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Wondering what to pack with kids at Disney World? One writer shares what she began packing in her park bag after having children.

When it comes to packing your Disney Park bag for kids, you’ve probably got the bases covered. Diapers? Check. Wipes? Check. Snacks? Triple check. While these are certainly must-haves, there are some extra things that you might not be thinking about that can make or break your vacation. After all, a great Disney day starts with a well-packed bag! 

What to Pack With Kids in Disney World

I’ve been to Disney World countless times with my kiddos and the list of non-negotiable items that must be in my park bag no matter what has grown. So, save yourself the trouble, and pack along these items you may not normally think to grab! 

Stroller Fan

Whether you’re pushing around an infant or an 8-year-old, the heat has the same effect – it gets hot in there! Luckily, a stroller fan can really come in handy to keep your kids cool while you make your way around the park.

Photo Courtesy of Amazon

Buy these on Amazon or at a local store before you go. Be sure to grab one that has three adjustable arms instead of a simple clip. This helps you angle the fan a bit better in the stroller you’re using. The stroller fans do tend to lose battery if they’re running all day so pack along an extra battery pack as well.

Portable White Noise Machine

If you’re traveling with kids who still need a nap to make it through a whole day at Disney, bring along a portable white noise machine. This little device has been my secret weapon for getting even the most stubborn nappers to get some shut-eye in the middle of a park day. 

Find a place to hook it to the stroller somewhere near your little one and turn the volume up enough that it’s at about the same level as the crowd noise. You may think that it won’t make a difference with all the hustle and bustle going on around you, but it really does! 

Reusable Straw

Here’s something that most parents aren’t prepared for in Disney – they don’t have straws at quick service or snack stands. If you’re traveling with any kids under the age of five, this can be problematic and result in your drink going right down the front of their shirt. And, that’s how a reusable straw has become one of the most important things I bring to the parks when I go with my kids!

There are several reusable straws that collapse for easy storage in a bag on Amazon, or you can opt to purchase full-size straws with Mickey designs on them. I’ve even used the straw from our kid’s water bottles before when we were in a pinch!

Ziplock Bags

While the kids’ meal portion sizes are smaller in Disney, it can still be a lot for a little kid to eat. And, there’s nothing worse than walking away from a plate full of $12 chicken nuggets and fries that your kiddo barely touched. That’s why I always bring a handful of ziplock bags in my park bag! This allows you to take your leftovers to go without needing to carry around an awkwardly sized to-go box or waste a meal. Plus, when they’re hungry later, you have an easy-to-grab snack that doesn’t cost you extra!

Light Blanket or Towel

Unless you’re headed to the water parks, you’re probably not packing a towel in your bag. But, here’s why I always do!

Photo Courtesy of Amazon

Whether it’s getting wetter than you expected on a water ride, trying to find a place to sit down after a rainshower but nothing is dry, needing to establish some privacy for nursing or a quick change, or even getting to the parks to find that it’s colder than you expected, a light blanket or towel comes in handy. I prefer to bring old swaddle blankets and find that these are the perfect size to cover just about any unexpected situation where you could really use some extra fabric.

Water Shoes

If you plan to spend time at the water parks or the pool, you’re likely already packing water shoes in your suitcase. But, don’t let those sit at the hotel – pack them in your bag! Both Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs have splash pads that can be hard to steer your young kids away from, especially on a hot day. Having water shoes on hand gives you some peace of mind when they run into water knowing that you won’t have to figure out how to dry their shoes before your next park day. Plus, they also come in handy if you end up outside in the rain.

Toys

There’s a lot of waiting involved in a Disney trip and that can be hard on little ones. Pack along some games, fidget toys, and anything else you know will keep your kids busy while you stand in line for rides, wait for parades and fireworks shows to start, and dine at table service restaurants. Most restaurants don’t have any kids’ crayons or activities on hand, so having your own stock of toys can be a great distraction. Some of my favorites to bring along are drawing tablets, push-pop toys, travel magnetic tiles, and books.

Diaper Trash Bags

It’s not always easy to make it to the Baby Care Center for diaper changes, and you’re not always near a trash can when a diaper change is necessary. That’s why I always have some extra trash bags on hand for when these moments strike. 

The great thing about these is that they don’t take up too much extra storage space in your bag. You can opt to bring a roll of doggy bags (which work surprisingly well for diapers), throw in some empty grocery bags you have lying around, or purchase specific disposable bags for diapers. All them them will keep your bag smelling good when a trash can isn’t within reach!

So, clear some space in that park bag and bring along these must-haves on your next Disney trip with kids. Trust me, you won’t regret it!