Think you’re ready for a day at Disney? Check this list and think again. Here are seven items that are permanent residents in my Disney survival kit.
Plastic zipper bags, gallon size
I don’t set foot inside a Disney park without three or four of these in my day pack. They keep cell phones, e-readers and souvenirs dry on water rides, they keep to-go containers from popping open or leaking in your backpack, and they’re great for storing wet or soiled clothing. If I had to pick just one item on this list, it would be the zipper bags.
Sunscreen
A painful sunburn is an e-ticket ride to miserable touring, so pack some sunscreen. Buy it in the park if you have to, but you’ll save money if you bring it from home. Mist-style sprays are more convenient, but even the smallest breeze means you’ll be spraying – and probably annoying – other guests in crowded conditions. Lotion is best for reapplying while waiting lines or near food courts.
E-book reader
Long line? No problem. I just whip out my e-reader and read.
Water bottle
A water bottle is another must. Pre-filled bottles from the store are fine, but I prefer refillable water bottles such as this one. The wide mouth makes it easy to add ice or instant drink mix, and the carrying loop means I can attach it to a backpack or stroller.
Rain poncho
I bring a poncho for water rides even if rain isn’t in the forecast. The best ones fold down to the size of an index card and weigh just a few ounces. In addition to keeping you dry in the park, they’re also handy for protecting your car seats if you leave the park wet.
Jacket
The air conditioning in Disney’s rides and restaurants is often set to “Arctic blast,” so a jacket is a good idea even in summer. You’ll also want it for cool evenings, if you’re walking around wet after a ride or for use as a pillow or sun shade for a sleepy toddler.
Line app
There are several great line apps out there, but my favorite is this one from Touring Plans. Line apps use crowd-sourced updates to tell you approximately how long you’ll wait for each attraction. Be sure to check the time stamp for each listing as a 30 minute wait for Indiana Jones posted at noon won’t help you much at 3 pm.