I consider myself a pretty efficient and thorough packer. Never packing more than I need, and never forgetting the essentials. However, there were a few things that we overlooked on our first family Disney World trip. Here are the under mentioned Disney packing necessities we either forgot, or were were really glad we packed for our first trip to Disney World. Plus, a bonus checklist of things to watch out for in the Disney security line to avoid delays.
Folding Stool for Toddler Bathroom Autonomy
This was probably the worst thing we forgot. Which we know could be worse in the grand scheme of things, but Alexis was really looking for this over the six days we were at the resort. We own this folding step stool and always bring it on vacations for her bathroom, which is why it was such a bummer to forget – we literally already own this! 🤦🏼♀️
It folds flat which makes it incredible for space-conscious luggage packing. We take it when traveling by car or plane because it’s so versatile. I asked the resort to borrow one and they said they didn’t have ones they could hand out (just home improvement type stools which they couldn’t provide). It’s not the most glamorous packing list item, but it’s definitely one of the most under mentioned Disney packing essentials I can think of for families with independent toddlers.
MagicBand Silicone Clasps
These silicone MagicBand clasps saved us too many times to count. Someone on Instagram told me to get these before going and WOW, this will be one of my biggest tips going forward!
They’re especially great for the kids because they’re constantly fidgeting with the bands. However, they’ll also save your bands when they inevitably catch on the kids while toting them around. The pack comes with 12 clasps, and extras will come in handy. Kenzie managed to lose one of hers during the trip so we just popped a new one on. Get a multi pack and pack them all for the trip!
A Giant Carabiner for Strollers and Backpacks
These were a ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’ item for me. If you’re staying on property, chances are you’ll buy the unlimited refill resort cups. They save you big time on the fountain drinks at the resorts during your stay. However, they can be bulky. I saw a bunch of families with theirs wrangled on a big carabiner hanging from a stroller or backpack. Genius! Your park popcorn buckets can hang on it too to free up under-stroller cargo space.
They’re hard to find for sale once on property, though. After asking around, the consensus was that they’re probably only at the stroller/scooter rental places at the entrance of each park. They typically carry the most transportation-type essential items. My advice? Get an inexpensive one on Amazon ahead of your trip.
Noise Cancelling Headphones for Fireworks & Shows
We dropped the ball on this one. 🤦🏼♀️ We own these wonderful kid’s noise cancelling headphones and didn’t even think about packing them. They would’ve been great to have for fireworks at night. The girls wanted to watch the fireworks every night but we did so from inside because they didn’t like the noise.
It wasn’t a huge deal, but it would’ve been nice for them to be able to run around with the other kids outside. This is a bigger item for the smallest Disney goers trying to sleep through fireworks. Pack at your discretion!
Stroller Rain Cover
We didn’t have one of these it burned us a few different times. The rain blows in QUICKLY and it really pours. Albeit for a short period of time, your stroller and all belongings will be absolutely drenched. Thankfully, I saw the rain rolling in and packed everything that couldn’t get wet in our backpacks before going into the Little Mermaid ride.
However, when we were done the strollers were completely drenched. We laid the ponchos on the strollers so the girls didn’t have to sit in a puddle, but a far better solution would’ve been to cover the strollers from the get-go because they took all night to dry out. We got lucky and had a balcony to leave them on to air dry more quickly, but not everyone has that luxury. Do yourself a favor, pack a stroller rain cover! You hear tons about the type of stroller to bring to Disney but not about how to protect it from the rain. Don’t leave home without this critically under mentioned Disney packing staple!
Anti-Chafing Stick for… Everywhere
I’m a repeat customer of this anti-chafe stick. Primarily for tennis, but also anytime I’ll be in shorts or a skirt for a long period of time. It’s also in my toiletry bag every single time I’m traveling.
Perhaps one of it’s most helpful uses is for theme park days. A 90-degree, very humid, 12+ hour Florida day is exactly when you’ll wish you had some relief. This balm is it. Use on thighs, under arms or anywhere skin needs some soothing, gliding balm.
Family Pack of Rain Ponchos
No umbrellas allowed at Disney! That’s why you see everyone in ponchos. We bought this multi pack of family ponchos for the trip and definitely used them. Like I said, the rain blows in fast and furious. It’s usually very brief, but it’s heavy.
Though we were in the Little Mermaid ride when it rained, our un-covered strollers were not. Thankfully, I took everything sensitive in with us but the girls couldn’t even sit on the strollers afterwards. They were basically puddles. The ponchos saved us in an unexpected way, definitely bring some to your park days!
Mouse Ear Bag Clips
These are an under mentioned Disney packing essential I didn’t realize existed until it was too late. We didn’t have these for recent our family vacation, but I wish we had. It got hot and not everyone wore their ears all day, and smashing them into an overstuffed backpack wasn’t my favorite solution. These clips for outside your bag are a cute way to still accessorize with your ears while also stowing them gently.
These mouse ear clips are especially clutch if you plan on wearing a Loungefly to the parks. They’re not exactly the roomiest bags, so wearing your ears on the outside will save you tons of space and let’s you show them off!
BYO Dresses for Princess Dinners
The girls’ birthdays were weeks before our trip. Instead of paying ~$75 for a dress at the Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boutique I put the ones they wanted on their birthday lists. We saved a bunch and avoided unnecessary toys in lieu of the dresses they used, and will continue to play dress up in.
The two of them couldn’t have been cuter walking around the park in their gowns! I have video clips I’ll be playing in my head rent free for the rest of my life. These were a precious memory for all of us and I totally recommend bringing some for them to enjoy at least one of the park days.
Extra Luggage Space
On my family’s first Disney World trip in 2000 my mom had to buy an extra suitcase on the trip just to get all the goodies we bought home. Don’t get caught without enough luggage space! Either bring an extra suitcase (nest a carry-on in a checked size bag on the way there to save on fees) or simply pack evenly across an extra bag to allow enough space for a few trinkets and souvenirs for the flight home. This is one under mentioned Disney packing hack I’m shocked I don’t see on more lists!
Recently, my large luggage cracked. To be fair, it was a big box store dupe of the suitcase I now own (you live and you learn). My suggestion is just get the nice luggage from the start! It was a little pricier but my personal referral link here will give you a $40 off! Or, if you’re in the military, medical field or are a teacher/educator they offer a discount year-round with identity verification!
Oh, and I loved the checked bag size one so much I bought the carry-on size of my new flex luggage. It’s truly the best luggage I’ve ever owned!
Double Stroller vs. Two Single Strollers
We got this double stroller a few weeks after Disney and wow, would I have LOVED to have this for the travel days and the parks! It’s a Disney approved double stroller. Note: not all strollers are Disney approved, and no wagons are allowed. It also has a lot of cargo space for all the park things/snacks/souvenirs.
The two single strollers weren’t a bad setup but getting in and out of doors was harder. If one parent can push and one can open doors it’d be so much smoother! Not to mention one parent is available for anything that requires a hand or two since the other has both kids in the double stroller!
I’m dreaming of our next park trip simply just to be able to cruise around with the girls in this side by side, and much more smoothly.
Speaking of the under mentioned, I have a bonus for you. Below is a list of things to watch out in the name of avoiding security line delays. Some things that flagged really surprised us as our time at Disney World went on and I’d love to save you the hassle.
Things to Watch Out for in Disney Security to Avoid Delays
We kept getting stopped by the metal detectors at security. It ate up time and was frustrating with young (impatient) kids. Security let’s you know what causes the problem each time, but after while we were still setting them off and they didn’t know why. We finally identified one constant that was setting the metal detectors off that the security wasn’t flagging.
- Do NOT pack umbrellas, they’re not allowed. This is why everyone has ponchos and stroller covers.
- Laptop and portable charger batteries will flag. No working at Disney!
- Kevin kept setting off the metal detector and we eventually found it was his belt buckle. Belts are permitted, so he started putting it in the stroller before walking through the metal detectors to save us from a delay.
- Glass containers (except small ones i.e. baby food jars) are not permitted.
- Coolers are allowed, but not everything in them is. No outside alcohol allowed at the park!
- Hold bulky metal and electronic items—such as portable chargers, laptops and hard glasses cases—out in front of you while walking through the scanners. This allows security to identify what’s flagging to avoid a lengthy bag search.
- If you have any items in your pocket (wallet, keys, etc.) put them in a clear plastic bag and hold them out in front of you while steadily walking through the metal detector. If the items flag but your body doesn’t it helps keep you moving into the park quickly.
What was the most surprising thing on this list? Are any of these under mentioned Disney packing essentials already on your list? Let me know below!
Headed to Disney by car? Read about how we optimize our road trip strategy when traveling with baby and toddlers.
