I’ve been to Disneyland too many times to count! And part of making your day in the parks as wonderful as possible is being prepared with the right things to pack for your Disneyland vacation.
You’ll find my Disneyland packing list at the bottom of this post along with tons of my best tips for my favorite things to bring to Disneyland.
In addition to the obvious items like clothes and toiletries, there are a few other things that can make your trip more enjoyable. For example, an autograph book is a great way to get the signatures of all your favorite Disney characters, and a phone charger is essential for a long day in the parks.
Below you’ll find a list of necessary things to bring to Disneyland, including both the obvious and the not-so-obvious to help make your stay or visit to the Happiest Place on Earth even more magical. This post contains affiliate links; I may earn a commission if you purchase from my links.
Quick Disneyland Packing List of What to Pack
Now that you’ve planned your trip, it’s time to start packing! Of course, every family is different and will have different needs when it comes to packing for Disneyland. But some items are essential for everyone, no matter what else you might be bringing along.
Clothes to Pack for Disneyland
- Shirts: my favorite places to buy Disney shirts for a trip are Target, Disney Store, and Amazon.
- Shorts
- Pants
- Undergarments & Socks
- Pajamas: get some cute PJs for the trip at Disney Store
- Swimsuit(s)
- Swim Cover Up
- Sweatshirt
- Packable Jacket: a lightweight packable jacket can be useful for cool days and nights or light rain if you don’t want to carry a sweatshirt
- Exercise Gear
- Accessories (belts, jewelry…)
- Walking / Tennis Shoes
- Flip Flops / Sandals
- Sun Hat / Ball Cap (cute Disney ear hats are great)
- Laundry Bag
- Poncho: you can buy these in the parks but if the weather is calling for rain you might want to bring your own. I normally recommend one with a drawstring hood so it doesn’t blow off. But there are some very cute Disney ponchos you can buy.
Toiletries to Bring to Disneyland
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Shampoo / Conditioner
- Body Lotion
- Brush / Comb
- Hairstyling Equipment
- Facial Care
- Shaving Supplies
- Contacts / Eyeglasses
- Makeup
- Nail Clippers / File
- Medications (pain relievers, allergy meds, Pepto)
- Female Hygiene
- Contraceptives
- Moleskin (useful for blisters or shoes that rub wrong; precut before packing)
- Aloe Vera (for sunburns, we love this travel-size Sun Bum)
- Stain and/or Wrinkle Remover
- Foot Lotion (feels great after long days of walking)
- Anti-Chafing Stick / Powder
Disneyland Park Bag Essentials
- Day Bag (if you need to carry ponchos and water bottles I like sling bags, otherwise belt bags are great for just the essentials and come in tons of colors to match your outfit, and water bottle bags are great for minimalists who want to stay hydrated)
- Disneyland Park Tickets / MagicBand+
- Wallet: Cash / Credit Card / Gift Cards / ID
- Phone
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Water Bottle
- Hand Wipes / Sanitizer
- Tissue Pack (i.e. Kleenex)
- Snacks
- Gum / Mints
- Battery Charging Pack (FuelRods are the best since they can be swapped for free in the parks)
- Band-Aids & Pain Reliever
- Lip Balm
- Deodorant
- Mini Brush / Hair Ties
- Mini Fan (neck, stroller, or handheld) / Cooling Towel
- Ziploc Bags (to store food, snacks, or supplies)
- Lanyard & Pins (useful to buy in advance if you might want to trade in the parks)
- Autograph Book & Pen (you can also do something different like have them sign a Disney book or pillowcase)
- Pennies & Quarters
- Extra Socks / Sandals
- Motion Sickness Meds (I use Dramamine Less Drowsy, Ginger Candies, and my Reliefband)
Essentials to Pack for Disneyland
First and foremost, you’ll need tickets to get into the parks! I highly recommend buying your tickets in advance. You can buy them at a discount through my partners at Get Away Today or directly online from Disneyland. Don’t wait to buy them on the day of as you’ll spend more and waste time waiting in line.
Next, you’ll want to make sure you have a form of payment that will be accepted in the parks. A credit or debit card is always a good idea, but you can also purchase a Disney Gift Card to use for expenses throughout your trip. If you have a Target RedCard, you can buy Disney Gift Cards and get 5% off.
Speaking of expenses, another essential item to pack is a small backpack or fanny pack to carry your essentials. This will come in handy for carrying your wallet, phone, sunscreen, and any other items you might need throughout the day (check my list above). Loungefly bags are popular for Disney fans, and crossbody bags work well for easily storing on rides.
You’ll also want to make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes, preferably two so you can alternate days, because you’ll be doing a lot of walking while you’re at the parks! And if you’re visiting during the summer months, be sure to pack light clothing that will help you stay cool.
Switching shoes at the end of the long day or alternating which ones you wear to the parks can make a big difference for your tired feet. You can also bring some peppermint foot lotion to use at night.
If you have young children in your party, you might want to consider bringing along some essentials for them as well. Diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes are always good to have on hand, just in case. And if your children are potty-trained, you might want to pack a small bag with extra clothes and shoes in case they get wet or dirty.
Of course, no matter what time of year you visit, it’s always a good idea to bring along a reusable water bottle. Disneyland has many water fountains located throughout the parks, so you can easily fill up your bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. You can also always request a free cup of ice water at the quick service restaurants.
Pack for the Weather
What clothes you pack for Disneyland will vary based on the time of year you visit Disneyland. The temperatures will vary depending on the season.
If you’re visiting during the summer months, be sure to pack light, cool clothing and plenty of sunscreen. Hats and sunglasses are also a good idea to keep the sun out of your eyes. Sunscreen is a must no matter what time of year you visit, but it’s especially important during the summer. Many people like to bring cooling towels or neck fans to help beat the heat. And lightweight hats really do help keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face.
You might want to plan on taking mid-day breaks and having a few extra changes of clothes for the summer months as you may feel sweaty and gross and want to change before heading back into the parks for the night.
If you’re visiting during the winter months, you’ll want to pack layers and clothing that will keep you warm. Jackets, hats, and gloves are all good options, but a heavy coat might be a good option too if you plan on staying in the parks late at night. Trust me, it can get surprisingly cold at Disneyland during the winter months.
Also be prepared for rain during the winter months, especially January and February. Check the forecast and bring a rain jacket or poncho, umbrella, and waterproof shoes (!! most important), plus warm socks if rain is forecasted.
Spring and Fall visitors will want to pack layers to accommodate the cooler temperatures in the morning and evening, but warm clothing for during the day when it tends to be sunnier and warmer. The high temperature might be in the 60s F, so you’ll want a short-sleeve top, but then you’ll need a jacket or coat for the early mornings and late nights.
No matter what time of year you visit, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast in advance so you know what to expect and can pack accordingly. Also, you can rent a locker in the parks for $7 for the day, in case you want to dress in layers but not carry your jackets or sweatshirts with you all day.
Things to Bring in Your Disneyland Park Bag
Beyond the essentials I listed above, here are the things to bring to Disneyland that will make your trip more enjoyable. Some of these are essentials, while others are extra ideas.
Phone
Your phone is an important part of a Disneyland vacation these days. Most of your tickets and reservations will be managed via the Disneyland app. You’ll also use your phone for mobile ordering food and for checking wait times and reserving Genie+ Lightning Lane times.
A phone also serves as a camera for most of us. It’s the easiest way to quickly snap photos of your trip and especially if you’re meeting characters.
Most of the character greeting areas will have a PhotoPass photographer on hand who can take your picture, but you will need to pay for the PhotoPass service to access these images or buy them individually. If you buy Genie+, you get PhotoPass with your Genie+ cost at Disneyland.
Park Tickets / MagicBand+
It’s obvious that you’ll need to bring your park tickets to enter the parks. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but you’ll save time and money by buying in advance. You can buy discounted multi-day tickets from my partners at Get Away Today. You can also buy tickets directly from Disneyland’s website although they cost a tad more.
The best way to “store” your advance purchase tickets is to load the ticket numbers into your Disneyland app. You’ll be able to assign the ticket to a person in your party. And you’ll need to make park reservations for your dates with your tickets in order to enter the parks. That’s another reason to avoid waiting to buy tickets at the gate.
Cash / Credit Cards / Gift Cards / ID
Don’t forget to bring along your wallet with your cash and cards, including any Disney Gift Cards you may have. If you plan to drink in the parks, be sure to have your ID handy for proof of age.
I will note that almost all Disneyland stores & restaurants have tap-to-pay, so if you use Apple or Google Pay on your phone, you’ll likely be able to use those in the parks. However, it’s a good idea to have a backup just in case!
Sunscreen / Sunglasses / Hat
Be sure to pack some sunscreen, getting a sunburn is no way to enjoy a vacation! You also might want to bring a pair of sunglasses and maybe even a hat. Just keep in mind that you’ll likely need to take the items off for some rides.
Autograph Book & Pen
One of the best things about visiting Disneyland is getting the chance to meet some of your favorite Disney characters! If you’re planning on getting autographs, be sure to pack an autograph book and a pen. Many love to bring retractable Sharpies, but have a ballpoint pen as well as some characters won’t use Sharpies.
You can usually find autograph books at the parks, but it’s a good idea to bring one in advance in case you see a character right away. You can buy autograph books on Amazon or handmade ones on Etsy. Another fun idea is a Disney character book for characters to sign on their page.
Phone Battery Charging Pack
As I mentioned above, your phone gets used a lot at Disneyland. That means you might risk running low on battery, so bringing a charging pack can be a great idea.
FuelRod chargers are available around the Disney parks and make it easy to swap out for a fresh one whenever you need. The FuelRods cost $30 in the parks, but you can buy them in advance on Amazon for much less.
Lanyard & Trading Pins
When Disneyland used to use paper tickets to get FastPass returns, having a lanyard with a pouch became a priority for keeping your paper ticket nice and handy. Now phones are used most of the time, however, some still like to use a lanyard.
Disneyland has started phasing paper tickets out, so soon lanyards may be just a way for people to show off their Disney trading pins.
If you or your kids like Disney collectibles, trading pins can be a great gift and addition to your vacation. You can start with a small set from Disney Store or Amazon, or buy one of the starter sets at a park store, then trade cast members for other pins you like better. If you have pins you really like, you might want some locking backs as the rubber backs often pull off while moving around.
Some buy Disney pin lots off eBay and Amazon, but there have been a lot of warnings and discussions about those pins not being authentic, so use your discretion.
Hand Sanitizer
With all of the people you’ll be around while you’re at the parks, it’s a good idea to keep your hands clean. Pack a small bottle of hand sanitizer so you can use it before you eat and after you’ve been shaking hands with characters. Baby/hand wipes come in handy for wiping hands and faces before and after eating.
Snacks
If you’re on a budget and trying to save money, packing your own snacks can be a great way to do that. There are many places throughout the parks where you can find snacks, but they can be expensive.
If you’re looking for something quick and easy, granola bars or fruit bars are always good options. Or if you want something a little more substantial, you can pack things like sandwiches or wraps. Just be sure to avoid anything that needs to be refrigerated.
And if you’re looking for a sweet treat, you can always bring along some of your favorite candy. Just be sure not to bring anything that melts easily in the heat. You might also want to bring some mints and/or gum to help refresh your breath throughout the day.
Glow Sticks
If you’re visiting Disneyland at night, glow sticks are always a good idea. You can find themed glow necklaces in the park, but they’re so much cheaper if you buy them in advance.
Glow sticks are a great way to keep track of your kids in the dark and they also make for some fun photos. Disneyland especially gets quite dark at night, so having a few glow sticks on hand to keep your party together can be a lifesaver. Light-up wands are also very popular and you can buy them in advance at the Disney Store.
Fanny Pack / Day Bag
A bag is always a good idea when you’re visiting Disneyland. And a fanny pack is a great way to keep your essentials close to you without having to carry a purse or backpack around. Plus, it frees up your hands so you can better enjoy the rides and attractions. A crossbody bag is also a great option.
I personally love using my Disney Loungefly backpack, but I will admit that taking it on and off for rides is a little annoying. Fanny packs and crossbody bags let you avoid that, but they also have less room for extra stuff.
Reusable Water Bottle
With all of the walking you’ll be doing, it’s important to stay hydrated. A reusable water bottle is a great way to do that and it will also save you money since you won’t have to buy bottled water in the park. Although it’s good to know that cups of ice water are free at all restaurants, but you’ll have to wait in line to get one!
Try to fill up your water bottle before you enter the park, many hotels have filling stations. There are also water bottle-fill stations around the parks, just search for bottle-filling stations in the Disneyland app. They’re linked with drinking fountains so make sure to choose a location that lists a bottle-filling station in addition to the drinking fountain.
Also, keep in mind how you’ll carry your bottle around. If you’re using a small bag, that might be a problem and perhaps you’d rather stay hydrated another way. Or you can consider using a water bottle carrier strap. Just make sure you are making it a priority to stay hydrated, especially on hot days!
Band-Aids / Moleskin / Medicine
It’s possible that your shoes might rub wrong or your feet might get a sore spot from all the walking you’ll do in the parks. Packing some band-aids or moleskin can help you deal with any sores that might happen.
Keep in mind that there are first-aid centers in the Disney parks and you can go there to get some basic medical supplies, like band-aids, if needed.
You should also be sure to pack some pain relievers in case you develop a headache or body aches. Pepto-Bismol can also be good to have on hand. You’ve paid a lot of money for your trip, don’t let physical discomfort keep you from enjoying your day.
Don’t forget to bring motion sickness medicine if you’re someone who struggles with that. It can really help you enjoy the rides! I use Dramamine Less Drowsy, Ginger Candies, and my Reliefband bracelet.
Deodorant
This is fairly self-explanatory, but especially on hot days, re-applying your deodorant could make you feel better and keep your line-waiting neighbors happy, too!
Hairbrush / Ties
If you have long hair, a hairbrush is a great thing to bring to the parks. Your hair will become tangled during the day, especially if you’re riding roller coasters.
Lip Balm
Pretty self-explanatory, your lips might get dry and chapped being outside and on rides. Pack a simple lip balm, preferably one with some SPF protection.
Poncho / Socks / Sandals / Ziploc Bag
If you plan on going on water rides, there are a few extra things to bring to Disneyland. If you don’t like the idea of being soaked and waiting for your clothes to dry in the air, packing a poncho can be useful. It’s also useful in case you have rain forecasted on your trip.
You might also want to bring along an extra pair of socks to switch if your shoes get soaked. Or even better, pack along a pair of sandals. You can rent a locker all day at the parks so you could drop off some of these items if you don’t want to carry them around.
Lastly, you might want to bring a couple of ziploc bags for storing your wallet or phone in to protect them on water rides or rain showers.
Cooling Fan / Towel
If you’re traveling during the hot summer, bringing a cooling towel and/or neck fan can help you survive the hot summer park days!
FAQ About Things to Pack for Disneyland
Can you bring food into Disneyland?
Yes, you can bring food into Disneyland.
There are some restrictions: you can’t bring alcohol into the parks, no glass containers, no large coolers (must be smaller than 24″L x 15″W x 18″H), and no loose ice or dry ice. Re-useable ice packs are allowed.
Can you bring water into Disneyland?
Yes, you can bring water bottles into Disneyland.
Can you bring a backpack into Disneyland?
Yes, you can bring backpacks. They will be inspected at security and you’ll walk through a metal detector. They cannot be larger than 24″L x 15″W x 18″H).
Can you bring vapes into Disneyland?
Smoking is prohibited at the Disneyland Resort except in a few specific areas around the resort. Vapes can be used in these specified areas, however, smoking marijuana or other illegal substances is NOT permitted at any time.
Things You CAN’T Bring into Disneyland
There are prohibited items, so don’t try to bring any of these into the parks.
- Firearms, ammunition, knives, and weapons of any kind.
- Self-defense or restraining devices (e.g., pepper spray, mace).
- Marijuana (including marijuana-enriched products) or any illegal substance.
- Objects or toys that appear to be firearms or weapons.
- Fireworks or other similarly explosive and/or flammable objects, smoke machines, or fog machines.
- Alcoholic beverages, except in the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Wine may be brought into the Downtown Disney District to be consumed at select table service restaurants only, corkage fees apply.
- Glass containers (excluding small containers such as baby food jars), except in the Disney Resort hotels.
- Horns, whistles, large megaphones, or artificial noise makers.
- Recreational devices such as drones, remote-control toys, skateboards, scooters, inline skates, bicycles, or shoes with built-in wheels.
- Strollers that are greater than 31″ in width and 52″ in length.
- Wagons, including stroller wagons.
- Any trailer-like object that is pushed, pulled or towed by an Electric Conveyance Vehicle, wheelchair, stroller, or person.
- Wheeled mobility devices with less than 3 wheels or devices that cannot maintain stability and balance when stopped, unpowered, and/or unoccupied. Training wheels and/or modifications are not permitted. Devices must be manually or electrically powered and operated at a walking pace. Devices should be single rider and not exceed 36″ in width and 52″ in length.
- Suitcases, bags, coolers, or backpacks, with or without wheels, larger than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high are not allowed in any theme park. Loose or dry ice is not permitted in these containers. Re-usable ice packs are recommended.
- Folding chairs are not allowed in any theme park or the Downtown Disney District.
- Selfie sticks, hand-held extension poles for cameras or mobile devices, flags, and banners are not allowed in any theme park.
- Tripods or monopod stands that cannot fit inside a standard backpack or that extend over 6’ (182 cm) are not allowed in any theme park.
Disneyland Packing List Printable
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You’ve done the prep work to make sure you’ve got the information and know what things to pack for Disneyland and you’re ready to go! Be sure to pack everything you need and follow our tips to have the best possible experience at the happiest place on earth!
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