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Dressing for Disney – 10 Ideas About What to Pack and What You Can Leave Behind

Disney Suitcase

To ensure a fantastic Disney World vacation, you want to make sure that you pack everything you need, without completely over packing. It’s easy to throw anything and everything you own into a suitcase and call it a day. We often say, “better safe than sorry” when deciding what to pack. Sometimes that could be a bad mindset, especially when dealing with baggage fees and such. So in this article, we’ll help you decide what is absolutely necessary and what you can leave behind.

Here are 10 essential items that are necessary for a worry free vacation.

10. Shoes

You’ll want to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes and probably a pair of flip-flops or sandals as well. Chances are you will be doing a lot of walking during your entire vacation; so make sure you break in your walking shoes before your trip. No one wants any annoying blisters! Also, you might want to consider bringing a pair of flip-flops or sandals for around the pool or a casual night out.

9. Swimsuit

Every hotel on Disney property has a pool. Even if you stay off-site, there will most likely be a pool at your hotel. Even if you aren’t a huge fan of pools, a swim is a great way to cool off. You also need a swimsuit if you are planning on visiting one of the Disney waterparks.

8. Outerwear

Now is when you have to think about what time of year you are planning on going. If you’re going in the summer months, you probably don’t have to worry about this. But if you are going in colder months, like January, you may want to bring a sweatshirt or jacket. It can get pretty chilly at night during winter, so make sure you come prepared so you don’t have to pay a fortune for a sweatshirt. You may want to also consider bringing long pants as well.

7. Disney Themed Clothing

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the Disney atmosphere while you’re on vacation. And if you’re anything like me, you probably have about a hundred Disney t-shirts. If you don’t bring yours, you may be very tempted to buy one while in the parks. Come prepared and bring the ones you already have. It’s always nice to save a few bucks if you can.

6. Drawstring Bag

These are great because they’re light; yet still hold a good amount of things. You can usually purchase one back home for around ten bucks. This definitely beats paying over twenty dollars for one at the park or at your resort. Don’t get me wrong though, the Disney ones are very cute!

Most of the things listed above are pretty obvious. Want a little extra room in your suitcase? Here are a few things that you can leave at home.

5. Blow Dryer

All Disney and most other hotels have a blow dryer inside their rooms, so there’s no need to bring one from home. That saves a lot of room in your suitcase!

4. Unpractical Shoes

Shoes take up a lot of weight and room in your suitcase. One or two pairs of shoes are all you really need. Unless you are planning on dining at a really high-priced restaurant, leave the high heels behind!

3. Jewelry

Besides the usual wedding ring, watch, and everyday necklace, don’t bother packing all your beloved jewelry into your suitcase. Yes, it does really make your outfit stand out, but it’s not worth potentially losing them. Disney World probably isn’t the best place to wear that brand new diamond necklace!

2. Large Backpacks

Now this one is pretty controversial among Disney goers. I’m placing it on the leave behind list because bringing full sized backpacks can be a huge hassle. Not to mention you end up smacking everyone around you by accident. For one, someone has to carry it! If you load up said backpack, it’s going to be pretty heavy. No one wants to lug that around all day, especially in scorching hot temps. Personally, I’m all for bringing minimal things to the park, but if you absolutely have to bring a bag of some sort, draw string bags and small cross body bags work great. Plus, drawstring bags fold up nicely, so putting them in your suitcase or carry-on is pretty easy. The only exception I have for this is if you bring a stroller. If you have a stroller with you, you can just stash the backpack in the lower part.

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1. Toiletries

Obviously you want to bring small things like travel sized hairspray and deodorant, but as for shampoo and conditioner, each hotel offers these as well as soap. So save some room and money and just use the ones supplied there.

Make sure you pack what you need, but there’s really no need to go crazy and bring everything you own on vacation with you. Especially if you are flying, that can get pricey! So leave some of the unnecessary things at home and just enjoy the experience!

About Meghann McFadden

Writing has always been my passion. I have had an interest in writing ever since I was young. Similarly, I have always loved Disney. There is not a day that goes by that I'm not reading or watching something about Disney. I am currently finishing up my bachelor’s degree and working as well. I live right outside of Chicago, but visit Walt Disney World Resort several times a year.

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