What to Bring for the Day at Walt Disney World

The Boy Scouts of America have a well known motto: Be Prepared. Walt Disney World Resorts also have a motto: Experience the Magic! By applying a little time to making sure you follow the BSA's advice, you can really maximize Disney's suggestion. Being prepared for a day in the midst of the action in the hot Florida sunshine can truly boost your own vacation magic!

So what can you bring into the parks to make sure you have all the bases covered? Start with a lightweight backpack or bag. You can find these nylon bags for less than $10 at most discount or sports stores at home before you leave. Look for bags with reinforced straps for the most durability and try to choose a light color to minimize sunlight absorption. The next step is filling your backpack with all the necessities.

Waterproof Sunscreen. Always apply sunscreen before leaving your room for the parks, but carry along a small tube or spray bottle for reapplying throughout the day. Make use of the sunscreen after every water ride and every few hours to make sure your skin is protected from the damaging sun. Keeping sunburn away will make your days and evenings much more pleasant.

Filtered Water Bottle. Bottled water in the parks is expensive and the water from the fountains is unappealing. The need to stay hydrated is immense and water is by far the best hydration tool available. Bringing a lightweight filtered bottle into the parks keeps cold and fresh water at the ready all day and it won't cost anything. Ask a Cast Member for some ice, fill the bottle with water and drink. Fit N Fresh's LivPURE Filtered Water Bottle is an excellent and low cost choice to bring with you. The bottle is extremely lightweight, holds 20 ounces of water, and filters up to 500 times.

Wipes. A small pack of wet wipes can be purchases at discount stores for around one dollar and can be a lifesaver after eating a quickly melting popsicle or ice cream bar. Napkins are great, but sometimes a sticky mess needs more. Carrying wipes with you can keep you away from the long bathroom sink lines and keep your hands clean and not sticky.

Camera. Where can you find more cameras at the ready than a Disney Park? Although during the day your camera may spend more time in your pocket where you can whip it out at a second's notice to take a quick photo of a magical moment, packing it in the bag in the morning will make sure it gets where it needs to be: the parks.

Cell Phone. Even if you plan to stay with your party all day, having a cell phone is always handy. You can use it to cancel or rebook dinner reservations, stay in touch with your family when they want to ride Expedition Everest and you'd rather sit it out, as a backup camera in case of a battery outage, and to keep track of time. Who wants to wear a watch on vacation? Keep track of the time on your cell, and eliminate unsightly tan lines on your wrists.

Cash. Even if you are making all your purchases on your room charge, you still may need some cash. Not all kiosks are able to take the room charge, and at times the computer malfunctions. Keeping some cash on hand will prevent you from having to tell Junior that he has to hand the ice cream back.

Room Key, Park Tickets, and Discount Cards. It may seem obvious, but keeping your room key, tickets and discount cards in one central place will make it less likely that you will forget them back in the room. Mornings can be hectic trying to get into the parks, so having the necessities packed and ready to go will ensure that they are there when you need them.

The rule of thumb for packing your park bag is to think basic, lightweight, and convenient. Having a place to centrally locate park paraphernalia and having a few items to make your day more pleasant can go a long way towards a great day. A lightweight bag can also travel with you on the rides and to the attractions and be ready for you whenever you need it.

So be prepared! Think through your daily needs and pack them in a lightweight, light colored bag. And then get ready to really Experience the Magic!