Top Ten Items to Pack for your Disney Trip!

It's important to remember that Disney is in Florida, not in the middle of the jungle.  It is hard not to overpack, but if you forget something, you'll be able to replace it in most cases.  That being said, here is a list of my recommendations for 10 things that you won't want to leave home without!

1. Gallon sized zip lock bags - We actually pack the kids' clothes in bags and then take the empty bags with during the days in the park.  We keep autograph books, cameras, phones, and other important things that could be ruined by rain in the bags.  They're also great for wet clothes, left over food, and, on the hottest day, a frozen wet hand towel to help keep cool.

2. Glow Sticks - Disney is famous for parading expensive light up toys in front of children just before parades and fireworks or shows.  We take the dollar store tubes - one per night of our stay, and encourage our kids to share with others around us.  They're also a hit on the dark buses.



3. Cases of water - You can have this sent ahead, delivered by a grocery service, or pick it up on your way in.  The bottle water is very expensive and not worth the snack credits, but you'll need to stay hydrated during your stay and Florida water tastes... a bit off.

4. Autograph books - The park books have few pages and are less than exciting.  You can find supplies to make them or if you aren't super crafty, Etsy has several that are nicer than the park books.

5. Disney Gift Cards - Giving a card to each child for their own souvenirs eliminates a lot of fights and allows them to manage their money and stops the "I wants" to a degree.

6. Gum - Disney doesn't sell it in the parks.

7. Hand sanitizer - Disney is great about providing interactive attractions, but the number of people from all over the world that touch the Honey walls on Winnie the Pooh, or the handle of the Sword in the Stone.  A bit of sanitizer can help with peace of mind.

8. Ponchos - It's inevitable, you're going to need them at least once.  The ponchos available in the parks are expensive, look the same as everyone else's, and the lines to get them during the start of a downpour are substantial.  Pack an extra if you have a stroller or a scooter - nothing worse than having a wet stroller for a little one.

9. More than one pair of shoes per person - There are some people who can handle Disney World in flip flops.  I'm not one of them.  We like the waterproof sandals like Keens or Tevas, and a pair of tennis shoes. 


10. Address labels and postcard stamps - It makes it very easy to send off a quick post card to family and friends if you have the necessary tools with you.  You can mail them from the parks with a special Mickey postmark or from the resorts.

I hope that you found some of these items helpful.  Enjoy your trip! 
Katie