What to Carry for a Day at a Disney Theme Park

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What to Pack in your park bag

When you leave your Disney hotel room to embark on a Magical Disney Day, it's important to pack a bag with just enough essentials to be prepared and comfortable throughout the entire journey.

Remember that anything you bring into the parks will need to be carried or stored in a locker (for a fee), so it's best to only bring the essentials to avoid unnecessary weight. After spending countless hours in the parks, I have compiled a list of items that I always carry with me and leave everything else on my packing list back at the hotel. I find it helpful to keep this list accessible and double-check everything when I pack my bag for the park to ensure I have everything I need.

You may have your own list of personal comforts to bring along, but here are my top essential items to pack in your park bag.

The Bare Necessities

Water Bottle

Hydration is key! I love this water bottle because the water filter makes all water taste so much better!

Magic Band(s)

Your Magic Band serves as both your park ticket and a convenient payment method for items within the parks. While Magic Bands are not mandatory (you can also use your phone), they offer great convenience, especially when traveling with a group or young children.

Identification

I recommend traveling with your ID wherever you go, but it is particularly important if you plan to have alcoholic beverages at Disney. Disney frequently checks guests' identification and strictly enforces the policy of not serving alcohol without proper ID. You can find more information about the types of ID accepted by Disney for purchasing and consuming alcohol here.

Credit Card

Even if you have a Magic Band, it is recommended to bring a credit card for expenses at locations that do not accept Magic Band as payment. Cash is not mentioned in this list because it is not convenient to carry significant amounts of cash at Disney, as it can be easily lost when walking around all day.

First Aid Items/Medications

Pack a small first aid/medicine kit and keep it in your bag. You know yourself and your travel companions. Only take what you might need and keep the rest in the hotel.

Hand Sanitizer/Hand Wipes/Surface Wipes

Disney attracts visitors from all over the world, and all of those people are touching everything you touch! To maintain cleanliness, I make sure to use hand sanitizer liberally and follow it up with a thorough scrub using hand wipes before meals or snacks. Additionally, I like to use table wipes to wipe down surfaces of tables, including tray tables on flights, before sitting down to eat.

Phone Charger Battery

When using the Disney app and taking photos of your magical memories, you will be using your phone quite a bit at Disney. To ensure that you don't run out of battery, this charger will keep your device(s) fully charged without occupying too much space in your bag.

Ears

Don’t leave your most valuable accessory in your room! Be sure to wear your ears when you visit the parks, it is part of the magic!

Poncho(s)

I always carry a poncho for each person in my travel party in my bag every day. Ponchos are lightweight and take up very little space, so it just makes sense to have them readily available.

Sunscreen

Be sure to pack your sunscreen with you in the park so that you can re-apply throughout the day.

Additional Creature Comforts

Shoe Covers for Rain

If it looks like there will be significant rain while you’re at the parks, I would take some shoe covers so that your shoes and socks do not get wet.

Deck of Cards

A deck of cards goes a long way to fight boredom and increase fun while waiting for your food or a show.

Autograph Book

Don’t forget to get the autographs of Mickey and his pals when you meet them in the park! Autograph books make a meaningful souvenir.

Noise Reducing Ear Protection

If you’re planning to watch a fireworks show or are with a person who is overstimulated by loud noises, be sure to carry your noise reducing ear protection with you in the park.

Extra Clothes

Park days can be long and out of routine. If you have young children who are just learning to potty train or who are just out of potty training, pack an extra set of clothes for them, just in case.

Packable Blanket

A small blanket can come in handy in many scenarios, but I use these most as a way to create a space to sit when waiting on a parade or firework show that also reserves a viewing area for my companions.

Ziplock Bags

One or two small and large ziplock bags are handy to keep in your bag to store opened snacks or to tote around wet clothing.

Cooling Neck Towel or Fan

When the temperatures are high, it is best to be prepared to stay cool. I keep this cooling neck towel in my bag and I pack a neck fan as well.

Packable Umbrella

Umbrellas are a versatile tool to keep you out of the elements, providing both shade and rain protection. A great thing to pack with you if you are visiting Disney at a time when the weather is very hot or very rainy.

Bib or Apron

Kids love to eat ice cream at Disney and it never fails that they will get it on their clothes right before a photo op. A small bib or apron will save their outfits from drips and spills.

Tide Pens or Shout Wipes

If you do have a spill, you can salvage your outfit with a quick clean up, Tide Pens and Shout Wipes are both handy and work well on the go.

Energy Bars or a Light Snack

An energy bar can keep you fueled up between meals while you’re on your adventures and is a great distraction for when you’re hanging out in line.