What to Bring into the Disney Parks in 2021

Much has changed at Walt Disney World in this year. We are giving you some of our favorite tips on what you need to have with you while visiting Disney. Some of them are things that we've suggested for years--comfortable shoes and sunglasses--while others are more relevant for now--masks and phone chargers.

1. Good Walking Shoes

If you are making this a big trip, as in you aren’t a local who visits multiple times a year, you are probably going to want to see quite a bit of the parks while you are there. That means you are definitely going to be walking a lot. Many guests walk anywhere from 6-10 miles per day, depending on how active they are and how well they planned their visit within the park. Walking shoes are going to be your very best friends while doing all of this walking.

2. A Park Bag

With all of the things we are going to suggest to you, it would benefit you to have one place to carry these things. The more stuff you have to keep track of, the more likely you will lose something along the way.

3. Water

Now, the many of the restaurants in Walt Disney World will provide free water for you. However, this water is often in open, plastic cups. It makes carrying the water a bit hard to do. We suggest having a water bottle with you that you can refill throughout the day.

4. Sunscreen

The Florida heat gets HOT. Disney does a pretty good job of providing covered areas and shade through the areas. Still, there are spaces that are right out in the open sun (we are looking at you, World Showcase). You are going to want that extra protection.

5. Hat/Sunglasses

Same reasoning as for packing sunscreen, that Florida sun is bright and hot. Make sure you have a preferred way of shielding you eyes so that you can enjoy all of the spectacular views, especially those magical, Disney parades.

6. Ponchos

On the flip side, Florida is known for having rain showers almost instantaneously. The skies open, out pours the rain, and then it clears. Crazy. Disney does sell ponchos on site, but we will warn you that they are higher priced than something you would find outside of the parks. To save you a bit of money, just plan to pack a couple in your bag and pull them out when needed.

7. Ziploc Bags

These ziploc bags can be a lifewsaver in the parks. Whether it did just storm on you or you are planning to ride a water ride like Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids, these bags will save your valuables. Just slide your phone inside for the duration of the ride and you are good to go!

8. Extra Socks

Again, this ties into the points made above here. When that water ride hits you with a massive bucket of water, you’ll be a very sad theme park guests when you have to slosh around in wet socks for the rest of the day. Not to mention the blisters! Take our advice and pack just one pair of extra socks. Your feet will thank you

9. Extra Face Masks

And now for a pandemic tip. We know that Disney is now requiring all guests to wear face masks. These are the official kind that go under the chin and don’t hang like a bandana while also having ear loops. With Florida being so hot, it is very easy to get those masks all sweaty and gross pretty quickly. And one splash of water from a ride will also do in that mask. You’ll do best to have a few extra of those in your park bag and also packed back at the hotel for the next days.

10. Phone Charger

Disney is constantly upgrading their guest experience, making it more intuitive, modern, and simple for their guests. One of those things is adding quite a bit of the experience to your phone. Now, we book dining reservations, check into your hotel room, look at wait times, and scan into the park all through your phone. This naturally drains the battery even faster. Having a phone charger will come in handy during your trip to Disney

And there you go! Our best tips for what to bring into the parks on your Disney vacation. We hope that helps you. As always, friend, let us know if there is any other way we can help you.

If you need help booking and planning your Disney vacation, Amanda is an affiliate of MEI Travel, a fee-free concierge service that helps you plan your trip to Disney. Visit here to begin booking your trip!