Table of Contents

17 Top Disneyland Packing List Items for 2023 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

what to pack for Disneyland
seen in: national geographic, cnn, travel + leisure, new york times
the guardian, lonely planet, usa today, forbes
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Disneyland is world-renowned. So much so, that there are duplicate parks scattered throughout the world. But nothing compares to the original, which is why you’re headed to California. It’s time you and your family paid a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth. What are you supposed to pack?

We put together an extensive list of items that are considered “must haves” when taking a trip to Disneyland. Some items are for people who are traveling by plane or long distances to visit this popular park. Others are for locals who are close enough to get there by car. Once you go through these items, you’ll have a better idea of what you need.

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

What to Pack for Disneyland – 17 Essentials

  • 1. Neck Wallet

    Amusement parks are crowded, even with the current Covid regulations. This means there are opportunities to be pick-pocketed or your wallet can fall out of your pocket. Stay on the safe side with this Hero Neck Wallet. It’s slime, durable, and won’t weigh a ton. It’s good to keep valuables safe and this wallet is perfect.

    Neck Wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Portable Charger

    Imagine this scenario. You’re standing with your entire family, who traveled miles, in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and your phone battery dies. This is a quintessential photo opportunity and you’re going to miss it. This charger is small and holds two full charges for iPhone 8. The tubular design makes it easy to pack.

    Portable Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Life Straw Water Bottle

    Disneyland allows their visitors to bring in outside beverages as long as they aren’t glass. This life straw water bottle is perfect. It filters water no matter where you are, and it will save you a ton of money on bottled water. Not to mention the benefit that would be to the environment. It clips easily to bags and is a must-have for everyone.

    LifeStraw Water Bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 4. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    It’s rare that you’ll get a rainy day at Disneyland, but umbrellas are for more than just rain protection. They offer a shield from the sun, which you’ll get plenty of in California. This small umbrella can handle a gust of wind with fortitude and it’s small, so it can slip into any bag easily. There are long wait lines at the most popular rides, it never hurts to be extra protected.

    Windproof Travel Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    Do you plan on riding Splash Mountain or the rapids of the Grizzly River Run? If you do, plan on getting wet. But that’s okay. It’s part of the appeal. This quick-dry towel is easy to pack and will allow you to use it more frequently than a regular cotton towel. Plus, it’s much smaller than a beach towel and far less bulky to pack.

    travel towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Daypack

    Speaking of packing, how are you carrying all of these items into the park? If you haven’t figured that out yet, we highly recommend this daypack. Because it was designed for camping, it offers organization that regular backpacks don’t. It’s lightweight and perfect for traveling. The nylon fabric used to create this pack is tear resistant and anti-scratch.

    Daypack

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. Packing Cubes

    These packing cubes are perfect for people who are driving to the park. Disneyland allows visitors to leave the park and reenter, which offers an opportunity to bring your own food. If you’re driving, these packs can help organize your plates, napkins, and dry snacks like chips, trail mix, and protein bars. You can also use them to store dry clothing.

    Packing Cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Universal Waterproof Phone Case

    Water rides don’t only drench you they soak everything you have on your body. Most phones are not water-resistant, which means you have to protect it. This pouch will fit most phones and has a clear front and back to allow you to use it while it’s in the case, which means you won’t miss those memorable moments on the water rides.

    Universa Waterproof

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Cooling Towel

    Spending long hours in the sun can overheat anyone. Overheating is not uncommon, and that’s where a cooling towel can come in handy. It’s easy to pack, lightweight and will offer you relief after you dip it into water. Just place it over your head or on the shoulders of the suffering person and your body temperature will decrease.

    cooling towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Travel Insurance

    If you’re flying to California to visit the Happiest Place on Earth, you’ll want to be sure your reservations are protected. Travelinsurance.com offers fast, easy quotes at the touch of a button. The rates are reasonable, and it offers travelers peace of mind in case something happens to disrupt their plans.

    Travel Insurance

    Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

  • 11. Hanging Toiletry Bag

    Sometimes you have more than two people in a hotel room. This makes the bathroom counter cluttered. When everyone in the family has a hanging toiletry bag, each person’s items are kept neatly in one place and there’s no confusion. This bag offers several styles and color options so everyone can get something that fits their unique personality.

    Hanging Toiletry Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Cooler

    While Disneyland doesn’t allow visitors to bring in alcoholic beverages, they do allow patrons to bring in coolers with refreshments, as long as they are not in glass containers nor do you use loose or dry ice. The dimensions of this cooler are below the 24” x 15” x 18” restrictions set by the park. It’s also on wheels, which makes it easier when moving around the park.

    Cooler

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 13. Disney Face Mask

    Face masks are strongly recommended by Disneyland when you enter indoor areas of the park. When outdoors, the restrictions loosen. How fun would it be to sport your favorite Disney characters. They also come with a five layered activated carbon filter, so you know you and your family will be safe from viruses when indoors.

    Disney Face Mask

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. Hand Sanitizer

    The world has changed since the onset of Covid and well must adjust. One essential item when traveling to Disneyland is hand sanitizer, especially when visiting a place where people are touching everything. This size is bigger than the pocket bottles, but it can fit nicely in your daypack and there’s enough for everyone.

    Hand Sanitizer

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Hand Wipes

    While sanitizer is useful, washing your hands is always best. But there isn’t always a place with hot soap and water. That’s where Wet Ones come in handy. They offer another option for cleaning your hands and face well after eating. Plus, after a day of touching several surfaces, you’ll want to be washing your hands rather frequently.

    Hand Wipes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 16. Hand Lotion

    One of the downsides of continually washing your hands it the dry skin that can result from it. Gold Bond offers skin a lotion that will last even after you wash your hands. This small bottle can find a corner in your daypack and be a savior when you need it. Dry skin can start to crack and become painful, so this is protection for your skin.

    Hand Lotion

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 17. Sunscreen

    We all know that our skin has a love/hate relationship with the sun. It feels good on our bodies but if we have too much, we can suffer severe consequences. That’s why everyone should be using sunscreen. The sun of today is much stronger, and it never hurts to protect yourself and your loved ones. Sun Bum is vegan and reef friendly.

    Sunscreen

    View on Amazon.com ➜

What to Wear to Disneyland

Everyone likes to look good, that’s a given. But when it comes to long days at a theme park like Disneyland, there is one thing you need to keep in mind, which is comfort. There are certain items of clothing that will aid you and others that will hinder your good time. We put together this list of items, for men and women, with that in mind.

Comfortable clothes can be cute too, and it’s fun to jump into the spirit when visiting Disneyland, which is why we added a bunch of items that add to the energy of your surroundings. We tried to keep the idea of fun in mind when putting this list together because there’s no better place for Disney-themed clothing than Disneyland.

What To Wear to Disneyland
What Should WOMEN Wear to Disneyland? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample women’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Disney T-shirt
Disney Skirt
Disney Hats
Minnie Mouse Ears and Scrunchie
Disney Hoodie
Shorts
Running-Shoes
Comfortable Shoes
Sun Hat
Sun Protection Shirt
Sandals
Light Jacket
Jeans
Bathing Suit
Disney PJs

Just because we suggest you keep comfort in mind when packing for your trip to Disneyland, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fashion. You could wear a Disney-themed t-shirt with a plain pair of shorts or go all out and get the Minnie Mouse skirt. You will want to bring a bathing suit for those water rides and some dry clothes like jeans and a tank top for afterward.

The most important thing you want to bring is comfortable shoes. Disneyland totals 500 acres. That’s a lot of walking, so you want to be sure your feet can take it. The best way to do that is to wear the most comfortable shoes you can find.

What Should MEN Wear to Disneyland? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Disney T-shirt
Disney Tank
Disney Hoodie
Disney Hat
Mickey Mouse Ears
Shorts
Comfortable Shoes
Disney Socks
Sun Hat
Sun Protection Shirt
Slippers
Jacket
Fit Jeans
Disney Swimming Trunks
Disney PJs

Men have just as many Disney-themed clothing options as women, and that’s great. The Happiest Place on Earth is for everyone, not just children. When it comes to visiting Disneyland, wearing a ton of swag is part of the fun. Including the ears.

An important thing to mention is that these types of items will cost you more at the park and then you’ll have to lug around shopping bags. Men also need to focus on comfort when they’re packing footwear. It makes all the difference in a day of walking.

Packing for the Seasons

Summer – June, July, August

This season is the busiest time to visit Disneyland, but the good news is you don’t have to pack too much. It’s typically warm and sunny so shorts and t-shirts will suffice. Walking sandals will be better than wearing warm socks all day. Also, don’t forget the bathing suit for those water rides that are heat relieving.
Summer Disneyland Packing List Items

Fall – September, October, November

Disneyland Is open year-round, and there are times in the fall that are busy when you consider Halloween and Thanksgiving crowds. The weather in Anaheim is pretty moderate in the fall, but it can get chilly at night, so bring a hoodie or light jacket. This would also be a good season for Jeans.

Winter – December, January, February

If you live in an area prone to below zero temps, the weather in California is a blessing. Winter is never too cold so exploring a theme park like Disneyland will be comfortable even in the winter months. It still gets to be in the high 40s, which is far from shorts and tank top weather so dress accordingly. Jeans and a hoodie would be perfect for this time of year.
Winter Disneyland Packing List Items

Spring – March, April, May

Spring is a great time to visit Disneyland. The temperatures can get into the mid-70s, which can be a nice change from snow and melting ice back home. Still, it won’t be too hot so make sure you have shorts and jeans as well as long sleeve shirts and a light jacket. Above all, don’t forget those comfortable walking shoes.

Dressing Appropriately for the Activity – (Click to expand)
Going on Rides: Are you going on a drenching water ride? This is the time to break out the swimming trunks. But, if you’ll be at an indoor attraction with air-conditioning, you’ll want to change into dry pants and t-shirt. For outdoor rides without water, your regular clothes for the day will be fine.

Meeting Characters: You don’t want to miss an opportunity when it comes along. Disneyland is where you’ll meet your favorite characters, so don’t forget the autograph book either. This is another great time to be wearing Mickey Mouse ears.

Going to Shows: Shows that are indoors might be air-conditioned, which will be uncomfortable if you’re in a wet swimming suit. That’s why it’s always a good idea to bring dry shorts, a shirt, and some underwear. Outdoor shows are fine whether you’re in shorts or dripping one-piece.

Having Lunch: Where are you having lunch? If you’re eating in a restaurant in the park, will you be eating inside or outside? Is it air-conditioned? These are all questions you should be asking yourself and plan ahead. Dry underwear, a skirt, and a fresh pair of socks are revered items when spending the day at a theme park.

Shopping: Shopping is fun in a cute pair of shorts and a tank top. This is another time you want to be sure you’re in dry clothing.

What NOT to Bring to Disneyland

  • 1.DON’T Bring Expensive Jewelry

    Disneyland is not a place to wear your mother’s diamond ring or a tiara unless it’s made of plastic and rhinestones. Expensive jewelry can get lost or stolen easier than a wallet. So do yourself a favor and leave the expensive stuff at home.

  • 2.DON’T Bring Unnecessary Clothing

    Are you heading to Disneyland in June? Then leave the jacket at home. Is your visit going to be during the winter holiday season? Then you won’t need too many shorts or tank tops. If you’re driving in for the day, you won’t need a bathing suit either. You’d be better off with ponchos on the water rides.

  • 3.DON’T Bring Unnecessary Items

    When you think you want to bring something ask yourself, “Will I use this?” If there is doubt in your mind leave it at home or back at the hotel room. There’s nothing worse than carrying around things you don’t need.

  • 4.DON’T Bring Heavy Books

    Use the Kindle app on your phone and leave the book at home. This is one of those unnecessary items we can’t emphasize enough. It will also likely get wet if you carry it on a water ride.

  • 5.DON’T Bring Uncomfortable Shoes

    When your feet are sore, you want to sit, which is unimaginable to a preteen that wants to make it to the other side of the park in fifteen minutes. Take care of your feet and they’ll take care of you.

  • 6.DON’T Bring Unnecessary Electronics

    Laptops and heavy tablets are not necessary and should be left behind. Our phones offer strong enough cameras and internet access, including email. It goes back to the fear of loss and damage. These are essential items in your everyday life, so why risk them breaking or being stolen?

What Not to Wear to Disneyland – (Click to expand)
As you likely figured out, we put comfort over everything when it comes to dressing for a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. When visiting Disneyland you should leave the high heels or any uncomfortable shoes at home. Sundresses are fine, but you don’t want to wear anything fancy. Cocktail dresses, suits, and nice dress clothing could be saved for dinner later. Keep it simple and fun for the park.

FAQs about Visiting Disneyland

  • 1. Do I need more than a day at Disneyland?

    Do I need more than a day at Disneyland

    Are you going to Disneyland during the most popular time of the year or when it’s less fashionable? It’s easier to get on rides and around the park when there are fewer people there. They offer three-day passes and, in all honesty, the more time you spend there the better. But, if you can only stay the day, you’ll have a great time, but your visit will be more rushed

  • 2. Should I stay at a hotel on the Disneyland grounds?

    This is a matter of convenience. Staying on the grounds offers you the space and flexibility needed to take your time. When you stay off the grounds you have to consider transportation to the park and other things. But you can save a substantial amount of money by staying off the grounds.

  • 3. When is the best time of year to go to Disneyland?

    When is the best time of year to go to Disneyland

    It all depends on what you want to get out of it. The summer is popular because the kids are free from school and travel is easier. But there are people who love to spend the holidays at the Happiest Place on Earth, and others who want to avoid the crowds and go in the Spring. These should be your determining factors. There are special events throughout the year so check those out as well.

  • 4. Is Disneyland expensive?

    It isn’t cheap, which is why finding small ways to save money can give you an opportunity to visit. Bring food and beverages to the park so you don’t have to buy it there. Stay off the grounds and jump on the shuttle instead of staying right in Disneyland.

  • 5. Should I purchase park tickets in advance?

    Should I purchase park tickets in advance

    The entry numbers are limited since Disneyland reopened after the pandemic shut down. So, getting tickets in advance will ensure your entry. We’re fans of being prepared, and this is a great place to start. You’ll also save time by not having to stand in line to buy tickets. Less time waiting to enter means more time experiencing the park.

  • 6. Does Disneyland offer FASTPASSES so we can avoid the lines?

    This option was retired in 2021, and the new Genie service was launched. Paying extra to skip the line is offered among other premium features.