Being Prepared for Disney World: Packing List for the Park

I have been unpacking from Disney all week. While I was writing down the things we used/needed for future trips, I thought my blog would be a good place to keep that list safe and it might help some other people too. So here goes:

Above is a photo of what’s in my backpack…. A lot of stuff, but I

think it is better to be over prepared than under, especially with young kids.

Items:

• Backpack
  I found mine at Target in the camping section, but anything you have should work. It is nice to make sure there are a lot of pockets and to have the side net “water bottle” pockets (at least that’s what I call them). These help for easy access to water and/or Sippy cups.
• Diapers
  I put hair ties around my diapers to keep them together and neat
• Wipes
  Whether your kid is it diapers or not, wipes are always a good item to have. I buy the “travel” wipe container sold in the travel section at Target and refill it each morning. I also keep a hair tie around it to make sure it stays closed
• Sippy cup/Children’s cup (not pictured)
  Carson is still in the Sippy cup stage, so we always made sure to have it
• Nalgene bottle/ water bottle and juice (not pictured)
  Hydration is a huge issue with any outdoor activity. I always had a full Sippy cup, at least 1 bottle of water and at least 1 bottle of juice everyday before I leave for the parks. Having liquids on hand can avoid a lot of frustration from your kids when they get thirsty from the heat and there is not a water fountain in sight. (Just be sure the lids are closed tightly to avoid leakage into your backpack)
• Extra set of clothes
  These are not only for “accidents”, but also in case clothes get soaked on water rides or other things
• Dirty clothes bag
  This isn’t one of the biggest “needs”, but it’s nice to have some type of bag to separate dirty clothes from the other items, if needed.
• Sunglasses and/or hat
  Just for added sun protection
• Battery powered fans
  I use these flexi clip on fans by O2 Cool. I love them and they are great for any trip. I have only been able to find them on-line in 8-packs, but they make great baby shower gifts too. I get more compliments on these fans!
• Extra batteries (for fans)
  On hot days, we will sometimes go through a couple batteries
• Activity and/or toys to entertain kids at meals or in lines
  I love these Grab N Go color books. They can easily be found at Party City, Target or Walmart. They come with 4 crayons, stickers, and a small coloring book for $1 or less. They have so many options, I’m sure you can find a character your child will love. I always have these in my car and diaper bag too.
• Poncho
  I’m going to almost call this a must for anyone. I picked up emergency ponchos at Target (in the camping section). I want to say they were less than $2/poncho. They are nothing special, but I was so glad I had it when the 10% chance of rain turned into a monsoon (I even folded it back into its little bag when I was done with it). These are also great for water rides. Disney sells ponchos, but I know the Disney ones are more than double what I paid for mine (probably even 4x)
• First aid bag
  (details below)
• Snacks and such
  I packed raisins, goldfish, animal crackers, squeeze apple sauce, jammy sammys and Uncrustables every day. My son was much happier eating the food I brought than the park food (plus it was cheaper)… All these foods I found at Target. I also would keep the snacks in Take-n-Toss containers to keep them from getting squished.
• Kid fork and/or other utensils
  My child likes to have his own utensils and doesn’t do as well with the adult sized ones.
• Disposable bibs
  Maybe not for everyone, but Carson ate the best in the stroller, while we were on the way to the next ride or character. To avoid a complete mess, we would put one of these bibs on him and then give him his Uncrustable PB&J sandwich.
• Purell
  Kids touch everything and you can’t wash their hands all the time. I use a lot of Purell and buy the travel bottle that hooks onto my backpack

Here is what’s in my first aid kit… I found almost all of it at Target (most in the travel section, but also check camping)

Items:

• Bag to keep everything in
  I used a bag I found in the garage. I think it is meant for golf stuff, but it was see through and had a clip on it.
• Sunscreen for body and face
• Band-aids
• Neosporin To-go
• Tide Pen
• Chapstick
• Purell
  You can never have too much Purell

So that’s my bag. I hope this helps some of you as you plan trips to Disney or Six Flags. I am probably over prepared, but we had an excellent trip and I used every item listed. Enjoy all future trips and good luck!