If you’re planning a Disney vacation with babies, toddlers, or preschoolers, here’s my biggest piece of advice:
Pack for comfort, not for Instagram.
Before our recent Disney and Universal trip, I spent hours researching what to bring. Looking back, there were a handful of items that absolutely saved our vacation and a few that I would never leave home without again.
This is the ultimate Disney packing list for families with young kids, based on what we actually used while traveling with a two-year-old and a six-month-old.
A Stroller (And Be Prepared for It to Take a Beating)
Disney is not the place to test whether your toddler can walk all day.
Bring the stroller.
Even if your child walks everywhere at home, Disney is a completely different level of activity. Between the parks, resorts, transportation, and long days, our stroller was used constantly.
One thing nobody warned us about was how hard Disney can be on stroller tires.
We walked miles every day between Universal and Disney. By the end of the trip, our stroller had definitely seen better days. If your stroller has replaceable tires, it may be worth checking them before your trip and being prepared to replace them afterward.
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A Stroller Rain Cover
This might have been our most valuable item.
We packed one thinking it would be a “just in case” item.
We were wrong.
When Florida rain arrives, it arrives fast. We could go from sunshine to a complete downpour in minutes. Having a rain cover meant we could keep moving instead of searching for shelter every time clouds rolled in.
Bonus: it also helped protect bags, blankets, toys, and anything else stored underneath the stroller.
Ponchos
Pack them.
Seriously.
For our seven-day Universal and Disney trip, we used ponchos on four separate days.
Four.
Some days it was a quick afternoon shower. Other days it rained for hours. Either way, having ponchos meant we could continue enjoying the parks instead of buying overpriced emergency ponchos when everyone else was doing the same thing.
They take up almost no room in your suitcase and can save an entire park day.
A Large Carabiner
This is one of those Disney parent hacks that sounds silly until you use it.
A sturdy carabiner clipped onto the stroller handle became our shopping bag holder, souvenir carrier, snack holder, and everything-in-between organizer.
Need somewhere to hang wet ponchos? Carabiner.
Bought a popcorn bucket? Carabiner.
Carrying an extra bag of souvenirs? Carabiner.
It’s one of the smallest items you’ll pack and one of the most useful.
Refillable Water Bottles
Disney days are long, hot, and surprisingly dehydrating.
Bringing refillable water bottles saved us money and made it easier to keep everyone hydrated.
Most quick-service restaurants will provide free cups of ice water, making refills easy throughout the day.
A dehydrated toddler is not having fun.
A dehydrated parent isn’t either.
Snacks (More Than You Think You’ll Need)
I packed snacks.
Then I packed more snacks.
Then I packed even more snacks.
And somehow we still went through them.
Young kids don’t always want to stop for a meal when it’s convenient. Having easy snacks available helped prevent meltdowns while waiting in line, traveling between parks, or standing around waiting for transportation.
Some of our favorites included:
- Goldfish
- Fruit snacks
- Granola bars
- Applesauce pouches
- Crackers
- Pretzels
A well-timed snack can completely change the mood of the day.
Portable Phone Charger
Your phone becomes your Disney command center.
You’re using it for:
- Mobile ordering
- Lightning Lane selections
- Wait times
- Resort information
- Photos
- Videos
- Maps
By mid-afternoon, batteries disappear quickly.
A portable charger is much cheaper than renting one in the parks.
Cooling Towels and Small Fans
Florida heat is no joke.
Our stroller fan worked overtime, especially during afternoon naps. We brought 3 in case one died and needed charging mid-day.
Cooling towels, clip-on fans, and handheld fans can make a huge difference for little ones who aren’t used to the heat.
Extra Clothes for Everyone
Not just the kids.
Everyone.
Between sweat, rainstorms, splash pads, accidents, and unexpected messes, there were multiple times we were thankful for spare outfits.
At minimum, pack:
- One complete change of clothes per child
- Extra socks
- An extra shirt for parents
Trust me on the extra shirt.
Baby Carrier
Our biggest lesson from the trip came with our six-month-old.
On Day 1, I spent half the day walking back and forth to nursing rooms every couple of hours.
By Day 2, I had a lightweight cover and baby carrier.
Game changer.
I could feed him while walking, keep him comfortable during naps, and navigate crowded areas much easier than pushing the stroller everywhere.
Even if your child primarily uses the stroller, having a carrier gives you options.
Final Thoughts
The funny thing about Disney packing lists is that the most valuable items are rarely the expensive ones.
Our MVPs were a stroller rain cover, ponchos, snacks, water bottles, and a simple carabiner that probably cost a few dollars.
Those small items kept us comfortable through rainstorms, long park days, missed naps, and Florida heat.
If you’re planning a Disney vacation with little ones, don’t stress about bringing everything.
Focus on the items that keep your family comfortable, flexible, and ready for whatever Disney throws your way.
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