10 Packing Mistakes You’re Making for your Disney World Trip

A Disney World trip is a huge undertaking. There’s a lot of preparation, planning, and thought that goes into every Disney trip.

One of the things that might get overlooked during your planning process is packing! What to bring, how much stuff you need, and what you don’t bring can mean everything for your trip!

Let’s dive into some of the packing mistakes you’re making for your Disney World trip!

1. Overpacking 

When you’re getting ready for a trip to Disney World, you want to be prepared. Sometimes that desire to be prepared can lead to packing way more than you need. We’re definitely guilty of doing this every now and then.

A good way to avoid this is to really take stock of everything you’re bringing and make sure you absolutely need everything you’re bringing. Remember there are laundry facilities at your Resort if you have a clothing emergency. And ideally, you should leave a little bit of room in your luggage (we’ll get into why with mistake #4!).

2. Underpacking 

As much as overpacking can be a problem, underpacking can end up being even worse! Not having everything you need can lead to panic and buying lots of overpriced sunscreen at your hotel. (Don’t ask us how we know.)

The best way to avoid this one is to plan ahead and make note of everything you need to bring. We share 11 things you for sure need to pack here, and you’ll want to think about a full day on vacation — from your morning alarm until you hit the pillow at night (oh, and anything you might need to help you sleep, too!). Preparation is key.

3. Not Bringing All the Supplies You Need

You can pack just the right amount (or even overpack) and still forget the essentials. Things like sunscreen, ponchos, socks, toothbrushes, and other important essentials can end up being forgotten.

Just like with underpacking and overpacking, preparation is everything when it comes to having the right supplies. Do lots of research (like familiarizing yourself with the potential weather during your trip), and think about all the things you might need. Stuff like earplugs for during the fireworks, having enough sunscreen for everyone, etc. can end up being a real life saver! (If you do forget something, check with First Aid or Baby Care Centers to see if they’ve got what you forgot!)

4. Not Leaving Room for Merch

Like we mentioned in the overpacking section, you gotta leave some room… for souvenirs! How else will you get home all the cool stuff you get at Disney? Whether that means leaving a little space in your luggage or bringing an empty duffle bag just for merch, it’s a good idea to think about having room for everything at the end of your trip as well.

Once again: prepare, prepare, prepare! Having a general idea of how much merch you’re getting and what kind of stuff you’re looking for can lead to a much easier process.

5. Bringing Cute Clothes Instead of Functional Clothes

We get it: some of us want to look cute at Disney World. However, we also don’t want to be sweating profusely in uncomfortable clothes at Disney World. Balancing the cuteness and the functionality of your clothes can mean the difference between a great trip and a disaster. The same goes for shoes, you want to find a pair that you can walk in for miles! Disney World is NOT the place to break in a new pair of shoes.

Of course, this one is up to personal preference. If you feel like you can walk comfortably in the heat for hours in a ‘fit, go for it! Just keep in mind that you’re going to be walking and moving and sweating a lot during your trip.

6. Not Bringing a Park Bag

A park bag is essential at Disney World! What’s a park bag? Well, it’s a backpack you bring into the parks with you to carry supplies, snacks, merch, and anything else you need or get at the parks. This can really come in handy, especially when a storm is rolling in, and you need a poncho fast.

Keeping stuff in a park bag is another way to be prepared for anything that comes your way. We highly recommend finding something that’s comfortable, lightweight, and waterproof! If you’re going to Disney Parks multiple times in future years, this can be a great long-term investment. (Want to know what AllEars Molly brings with her into the Parks? Click here!)

7. Not Bringing Back-Up Items

This one goes hand in hand with the park bag. You can pack the right amount of stuff, you can bring your park bag, you can have all the supplies you need, but if you don’t bring back-up items, your whole trip can end up derailed.

Shoes break, clothes get soaked, and accidents happen! Having back-up clothes and shoes in your park bag can mean a normally day-ruining event becomes a minor inconvenience. Bring a back-up of things you can’t live without (like dry socks!).

8. Not Checking Weather Ahead of Time 

Florida weather can get WILD. One minute, you’re enjoying a sunny day…the next, you’re absolutely soaked! Check weather forecasts for the days you’re at Disney before you pack, and prepare accordingly. This is especially essential if you’re going any time remotely near hurricane season.

On top of that, you should check the weather every day you’re at Disney World since things are always subject to change. It can really come in handy when you’re packing your park bag and planning out what supplies and extra clothes to bring!

9. Not Making A List of Everything You Need

Like we’ve mentioned many times in this article, you need to prepare! Making a detailed list of everything you might need for your Disney World trip can prevent every other mistake on this list.

Be realistic and think about what you really need for your trip. Also, be sure to list EVERYTHING you’ll need for your trip, down to the last sock! The details can mean everything in the long run. Check out our suggestions for your packing list here.

10. Not Bringing A Laundry Bag

This last one might seem trivial, but a laundry bag is essential for your trip! If you’re not planning to wash clothes during your trip, a laundry bag can really help to keep track of which clothes are clean and which are dirty.

Plus, it’s good to just separate the clean and dirty clothes.

What do you ALWAYS pack for your Disney World trips? Share in the comments!

Click here to read our Ranking of Orlando Water Rides By How Much You’ll Need a Hair Dryer!

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