Disney Packing Must Haves
Disney packing is unlike any other trip packing.
Here’s some must haves that make your trip of a lifetime, a little smoother.
Some are standard must haves and some I share disability specific uses.
The first step in packing is …. getting the suitcase, right? What’s inside the luggage is what really matters though!
Organizing your wardrobe with packing cubes makes it easy to save space. My packing method for clothing is nearly infallible (just a little confident in it 😉) and can be seen here.
We have found by organizing our clothes and assigning them to specific days, the mornings run much smoother when we chaotically are prepping to head to the parks.
For a child on the spectrum, this can also help with prepping for what to expect each day. I know Kaylee likes to know what we are doing, what is the schedule, and what are we wearing lol.
Another storage need is for your stroller or wheelchair!
If you’re lugging that thing around, might as well maximize its worth! I love this one because it’s deep, has cup holders, a zipper space, and of course features Mickey.
I keep items that need to stay put (not taken in a book bag to the bathroom for example) or need to be easily accessible.
The individual straps on each side of the bag attaches well to all types of chairs or strollers making it perfect!
I like to keep small items organized into bags or containers. This trio is super cute + practical.
I store ponchos, hair ties, sunglasses, batteries, and the largest one holds Gtube supplies.
I love that the front is clear so we can easily see what’s inside.
Medication storage and sensory chewies are also great to fit here— think beyond the assigned use of toiletry items.
How about keeping cool on year round heat?
Well, at least 11 months of the year.
Speaking of strollers; this battery operated fan easily clips to a stroller or wheelchair.
I tried MANY and this one has great air output and a long battery life.
It attaches very well to a wheelchair as well. Kaylee has heat induced seizures so we go to great lengths to keep her cool— this one works the best for sure!!
I have 3 and they’ve lasted for years.
For personal use, this neck fan option works awesome!
The adjustable strap allows for a range of kids and adults use. Battery operated and great output. It’s not heavy either.
Again, we use this with Kaylee also (but it is a must have for me too if I’m honest!).
Another cooling option are the towels. These are nice for bursts of cold.
We keep Kaylee cooled way down with them. Medically complex kids often struggle with extreme temperatures so cooling is a primary concern on our trips. We do take & use multiple methods to regulate temp.
The link above is an inexpensive option of 4 but my favorite is this one.
It’s not always sunny at Disney. Be sure to bring some ponchos! Quick rain showers pop up often so you’ll want to be prepared. No need to hide in a store or leave the park— bringing the disposable ponchos from home means you’re instantly ready when that forecast shifts.
HACK ALERT!! There are ponchos available in the parks at a higher price point (shocking right?) but if it gets damaged at any time, any Disney store in the parks will replace it! I think that’s a “good to know” option as well.
Here is a link to a wheelchair poncho as well.
Germs are on overload at a place as crowded as Disney so a Norwex envirocloth is perfect for wiping things down & because it self purifies can be used over and over throughout your trip.
We wipe rails, tables, hands, literally everything! I am a Norwex consultant so if you’d like a sample of this item, you can request it on this short form.
Don’t miss a moment peering behind smudges. Keep a Norwex optic scarf clipped close by to clean glasses & sunglasses. Wipe away bacteria from your phone too!
Seriously the clearest your glasses will ever be.
These are a must have especially wit h all the sweat happening lol.
You know one of the trials of motherhood is finding the right sippy cup that doesn’t leak & your kid will actually drink from. Lol.
This one is a great option plus the design is exactly what Disney lovers are after. Stainless steel keeps drinks cold and durable for the inevitable drops in the parks.
Kaylee uses a Gtube for hydration now but we have also used this incredible cup option for her previously.
So I was a skeptic on this one. I thought my battery would last in the parks— no way! Not with the new DAS, Genie+, and Lightning Lanes.
Between the My Disney Experience app & taking photos my phone dwindled rapidly.
Fuel rods are the best option for Disney because you can exchange them for free at one of the many fuel rod stations throughout the parks.
I will say, they don’t charge fully but this set comes with 2 rods and with the free exchanges it’s worth going this route.
We keep these on keys and wallets and in the park we like to keep a tag on our stroller. Leaving an expensive stroller in a corral with a hundred others & especially when cast members rearrange them makes it hard to find yours at times and heaven forbid, if someone takes your stroller “by accident” you’ll know right where to find it. There’s even Disney holders to attach them to your belongings!
If you happen to have a wanderer, you can even track your kiddo (or easily lost spouse lol) by keeping it in their pocket!
I know it is a big undertaking to think of everything so hopefully a few of these favorites are helpful as you think outside the box for travel.
A full Disney Packing List will be available to email subscribers soon so lookout for that amazing resource.
Now go make your memories!