Packing for a trip to Disneyland or any Disney park requires many essential items and I’ve got a list for you. I have been packing backpacks to go to Disneyland for years. I’ve learned a few things I’d love to share. From back in the day to packing with babies, toddlers and beyond. Here are some helpful tips to lighten your load. I’ll even share my favorite bags! Plus I will share links to many of the items in my backpack. This post contains affiliate links which means I make a little when you shop through the links at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the blog!
Things to know about packing for your trip
First of all you CAN take food and water in the parks. I recommend bringing essential items but don’t get your backpack too heavy if you plan to carry it around all day! There are lockers for rent if you need to store things during the day. Also some people don’t realize but you CAN take your backpack on rides. Some rides offer a pouch in front of you to store your backpack. I carry my backpack around with me all day, so I only pack what I know I will use that day, which varies.
For more important things to know before your trip head over to this blog post.
What should you pack in your backpack?
I’ve compiled a list of items you can find in my backpack on any given trip. I don’t always bring all of the items, but this list will give you an idea of what you may want to pack. I bring snacks and a frozen water bottle to refill at drinking fountains around the park. Snacks will help tide you over between meals and entertain littles in line! The frozen water bottle is nice when it’s hot. The ice melts throughout the day and keeps your water cold. To see what I pack in my backpack you can watch this video.
Here is a list of items I put in my backpack.
- External phone charger
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Map
- Lanyard
- Snacks
- Autograph book
- Pen for signing
- Poncho
- Disney gift cards
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Portable fan
Other items as needed:
- Hat
- Glow sticks
- Ibuprofen but you can go to First Aid and get some too.
- Small blanket to sit on at parades
- Light jacket for chilly nights
- Coloring book for waiting in line or waiting for shows/parades.
- Pins for trading. I don’t haul around our heavy lanyards just ones to trade.
- Quarters and shiny pennies for the penny pressing machines.
I have created a backpack list in my Amazon store where you can find many of the items listed above, check it out.
Baby packing tips
If you have a baby you will want to bring your essential items in a diaper bag. If you forget anything don’t worry. There is a Baby Center located in each park. Inside the Baby Center they have a vending machine with baby items for sale.
You can leave the diaper bag in your stroller. Be sure not to leave your valuables in it though, take those with you. I’ve never had anything stolen out of our stroller but I know it happens occasionally so it’s a risk! For more baby tips and information read more here.
My favorite backpack
If you’ve been following me on Instagram for a while you know how much I love my Mickey Mouse Ace backpack from Petunia Pickle Bottom. It’s technically a diaper bag, but I use it as a regular backpack when I go to the parks.
I own 4 different bags from Petunia Pickle Bottom. The backpack style bags are the perfect size bag for a trip to the parks! While they are technically diaper bags, I use mine just like a backpack for everyday use.
Reasons why I LOVE PPB bags!
- The inside of the bag is spacious!
- Comfortable padded backpack straps.
- Bags are made of easy to clean material.
- Inside the bag there are 2 bottle pockets and another large pocket to separate items.
- Plus there are exterior pockets for more storage.
I recently received a gift from Petunia Pickle Bottom. They sent me the newest Disney line, the Signature Minnie Mouse collection set which includes 5-pieces. The District Backpack with integrated stroller clips, a removable packing cube, changing pad and drawstring bottle holder. The backpack is made of easy-to-clean matte black leatherette. For more details and pricing visit their website.
I also received the coordinating Adventurer Belt Bag. This bag has 3 carrying options: Adjustable, clip-waist belt bag, wristlet/clutch, and cross-body/purse with strap. For pricing check here.
Another Disney bag I own is the Metallic Mickey Mouse line backpack. I love the black with rose gold design and the coordinating print on the inside! It includes the cutest coin purse in coordinating Mickey Mouse microprint! Find out more here.
And the bag I use the most is the Mickey Mouse Ace Diaper Bag Backpack. This bag is the perfect size and has so much storage! Check here for pricing.
Hope this helps for your next or first Disney trip! Make sure you’re following along on Instagram where I share daily tips and info about Disney!
