These Are the Items I Always Pack When I Take My Kids to Disney (Especially Right Now)

I have a hard time getting my kids to keep their sunglasses on, but these Sun-Staches character sunglasses ($14) usually do the trick. There are various Disney characters to choose from and they make a great addition to a costume.

Sunscreen is a must at Disney World and this Neutrogena Kids Sunscreen Spray ($16 for 2) is the one I like to have on-hand. Spray-on sunscreen gives the best coverage (even on wiggly kids) and the water-resistant formula makes it perfect for pool time at the hotel, too.

My kids love collecting autographs from their favorite characters when we visit Disney World. This Mickey and Minnie Autograph Book ($10) comes with an attached pen, but if you do happen to lose it, the character photographers usually have a Sharpie you can borrow.

When you're waiting for a meal or standing in an extra-long line, it's helpful to have some activities in your bag to keep kids busy (and quiet). This Crayola Color Wonder Activity Pad ($5) is mess-free and small enough to travel with.

Pressed pennies are some of the cheapest souvenirs you can get at Disney World. For around $1 or less (depending on the location), you can get a unique pressed penny themed to different parks, attractions, and hotels. I keep a change purse stocked with quarters and pennies and this Chip 'n Dale Change Purse ($9, originally $17) clips onto a purse or backpack so it's always within reach.

Accidents happen, even at the Most Magical Place on Earth. This Welly First Aid Kit ($7) comes with bandages and antibiotic cream. For anything requiring more than a bandage, I'd probably prefer to stop by a First Aid center.

The weather in Central Florida can go from sunny to stormy and back to sunny again within the span of 30 minutes. You could go with an umbrella or poncho, but I prefer a rain jacket like this Cat and Jack Hooded Rain Jacket ($25) because the kids can wear them at home, too.

A hat is a good alternative to sunglasses if your kids refuse to wear them (or if you leave them behind on rides as I've been known to do). I love this Mickey Mouse Hat ($9) because it's reversible and my kids can wear it multiple times without being outfit repeaters.

I always keep a few gallon-size storage bags ($3) with me when we go to Disney World. We use them to store wet or dirty clothing and to save leftover popcorn or cotton candy that doesn't get eaten right away.

This PackIt Freezable Snack Bag ($13) has freezable gel built into the bag. It keeps drinks and perishable snacks cool and fresh, even in the Florida heat.

As kids get older, they do not want to be stuck in the stroller all day at Disney World. We attach a Tagalong Handle ($13) to our stroller so we can keep them close by and still give them a little freedom to explore.

Whether they get soaked on Splash Mountain or more of their Mickey Ice Cream Bar ends up on their shirt than in their mouth, it's good to have a change of clothes just in case. This Mickey Mouse Tank ($8) is a solid option.

My kids love taking photos at Disney, but I don't totally trust them with my phone. This Fujifilm Instax Camera ($70) is easy to use and gives them the instant gratification of seeing their photos right away.

Snacks are the universal problem-solver in our house. I always keep a supply of snacks in my purse and when we're visiting Disney World I get something special like these Mickey Goldfish Crackers ($4).

These Ello Leak-Proof Water Bottles ($17 for 2) are a good alternative for kids who aren't quite old enough to drink from a cup or regular water bottle without spilling.

I quiet my kids complaints about the Florida heat with this adorable Mickey Ear Portable Fan ($14). It's lightweight, has an easy-to-grip finger loop, and did I mention it's adorable?

Like snacks, bubbles seem to make any situation better. I love this Frozen 2 Light Up Bubble Wand ($20) to calm temper tantrums or keep my younger child busy while the big kids ride coasters.

When visiting the parks during COVID, I have multiple hand sanitizers so I'm never caught without one when I need it. This Mickey and Minnie Hand Sanitizer Set ($10) comes with 10 bottles that each have cute designs and keychain clips.

Sometimes, hand sanitizer isn't enough to clean messy hands (especially after eating a tasty Disney treat), so I usually have a travel size of Wet Ones Hand Wipes ($3) in my bag, too. They're also good for wiping down surfaces, in a pinch.

With mask rules loosening a bit, I expect we'll be taking our masks on and off a lot more on our next visit. I recently purchased a pack of Mask Chains ($14) so we don't lose our masks if we take them off when we're outdoors.

You'll still need a face covering if you want to visit a theme park for the foreseeable future. These Kids' Mickey Masks ($10 for 3) are breathable, comfortable, and so cute.