Heading to Disney World? First of all—YAY! Second of all—let’s make sure your trip is more happily ever after and less hot, tired, and hangry.

Between the Florida heat, miles of walking, and those surprise afternoon rain showers (because Florida loves to keep things interesting), the right gear can make or break your Disney experience. Trust me—I’ve been to Disney six times in the last seven years (with another trip coming up soon because, well…obsessed). After plenty of trial and error, I’ve nailed down the must-haves that keep my family cool, comfy, and meltdown-free (most of the time).

Since the list is long—because let’s be real, Disney days require strategy—I’ve broken it down into three sections: must-haves for the parks, hotel essentials, and general travel items. Grab these, and you’ll be strolling down Main Street like a total pro!

• • • Park Must-Haves • • •

Comfy Walking Shoes: Because Blisters Aren’t Magical

Listen, I love Disney, but I do not love blisters. With all the walking you’ll do, your feet will be begging for mercy by the end of the day. That’s why comfy shoes are a non-negotiable. I’m talking shoes that won’t make you feel like you’re walking barefoot on hot coals. Go for something supportive, breathable, and well-broken-in. These are my absolute favorites and worth every.single.penny. Oh, and if your feet do start to protest? Keep reading—help is on the way.

Sunblock: Because Florida Sunshine is No Joke

Listen, I love a good glow, but a sunburn is NOT the kind of souvenir you want from your trip. A solid, sweat-proof sunblock is a must. I swear by this one because it is EWG approved, doesn’t feel greasy, doesn’t run into my eyes (the true test), and actually holds up through the inevitable tianas-soaked-to-the-bone moment. I also LOVE this applicator, which makes it so easy to apply and reapply sunscreen quickly. Don’t forget the SPF Lip balm, no one loves burnt peeling lips!

Cooling Towels + Neck Fans: Your Best Friends in the Heat

Disney is magical, but heatstroke is not. Cooling towels + neck fans are my secret weapon for surviving long days in the parks. Just wet the towels with cold water, wring them out, and suddenly, you’re not melting into the pavement. These cooling towels are lightweight, easy to carry, and make a huge difference in keeping everyone cool and happy. I love that they come in a plastic tube so you can easily store and find them later.

But, if you’re like my husband and the idea of a damp towel on your neck makes you cringe, I’ve got an alternative for you: neck fans. These bad boys sit around your neck and blow cool air on your face, making you feel like a Disney VIP.

Stroller Necessities: Sanity Savers

If you’re bringing or renting a stroller (and if you have kids 10 and under, you definitely should), you’re going to want this stroller bag. Digging things out from the stroller basket can be a pain in the butt, especially when you’re juggling kids, snacks, and trying to find that one thing your toddler has to have right this second. A stroller bag makes it so much easier to grab what you need quickly. Bonus: it makes folding up the stroller for Disney transportation so much easier.

And while we’re talking strollers… don’t forget a stroller fan! Your little one will thank you when they’re not melting in the Florida heat. Also, you’ll want a set of these stroller lights in your favorite color so you can find easily find your stroller in the dark amongst the enchanting sea of other strollers. Trust me, they all start looking the same after fireworks.

Rain Ponchos: Be Ready for the Invenitable Downpour

You know what they say about Florida weather: if you don’t like it, just wait five minutes. And when that random downpour hits, you’ll be glad you packed rain ponchos for the whole family. They’re lightweight, cheap, and will keep you dry enough to keep exploring. And let’s be real: nothing says “I’m prepared for anything” like a giant poncho. These are my favorite adult ones and these are for the kiddos. You could absolutely get disposable ones, but they tend to rip and I find these work much better!

Reusable Water Bottles: Hydrate or Melt

Let’s be real—if you don’t have a water bottle on hand, you’ll be feeling like a human raisin by noon. The Florida sun doesn’t care that you’re on vacation, so staying hydrated is a must! Skip the overpriced park drinks and pack a reusable bottle. Trust me, your body will thank you. I’m all about that ice-cold water, and that’s why I prefer stainless steel bottles. They keep my water chilled for hours, which is crucial when the sun is trying to melt me into the pavement. These are my favorite bottles for travel because they are lightweight, have different top options and come in super fun Disney prints.
Note: All quick-serve dining spots offer FREE ice water stations to refill your bottle. However, the internet is divided on this topic. Some people hate the “taste” of the water and some people think it’s amazing. I’m Team No Thank You. Read on for more on that.

Cooler Backpack: Keeping Snacks Cool (Literally)

Long lines, hot sun, and hungry kids—oh my! I always pack a backpack cooler with snacks, fruit, drinks, and yes, even sandwiches for lunch most days. My picky kiddo has very specific lunch preferences (which, shockingly, do not include Mickey-shaped chicken nuggets), so having our own food is a lifesaver. Not only does it save money, but it has saved me from many meltdowns. Plus, the cooler can often fit in the stroller basket or in the seat when not in use. Just make sure you zip that sucker, Disney squirrels are RUTHLESS!

A quick tip: Disney doesn’t allow loose ice in the parks, so I recommend filling Ziploc bags with ice at the hotel and throwing those in the cooler. And if you’re not planning to rent a car, no worries—groceries and cases of water can be delivered straight to your hotel. That way, you won’t have to scramble!

The Mighty Belt Bag: Because Back Pain is Not a Souvenir

Let’s talk about the real MVP of park bags—the humble yet heroic belt bag (or fanny pack, if you’re feeling nostalgic for the ‘90s). This little guy is the perfect sidekick for a Disney day. It’s lightweight, doesn’t murder your shoulders like a backpack, and keeps your essentials—phone, lip balm, sunglasses, charging brick and wallet—right where you need them. Best of all, you don’t have to do the awkward bag shuffle every time you get on a ride. Just buckle up and go!

Now, let me let you in on a little secret—my favorite belt bag is actually a dog-walking bag. Yep, you read that right. Turns out, the extra pockets meant for treats and poop bags are perfect for keeping everything organized. It’s a little bigger than the viral belt bags, but that just means I can fit all my must-haves without it feeling stuffed. If you prefer something a little more compact, this one is a great option too!

I’ve sworn by my belt bag for years because, well, we’ve always had a stroller to do the heavy lifting. But this next trip will different. No stroller. No scooter. Just me, my feet, and the need to carry some extras. So now, I’m on a quest for the ultimate sling bag with a water bottle pocket. Stay tuned—post-trip, I’ll report back with my findings!

Straws: Because Soggy Paper Straws Are a Crime

Look, I love the environment. I recycle, I’m the queen of reusable bags, I love my stainless steel water bottles and tumblers, and I fully support saving the sea turtles. But, when it comes to Disney’s paper straws? Hard pass. Nothing ruins a perfectly good iced coffee (or Dole Whip float) faster than a straw that disintegrates before you’re halfway through. We’ve tried the reusable straw route, but honestly, keeping them clean on-the-go is a pain. Instead, I just throw a handful of disposable straws into a Ziploc bag and stash them in my park bag. No soggy straw drama, no weird texture ruining my drink—just smooth sipping all day long. Disney magic, intact.

Portable Charger: For When the Magic Runs Out of Battery

As you snap all those perfect photos and check out the My Disney Experience app (gotta make that next Lightning Lane reservation!), your phone battery is going to take a hit. Save yourself from the horror of a dead phone by packing this portable charger. This little lifesaver will keep you connected, powered up, and able to take all those “we’re here!” selfies without worry. But don’t panic if your charger dies mid-day—there are kiosks all over the parks that allow you to swap out a dead charger for a fully charged one FOR FREE. It’s like magic, but with more outlets and fewer pixie dust moments. Stay connected, stay charged, and keep those photos coming! Please note, the swap only works for the one I have linked.

Pocket Blanket: For That “I Need a Break” Moment

Disney is magical, but sometimes you just need to sit down for five minutes without your kids asking you to buy yet another stuffed animal. Enter the pocket blanket: small enough to fit in your bag, but big enough to give you the space to rest your feet (or let the kids have a mini nap). It’s perfect for impromptu breaks when you just need a moment of peace, claiming a spot for the fireworks at the end of the night or keeping your clothes dry when you want to sit down after it rains. You’ll thank me later.

Happy Feet: Happy You

Blisters are the ultimate Disney villain, but fear not! Moleskin is here to save the day. It’s like a superhero bandage for your feet—just apply it to any hotspots before they turn into full-blown blisters, and you’ll avoid that painful “hobbling around the park” scenario. Your feet will stay blister-free, and your trip will stay magical.

Because life happens, you might as well bring a small pouch with bandages and pain reliever too. That way, when a scrape or headache decides to make a surprise appearance, you’ll be ready to keep marching on. Because hey, those rides aren’t going to ride themselves! I always bring a small pair of scissors to cut the moleskin too. Also, let’s talk germs. After every ride (especially the super crowded ones), I like to hit up the hand sanitizer. It’s a quick and easy way to stay germ-free while you’re touching everything from snacks to souvenirs. Stay fresh, stay safe, and keep the magic rolling! I like these for easily attaching to your bag and these for a convenient spray option.

Your feet are about to become your new BFFs at Disney—so you’d better show them some love! After a day of marathon walking (seriously, how is it possible to walk this much?), treat your tired tootsies to some cooling epson salt gel. It’s like a mini spa day for your feet, and trust me, they’ll thank you.

So there you have it—your ultimate survival guide for surviving long park days at Disney World. With these essentials in tow, you’re ready to tackle the parks like a seasoned pro, and maybe even have a little fun along the way. So, grab your gear, grab your snacks, and get ready to make some seriously magical memories. Next up, we’ll chat Disney Hotel Must-Haves…

• • • Hotel Must-Haves • • •

Liquid Hand Soap: Because Germs Don’t Discriminate

Hotels can get a little… sticky, especially when kids are involved. Make sure you have your own liquid hand soap to keep things fresh and germ-free. Plus, it smells way better than whatever mystery bar soap the hotel provides. A quick wash goes a long way after eating churros, touching everything in the parks, and riding the Haunted Mansion. You’ll thank yourself later.

Power Strip: Because One Outlet Just Isn’t Enough

If you’ve ever tried to charge all your devices in a hotel room, you know the struggle of fighting over that one outlet or moving furniture to access a second outlet. Enter my favorite power strip. With one of these bad boys, you’ll be able to charge everything from your phone to your portable charger without playing “musical outlets.” No more fights over who gets to charge their tablet first!

Foldable Charger: Charge All the Things (at Once)

Speaking of charging… Disney days are long, and by the time you’re ready to head back to the hotel, your phone, AirPods, and Apple Watch are all in dire need of a charge. Enter the foldable charger that lets you charge all three at once. This little gem folds up neatly when you’re not using it and keeps your tech running so you don’t miss out on important things—like the new snack photos you have to post. It’s a space-saving, multi-tasking hero!

Portable Noise Machine: Because Peace and Quiet Are Priceless

Disney hotels can be a bit… lively. Between the excitement of the parks and your neighbor’s kids practicing their “excited screams,” it’s nice to have a portable noise machine on hand. Just turn it on, adjust to your desired “ocean waves” or “white noise” setting, and boom—instant tranquility. It’s like having your own little oasis, even if the walls are a bit thin.

Nightlights: For Middle-of-the-Night Bathroom Trips

Nightlights are a game-changer when you’re navigating your hotel room in the middle of the night. Trust me, you don’t want to stub your toe on the bed frame while looking for the bathroom at 2 a.m. A little glow goes a long way, and your tired feet will thank you. Bonus points if you get ones that plug into the wall and don’t take up precious counter space like these!

Pop-Up Hamper: For When Laundry Stands Between You and Magic

You know the feeling—suddenly, you’re drowning in clothes after a few park days. The solution? A pop-up hamper! It’s compact, easy to stash away, and will keep your room from looking like a laundry explosion.

Over-the-Door Organizer: Extra Space, Extra Magic

Hotel rooms are magical, but they’re also a little… cozy. Maximize your space with an over-the-door organizer. It’s perfect for hanging extra toiletries, snacks, sunblock, toys, popcorn buckets or even shoes. Suddenly, your hotel room feels like it’s got way more space for all your Disney loot (and let’s be real, there will be loot). It’s an easy way to keep everything organized without sacrificing that precious “room to breathe.”

A Great Pool Bag: For Poolside Fun (and Snacks)

Disney pools are basically a mini-vacation of their own, so having a great pool bag is key. I like this one because it’s waterproof and big enough to hold all the essentials—towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottles, snacks (of course!), my kindle, and a few fun toys for the kids. Don’t forget the wet dry bags for toting any wet items back to your room.

Travel Bottle Cleaning Kit & Dish Soap: Because Funky Water Bottles Are Not Magical

Between reusable water bottles, sippy cups, and travel mugs, things can get gross fast. That’s why I always bring a compact travel bottle cleaning kit—it comes with a water bottle brush, a straw cleaner, and a tiny drying rack that all fold together neatly for easy packing. Just add a small bottle of dish soap, and boom. This little kit keeps things fresh, tidy, and (most importantly) not sticky.

Snack Storage & Bag Hacks: Keeping the Chaos Contained

Disney snacks are amazing, but sometimes you need a stash of your own to keep the troops happy between churros. That’s where Ziploc containers come in handy—they’re perfect for keeping snacks and fruit fresh in your hotel room or park bag. I like the screw top extra small (for single portion snacks) and small (for fruit). But don’t stop there! Bring some chip clips to keep your bags of pretzels, popcorn, or Mickey-shaped goldfish from going stale, because no one likes sad, chewy chips.

And let’s talk about Ziploc bags—true MVPs of Disney packing. I always bring a mix of gallon and quart-size bags for everything from storing leftover snacks to making ice packs for the cooler. They’re also perfect for packing up half-eaten kids’ meals when they swear they aren’t hungry and then demand food 10 minutes later. Bottom line? Ziplocs are lifesavers, and you’ll never regret having a stash on hand!

And there you have it—your guide to making your hotel room feel like a cozy Disney sanctuary. With these must-haves, you’ll be ready for a relaxing and organized retreat after a fun-filled day at the parks. Let the magic (and comfort) begin! Now, let’s talk about plane and general travel must-haves…

• • • Plane / Travel Must-Haves • • •

Hard-Case Luggage: Protecting Your Souvenirs (And Sanity)

Let’s be real—airlines treat luggage like a football at the Super Bowl. That’s why I swear by a good hard-case suitcase. It keeps everything inside from getting crushed, and the 360° spinner wheels make it easy to dash through the airport like you totally didn’t leave for your flight 10 minutes too late. Kids and husbands, am I right? We love this set.

Packing Cubes: Because Organization = Less Chaos

Packing cubes are life-changing. They keep your clothes organized, help you fit more in your suitcase (because souvenirs will happen), and prevent you from digging through a tornado of clothes just to find your pajamas. Pro tip: Use different cubes for outfits, PJs, and undies so everything stays nice and neat. These are the ones I use.

The Perfect Carry-On Bag: Like Mary Poppins’ Bag, But Make It Stylish

A great carry-on bag is non-negotiable—you need something that holds all the essentials while still squeezing under the seat in front of you. My must-haves? Plenty of pockets (because blindly fishing around for lip balm and pulling out a half-melted granola bar is never ideal), a trolley sleeve so I can slide it onto my suitcase and at least look like I have my life together, an easy-access zipper pocket for my ID and phone (because I refuse to be that person holding up the security line), and a large water bottle pocket—because hydration is key, and I am always thirsty.

Travel-Size Toiletry Bottles: Because Leaky Shampoo is No Fun

If you don’t want to open your bag and discover your favorite shampoo has exploded all over your clothes, get yourself some solid travel-size toiletry bottles. I always go for the leak-proof, squeezable kind that don’t pop open mid-flight. I have tried many brands, but these lockable ones are my absolute favorites and they come in 3 sizes.
And listen, I know hotels provide shampoo and body wash, but I need my products, even when traveling. My hair and skin are not about to take a vacation from proper care just because I left home. Bonus: These bottles help you avoid those overpriced, tiny hotel shampoo bottles that never actually lather.

Toiletry Case: Keeping It All Together

I love a good hanging toiletry case—it saves precious counter space and makes everything easy to grab. This one has room for everything you could ever need and more!

Travel Medication Holder: Because Digging for Pills in a Giant Bag is the Worst

Instead of hauling a bunch of bottles, I use a small travel medication organizer to keep everything in one place—ibuprofen, allergy meds, kids’ meds, all my supplements and anything else we might need. Because nothing ruins a trip faster than a surprise headache or an unexpected allergy attack. I use this one for my daily supplements in the hotel and carry this one with us to the parks.

Plane Pillow & Blanket: Because Comfort Is Key

Airplane seats are not designed for relaxation. Between the questionable recline angle and the constant threat of getting smacked by the drink cart, sleeping on a plane is basically an endurance challenge. That’s why a good travel pillow and blanket are essential. I’ve tested so many travel pillows and finally found this one that actually supports my head and neck without swallowing me whole. And this cozy blanket? It’s soft, warm, and lightweight while still being small enough that it won’t hijack half your carry-on. Trust me, your future, sleep-deprived self will thank you.

Snackle Box: Next-Level Snacking, My Friends

Yes, I am that person who brings a snackle box (a tackle box filled with snacks), and no, I have no regrets. It keeps everything organized, prevents messy spills, and turns you into an absolute hero when your kids start getting hangry at 30,000 feet. Pro tip: Fill it with a mix of healthy snacks and treats so you can bribe—I mean, reward—good behavior.

Plane-Proof Busy Activities: Because “Are We There Yet?” Starts Way Too Soon

Listen, I love my daughter and the other kiddos we often travel with, but something about being confined to a tiny airplane seat turns them into professional boredom announcers. That’s why I come prepared with an arsenal of busy activities—think activity books, mess-free painting, magnetic tiles, puzzles, paint by sticker books, super fun moldable sticks and those genius water-reveal coloring books (a miracle for mess-free entertainment). Bonus points for anything that doesn’t make noise because, let’s be real, no one wants to be that parent with the beeping, singing, or otherwise disruptive toy at 30,000 feet.

Pro tip: Stash a few new surprises in your bag and pull them out just as the whining starts. Instant mood boost, no in-flight Wi-Fi required!

Personal Handheld Fan: Because Airplane Air is Stale and Judgment-Free Cooling is a Vibe

Sometimes, you just need a breeze. Airplane cabins have that weird combination of freezing one minute and stifling the next, and I always seem to board feeling like I just ran a marathon. That’s where my personal handheld fan comes in clutch—it’s perfect for when the air is stuffy, the AC isn’t doing its job, or my body randomly decides to throw in a surprise hot flash (love that for me). Bonus? It’s also fantastic for drying my face between layers of my skincare routine while traveling. It’s a small luxury that makes a big difference in keeping me cool, comfortable, and glowing—no matter what nonsense my body or the plane’s ventilation system decides to pull.

Sanitizing Wipes: Planes Are Basically Flying Germ Tubes

Do not (I repeat, do not) sit down without wiping down your tray table, armrests, and seatbelt. Airplanes are basically germ-infested sardine cans, and I refuse to let vacation start with a mystery illness. A quick wipe-down with these sanitizing wipes = fewer sick days and more Disney days. You can also use these at the parks to clean those sticky dining tables.

Dramamine: Because Motion Sickness is Not on the Itinerary

If motion sickness is even a slight possibility for you (or your kids), like it is for us, don’t risk it. Bring the Dramamine. I get the “less drowsy” formula for adults and the chewables for kids. Whether you’re dealing with turbulence, a twisty bus ride, or even just a particularly aggressive spinning teacup, it’s better to have it and not need it than to regret everything.

Kindle: Because I Don’t Go Anywhere Without a Book

I don’t go anywhere without my Kindle. If I’m not passed out on a plane, I’m reading. The Kindle Paperwhite is my favorite because I can adjust the text size (goodbye, squinting), tweak the background lighting to match whatever weird airplane mood lighting they’ve got going on, and easily hold it with one hand—which is perfect when my other hand is busy with snacks or a much-needed beverage. Plus, it’s super lightweight, so it won’t weigh down my bag, and kiddos love it too (hello, peaceful flights). Honestly, it’s a travel essential for book lovers and exhausted parents alike. It gets bonus points for being able to read outside in the sun without a glare, as shown above!

Water Bottle: Because Hydration is a Non-Negotiable

I am always thirsty, so a large water bottle is a must-have for me. And let’s be real—I’m VERY picky about my cups and bottles. For everyday hydration, I swear by this tumbler. The leak-proof lid is a game-changer, and it keeps my drink cold for hours (because, let’s face it, warm water is the worst). However, when I’m traveling, that side handle can be a bit of a hassle—hello bulkiness. So, I switch it up to this one, which has the same leak-proof design but a more travel-friendly handle. I take it everywhere: on the plane, to the pool, and I use it in the hotel room. But, when it comes to park days, I prefer a smaller, lighter bottle like the ones mentioned earlier in this post—because no one wants to lug around a massive tumbler when they’re walking miles around Disney.

And there you have it—my long list of must-haves for making Disney, and travel in general way easier, more comfortable, and a little less chaotic. Now you’ll be ready to tackle any travel adventure like a pro. ✈️✨

_{Affiliate Link Alert! 🚨
This post contains affiliate links, which is a fancy way of saying that if you click and buy something, I may earn a tiny commission—like, barely enough for a Dole Whip, but hey, every bit counts! 🍍✨ But rest assured, I’d never recommend anything I don’t truly love (because life’s too short for bad products and uncomfortable shoes at Disney). So if it made the list, it’s because it’s magical. 💖}