Disney Parks Packing List
There are some things that are must-haves at Disney that aren’t always on a vacation packing list! Here are a few and some links to help you find them:
These are number one on our list! But definitely get these in advance. A 5-pack on Amazon is $9.85, but if you buy one in Disney World, it will also set you back $10. Each. For what is essentially a dry-cleaner bag.
It will be HOT in Orlando in May! And we do plan on coming back to the condo for swimming! Note: the condo does provide beach towels. So, use that room in your suitcase for extra souvenirs (or you can be like Gary and just bring a whole empty suitcase…)
A bottle of Dasani (the only water you’ll find) in WDW will run you $3.75. We bring a thermal water bottle, and you can get complementary cups of ice water at any quick service restaurant. Alternatively, you may bring in bottled water from the outside, but expect that bottle to be tea-water hot by noon…
These are great! You can use them in the parks, but they are great for combating prickly heat rash – a common ailment when walking miles in the heat.
Yes, there are Walgreens and CVS stores in the Vista Cay complex. But bring OTC stuff with you, and any prescribed meds, too!
Band-Aids, Neosporin, etc. Because.
This is an age-old tip but warrants repeating. You will be walking A LOT on this trip (but also burning calories for another pretzel or Dole Whip!). No one cares that your sneakers are not new. Trust us – your comfort is #1!
And on the subject of shoes
Bring at least two pairs of walking shoes. If it rains you’ll need that second pair because Florida is humid all the time (it seems) and shoes take a long time to dry.
Charging cords and/or portable phone charger
In the new world order at Disney, needing your phone to book rides, order food and check wait times means you’ll use a lot of battery. While it’s not a bad idea to bring a small, rechargeable battery that you can tuck in your bag, Disney has also installed many (well-themed!) charging stations around the parks, so bringing a charging cord is a must.
You’ll need a small backpack for that phone cord, disposable ponchos, etc. The only things you can’t bring in with you are glass bottles, alcohol, pocket knives (or any weapons, for that matter), and illegal substances. Leave all that at the condo…
Whether for protection from water rides or rain, it’s just a good idea to have a few Ziplocs in your above-mentioned backpack.
This didn’t occur to us until we saw that Disney was selling larger spray versions for upwards of $25 in the parks. We bring these small fans and use them when we sit outside to eat, while standing in lines, etc.
It may be dark when leave home to catch your flight…but don’t forget your sunglasses! If you do, you can buy some in the parks but expect to pay a lot for them!
It may be chilly and not sunny when you leave home to catch your flight, but you WILL need sunblock in Florida in early May!
Disney may still have some dispensers, but it never smelled as magical as we wanted it to. Throw either a small bottle of your favorite or a few one-shot packets in your bag.
Chances are you won’t need this, but chances are equally good that you may (be sure to check the forecast weather before you leave).
This is your ticket into the parks and your Genie+ entry pass. Alternatively, if you have an Apple Watch, you can link your ticket to the watch in My Disney Experience.
Masks
These are not required at Disney, but we do run into crowded indoor situations where you might feel more comfortable in a mask. Easy to throw one or two in your bag.
Extremely helpful to prevent chafing in the humidity.
Condo Packing List
Comes with Condo
- 1-2 rolls of toilet paper for each toilet
- 1 bar bathroom soap for each bathroom
- 1 hotel shampoo for each bathroom
- 1 hotel lotion for each bathroom
- 1 trash bag for each trash can
- 1 load dishwashing powder for dishwasher
- 1 small bottle dish soap
- 1 load of laundry detergent
- 1 roll paper towels
Condo Extras to Bring from Home
Laundry detergent – Since it’s difficult to buy a small bottle of detergent, we recommend either buying laundry sheets or individual pods at Publix (that you can easily transport home) or bring them from home
2-3 extra kitchen garbage bags
2-3 extra wastepaper bags
Ziplocks for treats and food you bring home from the parks
2 dishtowels
Sugar or sugar substitute packets for coffee or tea — Publix only has giant containers
What not to forget to add to your Publix order!
Kitchen sponge
Milk
Coffee or tea
Coffee filters — Each condo comes with a 12-cup drip coffee maker. Which most of us will use, apart from Mr. Nell, who brings his espresso maker with him. Seriously. Because: Mr. Nell
Your favorite breakfast foods — We recommend a good breakfast in the condo rather than an expensive breakfast, usually with a long wait, at the parks
Beer and wine are available at grocery and convenience stores in Florida. There is also a liquor store very close to the Publix
Snacks — The last time we did this we overbought on snacks and were cramming things into our suitcases to bring home because we DID NOT realize just how much you’re eating in the parks (and bringing back home with you!)
Bottled water
2 extra rolls of toilet paper
A 3-pack of paper towels
Spray cleaner and/or wipes
Cooking oil or spray if you plan to make anything in a pan
Salt and pepper