Disney Day Bag Packing List: Essentials for Every Type of Disney Day

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Disney Day Bag Packing List

Here is my ultimate Disney day bag packing list (printable PDF at the bottom)—because the more prepared you are, the less stressed (and broke) you’ll be.

Things at the Disney parks and resorts are expensive, and it adds up quickly. Having the right stuff with you means fewer purchases and a more relaxed day, whether you’re hitting the parks, having a rest day at the resort, or hopping to other resorts to explore.

While you may not need as much for a resort day at your own resort, resort hopping can be just as much of a day as the parks, so you’ll want a bag of the essentials for that too. Most of what goes into your Disney Park bag will also be needed in your resort hopping bag. Before you pack, make sure to check Disney’s official list of prohibited items so you don’t accidentally bring something that isn’t allowed into the parks or resorts.

Even if you’re going without kids, there are still Disney park essentials for adults you’ll want to make sure you’ve packed.  This list covers what I brought in our bags, what I wish I’d packed, and suggestions to help you figure out what you personally need.  You don’t have to bring it all—just use this as a guide to make your own Disney day bag packing list.

What is Resort Hopping?

Resort hopping is exploring the Disney resorts you aren’t staying at. You can’t use the pools unless you’re a guest at that specific resort, but you can enjoy the beaches, walk around the lobbies and grounds, join in resort activities, and do arts and crafts in the community rooms.

If you want more details, check out my resort hopping guide or my 8 resort hopping itineraries.

Disney Day Bag Packing List Tips

  • Only bring what you’ll actually use. Remember, you’ll be carrying it all day.
  • Do a test pack at home to make sure everything fits, and wear it around to check if it’s comfortable.
  • Leave room in your bag for souvenirs or clothing if you take off a layer or two.
  • Keep frequently used items accessible—don’t bury your phone at the bottom.
  • Pack based on your plan: wallet up top if you’re starting with lunch; swim stuff at the bottom if you’re ending at the pool.
  • Use smaller bags or large Ziplocs to group things—snacks, first aid items, toys and fidgets.
  • Pack for security checkpoints. Even when resort hopping, you’ll have to go through Disney security to access the Monorail. Keep things like umbrellas and sunglasses cases easy to grab. Take them out and hold them in front of you when walking through security to avoid a full bag check.
  • Use travel-sized containers for sunscreen, wipes, deodorant, etc.
  • Use carabiners or bag hooks for fans, hats, or water bottles to save interior space and keep these items handy.

Weather/Sun Protection

Disney park essentials

It rains often (but usually passes quickly) at Disney so some form of rain protection is a must at the parks (since Disney ponchos are pricey). While it is easier to stay inside while resort hopping, if the rain lasts you’ll want to be prepared. And don’t forget to pack a Ziploc to put all your wet stuff in once the rain stops.

Florida might be the “Sunshine State,” but it still gets cold. When we went the first week of January, it dropped to 42°F (6°C) one morning and we had to double up on sweaters. From October to March, mornings and evenings can be cool—bring layers and leave room in your bag to stash them once it warms up.

First Aid

You never know when you’ll need something. I really wish I’d had Kleenex in my park bag the day Zen had a nosebleed. By the time I found napkins, her shirt was ruined, which meant spending money I hadn’t planned to buy a new one.

Hydration and Snacks/Meals

Disney park bag

Disney prices add up fast —come prepared with your own.

Florida water isn’t for everyone, so a filtered water bottle helps (pack it empty to save weight). Or, use a collapsible one if you’re fine with the taste. Bring snacks that won’t melt. They’ll come in handy if you’re stuck in a long line or your plans shift while resort hopping. If you really want to save money, get an insulated bag so you can bring your lunch/dinner in too.

If you have an insulated bag

  • Bento Box with crackers, meat, cheese, veggies and dip, fruit
  • Uncrustables or sandwiches
  • Yogurt tubes/Yogurt drinks
  • String Cheese

Tech

When you’re constantly using the My Disney Experience app, your phone doesn’t last long.  Even my month-old iPhone needed a recharge by mid-afternoon. You’ll also be taking photos, placing mobile orders, and checking directions—even on resort days. Disney has FuelRod stations if you think you’ll need more than one recharge, but I was fine with just an iWalk charger.

For the Kids

Disney park essentials for kids

Lines, meals, parades, transportation—there’s a lot of waiting. Bring things to keep kids busy, especially while you’re checking out something they’re not into. And don’t forget the stroller on your resort hopping days—it’s just as much walking as the parks.

Other Items You May Want

  • AirTags – Great for kids or teens without phones. I used a necklace AirTag for Brie and a keychain one for Zen.
  • Your MagicBand – Even at the resorts since it will still be used to charge to your room.
  • Key to the World Card in a lanyard – If you don’t have a MagicBand.
  • Autograph book – Characters pop up at resorts too.
  • Larger pens or Sharpies – Easier for characters to use.
  • Gum – Not sold at Disney, so bring your own.
  • Empty Ziplocs or zippered bags – For snacks, wet clothes, leftovers, whatever.
  • Disney pins and lanyard or case – Not just for the Parks, you can trade pins at resorts too.
  • Mickey ears – Grab a pair before your trip if you want to wear them on day one.
  • Mouse ear holder – For rides or when you just want a break from wearing them.

Only for the Disney Park Bag

What to pack in backpack for Disney

These are useful at the parks but not usually needed for resort days or hopping.

Only for the Resort Bag

You don’t need as much for a resort day—your room is nearby. But pack for pools, beaches (no swimming in the lake, but you can play in the sand), and downtime.

Only for the Resort Hopping Bag

If you’re doing one of my resort hopping itineraries, you’ll be out all day. So pack like a park day, but add a few beach day extras.

Best Bags to Bring to Disney

Best Bags to Bring to Disney

The best bags to bring to Disney depend on your group size, how long you’re out, and whether you have kids. I used a travel backpack, Zen carried a drawstring backpack, Brie had a Loungefly-style bag, and we each had a crossbody or fanny pack for phones and wallets. The bigger bags stayed at the stroller (or wheelchair in our case) parking, so all the valuables stayed with us.

If you’re not resort hopping with kids, go smaller—a sling, crossbody, or small backpack works.

Special Needs Parenting Tip: If you’re with an older child or teen who tends to wander and don’t want to use a child safety harness, a crossbody bag can be a discreet way to stay connected—just hold the strap in crowded areas to help keep them close.

Here are some bags we used (or saw others use):

  • Loungeflys – Small, cute, and everywhere at Disney. Great for adults packing light or kids carrying their own stuff.
  • Other mini backpacks – Budget version that works just as well. Brie used hers as somewhere to keep her sensory kit. It would be perfect for a toy kit for kids too.
  • Rope Drop Backpack – A bit bigger than a Loungefly but smaller than a full backpack.
  • Drawstring Backpack – A great option if you’re flying since it won’t take up much room in your luggage. We found one with two water bottle holder spots and used it as our main Disney Park bag.
  • Packable Backpack – Perfect if you’ll be shedding layers or need extra space for souvenirs. I brought one folded up in our main bag and used it as my backpack once it warmed up.
  • Crossbody Bags – I used the 2L Everywhere Belt Bag, which fit all my essentials. I initially tried the 1L knockoff Brie used, but it was too small for me—though it worked fine for her.
  • Water Bottle Crossbody – Great option if you only need the essentials.
  • Fanny pack with water bottle holder – Zen’s was a dog-walking fanny pack with a detachable leash.
  • Kids fanny pack – A great option for kids who don’t want to wear a backpack all day, this is the perfect size for their essentials like gift cards, a fidget, and an AirTag—great.

Printable Disney Day Bag Packing List PDF

Want a printable checklist version? Download the Disney day bag packing list PDF here.

A good Disney day bag packing list makes your trip smoother, saves money, and keeps your day from being derailed by little things. Whether you’re headed to the parks, resort hopping, or just relaxing at your hotel, having the right gear makes a big difference.

Need more ideas for a day at the resorts? Don’t miss these:

Planning to do some resort hopping? Check these out:

For more travel tips and inspiration, don’t forget to follow me on Facebook or TikTok!

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