As someone who often visits Disney Parks, I made a useful list of items that you can purchase beforehand to make your Disney trip successful! Planning and preparing for a Disney trip can sometimes be overwhelming. Here are my tips and suggestions to make an enjoyable vacation!
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1. Comfortable Shoes
When my family and I go to Disney we always stay in the park from open to close which means we do a lot of walking. It is vital you take care of your feet when you’re walking as much as you do in the parks. I have tried every tennis shoe under the sun but the shoe that I like the most are HOKA. I can wear them all day and my feet stay comfortable. They are a little more on the pricy side but I believe it’s money well spent on good quality shoes to save your feet. If you are looking for a more affordable option I also love Skechers shoes. I always bring two pairs of sneakers when I go to the park that way I can switch my shoes between days. The last pair of shoes I will suggest are crocs! They are water proof which makes them the perfect shoe to wear on any of the water rides. They are also surprisingly really comfortable!
2. Snacks
When you’re at Disney you have a busy schedule of fun ahead of you and I personally don’t like to stop for snacks. We enjoy one meal at the park and the rest of the time we bring our own snacks. I always go to the grocery store before hand and purchase snacks that I can eat standing in lines such as pre packaged popcorn, protein bars, apple sauce packets, nuts, olives, dried fruit, and cereal. Not only will this save you time from standing in line and deciding where your next snack is but it will also save you a significant amount of money. We also like to bring in coffee in aluminum containers. A friendly reminder there is no glass allowed in the parks.
3. Sanitation Wipes
If you want to eat your snacks on the go you’re going to want to have clean hands! Sanitation wipes are a convenient way to clean your hands without having to find a restroom to wash them! Restroom can get pretty busy at the parks. I also use wipes to clean off dirty tables I sit when I go to eat. I also like to use wipes after coming off a ride.
4. Portable Phone Charger
When you are at the park for an extended period of time your phone loses its charge quickly. You’re always checking your Disney park app for ride times, taking pictures, and also for entertainment while you wait for your next ride. We like to play “Heads Up” while waiting in lines to pass the time. I always bring a battery charger that way I don’t have to worry about my phone dying.
5. Rain Jackets
The water rides at Disney are always the best! Splash mountain has been one of our favorites for years, so much so that we once rode it 15 times in one day! This being said we wear our rain jackets and are able to stay reasonably dry and enjoy the rest of our day at the park comfortably without being drenched to the bone. An extra pair of socks is a good idea if you plan on riding the water rides an extended period of time. It isn’t fun walking around in wet socks and having your feet prune. Extra dry socks make your experience more enjoyable.
6. Clear Backpacks
Before you enter any amusement park your items are always checked. I always like to maximize my time so I purchased clear backpacks from Amazon. This allows us to get through security quickly because everything is visible to the staff. It makes it easier for security to be able to examine the items.
7. Apparel
I typically purchase a new t-shirt before my Disney vacation as a souvenir before I get to the park because the merchandise in the park can be very expensive. Don’t get me wrong, if I see something that I love I will buy it but I do try and save money where I can. This can also be helpful if you have a big family and want to have coordinating outfits.
8. Sun Screen
When you’re in the parks the majority of the time you are walking in exposed areas. It’s important to wear sunblock to keep your skin protected from the sun! I also recommend bringing chapstick with SPF to keep your lips hydrated and protected from the sun!
9. Sunglasses
I personally have a more enjoyable experience when I can see and I’m not constantly trying to block the sun out of my eyes. I am very picky when it comes to my sunglasses and I have recently fallen in love with the Ray-Ban Erika style because they don’t have a glare on the lens and are soothing to my eyes. Bonus they are very stylish!
10. Hair Elastics
If you have long hair or hair that goes past your shoulders, I highly suggest bringing hair elastics or scrunchies! I always put my hair up before any ride that has a lot of wind to prevent it from getting tangled or even caught in the ride. I also like to keep my hair out of my face when I’m eating so I can fully enjoy my food.
11. Mickey Ears
Mickey ears in the park run anywhere between $30 – $40. If you aren’t looking to spend that much or don’t plan on returning to Disney in the near future but still want to look cute and stylish,d Amazon has great ears for less money. They even have elastics band ears that can be more comforting on your head if you find that headbands squeeze too much.
12. Light Weight Sweatshirt
I tend to get cold easily and even though the parks stay warm during the day once the sun goes down it gets a little chilly. A lightweight easy to fold sweater that fits in your backpack is perfect and will provide the right amount of comfort and warmth
13. Reusable Water Bottle
It’s important to stay hydrated with all the walking and outdoor exposure that happens in the park. Buying bottled water in the park can get expensive. Disney Parks allow you to bring a plastic or reusable water bottle. You can use the Disney app to locate the water refill stations
14. Fanny Pack
I love fanny packs! Before they were trending, I wouldn’t leave the house without one! I mostly wear leggings and they have few to no pockets. That’s why a fanny pack comes in handy! I keep everything I need for easy access such as my ID, phone, credit/debit card, cash, chap stick and tissues. My top three favorite fanny packs are Lululemon, Fjallraven and JanSport. Each one has different qualities which makes them convenient to use.
15. Hat
If you aren’t planning on wearing Mickey ears I would recommend wearing a hat to protect your head from the sun. It also reduces the amount of sunlight that glares into you eyes.
Love the gear. Thank you!
Of course! Thank you for the comment! Enjoy your upcoming Disney trip!