Being from Florida and currently living in California, I recently got to make trips to both Disneyland and Disney World! In my six years of living in Los Angeles, I actually had never been to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure. Shocking, I know! My fiancé and I wanted to visit the parks before they got extra crowded by the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. (In case you were wondering, Star Wars Land opens May 31st at Disneyland and August 29th at Disney World.) Hopefully, we’ll make it back soon enough to ride the Millenium Falcon! But until then, I’m glad we got to squeeze in a few days at these amazing theme parks, taking in all of the wonder and nostalgia.
I lived an hour away from Orlando most of my life, so I’m no stranger to theme parks. I’ve learned how to pack lightly but efficiently for a day at Disney, Universal, Six Flags, you name it. So here is my absolute ESSENTIALS list. I have chronic joint and muscle pain, so if I’m lugging around a huge, heavy bag all day, my body will hate me. Therefore, I always try to pack as light as possible with JUST the necessary items! Since summertime is right around the corner, the parks are about to get super busy. So whether you’re headed to Disneyland or Universal Studios, be sure to pack these 12 essential items with you!
1. Backpack
First, you’ll need a backpack to stow all your items in and easily carry around with you all day. I currently use the Deux Lux Demi Backpack that I got in my spring 2019 FabFitFun subscription box. I LOVE this backpack! The canvas and faux leather is super cute and stylish, it’s durable yet lightweight, and easily fits all of the items on my list.
2. Hand Sanitizer & Wipes
There are thousands of people at Disney, and if you don’t want to catch coodies, germs, or a cold, I recommend carrying travel size hand sanitizer and/or sanitizer wipes. I like to stick with a classic brand like Purell or choose one of the fun scents from Bath and Body Works.
3. Sunscreen
This is definitely a must when you’ll be spending hours outside waiting in the sun. I’m not a fan of how sunscreen feels or smells, so I try to get the least sunscreeny sunscreen! For the face, I’ve been loving COOLA Face Sport SPF 50 White Tea Moisturizer and for the body, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen with SPF 45 or Aveeno Protect+Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70.
4. Lip Balm
Protect and hydrate your lips throughout the day with some lip balm. I like to use Burts Bees, a classic. Or for extra hydration and SPF protection, try Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect SPF 30 Lip Balm.
5. Sunglasses
I take my trusty Kate Spade sunglasses wherever I go. Make sure your eyes are protected with UV protection.
6. Card Case
Instead of carrying your entire wallet, just bring a card carrier with a photo ID and credit card. You can also use this to hold your park tickets.
7. Cardigan/Jacket
If you’re at Disney early in the morning when it opens until late at night when it closes, there will definitely be differences in temperature. In California especially, the mornings and evenings can get extra chilly, so I like to bring a lightweight but warm cardigan for when I get cold. During the day when the sun is out and hot, I keep the cardigan rolled up in my backpack.
8. Water Bottle
There’s not always a water fountain nearby when you need it. So keep a water bottle handy to hydrate yourself and refill when needed. If you want to travel light, I would skip the steel water bottle and go for a plastic option. Depending on how thirsty you get, I’d even recommend using a kid’s size water bottle to save on space in your bag.
9. Portable Battery Charger
I use my phone often at the park for checking the Disney app for wait times, ordering my meals ahead of times, and also playing games while waiting in line (I recommend Heads Up). That all tends to eat up my battery life pretty fast, so I always bring a portable battery charger and phone cord with me. Try this stylish Rose Gold Charger from Belkin or the A3PD Portable Charger by Zendure.
10. Hair Ties/Comb
Who’s gone on a roller coaster looking like a normal human and then come off looking like Cousin Itt? These days I like to tie up my hair in a bun before riding a coaster, so that my long hair doesn’t goes flying into a matted mess. How cute is this Red/White Polka Dot Minnie Mouse Scunchie? I’d also suggest bringing a comb to keep your hair looking tangle-free throughout the day.
11. Pain Medicine
Headaches happen. Be prepared by keeping some ibuprofen in a small pill container.
12. Plastic Bags
I like to carry a couple plastic baggies for random uses. Sometimes I use them as mini trash bags if there are no garbage cans immediately around. Sometimes I use them to carry food leftovers that I can snack on later in line. And sometimes I use them to keep my phone waterproof when I go on water rides. Plastic baggies are perfect to have on you because they weigh almost nothing and have endless uses!
XOXO, Melissa
What are your Disney Parks essentials?
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