Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, packing for Disney World can feel like trying to solve a complicated puzzle. It’s part strategy, part survival, and part pure excitement. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate Disney World packing list that’s designed to help you make sure you bring everything you need (and nothing you don’t) for a stress-free trip. From unpredictable Florida weather to long park days and resort amenities you can take advantage of, this guide covers every detail so you’re not left wishing you’d packed that one extra thing. Let’s make sure your only worry is which park to rope drop first!

Key Things To Know BEFORE You Pack

So, your Disney World trip is almost here – it’s time to get packing! Before you cover your bed in all the things you think you’ll need, make sure you think about these five things!

Planning For The Weather

While you might think that Central Florida weather is always clear and sunny, that’s not always the case! Though you won’t be seeing any snow on your Disney World vacation (hopefully, at least!), Florida’s weather can vary a lot more than you might think depending on the season and affects your entire packing list.

We recommend checking the weather 10-days before your check in date to get an idea of what to expect and then checking daily from there just to be sure you have all the right gear packed!

Length of Trip & Laundry Access

Generally, you’re going to need one outfit per day that you’re at Disney World. However, we often like to pack an extra outfit per day if you’re visiting in the summer months or during a particularly rainy week. All of Disney World’s Resort hotels have laundry rooms for you to use at your convenience, which can be a great way to minimize the number of outfits you need to pack or save you in a pinch if you end up finding that you didn’t pack enough. Just keep in mind that it is not free to do laundry at your hotel (except in Disney Vacation Club Villas) and it can be time consuming.

Disney Vacation Club villas include in-room washers and dryers. So, we recommend packing less clothing and washing every 2-3 days.

Who You’re Traveling With

Different age groups and family dynamics come with different packing needs, so it’s important to keep in mind who you’re traveling with when you get ready to pack. For example, if you have toddlers, you’ll need extra clothes, snacks, and all their sleep essentials. Or, if you have teens in your family, it’s best to bring extra phone chargers, extension cords, portable batteries, and comfortable walking shoes. An adults-only trip allows you to pack lighter usually, but you’ll likely need some nicer clothing for the evening if you plan on dining at any of Disney’s signature restaurants.

Make a list of who you’re traveling with and any items that must be packed for each person to ensure you don’t miss a thing!

Resort Amenities

It’s important that you don’t overpack for Disney World, especially if you’re flying. And, luckily, there are a lot of things that Disney already provides to you if you’re staying in one of their hotels!

All Disney World Resort hotels include:

• Basic toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap)
• Towels
• Beach towels
• Hair dryers
• Coffee makers
• Mini-friges
• Crib (must be requested)

Plus, if you’re staying in a Disney Vacation Club Villa suite, you’ll also have access to a full kitchen with cookware, dishes, and appliances.

Of course, off-site hotels may offer different amenities, so be sure to check their website if you’re not staying at a Disney World hotel during your visit.

Disney’s Park Rules & Prohibited Items

Just like when you fly, there are certain things that Disney doesn’t allow into the parks and you’ll want to leave at home. This includes things like glass containers, alcohol, weapons, drones, and wagons. You can view the full list of prohibited items here.

It’s also important to note that Disney has costume restrictions for guests 14+ year-round. Make sure you don’t pack anything to wear that could keep you from getting into the parks by viewing Disney’s costume guidelines here.

Complete Disney World Packing List By Category

Alright, are you ready to get packing? Use this Disney World packing list as a guide to help you stay organized when you finally pull out your luggage and start to pack. You may not need everything on the list, but it’s a good way to make sure you don’t leave home without the essentials – especially if this is your first Disney World vacation!

Travel & Arrival Day Essentials

• Travel documents: IDs, passports (if needed), tickets, reservation confirmations (printed AND digital copies)
• Wallet: credit/debit cards, cash (small bills)
• Health insurance cards
• Travel insurance info (if applicable)
• Luggage tags
• Carry-on bag with:
  • Change of clothes (in case luggage is delayed)
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, basic essentials)
  • Medications & prescriptions
  • Snacks, refillable water bottle (remember to keep it empty through security!)
  • Chargers, portable power bank
  • Phone
  • Headphones
  • Travel pillow, eye mask, ear plugs
  • Wet wipes / hand sanitizer
• Sunglasses, hat
• Light jacket or sweater (flights can be chilly)

Room / Resort Essentials

• Reusable water bottles (Disney resorts have water refill stations)
• Travel-size laundry detergent or laundry pods (if washing clothes mid-trip)
• Power strip / multi-port USB charger (since you’ll have many devices)
• Night light (for navigating resort room at night)
• Plastic bags or ziplocks (for wet clothes, dirty laundry)
• Travel umbrella or compact umbrella
• First aid kit (basic)
• Over-the-counter meds (ibuprofen, antacids, allergy meds)
• Motion sickness tablets (if you’re prone to it)
• Extra phone cables, extension cord
• Nighttime things:
  • Pajamas
  • Sleep mask

Clothing & Footwear

• T-shirts / tops (breathable, moisture-wicking, bonus points if they’re Disney-themed!)
• Shorts / pants
• Slip shorts (to prevent chafing with skirts or dresses)
• Lightweight long-sleeve (for sun protection or cooler evenings)
• One nicer outfit (for dining or evenings)
• Underwear & socks (bring extras)
• Comfortable walking shoes (that are already broken in)
• Sandals / Water shoes / Flip Flops (for water rides or resort pools)
• Swimwear + cover-up
• Hat / visor
• Rain jacket or poncho (lightweight and foldable)
• Lightweight sweater or hoodie
• Swim cap, goggles
• Gloves or scarf (if visiting in a cooler season)

Park Bag Day-Of Essentials (what you carry into the parks)

• MagicBand or MagicBand+
• Lightweight backpack or fannypack
• Reusable water bottles
• Snacks (non-melting, non-messy)
• Sunscreen + lip balm with SPF
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Rain ponchos (cheap disposable type) or packable rain jacket
• Wet wipes / hand sanitizer
• Tissues
• Portable phone charger / power bank + cable
• Phone / camera / GoPro
• Spare SD card / memory card (if applicable)
• Battery backups
• Autograph book + pen (for character meet & greets)
• Glow sticks / small light-up things (for evening entertainment)
• Ziplock bags (for electronics on water rides or storing snack waste)
• Plastic bags (for wet clothes or trash)
• Rain cover for stroller (if bringing stroller)
• Ear plugs / noise-cancelling headphones (for shows, fireworks with little ones)
• Portable misting fan or battery-operated fan
• Cooling towel
• Medications (EpiPen, inhalers, etc)
• Band-Aids, blister care, anti-chafe stick
• Hand warmers (if going in cooler season)
• Light sweater (for indoor A/C)

Kid / Baby / Special Needs Add-ons

• Diapers, wipes, diaper cream
• Changing pad
• Baby formula, bottles, sippy cups
• Pacifiers, teething toys
• Baby food / snacks
• Bibs
• Baby carrier / sling
• Travel crib / portable play yard (if needed)
• Portable monitor
• Night light (for kids)
• Child meds, thermometer
• Extra clothes (kids may need multiple changes per day)
• Swim diaper
• Stroller + accessories (sunshade, fan, hooks)
• Car seat (if driving or needed)
• Favorite toy, security blanket, books

Electronics & Tech

• Phone
• Chargers, cords
• Portable power bank(s)
• Camera + batteries, charger, extra memory cards
• Tablet / iPad / e-reader + charger
• Smart watch / Apple Watch + charger
• Headphones
• Laptop (optional)
• Travel adapter / converters (if needed)
• USB flash drive
• External SSD / backup drive
• Charging cables and adapters
• Battery pack for camera
• AirTags or electronic trackers (for bags or stroller)

Toiletries & Personal Care

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Deodorant
• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash (if you prefer using your own)
• Face wash, moisturizer, sunscreen
• Makeup + makeup remover
• Hairbrush, comb, hair ties
• Razor + shaving cream
• Nail clipper, file
• Tweezers
• Travel mirror
• Contact lenses + solution, glasses
• Feminine hygiene products
• Medications & prescriptions
• Motion sickness pills
• Vitamins (if used)
• Insect repellent
• After-sun lotion or aloe gel
• Hand cream
• Q-tips, cotton swabs
• Small first-aid kit with bandages, antibacterial ointment
• Pain relievers, allergy meds, cold medicine
• Lip balm with SPF
• Sunscreen stick / spray
• Deodorant wipes / dry shampoo
• Anti-chafe balm
• Wrinkle release spray

Miscellaneous Extras That Are Nice To Have

• Packing cubes
• Luggage scale
• Travel journal, pen
• Reading books, cards, video games
• Portable speaker / Bluetooth speaker
• Travel games
• Small sewing kit
• Duct tape (mini roll)
• Travel umbrella
• Reusable shopping bag or tote
• Foldable duffel (for souvenirs)
• Safety whistle
• Lint roller
• Snacks to tide over
• Glow necklaces or wristbands
• Disney-themed accessories (Mickey ears, shirts)
• Pins for pin trading
• Lanyard (for tickets / Keys)
• Waterproof pouch for valuables
• Beach towel (if not staying at a Disney World Resort)
• Inflatable pillow
• Cooling gel packs
• Earbuds / spare earbuds
• Extra pair of glasses
• Zip ties or twist ties
• Small flashlight or headlamp
• Night mask / eye mask
• Extra battery for fan
• Emergency contact list printed

What You Can Rent / Buy On-Site

That’s…well…a lot to pack. So, what can you do to lighten the load? Luckily, you can find a lot of the bulkier things available for rent in the parks and you can save some luggage space by buying some of the essentials when you get there!

Here’s what you can rent on-site at Disney World:

• Strollers (learn more about all your stroller rental options in our full guide here!)
• Wheelchair and ECVs
• Cribs / Pack ‘n’ Plays (complimentary upon request)

And, here’s what you can buy on-site at Disney World:

• Baby care essentials (can be purchased at Baby Care Centers in each theme park)
• Groceries (through a grocery delivery service to your hotel)
• Phone chargers, sunscreen, ponchos, and basic toiletries (at resort gift shops)

Just keep in mind that anything you buy on-site at Disney World comes at a premium price, so if you can fit all your baby care items and toiletries into your luggage, you should try!

What Not to Bring

In addition to Disney’s list of prohibited items and what you can rent or buy on-site, there are a few other things that are best left behind. Here are a few additional things NOT to pack:

• Overly bulky items you can rent or buy on property (e.g. huge strollers)
• Prohibited items (check Disney’s official list)
• Toiletries that are provided
• Heavy books (opt for e-books instead)
• Too many shoes (just bring what you’ll realistically use)
• Bulky luggage that’s hard to maneuver in airports (if flying)
• Large coolers

The Packing Strategy (Tips & Tricks)

A smart packing strategy can take your Disney World preparation from chaotic to organized. I’ve been going to Disney World over 30 years and have a learned a thing or two about maximizing space and not leaving anything behind. Here are my top Disney World packing list tips and tricks!

Use Packing Cubes

I spent way too long trying to shove all of my clothes into my suitcase and struggling to find them once I’m in Disney World. Now, I just use packing cubes!

Packing cubes organize your suitcase into different bags that make unpacking at your Disney resort effortless. You can sort items by person, day, or category depending on your family’s needs. As a family of four, I like to assign each person a different colored cube so that there’s no confusion, but you can also opt to sort by category (swimwear, pajamas, park essentials, etc.).

Pack Outfits By Day

Have your outfits planned ahead of time prevents morning decision making and gets you to the parks faster! Take the time when you’re packing to group outfits that work together based on which parks you plan to visit each day and what the weather will be. Then, roll your outfits together instead of folding them to prevent wrinkles and save space. Any heavier or larger items like jeans can go at the bottom of your suitcase.

Leave Space For Souvenirs

It’s nearly impossible to go to Disney World without buying at least one souvenir. And, in most cases, you’ll end up with a lot more than that. Disney merchandise can take up a significant amount of luggage space on your way home, so try to keep about 25% of your suitcase available for anything you buy while you’re there. If you’re short on space, pack an empty duffel bag inside your main luggage that you can then use to bring back your purchases!

Pack A Change Of Clothes In Your Park Bag

You may not think that you’ll need a change of clothes when you’re in the Disney Parks, but you just never know how the weather will pan out or if you end up being the one that gets soaked on a water ride. As a Disney expert, I always pack one complete outfit change in a waterproof bag in my park backpack – especially for my kids. You just never know when you might need it and it saves you from needing to buy a pricey new outfit from a Disney store in an emergency.

“Must-Haves” vs “Nice-To-Haves”

Effective packing means that you’ll need to know the difference between essential items and convenient extras. Must-haves keep you safe and comfortable, while nice-to-haves add convenience but aren’t necessarily critical. For example, you must-have your IDs, prescription medications, phone chargers, sunscreen, and park tickets. Whereas, snacks, Disney-themed accessories, and hair styling tools are really just nice to have.

If you end up not having enough space in your luggage to take it all, try to create two different piles and pack everything in the “must-have” pile first and then see how much of the “nice-to-haves” you can fit.

What The Pros Pack

I’ve been perfecting my Disney World packing list for years with lots of trial and error. And, I’ve got to say – I’m pretty proud of it. Here are the 14 essentials I refuse to forget:

• Small bag or backpack for park days
• Anti-chafe stick and gear
• Extra socks
• Portable charger (FuelRods are my favorite!)
• Things to do in line
• Reusable water bottle
• Electrolyte packets
• Hand sanitizer and wipes
• Cooling fan or towel
• Sunscreen
• Poncho/umbrella
• Medication
• Flip flops
• Extension cord

Learn more about why these are so important and what products I recommend here!

Printable Checklist & Downloadable PDF

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Final Reminders Before You Head Out

Your trip is finally here – time to pull out that last-minute Disney World packing list! Be sure to check the weather forecast one final time, double check that you have everything on your list packed, charge all your electronic devices to full capacity (including your MagicBand+ if you’re using one!), double-check your park bag essentials, confirm all your reservations, and download the My Disney Experience app. Once you’ve checked your list (and checked it twice), all that’s left to do is pat yourself on the back for being prepared and get ready to have a great time at Walt Disney World!

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