Planning a Walt Disney World vacation is stressful! Take some of that weight off your shoulders by checking out our unique things to add to your Family Packing List for Disney World.

A Disney World vacation can be the vacation of a lifetime! So it’s important you pack everything you need, less stress =more magic.

That’s why I’m sharing my favorite Family Packing List for Disney World tips in this post.  I have been on Disney vacations with my kids as toddlers, elementary-aged kids, and now as tweens and teens, and packing the right items can really save you time and money! I also am sharing some unique items to pack for Disney World- you may not have thought of these but you will be happy you brought them.

Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.

By the end of this post you and your family will be prepared to enjoy all of the pixie dust there is to offer on your upcoming Disney World vacation.  And don’t forget your free Disney World Family Packing List- read to the end to get yours free in your inbox!

Complete Guide: Family Packing List for Disney World to Maximize Fun and Minimize Stress

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1. Must-have Clothes and Accessories for Disney World

When it comes to preparing for a trip to Disney World, it’s important to pack the right clothes and accessories to make sure you are comfortable, happy, and ready for any type of weather.

Footwear

Comfortable footwear is a must! With the amount of walking you’ll be doing, opting for a pair of supportive sneakers or walking shoes (they could even be Crocs or sandals with a good footbed) is highly recommended.  Check out my blog linked above as I break down my favorites but here are some brands really love

Crocs or Native shoes

These shoes are good in the rain and have a comfy footbed.  I know, many people hate the look of classic Crocs but they also make some really cute sandals for the summer.  Both Native and Crocs shoes are great for kids as well and they offer Disney-themed styles!

Native Shoes Jefferson Disney Print Shell White/Shell White/Mickey All Over Print Men's 7, Women's 9 Medium

$32.19

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09/16/2024 07:57 pm GMT

Crocs Unisex Classic Sandal Slide, Rainbow/White, 6 US Men

$19.24

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09/16/2024 03:49 pm GMT

Sneakers

Many people prefer to have running shoes or sneakers (or trainers depending on where you are from) packed for their Disney vacation. My kids and I always wear these on the plane as we pack light.  I also like to have them handy if I want to go for a run or head to the fitness center at the Disney resort.

There are even some fun Disney-themed options in this category too! 

Disney Girls' Shoes - Minnie Mouse Sneakers (Little Kid/Big Kid), Size 12 Little Kid, Minnie White

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Sandals

It’s almost always sandals weather in Florida! I love a good comfy flip-flop or sandal at Disney World.  The only time I don’t pack sandals for Walt Disney World is in the winter months (though I often pack a very light pair of flip-flops just in case).  My favorite brands for all day at the parks are-

Oofos

Fit Flops

Clarks

Pack for the Forecast- and beyond!

Layers

Additionally, consider the weather when selecting your outfits. Lightweight and breathable clothing is necessary for the hot and humid Florida climate most days of the year- even in the winter sometimes.  You will also need layering options for cooler evenings if you are visiting between October to March.   

Some great options for kids and adults are out there in fun, breathable fabrics like dry-fit cotton, linen, and even bamboo!  There are also UPF-rated layers that will help protect against sunburn and rashes.  Another fan favorite is Disney Spirit Jerseys.  These long-sleeved shirts made by Disney are available at Disney gift shops but you can often get them on sale at ShopDisney.com so always check there first.

 

Sunglasses and Hats

 

Don’t forget to pack a hat or visor to protect yourself from the sun, as well as sunglasses to shield your eyes.  There are so many great options that are fun for Disney, like the reversible Walt Disney World bucket hat above.  Amazon has some fun Disney hats and sunglasses too! 

Want a free printable Ultimate Disney Packing List? 

11 Must-Have items for your Ulitmate Disney Packing List

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Choose the Right Disney Park Bag

 

Another essential accessory is a family park bag– this could be a backpack or crossbody bag to carry your must-have Disney parks items such as sunscreen, water bottles, hand sanitizer, cooling items, and snacks.  I have a family of 5 and I usually bring a backpack (like this

Loungefly Disney Beauty and the Beast Ballroom Scene Womens Double Strap Shoulder Bag Purse, One Size, Multi

$60.00

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09/16/2024 03:50 pm GMT

Don’t forget your rain gear!

Lastly, consider bringing an umbrella, poncho, or rain jacket, as Florida weather can be unpredictable. It can rain anytime during any season- even if it’s not in the forecast!  I like mini-umbrellas, and I usually pack a rain jacket for everyone in the family as we use it as an extra layer when/if needed.

By following these Disney packing tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your Disney World adventure.

2. Disney World Family Packing essentials

When planning a trip to a Disney park, it’s essential to consider the ages and preferences of your unique family.

Activities, toys, and other unique items to include in your Family Packing List for Disney World

For the little ones, remember to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and snacks to keep their energy levels up throughout the day.  I usually throw mini energy or protein bars (I like GoMacro bars or Cliff Bars) in my bag and/or trail mix packs (these are a family favorite) and cutie oranges. 

When my kids were younger I would also pack pre-purchased Disney merchandise (you can get it so much cheaper online ahead of time) like cute Minnie or Mickey stuffies, and activity packs for long lines.  Madlibs are a great wait-in-a-long-line idea for kids of all ages, just don’t forget to pack a pen!

Mini Fans with misters

Our family has some very heat-intolerant members so we always pack our cooling items and we have tried them all.  In my opinion, the best cooling fans are those with water cartridges and misters.  Look for one like this with decent power behind it that is rechargeable.  It also pulls triple duty by being a power bank for charging, and a phone stand, and it can be worn as a lanyard or used as a table fan.

Cooling Towels

Neck towels are not loved by all as they will make your shirt wet but they are easy to carry around in your bag and can double as a cleaning towel or to wrap up extra food in a pinch! My favorites are FrogToggs Chilly Pads or this handy little option that you can clip to the outside of your Disney park bag. 

Neck Fans

I love a good rechargeable neck fan.  These options can be more powerful than the handheld fans and are hands-free, making it easier to hold your phone and get your next Lightning Lane reservation! 

Strollers and Baby/Toddler items

Strollers are more essential at Disney World than in many other places and for kids of older ages.  We used a double stroller at Disney World up until our youngest was 6 years old.  I know this sounds crazy but you will not regret it! These are long days- sometimes as long as 12 hours, and the kids are overstimulated.

The stroller also doubles as a place to store your bags (just don’t leave anything valuable in it when you leave the stroller- there is sometimes theft even in the Most Magical Place on Earth).  Traveling with your own stroller at an airport can be tedious.  There are rental options available that can even be delivered to and picked up at your hotel.  We have used Kingdom Strollers and had a wonderful experience each time!  They have a new service where they can do drop off and pick up at the Orlando Airport AND they also offer cribs, pack-n-play, scooters, and more.

If you prefer to pack your own baby and toddler items you should pack:

• An umbrella stroller-easy to carry and get on and off buses with as they are so lightweight.  And you can donate it to a family on your way out if you don’t want to bring it home.  But don’t leave it at Disney- that happens way to often and they often get dumped.
• A stroller fan- yeah, you already know it’s hot in Disney World most of the time- so don’t forget to bring a cooling option that attaches to your stroller- here’s one I have used and recommend.
• Toddler-sized utensils and sippy cups.
• A thin, foldable travel blanket.  This type can double as a cuddle item for your toddler, a pillow, or something to sit on for parades or fireworks or for a picnic (and yes you can bring your own food into Disney World- just no alcohol, glass, or knives).
• A scarf or ribbon- tie one of these to your stroller so you can find it easily! Make it brightly colored or patterned.
• Baby items- you can rent these or pack the essentials and be sure to include extra diapers, clothes, baby washcloths, wipes, pacifiers, a changing pad, a stroller cover, and a portable white noise machine that clips to the stroller.  See our free PDF packing list to have this all in one place and don’t forget a thing!

Additionally, it’s important to bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.  You can get free ice water at any quick service at any Disney Park.  But Florida water is kind of gross (I grew up in South Florida, and I know this from many many years of drinking it), so I like bringing a Brita or a filtered water bottle, along with a few collapsible silicone water bottles for the family.

Portable Chargers

For older kids and teenagers, make sure to pack a portable charger for their electronics.  Here are some options I have used and highly recommend:

• Fuel Rods- these are super convenient as you can exchange them for free for a new one, fully charged lipstick charger at several kiosks located throughout the Disney Parks.  See my FuelRod blog on the exact locations. The downside is they aren’t the most powerful chargers so they often only last a couple of hours. You can buy them in bulk for a bit cheaper on Amazon or on fuel-rod.com, and then pack them so you have one all ready to go and can exchange it for a new one anytime you need to on your vacation.
• Or you can pack a powerful charger that you can recharge at night.  I like to have both a fuelrod and a powerful, portable charger so that I never have to worry about being undercharged (you will need to use for phone for all Disney World plans because everything goes through the app so always have a charging option).

3. Electronics and Entertainment on the Go

And speaking of electronics…

Remember to pack electronics for the whole family for the trip and maybe even during the trip (though usually a Disney park will keep them thoroughly entertained).  I recommend packing:

• A multi-outlet charging station and one charging cord for each member of the family.  Many of the remodeled Disney resort hotels have USB charging stations but if you are staying in an older hotel room they will not.  So, just in case pack a charger with a plug- I love this option and use it at home and pack it for every Disney trip.
• My kids often watch movies together on the plane or in the car so I like to pack a multi-outlet device for headphones.
• And be sure to pack headphones!
• A tablet or two, depending on the amount of kids you have and what your preferences are for them as far as screens go.  These can come in handy on the plane for watching movies, playing games, or even if you are trying to enjoy a nice meal at a fancier Disney World restaurant.

4. Safety and Health Essentials for your Family Packing List for Disney World

I’m a family doctor and a mom of 3, including a leukemia survivor, so I like a well-packed first-aid kit.  I usually pack the same kit for my Disney park bag that I would pack for a day of hiking in the wilderness (so what does that say about what a long day at Disney World can feel like..)?  Here’s what I recommend packing (and you can get the free Family Packing List for Disney World pdf too so it’s all in one place):

• Dramamine or Ginger tablets or chews for nausea.  Some attractions at Walt Disney World can be spinny and motion sickness-inducing so always be prepared for this situation.
• TUMS or Acidil (my favorite natural anti-acid blend).  The food at Disney World can be rich and it’s tough for some kids (and even more-so adults) to stomach this.  No one wants an expensive Disney World day ruined by an acid stomach!
• I also like to pack an anti-diarrhea medicine like Lomotil or Diarrhalia (a natural option) for those unexpected and unwelcome moments we don’t want to talk about.  Of course, always check that it’s safe for your child or yourself before you take anything new.
• Band-aids of all sizes and antibiotic ointment.   I also like Calendula cream for rashes.
• Blister blockers (as a doctor of course I have a whole blog on preventing blisters during your Disney trip).
• Anti-itch or eczema creams
• Hand sanitizer
• Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen.  That Florida sun can really burn you so don’t forget to protect you/your kids ears, face, shoulders, feet, and lips.

And keep in mind that if you forget anything or have an unexpected health need Disney World has baby care stations and first-aid stations.

5. Miscellaneous Items: Family Packing List for Disney World

Other unique items to pack for Disney to include on your Family Packing List for Disney World include:

• Re-usable straws- Disney Parks have changed to paper straws which aren’t the best (though I fully support this change for the environment) so packing a re-usable straw can come in very handy.  I love the type that you can clip to your bag.
• Electrolyte packets- the heat at Disney World can really make the sweat pour out of you and that drains your body of much-needed electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride.  I like to pack Liquid IV packs in my first aid kit or Disney park bag, and this option doubles as an immune booster to help beat all of those germs from the crowds!
• Epsom salt to soak your feet or your body after a long day of walking.   You can get little packs online or at your local store, or you can just pack some bath bombs like these that have extra pain-relieving support.
• Loose change. The pressed pennies are great and inexpensive souvenirs your kids can collect so bringing extra loose change for these machines is very helpful!

The Wrap Up

A Disney World vacation is a wonderful pixie-dust-filled experience for you and your family or travel party.  But you want to avoid any extra hassles and make it as stress-free as possible.  Following these Disney World packing tips for your family can really save you time and money.

Remember to check out the free Ultimate Packing Guide for Disney.  Enjoy your vacation and the special memories you will make with your family!

This post was all about my favorite Disney packing tips and a Family Packing List for Disney World.

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Shelley Meyer

Shelley has been going on Walt Disney World trips since she was a toddler growing up in South Florida. Since then, she has expanded her interests and passion to include Disneyland and runDisney trips. She is a Disney College of Knowledge-certified Travel Planner, runner, Physician, mom of three, and all-around Disney fan. She believes the magic is in the details of any Disney or runDisney trip!