Must-Haves for Your Disney Daypack

You've spent hours planning your Disney vacation and have secured everything from transportation to lodging to meal reservations (you MUST make meal reservations prior to leaving home). You're not done yet, though. Now it's time to pay attention to the little details that will have a huge impact on the success of your Disney World vacation. First, however, be sure you have a sturdy bag.

It's best to use a bag that you can wear on your back and that you're comfortable carrying around for extended periods of time. If you need to buy a new one, consider doing so once you arrive. It'll get a lot of use and be a great reminder of your trip.

Make sure the bag is big enough to hold everything and still have room for the little souvenirs you won't be able to pass-up (if you're staying at a Disney resort, you can have your in-park purchases delivered to your room).

The bag should be able to completely close so you don't lose anything when getting on and off rides. Don't forget an identifying label, including your cell number and resort location/room number.

Smart tip: Close your bag when entering every theater or ride and keep it closed for the duration. If the kids are playing with something, it, too, must go inside the bag at this point. Disney World doesn't have a huge lost-and-found department for nothing.

I've been to Walt Disney World countless times and have become an expert on what to tote around the parks on a daily basis. Here's a look inside my Disney daypack.

Ponchos

It's Florida. It's gonna rain. Be prepared with ponchos for everyone in the family. You can buy them inexpensively before you leave home. Otherwise, you can purchase swanky Mickey Mouse ones once you've arrived. They're available for purchase literally everywhere within the park system. Consider purchasing an extra one to drape over the stroller so Junior doesn't get wet (and grumpy).

Smart tip: Carry a zip-top bag to stuff wet ponchos in after the rain shower passes. This will prevent everything else in the bag from getting wet.

Smart tip: Drape a poncho over the stroller, including the seat, when parking it in unprotected areas. Not only will it be easier to identify, but it'll be protected during an unexpected rain shower. It'll also be safe from bird droppings.

Sunscreen & SPF Lip balm

It's a given that you'll be laden with sunscreen. Be sure to put some in your backpack for touch-ups during the day. An appropriate sized zip-top bag will eliminate leakage fears.

It's essential that you don't forget SPF lip balm. Sun burnt lips are no fun at all and are painfully achy. Plus, they'll swell so much that you'll be mistaken as a cast member from "Finding Nemo - The Musical" stage show at Animal Kingdom.

Snacks

Replenish your snack supply daily and don't forget snacks for parents. Not only is it cheaper to bring your own, but it'll ward off rumbly tumblies (and Pooh would approve).

Moist Towelettes

These will come in handy throughout the trip. The anti-bacterial ones are especially good for wiping toilet seats prior to Junior using one. Don't leave home without them.

Stress-Relief Vitamin

Though it's the happiest place on earth, Disney World can evoke more stress than a day at the office. Sometimes, it actually feels like work.

A stress-relief vitamin like B-Complex is absolutely essential to ward off not only everyday stress, but vacation-induced stress, too. I never leave home without it and I make sure everyone in my family takes one right after breakfast. They're the secret ingredient to a fun, successful trip. Maybe you could slide one to Donald Duck.

Electronics

For each electronic you plan to use, be prepared with back-up batteries, memory cards, video tapes, power cords, etc. To keep them dry in your backpack during those Florida pop-up storms, zip-top bags are perfect.

Still want to photograph your poncho-wearing kids as they splash their way through the Magic Kingdom in the pouring rain, but don't want to get your expensive DSLR wet? You need an OpTech Rain Sleeve.

These specially-shaped plastic protectors fit easily over both camera body and lens, no matter their size. The unique eyepiece opening adapts to most viewfinders for viewing through the lens- not plastic. The drawstring lens opening offers easy access and a snug fit.

Smart tip: Carry an anti-fog cloth, available for purchase online or where most cameras are sold, to keep lenses of all sorts fog-free. You're going to need it in Florida's oft humid climate.

Empty Zip-Top Bags

Empty zip-top bags are very useful, so be sure to carry a few empty ones for unexpected things.

First Aid Supplies

Pack as many first-aid supplies as you think you'll need in a clear, zip-top bag. Must-haves include waterproof bandages, antacids, cold/allergy medications and ibuprofen/acetaminophen.

Though you can purchase these items while visiting the parks, you'll pay a hefty price for the convenience of doing so.

Smart tip: Be prepared for allergies to pop up when you least expect them. If your child suffers from spring-time allergies, symptoms may appear earlier than normal while in central Florida if you call a different region of the country home.

A little planning goes a long way, especially if you pay attention to the details. There's no substitute for being prepared.

Sources

Personal experience.

http://www.optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=73 (OpTech Rain Sleeve)