Disney World Packing List
By the NanoPack team · Updated on · Checked against official sources
What to pack for Disney World: you walk miles a day, so broken-in comfortable shoes come first, plus a park bag that fits Disney's size limit of 61 by 38 by 46 cm, a poncho for the afternoon storms, a power bank because the My Disney Experience app drains your phone, and sun protection. Disney lets you bring your own shelf-stable snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, so pack a refillable water bottle and a few snacks to save money and queues. Leave selfie sticks, hard-sided coolers and anything over the bag size at home.
Disney World essentials at a glance
- Broken-in comfortable walking shoes
- A park bag within 61 x 38 x 46 cm
- A poncho for the afternoon storms
- A power bank and charging cable
- A refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- Your own shelf-stable snacks
- Blister plasters and a small first-aid kit
A day at Disney World is a marathon in disguise: ten or more miles of walking, Florida sun and afternoon downpours, and a phone that dies by lunch from the app you live in all day. Pack for your feet, the weather and your battery, keep your bag inside Disney's size rules, and bring the snacks and water you are allowed so you save both money and time in line. Comfort wins here over everything else.
On your feet and body
- Broken-in comfortable walking shoes · you will walk 10+ miles a day
- A second pair or sandals to swap into
- Moisture-wicking socks
- Blister plasters and tape
- Comfortable, breathable clothes
- A light layer for the freezing indoor queues
The park bag
- A backpack or crossbody within 61 x 38 x 46 cm
- A refillable water bottle · free refills at quick-service
- A power bank and cable
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
- A hat and sunglasses
- Hand sanitiser and wipes
- A small first-aid kit and any medication
Sun and rain
- A poncho or packable rain jacket · afternoon storms are near-daily in summer
- A compact umbrella
- After-sun and lip balm with SPF
- A cooling towel for the heat
- A small handheld fan or misting bottle
Food and drink
- A refillable water bottle
- Shelf-stable snacks · granola bars, crackers, fruit; tell security at bag check
- A soft-sided cooler with reusable ice packs · if you want cold snacks
- A refillable mug if you are staying on-site
Tech and planning
- Your phone with the My Disney Experience app
- A power bank · the app and Lightning Lane drain your battery fast
- A charging cable
- A lanyard for tickets or a MagicBand
- Headphones
For families with kids
- A stroller, or rent one at the parks
- Snacks and comfort items
- An autograph book and a fat pen for characters
- Glow items for the night shows
- Spare clothes for toddlers
- A stroller rain cover
Comfort and extras
- Cash and cards, plus your hotel key
- A reusable bag for souvenirs
- Motion-sickness bands for the rides
- A portable phone stand for shows
- A light blanket for parade and fireworks waits
What not to pack
- Selfie sticks · banned in all Disney parks
- Hard-sided coolers, rolling coolers or loose ice · soft-sided coolers under the size limit with reusable ice packs are fine
- Any bag over 61 x 38 x 46 cm · it will not pass the bag check
- Alcohol into the theme parks
- Strollers over 31 by 52 inches, and any wagon · both are turned away at the gate
- Glass containers
Packing tips and mistakes to avoid
Your feet decide the day
You cover ten or more miles a day at Disney World, so wear shoes you have already broken in, pack blister plasters and tape, and consider a second comfortable pair to swap into after lunch. Sore feet end a park day faster than anything else.
Bring your own snacks and water
Disney lets you bring shelf-stable outside food and non-alcoholic drinks into the parks; just tell a security cast member at the bag check. Pack a refillable water bottle, use the free water at quick-service counters, and a few snacks will save you money and queue time.
Know the bag size rule
Bags, backpacks and coolers must be no larger than 61 by 38 by 46 cm. Soft-sided coolers within that size with reusable ice packs are allowed, but hard-sided or rolling coolers and loose or dry ice are not.
Pack for storms and a dying phone
Central Florida gets short, heavy afternoon storms most summer days, so a poncho beats an umbrella in the crowds. And because you will live in the My Disney Experience app for Lightning Lane and mobile ordering, a power bank is not optional.
The things people forget
- A power bank, the app drains your phone by lunch
- A poncho for the afternoon storm
- Blister plasters, taped on before the blister
- Your own snacks and a refillable water bottle
What people wish they had packed
- A second pair of comfy shoes to swap into
- A cooling towel for the Florida heat
- A light layer for the freezing indoor queues
- A handheld fan for the lines
Frequently asked questions
What should you pack for Disney World?
Broken-in comfortable shoes, a park bag within 61 by 38 by 46 cm, a poncho, a power bank, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen and a hat, your own shelf-stable snacks, and blister plasters. Add a stroller and character autograph book if you are travelling with kids.
Can you bring food and water into Disney World?
Yes. Disney allows shelf-stable outside food and non-alcoholic drinks for personal use; let a security cast member know at the bag check. You can bring a refillable water bottle and use the free water at quick-service counters. Alcohol and loose ice are not allowed.
What size bag can you bring to Disney World?
Bags, backpacks and coolers must be no larger than 61 by 38 by 46 cm (24 by 15 by 18 inches). Soft-sided coolers within that size are fine with reusable ice packs; hard or rolling coolers and loose ice are not permitted.
What do people forget to pack for Disney World?
A power bank for the app-drained phone, a poncho for the afternoon storm, blister plasters, a second pair of comfortable shoes, a cooling towel for the heat, and a light layer for the freezing indoor queues.