31 Top Disneyland Packing List Items for 2025 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

Disneyland is world-renowned. So much so that there are a dozen Disney parks scattered all over the planet! But nothing compares to the original in California (we’re a little biased since my wife is from there). Regardless of your destination, it’s time for you and your family to pay a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth!

We’ve put together an extensive packing list of items that are considered “must haves” when taking a trip to a Disney park, as well as information on what to wear at Disney, what not to bring, and answers to FAQs. Whether you’re coming from near or far, once you go through these items, you’ll have a better idea of how to prepare for the adventure and magic!

What to Pack for Disneyland – 31 Essentials

1. Neck Wallet

Amusement parks are crowded, and crowds attract thieves. Petty theft is one of the most common crimes for a reason, that’s why we use a neck wallet to hold all of our credit cards, cash, phones, passports, and important travel documents. It can be worn discretely under your shirt so you’re not flashing your money around, and is useful for keeping everything organized during long travel days. This one even has RFID-blocking material to stop modern thieves from scanning your financial data.

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2. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

Imagine this scenario. You’re standing with your entire family, who traveled miles, in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle – and your phone battery dies. This is a quintessential photo opportunity and you’re going to miss it. This charger is small and holds two full charges for iPhone 8. The small cylinder design makes it easy to pack. You never know when you need to call for a ride or have an emergency that requires GPS, this device will ensure you can charge on-the-go!

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3. Filtered Water Bottle

Disneyland allows their visitors to bring in outside beverages as long as they aren’t glass. This Brita water bottle is perfect because it has a built-in filter that allows you to have clean water wherever you roam and uses BPA-free plastic instead of glass. It will save you a ton of money on bottled water, not to mention the benefit of reduced plastic waste to the environment. It’s a must-have for everyone!

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4. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

Do you plan on riding Splash Mountain or the rapids of the Grizzly River Run? If you do, plan on getting wet. But that’s okay. It’s part of the appeal! This quick-dry towel is easy to pack and will allow you to use it more frequently than a regular towel. It dries 10x faster than cotton material and is much less bulky to walk around with than a beach towel.

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5. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

You may not realize it when joining free Wi-Fi networks at cafes, coffee shops, airports, and hotels – but this can put you at risk of being hacked. I was taught this lesson first-hand after my credit card number was stolen at an Airbnb, which you always assume will be safe. To protect your passwords and financial data, use a virtual private network like NordVPN that offers you a secure channel to surf the internet. We even use a VPN at home and consider it to be one of the smartest things you can use.

It even eliminates censorship blocks, which means you won’t be limited to the bans in whatever country you’re visiting and can enjoy full access to the internet. Many nations hinder your access to YouTube, Netflix, and other popular websites that you’ll likely use on your trip. It’s a very small price to pay for your personal protection and strict no-log coverage (which means anyone from the government to hackers to creepy neighbors can’t track your online activity!)

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6. Motion Sickness Relief

The loopty-loops of Space Mountain and spinning tea cups can seriously do a number on you! While kids seem to have iron-clad stomachs – parents may need a little anti-nausea support. These natural patches are great for motion or sea sickness and last for days. My wife field-tested many brands and this one came out on top! She loves that they're effective but super gentle with no side effects.

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7. Windproof Travel Umbrella

Rain is common nearly everywhere in the world. But umbrellas are for more than just rain protection. They offer a shield from the sun, which you’ll get plenty of in places like California! This small umbrella can handle a gust of wind with fortitude. And it’s small, so it can slip into any bag easily yet still covers two people in case of inclement weather.

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8. Travel Insurance for Disneyland

Disney trips are not cheap, and you don’t want your trip to cost double due to unforeseen emergencies. If you’re visiting a place 100-miles or more away from home, travel insurance may be required and your domestic provider does not follow you overseas. We strongly recommend it to avoid paying out-of-pocket for common travel mishaps like flight delays, baggage loss, theft, rental car accidents, international medical bills, and more.

We use Faye because they are unlike any other provider we’ve ever worked with. Using their mobile app, we received our reimbursement when we needed it most (instead of filling out months of tedious paperwork!) Faye is made by travelers for travelers, and the claims process is so easy. They even have plans for entire trip cancellations, so your investment will be protected if any surprises come up. It’s a small expense to enjoy your vacation peacefully without any extra (potentially catastrophic) costs.

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9. Waterproof Daypack

To carry your essentials – like phones, wallets, water bottles, an umbrella, medicine, etc. – we highly recommend this lightweight travel daypack. Because it was designed for camping, it offers organization that regular backpacks don’t. It’s super lightweight, waterproof, and tear-resistant, which makes it perfect for exploring.

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10. Hanging Toiletry Bag

Since families generally travel to Disneyland together, the bathroom can quickly become a cluttered, overwhelming, and chaotic part of your suite. Instead of sprawling tons of toiletry products in complete disarray all around the bathroom – get everyone a hanging toiletry bag. It’s an absolute GEM and I wish I had bought it sooner.

Each person’s items will be neatly kept in one place, hung at eye-level to quickly find things, and there is no confusion. Creating a built-in shelf that hangs from any door, hook, or shower pole – this one folds out with 4 giant pockets on the inside (with elastic bands that hold each bottle in place to prevent spills), plus 3 external pockets for smaller items. They offer several styles and color options so everyone can get something that fits their unique personality.

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11. Packing Cubes

Once you try organizers, you never go back. These packing cubes are the ideal way to stay organized when living away from home. They help you sort anything from clothing items to plates, napkins, and snacks. This set comes with 2 laundry bags to separate your clean and dirty items, and there are many colors to choose from so every family member can have their own hue. For once, you will actually know where everything is(!) instead of throwing items all over the hotel room in total disarray while you look for that missing Mickey shirt or long-lost sock.

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12. Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch

Water rides don’t only drench you… they soak every fiber of your being! Most phones are not waterproof, which means you have to protect them. This pouch will fit most phones and has a clear front and back to allow you to use it while it’s in the case, which means you won’t miss those memorable moments on the water rides and can even record underwater videos at the hotel pool. We recommend attaching a flotation strap to your wrist so the phone doesn’t accidentally fall in or become unretrievable.

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13. Cooling Towel

Spending long hours in the sun can overheat anyone and overheating is not uncommon. That’s where a cooling towel can come in handy to beat the heat! It drops to nearly 30-degrees colder than the outside temperature and serves as such sweet relief. We use it for theme parks, concerts, tropical destinations, hikes, camping, and more. Just place it over your head, neck, or on the shoulders, and your body temp will instantly decrease. Need more chilly solace? Simply add more water! It’s chemical-free and kind of magical, which matches the Disney vibe 🙂

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14. Floating Wrist Strap

Water rides like Splash Mountain or Grizzly River Run are part of the fun at Disneyland, but they also come with the risk of your phone slipping out of your hands mid-ride. A floating wrist strap keeps your device secure and easy to grab if it takes an unexpected splash. With all your trip photos, tickets, and plans stored on your phone, this small strap offers a little extra peace of mind so you can enjoy the magic without worry.

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15. Luggage Straps

Gone are the days of suitcases exploding open onto the airport conveyor belt! We tend to overpack for big family vacations, which can add stress to your delicate zipper (particularly with how baggage handlers conduct their business these days!) Reinforce your luggage with these adjustable straps that fit on nearly any bag. We’ve had a suitcase fly open at awfully inopportune times, so now we always strap on these heavy-duty belts to make sure everything arrives in one piece.

You can attach them to multiple suitcases as a tether for all bags to move in unison. It’s also great as a makeshift handle if anything breaks, and the vibrant straps help you to quickly identify your cases from across the room (instead of fighting with other stressed-out families that crowd around the arrivals terminal in a sweeping expanse of similar-looking bags!) It’s a serious time- and stress-saver.

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16. Stroller

While they are a total joy – you won’t be allowed to bring in Wagons to Disney parks. But! Strollers are absolutely allowed. Note that Disney requires the maximum size to be 31 inches in width by 52 inches in length. The dimensions are similar for the two-seater, but doubled. You can check out the stroller rules here.

We love this one by MomPush that folds up mega easily for lifting to and from car, and is lightweight enough to carry when you have to. It’s one of our more affordable strollers and we use it for general outings since it’s resilient, smooth gliding, and offers both parent- or outward-facing use.

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17. Universal Power Adapter

Whether you're at Disneyland Paris, Japan, California, Hong Kong, or Shanghai – a universal adapter will keep all of your devices fully charged. The last thing you want is to plug your phone or laptop into a faulty adapter that ruins your lifelines. This adapter has a built-in fuse protector and comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee, so you can trust the quality of craftsmanship. It works in 100+ countries which means it will serve you in tons of future travel!

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18. Blister Balm

People walk an average of 5-7 miles per day at Disney parks, and your feet can be exhausted by the end of all that sightseeing. I use blister balm to reduce the friction and chafing on my feet and ankles. It uses active vitamins to smooth your skin, increase hydration, and reduce the possibility of blisters.

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19. Cooler

While Disneyland doesn’t allow visitors to bring in alcoholic beverages, they do allow patrons to bring in coolers with refreshments (as long as they are not in glass containers, nor do you use loose or dry ice). The dimensions of this cooler are below the 24” x 15” x 18” restrictions set by the park. It’s also on wheels, making moving around the park easier.

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20. Handheld Fan

When you’re standing in line for long durations in the summer heat, you will be wishing you had a handheld fan. This small item in your artillery packs a serious punch and the wind power is small but mighty. I promise you won’t regret having it!

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21. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

This “just in case” bag is a simple solution to the dilemma that has plagued travelers for a millennia! – Not having as much room in their suitcase on the way home as they did on the way there. It happens to us all, so use this additional bag to do a little shopping and pick up iconic souvenirs on your vacation. Disney is known for awesome keepsakes like Disney ears, trading pins, jewelry, charms, art, and much more. This tote is a lightweight duffle material and counts as your personal item on the flight home to avoid carry-on fees!

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22. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

We advise that all travelers use luggage locks to secure their most valued items. We bring a couple of sets on each trip to use for checked luggage that will be out of sight for long durations, backpacks when walking through crowded attractions, and lockers in the city or at your hotel. These are TSA-approved so security staff won’t have to cut them off with a giant pair of scissors and you won’t suffer any delays in transit.

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23. Hand Sanitizer

While COVID-19 times feel mostly behind us, there has always been a need for hand sanitizer (or sanitizing wipes if you prefer) since Disneyland is a place where millions of people are touching everything! Kids pass colds back and forth like candy. So use this preventative method to stay ahead of germs and sickness. It’s a little larger than the pocket-sized and great for travel.

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24. Children’s Safety I.D. Bands

Unfortunately, children do get lost at Disney parks, dozens per day in fact. And while Disney has an excellent system in place to help parents find their little ones fast – you can never have too many precautions. Use these children's safety I.D. bands to reduce the stress you may feel about navigating through big crowds with one or more children. These wristbands are waterproof and reusable so that if your children get separated, an adult can easily contact you.

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25. Water-Resistant Shoe Bag

The bottom of our shoes touch a lot of gnarly stuff – bathrooms with fecal matter, dusty concrete, muddy fields, and bacteria by the thousands. YIKES! Yes, they work to keep the Disney parks quite clean, but you can only do so much for pubic areas. Use these water-resistant shoe bags to confine the mess of water rides, sticky soda stains, and littered chewing gum. They keep your suitcase super fresh so you can focus on the fun instead of the clean-up.

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26. Deodorant Wipes

When the UV rays are hitting the blacktop concrete, sweat is inevitable. Use these deodorant wipes to reduce the amount of stink and perspiration you’re exuding. This elegant solution comes in small individual packets, so you can store them in your pocket or wallet for immediate use. It’s majorly refreshing and just feels like a treat on a hot day!

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27. Sunscreen

We all know that our skin has a love/hate relationship with the sun. It feels good on our bodies, but if we have too much, we can suffer severe consequences. That’s why everyone should be using sunscreen. It never hurts to protect yourself and your loved ones. Sun Bum is a vegan and reef-friendly brand that is gentle on skin and safe for kids.

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28. Waterproof Pocket Blanket

Our family loves staying late to watch the parades and firework shows. Use a waterproof pocket blanket to find a front-row seat for the live entertainment. It’s way better than having a soaked butt or clothing stains from wet ground! And this one folds up compactly in its case that is about the size of your hand, so it won’t take up much space in your backpack. It even comes with the stakes to make it windproof.

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29. eSIM Data Service (Avoid Roaming Fees!)

Whether you’re visiting Disneyland in the US, Paris, China, or Japan – a magical day at the happiest place on earth should NOT include battling slow Wi-Fi or spotty coverage. eSIM is a service that can be used domestically or internationally to stay connected and easily swap mobile carriers to that nation’s best networks.

We use Saily for fast, reliable data to easily share memories, navigate the park, translate foreign directions, and keep up with our packed itineraries. Skip the plastic SIM cards (known to break, get lost, or simply not work. If it were stolen, you risk losing your phone number’s security and it just becomes a whole mess). eSIM is 100% digital, which means it doesn’t need to be manually activated – saving you time, money, and stress!

Make the most of the magic with our 5% off discount code: ASHER5

Pick a data plan at Saily.com

30. Silicon Straws

If you are a die-hard Disney park fan, you already know that the drink straws are absolutely AWFUL! While the Disneyland experience is pure magic, the paper straws are simply not – they get immediately soggy and fall apart after a few sips, disintegrating into nothingness. While we love the attempt at a sustainable option, we prefer to bring our own reusable and sturdy alternative like these silicone straws. They’re strong and won’t leave a paper trail in your mouth. You’re welcome!

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31. Official Disney Autograph Book

Our kids LOVE having an autograph book to get in-person signatures from their favorite ‘celebrities’ like Mickey, Elsa, Ariel, Tinkerbelle, Aladdin, and more. It’s a wonderful way to memorialize their time in the Happiest Place on Earth, and each character writes distinct notes to each person in their unique handwriting. You can get these books at the park, but the prices will be significantly higher.

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Packing for the Seasons

Summer – June, July, August

This season is the busiest time to visit Disneyland, but the good news is you don’t have to pack too much. It’s typically warm and sunny so shorts and t-shirts will suffice. Walking sandals will be better than wearing warm socks all day. Also, don’t forget the bathing suit for those water rides that are heat relieving.

Fall – September, October, November

Disneyland Is open year-round, and there are times in the fall that are busy when you consider Halloween and Thanksgiving crowds. The weather in Anaheim is pretty moderate in the fall, but it can get chilly at night, so bring a hoodie or light jacket. This would also be a good season for Jeans.

Winter – December, January, February

If you live in an area prone to below zero temps, the weather in California is a blessing. Winter is never too cold so exploring a theme park like Disneyland will be comfortable even in the winter months. It still gets to be in the high 40s, which is far from shorts and tank top weather so dress accordingly. Jeans and a hoodie would be perfect for this time of year.

Spring – March, April, May

Spring is a great time to visit Disneyland. The temperatures can get into the mid-70s, which can be a nice change from snow and melting ice back home. Still, it won’t be too hot so make sure you have shorts and jeans as well as long-sleeved and a light jacket. Above all, don’t forget those comfortable walking shoes.

What NOT to Bring to Disneyland

1. DON’T Bring Expensive Jewelry

Disneyland is not a place to wear your mother’s diamond ring or a tiara unless it’s made of plastic and rhinestones. Expensive jewelry can get lost or stolen more easily than a wallet. So do yourself a favor and leave the expensive stuff at home.

2. DON’T Bring Unnecessary Clothing

Are you heading to Disneyland in June? Then leave the jacket at home. Is your visit going to be during the winter holiday season? Then you won’t need too many shorts or tank tops. If you’re driving in for the day, you won’t need a bathing suit either. You’d be better off with ponchos on the water rides.

3. DON’T Bring Unnecessary Items

When you think you want to bring something ask yourself, “Will I use this?” If there is doubt in your mind leave it at home or back at the hotel room. There’s nothing worse than carrying around things you don’t need.

4. DON’T Bring Heavy Books

Use a Kindle and leave the book at home. This is one of those unnecessary items we can’t emphasize enough. Don’t bring it to the park since iIt will also likely get wet if you carry it on a water ride.

5. DON’T Bring Uncomfortable Shoes

When your feet are sore, you want to sit, which is unimaginable to a preteen that wants to make it to the other side of the park in fifteen minutes. Take care of your feet and they’ll take care of you.

6. DON’T Bring Unnecessary Electronics

Laptops and heavy tablets are not necessary and should be left behind. Our phones offer strong enough cameras and internet access, including email. It goes back to the fear of loss and damage. These are essential items in your everyday life, so why risk them breaking or being stolen?

FAQs about Visiting Disneyland

1. Do I need more than a day at Disneyland?

Are you going to Disneyland during the most popular time of the year or when it’s less fashionable? It’s easier to get on rides and around the park when there are fewer people there. They offer three-day passes and, in all honesty, the more time you spend there the better. But, if you can only stay the day, you’ll have a great time, but your visit will be more rushed

2. Should I stay at a hotel on the Disneyland grounds?

This is a matter of convenience. Staying on the grounds offers you the space and flexibility needed to take your time. When you stay off the grounds you have to consider transportation to the park and other things. But you can save a substantial amount of money by staying off the grounds.

3. When is the best time of year to go to Disneyland?

It all depends on what you want to get out of it. The summer is popular because the kids are free from school and travel is easier. But there are people who love to spend the holidays at the Happiest Place on Earth, and others who want to avoid the crowds and go in the Spring. These should be your determining factors. There are special events throughout the year so check those out as well.

4. Is Disneyland expensive?

It isn’t cheap, which is why finding small ways to save money can give you an opportunity to visit. Bring food and beverages to the park so you don’t have to buy it there. Stay off the grounds and jump on the shuttle instead of staying right in Disneyland.

5. Should I purchase park tickets in advance?

The entry numbers are limited since Disneyland reopened after the pandemic shut down. So, getting tickets in advance will ensure your entry. We’re fans of being prepared, and this is a great place to start. You'll also save time by not having to stand in line to buy tickets. Less time waiting to enter means more time experiencing the park.

6. Does Disneyland offer FASTPASSES so we can avoid the lines?

This option was retired in 2021, and the new Genie service was launched. Paying extra to skip the line is offered among other premium features.

31 Top Disneyland Packing List Items for 2025 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

Table of contents

What to Pack for Disneyland – 31 Essentials

1. Neck Wallet

2. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

3. Filtered Water Bottle

4. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

5. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

6. Motion Sickness Relief

7. Windproof Travel Umbrella

8. Travel Insurance for Disneyland

9. Waterproof Daypack

10. Hanging Toiletry Bag

11. Packing Cubes

12. Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch

13. Cooling Towel

14. Floating Wrist Strap

15. Luggage Straps

16. Stroller

17. Universal Power Adapter

18. Blister Balm

19. Cooler

20. Handheld Fan

21. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

22. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

23. Hand Sanitizer

24. Children’s Safety I.D. Bands

25. Water-Resistant Shoe Bag

26. Deodorant Wipes

27. Sunscreen

28. Waterproof Pocket Blanket

29. eSIM Data Service (Avoid Roaming Fees!)

30. Silicon Straws

31. Official Disney Autograph Book

Other Disneyland Packing List Items Not to Forget

What to Wear to Disneyland

Packing for the Seasons

Summer – June, July, August

Fall – September, October, November

Winter – December, January, February

Spring – March, April, May

What NOT to Bring to Disneyland

1. DON’T Bring Expensive Jewelry

2. DON’T Bring Unnecessary Clothing

3. DON’T Bring Unnecessary Items

4. DON’T Bring Heavy Books

5. DON’T Bring Uncomfortable Shoes

6. DON’T Bring Unnecessary Electronics

FAQs about Visiting Disneyland

1. Do I need more than a day at Disneyland?

2. Should I stay at a hotel on the Disneyland grounds?

3. When is the best time of year to go to Disneyland?

4. Is Disneyland expensive?

5. Should I purchase park tickets in advance?

6. Does Disneyland offer FASTPASSES so we can avoid the lines?

Lyric Fergusson

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