Park Bag Must Have's

[ncbunnie]

What is your MUST HAVE list for carrying into the parks? I have seen A-Z lists that include everything but the kitchen sink but we have to be realistic!

We haven't figured out the logistics of packing the car yet so IF we get the full-sized stroller in there, no problems on our park bag, but IF it goes the way I predict and my hubby wants to pack his tool box, enough clothes for a Canadian winter, and a 19" tv (just kidding!)- we will be stuck with the lightweight, little-to-no-space-for-carrying-stuff umbrella stroller. In that case, what are maybe the top 5 or 6 items that you MUST carry into the parks?

We have a 3yo, so a change of clothes is a MUST. We are in WDW mid-Dec.

I'm thinking along these lines:
1- change of clothes for the inevitable potty accident,
2- jackets/sweatshirts
3- digital camera & extra batteries,
4- wipes
5- umbrella
6- autograph book & pen
7- small first aid kid (for the "Mommy! I need a Band-Aid!! moment)

Any other "necessities?"

 

[Havana]

tylenol, sunglasses, chapstick

 

[At World's End]

We brought an umbrella stroller last January for our 3 yo. We put a tote bag over the handles, along with a backpack. The totebag held stuff that wasn't valuable (extra clothes, snacks, maps), and we left it with the stroller when we went on rides. In the backpack we had the valuables (camera, keys, wallet, a few snacks for while in line, a few individual packs of wipes, a water bottle).

If the weather will be cold while you are there, bring a hat & gloves for DD, even a small blanket if you plan to stay for fireworks. Pack your extra clothes in a ziplock bag so you have something to put wet clothes in.

Keep in mind that if you bring the big stroller you won't be able to take it on the train that goes around the park, but you can take an umbrella stroller on the train. Also, everything in the stroller's basket will have to be removed when you fold it up. This is where the tote bag really came in handy for us. Just throw everything in there, fold up the stroller and go.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Bottles of water and ziplock bag with snacks. This can be a huge money saving tip. Bottles of water at Disney are $3.00 small bag of prezels $3.00!

 

[mysumi]

I always bring a small bottle of saline solution and an extra set of contacts, just in case. I used to bring my glasses with me but was afraid of losing them. I'm happier losing a pair of spare disposables. The saline and wetting drops are a must have for me though as my eyes dry out all the time. It's miserable trotting through the parks blinking constantly. I also like to have ibuprofen on hand too.

 

[Elliesmommy]

A travel size tube of sunblock is a must even during winter. Need to prevent those sunburns

My park bag is very simple. Camera,small tube or stick of sunblock, sone kleenex, a couple of wet wipes, chap stick, a few of band-aids, and hair ties. I also have a tiny baggie of various OTC meds like pepto bismol pills, Dramamine, tylenol, ibuprofen, and benadryl.

I make sure that I add new batteries to my camera before I leave the resort. In the off chance that I would need new batteries while I am in a park, I pay the premium to buy them at the park just so I don't have to carry anything extra.

I don't pack ponchos unless I know for a fact that it is going to rain. Again I would pay the premium in the park in case it rained without notice just so I have less to carry.

I don't bother packing a change of clothes either (unless I were to travel with an infant or toddler). On the rare occasion that I would need to change my clothes I would either go back to the resort or buy something in the park.

My bag drapes across my body from shoulder to hip and pretty much lays flat. I love it and so far I have had no issues with my minimalistic packing.

 

[kwdw]

Camera (with already charged battery)
Small pack tissues
One individually wrapped wet wipe
Chapstick
Sunglasses
Water bottle
Little ziploc baggie with snack
One dose pain reliever (maybe two!)
Tiny travel tube sunblock

In December - I'd check the weather for what else might be necessary - coats, sweatshirts, umbrella, ponchos. If I needed bulky things like that - I'd consider a locker. $7 well spent sometimes.

 

[Disney-Chick]

I actually don't carry much. We have band-aids, Tylenol etc. We have ponchos also and if used we fold them nicely and put them back away and air out at the hotel.

Last year I actually carried way to many shoes around the parks with me. But usually we just put sweaters in. And if we buy water/pop then we put that in the bag as well.

 

[MomofSixinSC]

Based on a tip I read on these boards, I carried a card with my suggested itinerary on it, covered with packing tape. Even if we didn't follow it strictly, I had everyone's must sees on it. With a group of 8, this was really helpful.

 

[DisneySJB]

I am also a minimalist - 2 frozen bottle waters (once gone, the load is greatly lightened ), travel size sunscreen, travel size contact solution, travel size anti bacterial gel, couple bandaids, camera, little cash and my KTTWC.

 

[cm8]

I am also a minimalist - 2 frozen bottle waters (once gone, the load is greatly lightened ), travel size sunscreen, travel size contact solution, travel size anti bacterial gel, couple bandaids, camera, little cash and my KTTWC.

, A cell phone or two way radios for dh and I when we get separated or need the one to get the other something last minute

 

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

I have one bag fort camera gear. In the other bag that dh will carry will contain rain gear, (dollar store ponchos) shout wipes ( a must on the dining plan) Tylenol kttw card $ photopass card and that is about it. Maybe a map and def cell phones