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Whether you're
traveling around the world or touring Walt Disney's "World," you'll
need to tote some things with you. Determining how little or how much
to carry with you at the Disney parks can be a challenge. To help
you find the answers, click on the commonly asked questions below for
suggestions, tips, and information.
I've
heard Disney checks bags before entering the parks. Can I still bring
stuff into the parks?
I've
heard Disney checks bags before entering the parks. Can I still bring
stuff into the parks?
Yes! Security
was tightened after 9/11, and one of the most visible examples is the
security personnel who check every bag and parcel brought into the theme
parks. You can still bring essentially everything you brought before,
but keep the pocket knives and coolers at home. While Disney does not
want you to bring in food or drink, water bottles (with water, Crystal
Light, Kool-Aid, etc.) and light snacks are almost always overlooked.
To make
the security checks go faster, unzip and open all compartments of your
bag while you are waiting in line to be checked. Also, if you don't
carry any packs or bags, or if you're only wearing a neck wallet, you
won't have to wait in line at all.
What
should I tote around the parks?
Much as
the contents of your purse and wallet are personal choices, so are the
items you're likely to tote around the parks. Even so, there are many
common items that Walt Disney World vacationers should consider
bringing with them to make the trip more relaxing and enjoyable. A list
of the most popular items, arranged in alphabetical order, is compiled
below. Avoid the temptation to carry everything in this list, however,
or you'll be known as the Hunchback of Disney World.
Give extra
thought to what and how much you'll carry. Although you're not scaling
Mount Everest, you'll spend a lot of time out on the trail. It pays
to think like a backpacker and carry only the essentials:
- Extra
ounces will feel like pounds by the end of a long day.
- Coordinate
everyone's items so there's less redundancy.
- Carry
one multi-purpose item rather than two special-purpose items, such
as a waterproof windbreaker.
- Light
acrylic fleece sweaters will feel warm when damp, while cotton gets
uncomfortable.
- Mom
or Dad may be used to carrying all the baggage on family outings,
but take pity on Gunga Dad and Super Mom. Try to distribute the load
among the adults (or take turns) and give the kids their own packs
if at all possible.
- Note
what you use, don't use, or wish you had. Learn from your experience.
- Carry
one larger pack rather than drape yourself with several smaller bags.
It's easier to keep track of one pack, and much easier to lose one
or more of the smaller bags.
- You
won't need your fat wallet, and you'll feel more footloose if you
carry only the bare essentials.
- If
your pack gets too full or heavy during the day, consider transferring
the non-essential items to a locker (tip contributed by Zippadidoo).
Above all,
think light, think fun and remember that Walt Disney World isn't
a trackless wilderness. To
help you decide which items you can tote around, use the size rating after each item to pre-judge
the amount of room it should take in your daypack. The rating can also
help you determine if your item is larger than it needs to be. The chart
below explains each rating, but please note that some sizes are relative
only.
|
Rating
|
Dimension
Range
|
|
1
|
less
than 2" x 2" x 1/4"
|
|
2
|
less
than 4" x 4" x 1/2"
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|
3
|
less
than 4" x 6" x 1"
|
|
4
|
less
than 6" x 9" x 2"
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|
5
|
more
than 6" x 9" x 2"
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- Autograph
Book - If you want character autographs, you'll want to carry about
an autograph book (or your guidebook, if it allows space for them).
You can purchase these at Walt Disney World, bring one from home,
or make a custom one on your printer. Bring along a thick-barreled pen
that the characters can easily grasp in their gloved hands and a plastic
bag to keep the book dry in your daypack. Size rating:
3
- Bathing
Suits - Opportunities for kids to get wet are abundant at Walt
Disney World. If the weather is warm or your little one(s) like
the wet stuff, bring their bathing suits along so they can enjoy it.
They could also wear suits under their clothing to save at least one
trip to the restroom, but bring plastic bags to store those wet suits
after their adventures. Lisa suggests
that two-piece suits for the girls work best, as they don't have to
take off their entire outfit everytime they want to use the restroom.
Size rating: 4
- Batteries
- These may be for your camera, camcorder, tape recorder, or handheld
organizer. Bring what you need from home, as battery prices are expensive
at Walt Disney World. Size rating: 1
- Camcorder
- If you have one and plan to use it, bring it. Be sure your batteries
are charged/fresh. Size rating: 4 or 5
- Camera
- Keep your camera in your daypack rather than lug a separate camera
bag. Alternatively, you could use your camera bag as your sole daypack.
Another option is to use a small camera bag with a loop on the back,
then slip the strap of your waist pack through it and carry it at your
waist. Size rating: 3 or 4
- Cards
- You will likely have a collection of cards to keep safe and carry
about. If you use your existing wallet to store these in, remove any
unnecessary items before you bring it along. Consider a small, nylon
wallet or pouch to store them in, and keep it handy in your carry-about
bag. Waterproof, plastic cases with attached cords intended for waterparks
work well, too. Size rating: 2
- Resort
Identification - If you are staying at a Disney resort, keep your
identification on you at all times. You may need it to re-enter the
resort, unlock your door, use Disney's internal transportation, gain
access to Extra Magic Hours, gain admittance to the parks (if you
purchased a park pass upon check-in), or charge something to your
room (if you have charging privileges).
- Park
Admission - If you have separate admission media, you'll want
to keep it on you all the time so you can enter the parks. We also
recommend you write down the numbers on the back of your passes and
keep this information separate from your passes -- Disney may be able
to use these numbers to replace your passes if they are lost.
- Credit
Card(s) - Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, and
Diner's Club are all accepted at Walt Disney World. If you
have more than one card, keep on in your daypack and secure the other(s)
in your room safe or with your front desk (in the event the unthinkable
happens).
- Disney
Purchase Card(s) - These include things like Disney Visa Reward
Cards and Disney Gift Cards, which can be used in the parks.
- Driver's
License - We used to say that if you plan on renting a car, writing
a check, drinking an alcoholic beverage, or visiting Pleasure Island,
you will want to keep your driver's license on you. With the heightened
security, we now recommend you keep your driver's license or other
official photo identification on you at all times. Also if you have
an Annual Pass be sure to keep your license with you -- if
the finger scan doesn't work properly you may be asked to show ID.
If your license does not include a picture of you, bring along another
picture identification, too.
- Passport
- Carry your passport book or passport card with you if you have no
other valid photo identification, or if you've been instructed to
do so.
- Health
Insurance Card - No one wants to get hurt while on vacation, but
it happens more than you might imagine. Keep your health insurance
card (or information) with you at all times. Tip contributed by Norm
Boucher.
- Calling
Card - Rather than fish for quarters, bring along a calling card
for any calls you may need to make. Calling cards are usually a better
deal when calling from your hotel room, too.
- Cash
- Even if you have a charge card or charging privileges on your
resort identification card, a little cash is necessary for purchasing
snacks and the like. If you are uncomfortable with cash, consider Disney
Dollars, which work the same way on Disney property. You
can purchase Disney Dollars in advance at a Disney Store or
when you arrive at Walt Disney World. Benjamin suggests you split
your money into at least two places. Keep about $20 in your regular
wallet (more if you have a large family), and keep the rest hidden.
All the 'normal' places work: folded up in a sock, a smaller pocket,
etc. Better to be safe than sorry! Size rating:
2
- Cell
Phone - If you have a cell phone, keep it handy -- cell phones are
useful for making last-minute dining reservations. Take a photo of your
rental car license plate, your parking row number and even members of
your family. You can also use some cell phones for taking photos and
storing information. Cell phone reception at Walt Disney World is excellent.
Size rating: 1
- Checks
- Checks are no longer accepted at Walt Disney World, so leave the
checkbook back in the room if you brought it along on vacation.
- Comb/Brush/Elastics
- If you care about such things, a simple comb or folding travel
brush keeps you looking presentable, even on the hottest, windiest days.
Women (and men) with long hair should include an elastic or two to keep
hair up, a blessing on humid days. Size rating:
2
- Fan/Water
Mister - These battery-operated, hand-held fan/misters are very
popular at the parks on hot days -- you bring one from home or purchase
one while you're there. Some come with straps, which means you can wear
them rather than put them in your daypack, which is recommended. If
you don't have a strap, make sure you have a plastic bag to protect
your daypack from leaks. Size rating: 4 or 5
- Film
- Carry as much film as you think you'll need for a day, which may
not be more than the film already in your camera. Weigh the pros and
cons of bringing extra film with you (one more thing to carry) versus
buying extra film at the parks (expensive). Size rating:
2
- First
Aid Kit - A small bag or box containing Band-Aids, aspirin, acetaminophen,
your favorite legal pain killer, antacid, burn ointment and/or other
necessary medications. There's no reason to go overboard here, however,
as there are first aid stations located in each theme park at Walt
Disney World. Even so, it's handy to have a Band-Aid when you need
it most. Size rating: 1
- Folder
/Envelope - Keep your reservation/priority seating numbers and times,
parade/fireworks schedules, theme park hours, maps, itineraries, etc.
in a folder or envelope for easy access when you need it most. Tip contributed
by Carli Entin. Size rating: 2
- Gum
- If you are an avid gum fan, carry it with you as you won't be
able to purchase gum anywhere in Walt Disney World. Size
rating: 1
- Handheld
organizer - If you want to keep important information at your fingertips
and/or remain connected wherever you go, consider a handheld electronic
organizer or even a smartphone like the iPhone. Size
rating: 3
- Hat
or Visor - Stay in the shade with a hat or visor, which will protect
your skin and keep you cool. Consider a flexible one that can be rolled
up and stashed in your bag when no longer needed. Women who prefer wide-brimmed
straw hats should consider punching rivets on each side of the brim
and threading a cord or scarf through -- this allows the hat to be tied
on tight in windy conditions, or hung on the back out of the way when
not in use. Size rating: 3
- Identification
for Kids - If you have young children who could get lost, consider
giving them some identification that lists their name and resort/hotel
name. They can carry it, or better yet, attach it to their clothing
in some manner. Size rating: 1
- Identification
In/On the Daypack - If you misplace your bag, there's a better chance
of it finding you when you put some identification inside it. Just slip
a piece of paper with your name(s), resort/hotel, home phone, and emergency
contact information somewhere prominent in the daypack. You could even
put the identification in a luggage tag (or make a luggage tag with
self-laminating plastic) and attach it to the daypack itself. Be cautious
of including your home address or your room number (if you are also
storing your resort room key in the bag). Size rating:
1
- Insect
Repellent - Deep Woods OFF! or some other bug repellent is particularly
helpful during the summer and autumn. A tube of repellent can be purchased
at most discount stores in the camping section, and fits nearly perfectly
in a snack-sized, plastic bag. Tip contributed by Todd Allen. Size rating:
2
- Itinerary/Wish
List for Attractions/Meals - Bring along your itinerary or wish
list, which you can jot down in your tour guide (if it provides space)
or generate on your computer. Don't forget to include a list of e-mail
addresses if you want to send a virtual postcard from Innoventions
in Epcot, too. Size rating: 2
- Jacket/Sweater
- If you're sensitive to changes in temperature, a jacket or sweater
can make air conditioning and chilly evenings much more comfortable.
Consider a light windbreaker that takes very little room in your daypack.
Size rating: 4 or 5
- Maps
- Disney provides complimentary guidemaps and entertainment schedules
for all their parks, large and small. You can often pick these up before
you enter a park at a Guest Services desk. They are also available
in each Disney Hotel lobby. If you hang on to these throughout your
trip (this helps in getting acquainted beforehand and answering questions
afterwards), bring along something to store them in so they aren't rattling
around loose your daypack. Size rating: 2
- Mending
Kit - A very simple mending kit with a pre-threaded needle and a
couple of safety pins can save the day and takes virtually no space
in your daypack. If you must pack scissors, be sure they are safety
scissors with rounded ends so as not to excite security. Size
rating: 1
- Memory
Cards/Sticks for your digital camera - they are sold in the park
but are VERY expensive! Size
rating: 1
- Pen
- You never know when you'll need to jot something down -- a reminder
in a travel guide, a note on a receipt, or your phone number on a scrap
of paper for a new friend. You may also want a small notebook, if your
travel guide doesn't provide space for notes. Make that a thick-barreled
pen if you're hoping to get character autographs. Size
rating: 2
- Penlight
- Useful for reading maps, menus, and books in dim, dark places,
or even finding your keyhole after a long day at the parks. Consider
a penlight on a key-ring and attach it to one of your bag's zippers
for fast access. Size rating: 2
- Pins
- If you are a pin trader (or hope to become one), be sure to carry
some of your pins with you on a lanyard, vest, and/or in a pin trading
book for when you spot a pin that interests you. Size
rating: 1-5
- Plastic
Bags - All sizes and shapes come in useful for keeping things organized,
dry, and safe. The snack-size ones are particularly useful in daypacks.
Keep a few clean, empty ones in your carry-around bag -- you never know
when you might need them. Size rating: 1
- Poncho
- Bring a poncho from home if you have it, along with a plastic
bag to store it in when it gets wet. If you don't have a poncho, don't
make an extra trip to get one -- you can pick one up virtually anywhere
within Walt Disney World if it starts to rain. Ponchos are helpful
for keeping strollers dry when they have to be left out in the rain,
too. Size rating: 3
- Quarters
and Change - For the pressed penny/quarter machines and for the
arcade games. Bring only as much as you think you'll need on a given
day. Size rating: 1
- Snack(s)
- Keep your energy up with snacks you can carry with you and consume
as needed. Bring foods that won't melt easily, such as pretzels, granola
bars, raisins, nuts, or crackers. Another idea, contributed by Janet
Carvalho, is to bring a small, snack-size container of highly concentrated
drink mix, such as Crystal Lite. You can then order a large cup of ice
water and mix your own drink for free! Tim suggests pouch drinks like
CapriSun as they don't weigh much and are often just enough to quench
your thirst while waiting in line, or bring up your sugar level quickly
if you need it. Size rating: 2
- Socks
(dry) - If you or your kids anticipate getting wet during the day,
dry socks may feel great. Size rating: 3
- Something
to Entertain You While You're Waiting - You'll do a lot of waiting
at Walt Disney World and you may want to use that time to do
something other than talk to your traveling companions or people-watch.
This could be a paperback, an iPod/MP3/DVD player with headphones, a
hand-held game/organizer, or anything small that you and/or your kids
might enjoy. Missy highly recommends a small magna doodle as it comes
in very handy while waiting -- even the characters had fun playing with
it! Size rating: 1 to 5
- Stroller
- Though you can rent strollers in all the parks, you may prefer to bring your
own to save money or keep your child more comfortable. If you bring
your own, be sure it is lightweight, collapsible, reclines, and has
a canopy. Having your own stroller also means you can use it in the
resorts and while waiting for buses. You may also want to bring a plastic
cup holder for your stroller handle. Size rating:
5
- Sunglasses
with Cords - Sunglasses are a must for most of us visiting Florida.
If you attach a cord to them, you can hang them about your neck whenever
you duck inside an attraction and save room in your bag. However, you
will want to stow them when you go on some thrill rides. Size
rating: 2
- Sun
Block for Lips - Protect your lips from sun, rain, and wind, too.
Apply it on the plane to combat the dry conditions. Size
rating: 1
- Sunscreen
- Carry some of your favorite sunscreen in a small, travel-size
container -- there's no need for the whole bottle. Size
rating: 2
- Swimsuit
- (see bathing suits)
- Swiss
Army Knife - We no longer recommend you bring these with you to
the park, as they will be confiscated by security and held until you
leave the park.
- Tablecloth
- A plastic, flannel-backed tablecloth works great for keeping a
stroller dry in the rain or providing a padded, dry seat during a parade.
Tip contributed by Cyndi.
- Timepiece
- Wear your watch or bring another kind of timepiece -- you'll need
to know the time for various events and meals. If you are bringing a
cell phone, iPod, or pager, make sure your time is set correctly before
you leave home. If you don't want to be a slave to a clock, you can
always ask a cast member for the time. Size rating:
1
- Tissues
- Keep these on hand for yourself and others to blow noses, clean
sunglass lenses, or wipe away tears (hopefully tears of joy). Size
rating: 2
- Travel
Guides - If you have a favorite tour guide, you may find it helpful
to carry it with you for information, tips, and hints on making the
most of your trip. If space is at a premium in your daypack, you may
be able to remove the sections of the tour guide you need for a given
day and bring just those. You may also want to print out information
you found online and carry that along as well. Plastic bags work well
for keeping these items safe and dry in your daypack. Size
rating: 4
- Toothbrush
and toothpaste - If you like to keep your teeth clean, pack a travel-size
brush and tube of paste. Suggested by D.L. Size rating: 1
- Umbrella
- An umbrella is often more convenient than putting on and taking
off a wet poncho. Ultra-compact umbrellas are available in many department
stores. Size rating: 3
- Watch
- Don't forget a timepiece. You'll need to know the time to make
your priority seatings and shows in time. Don't count on there being
many clocks around the parks, either. Size rating:
1
- Walkie
Talkie - A "walkie talkie" can help family members stay in touch
in the parks. Look for FRS (Family Radio Service) units with a range
of at least two miles so you can keep in touch with one another wherever
you may be in a particular park. GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)
units have wider ranges, though you do need a license to use them. Many
thanks to Jim for the tips on the FRS. Size rating:
2
- Washcloth
- Stay cool in hot months by wetting a washcloth and using it to
refresh your face, neck, and hands. Use water fountains to get it damp
and store it in the plastic bag to keep your bag dry. Size
rating: 2
- Water
Bottle - A water bottle with a sport "pop-top" can be refilled at
water fountains to help replenish lost fluids. Consider freezing or
refrigerating it the night before. If you are concerned about condensation
on the bottle in your daypack, carry a bag with a separate water bottle
compartment or use a bottle strap. Denise in Tampa suggests wrapping
the bottle in a clean hand towel to soak up the condensation, and the
towel can then be used to cool hot foreheads, clean off a dirty seat,
or apply pressure to a skinned knee. Janiece recommends you slip a tube
sock over the bottom of the water bottle to keep condensation from bothering
you. Try a mens sock for large water bottles and young boys socks for
the smaller bottles. You could also bring the refillable mug(s) you
may be able to purchase at your resort so you can refill it on your
way out and on your way back in, and then refill it with water or purchased
soda at the parks. If you don't like the taste of Disney's tap water,
get a Brita water bottle -- it filters
the water as you drink it. Jeff & Cherie offer an alternative to
a water bottle: a hands-free "Camelbak" system. These are large pouches
which you can carry on your back and drink from through a long tube.
To get more information, visit http://www.camelbak.com. Size
rating: 4
|
- Wet
Wipes - Use these to wash hands when no sink is available or to
clean ice cream off faces. Those of you frequently apply sunscreen will
find these a blessing for sticky hands. Size rating:
2
What
kind of daypack works well?
A good
daypack is one of the most important choices you can make. You may
have the perfect daypack already or you may need to purchase one.
Only you will know what works best for yourself and the items you
intend to carry with you. Below is a chart listing the popular types
of daypacks and the pros and cons of touring with them at Walt
Disney World. Sizes vary drastically, but keep in mind that you
can find a very small and a very large version of almost every sort
of pack.
-
| Type |
Description |
Pros |
Cons |
Waist
pack
(a.k.a. belt pouch or fanny bag) |
one
waist strap, carried in front or back |
Hands-free
touring; easy access; no shoulder or back pain at the end of the
day; encourages you to pack light; hard to lose |
Cannot
hold as many items as a backpack or shoulder bag |
| Backpack |
two
shoulder straps, carried on back |
Weight
can be distributed evenly across your back; many items can be
carried within it. |
Sore
shoulders at the end of the day; large and bulky; difficult to
access when carrying; hard to find things in; tendency to carry
more than necessary |
| Shoulder
bag (a.k.a. tote bag) |
one
shoulder strap, carried between arm and torso |
Familiarity
if you're used to carrying shoulder bags or purses; easy access |
Sore
shoulder at end of the day; bulky; tendency to carry more than
necessary |
| Purse
(a.k.a. handbag) |
one
shoulder strap, carried between arm and torso or across torso |
Familiarity
if you're used to carrying purses or shoulder bags |
Tendency
to carry more than necessary (unless you empty and repack the
purse); cannot hold many items; sore shoulder if your purse is
large and/or heavy. |
| Pocket
Vest (a.k.a. photographer's vest) |
vest
with many storage pockets; worn on torso |
Hands-free
touring; easy access |
An
extra layer you won't want in hot weather; awkward to remove and
carry; won't accommodate large items |
| Pouch
(worn around neck) |
small
pouch with compartments |
Hands-free
touring; easy access; very light; makes for quick security checks |
Doesn't
hold much. |
Other
carry-about options include: a jacket with plenty of pockets
(in cool weather), a camera bag (with an extra pocket or two
for other items), a diaper bag (also with a bit of extra room)
.
What
do I look for in a daypack?
- One
relatively large compartment
- One
or more smaller compartments on the outside of the bag
- Padded,
adjustable straps that can be removed
- Compression
straps to tighten when your pack isn't as full (makes a big difference!)
- Lashing
loops for attaching accessories
- Sturdy,
rain-repellent material
- Large,
strong zippers that work well, drawstrings that close tightly and
stay closed until you open them
Optional but
useful features include: water bottle pouch/compartment, mesh pocket for
damp items, key chain ring, extra straps (such as a shoulder strap for waist
packs), compression straps (to reduce bulk when there is empty space), and
organizer pockets for cards, cash, and change.
Can you
recommend any good daypacks?
- Eagle
Creek's Sidekick Waist Pack (recommended by Jennifer). This pack
is 11" x 7" and 3" deep. It has one very large zippered compartment
(big enough for a travel guidebook, which is why I like it so much)
and an organizer compartment with smaller pockets for coins (zippered),
keys, cards, sunscreen, sunglasses, and so on. Two smaller outside pockets
-- one zippered (great for plane tickets) and one unzippered (fits guidemaps
perfectly) -- round it out. You can wear it around your waist with the
belt (which stows in the back when not in use) or throw it over your
shoulder with the clip-on padded shoulder strap. You can find it at
most good travel stores.
- Samsonite's
Royal Traveler Waist Pack (recommended by Carole). The pack is
8" X 4" and about 2" deep when empty. It has one small and one
large outside zippered compartment that easily fits a camera. A third
outside zippered compartment has three inside slots for credit/room
cards, a zippered change purse, a large zippered area for bills, checks
etc., and one other large zippered mesh compartment. And of course there's
a strap to wear it all around your waist. Carole got hers at Staples,
but it should be available elsewhere too.
- JanSport''s
Revelation (recommended by Jennifer). This pack is 7" x 15.5"
and about 4" deep. It has one large zippered compartment (big enough
for a travel guidebook), a headphone pocket exit, and a bottle pocket
(with an included bottle). Other nice features are compression straps
and a key clip.
Are
there any tips on packing my daypack?
- Pack
your bag before you go. Make sure the items you need to carry easily
fit within the bag and find a place for each item. Distribute items
as evenly as possible. If you're worried you've packed too much in your
bag, carry it about for a day before you leave.
- Use
bags, pouches, and other containers to keep items neat and orderly within
your bag. Plastic, sealable bags work great and can be reused throughout
the day or later in your trip. Consider other containers, too, in a
variety of shapes and sizes so you can distinguish the contents of your
bag without seeing them (very helpful on a dark bus). Possibilities
include nylon pouches, old (clean) cannisters, envelopes, etc.
- If
you anticipate the contents of your bag changing considerably from day-to-day,
or certain contents needing to be replenished as you go along, organize
these items before you depart. Plastic bags work well for keeping
these items together, and can be dropped in your bag as is before you
leave in the morning. You'll be much less likely to forget something
crucial this way.
- If
you have a number of small items, you can store them in the same plastic
bag by creating custom-sized compartments on a sewing machine. Just
sew a straight line from the bottom of the plastic bag up to just below
the seal.
- If you
have a refrigerator/freezer in your hotel room, freeze a bottle of
water or a juice pack and place it in your bag to keep snacks cool.
The cold drink is refreshing later on, too.
- Be
sure to leave room in your bag for items you will collect throughout
the day, such as brochures, maps, and small souvenirs. Take advantage
of Disney's package delivery service to avoid lugging large items around
with you.
- Aim
to carry only one shoulder bag or backpack, especially if you're
carrying a separate camera bag. It's tough to get on and off rides when
you're draped with all that paraphernalia, and it's easier to lose one
of many items than it is to keep track of just one.
- If you
have the time and inclination, personalize your carry-around bag
with patches or even fabric paint. Disney patches are available
at the parks and resorts and are fun to collect. Oh, and it is suggested
you remove the manufacturer's label from the exterior of your carry-around
bag, so as not to advertise it or the contents (such as the fact that
it is a camera bag and probably contains an expensive camera).
- Label
everything you're carrying with your name, phone number, and resort
name (if staying on Disney property). If any item is lost, you have
a greater chance of getting it back with your identification on it.
Print your information onto self-adhesive return address labels for
quick and easy labeling.
Do
you have any suggestions for packing lists?
For
those that need more direction, here are five popular daypack packing
lists: a bag for someone who really wants to travel light (the "Minnie-malist"
bag), a bag for someone who wants to have everything at hand (the
"Mary Poppins' Carpetbag"), a bag for the little ones (the
"Mini-Mickey" bag), a bag for those bound for water parks or
water fountains (the "Flounder" bag), and a bag for someone
who is in a hurry and doesn't have time to pack a careful daypack
(the "White Rabbit" bag).
Minnie-malist
Bag - Include cards, cash, identification, cell phone, and sunglasses
in either a pocket or a very small waist pack.
Mary
Poppins' Carpetbag: Include everything with a size rating of 1
and 2 (cards, cash, cell phone, comb/brush/elastics, film, gum, identification
for bag, maps, mending kit, pager (if you have one), pen, penlight,
plastic bags, quarters and change, snacks, sunglasses, sun block for
lips, sunscreen, timepiece, tissues, toothbrush, washcloth, wet wipes).
Organize these items in your carry-about bag, then put in a large,
heavy object, such as a dictionary (of whatever dimension is appropriate
for your carry-about bag). Now include the other items you wish to
have with you, in the order of importance, until your bag is full.
When you reach capacity, remove the dictionary (or whatever you used)
and try out your carry-about bag for a few hours or a day. If it is
too heavy, remove something. If not, keep it as is -- the extra room
created by removing the dictionary will give you space for things
you'll pick up along the way.
Mini-Mouse
Bag: Includes an autograph book, hat/visor, identification, pen,
cell phone, snack, sunglasses, and sunscreen. These items fit nicely
in a small waist pack or mini-backpack.
Flounder
Bag: Includes bathing suits, cards (in waterproof carrying case),
comb/brush, hat/visor, plastic bags, socks, sunglasses, sunblock for
lips, sunscreen, timepiece, washcloth (for wiping off sand/drying
small things), water bottle/mug. These items fit nicely in your regular
carry-around bag or a small backpack/shoulder bag with plenty of room
for towels and a picnic lunch.
White
Rabbit Bag: Include any of these items, which you probably have
around the house (or your resort room): comb/brush/elastics, first
aid kit (or just a band aid and some aspirin), gum, mending kit (or
just a safety pin or two), pen, plastic bags (even if you have to
steal a trash bag), timepiece, tissues, washcloth. Now add your cash,
cards, and an itinerary if you have it. Include anything else you
can find. Don't worry about items you can buy at the parks if necessary,
such as an autograph book, bathing suits, camcorder (you can rent
one), camera, fan/water mister, film, hat, cell phone, poncho, snacks,
sunscreen, sunglasses, or water (in a bottle).
**************************************************************
This FAQ is authored and maintained by Jennifer Marx, edited by Debbie Wills
and is copyright 1999-2008. Please note this information is subject
to change without notice. Please call Walt Disney World direct or
visit their web pages to confirm before your visit. The author of
this document/website shall not be held liable for any information
(valid or invalid) presented here and is not employed by nor represent
the Walt Disney Company in any manner. This FAQ may be reproduced
for your personal use only, provided the entire document (including
this copyright section) is copied along with it and the document is
not altered in any way; however, it may not be reproduced on another
Web site/Internet site without express written permission. This document
may not be sold, or used in any publication that is for sale, without
permission of the author. All rights are reserved by the author. Walt
Disney World and its theme parks, events, attractions and area names
are trademarks of The Walt Disney Company.
**************************************************************
Special
thanks to my fellow Disney fans who have contributed tips and ideas:
Lisa, Benjamin, Jeff, Cherie, Janiece, Tim, Bruce, Carl, Carole, Dave,
Janet, Jim, Missy, Norm, Timothy, Todd, and Zipadidoo.
Last
updated on 3/2/2008
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