There’s a lot of chatter online about what you should be packing when getting ready for a Walt Disney World vacation. Everything from extra shoes to bottles of water seems to make it onto this list, so if you listen to all of that advice you’ll probably find yourself in the hotel room with lots of luggage. Of course, it’s better to be prepared than sorry, so why not? Ask yourself this, though…you’ve gotten all the stuff to Disney property, but do you know what you’re taking to the parks tomorrow?
Here’s a quick top ten list of everything you should be bringing with you when you hit a Disney park for a full day of fun:
(1) A good bag. Whether you’re male or female, you should be taking a good bag with you to the park. You need a comfortable bag that’s large enough to hold quite a bit, but small enough to fit with you in tight ride vehicles. A good choice to go with is a smaller diaper bag, preferably one that is unisex and hands-free. Diaper bags are often waterproof, so your valuables will stay safer on Splash Mountain, and they have lots of little compartments, so you can find those fastpasses much easier. Just avoid the ones with all the baby duckies on them if you don’t actually have a baby with you. Nobody wants to be standing in line behind that guy.
(2) A refillable water bottle. Whether this is a high-tech, metal, thermo-chilled water bottle or just the plastic bottle that once held your Dasani, be sure to take a water bottle with you. You can fill it up at drinking fountains and quick service restaurants, which will help you avoid becoming dehydrated and overheated on hot days.
(3) A thin packet of baby wipes. First a diaper bag and now a package of baby wipes? I promise, I’m not trying to sneak parenthood in on anyone. Baby wipes are incredibly useful at Disney parks. They quickly clean up sticky hands and you can also use them to wipe down gross tables, benches, or ride vehicles. They also help cool you off on hot days and can clean sunglasses in a pinch. Just don’t use them to wipe down sunburnt skin, since most are made with alcohol. Ouch!
(4) Chewing gum. If you’re a gum addict and you can’t make it through a day without some, you’ll have to bring your own. In order to keep the parks cleaner, they don’t sell chewing gum inside of Disney parks. It’s not forbidden, however, so feel free to chomp away on whatever you brought with you. Just know that it’s no longer available when you step inside those gates.
(5) Thin socks. If you’re wearing shoes without socks, you may find yourself facing sweaty, swollen feet that want to blister, no matter how much those shoes are broken in. This is because Disney parks are generally located in places with hot, humid weather and you’ll be on your feet more than usual. It’s a good idea to take a pair of thin socks with you to stop uncomfortable friction if it gets out of hand. Yes, socks with flip flops are dorky, but you’ll be happier in socks than you will be with blisters.
(6) Band-aids. Band-aids come in handy when the socks are too late. Take my advice and take a bunch, since they don’t take up much room and you never know how many your feet will need.
(7) Granola bars. There’s lots of food for purchase in Disney parks, but if you just need a quick snack instead of a full meal, you’re better off chowing down on a granola bar than standing in line to pay $3 for an apple. This is especially good advice if you’re on a budget. Disney food is delicious, but it can really set you back.
(8) Excedrin for Tension Headaches. This pain reliever also has caffeine in it, so it’s perfect for those I’m-sick-of-crowds-sun-and-noise headaches that happen so often in Disney parks. Take a small bottle with you, because you can’t get it in the parks.
(9) A thin poncho. This is especially essential if you’re hitting the parks in Orlando, Florida, because it rains all the time and it rains really hard. You can either be the very wet, uncomfortable tourist, or the tourist that looks like a big plastic tent. I vote for the tent, myself. Oh, and don’t assume it won’t rain because it’s sunny in the morning. As soon as you assume it won’t rain, it rains.
(10) Tums. Disney food is yummy, but there’s a lot of it and a lot of it is made with grease, salt, and everything else that makes food delicious. Feel free to indulge on your vacation, but be sure you have the meds to back up those decisions!
