I’ve spent nearly a decade reporting and podcasting about theme parks, yet figuring out what to pack for my child’s first Disney trip nearly broke me. Balancing the logistics of hopping between parks, a dizzying array of restaurants and hotels, and digital skip-the-line programs is complicated enough without adding nap times and peanut-butter puffs to the mix. After dozens of trips to Disneyland in Anaheim and Disney World in Orlando, Florida, I’ve refined my process and discovered that the trick to staying organized is to embrace the chaos — because there are better ways to spend your vacation than reorganizing your diaper bag.
Obviously, every family and every kid will have different needs, so you’ll have to decide for yourself whether schlepping stuff like reusable drinking straws is a personal necessity (Disney only has paper ones). But there are a few things — beyond the more obvious basics, like a water bottle, sunscreen, hat, Band-Aids, and comfortable shoes — that I don’t skip.
The stroller
Though I have flown from L.A. to Orlando with my baby in a Doona, it can’t hold nearly enough stuff for a day in the parks. Avoid Disney’s own rental strollers; they are basically hard plastic on wheels without much storage and don’t recline, so they are terrible for naps.
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For my first Disney World trip with a baby, I rented a (Strategist-approved) Baby Jogger City Mini from one of the plethora of Orlando rental companies that will deliver strollers (and sometimes other gear like cribs) directly to you or your hotel. Rental strollers are a super-convenient option, especially if you don’t need one at the airport; most of the available models are lightweight jogging strollers, come with a rain cover in case of inclement weather, and easily meet Disney’s stroller-size guidelines. But I was so happy with how my Zoe Tour folded and maneuvered on day trips to Disneyland that it now comes with me on every Florida adventure, too. The brand also has a travel version that fits in airplane overhead compartments.
The bags
Be prepared to unpack and/or fold your stroller multiple times per day — especially if you’re relying primarily on Disney transit, which almost always requires you to quickly collapse your stroller as you board. The key is to have a system of bags that will let you keep the most important stuff close at hand while quickly emptying the under-seat storage basket and removing anything that’s hanging from the back of the handle.
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J.L. Childress makes all sorts of products specifically for visiting Disney parks with kids. I love these cargo nets, which are compatible with most strollers and keep larger items like water bottles visible and easy to reach. I use two, because I’ve found that hanging one on each side is ideal for balancing a lightweight stroller — if you want to go all in on your Disney theming, you can even get them with Mickey and Minnie appliqués. The brand also makes a massive caddy organizer, if that’s more your speed.
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Disney is full of stroller parking lots, so while you’re at shows, meeting Mickey Mouse, or inside a restaurant, you’ll be away from most of your stuff. Fanny packs are ideal for keeping your phone and wallet on you at all times, but especially while wearing a baby carrier and maneuvering your way in and out of ride vehicles. Any brand will do, but I’m partial to Stoney Clover Lane for its adorable Disney patterns and customization — plus, it was founded by a friend. The jumbo size is roomy enough for snacks, toys and anything else — emergency diapers, prayers — you may need while waiting it out for Peter Pan’s Flight.
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I am anti-diaper bag when it comes to theme parks. There’s enough chaos with Genie+ ride return times and virtual queues to waste energy putting items back where they belong. Baggu’s lightweight totes make it a breeze to unload and collapse a stroller as you board Disney’s buses or boats, and help get through park security’s high-tech scanners more efficiently. (I typically hang them from the stroller handle with a carabiner-style clip.) Battery packs, umbrellas, and glass cases are the most likely items to set off security sensors and trigger a full bag check; place them in an easy-to-search tote of their own and have one person carry it separately, if you can.
I bring a bunch of different styles of Baggu so that I can group items by category, and I pack a few extras for holding souvenirs or anything I might need to quickly contain as we exit the park — it’s less stressful to reset everything back at the hotel. As a bonus, the colorful patterns help me identify my stroller when getting off a ride better than any decorative nameplate.
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I also like to keep strict separation between diaper changes and the rest of my gear. These wet-dry bags snap right onto my stroller handle for ease and are big enough to hold diapers, wipes, and an emergency change of clothing. Keep one packed with just your changing-table essentials and you’re set. (And because they come in a set of two, the other one will likely come in handy if you need to contain wet clothes or swimsuits after in-park water adventures or a last dip in the hotel pool before you head home.)
Everything else
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You’ll need your smartphone for everything from checking wait times to ordering lunch, so having a portable charger of your choice — one with enough juice for multiple re-ups — is a nonnegotiable.
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Carabiner-style stroller hooks will let you hang an assortment of Baggus, wet bags, reusable water bottles, and anything else with a handle directly onto your stroller while you’re in the park. You can remove them — while keeping those items clipped together to carry separately — anytime you have to fold your stroller.
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Whichever stroller you’re using, be sure to pack (or make sure your rental includes) a waterproof stroller cover: Florida thunderstorms are no joke and can come on quickly at any time of year, and there’s nothing worse than coming out of a ride or show and finding your stuff totally drenched.
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Related to the last: Ponchos or other packable rain gear.
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Even if you don’t typically use one, I’d add a stroller snack tray; high chairs at Disney parks tend to be significantly lower than tables, so I feed my child in her stroller more often than not. (Again, get whatever fits your stroller, or make sure your rental includes one.)
If you’ll be at Disney during the warmer months, game out your “cooling” plan before you leave. Lots of “what to pack for Disney” Facebook threads will recommend cooling towels, but fans don’t get your shirt wet. Consider a clip-on fan for your stroller and a handheld fan or neck fan for yourself.
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Depending on your child(ren)’s exact age and ability — or willingness — to walk versus being held when you’re standing in line for a ride, sitting on the bus, or hanging out anywhere else where you can’t push them in a stroller, a baby carrier that you can wear with your fanny pack and quickly stash in a Baggu or your stroller’s storage basket is a crucial tool for saving your arms and back.
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Hand sanitizer is self-explanatory; though there are bulk dispensers throughout the parks, I prefer to carry my own.
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These surprisingly cute disposable changing pads are an optional but reassuring addition to your diaper-change tote if you want to level up your germ aversion.
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If you’ll be breastfeeding and/or pumping during your trip, the Ceres Chill milk storage system will greatly minimize the inconvenience and keep breast milk safely cool in hot weather.
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