Packing for a Disney park family vacation may seem like moving a small army. Just the amount of clean socks and underwear alone could seem mind boggling!
Obviously your family will need enough clothes, bathing suits, sun gear, comfortable shoes, medications and comfortable shoes. If you're vacationing with an infant this list must also include baby gear, diapers and possibly food items for your little one.
Besides these tangible and material items you'll also need to pack a daily itinerary plan, a sense of childhood wonder, stamina and a great sense of humor.
Still there are a few more items that may not seem so obvious. After many, many vacations to Disney parks with our own kids, out staff has put together a list of a dozen "Must Have" items. Whether high tech or low tech, we think these items will make your family vacation more comfortable and enjoyable.
If your family is planning on flying to the disney parks, you need to pack smart and efficiently. Most airlines charge extra luggage fees that can add up quickly if you're not smart about what to bring.
Our Vacationkids staff compared notes and this is the list of things that we simply "won't leave home without"....
1. Portable cell phone/electronic charger - If you're planning on spending long days in the park and sharing your photos and experiences with your friends and family on social media, you'll need a re-charge.
2. Power strips - Electric plugs are in short supply in many hotel rooms. If you have several family members looking to power up their phones or Ipads, you'll need extra plugs.
3. Ponchos - Definitely something to buy in advance at your local dollar store. The bigger the size the dryer you'll stay and hoods are always helpful. Great to use for park water slides beside rainy days.
4. ZipLoc bags - Never leave home without them. Pack several bags of multiple sizes on the very bottom of your bag. It will help to waterproof your things and you can use them during your travels. They are great for everything from snacks, dirty clothes, wet bathing suits to TSA check points.
5. Water Bottles & Collapsible Coolers - You can get free ice water at any park food venue. Having refillable water bottles are a very practical item to have. If you don't like the taste of tap water in your room, consider getting a water bottle with a built in filter. A collapsible cooler is great for packing snacks or picnic items for the park.
6. Bathing suit Sarong - Besides fashion wear for around the pool, this one item can serve many purposes. I use mine as an airplane napping blanket or even a shoulder wrap for a chilly restaurant.
7. Blister guard - Blisters are a way of life when you're walking thru the parks. My husband, the ice hockey player, told me about this product and it works like a charm.
8. Body Glide - My daughter the marathon runner told me about this product. It will help for blisters too but best used for chaffing on those very hot days in the park.
9. Inflatable boogie boards - The obvious use is for fun in the pool but your butt will thank you if you need to take a hard seat for any length of time waiting for a show or parade. By partially inflating and rolling it up, it can be used as an airplane pillow too.
10. Disney Souvenirs - You can save a bundle buying your souvenirs in advance. Little surprises for your kids like glo-sticks, princess costumes or room window decorations.
11. Amazon - Obviously not something to put in your suitcase but certainly something to make more room IN your suitcase. Pre-ship your family's toiletry items, drink mixes and snacks along with most of the items listed here and have it waiting for you when you arrive at your Disney World resort.
12. Patience - and lots of it for waiting in line. Might want to download some new movies or games to your devices to help time pass while waiting in line
So how did we do?
Do you have something on your "must have" Disney packing list and we've missed?.....
