Packing for Disney: What to Bring to the "World"

You're off to Walt Disney World. The tickets are bought, you've been counting down for weeks (or months!). Now you're faced with yet another decision - what to pack for your family adventure to Disney.

If you're flying or driving, compact and efficient packing will save you a lot of headaches even before you leave home. We've all witnessed families with twenty pieces of luggage, struggling through the hotel lobby towards the check in counter. It's helpful if you write a list everyone agrees on and stick to it, especially if you've got people in your family who pack everything but the kitchen sink.

When my first son was young, we could all fit everything into carry-ons on the plane. Now, with stricter regulations and a daughter who tends to pack... a lot of stuffed animals, checking luggage is a given. It's still a good idea to pack light so that you're back doesn't get thrown out or you clutter the hotel room with unnecessary items.

Most of your pack list will be obvious - five t-shirts, one pair of jeans, bathroom items, etc.. There are few items specific to Disney World, however, that will make your vacation more enjoyable.

If you have kids, pack a few Disney-related souvenirs ahead of time. This alone will save you money right out of the gate, as items at Disney World are rarely on sale. Stock up on Disney merchandise at your local Disney Store, or Disney's on-line store. Keep your eyes open for Disney items at the Dollar Store, or at the supermarket. I purchased a light-up necklace for my daughter for $3 before a Disney trip, and discovered the same necklace at the parks for three times as much. Give a small souvenir every day, or at the beginning of a trip. I also give everyone a t-shirt I've bought on sale at home, bought at a fraction of the Disney park price. (Of course, they'll want to pick out their own souvenirs once they get to the parks, but already-packed items can offset at least some of the costs.)

Walking at Disney can be grueling. By the end of your trip, you'll literally have walked dozens of miles. Pack good walking shoes. Stay away from sandals that bind, or any kind of new footwear. Make sure your shoes are broken in and comfortable. I always include a package of moleskin in my Disney fanny pack while at the parks. This flexible bandage product is great for sore foot areas.

Each member of my family always wears a fanny pack during our Disney vacations. The "mom" pack always includes water, wet-wipes, a small package of tissues, a few bandages, moleskin, a cell phone, a pen, money/credit cards, and sunscreen. I've used all of these items, and using a fanny pack instead of a purse has given my shoulders and neck a break. The "dad" fanny pack usually includes a camera, money/credit cards, and a cell phone. For those dads not into fanny packs, I would suggest a wallet and a phone tucked into a back pocket. The parks also sell lanyards to hang a water bottle, which saves room in a fanny pack.

There are wonderful varieties of kid's fanny packs, including Disney-related characters. If your kids like to get autographs from characters, have them carry an autograph book and a jumbo-size pen in their pack. (Characters have an easier time signing with an over-sized pen.) Put mom and dad's contact information in a children's pack, in the unlikely event that they wander away.

If you're family is partial to certain snacks, it's a good idea to pack some of your favorites. Power bars, salty snacks, and treats will tide you over until you eat a full meal, and are easier on the budget then buying Disney retail. If you're partial to chewing gum, bring it from home, as Disney doesn't sell gum on any of their properties.

Finally, pack an extra bag. Disney being Disney, you're more likely to be hauling more stuff home than you came with. Instead of cramming everything into a few days, use the extra bag for your souvenirs.