Full Disney World Packing List - All Essentials

Updated: September 2022

So the hotel is booked. The flights purchased. The time off requested (and approved) by your boss. You finally did it. You finally have your family vacation to Disney set and you’re going! Congratulations! Now what? Now the only thing that’s left to do is wait and check off the days on your calendar. Right?

Actually, there’s still one more thing to do, and that’s to pack everything you need for your Disney World trip. So, in addition to the obvious, clothes, bathing suit, sunblock, what should be on your Disney Packing List these days?

There’s a lot of items that can help make sure that your trip is more comfortable and then there are things that you need. Here we give you the most complete checklist of everything we have been able to put together of all the things to make sure you include in your checked bags and carry-on.

Below is a list of the items to pack that we have divided off into sections so you can quickly jump to them.

Essentials
Clothes
Bathroom Items
Food-Related Packing
Carry-On Bag
Basic Items To Pack For Pets
Printable Versions Of The Full Disney World Packing List

Enjoy and take notes! We will be providing a downloadable list soon of this for your quick reference

Must-Pack: Essentials

So, post-Coronavirus, it’s now absolutely necessary to bring the following wherever you go. Especially if you’re going on vacation. Some counties are mandating them and in a tourist area like Florida, you want to take precautions whether you are required to or not.

Face Masks or Coverings
Gloves
Hand Sanitizer

There are also items that can literally make or break your Disney Vacation, so we’ll talk first about 5 items on this complete Orlando packing list that no one will tell you about.

Pack these items to maximize your Disney experience:

Well, first let’s a huge consideration no matter where or when you’re going to Disney consider the weather. Whether you’re visiting Disney World in Orlando, Florida or Disney Land in Anaheim, California you can expect a warm climate, lots of sun, and a bit of humidity. First, let’s start with the essentials.

You should definitely make sure to light clothing. Clothing made of Cotton, Rayon and Linen are usually good options. They’re breathable fabrics and will help to block out the sun. Packing a sun hat is also a good idea, especially if you really are planning on spending hours (and days) visiting Disney and other outdoor attractions.

In the case of Disney World in Orlando, you will also want to consider packing a poncho. Especially if it’s a Mickey or Minnie Mouse one like this one below. While ponchos are usually not the most attractive accessory, this one WILL be for a Disney visit and it’ll ensure that your day is not ruined if you get caught with a mid-afternoon shower. Plus they’re light and compact. Trust us, it’s a must to include this in your luggage! You’ll thank us later.

Extra cool points if you can rock these Mickey/Minnie Ponchos.

Next, you’ll want to invest in a pair of nice, sturdy, comfortable shoes. If you’re visiting Disney, or any major theme park, you will be expected to do A LOT of walking (maybe even some running). Now, you will want to stay away from sandals. The last thing you want is sunburn on your toes or blisters on your heels. You will want something that will stay securely on your feet and make sure you have plenty of support. Comfortable shoes made with memory foam are the best material for walking around Disney World are a must. They’re perfect for spending hours walking and standing in line and they’re comfortable, stylish, lightweight, and supportive. Oh, and get gel inserts. You’ll thank me later!

One other important thing that you may forget to pay attention to during you fun Disney Adventure is hydration. You have to make sure that you keep well hydrated, especially in the Florida heat. Dehydration can lead to dry skin, irritability, lack of energy, and even fainting. Nothing would ruin your Disney vacation quicker than if you, or someone in your family, have a dizzy spell or faints during your trip. An easy way to prevent that is to keep a refillable water bottle with you at all times.

There are convenient water fountains all around the parks. The water bottles don’t have to be anything fancy. You could get something functional, cost-efficient, and importantly Leakproof. If you decide to not bring your own water bottles, one insider trick is that you can get free water at any Disney quick service restaurant. All you have to do is ask. Of course, you’ll have to wait in line for it, so it is probably just better and more convenient to bring your own bottle so you can sip from it whenever you need to.

Also, very important, whenever you’re traveling out of town, but ESPECIALLY for a Disney Vacation, it’s always the best idea to have all of your important documents and personal belongings together. But in a Disney stay, you’re always on-the-go. So some type of wallet or pouch that is made Specifically for Travel is the Only way to go.

orlando disney packing rfid travel wallet

A Must In Orlando!

These days, security is first so it has to have RFID blocking protection. That just means it won’t be able to be scanned by sneaky card thieves looking to scan card info from your wallet. It will instantly block the signal, keeping your info safe. Also, the travel wallet must have PLENTY of room for any personal belongings you will need to carry around. Pack a Travel Wallet like the one pictured above.

Something like this can hold your phone, a pen, Disney World Passes, boarding passes, credit cards, passports, IDs, loose change, cash, and much more. It also comes with a detachable wrist strap keychain which will help keep it with you at all times. There are many colors to choose from and at under $20 you, and everyone in your traveling party, can get one and travel with more peace of mind.

The last thing on the Real Must Have Disney Packing List, and for any vacation really, is a good camera. Every family vacation calls for moments that you will want to remember forever. Posing with Pooh? Making Silly Faces with Tinkerbell? While most cell phones these days do often serve as a camera, you never know when the battery may run out or when your memory will get full. The Akaso Camera is a good one if you need an example.

orlando disney packing list akaso camera

Have This In Your Luggage For A Disney Trip.

As a best practice, you should get a camera with rechargeable batteries included (a 1050 mAh battery provides an hour and a half of recording), a remote to take pictures on demand if you can, and built in WiFi to allow you to easily upload and share your videos and photos, and more.

Also make sure to pack the camera in a waterproof case to capture pictures at the pool or at the beach when you’re done at the theme parks. If there is no budget, a GoPro would do well, but you can find many online that are better in some aspects without the Heavy Price tag. It just depends on if this is a vacation where the budget allows for it.

Taking a family vacation and going to Disney World or Disney Land is always a big deal. There’s usually a lot of stress with making sure you don’t forget any of the essentials and making sure to fit in everything that you and the family want to do in the few days you’re visiting. This video is a quick watch and covers a few unique things to pack for a Disney vacation. It’s not a big deal if you want to skip it but we felt it might help some of you.

It can be hectic, but if planned correctly you can ensure that everyone has a great time. With this list of items to pack for Disney you are sure to ace your Disney vacation with flying colors. You and your family are going to have a great time, make lots of memories, and finally have your Dream Disney Vacation Come True!

The Basics: Clothes

Florida has a climate like no other place in the world, so if you’re coming from anywhere outside these states, it is good to know how to dress. Spoiler: Good news, you can put away the thermals and long sleeves.

Look Into Packing These Items:

For Men

Shorts
Hats
T-Shirts
Flip Flops
Swim Trunks
Shades (With UV Protection)
At Least 1 Dress Shirt
At Least 1 Pair Of Jeans Per 3 Days
Sneakers
Pajamas
Loafers (for the dressy night)
Socks
Underwear
Sweatpants
Workout Gear
House Slippers

For Women

Shorts
Sun Hat
Tank Tops
Sandals
Bathing Suits
Capris
Sleepwear
High Heels (for the dressy night)
Comfortable Shoes
Underwear
Socks
Sundress
Sunglasses
Costume Jewelry (Keep it cheap for the beach)
Hair Accessories
Yoga Pants

The Basics: Bathroom

Many hotels and resorts are starting to do away with providing travel size shampoo, conditioners, and other toiletries. It is absolutely imperative that you combat this with bringing your own in your luggage. Below are the top bathroom items to consider packing for your Disney World trip.

Start Packing These Things For Florida:

Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Shampoo
Conditioner
Mouthwash
Dental Floss
Soap/Body Wash
Comb
Hair Brush
Towels (Hairy Hotel Towels are Nasty)
Tampons
Nail Clippers
Makeup
Lipstick
Deodorant
Trimmer
Razors
Face Scrub
Anti-Bacterial Ointment
Cotton Balls
Cotton Swabs
Bandages
Sanitizer
Hair Straightener
Hair Gel
Hairspray
Contacts
Contacts Solution
Tweezers
Air Freshener
Washcloths
Shower Cap
Bath Toys For The Children
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Medicated Lip Balm With At Least SPF15
Handheld Mirror
Body Spray
Cologne
Loofah/Bath Sponge
Bath Salts/Bombs
Bubble Bath
Hand Soap
Talcum Powder
Baby Powder
Disinfectant Spray
Trimming Scissors
Shaving Cream
Nail File
Nail Polish
Pummus Stone
Sleep Mask
Children’s Shampoo
Children’s Body Wash
Children’s Toothbrush
Children’s Hair Brush

If needed:

Eyeglasses
Retainer
Dentures

Disney packing list food kitchen related items

The Basics: Food Related Items

If you’re going to be staying for a little while (which you should be), you absolutely should be eating where you’re staying and cooking at least most of the nights you’re here in Orlando as some restaurants here are just too expensive to be going out to every day, especially if you’re staying in the Disney area.

Don’t travel to Disney without packing these:

Paper Plates (Because Absolutely No One wants to be doing dishes on vacation)
Salt
Pepper
Sauces
Cereal
Paper Cups (See Above)
Chips
Drink Mixes
Bottled Water
Gum (They Don’t Sell It At Disney World)
Toothpicks
Ziploc Bags
Sugar/Sugar Substitute Of Choice
Travel Mug
Apron (Great if you’re planning one of your resort barbecues we hear so much about)
Wine Bottle Opener
Oven Mitts
Popsicles
Tea Bags
Oatmeal
Dried Fruits
Small Radio (To Cook To The Beat)
Water Filter Bottles
Sodastream or Soda Maker
Measuring Cups
Coffee
Powdered Creamer
Dish Soap (Just In Case)
Paper Towels
Drinking Straws
Fresh Fruits
Candy
Protein Bars (Get your strength up to walk the endless hallowed halls of Disney World)
Energy Drinks (See Above)
Animal Crackers
Saltine Crackers
Butter
Fruit Jelly
Gelatin Snacks
Pudding Snacks
Microwaveable Soups
Nuts
Trail Mix
Seasoning
Small Espresso Machine
Coffee Maker
Coffee Filters
Favorite Mug
Microwaveable Dinners
Ramen Noodles

Carry-On Bag

Since you’re limited on what you can bring on board the flight, we decided it would be good for you to know the items to consider packing for the actual flight. Airline rules do change, so make sure you check with your airline as far as what you’re currently allowed to bring.

Packing at least a few of these would help on a flight to Central Florida:

Disinfectant Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Light Sneakers
Vitamin C Drinks
Brush
Compact Mirror
Travel Toothbrush
Travel-Sized Face Wash
Neck Pillow
Headphones
Pre-Downloaded Music (Most flights do not include Wi-Fi or internet access or have shoddy service. It would be good to have your playlist already downloaded before you board.
Phone Charger
Chewing Gum
Audiobooks
Change of Clothes (you should have at least a set just in case)
A Book (sometimes tech is not our friend and a good old-fashioned book is a helpful companion)
Travel-Sized Mouthwash
Handheld Game (maybe it’s time to bring out the old GameBoy?)
Eye Mask
Snacks
Crossword or Word Find Book (or any type of activity book, kids love coloring books)
Light Sweater or jacket
Kleenex
Travel Wallet to hold important documents
Laptop
Tablet
Cell Phone (capture those cool airplane photos from your window seat)
Rolaids/Tums (in case you suffer from upset stomach or heartburn during the flight)
Cash or credit card (in case you come across an in-flight purchase you want to make)
Kids Toys (this is a must if you’re traveling with toddlers)
Also, if traveling with toddlers, diaper bag essentials. Make sure to pack plenty of milk or formula
Compression Socks
Itinerary (you might have another stop or flight to take – pack this so you’re prepared)
Fanny Pack (You can pack your more important belongings here so you know where to look in a well-filled carry on bag
Pill Organizers (don’t miss a dose of your medicine or vitamins/supplements while on the go or at Disney)
Emergency Contact list (Be prepared for anything – If your phone dies and you have to pull up a phone number right away like the hotel’s number, make sure you have these written down on a card or something like it in your carry-on)
Camera (sometimes you shouldn’t do everything on your phone and a true camera can catch better snapshots in most scenarios)
Dramamine (no motion sickness)
Earmuffs for Babies (keep the little ones calm and protect their ears)
Dark Chocolate (has been known to relieve the anxiety of flights and other stressful scenarios: they also don’t have dark chocolate on its own inside Disney)

Basic Items For Pets

Traveling with pets is a completely different ballgame as far as the entire traveling experience, especially the things you should bring with you on the flight. You must be prepared and be equipped to pull this off well along with making sure you’re up to date with all the rules and regulations for each entity involved in your vacation experience. Orlando is a very family and pet-friendly place but you have to know what you’re doing no matter where you go with a pet.

If you’re traveling to Orlando with a pet, make sure you don’t forget to pack these important items:

Doggie Treats
Muzzle (can’t have Sparky getting chompy)
Kennel/Crate To House Pet During Flight
Carrier if small pet
Pet Brush
Flea Medicine
Flea Collars
Feeding Bowls
Kibble
Dog Toys
Frisbees
Claw Clippers
ADA Certification (if it’s a service animal)
Puppy Pee Pads
Dog Shampoo
Poop Bags
Dog Whistle
Dog Tag with Name & Address/Phone Information
Dog Costume
Dog Leash (Pack 2 just in case!)
Dog Reflective Collar
Vaccination Records

There are many things to make sure to bring with you to Mickey Mouse’s House and here we have covered them all. You obviously don’t have to bring everything on this list but this is designed to make sure you don’t forget something before you dart out the door to catch your flight or at least reduce that chance significantly with this list. Enjoy and make sure to print this page out and bring it with you so you can remember all the stuff you need to check in in your bags of luggage for your Walt Disney adventure.