Packing The Perfect Park Bag

Like everything Disney related, the success and enjoyment of your trip comes down to the planning. A big part of what will make your days in the parks easier is your park bag and what you have in it. Packing the right items will help insure you have what you need, when you need it as the day goes on. And trust me, you will need many things! Here are the absolute essential items you will need and my go to tips for packing the perfect park bag.

1) Pick the right bag. For me, finding the perfect bag is a little bit like Goldie Locks process. It’s not too big, not too small, its just right for my size. I don’t need a bag that would get me around Europe for three weeks, but I need something more than a cute, glorified purse too. I like something with side pockets, interior pockets and adjustable straps. My choice is the L.L. Bean Stowaway day pack. It has two mesh outer pockets that are perfect for those frequently grabbed items (see item #2 on my list), it’s just big enough to carry what I need without making my shoulders hurt, and it’s a light weight material so I’m not sweating so much that my back is dripping wet all day long.

2) A refillable water bottle. It’s Florida. It’s hot. All the time. You and your family will need to stay hydrated without spending a fortune on water or wasting time in line for drinks. You can refill your bottles at many of the drinking fountains, or by getting free cups of water at quick service locations. (please note: glass bottles are NOT allowed in any Disney park).

3) Cell phones with a back up power supply. Now that every aspect of your trip can be managed on the My Disney Experience App, you will want your phone with you all day. Between looking up your fast pass options and capturing all those family moments on your cameras, your phone will be needed all day. With that, its also important that you have a good power stick. The back up battery will help your phone make it to the end of the day with power to spare.

4) Hand Sanitizer- LOTS of hand sanitizer. You and your children will have your hands on things that are sticky, dirty and touched by thousands of people every hour. YUCK.

5) Sunscreen. Again, it’s Florida, It’s sunny and hot….. ALL DAY. Save yourself from the pain of a nasty burn and reapply your sunscreen though out the day.

6) Ponchos- As hot and sunny as Florida will always be, it’s just as likely to rain at some point during your day. It may rain for 5 mins, or all afternoon, but it will rain. Dollar store ponchos are the way to go. They are far cheaper than the options sold in the park and they are small enough that they will very easily fit into your bag without taking up much space. Extra tip- pack an empty Ziploc bag to store the used/wet ponchos in.

7) A smaller, clear bag. Yes, I know… another bag for your bag? Trust me. You don’t want to be “that person”, emptying out the contents of your family bag all over the ground looking for that one small needed item. A smaller clear makeup bag or even a large Ziploc lock will help you conveniently access those smaller items coming up in the list.

8) Those little must have items. Tylenol (adult and children’s chewable), band aids, blister relief (mole skins etc.), hair ties, small first aid kit and tissues.

9) Snacks. It’s a long day and lines can get lengthy. Cranky little people need snacks to power thru the day. I suggest nothing made with chocolate or anything else that will melt. Crackers, gold fish, snack bars or fruit are my favorite items.

10) Things for the little ones in your group. If you are like most Disney travelers, you will be bringing younger children into the park with you. The will need a few special items to make their day special. Those items include: Character autograph books, sharpies, trading pins, “busy” items to entertain them while in line ( I like to use bubbles for little ones or Disney app games like “Heads up” on my phone) and most importantly a change of clothes. Again, I like to pack the extra cloths in a Ziploc bag to make necessary quick-change bathroom stops easier and cleaner.

11) Travel sizes. My last tip is to select the travel size option for any of the items listed above (except the water bottle). A key feature in a park bag is that its not too heavy or over packed. After all, you need to leave room for all those Disney souvenirs you are about to buy!