Disney Packing List for Kids FREE Printable Checklist

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When traveling with kids, packing for any extended vacation takes advanced planning and organization. For a Disney trip, packing all you need upfront is essential. Most (if not all of your time) will be spend on Resort property. You certainly don't want to have to make a side trip if someone in the family forgets to pack something important. Keep reading for my Disney trip ultimate packing list for kids!

Disney Trip Packing List for Kids

I'm a HUGE list maker! I honestly make lists for everything. It helps me stay organized leading up to a trip, when planning, packing, and yes, even when putting everything back into the suitcase to come home. We don't want to leave anything behind! In my family of 6 (with preschoolers to teens), our family packing list varies for each child.

What should you pack for a Disney vacation?

If you're planning your first trip to Disneyland or visiting Disney World for a first family trip, you'll want to do your advance research and plan ahead. This printable checklist includes the basics. These are the essential items every kid will need for a Disney vacation.

Trip Packing List for Kids

Even with the best laid plans, things can go awry and you forget to pack something! On one Disneyland road trip, my husband put our toddler in the car without his shoes on. It wasn't until we were a block from the Disneyland Resort did we realize that he didn't have any shoes! Quick stop at Target and all was good.

Why should you use a Disney packing list?

The ideal vacation plan avoids extra stops - this Disney trip printable checklist will help you be more organized and prepared! Using a trip packing list for kids from the start helps in the entire vacation planning process.

Traveling to Disney with a baby? Get the details on must-have items for young children in the diaper bag. Check out this free baby travel packing list, just for families Traveling With a Baby in Diapers.

Helpful Packing Tips for Kids

In my family, I pack the suitcases for my two younger kids. And of course I pack my own suitcase, using the printable checklist from this Mom’s Disney Packing List.

Can kids pack their own bags for a Disney vacation?

My ultimate goal is to have my older kids pack their own travel bags. I've created a list that is straightforward and that kids can check-mark off as they go. Nobody will forget their shoes if they follow this list!

Open and print a copy for each child and they'll be prepared to pack up their own Disney vacation bag. Keep reading for the free printable and read all the helpful tips along the way.

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What to Wear at Disney Parks

Depending upon the weather and destination your choice of the best Disney outfits for kids will vary. Quick drying cotton tees and shorts are popular for a reason.

If you can sew or craft, there's nothing like making your own outfits for the kids to wear throughout the trip. I've shared the project details to recreate this unique Disney California Cricut Shirt design.

What clothes are best for kids to pack on a trip?

There's a reminder on the packing checklist to choose comfortable clothing along with broken-in, comfy shoes. Some kids may need additional reminders not to pack too-small outfits, or shoes that are overly soft and falling apart at the seams!

My favorite shoes for younger kids are pediped. They feature flexible but supportive soles and stylish designs. Many are water-resistant (good for rainy weather) and machine-washable as well.

Clothing That Kids Should Pack for a Disney Family Vacation

• Tops - at least two per day
• Bottoms - at least one per day
• Shoes - at least 2 pair of comfortable walking shoes
• Socks - two per day, more for rainy days

• Underwear - at least one per day, more for kids that are newly toilet trained
• Pajamas
• Sweatshirt or jacket, for chilly weather
• Facial masks - optional for airplane travel

Should Kids Pack Costumes for Disney?

Some children really enjoy dressing up for their day in the park. It's a personal choice that can add a certain magic to the vacation when kids are dressed in costume! Should costumes be on a trip packing list for kids?

Who can wear costumes at Disney parks?

Only kids 12 and under can wear costumes daily inside any of the Disney theme parks.

Everyone in the family can dress up in costume for special events like Mickey's Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World or Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure.

Before packing all the super hero costumes and glittery princess dresses, consider a few key points.

• How easily can kids maneuver in their costume? Consider how children will be getting in and out of rides.
• Are the costumes weather appropriate? Children may be overly hot or too cold wearing a costume.

• Will your child want to wear the costume all day, or have a clothing change mid-day?
• Is the costume comfortable? In other words, are your kids going to be whining about too-tight sleeves, tripping over the length, or an itchy neckline?

How can kids get Disney Park head to toe makeovers?

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is an in-park makeover location. Reservations are often difficult to come by and it can be a very costly experience.

If wearing a costume, your child may like to participate in their own DIY Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Try these fun dress-up techniques at the hotel room before heading to the theme parks.

Add items including child-friendly make-up, colorful hair extensions, and nail polish to the Disney packing list for kids.

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Pack Small with Travel Sizes

To save space in the luggage, think small by packing kids travel-sized toiletries. Consider smaller sized travel items that will fit inside a zippered toiletry pouch.

Use a compact hairbrush that folds up or pack a travel sized version to preserve space. I like the Wet Brush Detangler Hair Brush, which is also perfect pool-side brush for combing wet hair.

Use your own body wash, shampoo & conditioner from home. Refill these Leak Proof Silicone Travel Bottles with kid-friendly bath products.

Choose a Travel Toothbrush that folds down compactly to fit inside the pouch. Remind kids with orthodontia to remember to pack their retainer and case!

Pack for a Disney Day at the Pool

Whether your heading to the hotel swimming pool or to one of the Disney World Water Parks, you'll want kids prepared for their day in the water. This includes packing appropriate swim gear, knowing what to bring, and what to leave home.

What items can you leave at home?

No need to bring towels. Towels are available for use at the Disney Resort Swimming Pools or for "rent" at the water parks.

You can also leave the flotation devices at home. Life jackets in multiple sizes are widely available for any child or adult non-swimmer to use, free of charge.

What to pack for kids in a Disney pool bag

• Bathing suit, rash guard (to protect from sun) and a cover up to wear while walking to/from the pool
• Sunscreen with SPF 50 - we loved this Spray Sun Protection for Wet Skin to reapply throughout the day
• Flip-flops, Crocs or water shoes

• Swim diapers, for kids that aren't fully toilet trained
• Detangling hair brush
• Eye drops, as hotels often over-chlorinate the swimming pools
• Swim goggles, ideal for kids who have eyes that are sensitive to chlorine

Keep the Hotel Room Neat and Tidy

Your kids might not keep their bedroom neat at home, but when sharing a hotel room space with others, it's imperative. These organization ideas help my family of 6 stay tidy in the hotel!

What items should we pack to keep hotel rooms organized?

• Designate a spot for luggage. Disney Resort hotels have enough space under the bed for suitcase storage.
• Pack a small pop up mesh hamper for kids to toss their dirty clothes into when they return from the park. Bring a large plastic trash bag to store them in the suitcase on the trip home.

• Use sturdy hanger clips to dry bathing suits in the shower.
• Pack each of your kid's outfits into packing cubes. Simply transfer cubes into hotel room drawers to stay organized.

• Bring these small travel organization boxes to keep on the side tables and TV stand. Store all essentials including MagicBand+, watches, room keys, and wallets in the boxes. This will help to to minimize misplacement throughout the room.
• Pack each child a complete outfit inside zip close bags including socks and hair accessories.

• Pull out everyone's outfits the night before for the next day. Place them on the dresser to minimize a morning scramble.
• Have kids remove shoes at the door and line them up against the wall. This will eliminate the “Where’s my left sandal?!” question in the morning.

• Have kids store their personal toiletries in individual travel toiletry bags. This keeps the bathroom counter neat and tidy. Also nobody will be looking for their toothbrush when you all stagger back to the room late at night.

Children's First Aid Kit

Yes, the Disney parks all have their own first aid stations in case you need additional care, like ice packs. But it's better to have your own basic items quick at hand.

I love having everything in one easy-to-find bag, like this compact clear-front snap-close Disney-themed first aid bag from Ouch Pouch Shoppe on Etsy.

These are a few kid-friendly items to include inside your small first aid kit each day:

• Sunscreen that's age appropriate
• Antacids for tummy aches or nausea
• Children's pain relief, including Tylenol for headaches
• To care for small wounds, bring antiseptic wipes, Neosporin, and waterproof bandages

• Specific medical needs for your child, including teething gel for babies or epi-pen for those who suffer from allergic reactions.
• Bug repellent that's kid-appropriate, like Babyganics Insect Spray. This really helped us avoid mosquito bites on our Orlando trips to the Disney World theme parks.

Packing the Kid's Disney Park Bag

Older kids can carry their own park bag or backpack for each child. Kids older than about 6 yrs old can be responsible for carrying a backpack that holds their supplies for a park day. Find something comfortable that your kids can easily take off by themselves when getting on rides.

Many kids enjoy keeping track of their own snacks, souvenir money, and maps. I know my son is always proud to carry his own Disney bag through the day (so long as it’s not overloaded or too heavy!)

Here are a few ideas on what to pack inside a child's Disney day bag:

• Park tickets and/or MagicBand+ (though if your kid is one to lose things, you might want to keep them yourself)
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho, for rainy weather or on water rides.
• Hat or Mouse Ears - if your kids wear these into the park each day, make sure there’s room in their day bag to store them later.

• Hand sanitizer
• Shout wipes for cleaning spots and stains off clothing
• Wet wipes for cleaning hands and faces after eating

• Snacks and food
• Gum – you won’t find chewing gum anywhere inside the Disney theme parks. Sugar-free gum is a great way to clean teeth after eating so bring it with you in the kid's day bag.
• Bottled water, sippy cup, or refillable water bottles

• Autograph book and pen for character meet 'n greets - A clickable Sharpie marker is best!
• Lanyard for pin trading
• Portable games or activities, like this Disney Eye Found It card game

• Sunglasses
• Touring books, like how to find Hidden Mickey images throughout the parks
• Cooling Towel or misting fan

• Cell phone with external battery charger and cord- Charge phones fully each night, then also charge a separate portable phone charger to recharge in the parks.

If your kids have a cell phone, ensure that Life360 app is added. You'll be able to find them via the app GPS if you get separated.

This Fuel Rod is the same that are sold in the Disney parks, for a fraction of the cost! You can still swap them out in the theme parks as needed.

• Glow sticks are fun to have at night. Also, wearing glow jewelry helps you track kids easier in the theme parks once the sun goes down!
• Disney gift cards make shopping on a budget easier. Purchase a gift card in a set amount, then allow kids to make their own souvenir purchases.

Book Disney Vacations with Peace of Mind

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Disney Kid’s Packing Checklist Printable

Ready to let the kids pack their own Disney luggage and park bag? This ultimate Disney packing list for kids will allow you to remember everything needed to bring on a vacation. Click here for your FREE Disney Trip Kids Packing List!

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Click through for more Disney vacation tips!

• Pregnant at Disneyland packing list of essential needs
• The Delightful Life | Disney Character Locations & Tips
• Mom's Packing list for Disney

This article was first published on Sept 16th, 2015 and has been updated and republished with a new date.

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