What to Bring to Disneyland: Packing List for your Next Disney Trip

I’ll admit it. I love Disney. I probably watch a Disney movie once a week, and going to Disneyland is one of the most exciting things. There is something so magical about walking down Main Street, Starbucks in hand, excited to start the day. Planning which part of the park we want to begin our day with. It is an unmatched feeling. Alongside that magical feeling comes a very long and tiring day. So preparedness is key, which is why I am creating this Disneyland Packing List. It has some of the essentials that will make your day at the park as enjoyable as possible.

I haven’t been to Disney in a while. Life and the Pandemic kind of threw me for a loop. But I used to go once a year, or more, so I have spent a lot of time in the land of the mouse and I have made every mistake. There were days when I just wanted to go home because I was so miserable. And when you spend so much money getting into Disneyland, you don’t want to leave because you are tired, dehydrated, or uncomfortable.

So, over the years, I have created a good Disneyland Packing List that I use every time I visit our mouse overlord. Most of this stuff you should have around your house, and others are worth the extra expense. Nothing should get in the way of you having an amazing day at Disneyland. This list is for a day spent at Disneyland. I have never spent the night at any Disney Resort, so I can’t say what you will need for that.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I will make a small commission from every purchase made through these links with no extra charge for you.

---

1. Reusable Waterbottle

This one is the most important on the Disneyland packing list! I cannot explain how thirsty you will get waiting in those lines, and you do not want to have to pay 5 dollars for a small water bottle that ends up warm as the day goes on. So I always bring a reusable water bottle with me. I am not sure if Disneyland has opened its water fountains yet, probably not, but that’s okay. There is a better and more sanitary way to get free water. Every restaurant offers free water cups. With ice! So anytime you get a meal, ask for a free water cup and pour it into your reusable bottle. Easy and free cold water!

I personally use these 24oz ThermoFlask water bottles. They sell them in 2 packs on Amazon and they work beautifully. They are a lot cheaper than HydroFlasks and they keep your water just as cold. The company, Thermoflask, sells larger sizes, but I find this one easier to carry with me for an entire day. They are much slimmer and not as heavy as the 40oz bottles. And once you run out, just get a free water cup at a nearby restaurant and you are all set.

2. Suncreen

This one may sound obvious but trust me, you do not want to forget the sunscreen. I have done it… I was as red as a lobster. No matter what time of year you are going, California is always sunny, so you better be prepared. Even when it’s cloudy, cloud burn is no joke! You will spend long hours out in the sun during your trip to Disneyland, walking around the park and waiting in line. In order to protect your skin, you will want to reapply multiple times throughout the day! You don’t want to have to pay Disney prices for the tiny bottle of sunscreen they sell in some of their merchandise stores.

3. Snacks

Look, if you feel like spending a lot of money every time you get a little hungry, go for it. I too indulge in a dole whip or a Micky pretzel from time to time. But when you are waiting in an hour-long line, and there is no way out, sometimes you need a quick snack to keep your energy up throughout the day. So I usually stash a couple of bars or bags of fruity snacks in my bag for this exact situation.

4. Bandages

No matter how good your shoes are, and how thick your socks are, there is always the possibility of blisters and that can ruin your whole day, I promise. Especially at Disneyland, when you are spending the majority of the day on your feet, you don’t want to be in pain with every step. So, it is so important to remember to pack some bandages of a variety of sizes.

Get some Mickey bandages to stay in the theme. Band-Aid brand makes a ton of Disney-themed bandages that are so fun and adorable.

5. Portable Phone Charger

Days at Disneyland are long, and the lines are longer. A lot of times, to occupy me in line, I love to scroll through social media or play games with the friends or family that I’m with. It makes the lines a little more enjoyable. However, with all the photos, games, and scrolling that I am doing, my phone battery drains quickly, so it is super handy to have a portable charger with me. You don’t want your phone to die while trying to capture all those memories with pictures! Trust me, there aren’t charging ports in the haunted mansion’s doom buggies.

6. Pads/Tampons

This one is for anyone with a uterus. Trust me, I have been there. It was only noon and I had already bled through and I had no back-ups. I was straight up not having a good time. So even though your period is completely regular and you have never had breakthrough bleeding, bring some menstrual products. It can make or break a good day, and that would be a very expensive bad day.

7. Jacket

Even the summer in California has cold nights. And it is definitely not fun to sit, waiting for the parades or the fireworks while you are shivering from the cold. The goal when going to Disneyland is to have as much fun as possible and to do that you need to be as comfortable as possible.

8. Ibuprofin/Medicine

Especially during the summer, with the heat, bright lights, and loud sounds, it can be easy to get headaches at Disneyland. Or if you need any other medication throughout the day, don’t forget it!

9. Backpack

I know, this sounds like a lot of stuff to carry, which is why you can’t go around Disney with cute little purses. You need a backpack. A nice sturdy backpack with padded straps will make your day much more enjoyable, and you will have everything from this Disneyland packing list with you at all times.

I know, those Loungefly backpacks are adorable. I want every single one I see in stores, they are so cute. But they aren’t exactly functional. I have tried getting through an entire day with a small children-sized backpack that looked like Sully from Monster’s Inc. because it was too cute not to bring to Disneyland. It was not fun! I always bring my full-size backpack to carry everything I need, and anything I end up buying throughout the day.

---

I can’t wait for the day I can finally go back to Disneyland and enjoy the long, tiring day of fun. The magic of Disney is missing from my life, I have resorted to watching every single Disney movie I can find. Disneyland is such a great place to connect with your inner child and enjoy something magical.

But to make the day as magical as possible, you need to be as prepared as possible. Everyone will have different needs for a long day away from home, so use this Disneyland packing list as a guide. You might forget something, and it’s not the end of the world, but it will be a speed bump in your day. Tip, instead of paying Disney prices for what you forget, leave the park and visit the CVS or other convenience stores that are in Anaheim around the park. Just make sure you get the hand stamp to get back in… do they do that anymore with the Ticket on your phone?

What is your favorite thing to do in the Disneyland Resort Parks? I am partial to Cars Land in California Adventures! Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading!