Disney World Must Haves You Could Easily Forget {2025}

Planning a magical vacation to the most magical place on Earth? Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney pro, knowing what to pack can make all the difference. This guide covers all the Disney World must-haves you need for your resort stay, park days, family needs, and money-saving tips.

Let’s break it down into everything you need to bring for a successful and stress-free Disney trip.

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As Florida locals and lifelong Disney fans, we have years of experience navigating the Disney parks with and without kids. Disney can easily be an overwhelming vacation, but it doesn’t need to be, especially if you have all of the right gear with you! 

Follow this list to ensure you have all of the Disney World must-haves to fully enjoy your stay in the magic and have peace of mind that you have what you need! 

Disney World Must Haves For The Resort

Your Disney adventure begins at your hotel room, and there are a few key items that will make your stay more comfortable and convenient.

1. Refillable Water Bottles: Stay hydrated without spending a fortune. Disney resorts have refill stations and in-room fridges, making refillable bottles a no-brainer. We always hit the quick service restaurant in the resort to fill up our bottles with ice and water before heading up to our room, then our waters are availible throughout the night and ready to go in the morning. If you want to bring your own water bottles and want to get the best bottle for Disney, check out this post. 

2. Travel-Size Laundry Detergent: If you’re staying for more than a few days, packing a few detergent pods, travel-size detergent, or better yet- laundry clothes, makes it easy to do laundry and re-wear outfits. Disney resorts have laundry facilities and it’s always helpful to have an option to wash kids clothes after a day eating all the snacks and Mickey Ice Cream bars. 

3. Power Strip or Charging Station: This may seem silly, but with phones, MagicBands, cameras, and other devices, a power strip keeps everyone charged up and ready to go. Disney has done a better job about adding USB outlets, and more outlets in general, but a power strip is definitely easier. 

4. Park Bag or Daypack: Prep your park bag the night before and keep it stocked with the essentials: sunscreen, ponchos, snacks, and a portable charger. Check out my Disney Park Bag Checklist to see all the things you should include within your park bag. I also recommend having a smaller bag to take with you to the pool. 

5. Night Light: The lights in a resort room can be very bright, and sometimes you don’t need that level of a wake up call! We have started taking night lights with us on every trip- including Disney!

Disney World Must Haves For The Parks

The Disney Parks are where the real magic happens, but you’ll need to come prepared. Your packing list should include these Disney World must haves for your park days:

1. Comfortable Walking Shoes: Disney Parks are HUGE, and you’ll easily walk 20,000+ steps. Bring supportive shoes that are already broken in, one of the worst things you can do for your Disney trip is bring the wrong shoes. I love these waterproof sneakers and these white tennis shoes to pair with dresses, or these sandals if you visit while it’s warm. 

2. Cooling Towels: Florida heat is no joke! Stay cool with a cooling towel – they’re lightweight and easy to pack.

3. Sunscreen and Lip Balm with SPF: You’ll be outdoors most of the day. Protect your skin with reef-safe sunscreen and lip balm.

4. Ponchos, a Rain Jacket, or a Compact Umbrella: Rain is common in Florida. A lightweight poncho can save you from being soaked and miserable; the waterproof shoes above can help too! I’m usually a fan of ponchos because you can buy them in bulk and toss them after rather than carrying a wet jacket, but if you are visiting during a rainy time of year, a rain jacket will be helpful if you need it often.

5. Portable Phone Charger: While it’s not something I love, you’ll use your phone all day for the My Disney Experience App, mobile ordering, and photos. While having a larger power bank is helpful, I also always bring these compact chargers as well. You can exchange them in the Disney parks (or even in your Disney resort!) for free throughout your stay. They are half the price to buy before your vacation, so make sure you buy them now! 

6. Sunglasses and a Hat: These have quickly become two must haves for me that I didn’t always pack- the Florida sun is intense, especially in the afternoon. I am obsessed with this Mickey Mouse straw hat and this baseball cap. Sunglasses may seem like a given for some, but you won’t believe the prices buying them in the parks if you forget yours!

7. Hand Sanitizer: An absolute must in my opinion! Younger kids, and really older kids and even adults, are touching everything when in Disney. Have sanitizer stocked up and in your bag. Hand wipes are a great idea as well! 

8. First Aid Kit: I stick with a travel size first aid kit for Disney because you will find nearly everything you need on Disney days at the First Aid in the parks or at gift shops at the resorts. 

9. Small Bags: Either Ziploc bags or reusable bags like these (HIGHLY recommend!! I have 5) are great to have! They double as extra popcorn holders, can hold the leftover chicken tenders from basically all the quick service restaurants, and also keep track of smaller toys. 

10. Portable Fans: Again, think about the heat. We always bring personal small fans and a stroller fan. My husband also recently bought this fan and he loves it, and I have heard great things about this neck fan as well. This portable fan is my favorite and folds up easily into my fanny pack. 

11. Sunscreen: This is a must for everyone! You will be in and out of buildings, walking down Main Street, etc., throughout your vacation. 

12. Electrolytes: If you are visiting in the summer, expect very warm weather, which also leads to dehydration, electrolyte packs are a great way to stay hydrated throughout the day. 

13. Anti-chaffing Stick: It may not be glamorous, but it’s helpful to have! 

14. Reusable Straws: Disney doesn’t do plastic straws, so unless you love paper straws (who does?!) you may want to bring your own reusable straw. 

Disney World Must Haves For Families

If you’re traveling with kids, these Disney World must haves will help you stay organized and ready for everything during your Disney vacation! 

1. Autograph Book and Pen: Character meet-and-greets are a core memory! Bring an autograph book so your kids can collect signatures throughout the parks. You can get a standard autograph book online in advance, or a custom option from Etsy! We have done both and the custom autograph book is so special to me! 

2. Stroller (Even for Older Kids!): I can not say this enough- even if your child doesn’t use a stroller for most things, you should use one for Disney World! A compact, lightweight stroller is a lifesaver for little legs – especially during long park days or naps on the go. I highly recommend renting a stroller for the parks if you don’t need to use one in the airport on your way. Renting a stroller that will be delivered to you and comes with everything you need!

3. Snacks and Reusable Snack Bags: Avoid meltdowns (and save money) by bringing your own snacks. Granola bars, fruit snacks, and crackers are all perfect for eating in the parks, while in long lines, and when watching shows. If you don’t want to take up space in your suitcases, grocery delivery to Disney resorts is a great option! 

4. Change of Clothes: Accidents, spills, or wet rides happen. Pack an extra outfit in your park bag for little ones, I’ve even been known to bring an extra shirt for myself. I have spilled coffee a time or two, and also accidentally worn a white t-shirt on Kali River Rapids – I’ve learned my lessons! I always bring these bags for extra clothes!

5. Nighttime Routine Items: If your child has a special lovey or blanket, bring it along for the resort and nighttime fireworks shows. We also bring a sound machine! This travel sound machine option is great and lasts a very long time!

6. Apple Airtags: You have so much to keep track of, including your kids! If you use Apple devices, these airtags are a must for your luggage, stroller, attached to kids shoes, etc. You can even leave one in your car so you don’t have to remember where you parked! 

What To Bring To Save Money In Disney

Disney can be pricey, but a few strategic choices from your packing list can help keep you on budget and save a ton of money – even in the parks! Some of these are repeats of the above, but worth mentioning again if saving money on your Disney trip is the goal! 

1. Breakfast Items and Snacks: Pack oatmeal cups, granola bars, fruits, drinks and protein snacks to eat before hitting the parks. This saves you time and money. Again- have these items delivered to you instead of taking up room in your luggage! 

2. Refillable Water Bottles: Yes, this is absolutely worth repeating! Buying bottled water adds up quickly. Fill up for free at water stations around the parks, find the free water stations in Magic Kingdom here and the free water stations in Epcot in this post. 

3. Think Outside of Groceries: Don’t just stick to ordering groceries; you can have other essentials like diapers, wipes, sunscreen, and more delivered to your resort via local delivery services, Amazon, and Instacart. 

4. Bring Disney Gear from Home: Buy ears, t-shirts, ponchos, bubble wands, and glow sticks ahead of time for a fraction of the cost you’ll pay at the parks. And bring back your purchases from previous trips if you frequent the parks! 

How to Decide What You Really Need to Bring

Here’s a quick checklist to help you determine your personal Disney World must haves:

• What’s the weather forecast? Bring layers for cooler evenings or ponchos for rainy afternoons. Florida can get hot quickly, but we have also been in the parks in freezing temperatures where you don’ want to forget hand warmers! 
• Are you using a stroller or baby carrier? Choose gear that folds easily and can be carried onto transportation. Check out these rental strollers for an all around easy process! 
• Do you have dining reservations? Consider a change of clothes or touch-up items if you’re going somewhere nice.
• How long are you staying? For longer trips, plan to do laundry and pack less clothing overall.
• Magic Band vs Mobile App vs Keycards: You don’t *need* Magic Bands if you don’t want to use them. We usually wear them due to convenience, but you could also use the My Disney Experience app or ask for a card instead. 
• Going to the Disney Water Parks? If you are planning on a visit to the Disney water parks, I suggest bringing a larger bag to hold everything like goggles, towels (you don’t need them if you aren’t going to water parks!), waterproof phone holders for water rides, etc. 

When creating your Disney trip packing list (you can see my full Disney packing list here!), focus on comfort, convenience, and cost-saving hacks. Packing smart means less stress and more magic once you arrive.

Tips For Your Disney Trip

• Visit one of the Baby Care Centers: If you forget something for a baby or young children, or even if you want a quiet place to sit for a little bit with your baby, the care centers in each park are made for you! They sell small packs of diapers, kid-friendly snacks and more. 
• Know Where The First Aid Station Is: While I am always a fan of having your own small first aid kit, it’s helpful to know where the first aid station is within each park. You can find this information within the My Disney Experience app, or you can ask a cast member. 
• Rent a Stroller: In case you missed it above, I highly recommend renting a stroller if you don’t plan to use it in the airport or while traveling TO Disney. You have options between a single-stroller, a double stroller, even cribs and inflatable toddler beds! The best part is, they will be dropped off at your resort or at the Orlando Airport. They have scooters too! 
• Understand Walt Disney World Resorts: Every Disney resort has a quick service restaurant, and Moderate and Deluxe resorts have sit-down options as well. There are also pool bars at the main pool within each resort, and some resorts are within walking distance of others – which gives you even more opportunity to eat outside of the parks. Download the Ultimate Guide To Disney Resorts if you want to learn everything there is to know about each resort. 

There is so much to be understood about a Walt Disney World vacation! While it may feel overwhelming, I have created a library of posts about saving time, money and stress.

Check out the posts below if you want to continue learning more about Disney before your vacation! 

• Ultimate Disney World Packing List: Everything you need to know from the perfect park bag, best backpacks, perfect shoes and more. 
• Outfit Ideas for Disney: The best themed, comfy outfits for your Disney trip! Whether you are visiting Disney World or Disneyland. 
• How to Get From MCO to Disney World: Ride share? Coach bus? There are many options for traveling to the parks from the Orlando airport. 
• Do a Disney Mocktail Crawl: If you prefer a good mocktail and want to see the Disney resorts, check out the complete list to mocktails in Disney
• Planning the BEST Adults Only Disney Trip: A Disney trip for adults is SO MUCH FUN! After taking several trips, I created this guide to tell you everything you need to know! 
• When is the Best Time To Visit Epcot: Epcot is an AMAZING park, one of our families favorites! Find out our favorite time to visit the park! 
• The Best Water Bottle for Disney: We have tried so many water bottles over time, this is truly the very best one for the whole family! 
• Disney World vs Disneyland: Is one better than the other? Possibly! It depends on your family! 
• Complete Guide To Disney World Transportation: Disney transportation is FREE and will get you anywhere you need to go on Disney property – you just have to know how to use it. 
• Transportation to Port Canaveral: Taking a land & sea vacation? There are several options to get from Disney resorts to Port Canaveral! 
• How To See Disney World In One Day: Hopefully you have a longer vacation planned, but if you want to see as much of Disney World as you can in one day, this is a great guide! 
• Best Disney Springs Happy Hours: There are several great happy hour options in Disney Springs! Check them out on one of your resort days! 
• Magic Kingdom Rides for Kids: Which rides are best for your younger kids? Check out this full list of rides for kids and determine which level of thrill you are interested in! 
• The Best Disney Resorts for Kids: Is one resort better than the others when it comes to the perfect Disney resort for kids? Find out my thoughts! 

The key to a smooth Disney vacation is being prepared with the Disney essentials. Whether you’re Disney World trip includes spending a week at a resort or just doing a few park days, these Disney World must haves will help you pack like a pro.

From comfy shoes to portable fans, autograph books to reusable water bottles, these essentials ensure you’re ready for anything the magic throws your way.