Things to Pack for a Day at an Amusement Park

Packing for your day at an amusement park can be every bit as nerve wracking as packing for an entire vacation. Despite the fact that your hotel will be infinitely closer than home should you forget something, no one wants to make an unexpected deviation from their game plan, or shell out twice the money for the same product while still in the park.

Still, even though you don't want to forget something, it is possible to over plan, leading to costs for renting a locker, or a sore back and feet from carrying the extra weight all day. So here's a list of things you should be carrying with you to amusement parks every day of your stay.

Wallet

This may seem obvious, but in addition to your money, credit cards, and photo ID, your wallet should be doing extra duty, including holding some of the smaller items in this list.

Hotel Room Key

As long as you have your photo ID, you should be able to get the front desk to let you into your room if you forget this, but really, it's just better all around to have it.

Entrance Ticket To The Park

You can, of course, purchase your ticket at the gate, but once you're at the entrance, do you really want to wait in line again?

Sunscreen/Sunblock

The summer weather changes, well, like the wind. One moment it can be bright and sunny, the next a downpour, and then back again. There is just no way to accurately predict the weather you'll have at the parks, and research has shown that you can burn on overcast days as well. Even if you're planning a short day at the park, it's best bring sun protection with you.

Camera

Even if you just bring a disposable camera to the parks, make sure that you bring one. No matter how many times you visit a particular amusement park, or how often, there will always be something new to capture your interest.

Extra Batteries

Any vacation destination will be more than happy to supply you with extra batteries should you need them- for a price. Even if you're willing to pay it, what happens if you're on a ride and your batteries die?

Extra Film Or Memory Card

Again, the amusement park will be more than happy to supply you with either of these for a fee, but just like with the batteries, what would happen if you run out in the middle of an attraction? And you may think having just one, huge memory card will be enough, but what if that card becomes corrupted? Or your toddler decides the camera is a toy and manages to delete your images? You'll want a back up.

Cell Phone or Walkie-Talkie

While you should always make plans to meet your group at specific places and times, it's good to have a cell phone or walkie-talkie on you for contact. Even if you're traveling alone, a cell phone will come in very handy when you see a t-shirt that's perfect for Aunt Bertha, but you don't know her size.

Baby Powder

The summer heat and humidity can have an unpleasant effect even even in the highly charged atmosphere of an amusement park. You'll want the powder available to prevent blisters on your feet, between your thighs, and anywhere else your skin rubs. You may not need it, but if you do, you'll be so grateful that you have it. I'd recommend the small Johnson & Johnson cornstarch baby powder that is found in the travel aisle of grocery and drug stores.

Band-Aids

Or other form of adhesive bandages. You'll want at least one large (big enough to cover your elbow, or heel of your foot), one medium, and one small (finger size) band-aid for every two members of your party each day. If you need more than that, there is usually a first-aid station located near the entrance of any park.

Spare Paper

What kind is up to you; my husband prefers a sheet of notebook paper folded up while I prefer mini key-chain notebooks. You'll want this to mark down your parking space (if you drove), reminders for when your FastPasses are due (where applicable), rides you don't want to miss, shops to return to (and the reason you wanted to go there), dinner reservation times and places, unplanned character signings (where applicable), and any other reason you'd take notes.

A Sharpie, And A Ballpoint Pen

You'll want a Sharpie, not just because they're easier for characters to hold, but because they write on anything. Walt Disney World is known for mailing unclaimed Lost & Found items to their owners if they know where to send it. Characters can use them to sign t-shirts, and they're great for marking refillable mugs. The ballpoint pen is for when the Sharpie is just too big, and it doesn't take up much space.

Handi-Wipes or Hand Sanitizer

You can buy sample sized bottles of Purell and other hand sanitizers, some of which even come on key chains. Most drug stores and travel sections of other stores also carry individually packaged hand wipes. If you can't find these, ask for a few extra on your next trip to KFC. In addition to cleaning your hands before eating, handi-wipes are great for cleaning minor scrapes and cuts before applying band-aids, or even wiping away sweat on a hot day.

A Carabiner Clip

I love having a carabiner on my person at the parks. You can hang anything that uses a keychain from it (sharpies, notebooks, sanitizer, or even a baseball cap when you're not wearing it), and then hang that from belt loops, the actual belt, purse or bag strap, and any number of other places. This is one of the most functional things you can carry.

Miscellanea

At least one safety pin, at least one rubber band

Trust me on this, it's much quicker, easier, and less messy than carrying scotch tape and sewing kits.

Other items that I've found helpful:

Mini Water Bottle

The week before our trips to Walt Disney World, I buy a pack of those tiny water bottles- the ones that are about 8 oz. I pack one in my bag every morning before heading to the parks. That way, I have water on me to start the day rather than having to stop in the middle of our mad rush to Dinosaur!. Once it's empty, I stick it back in my bag until I need water again. I rarely drink a whole bottle at once, so I fill my little bottle up, stick it back in my bag, and then drink what's left of the purchased water. No water logging myself, or dehydrating!

Celestial Seasoning's Zingers To Go

Or Kool-aid, or any other travel packs of flavoring. Bottled water at the parks is very expensive, but there are water fountains everywhere. The flavor packs can make the water fountain water palatable, and it'll save you a fortune on hydration costs.

Poncho or Trash Bag

Summer showers can spring out of nowhere. If you don't like to get soaked, bring a poncho with you to the parks. You'll be able to jump on all the rides while those less prepared are battling for a place in line to buy them in the shops.

Extra Quarters And Pennies

Theme parks everywhere are installing pressed penny machines. Not only do these make great, cheap, small souvenirs, but the pennies and quarters are spendable in a pinch.

Do you have any items that absolutely must be packed for a day at the parks? Share them here!