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Are you looking for a Disney packing list that includes the most forgotten items, as well as what not to bring to Disney World?

The following Disney packing list outlines the top 9 items that you absolutely cannot forget to bring with you to Walt Disney World.

We also include what not to bring to Disney World, as well as Disney packing hacks that are worth reading.

By referring to our Disney packing list, we’ll help ensure a more flawless and cost-effective experience.

Look no further for the ultimate Disney packing list of the 9 most commonly forgotten items bring to Disney World!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link.

Disney Packing List: Most Commonly Forgotten Items

Our Disney packing list contains the most commonly forgotten items to bring to Disney.

Our list has been updated to reflect the recent Disney changes reflective of their new safety and sanitation guidelines.

For the most current recommendations and requirements on Disney’s policies, be sure to visit their homepage before your visit.

In the meantime, add these essentials to your Disney packing list:

  • Disney-approved face coverings for all guests (ages 2 & up)
  • Bring an extra mask in case you lose one or get them wet on water rides
  • Portable hand sanitizer
  • A stylus (if you want to avoid touching keypads)
Our newly updated Disney Packing List  includes the Top 9 Most Forgotten Items to bring to Disney, from top US family travel blog, Travel With A Plan!

1. Portable phone charger

One of the first things that should be on your Disney packing list, (and is also on our list of things to bring to Universal Studios), is a portable phone charger.

A welcomed freebie, Disney World offers free wifi throughout its resorts and theme parks.

This convenience, along with the frequent use of your Smartphone to take photographs and access Disney World touring apps, will quickly drain your phone’s battery power.

Likewise, If you’re a Disney World first-timer, you may not realize how frequently you will access the My Disney Experience app.

The My Disney Experience app can be used to see attraction wait times, access Disney Genie and Disney Genie+ as well as purchase Lightning Lane Passes, make dining reservations, and perform mobile ordering.

For these reasons, I highly suggest that you purchase and bring a portable phone charger as part of your Disney packing list.

This one is my favorite as it is one of the smallest and lightest you will find.

Plus, it charges your phone in a flash!

2. A perfectly sized backpack

Bringing along a backpack to serve as a Disney World day bag is an absolute must!

Many people overlook the fact that there are several items that you are allowed to bring into the Disney parks. This includes food, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Being prepared with a backpack that contains some of the basics will help you tour more efficiently. It will also help you save money by not having to purchase essentials once inside the park.

Be sure that your Disney packing list includes a perfectly sized backpack that is large enough to hold all of your Disney day bag essentials.

Take note that bags larger than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high are not allowed, however.

Additional planning tip: Choose a backpack over a cross-body bag in order to disperse the contents’ weight evenly across your back.

3. Rain ponchos for the entire family

Another one of the most forgotten items to bring to Disney World is rain ponchos for the entire family!

Both kids and adults are susceptible to getting drenched during one of Florida’s frequent and sporadic showers. For this reason, be sure to include rain ponchos on your Disney packing list.

Rain ponchos not only keep you dry during rain showers but can also be used to protect your shoes and clothing from getting wet on Disney’s water rides.

(Many passengers opt to wear rain ponchos on both Kali River Rapids and Splash Mountain.)

To prevent yourself from getting soaked, be sure to pack disposable rain ponchos for the entire family (consider these ones with drawstring hoods an added bonus!).

4. Comfortable walking shoes

According to friends, family, and personal experience, plan to walk at least 10-12 miles on an average day at Disney.

Every Disney packing list should include a comfortable pair of walking shoes in order to survive walking these great lengths.

We personally own and use Nike Flex cross-trainers in men’s, women’s, and child sizes for their breathability and ability to cushion our feet from the hours spent walking on pavement.

Things to bring to Universal Studios from Top US Family Travel Blog, Travel With A Plan:  Comfortable walking shoes.

5. Minnie Mouse ears

One of the most forgotten Disney packing list items that visitors typically go on to purchase in the parks is an iconic pair of Minnie Mouse ears.

Though you may not know this ahead of time, Minnie ears are an incredibly common item worn in the parks. In other words, you will definitely be tempted to join in on the Minne ears fun!

If you do not have Disney Minnie ears ahead of time, you are more than likely going to end up purchasing them once there.

By using this suggest Disney packing list, however, you will save a considerable amount of money purchasing them ahead of time here.

6. Disney Packing List: Our touring plans!

Another commonly forgotten item when undertaking an Orlando theme park vacation is bringing along park touring plans.

Disney touring plans and well-thought-out itineraries help to outsmart the crowds and get the most out of your experience. They are optimized and ordered so that walking and your waits in line are minimized.

Our best Disney World touring plans to include in your Disney packing list can be found here:

7. Portable water bottle(s)

The easiest and most affordable way to stay hydrated in the parks is to bring your own water bottles.

Cast members will provide free refills at quick service windows and there are multiple water filling stations located throughout the park as well.

Bringing along these collapsible, leakproof reusable water bottles in your park bag will save you tons of money from purchasing bottled water inside the park.

Additional planning tip: I don’t recommend bringing Hydro flasks or any other reusable water bottles that are heavy, bulky, and take up too much space.

Things to bring to Universal Studios from Top US Family Travel Blog, Travel With A Plan:  Water bottles

8. Waterproof cell phone case

A Smartphone case of some sort is pretty much a must at Disney.

Quite simply, you will need to protect your phone in case it gets either dropped or wet.

Though more and more phones feature significant water resistance, it’s still a good idea to bring along a waterproof case or lanyard to protect your tech gear on water rides.

Something as simple as a Ziplock bag will work, and most rides will provide them for free once inside the queue.

For the ultimate in water protection and convenience, however, I recommend adding a waterproof phone pouch to your Disney packing list.

Be sure to check the size and compatibility of the phone pouch you purchase with your current Smart Phone model, as well as look for a case that doesn’t hinder its touch screen use.

9. Cooling gadgets

If you’re visiting Disney World when temperatures are at their peak, your Disney packing list must include cooling gadgets that will help beat the Florida heat.

Whether you bring along cooling towels, a handheld misting fan, a misting water bottle, or a standard cold pack, staying cool is essential.

Visitors often forget to bring cooling gadgets because they imagine that the heat will indeed be bearable.

Unfortunately, the Florida heat and humidity, along with Disney’s enormous crowds and miles of dark pavement, are both unexpected and exhausting.

This is a fact about touring the Disney Parks that should not be overlooked in order to get maximum enjoyment from your vacation.

Additional planning tip: When waiting in lines for Magic Kingdom rides with toddlers, cooling gadgets are a great distraction to let toddlers play with while waiting.

It’s amazing how playing with water can entertain children – while keeping them cool in the meantime.

What Not to Bring to Disney World

After reading our suggestions for your Disney packing list, you might have an idea of what not to bring to Disney World.

For instance, bringing shoes that prioritize style over comfort would be a mistake.

Likewise, bringing an oversized duffel bag versus a standard backpack into the parks would not be allowed.

Here’s a list of other ‘what not to bring to Disney World’ items that you may not know about:

  • Selfie-sticks
  • Stroller larger than 31″ wide and 52″ long
  • Stroller wagons
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Glass containers (excluding small containers such as baby food jars)
  • Recreational devices such as drones and remote-control toys
  • Skateboards, scooters, or shoes with built-in wheels
  • Folding chairs
  • Objects or toys that appear to be firearms or weapons
  • Self-defense items such as pepper spray

For a complete list of prohibited items, please read over the Disney Parks Rules.

Disney Packing Hacks

1. Have an overall epic packing strategy.

You’ve saved your money (Disney vacations aren’t cheap!) and have waited a lifetime for your Disney World vacation. Now is not the time to forget any family travel basics including outfits, undergarments, toiletries, and a light jacket. Consult our expert packing tips that will help you pack you and your family like a pro.

2. Bring your own straws.

If straws are a big deal for you, bring your own reusable silicone straws. Disney has gone green and only offers paper straws if any (and oftentimes doesn’t even offer lids for purchased drinks).

3. Consider bringing a collapsible cooler.

If you’re really into saving money and would like to bring in a small mini cooler, consider this collapsible cooler that can easily fit into your suitcase during air travel.

4. Don’t overpack.

Keep in mind that visiting Disney World is not a fashion show. People are too busy enjoying the park than they are to be looking at your outfits or taking note of fashion…or the lack thereof. Pack simple outfits, and perhaps shorts and sweatshirts that can be worn more than once.

What is your must-have item on your Disney packig list? Please share in the comments 🙂

Jen

If you liked reading our Disney packing list, continue planning your Disney World vacation here!

Disney World Touring Plans:

Disney World Ride & FastPass+ Tips:

Disney World Planning Tips:

Disney World Cost:

Before leaving, be sure to check our Travel Resources Page to find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

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Top U.S. family travel blog Travel With A Plan helps complete your Disney packing list with these Top 9 Most Forgotten Items to bring to Disney World!  Get the ultimate Disney packing reminders here! #Disneypackinglist #ultimatedisneypackinglist #packinglistfordisney #packinglistfordisneyworld #thingstobringtoDisneyWorld #thingsforgottenwhenpacking #thingsyouneedforDisneyWorld #disneyworldpackinglist
Top U.S. family travel blog Travel With A Plan helps complete your Disney packing list with these Top 9 Most Forgotten Items to bring to Disney World!  Get the ultimate Disney packing reminders here! #Disneypackinglist #ultimatedisneypackinglist #packinglistfordisney #packinglistfordisneyworld #thingstobringtoDisneyWorld #thingsforgottenwhenpacking #thingsyouneedforDisneyWorld #waltdisneyworldpackinglist

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6 Comments

  1. Buying mouse ears on Amazon before you go to Disney is a brilliant idea! My son could have cared less about mouse ears until we arrived at Disneyland (haven’t gone to Disney World yet) and he saw EVERYONE wearing them. He was suddenly dying to have a pair and they are so expensive if you buy them there. When we go to Disney world we will buy a pair before we leave and bring them. Thanks for the tip.

    1. Yay! I’m glad that you like this tip as much as I do! We had the exact same situation with our kids which is why every parent needs to know this ahead of time 🙂