If there’s one thing that can take your Disneyland trip from magical to stressful in the blink of an eye, it’s forgetting an essential item at home. Whether it’s your toddler’s favorite snack, your backup phone charger, or your comfy walking shoes, being prepared can make all the difference. As a family travel blogger–and someone who’s had her fair share of “I can’t believe I forgot that!” moments–I’m here to help. Let’s break it all down so you can pack like a pro with this Disneyland packing list. I am a Get Away Today partner, and some links contained in this article are affiliates. As a partner with Get Away Today, I can help you save money on your Disney family vacation!

8 categories for your Disneyland packing list

Not all these items are necessary for every trip or for every family. Rather, use this Disneyland packing list like a guide. Think of it as a list to follow with some reminders and suggestions you might not think of!

1. Essentials for Everyone

These are the absolute must-haves that no Disneyland packing list is complete without:

• Park Tickets and ID: Whether you’ve printed them out or have them saved on your phone, double-check you have your tickets ready to go. Get Away Today is my go-to for the best Disney deals!
• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking a ton—think miles. Opt for sneakers or supportive sandals that you know can handle a full day.
• Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Layers are your best friend. Because of the proximity to the coast, mornings and evenings can be chilly. Bring a light jacket or sweatshirt, even if you’re visiting in the summer.
• Portable Phone Charger: Between snapping photos, mobile ordering food, and checking wait times on the Disneyland app, your phone battery is going to drain fast. A portable charger is a lifesaver. The Clutch charger is my favorite for theme park days!
• Backpack or Crossbody Bag: Keep your hands free for churros and Mickey bars. A comfortable, lightweight bag will help you carry all your daily essentials. I have this one for Disney days and I love it!
• Reusable Water Bottles: Keep your kids (and yourself) well hydrated–there are plenty of water refill stations around the parks. Or, you can ask any service counter for free cups of water!
• Snacks: While Disneyland food is amazing (hello, Dole Whip), having a stash of granola bars, trail mix, or fruit pouches can save you time and money. We usually pack a small lunch into the parks, and then splurge on dinner inside the parks.

| Read: Free Printable Disneyland Scavenger Hunt Game |

2. Kid-Friendly Must-Haves

Traveling with little ones? Here are the items that will make your day easier:

• Stroller: Even if your child doesn’t use one regularly, a stroller can be a game-changer at Disneyland. It’s great for tired legs, carrying your stuff, and naptime on the go. If you have a double stroller, make sure you check the size guidelines.
• Comfort Items: A favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or pacifier can help soothe your little one during a long day.
• Change of Clothes: Accidents happen. Toss an extra outfit (or two) into your bag depending on the age of your kids, just in case. At the very least, a stain remover pen can work wonders.
• Small Toys or Activities: Waiting in line is inevitable, so having something to keep kids entertained can be a lifesaver. Less is more! Think a small coloring book or fidget toy.
• Baby Wipes: Even if your kids are past the diaper stage, wipes are handy for sticky hands, messy faces, or unexpected spills. Ask me how I know…
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must for everyone, especially little ones.

| Read: Tips for Visiting Disneyland While Pregnant |

3. Special Items for Disney Magic

You’re going to Disneyland—make it extra magical with these fun additions:

• Disney Apparel: Whether it’s matching family shirts or your favorite Mickey ears, dressing the part is half the fun. I love planning coordinating outfits for our Disney days!
• Glow Sticks or Light-Up Toys: Skip the pricey light-up toys at the park and bring your own glow sticks for nighttime parades and shows. We pick ours up from the dollar store and it saves a ton of money!
• Costumes: Kids love dressing up as their favorite characters, and Disneyland is the perfect place to let their imaginations run wild. However, you definitely want to choose something comfortable! In our experience, dress up clothes from Little Adventures Dress Ups are comfy for all day wear.
• Pins for Trading: If you’re into pin trading, bring your lanyard and collection. If you’re new to it, you can grab starter sets before your trip. My kids have a lot of fun doing this!
• Celebration Buttons: Are you celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or first visit? Stop by Guest Services for a free button to wear around the park. It’s the best free souvenir!

4. Tech and Tools

A few extra tools can make your trip even smoother:

• Disneyland App: Download this before your trip. It’s a game-changer for checking ride wait times, making dining reservations, and mobile ordering food. Plus, it can keep track of all your tickets and passes!
• Photo Gear: I always bring a travel tripod for my camera. However, make sure your check the rules for what type and size of tripods are allowed–they’re very strict! I have this one for park days!
• Sharpies and alcohol wipes: Sharpies come in handy for autographs, labeling items, or writing on buttons. Alcohol wipes are easy to carry along in case you need to fix a park button name… again, ask me how I know.

5. Seasonal Additions for your Disneyland packing list

Depending on the time of year, you might need a few extras:

• Winter: Gloves, scarves, and heavier jackets for those chilly nights.
• Summer: Cooling towels, handheld fans, and extra sunscreen. We love cooling towels for hot theme park days!
• Rainy Days: Ponchos are my number one rainy day choice. But also consider umbrellas, and waterproof shoes (or a change of socks). Remember, rain days can be very memorable and usually mean shorter lines!
• Holidays: If you’re visiting during Halloween or Christmas, festive accessories like holiday-themed Mickey ears or shirts can add to the fun.

| Read: Visiting Disneyland at Christmas |

6. Food and Beverage Tips

While you’ll definitely want to indulge in some park treats, bringing your own snacks can be a lifesaver, especially for picky eaters or budget-conscious families. Disneyland allows outside food and drinks, so take advantage of this!

• Pack protein bars, crackers, fruit, or other easy-to-eat snacks.
• Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
• If you have dietary restrictions, pack safe meals or snacks to avoid any issues.

| Read: Character Dining at Disneyland–Goofy’s Kitchen vs. Storytellers Cafe |

7. First Aid and Health Essentials

No one wants to deal with a blister or headache in the middle of their Disneyland day. You can always visit First Aid in one of the parks, but I like to have a few items with me. Be prepared with these items:

• Band-Aids: For blisters or small scrapes.
• Pain Reliever: A must for adults and kids alike.
• Hand Sanitizer: Keep germs at bay.
• Tissues: For runny noses, spills, or quick cleanups.
• Motion Sickness Remedies: If anyone in your group is prone to motion sickness, bring medication or natural remedies.
• Medications: Don’t forget daily prescriptions or any special medications your family might need.

8. Disneyland packing list: Extras You Might Not Think Of

These are the “you’ll thank me later” items:

• Ear Plugs for sensitive individuals: Fireworks and parades can be loud, especially for little ones.
• Chewing Gum: Fun fact—Disneyland doesn’t sell gum, so bring your own if you’re a fan.
• Hair Ties: For windy days or water rides. You might start out with cute hair at the beginning of the day, but after a few hours you’ll probably be thankful for the backup scrunchie on your wrist.

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Packing for Disneyland doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little planning and this ultimate packing list, you’ll be ready to tackle the parks like a pro. And don’t forget, booking your tickets through Get Away Today not only saves you money but also gets your trip started on the right foot. Pack smart, plan ahead, and get ready to make some unforgettable moments at the Happiest Place on Earth!

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