8 Must Pack Items For Your Walt Disney World Vacation

As a seasoned Walt Disney World Go-er  I’ve visited in all types of weather, at all times of year, in all kinds of circumstances. I’ve been as a child, a teen, a DINK (double income, no kids), with infants, toddlers and teens, with extended family and the elderly. I’ve over-packed and under-packed. Listed below are my favorite must pack items.

1. Bottled Water – At least one bottle per person. We bring a large 24 pack for a family of 5. We refill throughout the day and then renew every other day.  (For those flying to Walt Disney World, Garden Grocer is a popular and highly recommended grocery delivery service. Prices are competitive, online ordering is easy and groceries are delivered directly to your resort.)

2. Brightly Colored Scarf or Bandana – Tie this to your stroller (either your own or Disney’s) for quick and easy identification in the sea of strollers you’ll find after you leave an attraction.

3. Pre-Measured Laundry Detergent – Either the pods or pre-measured scoops that you create at home, popping a few of these in your luggage allows you to wash a load of unmentionables or a quick load to keep stains from setting.

4. Snack and Sandwich Sized Ziploc Bags – Use these clever gadgets to share larger snacks with your party, save portable leftovers from lunch or to easily carry snacks brought from home. We found small Ziploc bags especially helpful when our children were toddlers or in their early elementary years – a time when they seemed to snack constantly!

5. Gallon Sized Ziploc Bags – Pack each outfit for each day, right down to diaper, Pull-up or underwear, for your infant, toddler or small child. When they are infants or young toddlers, toss a bag to your spouse or older child and they can help your little one get ready for the day. When the kids are a little older and can dress themselves, they just grab a bag and go! This trick makes for an easy start to your morning.

6. Hand Sanitizer – No explanation necessary.

7. Clothes Pins – To use on the shower line to quickly dry swim-suits and items that can be hand-washed. Or, for an extra dark room at nap-time and for late risers, to pin the curtains tightly closed. (This trick has fooled my own children more times than I care to admit. Shhhhh!)

8. Over-the-Door-Shoe-Holder – This is my favorite trick. Easily found at any big box store, purchase a plastic over-the-door-shoe-holder. When you arrive at the resort, hang on the bathroom door and now everyone has a place for their individual toiletries, leaving the bathroom counter clutter free. We each take a row (my daughter takes two) and neatness prevails!

Have a favorite tip? Please share in the comments below!