Our family is getting excited about our Disney land and sea adventure (going to both to Disney World and a Disney Cruise on the same trip)! As our first family vacation as a family of six, you know I'm going to be very strategic about what I'm bringing with us. Let's face it, packing everything is definitely not a possibility.
My worst fear is us becoming the scene in Home Alone 1 and 2 where the McAllisters are running through the airport. In addition to that, I've read horror stories about having kids get sick on vacation, so minimizing the potential to having my kids getting sick is super important, especially during cold and flu season!
After soliciting tips and tricks from my worldly traveling friends and family who have skipped across Disney and the globe, I've curated the ultimate packing list for families with littles to make sure we have everything we need so that we don't have unnecessary baggage AND so we don't have emergency trips to stores while on vacation.
I've broken this guide up into four distinct categories: first day bag, family bag, parents bag, and kids bag in an effort to help you "capsule pack".
The Ultimate Disney World and Disney Cruise Packing List
FIRST DAY TRAVEL BAG
You'll want a bag/purse that you know all your essential documentation is in AS WELL as some of your first day's activities. There will be a delay when you first arrive at Disney World or to your Disney Cruise to when your luggage will be delivered to your room. With luggage being delivered later, you'll want to pack some items so you can be prepared for having fun as soon as you get there, but before your room is ready.
Travel Documentation
I would suggest getting a small accordion like binder to store all of these documents for ease of reference! I would never rely on wi-fi, especially ify ou are doing a Disney Cruise and have foreign ports you are arriving at!
- Passport and/or Birth Certificates for Kids (and copies of them)
- Drivers License
- Online Check-In Documents
- Flight Boarding Passes
- Travel Insurance Info
- Hotel and Transportation Confirmations
- Pen
- Coins for potential toll roads
- Small bills for tipping
- DESIGNED BY TRAVELERS FOR TRAVELERS unique, Smartly designed, elegant high capacity document holder. Removable wristlet and cross body straps allow choosing the desired type of wearing and usage
- THE MOST SPACIOUS Letter Sized TRAVEL ORGANIZER EVER. Designed specifically for large families or groups of travelers. 6 passport pouches, 2 pockets for boarding passes for passengers flying with connection, 2 zippered big pockets for cash, 2 latter size stash pockets for documents, external zippered phone pocket… Totally 21 pockets and slots
- (Switched 85dB :Kids to 110dB :Aldult )Hearing Protection: Midola Kids' (Age 2 Years+)headsets protect your kids from hearing hurting when they play for a long time with 85dB of limited volume(the level the World Health Organization considers safer). The volume can be switched from 85dB (Kids)to 110dB (Aldult ) when you press and hold pause/play button 3 seconds.
- Multifunctional Bluetooth Headphones: 60 hrs playtime Bluetooth headphones(hands-free calling) /Aux-in.Your little ones can listen anytime in both a wired and wireless capacity. The wireless design is handy for avoiding tangles, a favorite feature of the big-kid panelists. However, the cord is detachable, minimizing a toddler's risk of getting snagged, but the volume restriction of wired headphones is normal.
First Day Activity Essentials
You will definitely want a set of "fun wear" so that you are able to hit the resort or cruise quickly without having to worry about where your bag is.
- Swimsuits for everyone
- Beach towel
- Gum (they won't have any at Disney World)
- Reading materials
- Officially licensed Disney Mickey Mouse toddler boys cool and stylish short sleeve swim shirt top and cute and stylish swimming shorts bottoms
- Contrast raglan sleeves; Awesome sublimation print design; UPF 50+ material for UVB and UVA protection and worry-free sun time; Mesh-lined swim shorts; 4 way stretch fabric for comfort and long-lasting fit; Elastic waist for better fit; Pull on closure
- Phidal Publishing Inc. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 12 packs with 14 pieces each, 168 total pieces, of Trident Spearmint Sugar Free Gum
- Spearmint flavored sugar free chewing gum
- Kids Disney Minnie Mouse Swimsuit
- Your little fashionista can show their love for Disney’s Minnie Mouse on every holiday with this Minnie-lisiocus swimming costume
- 2 BUYING OPTIONS: This adorable Kids Sun Hat is available for purchase as just the Bucket Hat or can be bought together with a matching Toddler Baseball Cap. Both options are for toddler Girls age 2-4.
- PREMIUM QUALITY & SUN PROTECTION: The Toddler Sun Hat fabric is soft, durable, and lightweight with UPF 50+ protection. And will protect Your little one’s head, eyes, face and neck from harmful sun UV rays. The inner sweatband will absorb any excess sweat. He’ll Feel at ease with a lightweight cover that’s perfect for all daily activities and some fun at the park.
FAMILY PACKING CHECKLIST FOR DISNEY
This is a list of things to pack for the entire family and is not specific to a single individual!
Baby Specific
- Baby diapers, wipes and creams
- Sippy cups or bottles
- Baby food and formula
- Baby carrier
- Favorite stuffed animal
- Baby nausea and fever remedies
- ORGANIZE YOUR MEDICINE: This medicine bag includes 10 individual pockets fitting bottles up to 2" (5 cm) diameter x 4" (10 cm) tall, plus 2 oversized pockets for larger and miscellaneous items. Keep your medications neatly organized and easily accessible with your new travel medicine organizer. Pockets are not removable. TO ENSURE PROPER FIT, please measure your containers before ordering this med bag.
- SEE-THROUGH POCKETS TO EASILY FIND MEDS: With elastic bands, the pockets of this meds bag allow you to quickly see and access your medicines. The medicine travel organizer keeps contents securely in place while you are on the go. At home, medication storage is made convenient and secure.
- 4-IN-1 CARRYING POSITIONS FOR EVERY STAGE: Convertible baby carrier with facing-in (narrow/wide), facing-out, and back carry positions. Supports newborn to toddler (8–32 lbs) with ergonomic babywearing at every stage
- COMFORTABLE FOR PARENT & BABY: Designed with padded shoulder straps and a wide waist belt that helps evenly distribute your baby's weight — reducing back and shoulder strain whether you’re running errands, exploring the park, or multitasking at home
- Spill Proof Sippy Cups: Kids love sipping with their friends from CoComelon and parents love the snap-on lids that make these toddler cups spill proof to keep drinks inside
- Dishwasher Safe Cups: Use these kids cups again and again with 8 durable and dishwasher-safe sippy cups included
- Stackable, interlocking containers for snacking on the go, featuring officially-licensed Disney graphics
- Includes three containers, measuring ⅓ cup, 1 cup, and 1 cup
- Big Face Minnie Mouse Backpack for Kids Toddlers ~ Premium 14" Minnie School Bag with 3D Ears and Puffy Bow (Minnie Mouse School Supplies Bundle)
- Deluxe Decade West exclusive Minnie Mouse Backpack for Toddlers features padded adjustable shoulder straps and padded back, zip closure front and main compartments, 2 mesh side pockets, and top locker loop for hanging.
Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Sea sickness remedies
- Daily lotion and moisturizer
- Lip balm
- Small hand sanitizer
- Feminine products
- Razors and shaving cream
- TRUSTED: Family-Owned, Convenience Kits International has sold Beauty/Grooming/Hygiene Women’s-Men’s-Kids Travel Kits with Essential TSA compliant Travel-Size Toiletry Products, Since 1985.
- KITS INCLUDE: National Brand Grooming, Hygiene and Oral Care Travel-Size Toiletries in Reusable Zippered, Clear, Dopp and Cosmetic Bags. Popular Brands Inside Kits Include: Hair Care: Loreal, Panten, TRESemm, Herbal Essences, John Freida Frizz Ease, Giovanni, Axe, Dove Men & Care, Suave Natural Skin and Body Care: Dove, Nivea, Jergens, Eucerin, Palmers, Axe, Dove Men & Care, Nivea Men, Dude Products, Degree, Secret, Schmidt’s Natural, Andalou, Old Spice Swagger, Barbasol, Gillette, Edge Oral Care: Crest, Colgate, Dentek, Oral B, Tom’s of Maine and Preserve.
- TSA Compliant: Effortlessly carry your essentials through security with this TSA-approved kit
- Gym Locker Friendly: Perfect for post-workout freshening up, this kit fits easily into gym lockers
- TSA-Approved for Hassle-Free Travel Enjoy peace of mind knowing your toiletries meet TSA regulations for smooth security checks. Perfect for carry-on bags and avoiding delays at the airport
- Waterproof & Leak-Proof Design Keep your essentials safe and dry! The waterproof organizer and leak-proof bottles ensure your items stay protected from spills and moisture — ideal for beach days and poolside use
Non-Essentials
- Refillable mugs and water bottles
- Ponchos
- Water Shoes
- Plastic Bags
- Alcohol
- Snacks
- Shoe Organizer
- Fish Extender
- Perfect for Families: Kids will love these cups featuring their favorite Disney Princesses and parents will love the snap-on lids that help make these toddler cups spill proof
- Perfect for Travel: Take & Toss sippy cups are durable enough to use again and again, but at a price that won’t have you worrying if they leave one behind
The Fish Extender is an amazing Disney fan created/managed gift exchange where other passengers sign up to deliver and exchange gifts throughout the cruise. I would look up to see if a Facebook group has been created for your specific cruise line date and sign up immediately! It's a really fun and special way to get your kids more excited about the trip!
- 🛳️ Our 3 pockets will fit all Disney Fish Extender gifts for kids & adults throughout the fish exchange
- 🛳️ Made to fit DCL in 2025 & 2026, your cruise fish extender will easily hang on the "fish" outside your cabin door
- Fish Extender Hanger in nature cotton and linen fabric,saving space.
- Over the door organizer with 3 pockets for small items' storage, keeping your home tidy.
- 【Upgraded Size】4 large pockets sized 12(L) x 6.3(W) x 1.2(H) inch, pack of 2 with free 2 door hooks. Upgraded design brings bigger and more pockets, they will help you sort and organize more than others products, keep your room clean and tidy.
- 【50% Thicker Fabric】All-natural linen cotton fabric, the thicker fabric makes our hanging organizers sturdier, stiff and holds it's shape well when hanging on the wall.
MOM/DAD PACKING CHECKLIST FOR DISNEY
Clothes
- Outfit for Palo or Remedy on Disney Cruiseline
- Pirate Night Outfit
- Outfit for every day
- Swimsuit
- Flip Flops, Dress Shoes, Sandals
- Costumes
- THE JOLLY ROGER | A vibrant print of the infamous pirate Skull and Crossbones flag - always fun on buccaneer boats, cruises, or just raiding the local watering hole
- MICHIGAN ARTISTS & PRINTERS | this design was drawn and printed with pride by our skilled illustrators and printers in Ann Arbor. If you're ever in the area, stop by for a free tour and see how we make your apparel!
- Intimate Combination: each package comes with 2 pieces pirate bandanas and 2 pieces pirate eye patches, thoughtful combination and sufficient quantity allow you to invite your friends to dress up together
- Detailed Size Information: the headband measures approx. 40.55 x 2.36 inches, and the pirate eye patches measure approx. 1.57 x 2.36 inches, they are suitable for most people, and the eye patch is equipped with adjustable straps, making them will not strain your head or add stress to your eyes
- Size: 3X
- PRODUCT INCLUDES: This Jolly Roger Flag Pirate Costume comes with a blouse, corset, skirt with underskirt, leggings, scarf, belt, and harness.
While you may be tempted to pack just shorts and t-shirts, there are various restaurants in Disney World and the Disney Cruise that require a little dressier clothes. I would recommend taking just a single set of nice slacks or a dress to wear.
Toiletries
- Toothbrush / Toothpaste / Floss
- Deodorant
- Makeup and makeup remover
- Hair Products and Styling Tools
- Feminine Products
- Wrinkler Release Spray
Electronics
- Camera (DSLR, GoPRo)
- Laptop with Charger
- Cellphone with Charger and Portable Charger
- Headphones
- Extension Cord
I would highly recommend the portable charger. You are going to be using your phone a lot to grab FastPasses in the parks, so having 2 sets of this would make it very convenient for you to not worry about draining your battery while at the parks!
KIDS PACKING CHECKLIST FOR DISNEY
If your kids are three and older, you should consider rolling luggage for them as check-ins! My goal is to avoid checking any bags as much as possible.
Clothes
- Shirts and Shorts
- Pants and Sweaters
- Socks
- Underwear
- Sandals and Sneakers
- Pirate Night Outfit
- Disney Costume
- Hat and/or Visor
- Mickey Ears
- MINNIE MOUSE BASEBALL CAP: Stylish white adjustable hat with an embroidered image of Minnie Mouse's bows on the front of the cap
- ONE SIZE FITS ALL: Baseball hat features an adjustable metal slider on the back of the golf hat to allow for easy resizing for a comfortable fit
- Pull On Closure
- Made in the USA or Imported
- Officially licensed Disney T-shirt
- Adult Mens, Kids Youth, Juvy and Toddler Sizes
- Style A: Scoop neck sleeveless polka dots bodice with a cute bowknot at front, layered fluffy tulle dress adorned with tie sash bow at back. Please look at the picture and select the right color before purchase.
- Style B: Round neck short sleeve cotton bodice with polka dots fluffy layered tulle skirt, tie sash bow at waist.
There are a ton of places online where you can get custom Mickey ears. Trust me when I say everyone will be wearing them! In addition, Disney fans are literally fanatics, so you'll see A LOT of people dressed up. Make sure your kids don't feel left out, get them a costume of their favorite Disney character to wear in the park and on the cruise!
Accessories
- Toothbrush / Toothpaste / Floss
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Hairbrush
- Hair ties/Headbands / Clips
- Sunglasses
- Hat
Electronics
- Tablet
- Headphone and headphone splitter
I hope you enjoyed this comprehensive guide on what to pack for a Disney World and Disney Cruise ship! There are so many posts on this topic, but I wanted to share one coming from a mom of four. What tips do you have on traveling with little ones to Disney? Check out my other post if you are "gifting" to someone who is Disney bound!
