Planning a day at Disneyland? Whether you’re a seasoned park-goer or this is your first visit, packing smart can make your adventure less stressful and more magical. I’m here to share my tried-and-true Disneyland packing list that will keep you comfortable, prepared, and ready to enjoy every moment in the self-proclaimed happiest place on Earth.

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Why Packing Right Matters

A day at Disneyland can be both thrilling and exhausting, with long lines, endless walking, and ever-changing weather. By packing the right essentials, you can ensure that you’re prepared for whatever the day throws at you, so you can focus on fun instead of discomfort.

5 Essentials for Everyone

Here’s a breakdown of the must-have items to bring for a smooth and enjoyable day at Disneyland:

#1 – Comfortable Shoes

Disneyland is all about walking, and trust me, you’ll cover a lot of ground. I am a sneaker kind of girl, so I always opt for comfortable, already broke-in athletic shoes for my visit, but wear whatever you know will work for you.

I’ve had these New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Sneakers for years and put hundreds of miles on them and they’ve held up really well if you’re in the market for some new shoes.

I got tired in the middle of the day when it started getting really hot

#2 – Lightweight Backpack/Bag

A lightweight, easy-to-carry bag is key. Choose something with padded straps and multiple compartments to keep things organized. I visited Disneyland solo so I only brought a small 11″x9″x purse backpack and it was perfect for the day.

Remember, if you’re planning on riding rides, you’ll often need to fit your bag in between your legs on the rides or at your feet.

#3 – Food/Water

I guess this could technically be two different essentials, but for the sake of keeping the list at 5, we’re combining 🙃

Disneyland allows you to bring food and water into the park and I highly advise you do if you’re on a budget. I packed a few fruit strips, a cliff bar, a pack of trail mix, and some beef jerky as snacks.

I also brought a reusable water bottle -collapsable is great for this situation. There are multiple fill-up spots around the park to refill your bottle.

#4 – Sun Protection

The California sun can be intense, even on cooler days. I highly advise you to wear sunscreen if you plan on spending a day at the park and bring some too if you’ll need to reapply. A good pair of sunglasses is also essential to protect your eyes from UV rays and to allow you to watch the parades and take in the views without squinting!

It’s not a bad idea to pack a lightweight sun shirt and a hat too. I didn’t personally pack either of these items, but I saw a lot of visitors with small handheld fans and cooling towels wrapped around their necks to stay cool as well.

#5 – Portable Phone Charger

With all the photos, videos, and checking wait times on the Disneyland app, your phone battery can drain quickly. I always carry a portable charger to keep my devices powered up throughout the day and it was an absolute must when visiting Disneyland.

Sometimes the line waits were over 40 minutes and I had nothing to do but sit there on my phone, which also drained my battery.

I did not notice anywhere in the park you could plug in a device, so keep that in mind. I ate at one of the restaurants and used multiple restrooms and none had available outlets.

Extra, Non-Essential Things to Pack

Although we want to carry the least amount possible, there are still some other items that could make your Disneyland trip more fun and memorable. Here’s my Disneyland packing list of non-essentials:

• Camera/ Camera Gear – If you’re trying to capture the day for your family album or YouTube, bring everything you’ll need to make that a success, but remember the following items are not allowed:
  • Selfie sticks and hand-held extension poles for cameras or mobile devices are not allowed
  • Tripods or monopod stands that cannot fit inside a standard backpack or that extend over 6’ (182 cm) are not allowed
• Personal Items – I like to carry hand sanitizer, chapstick, and a mini-deodorant to ensure I’m staying fresh and clean throughout the day. I also advise carrying any medication you may need throughout the day.
• A blanket or sit pad – If you’re going to be posting up to wait on the fireworks, having something soft to sit on is a great idea. I wasn’t prepared and I sat on the hard concrete for over 2 hours waiting for the show while being surrounded by tons of people who were way more prepared than I who had brought blankets and pillows to sit on.
• Your Disney Ears! – This is a favorite of mine and a Disneyland must-do. If you don’t want to pay $30-$50 for a set of ears at the park, be sure to borrow some from a friend of purchase some in advance, but make sure you have some! They add to the fun 🤩

Weather-Specific Disneyland Packing List Tips

Disneyland’s weather can vary depending on the season. You’ll always want to check the weather when planning your trip and then check again the day of. Here’s how I adjust my packing list for different weather conditions:

• Pancho/Rain Jacket – You can buy these panchos that take up very minimal space in your bag or if you prefer an actual jacket, amazon has this one that comes in over 10 colors!
  • Waterproof bags – This could be helpful if riding any rides that get you wet, but also if it starts raining. You’ll want to keep your phone and portable charger dry.
• Layers – When the sun goes down at the end of the day, the temperature tends to drop with it. If you’re planning on staying for the fireworks, you may want to pack an outer layer for the evening.
  • If you’re visiting in winter, you may also want to bring a beanie and gloves to keep your hands warm while you’re standing still. Here’s a bunch of cute and fun Disney-themed beanies.

Disneyland Packing List with Children

Traveling to Disneyland with kids adds a few extra items to the packing list. Here’s what I make sure to bring when I’m with the little ones:

• Stroller or Baby Carrier – Even if your kids are a bit older, a stroller can be a lifesaver for when they get tired or need to rest their legs. Disneyland is stroller-friendly, so I recommend bringing one if you have younger children. A baby carrier can also be useful for navigating crowds.
  
• ID Bracelet – If you’re at all worried about the possibility of losing track of your child in the crowds, ID bracelets with your contact information can provide peace of mind.
  
• Entertainment – Patiently waiting in lines can often be challenging for small children so having small hand-held toys, bubbles, coloring books, or anything you can bring to keep their minds off waiting will benefit you and them. After dark, I saw parents pulling out glow sticks for their kids and that was a big hit!
  
• The Disney Character Autograph Book – There are numerous options for these on Amazon. I didn’t even know about them until I saw kids in the part lining up to get their signatures. Some books even have a place to insert a photo of you and the character next to their signature and I thought that was so cool!
  
• Costumes – Children under the age of 14 are allowed to dress up in costumes for their visit. Seeing kids dressed up really made the experience more enjoyable for me! You can find Disney costumes for kids on Amazon for under $50!

Final Tips for an Unforgettable Day

+ Travel Light: Remember, you’ll be carrying your bag all day. I stick to the essentials and avoid overpacking.

+ Check the Forecast: I always check the weather forecast the day before to make sure I’m prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store.

+ Bring a Power Bank: The Disneyland app is a MUST when visiting the park and constantly looking at it will drain your battery throughout the day, so be prepared.

+ Plan for Purchases: Leave some room in your bag for any souvenirs or treats you pick up throughout the day.

By packing these essentials and some of the non-essentials, you’ll be ready to make the most of your Disneyland adventure. Whether you’re visiting in the summer heat or the cool winter months, having the right gear on hand will ensure that your day is as magical as possible.

Go make some memories! If you’ve already made memories at Disneyland, share your favorite one with me in the comments! ✍🏼

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If you’re staying in Anaheim longer and looking for other things to do, check out my related Anaheim blog posts:

• Hilton Anaheim Hotel: Your Perfect Stay Near Disneyland
• A Day at the Ballpark: Your Guide to Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA
• Exploring the GardenWalk Center in Anaheim, CA: A Complete Guide
• A Guide to Visiting the Anaheim Packing District
• Getting Around Anaheim, CA as a Visitor Without a Car
• Coming soon -> My first-ever visit to Disneyland