There are a lot of must-pack items for your Disney trips: sunscreen, rain jackets, and comfy shoes are all must haves, but that’s not what we’re talking about today. Parents: you’re going to want to stick around for this list!
We’re talking little extras to make your magical trip with your kids even more magical. We promise these items won’t take up too much room — and most of them are under $15!
Best of all, these eight items can be pulled out in the event of an impending child meltdown. We get it — all the sugar, heat, crowds, and lack of routine makes us cranky, too! We totally don’t blame kiddos who’ve had enough. So, when you see your kids turning from Happy to Grumpy, pull one of these out of your bag!
Here are eight packing hacks to make your Disney vacay with your kids even more magical!
1. Temporary Tattoos
Temporary Tattoos can be a lot of fun! They’re inexpensive and easy to apply. Kids love them, so why not bring some Disney ones along for your trip? Adults and kids alike can add a little character magic — plus kids will love showing their favorite characters a tattoo of them!
You can get all kinds of tattoo designs on Amazon — and they are all less than $9! Choose from Toy Story, Princess, Classic Characters, Star Wars, and more!
2. Glitter
Another fun wearable is some glitter — now you can bibbidi bobbidi boo yourself! Add a little glitter to your hair, eyelids, or wherever else you want. If you can’t wear pixie dust in Disney, then honestly, where can you?!
This bottle is less than $10, comes in tons of colors, and is Amazon’s choice pick for glitter! Plus your kids are going to think you’re the coolest for letting them be a pixie/merperson/space explorer.
*orders a bottle in every color*
3. Bubbles
Life can be the bubbles if you pack…bubbles! Let’s be honest…kids love bubbles, and they are probably going to lust after the $20 bubble wands in the parks. Perhaps you can curb that by bringing your own bubbles — or perhaps these can serve as cheap refills when you inevitably cave and buy the bubble wand. 😉
4. Glow Sticks
Wanna kick up your time in Disney after dark? Bring some glow sticks! Not only will you be able to find your family members easier, but it’ll be fun to literally glow in the dark!
5. Travel Journal
This can be a great exercise for kids! Have them fill out a travel journal each night when they return home to your resort with favorite moments and highlights from their day. At the end of your vacation you have a full book and lots of memories to look back on! How fun is this Walt Disney World one? You could also use the blank pages for character autographs!
Also for younger kids, considering bringing small coloring books and activity books for your bag — ones your kids haven’t seen yet! That way if they get antsy in line, they have a fun activity ready.
6. Instant Camera
We know your phone has an incredible camera on it, but sometimes nothing beats a tangible photograph! We love bringing a Polaroid or similar camera to the parks and having the photos print our right that minute. And how fun is this Instax set that comes with special frames and clips to display your gorgeous pics? Plus some of the frames are sticky and you could easily put them in your travel journal!
7. Card Games
A pro-tip when you’re coming with kids — pack a little card game! It will come in super handy when waiting in long lines or for meals. We’ve tested out Eye Found It to great success, and of course you can’t beat Uno. Unless it’s Uno with the Incredibles on it, that is.
8. Hidden Mickeys Book
When it comes to Disney games, nothing tops Hidden Mickeys. They are carefully placed all over the parks by the Imagineers, hiding everywhere from attractions to landscaping. Searching for Hidden Mickeys can be a great activity for the whole family, and this official guide will show you exactly where to look!
And check out this video with the author of the Hidden Mickeys book, Steve Barrett!
What little things do you pack to make your Disney trip extra magical? Share yours in the comments!
Want more packing tips? Check out the links below!
- A Peculiar Disney World Hotel BATHROOM Trend Is Picking Up Steam — Are You Joining In?
- What We Pack for Disney World That We Don’t Pack for Universal
- The Perfect Luggage for Your Next Disney World Trip Is on SALE at Target Now!
- 9 Things We Never Go to Magic Kingdom Without
- 8 Packing Tips from Over 100 Disney World Experts
How to actually avoid meltdowns:
1) Breaks-yes, go back to the room for naps and get kids to bed on time.
2) If you want to keep them up for fireworks, extra naps and sleep in.
3) Unstructured times (pool, play areas, etc…)
4) Hydrate with non-sugary liquids all day long
5) Frequent bathroom breaks.
6) Healthy food and snacks. Try to limited high sugar/fat foods.
7) Fruits and vegetables so no one get constipated. And hydrate.
8) Avoid over-stimulation. This threshold is different for every kid.
9) Hats and sunglasses
10) Make sure parents are rested and relaxed with healthy food, hydration and rest. On edge, tired parents are a guarantee for a meltdown.
11) Meltdown are a sign your child had had enough. Take them back to your room to rest.
12) Do not over-plan. Children will have much fonder memories of a few joyful moments than seeing a million things and being miserable. Bonding occurs with any happy moment and they do not need to see everything.
13) Hugs, cuddles and empathy when meltdown occurs. Leave the park, get some rest.
You can avoid boredom in line with various games and activities and to get to spend quality time with your child. Kids have big imagination and should not need any additional entertainment in your back-pack.