Essentials for a Day at the Parks
If you are spending a day at a Disney Parks there are some essentials you need to bring with you. So I thought I would put together a list of my essentials for a day in the parks as a guide for newbies.
Packing Essentials For A Day At The Parks
Money. Pretty much a no brainer here but still make sure to bring some cash, a credit card, or have your MagicBand with you when you hit the parks.
Photo ID. Its always good to have some sort of photo ID on you. You might need it at the ticketing counter (especially if you want a Florida resident discount) and it is good to have on you in case of an emergency.
Water. Once again Florida in the summer is extremely hot, and its easy to get dehydrated pretty quickly here. Bring a water bottle with you or buy one once you enter the park, and drink it, a lot! Refill it at one of the many water fountains around the parks.
Sunscreen. Florida is known as the Sunshine State for a reason, its hot and sunny. Sunscreen is an absolute essential for a day in the parks. I use something with an SPF of 30 or higher and make sure to reapply every few hours. Don't forget to bring lip balm or lip glass with SPF
Your Camera. Pictures from your trip to Disney World will be some of your favorite souvenirs. So be sure and pack your camera (and an set of extra batteries 
Cell Phone. Here are just a few reasons why a cell phone is extremely convenient at Disney World: meeting up with other members of your group; making or changing dinner reservations; checking out wait times for rides, making or changing FastPass+ reservations, and keeping yourself entertained while you wait in long lines.
Sunglasses. Its sunny remember? I have a few cheap pairs that I take so if I happen to lose them its not a big deal.
Ponchos. During the summer the weather in Florida changes very quickly. We always have our Mickey ponchos with us so that if it starts raining we don't have to stop enjoying the park.
Medication. I always have headache medicine in my bag just in case. Also pack any prescription medication you might need during the day. Check out our article on Packing Your Toiletries Bag for a Healthy Vacation.
Good Shoes. A day at Disney World will involve a lot of walking so wear good, comfortable shoes. Its also a good idea to pack some Band-Aids
A Good Bag. Your bag is definitely an essential for a day in the parks. I either use a small backpack or a small cross body purse.
Honorable Mentions. These are more of a sometimes or if I have it essentials: snacks, shout wipes or a tide pen, and a spray fan.
What are your must-haves for a day in the park?
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DisneyKira wrote on Tue, 08/23/2011 - 13:44:
Great article!
I usually bring Tums (or some other chewable antacid) with me. My husband and I almost never take Tums when we are at home, but sometimes over eating, the rides, the heat, and/or greasy park food makes antacids essential. They make travel-sized rolls that are really easy to bring into the park.
Mirrasi wrote on Tue, 08/23/2011 - 20:05:
I try to carry as little as possible so I don't get weighed down. I get ice water free from the vendors.
I carry a lightweight bag with sunscreen, a bathing suit and spare shirt for my son, money, sun screen, SPF chap stick, sunglasses, my cell phone. Depending on how long I stay I I might bring snacks. I have an annual pass so if I'm there only a few hours I bring snacks. If I'm going for a full day of it, I spring for the good stuff at Disney.
DVC Mom wrote on Tue, 08/23/2011 - 20:54:
It's funny, I can do Disneyland with almost nothing (wallet, phone & camera) but when it comes to WDW I pack a day bag with everything you've mentioned. Maybe it's because the hotel is always so much further away, I don't feel like I can just run back if I've forgotten something.
JeffC wrote on Wed, 08/24/2011 - 00:37:
I carry all that, AND my autograph book! And a few quarters and pennies for the never-ending pressed-penny collection :)
Mase wrote on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 02:21:
With 2 kids, and a wife. I have to be ready for everything. I carry a bookbag filled with food, extra clothes, iPad, camera, diapers, etc.... So I dont get the luxury of just walking in and having fun.
Trueblue63 wrote on Fri, 08/26/2011 - 12:51:
For anyone that hasn't memorized the layout, a good park map is very important.
I also want to have the times guide you can pick up on entry in my pocket.
Most cell phones have cameras, so you don't necessarily need a camera and a cellphone.
But the most important thing to bring to the park is an attitude of mirthful glee, so that you can really enjoy the Disney magic!
Christine C. Daniels wrote on Mon, 08/29/2011 - 16:26:
I would very much to please have a map, but since I will be there in just 4 days,I probably have to wait till I get there.
I would love to plan my stops, the most imprtant places, I will have my nieces and nephew w/me, so, little people places, then my favs from 20 yrs. ago, and then all the newer places and rides I have not been to see yet.
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