The Ultimate Packing List For Disney World. No. Really. It Is.

In preparation for our upcoming trip, I tried to find the ultimate packing list. I guess the one I’ve used and altered and added to and subtracted from for the past 30 years just wasn’t good enough. I knew there was something better out there.

And there was.

And there wasn’t.

I’ve altered my own list 30+ times, as many times as I’ve been to Walt Disney World. I continue to search for the ultimate list because our needs have changed so much over the years. I’ve visited as a kid (the year it opened!) and I’ve visited as a college student. I’ve made packing lists when it was just me and my husband and lists when our kids were babies. I’ve taken trips with just my 18 year old daughter and trips with just my 5 and 6 year old sons. Now, we’re going with our 21 year old daughter and our 10 and 11 year old sons. Time is going to continue to fly and before we know it my husband and I will be empty nesters and it will be just the two of us again and hopefully, we’ll have trips with the grandkids.

If there is one thing I’ve learned, packing lists are ever-changing. The only “ultimate” list is the one you’ve created for yourself, based on your family’s needs for your particular upcoming trip. And that ultimate list is going to shift and change as your needs change.

There are hundreds of ultimate lists out there. I’ve compiled the best of the best. Scan through these lists. See what works best for your needs. Add that item to your list. And move on to the next list.

There are things you never want to forget. Go here for the perfect summertime list of packing essential for Walt Disney World. And go here for a list of things you don’t need that you thought you might. (Disclaimer: I’ve noticed that “bug spray” is listed on both lists – a thing you need and don’t need. We have rarely felt the need for bug spray. But one son, as he’s gotten older, seems more prone to being bit. We bring it now.)

Are you light sleepers? Then add the sound machine that one list suggests. Sleep like a baby in hotel rooms? Skip that item and move on to the next. Gum chewers? Pack it. You’ll get great inspiration from some lists and others will have items that won’t pertain to you at all. Tailor your list to you.

And it will be The Ultimate Packing List because it will be perfect for you and your family’s needs.

I keep my list on an Excel spreadsheet. Columns are easy to create and adjusting the list based on who is going, the season or where we’re staying is easy, peasy.

Now. Let’s get packing!

• SocaMom Packing List – Fantastic list if you have kids!
• Palmettos & Pigtails List – This mom has done her research. And put it all in a comprehensive list just for you.
• In The Heart Of My Home List – This post shares great tips about the process and how to get your kids involved.
• A Disney Mom’s List – A thorough list from a true Disney mom!
• Kelly’s Lucky You List – Extensive list that helps you organize all stages of packing.
• Doombuggy Runner – There’s even a list for you Disney marathon runners out there!
• AllEars.net List – A great list of things you may not want to forget, things you hadn’t thought of.
• Pack Wiz List – Extensive list complete with travel to-do list at the end.
• Mini Time List – Reader inspired list of things they found indispensable! Not Disney specific, but a very helpful list!
• Family Vacation Critic – An exhaustive list for family travel!
• WDW Prep School List – This list is large. Very large. But you can download it in a Word or PDF format so you can add or delete as necessary.

For more packing ideas and general tips from seasoned pros, click here!