When packing for a Disney vacation, it’s important to be both prepared and efficient.
Learn how to pack for Disney World in a way that fits your family’s needs, using our helpful tips and tricks!
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If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, I’m sure you’ve already started thinking about what to pack.
While it can be extremely helpful to have a Disney packing list, and to know what to bring to Disney World, it’s also really important to talk about how to pack for Disney World.
There are many efficient ways to pack for your Disney trip, but you’ll definitely need to take into account things like your travel party’s ages and needs, the weather, and of course the duration of your stay.
This is one of our top Disney World tips you need to know.
To make it easier for you, we’re going to dive into some helpful ways to pack for your trip.
These packing tips will help make preparing for your Walt Disney World vacation less stressful, so you can enjoy the magic even before you leave home!
If you’re a frequent traveler, you may know some of these techniques, but I’m pretty sure a few will blow your mind.
So let’s get started!
Disney World Packing Tips
There are a few tips and tricks that will automatically make life easier for you.
1. Folding Clothes
When you’re packing your suitcase, consider the fact that rolling clothes takes up less room than folding clothes. I know, it doesn’t make sense, but it’s true.
To achieve this easily, I follow the Marie Kondo method of folding clothes, which is essentially a nice way of rolling them up to where they are tightly compact.
This is so much more efficient and it allows you to get a good view of everything in your suitcase at any time in your trip.
I use this trick when packing my kids’ suitcases, too! They can easily find a pair of shorts and a shirt without messing up stacks of clothes in their suitcase.
Related Resources:
- What to Wear to Disney World in March
- What to Wear to Disney World in April
- What to Wear to Disney World in May
- Tips for Visiting Disney in the Winter
2. Double Up on Shirts
When packing for your Disney trip, pack two shirts for every pair of pants or shorts. This cuts down on bulk, taking up much less room.
We’re partial to these super fun Disney family shirts, and we think you’ll love them, too!
Packing less bulky bottoms, such as Disney leggings, can also be a great way to save room.
You can always plan a mid-vacation pool day to allow time to wash your clothes. This doubles your outfits without all the extra clothing.
3. Pack Strategically
Strategically group items together when you pack your bags.
For example, t-shirts should be packed with t-shirts; jeans should be packed with jeans; underwear and socks should be packed together; etc.
For children’s clothes, I like to group items by outfit, so they can easily grab a pair of shorts and a shirt for the day.
Packing strategically, where you can find everything easily, keeps things so much simpler. I’m sure you’d much rather be in the parks than sorting clothing!
4. Wear Bulky Items
If you’re flying, plan to wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane.
This includes jeans, sweaters, sneakers, jackets, or anything that would otherwise take up a lot of room in a suitcase.
5. Bring a Bag
Finally, if you’re checking baggage on the plane, bring an empty bag along with you. This will save you room for souvenirs!
A smaller piece of luggage inside a larger bag (and filled with your clothing) works great.
You can also pack a foldable duffle bag to have available for any extras you might buy while vacationing.
How to Make Disney World Packing Easier
There are a few items that can help you pack carefully and keep things where you can find them easily. These are especially helpful when traveling with children!
1. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a must for any parent who travels with kids. They keep everything organized, and allow you to fit more in a suitcase.
If you’re doing Disney World with toddlers, you can arrange their clothes in a packing cube inside of your standard luggage compartments, keeping everything accessible.
- Do you love to travel? Are you tired of fumbling inside your luggage and unpacking everything to look for an item the same old way? Concerned you will leave expensive items in the hotel? Use packing cubes to sort, organize and find your things in a flash. Say goodbye to all your travel woes!
2. Dirty Laundry Bags
Bring one or two bags for dirty laundry (you can use actual laundry bags or just plain large plastic bags) with you when you leave for Disney.
Throw all of your dirty clothes in them while you’re on your trip. This way, they will be ready for laundry without being mixed in with clean clothes.
You can put a label on the bag to remind you what’s inside, if needed.
- Large Capacity - Flat open is a rectangle which 28 inch width and 45 inch, enough to hold 2-3 loads of standard-sized laundry or load weights up to 40lb max. Big enough to work as your laundry basket or hamper liner, the max diameter of hamper or basket is 17.3 inch/44cm. Tip: it's not recommended to used it as a washing bag.
3. Large Clear Plastic Zipper Bags
These large, zip-top bags can work well for dirty clothes, but are even better for wet swimsuits and towels after a water park or pool day.
They’re waterproof, so the moisture won’t ruin anything else in your suitcase.
These bags are also handy for when you need to pack still-wet swimsuits for the trip home.
Another use for these helpful bags is to pack kids’ outfits in them and label them by the day. When it’s time to get dressed before heading to the parks, it’s easy to grab an outfit.
- Ziploc Big Bags have a pleated bottom and secure Double Zipper Seal to ensure stability and security from the elements
4. Shoe Bags
We’ve written about the best shoes for Disney World, and shoe bags are great for keeping them separate from clothing in your suitcase.
They can also be used to organize so many things–use them to store your children’s toys, a special stuffed animal, smaller clothing, and more.
- WATER-RESISTANT - This bag made of superb Polyester + TPU composite mesh material (except for the zipper part); the material is waterproof to help prevent your pouch from water splash. ATTENTION* The zipper part is not waterproof. Please DO NOT put it under water.
5. Hanging Organizers
Hanging organizers take up very little room in a traditional suitcase, but are great to hang on the bathroom door at your resort to help keep things organized.
You can also put outfits in them so kids can grab everything they need each morning, getting you to the parks earlier.
I especially love these for packing for a Disney Cruise where cabin space is limited.
- ✔ KEEP ALL YOUR COSMETICS & TOILETRIES ORGANIZED: This folding toiletry bag features up to ten clear plastic, zipper secured or mesh pockets, enough to hold all your personal items and essentials. It also has a strong METAL HANGING HOOK, to ensure even easier and more practical access to your accessories.
6. Clear Cosmetic Bags
These handy bags come in many different styles and sizes, but the best part is that they’re clear, so you can see everything inside! No more fishing around for what you need when getting ready.
Cosmetic bags are also great for tossing in your backpack for Disney World.
- TSA Approved-The 7.5 x 5.9 x 2.2 inch clear travel toiletry bag strictly follows TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule for carry-on bag of all airlines, so you can easily and quickly pass through security screening with it in the airport
7. Small First Aid Kit
Disney has a first aid station at each park, but it’s nice to have the items you know your family may need in a first aid kit.
Throw in some items for preventing blisters at Disney or for avoiding the Disney Rash.
You can even get tiny little first aid kits that will fit in your Disney fanny pack!
- First Aid Supplies: The Thrive Travel First Aid Kit is packed with 66 must-have pieces of hospital-grade medical gear. This complete home first aid kit is also ideal in a small emergency road kit, adventure or military kit, or nursing supply kit
Disney Packing Essentials
I hope these Disney World packing tips have helped you learn a few new tricks for getting your gear to Orlando.
Especially if you’re traveling with children in tow, these tips will make the process easier and more organized.
Remember- it’s not just about what clothes or items your family needs while on vacation; it’s also about making sure you can actually find them later!
Be sure to save this article by pinning it to your Disney travel board on Pinterest!
