What to Pack in Your Disney Bag

Finally, the time has come for you to pack for your Disney trip. You have planned your outfits, purchased your tickets, and made all your reservations. Now there is one more thing you need to prepare for. That is what to pack in your Disney bag. 

Too many times I have seen people bring giant bags overstuffed with things they don’t need. By the end of the day, those guests complain about back pain, shoulder pain, and having no places to stuff their bags on the ride. Then on the other side, you have people who don’t pack anything at all and just stuff their phones and tickets in their pockets. Though those guests are quite brave, they find themselves out of luck when they need something.

We want to be in the middle with a mini bag. Most likely you will have one of the mini Disney loungefly bags or a fanny bag. These bags are perfectly park-sized and I highly recommend them. They are easy to carry, cute, trendy, and perfectly sized. Here is what to pack in your mini Disney bag to make sure you have everything you need in such a small space!

Haven’t purchased your tickets yet? Before we get started, you can grab them here to save on gate prices!

Travel Sunscreen sized

The first item you want to pack in your Disney bag is a travel-sized sunscreen. It doesn’t matter what time of year you travel to Disney World, the sun will be hot and kicking. Whether you plan your trip in the cold of winter or the heat of the summer, the UV index will be in the high to extreme zone. Welcome to Florida. You want to make sure you wear sunscreen and reapply it multiple times in the day. Please don’t just apply in the morning and think you are good. Bring the mini version or pour some into a travel-sized container to stick in your bag, it is a must. A sunburn can really ruin a trip, so it is best to avoid it altogether by packing a mini sunscreen in your bag. 

External Battery and Charging Cable

The next item you want to pack in your mini Disney bag is an external battery and charging cable. Most of us aren’t bringing professional cameras, camcorders, or point-and-shoot cameras to the parks anymore. We are all using our phones all day to take pictures. Then when we are not taking pictures, we spend hours using Wi-Fi and mobile data to schedule reservations and check wait times on the Disney app. Both of these activities are extremely battery-draining on your phone. Once that battery is gone, it’s gone. You will be phoneless or have to pay for a fuel rod for the rest of your day. I simply recommend bringing your own battery and charging cable, so when your phone battery is halfway down, you can plug it in in your bag and let it charge for when you need it. 

You can get one of the highest rated, most powerful, and fast charging external battery here or click the image below.

Quick Snack

Most important on the list of what to pack in your mini Disney bag is a quick snack. This is essential. So many people believe they don’t need to bring a snack to Disney World because they are already surrounded by great food and desserts. While being surrounded by delicious food is the truth, you must bring your own quick snack. To start, we don’t get to plan when hunger strikes for ourselves or our children. Even more so, you might find a family member having a meltdown and not realizing they simply have to eat. Sometimes, we are 1 hour deep in a 3-hour wait for Rise of the Resistance when the headache and stomach grumble kick in. 

There is no reason to suffer through it or lose your spot in line. Simply pack a high-protein, mild sugary snack. That should be enough to get you through the next hour until you can find where to eat. Also, food at Disney is expensive, if you are a big snacker and on a budget, buying everything you see might not be the best idea. It is best to pack little quick snacks to get you through when you need them. 

Ponchos or compact umbrella

You’ll also want to pack a poncho or compact umbrella. This is another Florida no-brainer. Where there is Florida, there is rain, and Disney World is right in the middle of it. Even if the weather forecast swears it won’t rain during your vacation, the weather is unpredictable. You might see clear skies while waiting for a ride and a thunderstorm when you come out of it. The weather can change that quickly. You don’t want to be unprepared and soaking wet. Especially if you don’t have space in your bag for a spare outfit. Bring either a poncho or a compact umbrella to protect yourself from any sudden rainstorms or sunshowers. 

If you opt for the poncho route, don’t wait until you get into the park to purchase an overpriced plastic poncho. You can find a high-quality Disney poncho here for half the park price!

When choosing a compact umbrella, go for one that is lightweight and sturdy. This one here is perfect for the park, lightweight, and wind resistant!

Custom first aid kit

Next on what to pack in your Disney bag is a custom first aid kit. No, you don’t have to bring the giant kits from the pharmacy filled with a million bandaids, but something small and necessary. Like with hunger, we don’t get to plan when we are in pain, uncomfortable, or can’t breathe. You should pack a few bandaids in case your ankle is rubbed raw by your shoe. Also, if you are prone to allergies, especially during the flower and garden festival, you’ll want to pack a non-drowsy allergy medication. If you are prone to headaches or any other pains, Advil and Tylenol sell mini travel tubes with about 8 in each. These general first aid items, along with any other medical essentials, are small, easy to carry, and can save you a lot of discomfort. 

Hand Sanitizers

Then you must pack hand sanitizer. Yes, this is directly in relation to the most recent pandemic. I have been so much more germ-conscious at the parks since the start of the pandemic. While you see a metal bar in the queue or a keypad in a gift shop, I see a pile of germs that haven’t been disinfected for a month. So many sick people are going on their Disney vacation, coughing in their open hands, then touching everything in sight.

Though this isn’t new and has been this way forever, if you want to avoid getting sick, it is best to hand sanitize often. My go-to hand sanitizing schedule is right after getting off a ride and before eating. Basically, if you touch anything in a high-touch area, disinfect yourself afterwards, unless you want the Disney flu. 

Compact Wallet with ID

Also, in your Disney bag, pack a compact wallet with your ID. There are many large and cute loungefly wallets going around, especially ones that match the bag you are bringing. However, this is completely unnecessary and a waste of bag space. Though we want our bags filled with essentials, we don’t want it too heavy or filled and disorganized. Instead, bring a compact wallet. One the size of a luggage tag that only has 3 or 4 slots for your cards. You do not have to bring your ultra-stuffed tri-fold wallet.

In terms of payment, you only need a main credit card and a spare credit card. Then make sure you have your ID in there. If at any time during your trip, you lose or forget your credit card or park ticket, that can be stored on your phone. However, in order to verify anything you will need at least your ID. 

Water bottle you can reuse

Last on what to pack in your Disney bag is a water bottle you can reuse. We all know how important it is to stay hydrated at Disney World. Though our body won’t feel it immediately, you are walking for 12 hours, minimal sitting, and in the hot sun. It is important to drink water multiple times during the day. However, this does not mean you have to carry around your giant metallic 64 oz jug of water. Bring either a child-size water bottle or a 16 to 32 oz insulated bottle to keep your water cold throughout the day. Anything that fits in your bag. 

Then keep in mind that Disney has several water bottle refill stations throughout the park. On top of this, at every soda fountain station, you are also allowed to give your water bottle and they will fill it for you. This way you get to stay hydrated throughout the day and don’t have to hurt your back or shoulders carrying a large jug. 

If you want one Disney themed bottle, you can find the Simple Modern Disney collection reusable water bottles here!

Pack light and have fun

Now, at the end of our list of what to pack in your Disney bag, you see your Disney bag doesn’t have to be stuffed to the brim. You don’t have to bring your whole suitcase and you don’t have to suffer back pains. The park mostly has everything you need and all you need in your bag are your essentials. Make sure to pack certain necessities such as medications, weather protection, and a good snack, and you’ll have the perfect packed bag. Packing light is the best way to go, now that you are properly packed, you can focus on the fun!

Now that you’ve prevented a poorly packed bag here are 5 other mistakes that ruin your Disney vacation and how to avoid them!

Looking to explore Orlando during your stay? Here are more things to do in Orlando!