When it comes to packing for Disney World, a bad bag can actually ruin your trip. If you don’t have what you need, you can end up spending a lot of money on last-minute buys. If you have too much, you might overspend before the trip even kicks off!
I’m here to break down everything that has been truly overhyped by the internet when it comes to your Disney World packing list. I’m also here to share my tried and true favorites!
There are a lot of “must-haves” that have been overhyped when it comes to Disney World, and I can’t believe I’m about to spill some of my most controversial packing opinions. Starting with one that will rub people the wrong way, Loungefly Mini Backpacks can be overhyped.
I know, I know. I’m writing this as a Loungefly backpack owner myself, but I need you to hear me out. If you’re packing a lot or paying full price for these bags, they’re overhyped. As someone who often visits parks as a solo traveler, these bags are the perfect size! If you’re a mom or carrying items for someone else, it’s just too small. They’re also pricey, so I only buy mine when they’re on sale, like this adorable one above!
If there’s anything I’ve learned, bad socks can also ruin your day. That’s why I love these Bombas Ankle Socks.
Bad socks have genuinely ruined my Disney trip before. Picture it, it’s your first day on your trip, and after hours on your feet, you realize those socks have been making you itch, and they’ve rubbed blisters onto your ankles. This has happened to me more than once, and I’m never going to deal with it again! They keep my feet warm when needed, but also have moisture-wicking technology so they can dry quickly if my feet sweat. Plus, I love how supportive they are!
I need to turn my back towards my Disney collection as I type this, but it’s true. Minnie Ears can be so overhyped.
Total honesty, they can hurt after hours of wearing them, and certain designs can be top-heavy! They’re so cute, but I can rarely make it through a full day with just any pair of ears. I will be insanely transparent and say yes, I’m going to keep buying and wearing Minnie Ears! I still love them, especially these new slip-proof, padded Cinderella Ears, but I also think they aren’t necessities for everyone’s park bag. Just those who want to look the part, at any cost. (That’s who I am.)
One thing that is actually worth buying is a Pop Up Hamper for your hotel room!
When I’m traveling, I can get SO overwhelmed by a messy hotel room. I want my things organized, but I also refuse to put my smelly, dirty clothes back into my luggage before they can air out. That’s where this hamper comes in! It keeps even my dirty clothes organized and then easily folds back up when it’s time to head home. If you’re driving, you can even toss it when it’s full right into your trunk.
I will die on the hill that HOKA Tennis Shoes are NOT overhyped!
I am wearing my HOKA Clifton 10s as I’m writing this because I LOVE THEM! They’re so comfortable and get me through even the longest park days. I have struggled with some severe footpain in the past (going to Disney World daily will do that to you). My HOKAs have helped me avoid any foot pain, even when I’m racing my friends to all four parks. They’re pricey, but so worth it.
I am an Owala Water Bottle fan until the day I die! There are plenty of overhyped water bottles, but the Owala isn’t one of them.
I have two Owalas, one that’s a 24-ounce and one that’s a 40-ounce. They both serve different purposes (I prefer the smaller one for the parks), but they also have the same classic details. They keep my water cold for hours, even on hot summer days, and they hold up well no matter what I put them through. I love that I can toss it in my bag, and the lid lock technology assures me that it won’t leak. The carrying handle offers some amazing convenience, too!
There are some bad chargers for Disney World, but the FuelRod is actually worth buying.
I love to carry a big block charger with me on hot days, but I always keep a FuelRod in my bag too! They’re small and easily portable, plus they have saved me on multiple occasions. You can swatch these portable chargers in Disney World for FREE for a fully charged battery. You can buy these in the parks, or you can purchase them ahead of time for a better price.
On my overhyped list is a Character Signature Book. These books are sweet for memories, but if I’m being honest, mine have just sat and collected dust from the moment the trip ended. That’s why I prefer doing a Character Water Bottle instead.
I’ve already discussed my love for the Owala, so I won’t bother you with it again, but grabbing a plain bottle like this one and letting characters sign it throughout your trip is a more fun, unique way to save these memories. You can use it after your trip (or during), and it won’t just sit after the vacation ends. I would recommend Mod Podging it to make those signatures stay!
If you’ve been around, you’ve heard me talk about how worth it Frogg Togg Ponchos are!
Disney World ponchos have personally attacked me on multiple occasions. They’re thin, steam me like a baked potato, and I still somehow end up soaked even when I wear them. I thought I hated ponchos until I tried the Frogg Togg. This rain gear helps me fight even the WORST storms while keeping me dry, cool, and breezy. You won’t catch me in Disney World without this in my bag.
Finally, I honestly think Spirit Jerseys are overhyped. Before you ask, yes, I own one. I can accept this hypocrisy!
Spirit Jerseys are so popular around the parks, and they are SO cute. The one above is a design I actually want to purchase. 9 times out of 10, though, I find these long-sleeve shirts just way too hot for the parks. Once I’m too hot in it, it becomes itchy and almost overstimulating, which is why you won’t catch me in one at the parks. Now at home… that’s a different story. But we’re talking packing lists, so I’m staying focused.
If you have any of these items on your “worth it” or “overhyped list” and we don’t agree, that’s okay! At the end of the day, your packing list should be personalised to YOUR needs. Be sure to keep following AllEars for more hot takes, packing lists, and more.
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