:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/amazon-first-person-roundup-tout-ba8ded82bb844df4b84c7d17433684ac.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "10 Disney World Packaging Mistakes to Avoid")
Although Walt Disney World’s nickname is the most magical place on earth, it can quickly become the most magical place frustrating place on earth if you are not well prepared. You can start reading the latest news ride reservation system changes or making your restaurant bookings in advance, but the most important step, however, is to create a comprehensive Disney packing list to ensure you’re ready for whatever comes your way, whether it’s blisters on your heels or a low phone battery.
I visit Walt Disney World a few times a year and like to gather the best tips from other park goers on navigating the crowds, walking over 25,000 steps in the sweltering Florida heat, and more. In addition to packing comfortable (yet cute!) sweat-wicking clothing and plenty of sunscreen, I’m always on the lookout for smart gear and supplies to make the long park days easier. That’s why I’ve rounded up the 10 most common Disney World packing mistakes—and what I recommend packing instead. And, in the words of my favorite Disney bloggers: Mammoth clubThe most important thing you can take with you is your ‘patience pants’. After all, being kind to cast members and other guests is a guaranteed way to ensure your trip is as magical as possible.
Do not bring: a large backpack
Pack this instead: a mini backpack or fanny pack
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Most Disney World attractions allow you to keep your bag with you if it is on the small side. But that’s not the only benefit you get from carrying a compact bag; You also don’t have to lug around something bulky and heavy all day. Instead, opt for a fanny pack or fanny pack mini backpack (if you want a Disney themed option, check out Loungefly’s hundreds of character-inspired bags) that is roomy enough for everything you need, but feels light on your back or waist. This Freetoo Fanny Pack is a smart choice because it has multiple compartments, which many shoppers said can fit essentials like phones, wallets, snacks and more. I have also used The Foldie fanny pack lately, and I’m excited to use it on my next Disney trip because of the amount of space it offers.
Do not bring: a Stanley Tumbler
Pack this instead: a lightweight, reusable water bottle
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Bringing your own food and drinks to the park is a budget-friendly tip that most visitors take advantage of. But I recommend keeping your viral Stanley cups and other mega water jugs at home, as they aren’t the most functional or convenient things to carry (I was shocked by the number of Stanley cups I saw on my last visit to Disney). Instead, I highly recommend this collapsible water bottle, which weighs almost nothing. I use it at Disney World’s many water refill stations and then clip it to my backpack or fanny pack with the included carabiner for hands-free carrying. Collapsible water bottlesin my opinion, are also the easiest option, but I have also seen many park visitors opt for water bottles with built-in filters or even fruit infusers to compensate for Florida’s infamously bad-tasting water.
Do not bring: one pair of comfortable shoes
Pack this instead: two pairs of comfortable shoes
Amazon
Amazon
One of the best Disney World hacks I’ve learned is to always pack at least two pairs comfortable walking shoes to alternate every day. This way, you won’t end up with the same sore spots on your feet on consecutive days wearing the same pair of shoes. I only travel to Disney with the same two pairs of shoes: Allbirds Tree Runners And Tevas sandals. They have arch support, let my feet breathe, and dry quickly (nothing says Florida like a random rain shower!). That said, I’m going to test out my new pair Ryka hiking boots on my next trip – of course they will be broken in before I get there! Confess and Hoka sneakers are also popular choices among theme park goers.
Do not bring: a bulky power bank
Pack this instead: a compact portable charger
Amazon
It goes without saying that a portable charger is a must-have for any Disney trip; checking wait times and getting stuck on Lightning Lane passes in the My Disney Experience app seriously drains your battery. But instead of packing your rugged power bank, which can hold multiple charges (and makes your bag heavier). And needs to be charged overnight), these FuelRods are a genius Disney World hack. This $30 set comes with two rods that can be exchanged for fully charged FuelRods at kiosks around the parks. So not only are they small and fit in any park bag, but they also don’t need to be charged in advance (so you don’t have to panic if you forgot to plug it in at your hotel the night before). You can of course also charge them via USB if you want to use them outside Disney.
Do not bring: an umbrella
Pack this instead: a hooded poncho
Amazon
Before you groan, believe me when I say it’s impossible to be embarrassed at Disney World: when it rains, everyone will bring out their ponchos. An umbrella may seem like a good choice, but it can be bulky to carry around when not in use and even more annoying when having to navigate through crowds during a rainstorm. Instead, opt for an inexpensive hooded poncho that fits easily in a fanny pack and tossed in the trash once the rain is over (unlike a raincoat, which you have to hold on to while it’s still wet). Moreover, everyone knows that “the best way to guarantee rain is to not be prepared for rain”, so if you pack your poncho, you’ll probably have a clear, sunny day, right?
Do not bring: plasters for blisters
Pack this instead: Moleskin filling
Amazon
Even the most comfortable, worn-out shoes can cause blisters if you walk more than 30,000 steps a day. Patches don’t provide much padding and can stain your shoes. That’s why I always pack pre-cut squares of moleskin instead. Moleskin is a heavy cotton fabric that is suede-like on one side and sticky on the other; it lasts all day and is much more durable than a bandage. On previous trips I have applied moleskin over blisters to prevent further irritation and was able to walk for miles without pain. Plus, it stays put even if your feet get wet.
Do not bring: a bottle of painkiller
Pack this instead: a compact medicine box
Amazon
A day at Disney World isn’t complete without taking some Advil or Motrin to combat that headache you got when Space Mountain spun you around. Instead of carrying a full bottle or those expensive individual packs of painkillers, this mini pill organizer allows you to take a few pills from your stash to the parks. Airtight and waterproof, it keeps your medicine safe and the screw cap makes it easy to access. But if you forget to refill in the morning, don’t worry: you can go to the nearest first aid center, where you can usually pick up over-the-counter medicines.
Do not bring: Shapewear
Pack this instead: an Anti-Scuff Stick
Amazon
Wearing shapewear or cycling shorts under a dress or skirt can work outside the park to prevent chafing, but when you’re in the middle of a Disney day, all that extra fabric can make you warm and uncomfortable. Then this Megababe anti-chafing stick comes in handy. Made with soothing ingredients like aloe and grapeseed oil, it prevents skin from rubbing together and causing irritation. But it doesn’t just help your thighs; use it on your feet to prevent blisters or under your bra to prevent friction. This travel size version means you can throw it in your park bag to reapply later in the day.
Do not bring: a suitcase without separation
Pack this instead: packing cubes
Amazon
I always pack these compression packing cubes because they allow me to fit a week’s worth of clothes and shoes into a carry-on. And keep my dirty laundry separate from my clean clothes. Let’s face it: your clothes kind of stink after a long day of walking through the parks in the intense Florida heat. Because of this, I never re-wear clothes during my Disney trip, which means I have to be able to pack separate outfits for each day. At first glance, these compression pads help me fit all the shorts, tops, underwear, and pajamas, plus a few nicer outfits if I plan to go out to dinner without any problems. But I’ve found they also come in handy when I do a split stay (staying at different Disney World resorts in one trip) and have to repack everything halfway through my trip. When I get home, I throw the blocks in the wash together with my dirty clothes.
Do not bring: flat, unsupportive shoes
Pack this instead: arch supports that support the arch of your foot
Amazon
I’ve seen a lot of people wearing flat sneakers Adidas Grandcourt tennis shoes or Vans Ward low sneakers to Disney World, and while everyone has their own shoe preferences, it doesn’t hurt to bring a pair of supportive insoles to give yourself some extra comfort. I recently tried these Superfeet Medium insoles in my… Brooks Ghost 15s for the gym, and I couldn’t believe how much lift it gave my feet during a workout. The stabilizer cup keeps your foot in place as you trek through the parks, and the foam padding helps relieve pressure. These Superfeet insoles are also customizable, so you can cut them to fit your shoe perfectly.
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