Minimalist guide to Disneyland

[tdhickey]

One of the things I can't fathom is the need for people to bring so much damn stuff to Disneyland. Backpacks, huge camera's, big bags, strollers loaded the hilt, you name they have. I am more of a minimalist traveler, especially in Disneyland where I never feel the need to take anything really. Here's my quick guide on how to be minimalist in the park.

Some suggestions to make your trip less onerous:

1) Pack essentially nothing, you need a wallet or small travel purse to carry your pass, credit cards, cash, ID, camera and any medication/feminine supplies you might need, that's it really.

2) If you have kids in diapers, add a very small diaper bag with basic change of clothes, kids sunscreen and diapers in it. A small single strap sling is often enough for this. You'll need your stroller too obviously.

3) Don't bring water, don't bring snacks, don't pack a lunch, don't bring 9 layers of clothing. Eat in the parks, snack in the parks. It doesn't cost that much more to do this, to me the extra grocery trip is a waste of time and money.

4) Limit yourself to 1 souvenir, make it a wearable and bonus something that you under packed for. I usually buy a hat for example that lasts me until the next trip or a shirt. Kids buy a toy for hotel entertainment and a shirt and they are happy. Lets face it, that cone shaped souvenir drinking cup wasn't overly practical when you got home was it?

5) If you need anything unexpectedly, they sell it. Anything really! The rest you can stock at your hotel if necessary.

I find that people limit their mobility and enjoyment by carting around so much crap all the time and I quite frankly don't get it. I supposed you save a couple bucks, but why bother if it's an inconvenience.

What do you think, are you a stuff person or a minimalist?

 

[tlovesdis]

I am with you 100%! I carry a small crossbody purse so my hands are free! It actually pains me to see people with giant backpacks on!! To me, less is way more!!!

 

[VandVsmama]

I understand where you're coming from. At the same time, it saves our family a lot of money by bringing in a couple of water bottles, granola bars & other small snacks, and sweatshirts (which we would stash in a locker). I can't afford to buy new sweatshirts for everybody in our family when an adult sweatshirt at DL is $60.

Before I had kids, I thought that I could get away with a small diaper bag with just 1 or 2 spare diapers. Boy was I wrong! One spare outfit wouldn't have worked when my kids were babies. Sometimes you get a blow out and you need something on hand and FAST! Lol

If I didn't have my kids to deal with, then I absolutely would go minimalist into the parks. I just carry a small backpack for all 4 of us.

 

[LoriLovesMickey]

I try to carry nothing! Cards, phone, and money in my pocket! I hate to even bring in a sweatshirt because once I'm in the park, I am usually plenty warm! Rides are so much easier that way!

 

[Luckymommatoo]

To each their own -- we are local and are rarely in the parks for more than 4 or 5 hours. Sometimes it's only three! We always, always have a backpack, and me, DH and DS take turns wearing it. We always carry a refillable water bottle for each family member, sunscreen, and snacks (granola bars, mixed nuts). We often get in and out without buying anything at all.

 

[Mugglemama]

It seems to me that resolving to buy extra just so you don't have to carry it is sort of the opposite of what we're personally trying to accomplish in our own minimalist practices. I would only buy more sweatshirts (or hats or any other wearable item) out of a genuine need. It's *because* I value minimalism practices that I would not buy an extra of something I already have simply for convenience. But I don't know - that's just me.

 

[RemainSeatedPlease]

I totally agree with you, except for #3. Buying water and eating all of your snacks/meals in the parks is just throwing money away. You say it doesn't cost that much more, but when you look at how many meals you can create with some basics from the hotel room compared to the price of one meal in the parks, it's a no-brainer (and I don't think DLR's prices are that high, they are pretty reasonable for a theme park). I also don't see how going to the grocery store is an extra trip. We buy all of our snacks, water, and DLR planned meals during our regular grocery shopping trip before the vacation, and just bring them along with us. If you actually budget things out, it costs a LOT more to dine in the parks instead of just bringing along some PB&J. If you're eating at a certain place in the parks for the experience, that's a different story. But if you just want sustenance to refuel yourself, granola bars are so smart and take up hardly any room. I can fit several in a small fanny pack, or even in a pocket.

Also, the thing about bringing layers would only make sense in certain seasons. I often go in December, and it can get warm when the sun is out during the day, but I would freeze at night if I didn't bring my sweater, gloves, and hat. Even in the spring it can get chilly at night. A light jacket is always a good idea to bring along, except in the hottest days of summer. I am certainly not going to waste $50+ on something I don't need and could have just brought along from the hotel room.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

We carry one smallish lightweight backpack for 4 people. Sunscreen is a must, and a couple small water bottles usually come in handy. For greater thirst, we get some ice water at a counter service location. We occasionally carry in one healthy snack per person. I also usually have a small tube of Advil, a couple Zantac, and a few band-aids so I don't have to trek all the way back to first aid if a minor medical need arises on the other side of the park. A few Ziploc bags for sliding phones and wallets into while riding water rides are also nice to have. When the kids traded pins and later vinylmations, the backpack was a good place to stash a few of those too. Nowadays I need to carry my glasses because I'm usually fine without them and generally don't like wearing them, but they are nice to have when watching stage shows or movies.

What the backpack has always been most handy for is as something to contain any odds and ends picked up or discarded throughout the day: leftover or saved-for-later candy, sourdough bread and other snacks bought in the park, small souvenirs usually picked up toward the end of the day but before the stores get too impacted, socks and assorted stuff from pockets that we don't want getting wet when we ride Splash or Grizzly, hats that we have grown tired of wearing now that the sun has gone down, and so on.

All told I guess it still sounds like a lot, but the backpack rarely gets very heavy these days and we have 4 people to take turns carrying it.

 

[lalasmama]

While I understand where you're coming from (and am a minimalist park-goer by myself), it wouldn't have worked when my DD was little, or when we start taking my grandkids.... While there's definitely inconvenience in carrying more things into the park, it's not just "a few dollars" I'm saving... For instance: (prices approximate)

12 pack of water bottles at 7-11: $7
1 bottle of water in park: $3.25
Savings: $32 per 12-pack (times this by the 3 days we are in the park, and I've saved $96 by packing my family's water); tap water at DLR isn't an option for us, or we could be saving much more!

1 locker to keep sweatshirts in: $7
1 sweatshirt for me in park: $60
1 sweatshirt for DH in park: $60
1 sweatshirt for DD in park: $40
Savings: $153

3 snack-size lunchables from 7-11: $6
3 snacks in park: $15
Savings: $9

On a trip with our grandsons, a small diaper bag with 3 diapers and a change of clothes for baby (and a shirt for me) means that we would probably head to the hotel at least twice a day because I'm covered in baby puke, or the diaper exploded, or our relatively newly potty-trained little guy waits a little too long. If we say 2 trips back to the hotel, that's approximately 60-90 minutes we've spent not enjoying Disneyland, just because I didn't want to pack a larger diaper bag (to have in the locker that I "purchased" in the above example). I'd much rather spend $7 to throw some things in a locker than heading back through the whole park, out the exit gates, through the esplanade, through the pedestrian entrance, across the street, down the length of our hotel (at Park Vue), unload 3 kids from the stroller, get 5 people through the bathroom, a baby (and/or me, and/or toddler) changed, disconnect 3 kids from their toys that they managed to find while everyone potties, pack everyone back into the stroller, lock up the hotel room, walk the length of the hotel, wait for the light, cross the street, walk down the entrance, through bag check where I have to unpack the stroller to find the minimalist diaper bag, then find the tickets to get into Disneyland, wait in line, get through the gates, and then try to remember where we were (or agree on where to go).... Holy cow, I'm tired just thinking about it! Props to parents who go minimalist in the parks!!

I think it just depends on what is important to any specific family. And, as with everything, one size doesn't fit all.

 

[bumbershoot]

It doesn't cost that much more to do this...

YES it does. We're only a family of 3 and it costs much more if we don't bring snacks. And if we don't bring water, too. Anaheim water isn't good for our palates. Buying Dasani is ridiculous especially in the parks.

And I'm not seeing sunscreen on the list. The other poster only mentions it for kids. Yikes.

Igloo MaxCold cooler backpack for waters and to keep mojo/clif/luna bars cool. Another bag of some sort with camera, sunscreen, something for me to write with...quite often a sweatshirt, because going morning to night I still haven't had a day where I don't need something warmer at some point. If it's cool in the morning it usually warms up. Even a warmer daytime can get chilly once the sun goes down.

Multiply it by your family, and you've got stuff.

 

[Keels]

I agree with you ... for the most part.

When I went solo last summer, I drove in from Santa Monica every morning during my two-day trip. So, going back to the hotel or whatever was a no-go. Plus, I did rope drop to close every night.

I needed a couple of extra things like extra sunscreen, a light pullover/jacket and a change of shoes for later in the day. Also, a couple of bottles of water that I got free every day from the hotel.

I also brought my iPad to check email, read, etc., during a little downtown when I was having a cocktail or a light snack by myself.

But, that said, I didn't schlep all that stuff around with me! I'm a human - not a pack mule. I spent the $7/day on a locker (VERY worth it!) in the Esplanade, and I would just grab whatever I wanted or needed as I park-hopped. It didn't cost me any time, and it was right by an always empty bathroom, so it was a bonus.

In the parks, I would just carry a small crossbody LV purse that held my wallet, phone, lipgloss, tiny mophie charger and sunglasses case.

When I bought gifts to take home, it was easy just to drop them off at the locker as I went in between parks (I pretty much hopped back-and-forth at least a dozen times each day.

 

[Cholula]

I usually only bring in what I can carry in my pockets and I love it. I realize I am lucky that I don't need to bring in extra stuff and I know that it's not practical for everyone, especially those with young children.

 

[Aladora]

I agree with the op on some things and totally disagree on others.

Now that DS is old enough to carry his own stuff, he has a small backpack for his Nintendo DS, a bottle of water and his quarters and pennies for the pressed penny machines.

I have downsized to a small cross body purse and in it is my small travel wallet with all of our tickets, a credit card and a bit of cash. I also bring my iPhone, lip balm and a small sunscreen since we all burn easily. I carry a bottle of water as well. DH has his iPhone and sometimes his wallet in a pocket and he will also carry a bottle of water.

So, I agree with not packing a ton but I totally disagree with not bringing water. We get a case of water and will easily go through 36 bottles in 5 days. 36 bottles at $3.25/bottle is $117.00 compared to the $6.00 is cost to get the flat. No brainer for me.

Since we are Canadian, that $117.00 U.S. is almost $150.00 Canadian, that is a big chunk of change to spend!

 

[707MickeyGirl]

I like bringing my backpack. It's not giant, it's not tiny. It's a North Face Women's Recon and it's super comfy to wear. I don't like having to go to a locker or back to the hotel if I need something.

In it keep a first aid kit (includes sunscreen), a hygiene kit (orthodontic wax, GUM picks, tissue, hand sanitizer etc.), camera, phone, wallet, comb & ponytail holders, hat, lightweight outer layer, a few snack bars, an insulated water bottle, sunglasses & case, park maps/itinerary, a reusable shopping tote for purchases, reading glasses, ziploc bags, and super small NeoAir inflatable seat cushions (by ThermaRest) for parades or just chillin' on a curb, people-watching, with maybe an ice cream cone or Dole whip. I'm old and don't like sitting on hard ground.

I'd rather have these things with me than waste time going after something when I need it. It accumulates things throughout the day such as leftovers from meals/snacks, etc., especially if my DGD6 is with me. My backpack weighs in at around 7 lbs. and I don't find it cumbersome to deal with on rides at all - it just goes at my feet. I know the minute I tried to go in with just a small purse I would need something and have to go back to the hotel, or go buy it, and I hate buying something just because I forgot it. Time is too precious to waste when you're at Disneyland and money is ALWAYS too precious to waste.

 

[LizzyS]

I totally agree on most of your points, but there will obviously be those who do not. People with small children- it's totally understandable that there are many supplies that you will/may need over the course of the day. What I don't get is teenagers and otherwise child-less folks lugging around STUFFED backpacks. A small one? Okay, I get it. Maybe you have a fancy camera and wanted to bring in some snacks, etc. I have often seen folks with backpacks that seem to be bursting at the seams. What the heck are you carrying in, exactly? I generally rent a medium locker and just carry around my LeSportsac Kasey cross body purse (which I don't even have to take off my body on most rides if I don't want to) with the basics in it and I'm good to go!

 

[beachdreamr1229]

When I'm alone, great! I see where you're coming from. I usually bring a small bag or just a wallet. But, when I have my whole family there, things add up. Kids need a lot more than adults do, especially young kids. If we bought everything we need at Disneyland, we'd spent way more than we can afford. So, we bring sunscreen, blankets, jackets, etc. with us so we can focus on having fun and not on the many expenses.

 

[TechGuy]

I guess I in the middle. I carry a bag, frequently nearly empty, unless I am bringing a sweater. As I guy, I can wear cargo shorts that have more pockets than most. I can easily carry my phone in one, a wallet in another, a small pocket camera, the park map/schedule and other items I collect during the day. But my wife gets cool easily, so we tend to bring a sweater for her. It also allows us to carry items we purchase (mainly on the way out of the park).

We also carry an empty water bottle. I am not going to carry water, no matter how cheap, when i can get all the water I care to drink from any TS or CS restaurant. Sometimes the water doesn't taste as good as it could, but it's wet. We frequently carry one bottle, and share. This may not work with some families. Sometimes the bottle I carry is the cheap leftover Aquafina bottle from lunch.

As to buying a sweater/sweatshirt in park. We know they are $60-80 and sometimes we budget for new ones and we buy them on the first day, and tote them as required. Other times, we bring the ones we bought last trip. We stay in park all day but sleep off-site and I am not going back to the hotel unless it's mandatory. it's ONLY across the street but I don't want to burn my day hiking to the hotel.

I always have snacks in my bag. Being GF, I can rarely be sure I can find cost effective snacks that I know are GF and safe for me to eat. If i eat the wrong snack, I am physically sick for 3 days. We tend to carry dried fruit, nuts and fruit gummies we buy at Trader Joe's or Walmart/Costco.

I also like that idea the when we need to strip off for a ride, we can place the hats/glasses/camera... into the bag (out of sight) while we are riding. Some rides, if it's in the bag, CM don't bother you about it.

 

[mr.bungle]

I don't even take my full wallet to Disney. I take my debit card, my id, my annual pass and put it in a button pocket somewhere. And my phone. That's it.

 

[tdhickey]

I agree with the op on some things and totally disagree on others.

Now that DS is old enough to carry his own stuff, he has a small backpack for his Nintendo DS, a bottle of water and his quarters and pennies for the pressed penny machines.

I have downsized to a small cross body purse and in it is my small travel wallet with all of our tickets, a credit card and a bit of cash. I also bring my iPhone, lip balm and a small sunscreen since we all burn easily. I carry a bottle of water as well. DH has his iPhone and sometimes his wallet in a pocket and he will also carry a bottle of water.

So, I agree with not packing a ton but I totally disagree with not bringing water. We get a case of water and will easily go through 36 bottles in 5 days. 36 bottles at $3.25/bottle is $117.00 compared to the $6.00 is cost to get the flat. No brainer for me.

Since we are Canadian, that $117.00 U.S. is almost $150.00 Canadian, that is a big chunk of change to spend!

See with the water I don't get why people bother:

- every kids meal comes with it already so there's three waters/drinks taken care of per child which is more than enough for them in a day
- the water you bring is cheaper, but there's no way it's cold like Dasani which lets face it is super refreshing
- adults, like 2 bottles each a day at most sure it's $13 a day for water much better than lugging a flat of water around. Also you need to go get that flat somehow...your not exactly carrying it down harbour blvd so there's a cost associated with getting it and anything near DLR is marked up significantly.
- You are carrying 6 bottles of water to the park with you every day, lugging them around to save $20 a day on your $5000 vacation (just not for me I guess)

 

[tdhickey]

While I understand where you're coming from (and am a minimalist park-goer by myself), it wouldn't have worked when my DD was little, or when we start taking my grandkids.... While there's definitely inconvenience in carrying more things into the park, it's not just "a few dollars" I'm saving... For instance: (prices approximate)

12 pack of water bottles at 7-11: $7
1 bottle of water in park: $3.25
Savings: $32 per 12-pack (times this by the 3 days we are in the park, and I've saved $96 by packing my family's water); tap water at DLR isn't an option for us, or we could be saving much more!

1 locker to keep sweatshirts in: $7
1 sweatshirt for me in park: $60
1 sweatshirt for DH in park: $60
1 sweatshirt for DD in park: $40
Savings: $153

3 snack-size lunchables from 7-11: $6
3 snacks in park: $15
Savings: $9

On a trip with our grandsons, a small diaper bag with 3 diapers and a change of clothes for baby (and a shirt for me) means that we would probably head to the hotel at least twice a day because I'm covered in baby puke, or the diaper exploded, or our relatively newly potty-trained little guy waits a little too long. If we say 2 trips back to the hotel, that's approximately 60-90 minutes we've spent not enjoying Disneyland, just because I didn't want to pack a larger diaper bag (to have in the locker that I "purchased" in the above example). I'd much rather spend $7 to throw some things in a locker than heading back through the whole park, out the exit gates, through the esplanade, through the pedestrian entrance, across the street, down the length of our hotel (at Park Vue), unload 3 kids from the stroller, get 5 people through the bathroom, a baby (and/or me, and/or toddler) changed, disconnect 3 kids from their toys that they managed to find while everyone potties, pack everyone back into the stroller, lock up the hotel room, walk the length of the hotel, wait for the light, cross the street, walk down the entrance, through bag check where I have to unpack the stroller to find the minimalist diaper bag, then find the tickets to get into Disneyland, wait in line, get through the gates, and then try to remember where we were (or agree on where to go).... Holy cow, I'm tired just thinking about it! Props to parents who go minimalist in the parks!!

I think it just depends on what is important to any specific family. And, as with everything, one size doesn't fit all.

Maybe it's just me, but I've never, ever needed a sweatshirt in Southern California no matter what time of year I went. I once bought a $5 poncho on a rainy day to protect our stroller from getting soaked.

I've taken kids from 8 months to 7 years old multiple times, always found that a tiny diaper bag and a simple change of clothes works best. I bought a spare outfit once, it was a great souvenir that we used for both children over the course of 5 years. Locker is a good option though, again saves you from lugging everything around the whole day at a cheap cost.