Planning a trip to the most magical place on earth in 2023? We’ve got you covered with the ultimate packing list for an adults only trip to Disney World. Get to the magic faster by not checking a bag and back strategically in a carry on and backpack. Save hours of prepping and planning and steal our packing checklist!
We’ve been incredibly lucky to visit Disney World, Disneyland California, Disneyland Paris, and even a Disney Cruise within the past year. But as Walt Disney World die-hards, we can’t help but revisit our favorite Florida resort over and over again. We’ve been solo, as a couple, with family, and with a group of friends many times this year. Our trip lengths typically range from one to five day trips, including on and off-property stays and even resort-hopping.
With multiple visits in the past few years, we’ve perfected our Disney packing list. Whether you’re a fan of doing full-day parks or park hopping, long resort stays, or quick weekend getaways, this packing list is sure to fit your Disney style.
THREE QUICK CAVEATS:
- If you’re packing for kiddos, please refer to other family travel bloggers, such as Kids on a Plane or Six Suitcase Travel, for packing tips. As childless millennials proud to be “Aunt Kait and Uncle Drew,” we’ve visited Disney with our nephews but have never had to pack for them! May the odds be ever in your favor.
- If you’re driving to Disney, feel free to be more lenient in packing bigger bags! The rest of the country wishes they lived closer to such a great vacation destination. Just remember that Disney now charges for hotel parking.
- If you’re flying to Disney, the FAA (federal aviation administration) only allows two bags in the cabin per person. We advise packing any small park bags, cross-body bags, or similar smaller bags into a bigger backpack which will be your personal item.
CARRY ON SUITCASE PACKING LIST
Clothes
Comfortable clothes which move and breathe in Florida weather. We typically advise against jeans no matter the season. Casual jersey or cotton dresses or athleisure are often the perfect solutions to staying cool and comfortable through humidity and long park days. Pack enough clothes to have at least one outfit per park day, with about two additional options for the trip that can mix and match with anything. No one wants to overpack, but no one wants to be stuck in gross or wet clothes if caught in a rainstorm or drenched on the water-based rides.
Shoes
- Wear one pair of comfortable, already broken-in thick-soled sneakers on the plane or while traveling
- Pack one more pair of sneakers in your suitcase.
- Pack one pair of sandals for water rides, the pool, or just to give your feet a break from the heat.
Hair Tools
- Hairbrush
- Straight Iron and/or curling iron
- Hair Accessories such as hairbands, claw clips, headbands, bobby pins, etc
Non-Liquid Toiletry Items
- Toothbrush
- Stick Deodorant
- Anti-chafing stick
Accessories (All optional – but we’re fans!)
- Ears
- Magic Band
- Jewelry
BACKPACK PACKING LIST
Park Bag
At least one person in the group or couple must carry some form of small bag into the parks for park day essentials. Make sure to pack one empty park bag inside your carry on backpack to unpack and fill later. We prefer to either have a cross body fanny pack/bum bag or a small backpack.
Snacks
Come prepared, even though Disney is an underrated foodie paradise! Whether you need a quick and easy breakfast in the room before a park day, a small pick-me-up in a long line, or a late-night snack before bed, you won’t regret packing a few protein-filled snacks. Don’t worry about packing sweets and candies, as those can be easily found at every turn in Disney World. Our favorite snacks to bring on a Disney trip are:
- 100-calorie packs of nuts
- Justin’s almond butter squeeze packets (cinnamon is our favorite!)
- RXBAR Protein Bars
- Low-calorie, low-sugar kind bars.
Electronics
- Portable power bank (this slim portable charger is our favorite)
- Phone and Apple Watch charging cables
- Handheld fan and charger (this small fan is our favorite)
- Theragun (perfect for sore feet after long park days)
Park Essentials
- Cooling towels
- Reusable water bottle
- Bandaids
- Travel medicine (pain killers, motion sickness medicine, and/or antacids)
Liquids Bag
- Toothpaste
- Face wash
- Toner
- Moisturizer
- Face sunscreen
- Body sunscreen
- Hair Spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Perfume
Makeup bag (optional, of course)
Whatever sweat and waterproof makeup you use that fits in a small bag.
What To Pack In Your Park Bag
Upon checking in, take your park bag out of your carry on and get it ready for the parks! Whether it’s a small backpack or a cross body, you’ll appreciate having your hands free and extra space available to have all you need to make it a great park day available and at the ready. Here’s what you’ll want in your park bag:
- Fully charged phone
- Handheld fan and cooling towel (there’s a 90% chance it’s warm enough for these)
- Reusable water bottle
- Portable charger
- Phone cable
- Bandaids (in case of blisters)
- Travel medicine (pain killers, motion sickness medicine, and/or antacids)
- A few snacks
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen
Make sure to wear comfy shoes, a magic band for easy access into the parks, and your smart watch to make all those steps count throughout the day! Take it easy and have the most magical time ever. ✨
