What to *realistically* pack for Walt Disney World & Universal Studios!

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Omgomgomgomgomgomgomgomg! I’m going to Disney World!!! And Universal Studios Orlando!!! Weeeeeeeeeeee! Ok… back to business. I couldn’t help it I am so excited!

One more…EEEEEEEEEEEJFJKAFJDLDAUOEHKFVNDKVLSAFDLGREITYHBSDAKLDGADKLH!!!!!!!!!!! ok. ok. All done I promise.

Let’s get one thing out of the way. I am a Disney adult. Obviously. Absolutely zero shame in that game. I love the movies. I love the parks. I love the characters. I love the history. I love the magic. I love Disney. I am lucky enough to have married another Disney adult so Disney has definitely been a part of our relationship (remind me to tell the story of the week before Brandon proposed where he tricked me into thinking it was happening at Disneyland. It was not. 🤣). Brandon and I even went to Walt Disney World for the first time together in 2019 as part of our honeymoon tour. We were on our way to St. Lucia and since we had to fly out of Florida to get there we thought why not make it a longer layover- by, like, 5 days lol. We’re also big Harry Potter people (our son’s nursery is HP themed) so Universal is obviously a must as well. When in Florida, right?

This year when Brandon’s work said that they were having a conference in Orlando, I took it as another sign that it was time to go. After some serious thought, we decided we will be leaving our son with the grandparents for the 5 day trip. It was just going to be too much for him to travel and he’s so young he wouldn’t remember it anyway. We definitely want to take him to Disney but going across the country- let’s be honest for the pictures and our memories- didn’t really make sense when we have Disneyland so close.

Our Itinerary

The first thing when it comes to packing is knowing what the heck you’re doing. Brandon’s conference ends and I arrive on Wednesday then we hit the parks for 4 days. Because you now have to reserve your parks in advance (thanks to covid- but I actually kind love it) we know exactly where we are going each day. Our breakdown is:

We did purchase park hoppers for the Disney parks so we will be sure to hit Hollywood Studios (and allllll the new Star Wars stuff) after 2pm one of these days- probably after Magic Kingdom. We do have Disneyland pretty close and there’s a lot of similar stuff at Magic Kingdom, so, we can do that park a little less thorough and are able to park hop.

Disneyworld was on my bucket list. Check out what else I want to check off:
View my travel bucket list

Packing Considerations

When I’m packing for a trip like this, where I know exactly what I’m doing each day, organizing into outfits is the way to go. I can easily plan the exact outfit down to the accessories (*read ears*). Personally, I like to plan my Disneyworld outfits to reflect the park that I am going to that day. #disneynerd I know.

I definitely prioritize comfort when it comes to theme parks. You will always find me in more athletic wear than style. I’ll be wearing leggings or bike shorts, sports bras (Helllllo! Rollercoasters are not boob friendly) and sneakers.

DO NOT mess around with your feet at theme parks. I repeat DO NOT MESS AROUND WITH YOUR FEET. You might think those sandals are super cute but when you’re walking 15,000+ steps a day just be smart and wear your supportive sneakers. And yes, if I have room in my bag, I bring multiple pairs and match them to my outfits because you do not have to sacrifice style for comfort.

In that same vein of comfort. I am a big advocate for no denim at the parks. You want to change into jeans for dinner or fireworks at the end of the night, fine, but during the day it’s a no from me. Why you ask? One word: chaffing. If you are sweaty or go on one water ride your crotch is a goner. Just trust me on this. I also always bring this stuff (please laugh at the name with me) and apply it to the inner thigh in the morning. Just make sure you wash your hands after applying!

Now when it comes to bags… I highly recommend bringing as little as possible. I have not been to the parks with a kiddo yet so I have never had to deal with the diaper bag or snack situation, BUT for just adults as little as possible is the way to go. Luckily, Disney World makes it really easy with their magic bands. They used to give these for free with a hotel reservation but now you have to pay for them (classic, am I right?). Good thing is that they are reusable. Why do you need one? Magic bands are your park ticket, fast passes (or whatever they call them now), hotel key and credit card all in one. So basically you only need to bring your phone, maybe a small sunscreen, and ID card if you’re planning on drinking 😉 (*read doing Epcot’s “drink around the world”*). Also, there are water fountains EVERYWHERE and you can always grab water from any restaurant for free so we opt to not lug around a water bottle.

Enter: the fanny pack. Luckily these are coming back in style and there are many options from expensive to cheap. This is the one I have and I love it! Now if fanny packs are not your thing I recommend a small backpack. There are a ton of cool Disney ones but I use an old (talking purchased in 7th grade old) Dakine backpack. Remember those?

Here’s what’s in my fanny pack:

Kate Spade card holder– ID, $20- just incase.
Phone
Face Sunscreen– Gotta re-apply baby!
Ponchos– Pro tip! Get them from The Dollar Tree before hand and save a ton of money instead of buying them at the park!
1-5 pins to trade (I told you big nerd)
**Optional** Extra Phone Battery Pack– tbh, we have brought these to the parks and have never used them. Maybe we’re not on our phones as much? But so much stuff for the parks is on your phone now (Lightening lane, park tickets, dinner reservations etc.) that you need to keep your phone charged.

Packing List

Now that we know we’re packing for style and comfort let’s get to it! Lay out your outfits and get your accessories to go with each. My friends, I am NOT a fashion blogger so just like, go with my flat lays and tell me these are cute outfits, ok? (Everything is linked below!⬇️)

*(Future Jessica here! I’m proud to say I just about stuck to this plan! woohoo!)*

Toiletries:
Aside from your standard stuff (toothbrush, deodorant…) make sure you pack:
– Sunscreen (face & body!)
– Anti-chaffing stuff
– Bandaids (for if you get blisters)
– Hair ties (Florida is hot and sticky folks!)
I don’t pack shampoo and conditioner or body wash because Disney property normally has higher quality stuff.

Make Up:
Once again… not really my thing but here’s what in my make-up bag:
– BB cream
– Bronzer
– Mascara
…that’s it. K.I.S.S.

Into this? Check out my FREE downloadable packing list!
Find it here!

Things to remember…

I am personally a victim of overpacking (I mean, I don’t usually go through three pairs of underwear a day but “just in case” right?!?!) so, as I mentioned, the outfit planning is the way to go. Also remember that Florida is a sweaty bitch of a state so if you’re a sweaty person keep that in mind. I pack a bra for everyday of the week when I go to Orlando but if I’m home I’ll wear one for multiple days. Also, now is not the time for your most expensive sunglasses or purse. Wouldn’t want them to go flying off on a coaster or set it down in melted ice cream- ya feel me?