Free Printable Disney Packing Checklist – Ultimate List
Disney can be overwhelming, and it usually starts when you’re packing, which is where this free printable Disney packing checklist comes into play. I’m constantly looking for quick ways to make packing for any trip, but especially Disney trips, stress-free.
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I’ve started packing our park bag the night before to ensure I’m prepared each day. I have a note on my phone with a checklist to run through. I refill and hang our bag on the stroller, and we’re ready to go when we head to the buses by 7 a.m.!
Besides your daily park bag, it’s also helpful to have a complete Disney packing checklist to follow before your trip to ensure you have everything you need for a successful vacation. This list is below, along with a free printable!
However, if you do forget a few things, Disney resort gift shops offer a wide variety of essential items like toothbrushes, sippy cups, feminine products, etc. And there are additional options like Instacart or other shopping delivery apps, or you could visit a nearby store right outside of Disney property.
Disney Tips & Tricks For A Smooth Trip
- Follow the Disney World packing list 🙂 The free printable packing list has options to add your own items, etc. and can be used again and again!
- There are four Walt Disney World parks plus two water parks! It’s important to understand the differences between each of them. Magic Kingdom is where you will find Cinderella’s castle, Epcot has the big “golf ball” also known as Spaceship Earth, Hollywood Studios has the Tower of Terror, Galaxy’s Edge for Star Wars fans, and Toy Story Land, and Animal Kingdom is focused on nature, animals and Avatar.
- I recommend planning your Disney theme parks in advance so you know where you are going in advance and can make dining and experience reservations.
- Consider buying Magic Bands. As of now, there are two types of Magic Bands, the regular band and the Magic Band+. You can use both to purchase food or merch, get into your Walt Disney World resort room, use a lightning lane, enter parks, etc. The only difference is that the MagicBand+ lights up and is interactive throughout the parks and during shows.
- Use packing cubes to keep things organized in your luggage! I separate by family member and by days. So my first 3 days full outfits are in one cube, the next 3 are in another, etc. I have friends who buy different colors for each family member, but we mainly use the same kind for consistency. It’s a great idea if you have a big family!
- Consider purchasing Disney gift cards in advance! It’s a great way to stick to a budget and you can get them discounted from stores like Costco or Sams club, or 5% off from Target if you have a Red card.
- Don’t forget to thank a cast member! These Disney employees are amazing and really make the trip. If you have a great experience with one of them, which I am certain you will, head to the My Disney Experience app > click on the three lines in the bottom right corner > scroll all the way to the bottom to “Cast Compliments” > add the details for the cast member you want to send thanks to! It takes less than 60 seconds and will make their day!
- The most important thing you can do for your Disney World vacation is have an amazing time with your family in the best time in the most magical place! I know it seems overwhelming but it’s worth it once you are there!
Are you planning a road trip for your next Disney vacation? I have a free printable for that as well!
Must Haves For Your Park Backpack
These 13 must-haves when packing for Disney are at the top of my list! Some of the less-obvious items for your Disney World trip are included to make sure you have everything you need easily accessible.
- Refillable Water Bottles: One for each member of the family. All quick-service dining spots will give you complimentary cups of iced water, like these locations in Magic Kingdom or EPCOT. There are also lots of water fountains on Disney property. Don’t think about spending $4+ on a bottle of water and bring your own bottles.
- Chapstick or Lip Balm: Pack a few of them! Keep those lips protected and hydrated throughout the day. Make sure it has SPF!
- Sunscreen for the whole family– face and body: The sun is shining for most of the day and it’s necessary to reapply throughout!
- Hand sanitizer: This goes without saying but I often find the sanitizers around the park are empty.
- Several Rain Ponchos: This may need to be refilled each day! Rain storms come and go quickly, so it’s not always worth it to carry a rain jacket all day. A poncho to wear for an hour and then toss is perfect.
- Snacks: Specially, easy to pack and eat snacks. I LOVE a good Disney snack. But I also like saving money when I can. We always bring a few options for around the park, on the monorail or sitting by the pool. I use these reusable bags to keep them organized in our park bag.
- Deodorant: 15-hour park days in Florida’s weather in the summer. Enough said.
- An External Charger: You are going to be on your cell phone often throughout your trip! You want to capture every memory, check wait times, mobile order food, the list goes on. Don’t forget a cord! I linked my favorite kind here, you can switch them out all over Disney property for a freshly charged charger!
- A Few Carabiners: A small one to hold ears on the backpack and a larger one for the stroller to hold your park backpack.
- Sunglasses: Another one to make sure you have a pair for everyone in your group. See above- lots of sunshine ☀️ I used to forget sunglasses for my daughter all the time, but now I have a pair in our bag and another in the stroller.
- Cooling Towels: I love the kind that comes with their own bag. A great way to cool down mid-day. They dry quickly too!
- Handheld Fan: We have smaller handheld fans and a larger stroller fan. Honestly, the smaller ones work just as well! But these are a MUST if you are traveling between March – October.
- A Blanket. We always have a blanket for either a chilly night or to hold our space for parades and fireworks.
Are you packing for Disney and need to know what to buy? Find all of my favorites listed and more!
Prepping For The Parks
Based on all of the above, this is how I prep for a Disney day by getting everything in the right place the night before.
- Prep the stroller: If you are staying in a hotel room where you have to either take the bus or drive to the parks, I suggest having a reusable bag to put everything in until after you arrive to your park destination. Nothing is worse than having a bus pull up while you have 50 things in the stoller to hold onto, while folding and carrying the stroller, and chasing kids- been there!) If you are on the monorail, skyliner, boat, or walking to the parks, follow the recommendations below.
- Fill the water bottles and put them in the cupholders
- Refill the snack bag and put it in the bottom of the stroller. We use reusable snack bags but ziplock bags work just as well!
- Put hair ties in one of the stroller pockets, you can never have too many on hand!
- Prep the park bag and your personal item by following the Disney packing checklist for both!
Disney Packing Checklist For A Park Day
Both of the below are included in the free printable Disney packing lists PDFs!
In The Backpack
- Autograph book for each kid for when they meet their favorite Disney characters
- Markers or pens for signatures
- Minnie Ears, Crowns or other accessories
- Portable phone chargers
- Small First aid kit or even just band-aids
- Moleskin for your feet
- Snacks, snacks, snacks! In addition to the ones at the bottom of the stroller
- Rain Ponchos for the surprise Florida storms
- Umbrella, again, those surprise storms
- Deodorant is a must in the heat!
- Sunscreen to reapply throughout the day
- Hand sanitizer for easy access before meals and throughout the day
- Tissues, unless you want to use restaurant napkins all day
- Larger power bank for multiple charger
- Wipes for the sticky hands after cotton candy and Mickey caramel apples
In Personal Bags
All of my personal items that I need quick access to throughout the day. I usually use a fanny pack but others use crossbody bags or crossbody purses.
- Pain reliever of your choice
- Hydration packs. LMNT is my recommendation but there are lots of options. I try to stay as low sugar as possible
- Personal fan for waiting in line or even walking through the park
- Portable phone charger
- Chapstick or lip balm
- Sunglasses! An absolute must for me
- I also clip on a Mouse Ear holder as well!
From Florida’s unpredictable weather to long days in the parks, bringing the right items can make or break your experience. Here’s the ultimate packing list to ensure you’re prepared for an unforgettable Disney vacation!
Understanding Florida Weather: What to Pack Based on the Season
Disney World is in Orlando, Florida, where the weather varies throughout the year. Here’s what you should know:
- Winter (December-February): Mild days (50s-70s°F), cool nights. A light jacket or sweater is necessary.
- Spring (March-May): Warm temperatures (60s-80s°F), occasional rain showers.
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid (70s-90s°F), frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
- Fall (September-November): Still warm (60s-80s°F), but hurricane season peaks in September.
Pack accordingly based on your travel dates to ensure comfort throughout your trip.
If you are looking for a packing list specific to packing for Disney in March, this guide has you covered! 👕 🎀 👑
Disney Packing Checklist
Packing the right outfits for the entire family can make or break your Disney adventure, so I like to start planning about a week in advance. Here’s everything you’ll need to stay comfy, stylish, and ready for magic!
Must-Have Clothing Items
With these essentials on this comprehensive list, you’ll be set for a comfortable and stylish Disney trip—without overpacking. Happy packing and have the most magical time! ✨🏰
Comfortable Walking Shoes – Expect to walk at least 10 miles a day, so the comfier, the better! Make sure they’re well broken in. I swear by these waterproof sneakers and comfy sandals. I usually rotate between two pair of shoes for the park days, the first day I will wear the sneakers, the next I will wear Tevas, etc. Wearing the wrong shoes to a Disney park can make the day miserable, so make sure you are happy with what you pack!
Weather-Appropriate Layers – Mornings and evenings can be chilly, so layering is key! A light jacket is perfect for cooler moments.
Undergarments – You know what you need. 😉
Disney-Themed Outfits – Immerse yourself in the magic with themed shirts, Mickey ears, or even a full Disneybound look! I love packing park-specific looks, like these Epcot outfit options. I previously shared my favorite Disney outfits!
Princess Dress or Pirate Costume – Kids love dressing up, and buying costumes ahead of time can save you a lot compared to in-park prices.
Rain Poncho or Umbrella – A must during rainy months, plus ponchos come in handy for water rides too! You can buy them in bulk in advance, from the dollar store or even in the parks (which is a bit expensive)
Jewelry – Keep it simple, or go all out with fun Disney-themed accessories! I love the Bauble Bar collection
Baseball Hat or Sun Hats – Great for sun protection and keeping your hair in place on slower rides. I’m obsessed with this bow baseball hat! I have this exact Mickey straw hat and I couldn’t be happier with it!
Sandals or Flip-Flops – Perfect for lounging by the pool or walking around your resort.
Tops & Tees – Pack a mix of t-shirts, tank tops, and a nicer top or two if you plan to dine at one of the more upscale Disney Springs restaurants (though casual Disney outfits are welcome nearly everywhere!).
Pants & Bottoms – I like to mix it up with jeans, leggings, and joggers for comfort in the winter months. I have even been known to wear fleece-lined leggings.
Shorts & Skorts – I’m in my skort era and loving it—so many cute options that are both stylish and practical!
Pajamas – Want to go all in? Grab a cute Disney-themed set for extra magic. Or matching for the family!
Swimsuit & Cover-Up – Many resorts have fantastic pools for a mid-trip relaxation day. This adorable bow swimsuit is my go-to!
Lightweight Jacket – A rain jacket that doubles as an extra layer for chilly nights is a smart choice.
Belt (if needed!) – Some outfits just look better with one.
Health & Personal Essentials for Your Disney Trip
A magical Disney day can turn quickly if you’re uncomfortable or unprepared. Stay fresh, hydrated, and feeling your best with these must-pack items on the Disney packing checklist.
Reusable Water Bottle – Walking miles through the parks can be exhausting, so staying hydrated is key! Luckily, Disney has plenty of free refill stations to keep your bottle topped up. These are the best spots in Magic Kingdom for free water, and the best spots in Epcot for free water.
Sunscreen – Even on cooler days, California’s sun is no joke! Protect your skin to avoid going home with an unwanted sunburn souvenir.
Prescription Medication – Pack enough for your entire trip (plus a little extra, just in case).
Mini First Aid Kit – Blisters, headaches, and minor cuts happen! Bring band-aids, blister relief, and pain relievers to handle any mishaps. There are first aid stations in all the parks so you don’t need to bring a full on kit with all the first aid items you may need, but it’s helpful to have smaller items so you don’t have to stress about finding them.
Lotion – Park air, going in and out of the AC, swimming and playing, etc. can really dry out your skin, especially with all that handwashing and sunscreen application!
Anti-Chafing Stick – Long walks + warm weather = potential discomfort. Avoid irritation by applying this before heading out.
Makeup & Makeup Remover – Whether you’re going full glam or just need the basics, bring what makes you feel your best. I also love these remover cloths!
Hairbrush & Styling Tools – Windy rides and humidity can leave hair in chaos—pack what you need to tame it!
Razor – For obvious reasons.
Nail File & Clippers – A broken nail in the parks? No thanks! Keep these handy for quick fixes or back in your room.
Shampoo & Conditioner – Hotel options can be hit or miss—bring your favorites for happy hair. I honestly love the products in Disney resorts but I have to use a good bit of it.
Leave In Conditioner –If you are in and out of pools this is a MUST!
Female Products – Even if you think you won’t need them, it’s better to be prepared!
Deodorant – Long park days require fresh reinforcements—don’t forget this essential!
With these items packed, you’ll be ready to tackle your Disney adventure feeling confident, comfortable, and prepared for anything! ✨
Are you looking for the full Walt Disney World experience?
Check out the Disney page to learn more about navigating the parks, all the best snacks, planning an ideal Disney day & more!
Disney-Specific Essentials
- MagicBands or park tickets. I highly recommend having MagicBands, especially if you are staying in a Walt Disney World resort, it makes everything so much easier!
- Mickey/Minnie ears or themed outfits. My family loves a good-themed outfit. Between dressing up for the specific parks, wearing fun pop-culture shirts or Disney bounding. We love it all.
- Lanyard for pins & park passes. If you don’t opt for MagicBands but want to use Lightning Lanes, it will be helpful to have your park ticket handy with a lanyard. Pin trading is very popular in the Disney parks- but I will warn you, trading pins can become addicting once you start!
- Autograph book & pens for character meet-and-greets
- Portable charger. You are going to be using the My Disney Experience app often. For mobile orders to wait times, nearly everything is in the My Disney Experience app. This also means your phone is going to die quickly.
- Stroller for younger kids. My daughter is nearly 7 and she still uses a stroller. It’s really nice to hold everything, too!
- Cooling towels are really helpful for cooling down in the warmer summer months. You can get them wet in a bathroom and use them again and again.
- Misting fans are great and sold in the parks as well but I recommend bringing your own!
- Glow sticks or light-up toys because nearly every kid will have them during the fireworks and nighttime shows. Save money by packing your own!
- A bubble wand! So many kids have bubble wands throughout the park. There are more options online to bring with you!
Electronics and More
- Smartphone & charging cables for charging in the room.
- Other charging cables: for your watch, laptop, cameras, etc.
- Small extension cord. Not all rooms have enough electrical plugs, especially if you have the MagicBand+ and need to charge those as well. I recommend a small extension cord with multiple plugs to be able to charge everything at one time.
- Portable power bank. As mentioned, these FuelRods are great, but I also like to have a larger power bank that can charge a few devices multiple times as well.
- Camera or GoPro for the kids to focus on capturing memories. Adults always have their phone in hand, but it’s nice for kids to capture photos throughout the vacation as well! Polaroids are great, but the film can be expensive, so I would look into either a fun film camera like this or a kid-friendly digital camera.
For Families with Kids
- Diapers, wipes & changing pad (for little ones). Disney have a baby care center in every park, but it can be expensive, so come prepared!
- Baby carrier for lines. You can’t bring your stroller into most lines for rides or characters, so having a carrier will be extremely helpful!
- Kid-friendly sunscreen. The Florida sun is nearly always shining!
- Favorite small toys or activity books for lines. We bring a few toys with us to have “Mickey” leave on the bed for our daughter, then she has new things to play with or read and feels some extra special magic along the way.
- Extra set of clothes in case of spills or accidents. It’s a good idea to put these in the park bag!
- Don’t forget the SNACKS! I have mentioned it multiple times because it’s important! Save money and time by bringing your own snacks that are easy to carry. Whether it’s to avoid a meltdown while in line, to appease a hangry toddler (or parents!) or just to hold you over until you can mobile order something else. Snacks are very important.
- Reusable straws are helpful for kids because Disney mainly has paper straws, and my daughter is not gul[ping down drinks quick enough for them to not dissolve.
- Noise Cancelling Headphones. Some of the rides can be very loud, especially the indoor ones, as well as the parade music and evening shows/fireworks.
- Pro Tip: Include your kids in the process if they are old enough! I usually give my daughter her own packing list and ask her to get together everything she wants to bring, then we go through together and make sure she has each item!
Are you heading to Disneyland and want the ultimate Disney packing list for those parks? I’ve got you covered!
Other Helpful Disney World Packing Tips
- Pack Light, Do Laundry if Needed: Many Disney resorts offer laundry facilities. If you’re tight on space, pack for 4-5 days and do a load mid-week. Bring a pop-up hamper to make this easier!
- Dress for Comfort Over Style: Disney days can be long, with lots of walking. Comfortable shoes and breathable clothing are a must.
- Be Prepared for Rain and Sun: Even in winter, Florida’s sun is strong, so bring sunscreen year-round. Rain showers can pop up unexpectedly, so ponchos and waterproof bags come in handy.
- Plan for Evening Activities: Disney nights can be cooler, especially from fall to spring. A light sweater is useful for nighttime shows like Fantasmic! or fireworks at Magic Kingdom.
- Don’t Forget Park Policies: Check Disney’s website for the latest rules on bag sizes, stroller requirements, and prohibited items to avoid any surprises at security.
After each trip, I come back to my notes app and add details about what I want to change about our next trip, what I want to bring, what we don’t need, experiences we should try or skip, etc.