After 3 trips to Disney in the last 3 years, I can honestly say that the THIRD TIME WAS THE CHARM. Well, at least when it came to NOT over-packing. We managed to pack using nothing but carry-on bags for our family of 4! Disney doesn’t have to be a nightmare packing experience, but it can get crazy fast if you don’t have a plan. That’s why I put together this Amazon MUST HAVES list for all you Disney planning mamas out there!
The most important thing you must pack is your PATIENCE. The rest is CAKE.
When you’re packing light for Disney, my AMAZON MUST HAVES LIST has everything you’ll need to make your trip as magical as possible.
AMAZON MUST HAVES FOR DISNEY
Because no two Disney trips are the same, each trip teaches you a lot about what you need for your family. So, basically, I’ve been compiling this list for 3 years! What you need to remember about packing for Disney is that nothing is really life-or-death.
It’s all about what can give the greatest amount of ease and comfort to you and your family during your crazy Disney trip. It’s that simple!
If it’s not going to make your life easier or more comfortable, then LEAVE IT AT HOME.
The first 5 are HANDS DOWN what you need if you have kids who are out of diapers but still small enough for a stroller.
#1 Joovy Sit & Stand Stroller
Without a doubt, this was my ALL TIME SMARTEST MOVE AS A MOM. Who puts their 7 year old in a stroller? THIS MOM. Well, sort of—it’s more about standing then sitting. Bottom line, it WORKED. For all of us!
Nix the whining because of those tired little legs! Tell them to just hop on board & zip the lip!
PRO TIP: I picked one of these up at a consignment sale for $50. If you’re planning a trip for later in the year, then keep your eyes open during the year! FB Marketplace always has these, too. Otherwise, do yourself a favor and get one on Amazon!
#2 Ponchos
You’ll want to pack ponchos for the grownups AND the kids for TWO REASONS: it WILL rain & you WILL get wet on that ride. This one should be on everyone’s Amazon Must Haves List for Disney.
You can get the $1 disposable ones, which we’ve used before. BUT, these are super cheap & reusable. We’ve used the same ones for 3 years. Just let them sit on the balcony or hang them in the bathroom to dry out. When finished drying just roll them up and shove them into a ziplock (see below!).
#3 Frogg Togg Cooling Towels (Chilly Mini)
Oh man, these are a dream in Florida. We’re southerners, so the heat is something we’re used to by now. BUT, it’s just a different kind of searing heat in FL.
These little towels are awesome for kids AND cranky grown ups.
PRO TIP: Get the Chilly Mini version — you don’t need the full towel size.
#4 Icy Hot Roll-On OR Arnica Gel
My husband is the king of this stuff. It’s just non-negotiable, and that’s why it’s on my Amazon Must Haves List for Disney. If you’re over 30, you’ll thank me for this one later!
#5 Hats
Everybody. Needs. A. Hat. Period. Might as well have a little Disney action on them.
#6 Ziploc Bags
This may seem like a weird one, but I’m telling you they are lifesavers. You’ll need gallon, quart, and sandwich sizes. You won’t need a whole box of each—just a handful of each size. These pack so easily, and they’ll save the day on multiple occasions.
Need to keep that phone dry on a water ride? Ziploc. Your kid wants to eat his cereal in the stroller? Ziploc. Your kid wants to save that weird giant pretzel for later? Ziploc. Just trust me. You’ll need them again, and again, and again!
#7 Stroller Rain Cover
We’ve done Disney with and without the rain cover. It’s not good times when your kids are sitting in a wet stroller complaining about it. Trust me, it will rain (likely downpour) for like an hour every other day MINIMUM. Not enough to ruin your trip, but it could make things wet enough to be super annoying.
Bottom line: Just pack it!
If you don’t already have one hiding in a closet somewhere, then check out this “universal” rain cover that appears to fit a lot of stroller options.
Amazon Must Have *WISH LIST* (Should’a, Would’a, Could’a…)
This is my list of what I’d pack if I EVER have a 4th trip, which is still up for debate!
#8 Collapsible Water Bottles
Man, oh man! These are the dream! Yes, you do get free cups if you’re using the Disney Meal Plan, but I’d advocate for these either way. The meal plan cups are cumbersome, top heavy, and well CUPS. They tip & spill.
These water bottles are perfect for travel and can be refilled (or depleted) as needed. That’s why they made it onto my Amazon Must Haves List!
#9 Chaffing Stick
THIS. THIS should be on your list. Why? Because EVERYTHING gets sweaty at DIS. This can be a real lifesaver for all your little (or not so little) chaffing problem areas. Your thighs will feel like they’ve died and gone to heaven.
#10 Blister Protection for Feet
Everyone can benefit from this in the medicine bag. Kids and Crocs? Birks rubbing you wrong? Chose the wrong tennis shoes? Think you’ll walk around in wet shoes without a problem? Think again.
Every person on your trip could potentially need this at some point! DAYS of whining can be eliminated (or prevented–even better!) with this goodie.
#11 Spinner Wheel Rolling Carryon Luggage
I knew I should’ve splurged for the new suitcases for our kids. But, I didn’t. Good Lord, I regretted that decision as soon as I het the airport drop off. Ultimately, everything was fine, and we did make it work (of course).
But, man, I passed so many kids just cruising through the airport like they’d been traveling their whole lives. Meanwhile, mine were flipping their old-school “pull behinds” into ever passer-by they got close to! Sigh.
These are on my list for next go-round!
#12 Fanny Pack – Cell Sling
Since the last trip, I purchased a fanny pack. YEP. Fanny Pack! Cause I’m hopping on that band wagon. I’ll totally pack it next time.
Or, I may even get one of those sleek ones for running that basically hold just your phone and your key. Bonus: It would fit great under your shirt so you won’t ever have to worry about checking a bag for rides that require you to stash your stuff.
I’ve also seen a ton of women wearing Cell Slings!
#13 Lanyard
We used these for Universal (because of their ticketing & express pass system). This got me thinking that you could easily use one for Disney, too, if you like to have extra credit cards, gift cards, or cash handy.
Plus, if your kids have been given gift cards from relatives to use on the trip, then a lanyard would be perfect ways for them to keep track of their cards. These also make cute stocking stuffers if you’re planning a Christmas Disney Trip Reveal like we did!
Even better–combine the lanyard and the cell sling into the Cell Phone Lanyard!
#14 EARS!
TRUTH: I’ve never had a pair of ears, and my kids haven’t either! Yes, 3 trips and NO ears. We’ve always gone with Disney themed hats, so ears weren’t “necessary.” But, if we were “ear” kind of people, then I would 100% get them BEFORE the trip!
WHY? I bet you can guess…They’re stupid expensive at Disney! Save yourself some dough and get these ahead of time. (YOU CAN GET SETS FOR $5 ON AMAZON!!) You can always surprise your kids with them the morning of your first day! That’s what you call CHEAP magic!
#15 Portable Cell Phone Charger
We could’ve used this on our first and third trips. My cell phone was always going dead during the first trip and my husband’s on the third. NOT ideal when you’re dealing with the CRAZINESS that is Star Wars Land.
Plus, with all the interactive stuff they have for kids to do on your phone while you’re waiting in the insane lines—your phone WILL DIE at some point. These can really save you some drama.
Amazon Must Haves Make Disney MORE Magical
Ultimately, things that make you more comfortable and make life easier are what you’ll need come day 2 at Disney. Because, honestly, the magic is a bit lack luster. It (at minimum) begins to wane as soon as you wait in your first 2 hour long line.
So, you’ll need to make things simple, easy, and comfortable for yourself and for others (if possible). This GO-TO list is an ideal start to making sure your Disney Trip is as painless as possible.
I’d love to hear your MUST HAVES FOR DISNEY! Please share the wealth below!!
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