No matter whether you're a first timer or a Walt Disney World regular it can be a struggle to judge what to bring to the parks. You could end up bringing something that isn't allowed in the parks aka a selfie stick or forgetting an essential. So here's some ideas for what to pack for a day at the parks!
I like to over pack, it may mean my bag being heavier but I would rather be over prepared than forget something.
#1 The Bag
I always use a back pack for the parks, they are bigger tan handbags not to mention so much comfier. I use a medium sized bag as Disney allow you to bring your bags on all rides so it has to be small enough to fit at your feet, at Universal parks you have to put your possessions into a locker so it has to be able to fit in a very small space. Your bag will end up getting bumped and go through wear and tear so I wouldn't use an expensive bag or one that you can't replace.
#2 Mobile phone
Pretty much an essential in case you lose your group or need to phone an Uber. You can also make every jealous on Instagram by taking a selfie on Main Street.
#3 Portable battery charger & cable
No matter whether you are constantly on your phone or just use it for emergencies, having an external charger can be a life saver. My phone can die within a couple of hours so I definitely recommend buying even jsut a cheap one off Amazon.
#4 Camera & spare memory cards
I recommend only bringing a small camera, if you like using a large, professional camera you will be loathing carrying it round by the end of the day. Also bring spare memory cards, if you like snapping photos of your trip you don't want to be caught out by a full SD card.
#5 Fitness band
If you don't already own a fitness band you don't have to invest in one. You can download free apps to your phone that count your steps. You'll be impressed at how much you walk during a day at the parks.
#6 Park maps
Even if you know your way around the park it's handy to keep one in your bag. Plus it's great to keep a spare as a memento.
#7 Magic Bands/ Park Tickets
MagicBands are great as you don't have to worry about forgetting your ticket, I just kept mine on all the time. Universal still use regular tickets so keep them safe and don't forget them or you'll have to take a trip back to your hotel!
#8 Lanyards
Lanyards are great, not only for keeping cards handy but to collect pins on.
#9 Purse/ Wallet
If you want to buy merchandise from the parks (which you will) don't forget your cash! Those staying at a Disney resort can use their Magic Bands as a payment method but just remember to bring your purse to Universal parks.
#10 Passport
This might be a difficult one for some guests as they don't want to run the risk of losing their passport. However I always feel safer knowing it's with me than in a hotel room. Also for those coming from overseas and are old enough to drink, they won't except anything other than your passport as ID to buy alcohol.
#11 Autograph Book & Pen
This is only really a necessity for those that like meeting characters, I used to do it when I was a kid but now I find it kind of awkward so I don't bother but it is a fun experience for most.
#12 Bottled Water
Water is a crucial part of going to the parks. It is so easy to forget during a hectic day on rides that you haven't had a drink. Disney do have water fountains for you to fill up at however it doesn't taste that great. A tip is to go to any place that sells food or drink and ask for a cup of ice water. It completely free as they don't want people getting dehydrated at the park.
#13 Snacks
You don't need to bring full meals but it saves a couple of bucks rather than buying fries if you bring little snacks into the parks. I recommend Graze, the small boxes are perfect snack sizes and taste amazing!
#14 Gum
Everyone will be grateful if you bring some chewing gum! You cannot buy gum in the parks as they want to keep the park looking its best. Also you can end up eating a lot after a day at the parks so gum will come in handy, just throw it in the bin when you're done.
#15 Spare Outfit
This is a good idea if you are going on lots of water rides for example at Islands of Adventure. Instead of walking round all day in wet denim or wasting money on a dryer, just pack a spare pair of shorts and a top.
#16 Poncho
Again I only pack one of these if I really don't want to get wet on a water ride that day, they are so convenient but I recommend buying cheap ones from Wal-Mart that you can throw away after. You don't want to put a wet poncho back in your bag and you don't want to throw away a $20 Disney Poncho.
#17 Sunglasses
If you don't want to be squinting all day then sunglasses are essential. I wouldn't bring expensive ones as they are the most lost item at theme parks, you can leave them on a ride or they can get broke so I wouldn't risk it and jsut bring cheap ones that won't be uncomfortable throughout the day.
#18 Lipbalm
The heat can really dry out your lips and make them sore so throw a chapstick in your bag. I really like the EOS lip balms, they also do great hand cream.
#19 Hairbrush/mirror compact
Even if you prefer to take photos rather than be in them, you'll end up being in a few so I bring a little compact just to brush my hair throughout the hot day and to check my makeup after water rides.
#20 Plasters/ Band-Aids
Walking around the parks all day can cause some serious blisters. Pack some decent water-proof plasters in your bag and you won't be in agony the rest of the day.
#21 Sunscreen
Even during the Christmas period, Orlando remains fairly hot and sunny so always prepare with sunscreen or you could spend the majority of your trip with nasty sunburn. I always use a clear spray sunscreen instead of cream as it can make your sweat white and look rather silly. I also bring just a small bottle to the parks so it doesn't weigh down my bag.
#22 Tissues
I personally don't use tissues much but it is handy to have some in your bag.
#23 Hand sanitizer
The last thing you want is to become sick during a holiday plus it's going to be hot, that can make your palms sweaty so antibacterial gel can really be a life saver. Try the ones from Bath and Body Works they smell insanely good!
#24 Paracetamol/Asprin
The heat can give people some rather bad headaches so I always make sure to pack some paracetamol incase.
#25 Ziplock bags
I normally bring a couple of Ziplock bags with me if I know I'll be going on a water ride that day just to put electronics or valuables in. A lot less of a hassle bring a little bag than having to replace a wet phone.
#26 Purse hanger
I wouldn't consider this a necessity but it's handy if you are in a restaurant and don't want to put your bag on the floor.
#27 Hair ties
I always find it handy to keep a couple of bobbles on me as you can get very sweaty and long hair can just get in the way. The elastic hair ties are great as they don't leave a massive dent in your hair.
#28 Deodorant
It's a lot of walking in the heat when you're at the parks so I highly recommend bringing deodorant. In the US it's very difficult to get a hold of roll-on deodorant so if you can bring some from home.
#29 Flip-flops
Okay hear me out this is actually a really good tip. It's no secret that it rains a lot in Orlando and there's nothing worse than walking around in wet trainers. So before the rain hits I change into flip-flops so my trainers can stay nice and dry.
#30 Ears!
Don't forget something novelty and cheesy to wear around the parks!
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