10 Items You’re Definitely Going To Want To Pack For Your Trip To Disneyland
by Katelyn Rodriguez
This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Katelyn Rodriguez. Find her on Instagram at @katelynrodwrites. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
I have no shame in admitting that I love Disneyland just as much as I did when I was a child. Planning a trip to the parks is always so much fun for me and my family. However, we always pack at the last minute and end up rushing to get everything together, which means we’re bound to forget something at home. If you’re like me and always struggle with knowing what to bring, I’ve curated 10 items to include on your Disneyland pack list.
Mickey Ears
One of the first items I make sure to set aside for packing is a pair of Mickey Ears. If you have a few at home and want to reuse your old ones instead of spending almost $40 on a new pair, I suggest taking them. If you’re debating on taking them because you won’t have somewhere to put them if you don’t want to wear them constantly, shops on Etsy sell holders for the headbands that hook onto your bag.
Themed shirts or Disneybounds
If you’re into Disneybounding, aka subtly dressing up like your favorite Disney character using everyday clothes, don’t forget to pack everything you need for your outfit. However, if you’re like me and go the simple route by wearing a character t-shirt, I would suggest bringing a few options depending on the parks you’re going to. For example, if I’m just going to Disneyland then I’ll either wear a Star Wars shirt since I am a fan of the franchise and love Galaxy’s Edge or I’ll wear something with Mickey or another character on it. However, if I have a park hopper for California Adventure, I’ll occasionally bring a spare shirt to change into so it’s more on theme with the experiences and attractions over there. Plus, you’ll have photos that look different if you’re trying to break up posts on your social media channels.
Pin Lanyard
If you’re into pin collecting and trading, be sure to pack your lanyard so you can show off every pin you’ve collected thus far. However, if you’re new to pin collecting or just need a clean slate, the parks have so many cute lanyards and tons of pins to add to your new or growing collection.
Backpack/Fanny Pack/Purse
I would say this is probably one of the most important things to make sure you pack, especially if you’re like me and bring a decent amount of stuff into the park. I always carry a fanny pack and a drawstring backpack with me so I have room to carry my wallet, sunscreen, portable charger, water bottle, etc. If you’re going with multiple people I recommend each person bring a bag or find one you would all be willing to share for the day. However, if carrying a bag around the park isn’t your thing, Disneyland does have locker rentals on Main Street.
Water Bottle
To save yourself money, I recommend bringing a reusable water bottle, such as a Hydro Flask. Bottled water at theme parks and other entertainment venues is expensive, but Disneyland has made the effort to install water bottle refill stations throughout the park so guests can stay safe and hydrated in that SoCal heat.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is something I always carry with me when I know I’m going to be outside for a long period of time, especially at a theme park. All that time spent waiting in line outside for attractions makes our skin easy targets for sunburns. I burn easily, so I always have at least one spray sunscreen and another face sunscreen that I know won’t clog my pores.
Comfortable Shoes & Extra Socks
Wearing comfortable shoes to Disneyland is something I take very seriously, especially since I’m usually there from rope drop to close. I recommend wearing tennis shoes or whatever shoe you think you can survive in for the duration of your time in the park. However, I also bring an extra pair of socks just in case mine get wet on rides like Splash Mountain or Grizzly River Run.
Sunglasses
When I’m going out I make sure to carry a pair of sunglasses with me, especially in SoCal since it seems like the sun is always out. You can easily throw the case into whatever bag you’ve decided on taking with you so you can go about your day without wondering where you put it.
Portable phone charger
I always make sure to take my portable charger whenever I know I’m going to be somewhere for a long time. I also love taking photos, so I have found that my phone dies a little quicker, especially in the parks. Having a good portable charger is key and I’m glad I’ve found one that stays charged through multiple uses.
Umbrella/Poncho
Some days you never know what kind of weather you’re going to get. I always go prepared by taking a rain poncho — which doubles as a barrier if you don’t want to get soaked on water rides— or a small umbrella. I will say just always check the weather before going to the parks and if you think it might rain then definitely bring an umbrella, but if it’s not a poncho will do just in case.
I know packing for Disneyland can be stressful, but I’m hoping you found this list helpful and found some new items to pack for your next trip to the Happiest Place on Earth!
Do you have any must have items to include on your Disneyland pack list? Let us know in the comments!