Almost Free Traveling

If you’re like me, you like being prepared, and are probably wondering: What should I pack into Disney parks with me? To enjoy the happiest place on earth without interruption, make sure to bring these essentials with you (this post contains affiliate links):

1. BATTERY PACK

You’re going to need fully charged phones at all times; that way, you can access the Disneyland app, where you can mobile order food, check ride times and try to get walk-up dining for hard-to-book restaurants. We love this battery pack and use it constantly in the parks:

2. WATER BOTTLE

We are always thirsty in the parks, and constantly filling our water bottles. Remember to take a water bottle to Disneyland, and fill it anytime you walk by a water station (read about where to fill water bottles in Disneyland and California Adventure):

3. SUNSCREEN

It’s usually sunny in Orange County; even when it’s not, you might get a sunburn through the cloud cover. Make sure you bring sunscreen to protect your skin (this brand is mineral based, so even my son with sensitive skin can use it):

4. MOTION SICKNESS MEDS

Once I turned 40, I couldn’t ride attractions without feeling sick anymore, so I tried every motion sickness medication under the sun. My favorite is Bonine/Meclizine: when I take the maximum dose of four at breakfast, I feel fine all day, even riding Star Tours:

5. SNACKS

You will likely be hungry from walking over ten miles a day at Disneyland. While t’s fun to mobile order Raspberry macarons and Corn Dogs, we also like bringing in a pack of snacks to eat in line and sustain us throughout the day (read more here about food we bring into Disney):

6. SUNGLASSES

Just like skin protection, you’ll need eye protection in sunny CA or FL; throw an inexpensive pair in your pack:

7. PORTABLE FAN

Keep cool, or create white noise for a sleepy child with this portable fan:

8. LAYERS

It may be warm during Orange County days, but it can be chilly once the sun goes down. Tie a Disney sweatshirt around your waist so you stay warm later when you shut down the parks:

9. PONCHO

In California, if you’re going to ride Splash Mountain (my favorite ride) or Grizzly River Rapids, you’re going to get wet. In Florida, you may get caught in a rainstorm. Unless it’s blazing hot and middle of the day, walking around drenched is miserable. Pack a lightweight poncho to ensure you can stay dry and still enjoy some of the best attractions:

10. BANDAIDS

Don’t let minor cuts and blisters slow you down; pack some on-brand bandaids along so you can enjoy the magic longer:

11. Advil

All the walking and standing around in Disney, plus the overstimulation, is bound to cause aches and pains; pack some Ibuprofen in with you just in case:

12. Flip Flops

The poncho is for keeping your body dry on wet rides/in the rain; some like to have a pair of flip-flops on hand for water rides to switch out for their sneakers (these are foldable!):

13. Chapstick

Last time we visited Disneyland, the Santa Ana winds were blowing and humidity was at an all time low. We all experienced dry noses and lips and could have benefitted from lip balm in the parks:

14. Wet Wipes

These aren’t just for kids; it’s nice to have something wet and disposable in the parks, for all kinds of reasons:

15. Hand Sanitizer

Pandemic or not, germs are everywhere and hand sanitizer is a must, especially so you can enjoy all the Disney snacks!

16. Packable Straws

Disney had switched over to all paper straws, and I can understand, but I personally don’t like drinking out of them. These are small and compact and pleasant for drinking:

17: Tums

Don’t let indigestion from all the snacks and drink slow you down. Keep an antacid on hand at all times:

18. Baby Powder

When you average ten miles of walking a day, chafing can be a problem, but not if you carry this:

19. Gatorade

Pour these sugar-free Gatorade powder packs right into your family’s water bottles for an extra pack of electrolytes on the go:

20. Ears

You simply can’t go to Disneyland without Minnie ears, and the ones they sell in the parks tend to be expensive and so tight they’ll give you a headache. This post has ten links to ears you can buy before you go and bring with you:

TAKEAWAYS

I don’t like showing up unprepared, and definitely don’t want to pay a premium for these items in the parks! Shop now and you’ll have everything you need to pack for a magical time at Disneyland.

Learn more about how we travel for almost free on Instagram @almostfreetraveling and join the conversation on facebook.com/almostfreetraveling. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not any other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.