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Remember the days when you could jet off to Disney on a whim (and without taking out a second mortgage)? Those days are long gone for most visitors now that parks require reservations and tech connectivity, and the ever-increasing cost of admission requires an efficient strategy to make your investment count. To help you avoid buying last-minute essentials on your next theme park adventure, we’re helping you plan what to pack for Disneyland and other theme parks.
Related: The Best Disney Gifts to Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the House of Mickey Mouse
Coming prepared means being comfortable for a long day and billions of steps, sometimes in extreme weather. It also means saving on unnecessary expenses with Disney-level price increases. Luckily, fall at California theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios, or at Walt Disney World Resort, located in sunny Orlando, Florida, means trading in the usual earmuffs and beanies for sun hats and portable fans during the day, and swapping puffer jackets for lightweight jackets and scarves for chilly evenings.
From weather protection to tech, here are 11 of the best items to bring to Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, or any other fun-filled theme park—or leave at your own risk.
A GOOD backup battery
Anker Nano Power Bank with Built-in Lightning Connector
Getting around Disney parks is pretty much a must-have for draining your phone’s battery, whether you’re checking ride wait times, ordering food, joining virtual queues, or uploading photos. Having a backup battery source is absolutely essential, and this one from Anker tucks neatly into the bottom of any iPhone with a Lightning connector, saving you the hassle (and trip hazard) of dragging cables around while you’re on the go.
Related: The best portable chargers for smartphones, laptops and other devices
Lightweight sunglasses
Timberland Square Polarized Sunglasses
When you’re in an immersive world like Disneyland or the Magic Kingdom, a pair of polarized sunglasses, like these lightweight, adventure-ready ones from Timberland, bring out the vibrancy of your surroundings while protecting your eyes from UV rays. These square sunglasses come in a variety of styles, including tortoiseshell, matte black, and more.
A portable fan
Jisulife Portable Mini Fan
When it’s hot, navigating a Disney park can feel like Survivor Island. Take the edge off the heat with a portable mini fan. This three-in-one device from Jisulife is less than five inches tall and weighs four ounces. It cools for 21 hours on a single charge, so you’re ready to go all day. Charge it via USB and also use it as an external backup power bank to charge your phone in case of emergency.
A waterproof poncho
Totes Hooded Rain Poncho
Being prepared for any eventuality means being prepared for rain if the forecast is uncertain. This ultra-lightweight, portable rain poncho will protect you from the elements. It's compact, reusable, and packs into an included mesh bag for carrying and drying. It also does double duty: protecting your clothes, gear, and hair during water rides. (Splash Mountain may be gone, but keep an eye out for Tiana's Bayou Adventure coming in its place in 2024.)
A refillable water bottle
YETI Rambler 26oz Bottle
Don’t get caught at Disney without the hydration you need to get through a long day, or needlessly pay exorbitant prices for disposable plastic when you’re desperate. Bring your own water bottle, like this 26-ounce stainless steel Rambler from Yeti, and refill it at fountains and refill stations throughout the park. Just make sure it’s leak-proof to save your stuff, like this version with a leak-proof straw cap and double-wall vacuum insulation to keep your drink cool.
Another option? If you prefer to travel lighter, try a collapsible, refillable water bottle.
A reliable backpack
Dakota Dagne Dover Medium Neoprene Backpack
Even if you wanted to, you’re not allowed to drive a cart around Disney parks to carry your cargo. So use a backpack to hide your gear on your body, distributing the weight evenly and keeping your hands free. The Dakota Neoprene Medium Backpack from Dagne Dover is simply a better mousetrap, with thoughtfully curated interior and exterior pockets, a key holder, and a durable, good-looking neoprene construction. (Strange eye (Star and interior designer Bobby Berk recently praised the shoulder bag brand.)
A secure belt bag
Quince All-Day Neoprene Shoulder Bag
For added security and convenience, complement your pack with a belt bag. This Quince All-Day Neoprene Belt Bag keeps all your essentials organized, ready to go, and close to your body (away from potential pickpockets). It also lets you dump your backpack with bulkier, non-valuable items, like your stroller, when you park it. This one is versatile, multipurpose, and made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.
Related: Best Crossbody Bags for Theme Parks, Festivals, and Everyday Errands
A GPS locator
Apple AirTags 4-Pack
You can relieve some stress at Disney (or wherever you go) by attaching Apple’s tiny AirTag GPS tracker to all your essentials. This lets you track not only your bags, stroller, and other valuable material possessions, but also all the kids in the group. And thanks to a game-changing update in the latest iOS, you can share tracking access among multiple people.
Have an Android? Try Tile’s Mate Bluetooth tracker, which has a range of up to 250 feet.
An SPF approved by dermatologists
EltaMD UV Sport Body Sunscreen SPF 50
If you’ve been to a dermatologist recently and asked for SPF advice (or even if you haven’t), you’ve probably heard of the Hollywood insider-favorite EltaMD brand. Formulated with zinc oxide, this SPF 50 sunscreen is sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you’re well-covered for hot days and water rides.
a hydrating hand sanitizer
Touchland Power Mist Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer
The pandemic may be over by official measures, but the virus is still out there, along with all the other potentially nasty bacteria that hang around in large crowds, including the flu, respiratory syncytial virus, and the ever-unpleasant common cold. You’ll still want to head to the park with a travel-sized hand sanitizer for a quick cleanup after touching high-touch surfaces and before eating all those yummy Mickey Mouse snacks. We especially love Touchland’s Power Mist Pocket-Sized Hand Sanitizer for keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
A magic bracelet
Magic Band+
True Disney devotees will want to pick up a MagicBand+ to take their experience to the next level. Available in a variety of colors and prints, this wristband reacts to park interactions with light effects and gesture recognition. The wristband also lets you enter Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland (as long as you have a valid admission ticket and reservation), check in at Lightning Lane gates, and link PhotoPass shots to your Disney account.