10 Things I Wish I Knew to Pack for Disney World (From Someone Who Goes All. The. Time.)

Look—I live 20 minutes from the parks and go to Disney World more often than some people go to the gym. I’ve made every packing mistake imaginable. I’ve worn the wrong shoes, brought nothing but protein bars, forgot a poncho during a thunderstorm, and thought a tiny purse would somehow hold my entire life. So if you’re planning a trip and want to feel cute and functional—this list is for you.

Here are the 10 things I wish I knew to pack the first time I went to Disney World, from someone who now packs like a local and walks through the parks like she owns the place.

1. Broken-in Sneakers (Not Your Trendy Sandals)

I don’t care how “comfortable” those cute little sandals usually are—Disney will destroy your feet if you don’t show up in proper shoes. I once made the mistake of wearing platform sandals for the ‘gram and ended up limping through Animal Kingdom like I was on a survival show. You’ll be walking 15,000+ steps a day without realizing it. Bring sneakers that you already know and trust, and if they’re ugly but supportive? Even better. Fashion can wait. Foot pain cannot.

2. A Poncho. Just Trust Me.

Florida rain doesn’t show up politely. It comes out of nowhere, dumps a monsoon on you, and disappears like it was never there. The first time I went without a poncho, I ended up hiding under a Mickey-shaped pretzel stand praying my mascara didn’t run. You don’t need anything fancy—a dollar store poncho will do—but pack it, and keep it with you. Bonus: it doubles as a water ride shield so you’re not stuck in soaking wet shorts for the next five hours.

3. A Refillable Water Bottle

You might think you’re hydrated, but the combination of sun, humidity, and walking will humble you real quick. Disney water bottles are overpriced, and those cute Disney cups you see on Instagram? Not practical. Bring a lightweight refillable bottle—there are refill stations and you can ask for free ice water at any quick-service spot. I promise you’ll thank yourself when your head isn’t pounding by 2 PM.

4. Cooling Towel or Neck Fan (Preferably Both)

There’s hot, and then there’s Disney-in-July hot. That kind of heat turns everyone into a sweaty, cranky version of themselves. I used to laugh at people wearing neck fans… until I became one. Combine that with a cooling towel and suddenly, you’re not spiraling in line for Frozen Ever After. These don’t take up much space, and they absolutely save your sanity when the heat hits noon and you still have two Lightning Lanes to make.

5. A Real Park Bag

The first time I went to Disney, I brought a mini designer bag that fit exactly one lip gloss and a granola bar. By midday, I was juggling my phone, sunscreen, wallet, and a half-eaten Mickey ice cream bar. Don’t be me. Get a small backpack, belt bag, or crossbody that’s comfy and hands-free. Make sure it zips closed, has compartments, and won’t dig into your shoulder halfway through the day. Function first, always.

6. Blister Patches + Travel Pain Meds

No one talks about the blisters. You’ll be walking for hours, standing in lines, and chasing after parade routes. Even the best shoes can betray you on day three. Keep a couple of blister patches and travel-sized painkillers in your bag—you don’t want to spend the second half of your trip waddling like a Disney duck. It’s the little things that save you.

7. Lip Balm with SPF

Sunscreen is obvious, but your lips? Totally forgotten. Mine got so dry and cracked during one trip that I had to emergency buy a $14 lip balm at a gift shop. (It was shaped like Minnie Mouse, but still.) Now I always keep one in my bag, and it’s saved me from sunburned lips and the general feeling of being a raisin in human form.

8. A Light Layer for Indoors

People think Florida = always hot, but they forget about the indoor AC situation. Buses? Freezing. Rides? Arctic. Restaurants? Basically Epcot’s version of Antarctica. I like to pack a light hoodie, cardigan, or oversized button-up to toss on when I step inside. That way I’m not teeth-chattering through my Dole Whip break.

9. Portable Charger

Disney is basically a phone-based experience now—Genie+, mobile ordering, wait times, maps, taking 800 castle pics—you’ll be on your phone constantly. Your battery will drain faster than your patience in the Peter Pan queue. A portable charger is non-negotiable. Bonus points if it has multiple ports or a built-in cable.

10. A Packing List That Doesn’t Suck

Look, you could wing it—or you could use the packing list I made after years of trial and error, overpacking and underpacking, and forgetting everything from deodorant to Minnie ears. It’s free, it’s detailed, and it covers everything I mentioned and more.

👉 Download the free Ultimate Disney Packing List here

And if you’re the type who wants a full prep experience (think outfit planners, park day agendas, photo ops, and a full-on planning glow-up), I made that too.
✨ Get the Deluxe Disney Prep Pack for $5 — because you’re not basic, and neither should your park strategy be.

Comment below: What’s your go-to Disney must-pack? I’m always updating my list—and no judgment if your answer is a flask and Advil. 💅