Disney World Packing List - Magic Guides

These essential items should be on everyone’s Disney packing checklist:

• Wallet, Tickets, and Directions

Don’t leave home without your ID (license), credit card, and Disney gift cards (if applicable).

Having some cash on hand is always a good idea.

If you have Magic Bands or hard copies of tickets/reservations, bring them as well. Hard copies could save you lots of aggravation if phone or internet issues arise.

Make sure you know the names and addresses of any destination you have booked. Also, a copy of a written itinerary, if you have one, will make things a bit easier.

• Comfortable Shoes

A top recommendation on our Disney World Packing List is to bring comfortable walking shoes. Happy feet are crucial to happy Disney World vacationers!

A typical Disney vacationer spends a large portion of his/her day walking between attractions and standing in lines. We estimate that the average person walks 6 to 9 miles per day at Disney World theme parks. Therefore, be sure to pack shoes that will keep your mind on having fun rather than on sore feet from all the walking.

• Backpack /Daypack

We suggest you bring a lightweight backpack/daypack to Disney theme parks. This will hold your essential items – like tickets, ponchos, sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, phone chargers, Disney World map, etc. – and spare you the expense of renting a storage locker.

Since it will be with you all day, be sure any backpack you choose is lightweight and fits comfortably. See our Best Backpacks for Disney World and Best Fanny Packs for Disney World pages for suggestions.

• Water Bottle

It’s important to consider hydration when deciding what to pack when you visit Disney World. Walking around all day – under the warm Florida sun – is sure to make you thirsty.

We recommend packing a refillable water bottle inside your daypack. This allows easy access to water throughout the day and saves you the expense of purchasing bottled water inside the park.

Tip: If you ask a cast member at any counter service restaurant, they will be happy to refill your water bottle for you.

• Rain Jacket/Poncho

Rain is always a possibility in Orlando, even when clear skies are forecasted.

Walking around in wet clothes can be uncomfortable, to say the least. Therefore, the MagicGuides Walt Disney World Packing List recommends a rain jacket or poncho for each member of your group.

Disney World does sell ponchos, but they will run you $9 – $10 each. Purchasing these types of items before entering the park can save you money. (see our poncho recommendation below)

• Cell Phone Charger

At Disney World, cell phones are an extremely valuable tool. They help us communicate with our travel companions, use park maps and apps, research official Disney information on the Disney World website, share photos, make reservations, check times, etc.

It’s easy to drain batteries on your Disney trip, so come prepared to recharge your phone. We recommend that your Disney World packing list includes an external battery charger and/or additional batteries. (see our charge recommendations below)

• Nice Outfits

So you have your shorts, t-shirts, jeans, flip-flops, and other warm-weather clothing ready to go. But did you remember to pack nicer clothes for fine-dining reservations and nighttime entertainment?

Disney World is home to some of the best dining and entertainment available. If you plan on partaking in these aspects of Disney, consider packing a few classier outfits for these events.

• Extra Bags

Bringing extra bags is often overlooked on Disney Resort packing lists. However, we recommend you bring several large Ziploc or trash bags to separate your dirty (or wet) clothes from your clean clothes.

A well-organized Disney World vacationer is a less stressed Disney vacationer! Small ziplock bags can come in handy to protect electronics and wallets on water rides.

• Sunscreen/Sunglasses

It’s no surprise that Orlando, FL is a warm, sunny destination. This is usually a good thing, but too much sun can quickly turn into a negative. So be sure you are prepared to deal with the Florida sunshine.

Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, or whatever else you may need to keep the hot sun from affecting your enjoyable Disney World vacation.

• Snacks

If you are looking for ways to cut down on spending, we suggest packing your own snacks in your park bag. It’s not widely known, but Disney World does allow guests to bring food into the parks.

While there are plenty of concession stands at Disney World, extra costs add up, and time spent at concession lines could be otherwise spent on rides.

Snacks are also a great item to pack for road trips and flights to and from Orlando.