Whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth, packing smart is the secret to a stress free, magical Disneyland adventure. Here’s your go to guide — because the only thing you should be focused on is the joy of being there! ✨
👜 1. The Right Bag
Choosing the right bag can make or break your Disneyland experience. You’ll be carrying it around for hours on end, so comfort and practicality matter just as much as style. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice one for the other, there are plenty of options that give you the best of both worlds.
If everyone in your group is carrying their own bag, Loungeflys are an absolute dream choice. These compact, stylish mini backpacks come in an enormous range of Disney-themed designs, meaning every single person in your group can find one that perfectly matches their personality, their favorite character, or even their planned outfit for the day. Disneyland is all about expressing your love for the magic, and your bag is no exception! In fact, if you’re planning a bounding outfit (a casual, everyday style inspired by a Disney character) a matching Loungefly can be the perfect finishing touch that ties the whole look together and takes it to the next level.
Click here for a detailed post about why we love Loungeflys!
Now, if you’re the designated bag carrier for two or more people, you’ll want to think bigger and more ergonomically. A padded strap backpack is the way to go in this case. The extra padding distributes the weight of everyone’s essentials evenly across your shoulders and back, keeping you comfortable through those long park days without leaving you feeling like you ran a marathon before lunchtime.
One thing to steer clear of — string bags. While they seem like a light and easy option, those thin cords can dig into your shoulders surprisingly fast, especially once you start loading them up with water bottles, snacks, and all the other park day essentials. What starts out feeling like no big deal can quickly turn into a pretty uncomfortable situation, and the last thing you want is sore shoulders slowing you down before you’ve even hit Space Mountain! 🎢
☀️ 2. Sunscreen
The California sun can be intense, even on cooler days. Wearing and bringing sunscreen for reapplication is highly advised if you plan on spending a day at the park.
Consider a travel-size stick or roll-on for easy application and storage.
🕶️ 3. Sunglasses
A good pair of sunglasses is essential to protect your eyes from UV rays and to allow you to watch the parades and take in the views without squinting! (I highly suggest you NOT take your expensive glasses)
A pair of polarized sunglasses brings out the vibrancy of your surroundings while protecting your eyes.
💧 4. Refillable Water Bottle
There are places all over the parks to fill your water bottle for free. You could also bring water flavoring if you need a little something extra to spice it up. A bottle of water could be upwards of $9 on the property, so you will definitely want to have your own if possible. If you’re taking a Loungefly you’ll want to stay under 9.5″ for ease of packing.
Note:
no glass water bottles — Disneyland has a no glass policy!
🍎 5. Snacks
Disneyland allows you to bring food and water into the park, and it’s a great budget saver!
As much as we love grabbing a churro here and a corn dog there inside the parks, the costs add up fast. To balance things out, bring your own snacks — think individually packaged items. Uncrustables, fruit, granola bars, etc. For kids especially it works great to purchase “Disney” themed snacks. It keeps the idea that they are getting something at Disneyland without breaking the bank!
🔋 6. Portable Phone Charger
The Disneyland app is crucial for mobile tickets, maps, and mobile ordering food.
Bring at least one external charger you keep charged — so when your phone inevitably dies, you can just plug it in and go.
👟 7. Comfortable, Broken In Shoes and Water Shoes
Disneyland is all about walking, and you’ll cover a lot of ground. Opt for comfortable, already broken in athletic shoes for your visit. We swear by Brooks! Read here to learn why.
With the amount that you are walking in a day at Disneyland, blisters can develop in just one day so please choose good shoes.
Tiana’s Bayou and Grizzly Rapids will soak your feet!! Your feet will pay the price if you are not prepared. Crocs are perfect. They’re comfortable enough to wear for hours if needed until you make it back to the lockers and change your shoes. Bring a dry pair of socks in your backpack to put on after you get off the ride.
🩹 8. First Aid Essentials
Biofreeze, a Travel pack size med container, lip balm and a small first aid kit.
🧴 9. Hand Sanitizer & Wipes
Hand sanitizer before eating is a must-have on many Disneyland packing lists.
Messes happen to everyone — you are snacking and touching everything throughout the day, so it’s always helpful to have wipes on hand.
🌧️ 10. Poncho
Even when it is not rainy season, a poncho can help you avoid getting overly soaked on the water rides. When we’re done with the wet rides for the day we hand it off to a person in line. Someone is always grateful you are willing to pay it forward!
An ultralight and portable rain poncho is compact, reusable, and also does double duty to protect your clothes, gear, and hair on those water rides.
🤢 11. Motion Sickness Medication
You will likely spend a lot of time on the amazing rides during your Disneyland vacation. Having medication on hand to stay feeling as good as possible is highly recommended! The Dramamine less drowsy comes in a convenient little plastic container about the size of a Chapstick.
🛍️ 12. Ziploc Bags (Various Sizes!)
Bring varying sizes of Ziploc bags for leftover snacks, things you don’t want to get wet on water rides, trading pins, and anything else you want to keep separate from the rest of your bag.
🌟 Bonus: Fan & Cooling Towel
Neck fans and/or cooling towels wrapped around their necks to stay cool.
When the weather’s hot, navigating a Disney park can feel intense!
