Packing for the Park
- larablancarte
- May 20, 2016
- 5 min read
Welcome back everyone! Sorry for the delay, it's been a busy couple of weeks. Today I'm going to give you some tips of what to pack for a day in a Disney park. Ever since I moved to Florida and began visitng the parks more frequently I have gotten pretty organized about what I bring with me. An organized bag can make for a less stressful and more fun day at Disney, and it doesn't take a whole lot of effort.
1. Review Your Day
When packing your bag the first thing you have to think about is what your plan is for the day. Are you going to multiple parks? Are you planning on going on any water rides that might leave you a little damp... or soaked? What's the coldest and warmest that it is going to be while in the parks - you don't want to be caught on a chilly morning freezing in your tank top and shorts. Once you have assessed your day choose your bag.
2. What Kind of Bag?
I am partial to the backpack myself. After many trips to the parks over the years I have used messenger bags, small cross body bags, and large purses. However, nothing is as comfortable or as convenient as a good backpack. The reason why I prefer a backpack is because they can hold A LOT! An under packed bag also leaves you room for your purchases - there's nothing that I hate more than lugging around a shopping bag all day.
Note: If you're staying on site you have no need to worry about this as Disney will send your purchases to your resort for free! Whichever bag you choose, make sure that you're comfortable wearing it for the duration of your stay in the park. If you know that you're only going to be in the/a park for the morning before heading back to your resort then you probably don't need to bring as much with you. Or if you know that you can stand that new super cute purse, that isn't as practical, for a few hours then you're all set to start packing.
3. Clothing
Frequently in the Fall & Winter in Orlando it is chilly in the mornings and nights (especially if youre getting wet on water rides). It's always a good idea to step outside before getting ready for your day. If it's a little chilly then go ahead and throw on that light jacket or sweater - you can always throw it into your bag later when it warms up. As for shoes, now I know that there are people out there who do not wear sneakers or tennis shoes but opt for flip flops, flats or even heels! That is your prerogative, they're your feet after all; just keep in mind that you will be walking in these shoes... a lot. I always wear tennis shoes or sneakers and now always carry an extra pair of socks with me. Going on a water ride or just have sweaty feet from the Florida heat? The treat/luxury of putting on a nice clean and dry pair of socks can have quite an impact on your attitude. You can always bring a pair of flip-flops with you to wear on those water rides and then switch back to your sneakers - no wet sneakers or socks! A wet shirt can be just as uncomfortable as wet socks so if there's rain in the forecast make sure that you bring your poncho with you. You can get cheap ones at the pharmacy or grocery store but if you want one with Mickey on it then you can pick one up in the parks. And make sure that you don't forget your hat and sunglasses!
4. Snacks
Yes! You can actually bring for into the parks. This is not only convenient but can also save you money. When you are slightly peckish you can whip out your granola bar and not be spending $4 on an apple. Ergo, you can save your money for those iconic and delicious Disney goodies! Did someone say Mickey Ice Cream Bar?! Also, feel free to bring in a water bottle, you can refill them at any of the water fountains which are scattered all over the parks... More money saved! DISNEY TIP: At any Counter Service Restaurant ask for a cup of ice water, this is a great way to get ice cold water... for free!
5. Medications & Toiletries
Although Disney does have First Aid stations in every park it can oftentimes be more convenient to take care of things yourself. Coming prepared can save you precious time. Bandaids and pain relievers are necessities. Got a blister? Feet killing you? Taken care of with no timely detours. Kleenex is also a necessity - there are not tissue dispensers anywhere so unless you like to use toilet paper (is there anyone who does?!) or napkins then stash some in your bag. Wet ones are also handy to clean up those little messes. Save yourself a trip to the bathroom by cleaning up your sticky fingers from your melted Mickey Bar with a wet wipe. Sunscreen! Do I really need to say more here? I didn't think so. Eye glasses and/or contact care is not something that most think about when packing. For those wearing glasses bring along some wet glasses wipes or a cleaning cloth. For contact wearers bring some eye drops - you might appreciate having them instead of potentially having to go back to your resort.
6. The Must-Haves
Your magic band or ticket; I highly recommend buying a magic band in lieu of carrying around your ticket. You won't have to worry about losing it or digging it out of you bag to use your fastpass. Disney gift cards are a great way to save some money as well as helping you budget. Are you a frequent Target Shopper? Look into getting a Target Red Card, there is a credit and debit card to choose from; with this you can save 5% off of almost everything - including gift cards! You can also purchase discounted card bundles at Discount Club Stores (BJs, Costco, Sams). Lastly is ziplock bags - these are great for dirty/wet clothes (those stinky socks from earlier in the day that you don't want touching anything else - yuck!). Leftover snacks that'll keep for later. There are tons of uses for an extra plastic bag.
I hope that helps you pack for your day at Disney! The full packing list is available below for printing.
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