(Including an Unexpected Game-Changer)
There’s no denying that park days are great days! You’re not at work, folding laundry, or stuck in traffic. Yet I have a way to make an already great day into an even better experience - being in a park with a properly packed park bag.
Having visited Walt Disney World over 45 times, here’s my list of items to have in your bag during your next trip, and the last one will surprise you (it sounds odd, but trust me, it’s a game-changer).
1. The right size bag
Something too big will make it cumbersome to carry, and you run the risk of filling the space with extra items you don’t really need but bring because there’s room, which in turn adds more weight to shoulder. My recommendation is a small/medium-sized shoulder bag, one that’ll hold your essentials but can also fit comfortably on the rides with you.
2. Cell phone
It’s an essential item for me anytime I head out; plus that way I always have my camera with me to snap some photos.
3. Sunscreen
With the intense Florida sun, it’s worth carrying sunscreen to reapply throughout the day.
4. Lip-balm
Continuing with the intense weather theme, lip balm is a good choice.
5. Hand Sanitizer
From pulling on a yellow strap to show your seatbelt is secured to the handrails in the lines, we touch a lot of different surfaces in the park, and having a small bottle of hand sanitizer handy before a Mickey-shaped snack is always a good choice.
6. Travel-size first aid kit
Be it headache medicine, an allergy pill, or a bandage, I like to have a few things on hand to help ensure nothing can slow me down or cut my day short.
7. Travel-size rain poncho
If the forecast calls for torrential rain, I will swap the poncho for an umbrella. But for small, short rain showers, a poncho tends to do the trick without adding too much weight to my pack.
8. A Portable Charger
Between booking Lightning Lane, checking wait times, or making a dining reservation, our cell phone batteries get drained, so it’s good to have a portable charger within reach to make sure your phone lasts through the day.
9. Hydration – Water/Gatorade/Powerade
Anyone who knows me, knows that I don’t leave my hotel room without a drink in my hand. Be it water, Gatorade or Powerade I like to have one with me at all times. It comes in handy when you’re standing in line or waiting for the fireworks to have a drink within reach and make sure that you stay hydrated throughout your day.
And last but not least is arguably the oddest-sounding item, but trust me, it’s important.
10. Velcro Cord Organizers
For those of us who love wearing Mickey Ears but don’t want to commit to a full day with them on our heads, Velcro cord organizers are essential. I have two wraps on my bag, allowing me to securely attach the ears to it when I need a break from having them on my head. It keeps the ears from getting crushed in the bag while keeping them connected, so I don’t risk losing them riding the wildest ride in the wilderness.
A well-packed park bag may not seem magical, but trust me — having the right items within reach means less time worrying about the little things, lighter shoulders, and more time soaking in the magical moments you’re creating.
~Kelly