Complete List of Disney World Park Bag Essentials

A fun and successful day at Disney World starts with a well packed park bag. This complete list of Disney World park bag essentials will help prepare you for anything that might pop up throughout the day. This guide will go over everything you need and why it is important to pack. I’ve also included some product recommendations for items I found particularly useful and links to where you can buy them.

Before I dive into the park bag list, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

• Per Disney World’s policy, bags and coolers can be no larger than 24 x 15 x 18 inches. My husband and I were able to fit everything we needed for our family of 4 in one backpack and a small soft sided cooler. 
• I highly recommend renting a stroller! Young kids (and even some big kids) will need a break from all the walking. It’s also great to have a place to stash your bags so you don’t have to carry them. This includes any souvenirs you pick up at the park! Note: Wagons are NOT allowed.
• You will not be able to bring glass containers, folding chairs, selfie sticks, tripods that cannot fit into a backpack (or that extend taller than 6 feet) or alcohol into the park. See Disney World’s property rules for more information and to see a complete list of prohibited items.

Everything you need to pack in your Disney World park bag

Tech items and accessories

• Phone – The My Disney Experience app will be used for securing Genie+ lightning lanes, dining reservations, accessing photo pass photos and so much more. The app can be used to set up a MagicMobile pass which can be used for park entry, lightning lanes, photo pass and purchases.
• Magic band or Apple Watch (optional) Magic bands used to be given out complimentary to all guests staying at a Disney World Resort. This has been discontinued, however, they are still available for purchase. Magic Bands can be used for unlocking your hotel room, park entry, lighting lanes, photo pass, and having purchases and meals charged to your hotel room. The MagicBand+ has some additional interactive features. Alternatively, you can send your MagicMobile pass to your digital wallet to use with your Apple Watch.
• Portable charger You will most likely use your phone a lot for taking pictures, checking ride times, looking up directions, ordering food, etc. Be prepared in case you completely drain your phone battery. TIP: Make sure your portable charger is fully charged before you go!
• Flexible phone tripod This is a great way to get group pictures without having to ask a stranger or wait in line/pay for photo pass photos (although I must admit the photo pass photos are some of my absolute favorites!) I also enjoyed having the tripod on the handle of the stroller so I could easily look at the park map and directions as we walked around.

What to pack to beat the heat

• Misting fans These provide great relief from the beating sun. Plus they were fun for the kids!
• Cooling towels Another must have to help beat the heat! Just wet them with cold water, ring out the excess water and then drape over the back of your neck or across your forehead for instant cooling.
• Sunscreen This is essential! Reapply often.
• Sunglasses Another essential to protect from the Florida sunshine and avoid squinty eyes in photos.

Items for keeping clean and dry

• Wet bag – somewhere to stash any wet or dirty items so that everything else in your bag stays clean and dry. 
• Baby Wipes – Great to clean off any tables or sitting areas, clean up spills and wipe off messy hands and faces
• Change of clothes – I did not want to worry about spills, getting splashed on water rides, kids getting soaked at the splash pad, or even dancing in the rain. I wanted to enjoy the moment and be prepared to clean up and dry off if necessary so that my kids wouldn’t be wet and crabby. It might even be worth it to consider packing a bathing suit.
• Hand sanitizer Always great to have on hand to sanitize before a snack or periodically throughout the day. Especially after going through high traffic, frequently touched areas. 
• Ponchos These came in hand on our trip! You can’t control the weather so you might as well make the best of it.

Items for fun

• Lanyard and pins – My kids had a lot of fun with pin trading! They each had their own Disney themed lanyards with coin pouches on them. The coin pouch is not necessary, but it is a nice place to keep the pressed pennies we collected at the parks. For a fun way to give the kids their starter pins, see my post on how to make a Disney countdown calendar!
• Autograph book and sharpie – I bought a basic Autograph book with an area for the characters to sign and room to add a photo. Retractable Sharpies were perfect for getting the autographs. We didn’t have to worry about losing caps and the signatures are nice and bold. A couple notes on autographs: Some of the characters do not give autographs and you will most likely have to wait in line for the meet and greets. Also, have your phone or camera ready because they do not all have a photo pass photographer.
• Glow bracelets – A must if you plan on staying at the parks til dark! Having everyone in your party wear glow bands is a great way to keep track of each other, especially the kids. It’s also super helpful to find your stroller if you put distinct glow bands  around the handle of your stroller. 
• Line activities – Anything small and lightweight that will help the youngsters pass the time while waiting in line.
• Mickey ears – These are definitely not necessary, but they sure do make for great photos! You can save money by buying them online before you go. I bought a couple of these sets so that I could match my daughter and we could coordinate them with our outfits.

What to pack in your cooler

• Food – Bringing your own snacks and lunch is a great way to save time and money at the parks.
• Water bottles – It will be hot and you’ll be walking A LOT. Stay hydrated! 
• Ice packs – Frozen water bottles make great ice packs to keep your food fresh and cold. Bonus: you can drink the water as they melt!

Miscellaneous

• Extra contacts – If you wear contacts it’s a great idea to carry a backup pair. In case you lose or damage one, you’ll want a replacement ready.
• First aide stuff (band aids/neosporin) – While there are first aide stations at all of the Disney World parks, packing a few items to deal with minor injuries like scaped knees is always a good idea.

Print this checklist or save it on Pinterest for your next trip to Disney World!

What are your Disney World park bag must haves? Comment below and let me know!