Packing Tips for a Disney Rookie

[amberlynnhawkins]

My husband and I are heading to WDW in 2 weeks (YAY!!). We're both pretty much WDW rookies (he's never been, I haven't been in over 20 years -- and I was 4 at the time!). We're making out our packing list for what we MUST take. But I'm sure there are SEVERAL things we won't think of. Can all you seasoned Disney travelers offer some packing advice for us? Thanks in advance!!

 

[MidgeD79]

There are a few threads going on right now like "things I wish I would have packed". It is very hard to balance what you really need and what you might need - especially if you're flying. How long are you staying ?

 

[amberlynnhawkins]

There are a few threads going on right now like "things I wish I would have packed". It is very hard to balance what you really need and what you might need - especially if you're flying. How long are you staying ?

We're driving in (Alabama to Georgia to Florida) on Labor Day. We'll be in WDW until we leave the following Sunday morning.

 

[MidgeD79]

Be prepared to get/be wet - either from water or sweat! Alternate good walking shoes every other day and change socks frequently. You can get water/ice for free at any place that serves fountain pop ( not already bottled). Know how to use fastpass (it's free) and have a general idea of what you want to ride and know what parks they are in. I laugh when I overhear people talk about mismatch rides and parks. Also be aware that many people are more dehydrated than they are hungry. Try to avoid eating between 11am-2pm and 4pm-6/7pm, the restaurants will be packed.
Hopefully others will chime in too.

 

[imthatgirl]

heres the part of my list that i only know to bring because ive gone before.

glow sticks(we like the bracelets)
ziplock bags of different sizes(they come in very handy for a number of things, putting ice in a cooler, snacks, transporting wet clothes, meds, etc.)
ponchos
gum(they dont sell it there)
moleskin
antenna balls(makes it very easy to find the rental, just not disney balls)
band aid blister block
ear plugs(if you have children they come in handy for fireworks)
over the door shoe organizer(keeps those vanities clean of all your toiletrees)
cell phone charger
camera mattery charger
powerstrip to charge these things(never enough outlets)

 

[CityGranola]

I am loving reading all these suggestions! I am planning a trip for this time next year and am a compulsive planner, so... this is quite helpful!!

 

[Dashzap]

old park passes
copies of park passes (in case passes get lost)
pennies (to press)
Pal Mickey w/ strap
Poncho
Ziplock for water rides
Swim wallet

 

[happymommy]

Since you are driving, you don't have to worry too much about overpacking!

I am assuming it is just the two of you. Are you staying in a hotel or condo? I would bring pantry type snacks and drinks (no fridge necessary for the drive).

Other than that, I don't know if you have a kitchen or are staying IN Disneyworld (may make a difference).

I agree you will get wet! I have been in August about 4 times, and you get the showers, but they typically don't last all day, and then it clears out the parks! Umbrellas are nice, but it is fun if you need one to go to any gift shop place and buy them at Disneyworld. They have them behind the counter, and they are only a few dollars more than the dreadful ponchos (which are like a sauna to me, DH bought one once and I was like, Why?)

 

[dizlizzy223]

Every charger that you could possibly need, extra batteries (the batteries at Disney are ridiculously over priced), and film if use a regular camera (same reason as for the batteries)

 

[dansyr2514]

I would say...unless you want to do laundry, pack 2 outfits for each day. You will get hot and sweaty and probably wet from rain or rides. I actually prefer the ponchos. I can squeeze mine into my purse...easier than an umbrella and keeps you drier.

 

[kimsuenew]

We always pack:

Ziploc bags of all sizes
Handsoap pump for sink/vanity
Our own pillows
Tylenol
Dramamine
Our meds
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Lip balm with SPF
Slippers
Swimsuits
Surf shoes for pool area/pools
Cell phone chargers
Digital Camera
Memory for the camera
Charger for the camera
Trip Tik
WDW info and packet
Bag for the parks
Plenty of clothes (I over-pack, I have no desire to do laundry on vacation)
Over the door shoe organizer, to organize/store belongings in room
Pop up hamper and/or bags for dirty laundry
Flashlight
Bottled water
Room snacks (we try for healthy ones)
My ADR list (and then have one printed at check-in/compare immediately)
Spare shoes in case rain or water rides get others wet
Address list for postcards
Lysol wipes (I wipe the phone, doorknobs, lightswitches, remote control)
"Female items" (just in case)
Glasses repair kit tube
Spare glasses and contacts "just in case"
Make-up, teeth "stuff", hairspray, brushes, H&B aides, shaving supplies, ect...
DH & DS take hats (son has short hair, hubby beginning to lose hair - alot)
Sunglasses (for when the sun is bright and contacts are in)
Cane (I use the foldable one while at the parks)
Pennies and quarters in a tube for pressing
WDW packet I have made for this trip
Photopass receipt, for use while getting Resort Photo session done
Laptop and cord
Hand sanitizer wipes for park use
Cell phones

That is about all I can think of, it is our usual list... you will likely not need everything on the list but I bet you will need/want a lot of it! Have a wonderful trip!

 

[NaplesRI]

Health and Beauty

prescription meds
aspirin
tums
anti-diarrhea pills
dramamine
ear plugs
mosquito repellent
lotion
chapstick
Glasses
Sunglasses
Contact Lens stuff
suntan lotion
moleskin
bandaids
antibiotic
anti bacterial lotion
shaver
shampoo
toothbrushes
toothpaste
makeup
deodorant
powder



Misc.

extension cord
power strip
Cell phone charger
laptop & charger?
nightlights
flashlight
scissors
scotch tape
ziploc bags
plastic utensils
eyeglass repair kit
mini sewing kit
safety pins

glowsticks
Tinkerbell gifts

rain ponchos

Tickets
reservation info
car seat
Disney books
waist pack
camera

maps
directions
AAA card

laundry detergent
dryer sheets
stain stick
sponge

bags
zip bags
pens