While the jury is still out on our Disney Debate this week, in which we asked if bringing your own snacks to Disney Parks is worth doing, we thought this would be the perfect time to do a quick refresher on the five key items we always take to Disney. While we have covered backpack items a few times, this is a different take on the topic, given that these items are must-haves even for guests living the hands-free Disney lifestyle! Yep, each one of these items is one I never leave my Disney Resort without, and it still doesn’t tip me over into needing a backpack. This is a relatively recent development for me as I march out of the tween era and into a world where my teens now have to carry their own stuff! It’s amazing. Shall we get started?
A Light Layer
The first on our list is the bulkiest item, a light layer for cool morning rope drops or breezy evening parades. The key is to get a lightweight option with long enough sleeves to tie around your waist. I like to keep my cardigans tied around my neck, but it’s crucial that they can also get around my waist for easy storage when things warm up, so avoid a 3/4 sleeve unless you have a tiny waist. It’s a must-have.
A Zip-Lock Bag
When I tell you I don’t leave home without a zip-lock bag, I’m not kidding. My son went camping recently, and I sent him off with one of every size as well. They are super light, fold up to nothing, and can be stored in a pocket with ease. The value they give in return is incredible. Waterproof your phone prior to riding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, or store those leftover food snacks that you aren’t quite finished with before you have to board Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom. I’ve never looked back in all my years of traveling with a zip-lock bag in my pocket.
A Medical Essential
While you won’t be able to take a good selection of items, you can always cover your most likely medical needs. For my family, it’s a spare antihistamine and an asthma puffer, which I keep tucked in a very handy spot. An antihistamine can be a lifesaver if you have allergies in the family, and a single tablet is easy to cut out of the package and carry in a pocket. If your family is prone to headaches, consider doing the same with an Advil, or store the tablet in the zip-lock bag to double up on the efficiency.
A Spare Hair Tie
I usually tie up my long hair at the Disney Parks, and I always add a second hair band to my hair just in case we need it! Anything from tying up someone else’s hair to closing off a snack bag, a spare hair tie can come in handy in many ways. You can even use it to help secure that pesky MagicBand that keeps flying off. Where do you store your second hair tie? Around the first one, of course. Doubling your ponytail means you aren’t adding to your pocket storage, either.
A Phone Case With Card Storage
It goes without saying that you will be taking your cell phone to the parks with you. It does everything you need, from booking your Lightning Lanes to capturing your memories; you are going to need that vital piece of tech. Since you are carrying it anyway, grab yourself a phone cover that can store a card in the back so you have another form of payment with you. You only need to suffer one major tech failure to realize that a backup is always beneficial and adds no additional space requirement to your phone’s needs.
Can you believe we are carrying these five staples without needing a bag? Let me know what you take with you to the parks when traveling hands-free during your Disney stay or share it on our DISboards discussion forums!
Zoë Wood is a travel writer from Sydney, Australia. Since her first visit to Disneyland at the age of 6, she has spent her years frequently visiting Disney Parks and traveling around the world.
Join Zoë as she lets you in on all the tips, tricks, anecdotes, and embarrassments that arise from her family adventures.
