How to Pack for Disney World with FREE Packing List
Wondering what to pack for your Disney vacation? Don’t worry—I have you covered. With 3-4 trips a year under my belt, I would consider myself an expert. Yes, I used to be the mom who planned outfits and coordinated accessories for every day of a trip, but when you’re rushing to keep little hands and minds busy for a twelve-hour plane ride, sometimes you just don’t have time to fit every adorable headband or Disney-themed onesie into your luggage, especially when it’s only a matter of time before they get covered in spit-up.
To make things a little easier, I simplified my packing strategy and created a downloadable Disney Packing List for you. But if you’re still overwhelmed by the thought of that empty suitcase staring back at you, here are my top tips and tricks for a perfectly-packed suitcase and park bag that will help you add a bit of Disney magic to the process.
WHAT IS DISNEYBOUNDING?
Unfortunately, adult guests aren’t allowed to dress in costumes at Disney World, but die-hard Disney fans have found a way to give a subtle nod to their favorite characters without breaking this rule: Disneybounding!
Disneybounding is simple: you wear an everyday outfit that is inspired by a particular character. According to the creator, Leslie Kay, “It uses clothes to recreate the outfits of your favorite Disney characters without being costume-y. You could go to school or the mall in a Disneybound and not get pegged for being in costume.”
For me, dining with the princesses at Cinderella Castle is the perfect occasion a Belle or Rapunzel Disneybound. If you were to bound as Belle, you could wear a blue dress, white shirt, and flats, and if you were to bound as Snow White, you could wear a yellow skirt, navy shirt, red cardigan, and a red headband.
If you would like to go the more traditional route, a Disney t-shirt is the perfect way to celebrate your vacation! I like to get my shirts from small shops or Etsy stores. The fabric is usually more airy than official Disney merchandise, and I LOVE supporting small businesses.
Here are some of my favorites:
Polka Dots and Pixie Dust Shop some of my favorites here.
Painted Lavender
Pixie Dust Tees
Main Street Press
YOUR SUITCASE
When it comes to packing for a Disney trip, suitcase strategy is everything. I pack all of my items in clear Ziploc bags to save room in my luggage and keep everything organized. Plus, I put my outfit in the same bag as any accessories I plan to wear that day so I don’t have to waste hours of my trip digging through my suitcase or untangling jewelry.
I pack at least two outfits per day for Annabelle and at least 1.5 for Mitch and I. That way, we can shower and change midway through the day to escape the Florida heat. I also always bring a light sweater no matter what the weather—the air conditioning can get pretty cold!
No matter where you’re traveling, I always recommend bringing something that makes the hotel room seem a bit more like home. I bring my pillow, but you may want a special lovey, a white noise machine, or certain movies that you watch nightly. Some of the newly-refurbished rooms can stream directly from your personal device, but we typically bring our Amazon stick or Roku so we can stream our bedtime movies.
Keeping track of stray shoes and small toiletries can be a hassle when you’re rushing to get out the door in the morning, so a hanging organizer is a great way to reduce clutter in the room and keep all your travel items together between trips. Personally, I love this one from Vera Bradley! I keep my toiletries and medicines packed in there so I just grab and go whenever we’re ready to leave the room. Just remember to restock when you unpack! You can shop some of my other favorite travel bags here.
PARK BAG
Before my trip, I always spend some time in the dollar store! I buy ponchos, glow sticks, hand sanitizer, hand soap, first aid kits, and other fun Disney items. Buying a few things at home to give your children throughout the trip can cut down on the tantrums for expensive souvenirs. The Dollar Store has some great coloring books, puzzles, washcloths, and more.
Other things I have in my park bag include cheap sunglasses, a cell phone power bank, snacks, flipflops for water rides, bandaids, an autograph book, a camera, extra batteries, memory cards, sunscreen, and of course… Mickey Ears!!! Shop travel essentials here and Mickey Ears here!
I hope this has helped you prepare for your trip. Of course, packing isn’t the only overwhelming thing about planning a Disney vacation. From picking the perfect hotel to finding a balance of activities that will keep everyone entertained, it can feel like you need a vacation from your vacation! Whether you’re planning your first trip to Disney with kids in tow or have set your sights on different shores, I’m happy to handle the details so you can take a break from the busy (and focus on fitting everything in your suitcase)! And if you want to see the full list of what I pack, download the FREE Disney Packing List. Happy Packing!!
NOT SURE WHERE TO LOOK TO START YOUR PACKING?
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few of my favorites.
Toys and Crafts to keep the kids entertained
*I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Who is Christina?
Meet Christina Vieira, a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists. After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation, too.
She specializes in Disney, Caribbean, Europe and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old daughter, Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.
