The Ultimate Disney World Packing List You Need (2023)

So, you’ve got your hotel booked, tickets in hand, and you’ve been counting down the days to your Disney World trip, and now, finally…it’s here! But, before you can get to eating endless Mickey waffles and hugging your favorite characters in the parks, you’ve got to pack. What are the must-haves?

There’s a lot to consider when you pack for Walt Disney World vacation to Florida. You’ve got to prepare for the weather, of course, but how many shirts do you need? Do you need something fancy, or do you just go for comfort? What if you plan to swim? And, how do you prepare for the unexpected?

Well, we’re here to help with a complete Walt Disney World packing list – let’s get to it!

THE ULTIMATE DISNEY WORLD PACKING LIST YOU NEED (2023)
Courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort

CLOTHING (PER PERSON)

When it comes to packing clothes for your trip to Walt Disney World, it’s important to check the forecast first. Most people assume that it’s always sunny and warm in Florida, but that’s not always the case.

In the summer, there’s usually an afternoon rainstorm to break up the high heat of the day. And, it can actually get pretty cold in the winter depending on when you visit. Here are the packing tips you’ll need for your visit to the theme parks.

  • Comfortable shoes. You’re going to be doing a lot of walking during your Disney World vacation…and we mean A LOT. The average Disney guest walks between 7-10 miles per day, so comfortable shoes that won’t give you blisters or extra sore feet are very important.
  • Extra pair of comfortable shoes. Yes, you really should pack two! In the case that you get caught in a rainstorm, go on water rides, or sweat a little too much, you’ll be happy that you have a fresh pair on hand.
  • Socks. Pack more than you think you’ll need! With all the walking you’ll be doing, socks are almost as important as the shoes you wear.
  • Shirts and pants (for every day of your trip). Like it or not, outfit planning is just part of the packing process. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you pick exactly what you’re going to wear each day.
  • Extra set of clothes. Just like shoes, you’ll be thankful that you have an extra outfit (or two!) on those really warm or really rainy Disney World days.
  • Lightweight jacket. When it’s super hot outside, all the indoor locations around Disney World pump the AC. So, if you’re someone who is sensitive to the cold, pack a lightweight jacket to wear inside!
  • Rain jacket. If you’re visiting in the summer, it’s almost guaranteed that you’re going to get some rain in the heat of the day. Find a rain jacket that easily folds up and doesn’t take up much space in your park bag so that you can always have it with you just in case.
  • Dress clothes. You can wear whatever you’d like pretty much anywhere you go in Disney World. But, if you have any dining reservations at signature restaurants that have a dress code, you’ll need to pack a nicer outfit. You can find any dress code information on Disney’s website.

Read More: 80 BEST DISNEY WORLD TIPS FOR A MAGICAL VACATION

DISNEY PARK MUST-HAVES

When you go to Disney World, you’ll probably be spending a lot of time in the parks. And, when you’re away from your hotel room for 8-12+ hours a day, you certainly want to be prepared. Here are all the things that you’ll need to ensure that you have a seamless, stress-free day.

  • Backpack or fanny pack. You’re going to need something to store your park tickets, souvenirs, jackets, hand sanitizer, extra snacks, and more! Plan ahead and be sure that you’ve got a park bag that will fit all your essentials.
  • Cell phone and charger. It’s become nearly impossible to visit Disney World without a cell phone. Between mobile ordering food, securing Lighting Lane reservations (if you purchase Disney Genie+), checking how long the lines are, snapping pictures of your trip, and all the other things you can do with the My Disney Experience app, you won’t want to leave your phone behind!  You may want to bring a portable charger too, because the My Disney Experience app uses a lot of battery.
  • Water bottle. With the Florida heat and all the walking that is involved in a Disney Park visit, you’ll probably end up thirsty. Instead of paying $3+ for bottled water in the parks, pack your own refillable water bottle! Refill stations can be found all around the parks (usually near bathrooms) and you can even save on space when you pack by purchasing a collapsible water bottle that’s easy to store.
  • Credit cards. If you’re hoping to grab any food and drink or purchase a souvenir you’ll want to be sure that you’ve got a form of payment with you.
  • Poncho. In the heat of the day, you can usually expect a rainstorm. So, instead of paying for the overpriced ponchos at the gift shops or losing precious park time to go back to your hotel to change, pack a poncho with you! You can save money by purchasing them on Amazon in advance.
  • Sunglasses and/or hat. You’ll be spending the majority of your time outside when you’re in the parks, and you don’t want the sun getting in your eyes being the reason that you miss the moment that Mickey waves to you during the parade!
  • Sunscreen. Don’t be the person that finds out they’ve got a terrible sunburn in a spot that they didn’t even know was exposed to the sun when they step into the shower! Pack the sunscreen and be sure to apply it more than once throughout the day.

Read More: 2023’S BEST STROLLER FOR DISNEY (FROM A MOM IN THE KNOW)

DISNEY HOTEL MUST-HAVES

When you’re packing for Disney World, it’s natural to think about what you’ll need to bring with you to the parks. But, it’s also important to be prepared for what you’re going to need between park visits! Be sure you’ve got these essential items on your list for your Disney hotel stay.

  • Bathing suits. Disney World hotel pools are immaculately themed and they’re a great way to cool off in the heat of the day! There’s no need to pack more than one bathing suit though, so save some space in your suitcase and bring only your favorite.
  • Phone charger. Your cell phone is one of your greatest assets you have when it comes to taking on the Disney Parks efficiently, so you’re going to want to be sure that you’ve got something to charge your phone overnight. Don’t just pack one though – bring a phone charger for every person in your party.
  • Power strip or extension cord. With cell phones and other gadgets that need charging, there’s a good chance you’re going to need more outlets than what’s available in your Disney hotel room.
  • Laundry detergent. All of the Disney World hotels have a laundry facility and you can buy detergent there, but it’s easier and more cost efficient to bring your own with you.
  • First Aid Kit. Bumps, bruises, and blisters happen – especially if you’re traveling with kiddos. Be prepared with a first aid kit to bandage up anything before you head out to the parks. 

Read More: WDW RESORTS COMPARISONS + INSIDER TIPS

TOILETRIES

Every Disney World Resort provides guests with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, and bar soap. So, no need to pack those along with you! Since this is an ultimate Disney packing list though, here’s a few other things you may want to bring along.

  • Aloe Vera. In the case that you do end up with a sunburn, you won’t have to shell out the big bucks for the overpriced aloe vera in the resort shops.
  • Lip balm. Your lips can end up with sun damage too. Be sure to pack lip balm that includes SPF to keep your lips happy and healthy.
  • Deodorant. You’ll likely work up a sweat walking the Disney Parks. This is one item that you really don’t want to forget!
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste. You should at least attempt to keep the cavities at bay with all the Disney treats you’ll be eating.
  • Medication. Be sure to pack any medication that you normally take and then add in some extras for those “just in case” moments. You might end up with a headache, soreness, or face other unexpected issues and things like Motrin, Tylenol, Advil, and Midol cost a lot less when they’re purchased outside of Disney World.

Read More: DISNEY FOR ADULTS: 17+ FUN THINGS YOU’LL LOVE

DISNEY WORLD PACKING LIST EXTRAS

A Disney World trip isn’t like an average family vacation – it’s the most magical place on earth, after all! So, there are some things that you wouldn’t necessarily take with you to the beach or on a camping trip that are must-haves in Disney. Here’s a few more things to add to your packing list for Disney.

  • Autograph book & pen. You can meet your favorite Disney characters in the parks and you might want more than just a photo to remember the moment! Disney characters sign autographs, but you’ll have to bring your own autograph book. Be sure to have a pen with you too – the bigger the better for those extra-large Mickey-sized hands!
  • Portable phone charger. We briefly mentioned this earlier, but you’ll probably be using your phone a lot in the parks, which can drain your battery faster than you might expect. Purchase a portable phone charger that you can keep in your park bag for emergencies. We’d recommend getting a FuelRod from Amazon, as Disney has FuelRod stations around the parks and resorts where you can switch out for a fully charged FuelRod when yours runs out.
  • Battery operated personal fan. This might be the ultimate Disney hack for hot and humid park days!
  • Chewing gum. Disney doesn’t sell gum anywhere on property, so you’ll need to bring your own if you enjoy chewing on gum throughout the day.
  • Reusable straws. As part of Disney’s conservation efforts, they’ve done away with most disposable plastic products, including straws. Instead, they give out paper straws, which isn’t everyone’s preference. Packing your own reusable straws is an easy solution.

Read More: 11 ABSOLUTELY MAGICAL DISNEY TOURS YOU’LL LOVE

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO THE THEME PARKS

WHERE TO STAY IN DISNEY WORLD

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The Ultimate Disney World Packing List You Need (2023)