We’re at Disney World every single day, so we have pretty much reached the level of pros at Disney World.

And there are certain things that we’ve learned we simply cannot do without at the parks. These are things that make our days more efficient AND enjoyable, and make our days at Disney World a LOT easier! So we decided to share what we always take with us so that you can consider bringing them along when you’re at the parks!

Mask Chain

Mask chains are AMAZING and once we started bringing them to the parks, we realized just how handy they can be. You can now remove your masks in Disney World when outdoors or while stationary and eating or drinking. This means a lot of popping that mask on. Then off. Then on over. And over. You’ll want an easy on/off solution. If you’ve got a mask chain, you can just easily slip your mask off to hang around your neck and not have to worry about where to stash it.

And this keeps you from losing your mask, too, because it will always be hanging on your neck when you take it off. Not to mention, it helps keep your mask clean if you’re not putting it down on sticky tables or dusty benches. As clean as Disney is, this is still something we wear on our face so we want it to be as clean as possible! Trust us — this is a MUST accessory. Got younger kids? This is borderline a MUST to help them not lose their masks! And you can even get them at Disney World now!

Learn More About Where To Get Mask Chains at Disney World

Mobile Phone Chargers

We recommend having a backup battery option for your phone in the parks. Fuel Rods are great, in theory. These are stationed around the parks at kiosks and, once you pay the $30 fee, you can exchange them as often as you like for a fully charged one. The problem is you never know what you’re gonna get with an exchange. We often get duds with no charge that are, well, useless!

You can find mobile chargers pretty much everywhere now, too — from the little lipstick-case ones to bigger ones that can charge your phone MANY times before needing recharging themselves! The best part — they’re REALLY affordable (compared to FuelRods) and last seemingly forever!

Here’s How To Charge Your Phone at Disney World

Refillable Water Bottles

Hydration is super important in Florida heat and humidity. Yes, we always advocate taking advantage of free water at Disney World fast food locations, but you can also get free water and NOT wait in line with it if you carry a water bottle with you! There are water refilling stations popping up all over the parks and there’s rarely a line to use any of them! Or use that free water to refill your water bottle!

And when it comes to the kinds of water bottles we prefer? We really like the collapsible ones because they’re easy to just shove in your bag when they’re empty! But whatever your preference, you’re sure to find a Disney water bottle to make you happy! There are so many good things about this tip: proper hydration for overall health, saving money by not buying bottled water or soda, and saving the planet by minimizing single-use plastic. Now, don’t you feel like a good human for doing all of these responsible things? Yeah, us too!

See Disney’s New Collection That Will Change How You Handle Park Days!

Water Enhancers

While we’re on the topic of hydration, if you are a little picky about how that water tastes, you can always bring flavored water enhancers along to give your water a little boost in flavor.

We’re talking the little squirt bottles of flavors for your water or the powdered sticks. You can even get some that have additional vitamins or electrolytes so that you’re getting even more health benefits than from just drinking water alone! Seriously, the kinds with electrolytes are a lifesaver in the summer when it’s just SO HOT. So treat yo’self and grab some to stash in your bag for a little extra zip in your hydration routine!

Check Out the Makeover that Water Fountains at Disney World Are Getting

Small First Aid Kit

Accidents happen, blisters form, headaches appear (especially if you didn’t use our tip above about proper hydration!) — and these things will happen randomly, even when you’re at Disney parks. Sure, you could always head to the First Aid Center in any of the parks, but if you just want to fix the problem and be on with your day, you need an on-hand solution. So we always carry a small first aid kit with us that includes Band-aids, moleskin, Tylenol, heartburn medication, and more! 

Trust us, this way you don’t have to walk across a park with a skinned knee and then have to wait to get a Band-Aid.

Can You Survive Disney World Without These Items?

Rain Gear

There are some things we ALWAYS mention because they’re so important, and rain gear is one of those things that you will ALWAYS need in Florida. The weather can be very random. It could be bright and sunny one minute and then pouring rain on you the next minute. And here’s the thing — it will LIKELY rain AT LEAST ONCE on your Disney World vacation. (Sure there are exceptions to the rule, but, in general, plan for at least SOME rain!)

So be prepared for rain by having the appropriate rain gear on hand, whether that be some ponchos you purchased at the Dollar Store or a raincoat that rolls up easily in your day bag, you will be happy you have it once the rain starts. Disney does sell ponchos, rain jackets, and umbrellas and they’re happy to help you out with your water-resistant needs, but you will pay a pretty penny for them. Spending over 10 bucks on a sheet of plastic is not the most magical feeling, so we recommend preparing ahead of time! Why not save that money for a Dole Whip and bring your own poncho from home?

We Wore a Disney World Rain Poncho on a Stormy Day. Here’s What Happened.

Small Sewing Kit

Okay, so maybe you don’t want to think about repairing clothes on vacation, but your clothes don’t care. You might lose a button or bust a seam (and yes, it’s happened TO US) or have a clothing emergency that requires an immediate fix (or at least a temporary fix until you can get to something more permanent). That’s why a small sewing kit is always handy to put in your day bag.

So when that button falls off or you rip a seam, you can fix it ON THE SPOT without having to miss any precious vacation time. We recommend you keep in your room so you can make attend to those wardrobe emergencies at the end of your day. Some travel sets are tiny enough — just a few pre-threaded needles and a button or two — that you can toss it in your bag! But we do recommend at least keeping some safety pins on hand to help “keep things together” in case a clothing disaster does strike.

Here’s The Ultimate Packing List Of Tried and True Gear For Disney World– Tested by the PROS!

Tide Pen

Speaking of wardrobe emergencies, have you ever been at Disney World munching on a snack when part of that snack drips down your shirt and leaves a huge stain? Because it TOTALLY happens a lot. Especially to kids. And us. Mostly us. That’s where having a Tide Pen on hand comes in handy. Because you can remove that stain quickly before it sets and not miss a beat.

Seriously, we always pack one in our bag because stains will happen when you’re eating all that great messy Disney food. Be prepared.

Check Out This MESSY Peppermint Churro from Disney World!

Sunscreen

Florida is The Sunshine State, and that means that, although it does rain a lot, the sun is also out a lot. But even on cloudy days, you can still risk a sunburn if you’re outside a lot like you would be at Disney World. So sunscreen is essential, even if you think you don’t burn easily (because Florida might just surprise you).

We even recommend keeping a small bottle in your park day bag because you will need to reapply it, especially if you end up getting drenched on a water ride (Kali River Rapids, we’re looking at you). No one wants to look red and blotchy in their MemoryMaker Photos, or feel that itchy sensitivity that comes with a sunburn. We’re here for you to help you avoid this mistake, so take our word for it and dab some on. Your skin and your dermatologist will thank you!

Here’s Where You May Get Free Sunscreen at Disney World!

Lens Wipes

Do you wear glasses (or sunglasses)? Do you have a smartphone? Do you have an additional camera? If so, lens wipes are your new best friend. Your glasses will get dirty. Your smartphone will get fingerprints all over it and your camera lens will need to be cleaned from time to time. So bring Lens Wipes in your day bag.

It might seem like a small thing, but when you need it, you’ll be grateful you brought it. We use them all of the time on our phones and cameras, and of course, on our sunglasses, as we’re constantly putting them on and pulling them off as we go in and out of shops and attractions. And if you followed our advice and are applying lots of sunscreen, you know a spritz of sunscreen on glasses is basically impossible to remove without heavy artillery!

Check Out This Easy Disney World Packing Tip

Slip Shorts

Okay, skirt or dress-wearing crew — this is a tip for you. If you’re wearing skirts or dresses to Disney World, invest in a pair of slip shorts. These can be special slip shorts designed to be worn under dresses, or even just some bicycle shorts that are comfy. If you ever wore or knew someone as a toddler in a skirt, they likely had shorts or bloomers on underneath. Same principle but the main objective here is comfort.

We promise this will make you SO much more comfortable and prevent that thigh friction that happens, especially in hotter weather. These are not really the same as shapewear like Spanx. If you have the willpower to wear that in the parks all day, snaps to you, but these are much thinner and softer. The dreaded “chub rub” happens to most humans. If you were blessed with petite thighs that don’t touch, kudos to you! But for the other 99% of us, this is a preventative measure to save that tender skin from screaming at you at the end of the day! This extra layer also helps as you get in and out of attraction vehicles (cough…Space Mountain!) and you won’t have to worry about your skirt or dress flying up in some random breeze because you’re covered — literally!

The Ultimate Disney World Packing List for 2021

We’re in the parks every day, all day, and we’ve tried countless supplies, gadgets, and gear over the years, so we’ve learned a thing or two when it comes to packing the ultimate Disney parks essentials. These are the secret weapons we never leave home without! We hope this helps you come up with your own park essentials list, or maybe it will help remind you to update your packing list before you return to the parks!

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Were these tips useful? Do you have essentials you like to take to the parks? Share below in the comments!

The post Secret Weapons That Disney World Pros Swear By first appeared on the disney food blog.