You spend months planning your Walt Disney World vacation. You’ve booked your resort, purchased tickets, made dining reservations, and figured out which attractions your family wants to experience. Then you arrive in Orlando and realize something important is still sitting at home.
Sometimes it’s a phone charger or a pair of socks. Other times, it’s something expensive to replace, like the walking shoes you’ll need for the next several days.
A DISboards discussion started by member Mother2two asked experienced Disney visitors a simple question: What did you forget to bring, buy, or do during your Walt Disney World vacation?
The responses included packing mistakes, last-minute shopping trips, and practical advice from guests who learned their lessons the hard way.
Forgetting the Right Shoes Might Be an Expensive Mistake
One of the biggest themes in the discussion was footwear. Anyone who has spent multiple days walking around Disney World knows how uncomfortable the wrong shoes become.
DISboards member Sona99 shared what happened when her husband forgot to pack his sneakers.
“He spent $200 at Disney Springs for new shoes.”
The couple had planned a water park visit, so her husband wore water shoes for the drive to Orlando. Unfortunately, his regular sneakers never made it into the luggage.
Member CoachBeard described another footwear problem. Although the family remembered to bring shoes, the ones selected weren’t comfortable enough for the parks.
After purchasing expensive insoles at Disney Springs without success, CoachBeard ordered a $54 replacement pair online, which helped save the remainder of the trip.
Other members recommended packing two pairs of comfortable walking shoes, rotating them throughout the vacation, and bringing blister treatments.
Member Memorymakerfor4 recalled regretting bringing only one pair of shoes on a first visit.
For anyone preparing for Disney World, this might be one of the most important packing lessons. Comfortable shoes deserve as much attention as park tickets and hotel reservations.
Don’t Forget the Medicine You Normally Keep at Home
Another commonly mentioned regret involved forgetting basic medications.
DISboards member AnnaS described becoming sick three days into a Disney vacation without bringing cough or cold medicine.
After finding limited options at Disney’s Beach Club Marketplace, AnnaS walked to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, where additional medication was available.
Member miksicnarf shared similar frustration after getting sick during a vacation and experiencing problems with a medication delivery order.
“I would have traded 5 Lightning Lanes for a Nyquil!”
It’s a memorable reminder that even something inexpensive at your neighborhood pharmacy might become difficult to find when you’re sick in a hotel room.
Other guests recommended packing familiar pain relievers, allergy medication, stomach remedies, lip balm, sunscreen, and a thermometer.
Member Peaseblossom36 recalled having to order children’s allergy medications during a trip after discovering their daughter reacted to something in the Florida environment.
The takeaway is simple. Pack your usual medications in their appropriate containers, especially those you depend on regularly, rather than assuming your resort gift shop will stock everything.
Your Phone Charger Might Be More Important Than You Think
Phones play a major role in a Walt Disney World vacation. Guests use the My Disney Experience app to view attraction wait times, manage Lightning Lane selections, check dining reservations, and access other park information.
That makes a portable charger an important item to bring into the parks.
DISboards member Mackenzie Click-Mickelson recommended bringing a portable power bank rather than relying entirely on charging stations or purchasing a charger after arriving.
The original poster, Mother2two, appreciated the reminder and added portable chargers to the family’s shopping list.
Other small electronics deserve attention too. Charging cables, wall adapters, and spare batteries are easy to overlook.
Member ruadisneyfan2 shared an experience involving a digital luggage scale whose battery died before the return flight.
The scale was supposed to help avoid overweight luggage fees, especially after adding souvenirs during the trip. Instead, replacing the battery became another vacation expense.
Sometimes It’s the Smallest Things You’ll Miss Most
Several DISboards members shared packing suggestions involving items guests rarely think about until they’re needed.
Member MICKIMINI listed inexpensive plastic hangers, wrinkle-release spray, moleskin for blisters, clothespins, and resealable plastic bags among the items most often missed.
Plastic bags serve several purposes during a Disney vacation, including storing damp clothing, organizing snacks, and separating dirty laundry.
Member sjberg79 had one particularly frustrating experience trying to find lip balm at Disney.
“CHAPSTICK. I could not find it anywhere in the parks/hotels”
The member now packs several tubes to avoid repeating the problem.
Other guests recommended hair ties, handheld fans, reusable water bottles, rain ponchos, and familiar snacks.
For families traveling with children, having breakfast items delivered to the resort also received positive feedback. A few familiar foods in the room make mornings easier, particularly when everyone gets ready at different times.
The Packing List That Prevented Another Forgotten Item
One of the most useful suggestions came from DISboards member fla4fun, who described arriving at Disney World without any socks.
“One year I forgot ALL of my socks and had to buy new ones at Disney”
The missing socks were sitting on the couch at home, where they had been placed during packing.
After that experience, fla4fun began using a detailed checklist and checking off every item only after physically putting the item into the suitcase.
The member now lists medications, charging cables, clothing, and other essentials separately rather than using broad categories.
It’s a useful distinction. Putting something on the couch to pack later isn’t the same as packing it.
Don’t Forget to Enjoy Disney World While You’re There
While much of the discussion focused on physical items, some members pointed out something guests often forget during their Disney vacations: slowing down.
Disney World has so many attractions, restaurants, shows, and experiences that first-time visitors sometimes feel pressure to fit everything into a few days.
DISboards member FreeTime encouraged the original poster to appreciate the details throughout the parks.
“don’t forget to take some time to slow down and look around and sniff the air.”
Member CarolynFH offered a specific example at Magic Kingdom, suggesting guests look up at the windows along Main Street, U.S.A.
The inscriptions honor people who contributed to Disney’s history, but guests rushing toward attractions might walk past without noticing them.
Member Chili327 shared similar advice, recommending guests prioritize their favorite experiences rather than trying to accomplish everything.
It’s worth remembering, particularly during a first Disney World vacation when everything feels like a must-do.
You Won’t Remember Every Item, and That’s Okay
One reassuring part of the discussion was how many experienced visitors admitted forgetting something over the years.
From socks and sneakers to medications and charging equipment, even guests who have visited Walt Disney World dozens of times occasionally leave something important at home.
Fortunately, grocery delivery services and nearby stores offer ways to replace many forgotten essentials.
Member buzzrelly reminded the original poster that many forgotten items are replaceable through a delivery order.
But the best preparation involves thinking beyond the obvious. Pack for sore feet, unexpected rain, changing temperatures, minor illnesses, and the possibility of returning home with more than you brought.
And perhaps the most important advice from the DISboards conversation has nothing to do with packing.
Don’t become so focused on completing your Disney World itinerary that you forget to enjoy the vacation itself.
What’s the one thing you forgot to bring on a Walt Disney World trip and promised yourself you’d never forget again? Join the conversation on DISboards and share your experience.
The post Disney World Guests Share What They Forgot to Pack, and Some Mistakes Were Expensive first appeared on The DIS.
