What You Need in your Disney World Backpack

During our days at Walt Disney World’s theme parks we like to have a backpack. This backpack gets filled with all of our necessities for the day. We try to have as much as we’ll require for the day ahead, cutting down on buying anything we could have brought with us. Leaving more room in our vacation budget for souvenirs and food. Here’s a look at what we pack in our backpack for a day at the parks.

Wipes

Even though all three of our children are no longer in diapers, having wipes in our park backpack is a lifesaver. It makes it easier for keeping faces clean and general clean up.

Water Bottle

What I mean by a water bottle is an empty re-usable water bottle. There are multiple fountains found around each of the parks, anytime we see a fountain we refill. Staying hydrate is key to a successful park day.

Change of Clothes

This is only for the younger travellers, we don’t typically bring a change of clothes for ourselves. Although there have been times after riding Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids that I wish I had something else to throw on. For the younger kids I like to have an extra set of clothes in case of major spills. No one wants to stay sticky all day.

Snacks

Even though we love buying lots of park snacks during our park days, we also put a healthy amount of snacks in our park backpack. We choose snacks that aren’t easily broken and don’t melt during hot days. We stick to granola bars, goldfish, pretzels, raisins. And of course, we have snacks that our stomachs are used to consuming. We are very strategic about ensuring good gut health during our Disney World vacations.

Portable Charger

These devices are so handy. Days at the park can drain the battery on your phone. Batteries do not love the Disney World app, but the app is so necessary now when you’re booking your lightning lanes, checking reservation times, looking at the map. Even if you enter the park with a full battery, it will not necessarily last you until the end of the day. Having a portable charger will ensure you don’t have to limit your phone usage.

Cords

Have charging cords for your devices. Even if you don’t bring a portable charger, there are multiple places to charge your phone. Whether you’re sitting and eating at a restaurant or waiting in line for a ride, there are plenty of outlets that you can use during your park day.

Sunscreen

We love bringing our own sunscreen on vacation because our kids have sensitivities to certain brands. Also, I find certain brands stain clothes and strollers. So I like to bring several bottles of our favourite sunscreen on vacation and pack one in the park backpack. I’m still a fan of traditional lotion instead of spray on. I find I can be sure of where there has been lotion applied and where there hasn’t been.

Body Glide

Body Glide is one of my favourite products. Body Glide is a roll on balm that prevents chafing. Those long days of walking the parks means your legs are constantly rubbing together.

Hat

Whether a ball hat, visor or sun hat. If you are going to be doing multiple park days, keep your face and head protected to keep the heat off you.

Hair Brush

Whether you want to look picture perfect for those character photos or planning on riding some of the wet rides, a hair brush help keeps the mane in working order.

Elastics

When the day begins, your hair may be fine down but as the day goes on it can get hot, sticky, there may be melting ice cream that you don’t want getting in your hair. Having a few elastics on hand, gives you the permission to change your mind later in the day.

Park Maps

Yes, you have your phone which gives you access to the many park maps. But having a hand held map that can be picked up at the park entrance is very handy. These maps have so much information on them. They have the shops listed, restaurants named, and all the bathrooms highlighted. This way you can also save the battery on your phone for taking pictures.

Hand Sanitizer

There is definitely hand sanitizer found around the parks but we all know we have our favourites. So make sure you have a couple in your backpack that you know and love for keeping yourself and your party germ free.

Sweaters

When the sun goes down it can very quickly cool off, especially if you go on a late Splash Mountain ride or Kali River Rapid plunge. Having sweaters on hand will avoid small people complaining about being cold and keep everyone warm and healthy for the next park days.

Ziploc Bags

Having a couple ziplock bags will keep any wet items from getting the rest of your backpack wet. Even if you don’t expect to need them, it’s handy to have them just in case your sunscreen explodes or a small person decides to jump in the splash park. They don’t take up much space, you’ll be glad you have them.

I typically bring my purse along with me for our park days. Just something small to carry a few essentials and the backpack gets carried by my husband. Even as our kids get older I think we’ll continue to bring a backpack along, especially as the park days get longer with tweens and teens. For more tips on creating a magical Disney World vacation check out these previous posts:

A list of Toddler Essentials for Disney World

What I pack in our Airplane Backpack

How to Save Money on your Disney World Park Tickets

How to get the Room you Want on your Disney World Vacation

Rides you can’t Ride Pregnant at Walt Disney World