Backpack Essentials for a Day at Disney World
backpack essentials
Oh garsh, it looks like Disney will be reopening soon. It’s been too long since the last trip. Like many people, we had to cancel a trip earlier this year due to concerns about Covid-19 and the subsequent closing of the Happiest Place on Earth. I went through our Disney backpack to make sure I didn’t have any granola bars or pistachio nuts left from the previous trip.
You see, we go so often our backpack and suitcase stay partially packed all the time.
We only unpack dirty clothes and underwear, souvenirs, and the partial bar of soap I always bring back.
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These are the things that are always in our backpack before we set out in the morning for a day at a Disney theme park.
Photo id/cash/tickets
Magic Bands take the place of tickets in many cases, but not always. Make sure you have tickets if that’s what you’ll be using. You’ll be required to show photo id if you lose your Magic Bands/tickets and need replacements OR if you are ordering alcohol. If you have an annual pass you will need to show that to get any available discounts. Carrying cash is up to you. You can use your Magic Band to charge purchases but that can get out of hand really quick. Speaking from experience here.
Hand Sanitizer/Wet Ones
You’ll find plenty of handwashing stations throughout Disney but we are constantly touching rails, doors, handles while waiting for a ride or during a ride. Keep sanitizer with you at all times. Attach a container to your backpack with a carabiner so that it’s easy to get to. Wet ones of any kind are necessary for the chocolate mishaps that seem to happen when you least expect them. If you forgot to get wipes, dampen some paper towels and pack them in a ziplock bag. They will stay moist for the day and you’ll be ready for that mess whenever it happens.
Bandaids/Moleskin/antiseptic ointment
You’ll find a First Aid Station at every Disney theme park, they are clearly marked on the map, and will have what you need for a minor scrape. But when you have an ouchie or a blister at Toy Story Land you don’t want to have to walk all the way to the front of the park to get relief. Be prepared to treat that boo-boo so that you can get on with your day.
Sunscreen/Hat/sunglasses
Central Florida is hot most of the year and sunny all year long. Protect yourself and your family with sunscreen. Wearing a hat and sunglasses are further protection against the bright sun.
Ziplock Bags
Store devices before going on Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids (or other rides where you may get wet) to protect them. Or that gigantic pretzel that you can’t finish before the next ride. Or the bottle of sunscreen that seems to be leaking.
Poncho
As perfect as the weather can be in Orlando there are thunderstorms that pop up ALL.THE.TIME. So, be prepared. Keep ponchos in your backpack to be ready for these storms. I’ve never had a trip ruined due to rain. They pop up, they go away.
Water/water bottles
Pack frozen water bottles so that you will have cold water when you want it. To keep the bottle from “sweating” in your backpack slip it into an old sock. It looks weird but works like a charm. Refillable water bottles are a good option now because the water at Disney World doesn’t taste as bad as it used to. With filling stations all over the place you have an affordable option for drinking lots of water. Which you should be doing!
Snacks/Lunch
Keep costs down by bringing your own lunch and/or snacks into the park. Sandwiches, crackers, nuts, and dried fruit are lightweight and easy to keep fresh. By having a frozen water bottle in your pack everything keeps cool til lunchtime. If you do take a larger cooler in be sure to have ice packs. You cannot pack it with loose or dry ice.
See this list of 40 Things That Aren’t Allowed in Disney to avoid any inconvenience.
Gum
You will not find gum for sale at Walt Disney World. Not in the theme parks, not at the resort gift shops. If this is important to you make sure you pack it.
Phone/Phone cord/Charger
Using your phone for photos or the My Disney Experience will quickly drain your phone’s battery. There are charging stations located throughout the parks or you can pack a portable charger.
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Autograph Book/Pen or Sharpie
Buy an autograph book from shopDisney before your trip and save some money. Have these supplies ready for your little autograph seekers.
Coins for pressed coin machines
One of the best, cheapest souvenirs is pressed coins. Seriously, .51¢ for a pressed penny and $1.25 for a pressed quarter. There are “bundles” that are available in some machines, but that takes the fun out of it! Pick a coin from your favorite place, ride, or attraction so that you have the ones you want rather than a prepackaged bundle.
Get ready for your next trip and I hope that it’s magical!