Walt Disney World Resort

Packing list

The short answer: comfortable shoes, a portable charger, rain gear, and sunscreen. Those four things solve most of the problems families run into at Walt Disney World_® Resort. Beyond that, a few smart additions for your resort room and your park day bag make the whole trip smoother.

This Disney World packing list covers what to pack in your suitcase, what to carry into the parks each day, and what to leave at home. The goal is to pack light and still be ready for Florida heat, afternoon storms, and active days on your feet.

Shoes matter more than anything else

You will walk a lot at Walt Disney World Resort. Most families log 8 to 12 miles per park day — more if you rope drop and stay for fireworks. The single best thing you can pack is a pair of shoes your feet already know.

One pair of broken-in walking shoes is all most people need. If you have the suitcase space, a second pair lets you rotate daily — switching shoes changes the pressure points on your feet and reduces blisters. Running shoes, trail shoes, or supportive walking shoes all work. Sandals and flip-flops do not hold up for a full park day.

If you feel a hot spot forming, stop and deal with it right away. Moleskin patches and blister bandages are small enough to toss in your day bag, and they save the rest of your day.

Your park day bag

A small backpack or crossbody bag is all you need for a day in the parks. It has to fit between your feet on rides, so keep it compact. Here is what to put inside:

• Portable phone charger. The My Disney Experience app runs all day — Lightning Lane bookings, mobile food orders, wait times, and your park map. Keep your phone charged and you’ll have everything at your fingertips all day. Pack a charger and a cable for each phone in your group.
• Sunscreen. Florida sun is strong year-round. Apply before you leave the resort and bring a travel-size bottle to reapply. A sunscreen lip balm protects lips that burn easily and get overlooked.
• Rain ponchos. Florida afternoon storms roll in fast, drench everything, and leave just as quickly. Disposable ponchos from a dollar store at home weigh nothing and fold flat. They also protect you on water rides like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Kali River Rapids_®.
• Refillable water bottle. Quick Service restaurants give free cups of ice water. Water bottle filling stations are located throughout the parks. Staying hydrated in Florida heat matters more than you think.
• Sunglasses. Bring a comfortable pair you don’t mind tossing in your bag between rides.
• Gallon-size zip bags. Drop your phone, wallet, and charger into one before water rides. It takes five seconds and keeps everything dry.

That covers the basics. You can add snacks, hand sanitizer, and lip balm if your bag has room, but keep the load light. You carry it everywhere.

What to pack for your resort room

A few inexpensive items make your hotel room work harder for your family. None of these take up much suitcase space, and they save money or add comfort every day of the trip.

• Snacks and breakfast items. Cereal, oatmeal packets, granola bars, and fruit keep mornings fast and cheap. You skip the breakfast rush and get to the parks earlier. Disney allows food in the parks and resorts, so stock up at home or order grocery delivery to your resort.
• Plastic bags for dirty laundry. A couple of large trash bags keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones, especially when wet swimsuits are involved.
• Basic medicine. Pain relievers, allergy medicine, antacids, and kids’ fever reducers. Packing your own from home is easier and cheaper than buying at the resort.
• Gum. Gum is not sold anywhere on Disney property — not in the parks, not in the resort shops, and not at Disney Springs_® Area. If your family chews gum, pack it.
• Phone chargers and a power strip. A small power strip is worth packing for larger families or multigenerational groups so everyone can charge overnight.
• Nightlight. Young kids waking up in an unfamiliar dark room need a way to see. A small plug-in or battery-powered nightlight helps everyone sleep better.

Florida weather gear

Florida weather does not follow rules. A sunny morning can turn into a downpour by 2 p.m. and clear up by 3 p.m. Temperatures swing between seasons, and the humidity makes everything feel more intense.

Summer

May through September highs regularly hit the 90s with humidity that makes it feel over 100°F. Pack light, breathable clothing. Moisture-wicking shirts dry faster than cotton after rain or sweat. Cooling towels — the kind you soak and snap — are one of the best things you can pack for summer Disney World trips. A neck fan helps too.

Plan for afternoon thunderstorms. They are almost a daily event from June through September. The storms are heavy but short. Rain ponchos get you through them. An extra set of socks in a zip bag means dry feet for the rest of the day.

Winter

November through February mornings can be cool — sometimes in the 40s or 50s. Afternoons warm up into the 60s and 70s. Layers work best: a t-shirt under a zip-up hoodie or light jacket that you can shed by midday and tie around your waist. Bring long pants for early mornings and evenings. You likely will not need a heavy winter coat, but a packable rain jacket handles both wind and light rain.

Spring and Fall

These are the most comfortable seasons, with warm days and mild evenings. Pack the same summer essentials — sunscreen, water bottle, rain gear — but add a light layer for evenings when the temperature drops after sunset.

What to wear in the parks

Comfort is king at Walt Disney World Resort. The best park outfits are light, breathable, and easy to move in — from morning rope drop through the fireworks.

• Athletic or moisture-wicking clothing. Quick-dry fabrics handle rain, sweat, and water rides. Avoid jeans and heavy cotton on hot days.
• Layers for cool mornings. A light zip-up or hoodie works for early mornings and air-conditioned attractions. Tie it around your waist once you warm up.
• Hats with brims. A baseball cap or wide-brim hat protects your face and neck from sun. It also keeps rain out of your eyes. Hats with chin straps stay on during rides.
• Swimsuit and a cover-up for water park days. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park both have lockers and changing rooms near the entrance.

Disney has a dress code, but it is simple: wear shoes and a shirt at all times. Costumes are not allowed for guests 14 and older. Clothing that drags on the ground is not allowed in the parks.

What to leave at home

Some things are not allowed inside the Disney parks and water parks at Walt Disney World Resort. Others are allowed but not worth the space or hassle. Save the suitcase room.

• Wagons. Not allowed in any theme park or water park. Strollers are fine for young kids.
• Selfie sticks. Not allowed in any theme park or water park. Tripods are allowed only if they fit inside a standard backpack and do not extend over 6 feet.
• Large coolers and suitcases. Bags cannot exceed 24" × 15" × 18". Leave full-size coolers and rolling luggage at the resort.
• Drones. Not allowed anywhere on Disney property.
• Glass containers. Not allowed through park security.
• Loose ice. Use sealed gel packs in your bag instead.
• Expensive jewelry. Rides with drops and speed changes can shake things loose. Leave valuables in the room safe.
• Too many clothes. Most Disney resorts have laundry facilities. Pack 4–5 days of clothes and plan a quick wash on a rest day instead of packing for every day.

Packing for kids

A few small, light extras make park days easier for the whole family.

• A change of clothes in the day bag. Water rides, spilled drinks, and Florida rain can all leave a kid soaked. A rolled-up outfit in a zip bag adds barely any weight.
• Familiar comfort items. A small stuffed animal or favorite blanket helps young kids settle at nap time and bedtime in an unfamiliar room.
• Autograph book and a thick marker. If your kids want character autographs, pack these from home. Characters wearing gloves find thin pens hard to hold. A fat Sharpie works best.
• Glow sticks or glow necklaces. Inexpensive, lightweight, and a fun surprise once the sun goes down. Kids love them during the fireworks.
• Their favorite snacks. Pack the snacks your kids already love — especially for toddlers and picky eaters. Having familiar favorites on hand keeps everyone happy between meals.
• Small distractions for lines. Stickers, coloring books, a small toy, or a favorite game on your phone. Even with Lightning Lane, kids will spend time waiting — a small activity makes the difference.

Babies and toddlers

Young families need a few bigger-ticket items on top of the basics. Plan these ahead so they are waiting at your resort when you arrive.

• Stroller. Your stroller from home goes everywhere with you — parks, resort, restaurants, and Disney Springs Area. A rental stroller stays at the park. If your family uses a stroller daily, bringing your own is easier. If you only need one for long park days, rent from an outside company through a travel advisor — it arrives at your resort before you do. Each mode of Disney transportation handles strollers differently, so check the rules before you decide.
• A way to spot your stroller. Stroller parking areas at the parks hold hundreds of identical strollers. Clip a colorful towel, ribbon, or balloon to the handle so you can find yours quickly.
• Pack ’n play or travel crib. Disney resorts provide pack ’n plays on request at no charge — ask when you book or call the front desk. If your child sleeps better in their own setup, bring a travel crib or rent one from a company that delivers to the resort.
• Baby monitor. Useful if you have a family suite or connecting rooms and need to hear a sleeping baby from the next room.
• Diapers and wipes. Bring more than you think you need, or ship them to the resort ahead of time. Baby Care Centers in every theme park have changing tables, nursing rooms, and basic supplies if you run low.
• Stroller fan. A clip-on fan keeps babies cool during hot days. Battery-powered models are light and easy to attach.

Order ahead

You do not have to pack everything in your suitcase. Many families order supplies online and have them waiting at the resort on arrival day.

Ship packages to your resort

Ship bulky items like bottled water, sunscreen multipacks, pool toys, and diapers straight to your Disney Resort hotel. On the label, include:

• Your full name matching your reservation
• The word “Guest”
• Your arrival date
• The resort name and address

The resort’s Bell Services desk holds packages until you pick them up. Picking up yourself is free — Bell Services charges a handling fee only if you ask them to deliver to your room.

Order groceries for delivery

Services like Instacart, Amazon Fresh, Walmart+, and Garden Grocer all deliver to Disney Resort hotels. Schedule a delivery for your check-in day, even if you arrive late. Bell Services stores everything — including cold items — until you are ready. Use the same labeling details as packages above in the delivery notes.

Stocking your room with breakfast items and snacks means faster mornings and more time in the parks. Focus on items that fit a mini fridge: cereal, granola bars, fruit, bottled water, juice, and milk.

FAQ

Next steps

Get a personalized packing list for Disney World from a travel advisor. A Good Story Vacations advisor can send you a trip-specific packing checklist based on your travel dates, resort, and family.

Getting around Learn how transportation works between parks, resorts, and the airport so you know what to expect on arrival day.