By: Sarah Hamar, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
People ask me all the time what I bring with me to the parks. We all see people share their packing lists in groups and forums. But what do I bring with me after years and years of traveling to the Disney parks? So, over the years after overpacking, under packing and when I was just a college student not packing at all I have finally been able to come up with the perfect must have park bags list!
The most important step is finding a bag that can hold enough but is not overbearing when you are walking around for hours in the parks! I tend to lean towards a fanny pack (yes, I know but they are back in style I swear) that can go across my body or a small backpack.
Okay so let’s get to the point. What do I feel is necessary to lug around with me all day?
First and foremost, I always have a portable power pack for my cellphone. Sometimes because you’re in a place with lots and lots of other people you phone can spend some time searching for service or Wi-Fi and it can cause your battery to drain. I am constantly using the My Disney Experience app to check wait times and options for
dining locations. But when you want to get that iconic family shot in front of Cinderella’s castle before the sun goes down you will be
happy you have that extra power pack! You can find them in tons of stores but recently I found one at Five Below and it worked great!
Masks. Yes, policies have been changed regarding the masks, but you still need to have them on hand for in stores, restaurants, and ride
queues. Not only do I always have one on a glasses chain around my neck or in my back pocket. I always have a spare in my bag in case it gets wet, sweaty, I drop it etc. Make sure you have them because they are still required in some fashion while on Disney property!
Next, I hate to say it, but you are going to a place where a rain shower is more common than it is not. But after planning the most magical vacation with the help of Marvelous Mouse Travels you are not going to want to walk out of the park midday because you got caught in a short rainstorm. Fun fact many people tend to leave the parks when it starts to rain, and this is the best time to get into the longer lines. But to prepare for this I always grab ponchos from the Dollar Store! Super cheap and get the job done!
Not only is it a somewhat rainy state. It is the SUNSHINE state! I cannot emphasize this enough: reapply, reapply, reapply! When you’re walking around and sweating you will need to reapply sunscreen. Even when it doesn’t seem very sunny, it is. I always have a travel sized sunscreen in my bag. Sunscreen if you do forget to pack some is also available for purchase in the parks and resorts.
Treats and snacks. Sometimes you just need a little something to hold you over to a reservation or you just feel a little queasy and need something to get that blood sugar back up. I always have fruit snacks, protein bars, or just something small that can give me a little pick me up.
It’s the little things. Band-Aids, aspirin, and Chapstick. Small but mighty needs when hitting the park at rope drop and staying until the Kiss goodnight from the Castle. Sometimes even the most comfortable shoes shock you with a pesky little blister, or your kiddo is looking around and misses a step onto a curb and scrapes a knee. I like to have aspirin in case I get a headache from the sun, hydration or even from the rides bouncing me around. Aspirin and band aids can be found in the park, but I like to always have them on hand in case getting to a location that offers them is a hike.
Lastly, the odds and ends. These are the things that not everyone needs but I find to be great lifesavers. I usually bring a reusable water bottle with me because the kids tend to get thirsty at very non opportunistic times. It also always helps with staying hydrated while you are walking a lot of miles in the Florida heat. Yes. The water from the tap in Florida does taste weird to some people. So, I always have a few powder sticks on hand to flavor the water. It also helps my kids to drink more as well. Not only is this great to keep everyone hydrated but it is a way to save money on bottled drinks! If you don’t remember it don’t stress all restaurant locations will give cups of water if you ask. A travel pack of wipes is a must. It is inevitable someone will get something on them from ice cream to nacho cheese. Always having wipes
makes the clean up so much easier!
So, this is what’s in my fanny pack. It can differ based off the needs each family might have. When I had little ones in diapers, I had to use a little bigger of a bag and make sure to have plenty of diapers, wipes, and changes of clothes! But these are my tips and suggestions after many, many visits of not being prepared.
And if you really want to use a fanny pack but are afraid, they aren’t cool……wear that fanny pack and be hip and trendy! I got lots of compliments on mine this week in the parks!
Please reach out to Sarah, an agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels to plan your next vacation or you may contact Marvelous Mouse Travels.
