There’s always a great reason to go to Disney, but knowing what to bring to Disneyland can make your trip that much more memorable. Annual pass holders, road trippers, far and away travelers, and staycationers flock to Anaheim, California with eagerness and excitement. For many, it’s a return trip to capture nostalgic magic and for others it’s the very first visit. With just a little bit of preparation, your dream trip can be everything you imagined and more! Here’s a list of what to pack to Disneyland to make your visit easier, more fun, and stress free.
Packing List: What To Bring To Disneyland
1. Battery Pack/Charger
Being at 4% as you enter the It’s a Small World ride is not how you want to start your visit. Pack an extra battery, charger and cord just to be sure. It’s not fun to leave your place in line to buy an extra battery pack when you’re up next to snap a photo with Minnie. To be extra prepared, purchase an inexpensive burner phone with a decent camera. What will you do if you drop and break your phone while trying to climb into the Dumbo ride?
2. Water
Freezing water bottles the night before is a popular choice, but the extra weight and mess might not be so attractive. Some people like to pack Hydro flasks and others prefer something lighter like a collapsible water bottle. Try your dollar store for inexpensive options. Make sure you pack enough for each in your party or until your next mealtime. Tired toddles and cranky teens most likely won’t want to share.
3. Sunscreen /Hats/Sunglasses
The So Cal sun can be tough if you’re waiting 60 minutes in line for the Peter Pan ride without any shade for relief. Pack a few travel size sunscreens. Don’t forget your sunnies! It’s easy for guests to lose their new Quay sunglasses riding through Thunder Mountain, so don’t forget your Croakies either! Hats work great. We recommend ball caps with a net back for extra protection and air circulation.
4. Comfortable Backpack/ Fanny Pack/ Disposable bags
Backpacks are easy to carry and far less likely to forget and leave behind. Disposable bags and Ziplock bags are handy for organizing your backpack or storing unfinished candy and food for later. Draw string backpacks are easy, but a heavily packed one will soon hurt as the strings dig into your shoulders. It’s definitely not the 80s, but fanny packs are so practical. You won’t need to place your purse on the wet, germy seats. You’ve seen guests step directly on the boat seats in the Pirates of The Caribbean ride right? Yuk! Tip: You can use both a backpack for snacks and extra layers and your fanny pack for fast access to your phone and money. You won’t need to swing your backpack around and rummage through it for your phone while Captain Hook and Maleficent walk straight toward you in Fantasyland. You won’t miss the money shot this time.
5. Mini First Aid Kit/ Prescriptions/ Pain reliver
You’ve got the first row saved for the last Parade of the night, walking to First Aid for Advil can be avoided if you remembered to bring a few. Bringing band aids for blisters or small cuts and single use Neosporin individual packets is super convenient. Always consider bringing enough medication for your length of stay. Tip: Packing travel size Tums and Pepto Bismol can really come in handy if you develop an upset stomach from all the gluttonous goodies.
6. Cash / New Pennies
Have cash. Many outside vendors selling souvenirs, snacks, and beverages ONLY accept cash. If you’re out of cash, then you will need to go inside a store to purchase these items. Disneyland has many “penny press” machines featuring unique images and Disney characters. Each machine costs .50 cents, so don’t forget to bring plenty of quarters. They make great gifts, too! Tip; Ask the bank for shiny new pennies. Older and dark pennies will produce images that aren’t clear, and the words will be illegible.
7. Hand Sanitizer/ Disinfecting Wipes / Tissue
Hand sanitizer is another must pack for traveling to Disneyland. You will be touching high contact surfaces all day long. Hand sanitizer gel or spray is quick and easy without the need to hang on to dirty wipes while you make your way slowly up to the first drop on Space Mountain.
8. Autograph Book
Trust us, once your kids and tweens see the characters, they will want an autograph. Purchase before your visit to Disneyland. Again, cruise your dollar store for Disney themed notebooks or journals and whimsical pens for fun. We recommend investing in a book that holds both photos and has plenty of space for signatures.
9. Disposable Ponchos
Bringing a poncho for possible rain is smart. Several rides are certain to get riders wet, too. Ponchos and single use slickers are easier than cumbersome umbrellas.
10. Glow Sticks/Small toys/Special Treats
You can save a bundle if you plan and pack a few fun trinkets for your little ones. Just before the sun sets, cast members begin to roll out exorbitantly priced glowing toys. Shop your discount stores for creative alternatives like glow sticks and accessories. You will save the day with a pack of ninety-nine cent swirling lollipops or a shiny Hot Wheels car to avoid spending a small fortune on plush toys. Bring along some special candy or treats that you reserve for special occasions only. Favorites like snack size skittles, gummies and cotton candy in containers are top picks. Many grocery stores carry organic and real fruit options.
11. Stroller
If you have kids, then next to your entrance ticket, this is a must have. Disneyland does offer stroller rentals, but it is far easier to have your own folding stroller. Select an easy model with a cupholder and if it doesn’t have an under storage, BRING an attachable bag for holding snacks, drinks, and stuff.
12. Pocket Size Travel Blanket
Bring a painter’s plastic cloth or blanket to help protect from a filthy floor and to designate your space from interlopers while you wait for the parade to start. It will mitigate any confusion as to where you and your group have marked your spot. This is a game changer tip!
13. Extra Layers/Comfy Shoes
Nighttime at Disneyland can get chilly. Pack a light windbreaker, scarf, or sweatshirt. Bringing tights for your little princess to wear under her gown, as the evening cools, is a great idea. Pack extra socks to keep warm or just in case water rides soak yours. It’s best not to wear new shoes or high heels. It’s a long day of walking and what feels great at 8am will be punishment at 12pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Disneyland check your bags?
Disneyland uses scanners that guests walk through but also reserves the right to apply additional screening/security checks to bags, parcels, clothing and other items.
Does Disneyland require see through bags?
Disneyland has no clear bag policy but all persons, bags, and other items may be subject to screening and security checks.
Can I take a backpack into Disneyland?
Guest can bring backpacks, coolers, and bags but they can be no larger than 24” long by 15” wide by 18” high. Suitcases, bags, coolers or backpacks, with or without wheels, larger than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high (61 cm x 38 cm x 46 cm) are not allowed.
Can I bring a tripod or monopod?
Tripods or monopod stands that can fit inside a standard backpack or that extend less than 6’ (182 cm) are allowed.
Can I bring a folding chair to Disneyland?
Folding chairs are not allowed into Disneyland.
Can I bring a wagon to Disneyland?
Wagons of any type are not allowed including stroller wagons and collapsible wagons. Strollers are allowed.
Can I bring a skateboard or a scooter to Disneyland?
Nonmotorized, motorized or electric scooters and skateboards are not allowed inside the park. Bikes, motocycles, tricycles, unicycles, Segways and pogo sticks are also prohibited.
Can I bring or wear in-line skates and shoes with built-in wheels?
In-line skates and shoes with built-in wheels cannot be worn at Disneyland.
Can I bring a drone to Disneyland?
Drones are not allowed to be brought into Disneyland and FAA regulations prohibit a drone or anything else to fly below 3,000 feet and within 3 miles of Disneyland.
Can I bring an umbrella into Disneyland?
Umbrellas are allowed inside the Disneyland and also are available for purchase year-round inside the park. On rainy days, most of the stores along Buena Vista Street and Main Street, U.S.A. will also offer ponchos and umbrellas.
Can I bring a dog or pet to Disneyland?
Service animals are allowed not dogs or any other pets. Pets guests bring must be kept at an on-site kennel. Emotional support, comfort or companion animals, are not considered service animals and thus not allowed.
Can I bring a wrapped gift into Disneyland?
All gifts must be unwrapped in order to be screened by security.
Are you allowed to bring food into Disney?
Guests are allowed to bring outside food and nonalcoholic beverage items into Disneyland for self-consumption, provided they are not in glass containers and do not require heating, reheating, processing, refrigeration or temperature control and do not have pungent odors.
Can you bring McDonalds into Disneyland?
McDonald’s and other fast food can be brought into Disneyland for self-consumption, provided the food does not require heating, reheating, processing, refrigeration or temperature control and do not have pungent odors.
How much does it cost to bring food into Disneyland?
There is no cost to bring food or drinks into Disneyland for self-consumption.
Can I bring Ziploc bags to Disneyland?
Ziploc bags are allowed with food as long as they do not require heating, reheating, processing, refrigeration or temperature control and do not have pungent odors.
Can I bring a full Hydroflask to Disneyland?
Hydroflask water bottles are allowed in Disneyland.
Can I bring a water backpack to Disneyland?
Hydration backpacks, camelbacks and similar are allowed into Disneyland.
Does Disneyland have water refill stations?
Bottle-filling stations are available at select locations. Water fountains can also be found throughout the Resort, including outside of most restrooms. Disposable cups can be requested at restaurants or snack shops—at no extra charge.
Can you bring prescription medication into Disneyland?
Any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can be brought into the resort but it is recommended to leave them in their original labeled bottles.
Can you bring Tylenol, Advil or Excedrin into Disneyland?
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can be brought into the resort but it is recommended to leave them in their original labeled bottles.
Can I bring Cremated Ashes into Disneyland?
Urns, vases, boxes, and any containers containing cremated remains are prohibited. Spreading cremated remains is strictly prohibited and also unlawful.
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