If you look at our pics from Disney (there are a few), there’s always a big backpack hanging around. Doesn’t always look great in pictures but we couldn’t travel without it. So what do we carry in it? Glad you asked…
Camera - I took my big camera with the zoom lens but honestly with the advancement in phone cameras, you could probably get away with just your phone!
Phone - Obviously you need your phone! Don’t forget to download the MyDisneyExperience app before you go. Have any questions on how to use the app - ask me!
Battery Charger and Cord - With a full day at the parks using your phone and camera, you will most likely drain your battery. We invested in a battery charger that will charge 3 batteries at once which helps when you have kids with phones. Don’t forget your cord to plug in to your phone!!
Water - You can get free water at Quick Service locations but you’ll have to wait in line to do so. And it’s just a cup with no lid so if you don’t finish it, you can’t really save it for later. Take bottles with lids so that if you need to hop on a ride you can put it in your bag for later.
Flavor Packets - My kids aren’t fond of the taste of Florida water, so I bring flavor packets to help the taste. And you can get them with caffeine which helps a caffeine addict like myself!!
Sunglasses/Glasses - It’s typically sunny in Florida and although most of the rides/lines are indoors or in the shade, you may find yourself out in the sun for more than you expected.
Eye Drops/Contact Case - I wear contacts and nothing is quite as bad as a speck of dirt under your lens. Be prepared with the drops so you’re not miserable!
Wallet - Although you can charge everything to your MagicBand if you’re staying on site, I always like to have a credit card with me just in case. I always want to have my ID on me and a few dollars for emergencies.
Ponchos - Grab a few cheap ones at the dollar store. I usually get enough for us to each have one per day. That way if a rainstorm hits (which is typical in Florida), we can use them and throw them away without worrying about folding up wet ponchos and putting them back in our bag.
Gum - Are my kids the only ones that chew gum nonstop? Disney doesn’t sell gum in an effort to keep their parks clean and the animals safe. PLEASE be kind and discard only in the trashcans if you bring your own!
Ibuprofen - Along with a lot of walking comes sore feet. This is an easy one to bring that will be much cheaper than buying at the parks.
Chapstick - My family has a chapstick addiction. Don’t leave home without it.
Kleenex/Wet Wipes/Hand Sanitizer - You can always run in a restroom if you need to clean up a bit but sometimes you don’t want to walk those extra steps! And we all know Don is a germaphobe so having hand sanitizer is a must for us.
I also carry a few empty ziploc bags - they can be handy for a half-finished snack (which rarely actually happens). Or if you think the rain might return, you can shove those ponchos in there without getting the rest of your bag wet. I also like to have them to put our phones in if it’s particularly wet or we’re going on a wet ride.
A good idea is to put all of this in one bag (unless you plan to split up for a good portion of the day). That way you only have one person in your party go through bag check and everyone else can get on in the park which makes it faster for all. Don’t be a martyr though - take turns carrying the bag. I usually like to carry it since I’m always needing something out of it. And I call it my “workout” since I try not to actually work out on vacation. But if your kids are older, let them help!
Also, a backpack with side pockets for bottles really helps in that you don’t have to constantly take off the bag to root around for drinks. Keep a couple on the outside and you’re always ready.
Want more tips and tricks to help your vacation be as Magical as it can be? Call me! I’d love to plan and book your Disney Destination or Universal Vacation with absolutely NO FEES!!