Do you know what to bring to Disneyland…and what you should leave at home? These are the the “must-haves” for an enjoyable day at Disneyland! You can always buy some of these things in the park if you forget them, but it will be at a premium price. It’s best to remember to pack them on your own. And don’t make a mistake and bring any of these banned items at Disneyland! Keep reading for the best Disney packing ideas and Disneyland tips.
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This article originally published August 26th, 2014 and has been updated and republished with a new date.
What To Bring to Disneyland – Must-Know Disney Packing Tips
In the blur of vacation planning for a trip to Disneyland, packing is often one of the last things we think about. Anyone else been in a last-minute throw-everything-into-the-suitcase frenzy just before a vacation? Yeah, me too!
Whether this is your first Disneyland trip or you’ve been to Disney before, having a specific Disney packing checklist can help you stay organized.
Keep reading for all the tips on what to bring to Disneyland parks in your day pack, including a free printable packing list for your magical planning needs!
Important Disneyland Travel Tips
Lots of new changes – No tickets for sale at the front gates. Reservations required for each day of your visit. Virtual queues and limited walk-up dining.
The Disneyland resort has changed considerably since reopening, and you need to be in-the-know before your vacation.
READ MORE in this article about the most important things to know about going to Disneyland this year.
What Do They Sell at Disneyland?
Some of the items I mention in this article are available for purchase at Disneyland. This may make you wonder what to actually bring to Disneyland. If you can buy it there, do you really need to pack it from home?
While a few items on the list aren’t available for sale inside the parks, most everything else is. However all things come at a price! The cost will be significantly higher inside the parks.
If you’re planning to purchase a souvenir anyway, you can avoid packing some of these items into your day bag. The gift shops offer things like a refillable water bottle and sweatshirt you would have brought from home.
Before packing your Disneyland trip bag, be sure to assess your needs for the day. You don’t want to be shorthanded once in the parks.
However, you also don’t want to be lugging around a heavy bag of stuff that you aren’t going to need either! If you’re planning to return to the hotel midday, you may be able to skip on overpacking.
If you’re at Disneyland for the entire day, consider renting a locker to store essentials until you need them.
IMPORTANT MUST HAVE ITEM- Disneyland Tickets!
Right now all guests must pre-purchase tickets on the internet first. There are no ticket sales at the front gates of Disneyland.
I recommend my partner Get Away Today for Disney Park tickets. You’ll save a few dollars and with their Peace of Mind package, tickets are also fully refundable (something Disneyland themselves don’t even offer).
Discounted Disneyland Tickets
My travel partners at Get Away Today offer both discounted Disneyland tickets and Anaheim-area hotels to fit any budget! Many hotels include exclusive discounts like free parking, complimentary breakfast or even free nights, just for booking through Get Away Today.
Disneyland tickets purchased now are good through January 12th, 2024. Purchase your multi-day tickets through Get Away Today now.
When you’re ready to book your Disneyland vacation, my friends at Get Away Today are ready to help! Mention code REWRITTEN to receive an extra discount off your SoCal vacation package of two or more days.
Bring Extra Layers – Pack a Jacket or Hoodie
Southern California weather can be unpredictable. We might have pouring rain in January or it could be 85 degrees! SoCal weather is extremely challenging to predict.
Depending upon the time of year, the temperatures at Disneyland fluctuate. The spring and winter months can be very wet and rainy. Summer and autumn are extremely hot.
Mornings at Disneyland may be overcast and chilly, then very warm when the clouds burn off. Even when the days are warm, you might want a light sweater at nightfall when cooler temperatures occur.
Watch average temperatures for the Anaheim area to know how to pack. Check the 10-day forecast before your trip. Consider bringing an extra layer for each person to wear in the morning and at night.
Even if it’s warm in the daytime, the night can get chilly. Bring a lightweight jacket to tie around your waist in case you need it.
Cell Phone with Camera and Video
You’re going to want to capture those priceless Disneyland memories! In this time of social media, we all have our cell phones to take the best photos and videos. Newer cell phone cameras are exceptional at capturing images that are even better than a “real” camera (especially in low light).
My favorite new cell phone gadget is the PopSocket! This interchangeable tool sticks to the back of your phone, and can be popped out to make gripping easier.
The PopSocket makes selfie photos and taking pictures in the parks a lot easier when you have something sturdy to hold on to. There are tons of Disney themed designs that can quickly be swapped out.
Cell Phone Battery Charger & Charging Cord
Both my husband & I had dead cell phones by 5 pm on a Disneyland trip a few years ago. We’d been texting each other, snapping photos and posting to Facebook all day. Our poor cell batteries were drained, and we hadn’t brought anything to recharge.
I immediately bought this cell phone battery charger for the next trip. It’s a good feeling to have a fully charged battery at the end of the night! You will need your own charging cord so don’t forget to pack that in with you.
What’s a Fuel Rod?
If you don’t want to carry a heavy portable charger, consider purchasing a Fuel Rod. Fuel Rod is a portable phone charger that you can recharge at home or exchange at various locations.
There are many Fuel Rod machines at the Disneyland parks. Simply drop in your used Fuel Rod into the machine and a fully charged battery pack rolls out, ready for you to use!
They are available for swap inside the Disneyland parks and other theme parks, as well as in airports around the country. The Fuel Rod app has an interactive map showing swap machine locations.
Purse, Waist Pack or Backpack
Crossbody Bag
Choose a bag that you don’t mind carrying around all day. I bring a crossbody Baggallini. The bag is waterproof, lightweight and holds everything I’ll need. Plus, it’s really comfortable!
Waist Pack
Another option is the Waist Pack (aka: “Fanny Pack”). It’s great for smaller items or if you’re traveling light.
I prefer using my Mickey Mouse Loungefly Pack when I want to be hands free. Measure first to make sure the pack is large enough to hold your cell phone!
Theme Park Backpack
If you’re looking for the perfect amusement park backpack, the Designer Park Co. bag is it! I’ve used mine on travel coast-to-coast.
The high quality Designer Park Co. bag holds an incredible amount of items for a theme park day, with smooth sliding zippers, interior pockets and a strap to secure your Mouse Ears. There are a variety of colors to match your personal style!
BONUS SAVINGS: Use code REWRITTEN at Designer Park Co. to save 10% off your order.
Toddler Backpack with Tether
If you have a little one, consider using the helpful Skip Hop backpack with a removable harness tether. This backpack is the perfect size for a toddler to carry a few diapers, wipe packet, bib and even a few toys. The strap has a loop to go around your wrist so that kids stay close.
Snacks and Foods to Pack for Disney
Can you bring your own food to Disneyland? Yes! If you stick to the rules (no glass, no alcohol), you shouldn’t have any issues taking outside food in at Disneyland.
Obviously don’t be bringing in anything that will spoil without refrigeration. And you can’t bring in a hard sided cooler or anything that rolls on wheels. Also, no loose ice, but ice blocks are acceptable.
Make a trip to an Anaheim grocery store or order grocery delivery to your hotel. Packing your own simple sandwiches, beef jerky, fruit and pretzels can save you big money.
There is a picnic area outside the parks at Disneyland if you want to purchase food at the Downtown Disney District and eat it before going into the parks.
Cooler Bags for Disney
Guests can bring a backpack into Disneyland. Choose an insulated version if you’re packing in food. And it has to be a soft-sided cooler, as hard sided or wheeled versions are not allowed inside the theme parks.
An insulated collapsible cooler bag like this one has been our go-to for all travel! We insert a chill pack or a Ziploc bag of hotel ice inside. Whatever we add in the bag, from water bottles to cheese, stays cold. The compact size holds a considerable amount and still fits in a larger stroller basket.
My husband packed all of the snacks in the photo below on our last trip. He used a chill pack and our insulated bag to keep the food cool. We were able to snack like royalty on healthy and budget-friendly snacks inside the park!
Read more for tips on saving money on food at Disney.
Can You Bring Water Bottles into Disneyland?
Disney parks will allow each guest to bring in bottled water for hydrating. They can be new and sealed bottles full of water. Or bring an empty water bottle that you can fill. There are water fountains and refill stations located all over the theme parks to fill a reusable water bottle.
My recommendation is to keep bottled water in a cooler filled with ice inside the hotel room. If your Disneyland hotel has a kitchen with a freezer, this is even better.
Bring the icy bottles of water in the park along with snacks. The chilled water will keep snacks cool as well.
Bring a Change of Clothes For Each Person into Disneyland
Nothing like getting totally soaked on a ride and having to schlep around with soggy socks for the rest of the day! Also, those chocolate covered bananas can get pretty messy and tend to drop big chunks of chocolate all over the place (I bought my son a new shirt at the park before for this very reason!)
If your hotel room is very close you could run back there to change if you wish. Especially in the hotter months when you might be sweaty, it’s best to pack in at least a second shirt.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Disney vacations are not the time to break in new shoes! Everyone in your group should be wearing comfortable shoes that won’t give them blisters or hurt after a few hours.
While I usually pack a change of clothing, I also bring an extra pair of shoes. My routine starts off with tennis shoes and when my feet get achy or swell a little, I’ll move to sandals.
Not sure what shoes to pack? Read these reviews on the Best Shoes for Disney Vacations.
Pack a Few Plastic bags or a Wet/Dry Bag
Perfect to hold wet or dirty clothes. Ziploc bags are ideal, as they can be sealed up. Bumkins has reusable Disney print wet/dry bags that are a great size for damp outfits.
Sunscreen
Apply frequently even if the sun isn’t out. Vacations with sunburns are a big bummer! Bring a lip balm with SPF too.
Credit Card or Gift Card
If you plan on using the Disneyland app to mobile order food (and you should), a credit card or gift card is required. Cash can only be used when buying food in person. You’ll need a credit card or a Disney gift card to mobile order at quick service restaurants.
Many amusement parks in Southern California are going cashless, so having alternative ways to pay are important. Make sure to bring a credit card with you during travel or have a gift card available. At Disneyland, you can use a Disney Gift Card to make most resort purchases.
First Aid Kit
Pack a first aid kit that includes essentials for the whole family. My Disney first aid kit includes care for small injuries, including bandages of multiple sizes, antiseptic and antibiotic. I also carry antacids for indigestion, Children’s Tylenol tablets, headache relief, and medication for aches and pains.
If anyone in your group suffers from motion sickness at Disney, consider getting a prescription for a medicated patch. Use caution when choosing motion sickness tablets as some brands will cause extreme sleepiness.
Don’t have what you need? I’ve visited Disneyland First Aid for ibuprofen when I’ve forgotten my pain reliever at home. First Aid can give you an ice pack or bandage up a wound. Go to the first aid station for additional care or in case of emergency.
Bring a Stroller to Disneyland for Young Kids
There are strollers for rent in the Disneyland parks, but I have always liked having my own. That walk back to the car or hotel at the end of a long day can be awful. Just try to carry a sleeping child when you are already exhausted yourself!
Choose a stroller that is comfortable and reclines for a nap. It should fold compactly when getting on rides like the Monorail and Disneyland Railroad. Using the basket underneath to store daytime essentials is awesome too!
For top stroller suggestions read this article about walking outside with your baby.
Planning a Disney World Trip?
If you’re going to Walt Disney World, I highly recommend my travel partner, Kingdom Strollers. They will deliver and pick up directly to your resort hotel! It was great to have the stroller at the parks and resort but not have to deal with it at the airport.
Sunglasses
The bright sun can make everyone a bit cranky…and squinty. Pack in a pair of sunglasses for each family member.
Pack Your Own Disney Souvenirs from Home
Save yourself a load of cash and buy Disney souvenirs before your trip! The mark-up in the parks is high. Plus you can often find similar items in your stores at home.
There are some exclusive things like popcorn boxes, trading pins and apparel that you’ll only find inside the Disneyland Resort.
For items like glowing toys, kid’s clothing and stuffed animals, buy them before you travel. When Disney packing, make sure to leave plenty of room in your suitcase for any purchased souvenirs.
Read ALL the tips on what you can purchase beforehand on this post, Disney Souvenirs To Buy BEFORE Your Disney Vacation.
Hand Sanitizer
Great to use on a regular basis throughout the day (have you seen how many hands have touched the rails in the queues?!)
The theme parks currently offers lots of additional hand sanitizer stations. However I still like to bring my own to offer kids right before they eat.
A Hat (Mickey Ears are optional!)
Choose a hat with a nice brim to protect your face from sun. However if you forget a hat, this makes a good souvenir to buy in the parks.
Gum
You won’t find it for sale anywhere in the Disney parks. So if you have to have it, bring it yourself. I’ve included it on the Disney packing list (keep reading to score your printable freebie!)
Wet Wipes (or Baby Wipes)
Always nice to clean up before you eat that bucket of popcorn and then wipe your face down after gnawing on that giant turkey leg! Bring a package of cleansing wipes when you can’t get to the restroom fast enough.
Baby Stuff (If You Have a Baby)
Traveling with babies requires it’s own set of Disney packing rules! Small children simply need more stuff. Don’t rely on buying diapers & baby food in the park, bring your own with you.
Jars of baby food (even glass) are okay to bring into the theme parks. However, to keep things more lightweight and convenient, you might want to consider plastic.
Of course you won’t want to forget all of baby’s pacifiers, onesies, diaper cream, bibs and bottles! There are some things you might not have considered packing, like disposable table covers.
READ MORE: Print out the free Traveling with a Baby with Free Packing Checklist for all the tips.
At Disneyland and Disney California Adventure park, make sure you stop in the Baby Care Centers. There are high-chairs, rocking chairs, quiet nursing areas and even teeny-tiny toilet stalls for toddlers that are potty training.
The baby care center locations also offer extra products like diapers, wipes and pacifiers for sale, in case you need to buy them in a pinch! Check out What Can Babies Do at Disneyland? for more information about taking a baby to the Disney Parks.
Umbrella or a Poncho
If there is a chance of rain, bring an umbrella that folds up very small when not in use or purchase a rain poncho. Southern Californians are more of the umbrella-type than poncho wearing-type. But if I’m aiming to stay dry, I’ll usually use both a rain jacket and an umbrella.
The poncho also comes in handy when going on water rides. If you’re planning a ride on Grizzly River Run, pack a poncho to cover your clothing and keep you dry.
Need more rainy day tips? This ultimate guide to surviving Disneyland Rainy Days is one of my top viewed articles!
Things to Bring for a Day at Disneyland
These aren’t essential items, but they can make your vacation a little more magical!
Autograph book
Certain Disney characters are able to sign autographs, either during meet ‘n greets or at a character dining experience. Bring an autograph album and pen if you plan to collect signatures from favorite characters.
Cooling Towel
For hot days at Disneyland, a cooling towel is mandatory! Simply moisten, then squeeze out the excess. Wrap the towel around your neck to cool down your core temperature immediately.
Consider packing multiple cooling towels for each family member when traveling to Disneyland in the summer months or fall season.
Glow Sticks
Make magic happen after dark! Bring a pack of dollar store glow sticks, bracelets and necklaces to use at night time. Glow sticks from home are a cheaper alternative to the glowing souvenirs sold in the theme park.
Not only are they fun, glow sticks are also really practical. Wrap a few glow bracelets around the handle of the stroller to find it in the dark. Kids are also much easier to spot in a crowd when wearing glow necklaces.
Facial Masks Optional
Facial coverings are completely optional, though some guests still choose to wear them in crowds or in indoor locations.
Disneyland reopening guidelines suggests that all non-vaccinated guests 2+ should wear a facial covering while indoors. Guests do not need to wear a mask while outside. No proof of vaccination is required, and guests may self-attest.
I can personally recommend the Halo Life Mask as a great, breathable mask, especially during hot weather.
What NOT to Bring to Disneyland (from the Disneyland website):
- Strollers that are greater than 31” in width and 52” in length will be prohibited. Stroller wagons will also be prohibited.
- Smoking will not be permitted inside either theme park, in the esplanade, and in Downtown Disney District.
- Pets—which may be kept at the on-site kennel. (Separate fees apply and space is limited.) Service Animals are permitted
- Wagons
- Wheeled mobility devices with less than 3 wheels (ie: 2-wheeled vehicles, including Segway™)
- Skateboards
- Scooters (motorized and non-motorized)
- Human Transporters
- Suitcases, backpacks or similar bags with wheels
- Suitcases, backpacks or similar bags larger than 18″ wide x 24″ high x 15″ deep (the size of a large rentable locker)
- Any trailer-like object that is pushed or towed by an ECV, wheelchair or stroller – Note: Guests are not permitted to pull items behind them. Any item that requires a Guest to pull it behind him or her, including a stroller, is not permitted into the theme parks.
More Things to Leave at Home
- Coolers larger than 6-pack sized are not permitted into the theme parks. – Note: Guest can store coolers up to 18″ wide x 25″ high x 37″ deep in rentable large lockers located outside the Disneyland Park Main Entrance. Lockers are not refrigerated, and availability is limited. Guests who need to refrigerate medication may do so at First Aid. Exceptions may be made for special dietary or religious needs.
- No loose or dry ice
- Alcoholic beverages
- Any illegal substances, including marijuana
- Folding chairs, with the exception of cane-chair and seat-walker mobility aids
- Glass containers, with the exception of baby food containers, medicine or small perfume bottles (under 4 oz)
- Sporting goods or equipment (e.g., baseball bats, helmets, hockey sticks, golf clubs, bows and arrows, camping equipment, chairs, stools, tables and Frisbees)
- Drones
- Remote control toys
- Inline skates
- Shoes with built-in wheels
- Bicycles
- Motorcycles
- Tricycles
- Unicycles
- Pogo sticks
Additional Items Not to Bring to Disneyland
- Firearms, ammunition, knives and weapons of any kind. This includes any object that appear to be weapons (toy guns, toy blasters, squirt guns, etc.)
- Horns, whistles, megaphones, artificial noise makers
- Fireworks or other flammable/explosive devices, smoke machines and fog machines
- Self-defense equipment (e.g., pepper spray, mace, stun guns)
- Restraining devices (e.g., handcuffs, zip ties) or any suspicious items (e.g., box cutters, razor blades, duct tape, wire)
- Items that may be disruptive (e.g. laser pointers, slingshots, stink bombs, air horns)
- Cremated remains (e.g., urns, vases, boxes)
- Miscellaneous other items (tools, fire extinguishers, musical instruments, pots and pans)
- Wrapped gifts (all gifts must be able to be unwrapped for inspection)
- Items with spikes (e.g. purses, bracelets, etc.)
- Selfie sticks (hand-held extension poles for cameras and mobile devices)
What Else to Bring to Disneyland?
For additional packing tips, check out these additional articles and free printable Disneyland packing lists!
These Disney packing printable checklists are specific to traveling with a baby, pregnant women and children who want to pack for themselves. They offer additional items that vary slightly from the essentials checklist.
What to Bring to Disneyland – Essentials Packing List
If this is your first Disneyland visit, you might be wondering what to pack and what’s allowed inside. In the excitement of an impending trip, it’s easy to forget something during the bustle of Disney packing!
I’ve included here what you should be packing for the day to bring with you inside the parks. A Disneyland packing list will help you stay organized and mindful of exactly what you’ll need. Enjoy this free printable packing checklist for your next Disney trip!
CLICK FOR THE FREE PRINTABLE – Disney Essentials Packing Checklist
Mike @ My Dreams of Disney
Tuesday 17th of January 2017
When we went to Disneyland for the first time in June 2013, I was amazed that it got so cool at night! Bringing a jacket wasn't on my list, so I naturally had to buy one at the gift shop. :)
Great post Julie, lots of great tips!
Julie Bigboy
Wednesday 18th of January 2017
Yes, those cool nights can sneak up on you in SoCal! I'm a Southern California native and have purchased my share of gift shop sweatshirts when I neglected to pack on from home!