The things that most people pack for vacations are standard you don’t really have to make a list for. But Disney vacations are a bit different. You are packing for different weather, a lot of walking, and probably an outfit change or two a day. Going to Disney with kids is so much planning you might forget some important things in your bags, here’s what I felt were some must haves for our magical vacations.
Stroller Fans!!
If you’ve read my earlier blog you know my view on the importance of stroller care. Stroller fans will be your best friend on warmer park days. When you’re walking around Epcot there aren’t many shady areas, toddlers and infants won’t get out of the stroller much for a trip around the world showcase. They might even take a nap while you walk. When it’s mid day and it gets hot there’s not much to keep your kiddos cool while they are riding along. With a clip on stroller fan or two you can be at ease knowing your babes aren’t roasting in their strollers. While there is one stroller fan you can buy at the park (and it’s always sold out when you need it), it’s clunky, expensive and never stays clipped on well. You can find some affordable and good quality fans on amazon.
Broken in shoes
Please for the love of those little feet, don’t buy new shoes for them to wear to Disney. Even though the thought of the bright red Vans with their cute matching outfits is so picture perfect, blisters and achy feet are not. Bring the most busted, worn in pair of shoes they own no matter what they look like. Crop their feet out of the photo. I made the mistake of buying new shoes for my then two year old and he spent the first day miserable. We ended up buying $40 crocs (with socks, shame on me) and those were the only thing comfortable for him for the rest of the trip. Those muddy blown out Nikes I left at home were calling my name and calling me stupid.
Snot suckers (nasal aspirator) infant Tylenol or other cold and flu medicine of your choice.
When you head to Disney every kids is touching all the things, and if that kid has a cold your kid will get it. I walked into a sneeze while going through the Winnie the Pooh ride line. Let me tell you how thrilled I was. So chances are if your on a week long vacay, your peanut is getting sick. My then 18 month old son got hit the worst when we went to Disney World around Christmas time. It was 3am nothing was open and he had a fever of 102. He was stuffed up and coughing and just so sick I wanted to cry. My panicked husband ran to the front desk to see if they had any infant Tylenol (which thank goodness at the deluxe resort we were staying at they did) I packed a snot sucker (that’s what we call them) so I was able to get all those boogs and he could breathe. I suggest packing for just Incase of illness. There is nothing open past midnight at the resorts and a cab ride to Walgreens isn’t always an option. Anything you would use at home to make your little ones feel better, bring even in a travel size. It might just save you pulling an all nighter with nothing to comfort your small sweetheart.
Jackets/Sweatshirts/Hats
Florida can be tricky to pack for clothes wise. Some nights in November and December can get chilly. January and February evenings can get to freezing. We have braved some nights getting as low as 40 degrees even when the day time saw 75 degrees. You just never know. Pack night time gear, hoodies, coats, even hats and gloves. Disney clothing is expensive! They do offer this apparel but at a price that’s not so magical. Be on the safe side and bring what you can from home. You don’t want to be stuck with nothing but a t-shirt on a random chilly night watching fireworks, and have to buy a $50 blanket.
Extra pro tip:
Send your things down ahead of time!!
Disney will allow guests to ship things down 10 days before check in. I know people who ship all of their luggage down! What an easy way to get through the airport on travel day! Send travel size toiletries, diapers, wipes, bottled water. Anything you can think of that you can’t fit in your carry on or luggage, ship it there before you go, bell services will bring your boxes to your room for you at check in. Also anything you can order from amazon is great to ship down ahead of time too. That’s all they need is the name the reservation is under. Trust me on the sending diapers down, it was a weight off of our shoulders!!
