Wondering what you should pack in your bag for a day in the parks? Of course, there are the basic things, that you never go without, like your wallet and money but here are some items that people tend to forget and should be on your list!
First of all, a good bag to store all your stuff in! For a purse, consider a crossbody bag. Nothing too heavy so you don't get a tired, sore shoulder. I'm a big fan of backpacks! They allow you to keep everything all in one place! Also, you can take turns wearing a backpack, or easily store it in the bottom of your stroller.
With the unpredictable weather in Florida, you don’t want to head to Disney without ponchos. I love the super cute Mickey ponchos available throughout Disney World, but they come with a hefty price tag. Make sure to think ahead and bring these down with you as the inexpensive ones from the drug store will work just as well. Additionally, consider a rain cover for strollers, so your kids don't melt!
Sunblock! I cannot stress this enough. The sun in Florida is so much hotter than most are used to, and you certainly don’t want sunburn to slow down the rest of your vacation. Also, make sure to bring chapstick with SPF and sunglasses; lips and eyes need protection from the sun too!
Snacks, drinks and treats. I recommend bringing a lightweight refillable water bottle. Bring one that you don't particularly care for, in case it gets lost. Throw a few snacks in your bag, like pretzels or goldfish. Whatever your kid loves but will also make a good snack for an adult between meals. Also, lollipops! It doesn't necessarily have to be lollipops, but they definitely do the trick to occupy the littles, especially while waiting in ride lines.
Medicines. Of course, you don't want to go anywhere without things that may be necessary for your family members, like an inhaler. But don't forget about yourself too. Sometimes a headache comes on from being in the sun all day, or maybe you ate a little something that didn't sit right. It is super helpful to have a little pill fob with a few essentials, like Advil and Tums.
Bring band-aids! Of course, you should wear comfortable shoes, but sometimes even your comfortable shoes can do damage when you spend your day walking miles around the park. Plus, I think all moms will agree, if you have kids, band-aids are pretty much a bare necessity.
Consider getting a portable phone charger. If you are using the My Disney Experience app (as you should be) and taking lots of pictures on your phone, this could be invaluable as a backup plan in case your phone dies.
Lastly, and very importantly, park tickets or magic bands! My personal favorite part about having a magic band is that you can link your credit card to it and then just use your band to pay for things in the park. This means you can avoid digging out your wallet every time you buy a souvenir. I also love that it is waterproof. If you're spending the day by the pool, you don't even have to bring your purse, you can just pay for lunch with your magic band.
Bringing these essentials will ensure you are always prepared and save you from spending an extra month during your vacation!
Jade Monzo is the owner of Rope Drop Travel, a full-service travel agency specializing in Disney destinations. She lives with her husband and six little ones ages 8 and under. She enjoys helping with her children’s school PTO’s and all things Disney.
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