Packing for Disney World is exciting because you know your Disney trip is near. Do you wonder what to pack for Disney World? Your Disney World packing list may change slightly depending on the time of year you visit the parks.
This is of course weather dependent, and can mean swapping out the shorts in the Summer for long trousers and sleeves in the Winter months.
Visiting Walt Disney World at any time of the year is a magical experience and your basic packing list will be very similar no matter what month you are visiting. The seasons call for some additional items which we have recommended below.
Comfortable and casual clothing is widely worn around the Disney Parks. There are certain items such as adult costumes that are banned from the parks. If you’re planning on a fancy dinner in one of the many Disney World restaurants, you may wish to pack a special dinner outfit.
Disney World Packing List Essentials
No matter what time of the year you are visiting Walt Disney World, these are must pack items regardless of the weather conditions. There’s nothing worse than arriving for your holiday to realise you’ve left something important at home.
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Documents
When travelling to Walt Disney World, you may need some travel documents depending on where you are arriving from. The passports are an obvious item when travelling from a different country. You will also need your travel insurance documents, and park tickets, and an ESTA if you’re travelling from outside America.
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Park tickets are either a credit card sized plastic, or perhaps you’re using a Magic Band. Plastic park tickets fit well in lanyards if you wish to take them and have them handy. You can also opt to sync your park tickets to a smart watch or your phone if they have this function.
Hotel rooms will almost certainly have a safe, which is perfect for storing your passports and other important travel documents. A top tip we have it to have a notes section on every adults phone with the following:-
- Travel insurance phone number and policy number
- Contact number of any transport company you may be using and reference number
- Park tickets reference number (just in case you lose them) – or a photo stored on your phone
Electricals
The biggest tip we realised when visiting Walt Disney World was to take an extension lead (and a plug adaptor if travelling from outside the USA). There aren’t a huge amount of plug sockets in the on site hotels. An extension lead really helped us be able to charge our tech at the end of the day without arguing over charging points.
Camera
Battery pack
Extension lead
Plug socket adaptor
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Disney Park Bag
There’s always one person who will carry around the park bag with everything in it. The best way to accommodate everything is with a really good rucksack. You don’t want it to be too big, but it also has to fit your essentials in.
This will of course depend on how big your family is. It may be sensible to have two rucksacks for larger families, as carrying around a heavy bag isn’t much fun either.
Inside your bag, it’s a good idea to have the following items. These are our essentials when travelling to the Disney Parks. It helps us save money and stay organised.
You will also need to decide which seasonal items will go in your park bag depending on what time of year you are visiting.
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A first aid kit is a must have item for your bag. It doesn’t have to be huge but to have the basic essentials such as plasters, safety pins, eye wash, paracetamol and antibacterial cream.
You can save lots of money in the parks by taking your own reusable water bottle and refilling them yourself. A good insulated bottle will help the water stay cool in the warmer months.
Sunscreen will be used across much of the year. Remember that even on rainy days in Florida you will still burn.
Hand sanitizer is a must! It’s not always easy and practical to find the nearest sanitizer station, or get to soap and running water. Having travel sanitizers in your park bag is one of the most important items.
A reusable bag for your purchases is a must for any purchases you might make in the parks. The shops no longer provide bags, and whilst you can purchase a bag, taking your own helps to save money.
If you love wearing Minnie ears, then remember to take any from home you already have. Unless you are planning on purchasing a new pair in the parks, you can save money by reusing your pair from the last trip.
Will you be pin trading in the parks? If so, remember to take some pins with you for trading. There’s nothing worse than the kids spotting a pin trading station and then you realise you may have to go and buy an expensive pin just to trade again.
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If you’re planning on collecting autographs, have your autograph book and pen ready for the characters. Make sure the pen is on and ready for them to use. A sharpie pen is a good idea as they are thicker and easier for the fur characters to hold.
Don’t forget to pack your camera or phones that you’ve been charging to take into the parks with you. Anything else is stored in the safe for safety. Don’t forget your money for the parks, whether you’re taking cash or using cards.
Spring Packing List For Walt Disney World
Ah, Spring time is that time where Disney World begins with pleasant temperatures before getting hotter and hotter. Average temperatures at Disney World in March are 19C/66F, April are 22C/72F and May are 25C/77F. Your Disney packing list should include-
A poncho wont take up very much room in your park bag
Sun screen (park bag)
Summer shorts and teeshirts are the most comfortable wear. You may find you need long sleeves for the air conditioning in shops and restaurants.
Comfortable walking shoes or trainers (plus a spare pair if you can fit them in)
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Summer Packing List For Walt Disney World
It’s going to get hot and then hotter at Disney World in the Summer months. The humidity can be very high and make the air feel quite stifling at times. Average temperatures at Disney Word in June are 27C/81F, July are 28C/82F and August are 28C/82F.
It will also likely rain at least once a day, but you will dry off quickly once the rain has passed. Your essentials for visiting Disney World in the Summer include-
Sun hat (park bag)
Sun screen (park bag)
Cool clothing
Sun glasses
Sensible walking shoes or trainers (plus a spare pair if you can fit them in)
Mini fans for when the weather is hot hot hot!
Cooling neck towels
Poncho
Autumn Packing List For Walt Disney World
The weather is glorious in Autumn at Disney World. It’s still very warm with September temperatures averaging 27C/81F, October 24C/75F and November 20C/68F. You may need long sleeves for the shops and restaurants in October and November.
Sun glasses
Sun hat
Long sleeve layer
Sensible walking shoes or trainers (plus a spare pair if you can fit them in)
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Winter Packing List For Walt Disney World
It can get cold during the Winter months in Florida, but not all the time. Florida can see temperatures change from day to day with some days being warm and comfortable and others being colder. Average temperatures in December are 17C/63F, January are 15C/59F and February are 16C/61F.
Long sleeve layers may be welcome on colder days.
Sensible walking shoes or trainers (plus a spare pair if you can fit them in)
What You Can’t Take To Walt Disney World
Prohibited items at Disney World include firearms (including toys that represent firearms). Drones, skateboards, remote control toys, and shoes with in built wheels are also not allowed in the Disney parks.
Wagons aren’t permitted in Disney parks, or any trailer like object that is pushed, pulled or towed. Selfie sticks are also banned from Disney parks.
Check out our Walt Disney World resource page for plenty more tips and tricks