Pack it up, I'll take it!
Missy RyanApril 25, 2017So you have packed your suitcases, planned your days and you are ready for the parks! Or are you? The planning days are long, while the vacation days are short. What do you bring to the parks? Where do you start? You may ask yourself “Am I taking too much? Am I taking too little? What mishaps should I plan for?”So what should you pack in your “in park” backpack? By “in park” backpack I mean the backpack you are going to carry all day. This is a very important part of your planned day as it will be your “everything but the kitchen sink,” but yet you do not want to pack as if it feels like you are carrying the kitchen sink.Backpacks should not either be too large or should not be too small. When going with my family, we use an average of 12-by-15-inch with right amount of compartments.*Keep in mind that your bag is checked by security at each park and all zippers must be opened for the search *1. A small wallet: If you do not have a MagicBand, you'll want a small wallet for carrying around your tickets and cash. Do not waste space by having a wallet that can also carry all your other cards including reward cards. Keep it simple. (Wristlets are great for in the parks.)
2. Cell Phone charger with portable battery charger: This is probably one of the most important things for me. I love to take videos, go live, snap, post and comment. This will drain a battery real quick!3. Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Florida sun can be brutal. Make sure you have enough for each day and store in a Ziploc in case of spills.4. Snacks: My family and I love the dining plan and use it to its fullest. However, sometimes in between meals when we may have used our snack credit for that day or would like to save others for future park days during the week, we bring an assortment of snacks and goodies. Some easy snacks to carry in your backpack are Goldfish, granola bars, pretzels and other easy pre-packaged snacks.5. Hand Sanitizer: I love the small bottles at Bath & Body Works or Target by the check out. They come in a portable that has an adjustable strap that allows you to hang on your back pack.6. Sanitizer Wipes: Along the same lines of sanitizing, I like to throw in travel wipes. Being at the parks and on the go, you are not always by a bathroom or washing station. If you are taking a snack break, you want to eliminate park germs so you can continue a healthy trip!7. Water Bottles: The best way to do this is to bring an empty sports water bottle. Preferably a Sport Water Filter Bottle. Quick Serves will provide a free cup of ice water at any counter serve location. This is a great and easy way to keep your water bottle filled and your body hydrated.8. Hat & Sunglasses: The sunglasses are a must for me. I usually bring hats for the little ones, but getting them to wear them is not always a success. This is where the added sunscreen applications are needed!9. Rain Poncho: Yes, you will need these! Sun showers are very popular in Florida, so being prepared will keep you dry in the long run. Dollar stores are a great place to purchase ponchos. They are light and easy to pack.10. Autograph Book and Pen/Sharpie: A fun experience for all!! You can make your own book or buy one in the park, just be sure to not to forget as this is a sweet memory to be remembered.
2. Cell Phone charger with portable battery charger: This is probably one of the most important things for me. I love to take videos, go live, snap, post and comment. This will drain a battery real quick!3. Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Florida sun can be brutal. Make sure you have enough for each day and store in a Ziploc in case of spills.4. Snacks: My family and I love the dining plan and use it to its fullest. However, sometimes in between meals when we may have used our snack credit for that day or would like to save others for future park days during the week, we bring an assortment of snacks and goodies. Some easy snacks to carry in your backpack are Goldfish, granola bars, pretzels and other easy pre-packaged snacks.5. Hand Sanitizer: I love the small bottles at Bath & Body Works or Target by the check out. They come in a portable that has an adjustable strap that allows you to hang on your back pack.6. Sanitizer Wipes: Along the same lines of sanitizing, I like to throw in travel wipes. Being at the parks and on the go, you are not always by a bathroom or washing station. If you are taking a snack break, you want to eliminate park germs so you can continue a healthy trip!7. Water Bottles: The best way to do this is to bring an empty sports water bottle. Preferably a Sport Water Filter Bottle. Quick Serves will provide a free cup of ice water at any counter serve location. This is a great and easy way to keep your water bottle filled and your body hydrated.8. Hat & Sunglasses: The sunglasses are a must for me. I usually bring hats for the little ones, but getting them to wear them is not always a success. This is where the added sunscreen applications are needed!9. Rain Poncho: Yes, you will need these! Sun showers are very popular in Florida, so being prepared will keep you dry in the long run. Dollar stores are a great place to purchase ponchos. They are light and easy to pack.10. Autograph Book and Pen/Sharpie: A fun experience for all!! You can make your own book or buy one in the park, just be sure to not to forget as this is a sweet memory to be remembered.
11. First Aid: There are small kits that can be found at local stores that do not cost that much. I like to add adult and kid Advil in case the heat or rides cause headaches. Disney does have first aid stations but having some on hand can make it a bit easier so you can keep the flow of the day going.12. Extra Gallon Bags: I like to keep my electronics in these for added protection.13. Hard copies of your itinerary: It is always a great idea to have a backup. As we all know, we cannot always count on technology. As your agent I will always make sure you have a detailed itinerary to print prior to your travel.14. Mist Bottles, fans, cooling towels: Keep cool as much as you can, your mood will thank you!Having the essentials will make your park days more enjoyable and more cost effective. Being prepared will keep your day on a magical path of pixie dust.If you would like to learn more about planning a WDW trip please feel free to contact me at missyr@wishesfamilytravel.com.You can also follow me on FacebookI would love to share more tips and look forward to planning with you!