pixabay

First Aid Centers in the Walt Disney World parks will have complimentary common first aid and medicinal items, but if you’re planning on using plenty, feel free to pack. The resort gift shops will have most toiletry items in stock in a pinch.

All prescriptions – if you are in a pinch and forget a must-take Rx, there are a couple of nearby pharmacies. Of course, you’ll need to drive or use Uber or Lyft to pick up.
Bandages – I do pack a few for blisters or cuts.
Hand Sanitizer – I’m adding this in the medicine section because my family goes through it quickly.
Antibiotic ointment
Hydrocortisone cream
Cough Medicine or Cough Drops – Depending on the time of year, you may or may not want to pack. Personally, I always pack.
Ziploc or plastic freezer bags – Ideal for keeping outfits together and keeping items dry on wet rides.
Antacids
Motion sickness medicine
Eye Drops
Vitamins

Disney Packing List: Baby Necessities

Disney World packing list: baby essentials

Photo By: Pixbay

Diapers
Wipes
Bottles and/or sippy cup
Changing pad
Pacifier
Formula
Baby wash
Baby sunscreen
Formula
Baby food – You will be able to purchase baby food in the resort gift shop, but it’s much more expensive than a grocery store. Of course, you can have it delivered to your resort via Amazon Prime Pantry or a grocery delivery service, too. Amazon Prime Now is available in the Orlando area, but you’ll need to be in the resort lobby when it arrives.
Pacifier
Baby sunglasses
Snacks for the plane, car, and vacation
Hat or vizor
Stroller – Avoid stroller rental costs and bring your own travel stroller.

Items to Consider

Disney World packing list: autograph books

Photo By: Pixabay

These items you can either take or leave depending on your family’s needs. If I’m visiting Disney World for a lengthy time, I tend to pack more of them for convenience sake. If you’re driving in and want to make a pit stop at an off-property store, you can pick these up as well.

Laundry detergent or pods – There’s at least one onsite laundry facility at every WDW Resort. I like to pack laundry pods, leave them in the trunk of my car, and do laundry the day before we leave to return home. I love not having dirty laundry when I get home!
Dryer sheets – Both for laundry and for static issues on dry days. I’ll throw one in my pocket and, voila!, no static-y hair.
Toys, Blanket, or “Lovey” – If it helps you kiddo sleep through the night, go for it.
Gum – you won’t find any gum for sale on Disney World property, so if you’re a gum lover, remember to pack your own.
Autograph Book and Pen – Even at 17, my daughter loves scoring Disney autographs. You can buy them in the park if you don’t want to pack.
Trading Pins and Lanyard – Pin trading is such a fun activity, so if you’re planning on participating, consider purchasing a pin bundle to take with you.
Rain poncho – You can purchase them in the parks in a pinch. They are great quality but significantly more expensive than what you can find at Walmart.
Umbrella – You may take an umbrella into the parks, but they are kind of a pain to use. Just saying.
Quarters and pennies – The coin pressing machines use both.

Ready to hit your favorite Disney Park? Here are the 20 best rides at Disney World.

Additional Items to Think about Packing

Beach Towel – This one’s totally optional but you may get use of one for strollers, sun protection, and the pools. You may want your own when going to a Disney water park like Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, too. Also good for drying off after wet rides like Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom.
Night Light – My teen still sleeps with one. If you like to completely close the window draperies, it does get very dark in the hotel rooms.

Confirmation Paperwork and Items Used for Purchasing

Photo By: Pixabay

I take all of these with me on a Walt Disney World vacation, truthfully.

Cash – Good for tipping at restaurants and Mousekeeping services at the resorts.
Credit cards – You’ll need at least one when you check in for charging purposes and incidentals
Identification and driver’s license – A no-brainer
Gift cards – I like to buy gift cards to help my family budget spending.
Theme park tickets – credit card style, if you’re not using a MagicBand, you’ll need your park tickets for entry and FastPass+ reservations
Health insurance cards
Boarding passes if flying
Membership cards – Think AAA, DVC, Annual Passholder

Trekaroo Tip: I like to take photos on my phone of all of these items just in case I lose them. It’s much easier to grab numbers this way. If you’re planning on buying gift cards, go online before your vacation and combine them into one card via the link on the back. It’s much easier to carry one than several.

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Karyn Locke

Karyn Lockeis a former military brat who caught the travel bug at a very early age, Karyn loves road tripping with her husband and teen daughter and writing about her travels from small town Ohio at Sand and Snow...and everywhere in between!