scooby9932
I Loves Me Some Disney!
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2007
- Messages
- 520
Ok, the list I'm going to post is super comprehensive with the reasoning behind each item. I apologize in advance if it's too long! 
I have used this list as a template for years now & have found if I can pack things compactly & using dual purpose items (like a waterproof windbreaker instead of a poncho & a jacket), it really doesn't add up to too much. At the very least, you'll have an idea of various things you could include in your pack:
Whew! Well that's all I've got. Not too much, eh?
I have used this list as a template for years now & have found if I can pack things compactly & using dual purpose items (like a waterproof windbreaker instead of a poncho & a jacket), it really doesn't add up to too much. At the very least, you'll have an idea of various things you could include in your pack:
- Autograph Book - If you want character autographs, you'll want to carry about an autograph book (or your tour guide, if it allows space for them). You can purchase these at Walt Disney World, bring one from home, or make a custom one on your printer. Bring along a thick-barreled pen that the characters can easily grasp in their gloved hands and a plastic bag to keep the book dry in your daypack.
- Bathing Suits - Opportunities for kids to get wet are abundant at Walt Disney World. If the weather is warm or your little one(s) like the wet stuff, bring their bathing suits along so they can enjoy it. They could also wear suits under their clothing to save at least one trip to the restroom, but bring plastic bags to store those wet suits after their adventures. Suggestion: two-piece suits for the girls work best, as they don't have to take off their entire outfit everytime they want to use the restroom.
- Batteries - These may be for your camera, camcorder, tape recorder, or handheld organizer. Bring what you need from home, as battery prices are expensive at Walt Disney World.
- Camcorder - If you have one and plan to use it, bring it. Be sure your batteries are charged/fresh.
- Camera - Keep your camera in your daypack rather than lug a separate camera bag. Alternatively, you could use your camera bag as your sole daypack. Another option is to use a small camera bag with a loop on the back, then slip the strap of your waist pack through it and carry it at your waist.
- Cards - You will likely have a collection of cards to keep safe and carry about. If you use your existing wallet to store these in, remove any unnecessary items before you bring it along. Consider a small, nylon wallet or pouch to store them in, and keep it handy in your carry-about bag. Waterproof, plastic cases with attached cords intended for waterparks work well, too.
[*]Resort Identification - If you are staying at a Disney resort, keep your identification on you at all times. You may need it to re-enter the resort, unlock your door, use Disney's internal transportation, get past the gates on Early Entry Days, gain admittance to the parks (if you purchased a park pass upon check-in), or charge something to your room (if you have charging privileges).
[*]Park Admission - If you have separate admission media, you'll want to keep it on you all the time so you can enter the parks. We also recommend you write down the numbers on the back of your passes and keep this information separate from your passes -- Disney may be able to use these numbers to replace your passes if they are lost.
[*]Credit Card(s) - MasterCard, VISA, American Express and The Disney Credit Card are all accepted at Walt Disney World. If you have more than one, keep on in your daypack and secure the other(s) in your room safe or with your front desk (in the event the unthinkable happens).
[*]Driver's License - We used to say that if you plan on renting a car, writing a check, or drinking an alcoholic beverage, you will want to keep your driver's license on you. With the heightened security, it is now recommended you keep your driver's license or other official photo identification on you at all times. Also if you have an Annual Pass be sure to keep your license with you -- if the finger scan doesn't work properly you may be asked to show ID. If your license does not include a picture of you, bring along another picture identification, too.
[*]Passport - Carry your passport with you if you have no other valid photo identification, or if you've been instructed to do so.
[*]Health Insurance Card - No one wants to get hurt while on vacation, but it happens more than you might imagine. Keep your health insurance card (or information) with you at all times. - Cash - Even if you have a charge card or charging privileges on your resort identification card, a little cash is necessary for purchasing snacks and the like. If you are uncomfortable with cash, consider Disney Dollars, which work the same way on Disney property. You can purchase Disney Dollars in advance at a Disney Store or when you arrive at Walt Disney World.
- Checks - If you're planning on writing checks at Disney, bring your checkbook or just a pad of checks (to save a bit of room). Be sure to bring two pieces of identification, too.
- Comb/Brush/Elastics - If you care about such things, a simple comb or folding travel brush keeps you looking presentable, even on the hottest, windiest days. Women (and men) with long hair should include an elastic or two to keep hair up, a blessing on humid days.
- Fan/Water Mister - These battery-operated, hand-held fan/misters are very popular at the parks on hot days -- you bring one from home or purchase one while you're there. Some come with straps, which means you can wear them rather than put them in your daypack, which is recommended. If you don't have a strap, make sure you have a plastic bag to protect your daypack from leaks.
- Film IF you still use a film camera - carry as much film as you think you'll need for a day, which may not be more than the film already in your camera. Weigh the pros and cons of bringing extra film with you (one more thing to carry) versus buying extra film at the parks (expensive). For Digital Cameras you might want to pack extra media cards.
- First Aid Kit - A small bag or box containing Band-Aids, aspirin, acetaminophen, your favorite legal pain killer, antacid, burn ointment and/or other necessary medications. There's no reason to go overboard here, however, as there are first aid stations located in each theme park at Walt Disney World. Even so, it's handy to have a Band-Aid when you need it most.
- Folder /Envelope - Keep your reservation/priority seating numbers and times, parade/fireworks schedules, theme park hours, maps, itineraries, etc. in a folder or envelope for easy access when you need it most.
- Gum - If you are an avid gum fan, carry it with you as you won't be able to purchase gum anywhere in Walt Disney World.
- Hat or Visor - Stay in the shade with a hat or visor, which will protect your skin and keep you cool. Consider a flexible one that can be rolled up and stashed in your bag when no longer needed. Women who prefer wide-brimmed straw hats should consider punching rivets on each side of the brim and threading a cord or scarf through -- this allows the hat to be tied on tight in windy conditions, or hung on the back out of the way when not in use.
- Identification for Kids - If you have young children who could get lost, consider giving them some identification that lists their name and resort/hotel name. They can carry it, or better yet, attach it to their clothing in some manner.
- Identification In/On the Daypack - If you misplace your bag, there's a better chance of it finding you when you put some identification inside it. Just slip a piece of paper with your name(s), resort/hotel, home phone, and emergency contact information somewhere prominent in the daypack. You could even put the identification in a luggage tag (or make a luggage tag with self-laminating plastic) and attach it to the daypack itself. Be cautious of including your home address or your room number (if you are also storing your resort room key in the bag).
- Insect Repellent - Deep Woods OFF! or some other bug repellent is particularly helpful during the summer and autumn. A tube of repellent can be purchased at most discount stores in the camping section, and fits nearly perfectly in a snack-sized, plastic bag.
- Itinerary/Wish List for Attractions/Meals - Bring along your itinerary or wish list, which you can jot down in your tour guide (if it provides space) or generate on your computer. Don't forget to include a list of e-mail addresses if you want to send a virtual postcard from Innoventions in Epcot, too.
- Jacket/Sweater - If you're sensitive to changes in temperature, a jacket or sweater can make air conditioning and chilly evenings much more comfortable. Consider a light windbreaker that takes very little room in your daypack.
- Maps - Disney provides complimentary guidemaps and entertainment schedules for all their parks, large and small. You can often pick these up before you enter a park at a Guest Services desk. They are also available in each Disney Hotel lobby. If you hang on to these throughout your trip (this helps in getting acquainted beforehand and answering questions afterwards), bring along something to store them in so they aren't rattling around loose your daypack.
- Mending Kit - A very simple mending kit with a pre-threaded needle and a couple of safety pins can save the day and takes virtually no space in your daypack. If you must pack scissors, be sure they are safety scissors with rounded ends so as not to excite security.
- Pen - You never know when you'll need to jot something down -- a reminder in a travel guide, a note on a receipt, or your phone number on a scrap of paper for a new friend. You may also want a small notebook, if your travel guide doesn't provide space for notes. Make that a thick-barreled pen if you're hoping to get character autographs.
- Penlight - Useful for reading maps, menus, and books in dim, dark places, or even finding your keyhole after a long day at the parks. Consider a penlight on a key-ring and attach it to one of your bag's zippers for fast access.
- Pins - If you are a pin trader (or hope to become one), be sure to carry some of your pins with you on a lanyard, vest, and/or in a pin trading book for when you spot a pin that interests you.
- Plastic Bags - All sizes and shapes come in useful for keeping things organized, dry, and safe. The snack-size ones are particularly useful in daypacks. Keep a few clean, empty ones in your carry-around bag -- you never know when you might need them.
- Poncho - Bring a poncho from home if you have it, along with a plastic bag to store it in when it gets wet. If you don't have a poncho, don't make an extra trip to get one -- you can pick one up virtually anywhere within Walt Disney World if it starts to rain. Ponchos are helpful for keeping strollers dry when they have to be left out in the rain, too.
- Quarters and Change - For the pressed penny/quarter machines and for the arcade games. Bring only as much as you think you'll need on a given day. I put mine in a mini M&M container - stacked Quarter,Quarter, Penny.
- Snack(s) - Keep your energy up with snacks you can carry with you and consume as needed. Bring foods that won't melt easily, such as pretzels, granola bars, raisins, nuts, or crackers. Also bring the concentrated drink mix, such as Crystal Lite packets. You can then order a large cup of ice water and mix your own drink for free! Suggestion: pouch drinks like CapriSun as they don't weigh much and are often just enough to quench your thirst while waiting in line, or bring up your sugar level quickly if you need it.
- Socks (dry) - If you or your kids anticipate getting wet during the day, dry socks may feel great.
- Something to Entertain You While You're Waiting - You'll do a lot of waiting at Walt Disney World and you may want to use that time to do something other than talk to your traveling companions or people-watch. This could be a paperback, a iPod, a hand-held game/organizer, or anything small that you and/or your kids might enjoy. I highly recommend a small magna doodle as it comes in very handy while waiting -- even the characters had fun playing with it!
- Stroller - Ok - not for IN your pack - but to help carry your pack! Though you can rent strollers in all the parks you may prefer to bring your own to save money or keep your child more comfortable. If you bring your own, be sure it is lightweight, collapsible, reclines, and has a canopy. Having your own stroller also means you can use it in the resorts and while waiting for buses. You may also want to bring a plastic cup holder for your stroller handle.
- Sunglasses with Cords - Sunglasses are a must for most of us visiting Florida. If you attach a cord to them, you can hang them about your neck whenever you duck inside an attraction and save room in your bag. However, you will want to stow them when you go on some thrill rides.
- Sun Block for Lips - Protect your lips from sun, rain, and wind, too. Apply it on the plane to combat the dry conditions.
- Sunscreen - Carry some of your favorite sunscreen in a small, travel-size container -- there's no need for the whole bottle.
- Tablecloth - A plastic, flannel-backed tablecloth works great for keeping a stroller dry in the rain or providing a padded, dry seat during a parade.
- Timepiece - Wear your watch or bring another kind of timepiece -- you'll need to know the time for various events and meals. If you are bringing a pager, make sure your time is set correctly before you leave home. If you don't want to be a slave to a clock, you can always ask a cast member for the time.
- Tissues - Keep these on hand for yourself and others to blow noses, clean sunglass lenses, or wipe away tears (hopefully tears of joy).
- Travel Guides - If you have a favorite tour guide, you may find it helpful to carry it with you for information, tips, and hints on making the most of your trip. If space is at a premium in your daypack, you may be able to remove the sections of the tour guide you need for a given day and bring just those. You may also want to print out information you found online and carry that along as well. Plastic bags work well for keeping these items safe and dry in your daypack.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste - If you like to keep your teeth clean, pack a travel-size brush and tube of paste.
- Umbrella - An umbrella is often more convenient than putting on and taking off a wet poncho. Ultra-compact umbrellas are available in many department stores.
- Washcloth - Stay cool in hot months by wetting a washcloth and using it to refresh your face, neck, and hands. Use water fountains to get it damp and store it in the plastic bag to keep your bag dry.
- Water Bottle - A water bottle with a sport "pop-top" can be refilled at water fountains to help replenish lost fluids. Consider freezing or refrigerating it the night before. If you are concerned about condensation on the bottle in your daypack, carry a bag with a separate water bottle compartment or use a bottle strap.
- Wet Wipes - Use these to wash hands when no sink is available or to clean ice cream off faces. Those of you frequently apply sunscreen will find these a blessing for sticky hands.
Whew! Well that's all I've got. Not too much, eh?
