What We Always Pack In Our Park Bags
As Scar says, always “be prepared.”
The items in your Disney park bag can really make or break your day. Everyone knows getting caught in a mid-afternoon rain shower is probably going to happen while you’re at Disney (hey, it’s Florida), but no one wants to spend that extra cash to get an overpriced poncho. That’s why your park bags have to be stocked.
So we broke down what each of us here at Wishes and Wayfinding have in their park bags, and you might be surprised at how prepared or unprepared we are. Maybe you can learn a thing or two from what we have (or don’t have) packed.
Nicole’s Park Bag
Bag: Mini backpack (current: LOVEVOOK Mini Backpack)
What I Pack:
Insulated water bottle that stays cold for 24 hours
Kids sizes work well for smaller backpacks
Mickey ears & holder keychain
I like to use mini backpacks as a park bag because they are big enough to hold all of the things you might need while in Disney. I think it’s better to be prepared and bring things you may not use than end up needing something and having to buy it at 10x the price from a Disney gift shop. There are tons of cute Disney-themed mini backpacks from Loungefly or if you’re looking for a more reasonably-priced bag, Amazon has some good options too!
Bailey’s Park Bag:
Bag: Small backpack that is surprisingly under-packed
What I Pack:
Wallet with only the essentials: ID, credit cards, and maybe some cash (yeah idk why either)
Dollar tree poncho that will be thrown away at the end of the trip
A single granola bar
Light sweatshirt
TUMS — gotta keep that GERD under control
Hand sanitizer (if we’re lucky)
You may think, “wow mini backpack, that chick must have everything.” Sadly, you’d be wrong. My park bag is like a walking medicine cabinet of TUMS and ibuprofen, but I’m never really that prepared. I typically eat my one granola bar by 11 a.m. and then am mooching off someone else’s treats. Plus, my poncho is basically destroyed by day 3, so I just pray it doesn’t rain too hard. I get it a sweatshirt sounds weird — it’s Florida — but depending on what time of year you go, the morning or nights can get chilly. Plus, sometimes the air conditioning is just too much. I urge you, dear reader, do not be like me, bring a water bottle. You will regret it if you don’t.
Olivia’s Park Bag:
Bag: Crossbody purse (current: V+BENIE Camera Bag)
What I Pack:
Phone pouch (with ID, Wallet, and hopefully Disney gift cards)
Fuel Rod portable charger (comes with the perfect small USB to USB-C charger. Worth the $35 as I grabbed 5 refills during my day at Disneyland!)
Blister Band-Aids (IYKYK)
Wint-O-Green LIFE SAVERS (this is basically my brand)
Kids size water bottle (to clip on my purse and fill with free quick-service ice water)
Wet Ones antibacterial hand wipes (I’m a messy girl)
N-95 mask (for inside buildings and queues)
My bag is all about the essentials and bringing as little as possible to the parks. This makes bag check faster so you can quickly ~walk~ (not run), to attractions at rope drop, and pack up your stuff after taking photos.
I particularly like crossbodies because it’s easier to take on and off on rides, and it forces me to limit what I bring. Plus, the one linked above has a pocket on the side that’s perfect for maneuvering your phone.
Sam’s Park Bag:
Bag: Fanny Pack (tried and true Everest has withstood MULTIPLE Disney trips)
What I Pack:
Poncho (can’t stop, won’t stop)
Wallet (cash and cards, with a few pennies for the pressed-penny machines)
Hand Sanitizer
Small Sunscreen
Chapstick
Goldfish Crackers
Occasional Picture Prop (yes, I did shove a child-sized pirate vest in my fanny)
Pins that I plan to trade so they’re easily accessible
What can I say? I’m a fanny pack girl. Wrap it around my waist and I never even have the chance to lose it. I can wear it on almost every ride, my hands are free, it doesn’t weigh down on my shoulders, and it only embarrasses half of my group! I’ll take that as a win.
As for everything INSIDE the fanny pack, I try to stick to the essentials that will get me from rope drop to fireworks. You can usually find me looping my reusable resort mug through the strap after my morning coffee for it to hang on my hip. It works great to refill with water at the parks.
