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Before our first trip I spent hours reading all the blogs I could to make sure we were prepared if not over prepared for our days in the Disney parks!
Today I'm here to save you the time and stress with a list of my recommendations.
Let's start with the fun stuff.
1. Magic Bands: If you are staying on property you will get these for free, you may choose to pay a small fee to upgrade them to something more fun if you wish, but it's not necessary. If you are off property you will have to purchase them yourself. They are not needed, but definitely a conveinence worth taking!
2. Lanyards: These are the ones I purchased for my kiddos the Mickey lanyard and a princess one. There are so many other fun options to choose from including Toy Story and Minnie Mouse. The main thing you are looking for is that it has a safety clasp to prevent strangulation. We used the lanyards to hold all of their pins for trading as well as buttons (which are FREE at Disney! Be sure to ask when checking in if you are celebrating anything like a first visit or a birthday!). You will also notice in the last pic locking pins these are to ensure your disney pins don't accidentally fall off!
3. Clickable Sharpie markers in black or color. You will need to provide your own markers/pens to get autographs. These make it super easy for any character with big hands (Mickey Mouse) to use and you won't worry about losing any caps!
4. Items to autograph. We chose hats for the kids first trip, they were a hit with the characters, and since they were wearing them we didn't have to carry anything extra around! (note: characters will not sign anything you are wearing like a t-shirt, we took hats off to autograph). Here are ours Mickey & Minnie. I also brought along a book to have characters autograph on their page!
5. Glowsticks are fun for your own kiddos, but they are even more fun to pass along "pixie dust" by handing them out to random park goers! You can find great deals at the dollar store.
6. Stroller lights: If you will have a stroller this is a great way to quickly locate it in the stroller corrals after a night show trust me! here are some fun ones! Don't forget the batteries!
Florida can be HOT and cold at night and Rainy! Be prepared so you can keep comfortable!
7. Hats and Sunglasses.
8. Ponchos come in handy for those random rain showers that pop up as well as for certain rides like splash mountain!
9. A Quick dry towel will also come in helpful on water rides and rain showers as well!
10. Cooling towels are a must!! We used our two often during the 90+ degree days. The kids all got their own mini- towels in their stockings this Christmas as well.
11. Misting fans we used these small ones, but I have since purchased one of these larger ones because we were HOT on our trip! I would also recommend a stroller fan if you are going with a baby or toddler.
12. Sunscreen Here is my personal fave we have been using for years it's a clean choice that works great and smells amazing to boot! You don't want to have to pay park prices for sunscreen trust me.
13. Bugspray. Although I have heard if you go to a first aid tent they can provide you with bug spray.
Misc. things to add to your bag
14. Tylenol for adults and children.
15. Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes.
16. Kleenex
17. Ziplock baggies to hold small purchases, or snacks.
18. Gum: If you need gum you will have to bring it in as it's not sold in the parks.
19. Reusable Straws Disney has gotten rid of plastic straws which is awesome. The paper straws however leave much to be desired so if you are picky you will probably want to bring your own straws.
20. Portable Charger This is not mine, but it has 10,000+ reviews on amazon. This will come in handy because you will use your phone often to check on your plans, make fast passes, and order food using mobile order.
21. Blister Bandaids You will be walking A LOT! I suggest you bring two pairs of comfy walking shoes to alternate between, trust me. If you do get blisters these bandaids are amazing!
22. Stroller Hook. If you are taking a stroller with you this will be super helpful to hold your purchases and popcorn bucket! (FYI Disney does have size restrictions on strollers be sure to check them out before you go.) I also recommend a large plastic bag so you can quickly put everything from the bottom basket into a bag when folding up the stroller to get on transportation.
23. Snacks: Our favorites were single serve peanut butter containers with pretzels or graham crackers to dip in it, beef jerky; it doesn't weigh much but packs a lot of protein, granola bars, and fruit strips!
24. Water bottles. You can get free water at most snack stands, but they give it to you in a cup with no lid which is great if you need ice cold water not so great to keep water on hand at all times. I would go for something that doesn't weigh a lot unless you have a stroller to carry them all.
That about covers it! Am I missing anything you would add to the list?
Are you dreaming of your own Disney vacation? Let me know I would love to plan your vacation at no cost to you! I will do all the planning you just enjoy your time!
Contact me at Jordon.kamphuis@ gmail.com
