The Ultimate Packing Guide for Your Disney Vacation
Traveling can be stressful, but knowing what things you need, and the things you don’t, can make packing a breeze! We’re here to help! Check it out!
TRAVEL
Julie Payne
12/22/202313 min read
Need help figuring out what to pack for Disney? What should you buy ahead of time? What packing tips work best? What items should you order for delivery instead of packing?
Traveling can be stressful, but knowing what things you need, and the things you don’t, can make packing a breeze! We’re here to help! Check it out!
This post may contain affiliate links, where if you make a purchase through our provided link, we receive a small commission
Don't Pack It! Use Grocery Delivery Instead!
The trickiest part about packing for Disney is figuring out what items you need to pack, and what items you can purchase when you get there. One of the best ways to save time, and space in your baggage is with grocery delivery services.
Whether you are staying on Disney property or off property, you have a ton of options when it comes to grocery delivery services. These services can deliver right to your hotel, making packing your luggage much simpler. This is also a great time to order food for your mini-fridge and purchase items you can’t easily pack on a plane. Sometimes, products can't be brought with you due to size restrictions or the types of baggage on airlines (like carry-ons vs checked baggage). If you opt for carry-on luggage, the restrictions become even more stringent. Check out this FAQ page on the TSA site for more information!
We don’t use delivery or drive-up options regularly throughout the year at home (because I am an extreme couponer and I like to pick out my own things!) but we do use it every time for our Disney Trips because of the convenience.
Walmart+ is a great option in Orlando because there are a ton of Walmart stores in the Disney bubble area, so regardless of your hotel choice, there will be a store option for you. Plus, Walmart+ typically has trial offers for the first month, so it will cost you zero for delivery, but please budget for tipping your driver. If you would like, you can pick up your order at the store in a rental car as well.
You can use Instacart and DoorDash as well at other stores for delivery. Currently, Instacart is offering free delivery on orders $35+, which gives you more options for stores to choose from without pesky fees. If you opt for the DoorDash DashPass, you get free delivery and member exclusive offers. Cancellation with both companies is straightforward and can be done at any time with customer service or through the app.
Kroger Delivery is another great option to consider as well. However, there are more fees associated with some orders. For instance, for Florida customers, “delivery orders in Florida placed Tuesday-Thursday evenings from 3pm-9pm are $6.95/ order. Other time slots are $9.95/order. The delivery fee will be posted when you choose a 1-hour delivery time slot at checkout.” However, Kroger Delivery drivers are Kroger employees and do not accept tips, so keep this in mind when budgeting. Additionally, Kroger has a regular sales on products, which typically are less than Walmart Rollback deals. Kroger's rewards program with access to e-clip coupons can be applied to your order, which sometimes yields a higher savings than Walmart+, too. Right now, Kroger Delivery is offering $15 off $35 on your first 3 orders when you order from select grocery warehouse locations (Florida is included) with e-clip coupon. Just sign up for an account, click "digital coupons" and click "clip." It will be applied to your order when your cart reaches the $35 minimum with qualifying products.
The Ultimate Disney Packing Guide
Check out our comprehensive list for packing for your Disney trip below!
Anything with an asterisk* should be packed with caution if you are not checking baggage! A rule-of-thumb, if it is over 3oz, it must go in a checked bag. Otherwise, use one of the grocery delivery services above to order these items to be delivered to your hotel!
NEVER Forget These Items When Traveling!
Paperwork: Identification, Confirmations and Memberships
Hotel reservation confirmation
Rental car reservation confirmation
Flight boarding passes
Driver’s License or ID
Membership cards (AAA, DVC, AARP)
Credit cards- especially the ones used to book reservations!
One of the best ways to have this information handy is by downloading the apps associated with your reservations. For instance, with rental car companies, you can download their respective apps to make picking up your vehicle more convenient. You can read more about rental car hacks here! The same goes for hotel reservations. We typically book with Hilton, IHG or Marriott hotels when staying off-property; you can download the apps for each of these hotels and sign-in. Your reservations should show within your account, which cuts down of the items you may forget when packing!
Theme Park Tickets/Ticket Confirmations (if not already synced in MyDisneyExperience)
Cash
Always have some cash on you when traveling, but I recommend not having too much on you at one time. There are always surprises that come up, and having cash on you can help you when in a pinch. We have had credit card companies lock our cards because of suspected fraud due to out-of-state transactions. Not to mention it is possible to lose your card. Additionally, Orlando in particular has cash toll options, and most need exact coin. Having a back up option is always recommended!
Medication
Medications can vary from nice-to-have to must-have. Pack your medications on your person, and never in checked baggage, in case you need it on your travel journey. Even over-the-counter medications (OTC) are a great idea! With us, we have sensitive stomachs, and stress sometimes triggers stomach issues. Having OTC medications, such as Imodium, Pepto Bismol, or TUMS in our carry-on luggage is a must!
First-Aid Kit
A small first-aid kit in your carry-on luggage can come in handy, too! Some items we recommend are band aids, emergency OTC medications, allergy medications, pain reliever, and ear plugs. Don’t pack portable nail clippers or metal nail files in carry-ons.
Our philosophy, if you can’t easily replace it, PACK IT FIRST!
The Basics: Items You May Need for Traveling in General
Drink Packets
We like there Propel packets, and Crystal Light!
Snacks for Carry-on/Personal Item
Fruit snacks, pretzels, Goldfish crackers, and variety bags are our go-to options
Sunscreen & After-Sun*
We use Coppertone Baby for the kids, Banana Boat Sport for us, and Aloe Vera if someone gets sunburn
Learn from Us: Do an allergy test ahead of time!
Calling all travel beginners! This section is to help you with the basics. Below are the items that everyone should have in their luggage when traveling anywhere, especially to a warm climate!
Disinfecting Products*
Use disinfecting wipes everywhere on your trip; we use them on our airplane seat, at tables before dinner, on our phones etc
Travel hand sanitizer is also a must. After every ride, we disinfect our hands and stroller handle
Toiletries
Supportive Sneakers (Waterproof is a plus!)
Men's Hoka Challenger GTX is Justice's favorite. He has been wearing them for years! The best part, they are waterproof, so in the Florida rain, his feet stay dry!
Here is the Women's Hoka Challenger GTX
Portable Phone Charger with Long Cable
We currently have Android phones. This Samsung Fast Charge battery block comes in handy for charging your phone in your backpack in the parks
Having a type-C extra long cord for charging is helpful in the airport and at the hotel. Here is a lightning option for Apple products
Ponchos
This 6 pack of disposable ponchos is great for larger groups or if your trip has multiple rain days
If you can, check out the Disney Character Warehouse locations at the Orlando Outlets. We were able to snag Disney Parks Ponchos for half price during one of our trips! (no guarantees, as inventory is constantly changing)
Raincoat
We love The North Face raincoats! They roll up small in your backpack, and come with a lifetime warranty!
Sunglasses/Hats
Sunglasses are a must with the Florida sun! We recommend prescription sunglasses if you usually wear glasses (like me!). It's the best money I've ever spent!
Baseball caps are great for protecting your hair, and keeping the sun out of your face
Reusable Water Bottle
Camelback is our favorite! Decent price point for the quality, and not heartbreaking if it is lost along the way. Pack it empty when flying!
Traveling with a Little One? Use This Checklist!
Pack N Play (can be checked by airlines as checked baggage, if applicable)
Pack N Plays come in handy for a quick spot to place baby, but also doubles as a safe sleeping area in hotels, and AirBnbs
Otherwise, you can request a crib with your hotel (no guarantees)
Car Seat and Car Seat Travel Bag
I have purchased a few different options, but this is the best travel cover! It zips shut rather than a drawstring and keeps everything secure
Stroller
If traveling with an infant, use the stroller than clicks with your car seat
If traveling with a toddler or older, we recommend this stroller, or one similar that is your car seat's brand. We have also used tri-wheel strollers in the past, but noticed they tend to jam. Get a 4-wheeler!
Baby Clothes
When we travel with our little one, we pack just enough diapers and wipes for the travel journey, then order more on a grocery delivery order. This saves a TON of room in our luggage for other important items, and it is more convenient. Same goes for anything else baby related unless it is hyper-important or not easily replaceable.
Baby food, formula, or breast-milk
Check out these baby formula travel containers!
Baby food pouches make feedings easy while traveling and in the parks
Sippy cups and Bottles
We love these no-spill sippy cups by Contigo!
Travel High-chair
This high-chair came in handy at an AirBnb we stayed at! It folds up small for easy packing and traveling
Bibs and Burp Cloths
Silicone bids help catch small snacks for easy clean up, or try these waterproof bibs
These burp cloths were a baby shower gift and are our favorite! Super absorbent, yet easy to pack
Diapers and Wipes
Swim diapers and swimsuit
Huggies Little Swimmers, Pampers Splashers and Seventh Generation Swim Diapers are options we have used!
Diaper bag (get a backpack version!)
A backpack diaper bag helps save your back when traveling, especially in the theme parks
Sandals/Crocs
Pack baby sandals, especially for hot days or for day trips to the beach
Sneakers
Waterproof sneakers are best, especially with unpredictable weather!
Baby Lotion and Diaper Rash Cream
Check out this travel kit!
Travel Bottle Cleaning Kit
Pack dish soap and a travel bottle cleaning kit to wash items in your hotel
Baby Sunscreen
Coppertone Baby is our favorite, but do an allergy test beforehand- trust me!
Teething Rings and Teething Gel
These teething rings can be put in the refrigerator (not freezer) for a cooling effect for teething
Hyland's Teething Gel is our go-to for teething pain on the go
Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
Have baby pain reliever on hand in case of teething pain, or a fever spike
White Noise Machine and Nightlight
Hotels can be noisy! This lighted white noise machine is our favorite to use at home and while traveling. It's compact, has multiple sound/song options, different colored light options and dimming capabilities
The Disney Basics: Items to Add Specifically for a Disney Vacation
Cooling Towels/Misting Fans
Disney-branded misting fans can be expensive, so purchasing this one ahead of time can save some cash. Add some Disney stickers!
Small Backpack
Loungefly backpacks are incredibly popular and useful in the parks. Check out the current options on shopDisney.com
Dooney & Bourke also has Disney backpack options
Pool Toys
Make the most out of your pool time with these dive toys
Pack beach balls to have a family game in the pool
Pool Safety
Pool floaties are important if you swim at your hotel
Sandwich Bags
Pack sandwiches and snacks to enjoy in the parks to save some cash
Waterproof Stroller Cover
It rains in Florida! Pack a universal stroller cover to keep your stroller dry
Gift Cards (Disney, Landry's, Lego, Starbucks)
Disney gift cards are convenient and an easy way to save on your trip. Check out our blog posts for gift savings at Meijer and Target!
Using our guide to Kroger 4X Fuel Points, you can save at Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex with Landry's gift cards! Keep the savings rolling with Starbucks, too!
Silicone Wallet for Your Phone
We use silicone wallets on the back of our phones to hold IDs, credit cards and Theme Park tickets. This way, its not a requirement to buy MagicBands and we have identification for our discounts (Disney Visa/Annual Passholder)
Your Disney Chase Visa Credit Card
Bring your Disney Chase Visa Credit Card with you on your trip to qualify for additional discounts and experiences. Read more here!
Moisture-wicking Clothing Items
Justice likes these cut-off shirts for the hotter months
Biker shorts are great to avoid thigh chafing
Moisture-wicking sports bras are a must! I wore cotton ones once and let me tell you- never again
Items You Need, But May Not Think Of!
Anti-Chafing Items (….just trust us on this one!)
BodyGlide anti-chafing stick is great to use to keep from chafing, especially on your thighs or around a sports bra
For all the Disney guys, look into Separtec boxer briefs. They are made of a moisture-wicking material and keeps... everything where it should be... in a designated pouch! They don't ride up, either!
Foot Care Items
As someone that travels the parks often, and renovated an entire house while pregnant, I know a good foot care product when I see one. O-Keefe's Foot care is perfect for keeping feet hydrated!
You need high-quality moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry. This will also help prevent chafing and burning long after your trip
Laundry Detergent Pods
Many hotels have washers and dryers available at an extra cost. It's more cost-effective to purchase laundry pods for your home and pack a handful for your trip than it is to buy the single use liquid packets
Purchase All Free & Clear for babies and toddlers
Dish Soap and Reusable Washcloths*
Travel size dish soap makes clean ups in your hotel a breeze. Pack a few wash cloths or sponges in your luggage as well
We pack Finish dish tablets when we stay at resorts that have a full kitchen with a dishwasher. Save the rest for your dishwasher at home!
Renting a Car? Get a SunPass! (even if you are out-of-state!)
Rental car companies charge $11.99 PER DAY for a toll pass! Purchase a SunPass for $14.95 here. It installs into a rental car with suction cups for easy install and removal
By logging into your SunPass account, you can load funds into your account for tolls. Each toll is about $2 in the Disney Bubble
When not in use, we store our SunPass in our "Disney Travel Tote" to use next time
Voltaren
Arthritis? Ortho injury? Use Voltaren for targeted pain relief. I have a lisfranc injury in my foot and this helps me get my steps in at Epcot
Reusable Straws
Surprisingly, this is a hot topic right now for Disney! In the parks, paper straws are your only option. If you want a straw, pack these reusable ones
Freezable Ice Packs *
Keep your sandwiches, water bottles and snacks cold with reusable ice packs
Disney Items to Purchase Before Your Trip to Save BIG!
Coloring Books/Activities for Kids
Coloring books and activity pages are great ways to entertain kids on the plane, car ride or hotel
For a mess-free option, check out this activity book
Light-Up Toys for Night Time Park Visits
Purchase light up toys online to save big money! Disney sells theirs for $25+ depending on which one you choose, so this 4-pack is a great money saver
Did we miss anything? Let us know on our socials! We would love to hear from you!
Kids Costumes
Order kids costumes online ahead of time to save! You can also find Disney costumes at thrift stores around Halloween for a few dollars
Autograph Books and Pens
Purchase an autograph book ahead of time online and pack it with you
Bubbles and Bubbleblower
We purchased a bubbler blower at a thrift store nearby and ordered bubbles on our grocery order for refills
Mickey/Minnie Ears
Purchasing these secondhand, online or at authorized retailers will almost always be less than the parks. These Disney 100 ears at Target are $20 less than the options in the parks
Minnie/Mickey Ears
Order Minnie/Mickey ears ahead of time to save some cash. We have purchased some used ones on Facebook Marketplace and eBay, as well as new ones on shopDisney
MagicBands
If you do decide on MagicBands, pack them in your luggage! Purchasing secondhand MagicBands is possible, but it is a hassle! We recommend purchasing new ones here