11 Must-Have Essentials Parents Need for a Disney World Vacation
If you’ve ever traveled with kids, you know that it’s NOT for the faint of heart.
Even in Disney World — where magic is real and almost everything is designed with children in mind — parenting isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
Photo: Disney
Fortunately, if you’re planning a Disney World vacation with little ones in tow, just a BIT of extra planning can ensure that your trip is as stress-free and seamless as possible.
Sure, you’ve already packed your bags with all the basic essentials, but if you don’t have these must-have parent essentials in YOUR arsenal, it’s time to fill up that Amazon cart!
Photo: Disney
Let’s check it out!
11 Must-Have Essentials Parents Need for a Disney World Vacation
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something, we may earn a commission.
1. Stroller
If you’re taking on Disney World with little ones in tow, your number one accessory is your STROLLER. While strollers are available for rent inside the parks, bringing your own means more comfort, extra flexibility, and the ability to use your stroller around your Disney resort.
Photo: DisneyTripGuide.com
When selecting a stroller for your Disney World vacation, be sure to choose a stroller that fits within Disney’s size restrictions. In case you missed it, strollers MUST be 31″ wide and 52″ long or smaller.
For a single child, the Summer Infant 3D Light Convenience Stroller is compact, lightweight, and easy on the wallet.
Photo: Amazon
Need a double? We love the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller — it folds down in one easy step, making it perfect for getting on and off of any Disney transportation.
Photo: Amazon
Click here to order the Summer Infant 3D Light Convenience Stroller or the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller!
2. Stroller Cover
So you’ve got the right stroller — now you need the right stroller accessories. Obviously, there are all kinds of bells and whistles you can add to your stroller. But in Disney World, there’s nothing as important as a stroller cover!
Photo: Amazon
We like this Bemece Stroller Cover to keep your stroller safe and dry – but you’ll need to check the measurements to be sure it fits your stroller.
Order the Bemece Stroller Cover here!
3. Ziploc Bags
Ziploc bags are one of those unexpected items I always recommend for a Disney World vacation. But if you’re a parent traveling with kids, those handy little bags are even MORE useful.
Photo: Amazon
My family uses them to save extra snacks, store a change of clothes in the park bag, and keep our belongings dry on water rides.
Photo: Disney
But if one of your kids is still in diapers, Ziploc bags come in REALLY handy when it comes to diaper disposal. Remember, Disney World hotel rooms don’t come with a Diaper Genie — Ziploc bags are essential in keeping your room clean and smelling fresh until housekeeping arrives.
Order Ziploc bags here!
4. Mattress Pad & Crib Sheets
If your child still sleeps in a crib, your Disney World resort can provide a crib or Pack-n-Play (along with crib sheets!) for your little one. But to ensure a good night’s sleep, it’s always a good idea to bring your own bed linens.
We like to bring our own crib sheet, like these Blissful Diary Muslin Crib Sheets.
Photo: Amazon
We also usually bring a mattress pad — like the Yoofoss Waterproof Quilted Crib Mattress — for added cushion and comfort.
Photo: Amazon
Order the Blissful Diary Muslin Crib Sheets and the Yoofoss Waterproof Quilted Crib Mattress here!
5. Extra Snacks
Hangry kids are a parent’s worst nightmare. While there are some seriously incredible snacks around every corner in Disney World, sometimes a tried-and-true favorite is all that you need!
Mickey Pretzel in Magic Kingdom
Whether you’re headed to the parks or to dinner, be sure to pack some of your kid’s favorite portable snacks. We like these GoGo Squeeze Applesauce Fruit Pouches…
Photo: Amazon
…and Gerber Baby Puffs for our youngest travelers.
Photo: Amazon
Order the GoGo Squeeze Applesauce Fruit Pouches and Gerber Baby Puffs here!
6. First Aid Kit and Over-the-Counter Medications
If you need First Aid or medication in Disney World, there are plenty of places to find help. Still, for minor ailments, it’s much more convenient to have a basic First Aid kit on hand. We start with this Johnson & Johnson Bandaid Portable First Aid Kit…
Photo: Amazon
…and then add common over-the-counter medications like Children’s Tylenol and Pepto Kids Chewable Tablets.
Click here to order the Johnson & Johnson Bandaid Portable First Aid Kit!
7. Tablet
I know, I know — kids probably shouldn’t need screens in Disney World. But the truth is, a tablet can come in very handy when your kid is overwhelmed, overtired, and you’re JUST trying to get through dinner!
Photo: Amazon
With its durable case and an endless array of games, activities, and books, we always count on our Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet to save our sanity in a pinch.
Order the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet here!
8. Small, Portable Toys or Activities
Of course, a tablet isn’t your only option to keep your kid entertained. Coloring books, crayons, and other small toys can be helpful during your plane or car ride, at restaurants, or during downtime in the hotel room.
Photo: Amazon
We like simple activities like sticker books and card games like the Ravensburger Disney Eye Found It! Card Game.
Get the Ravensburger Disney Eye Found It! Card Game here!
9. Noise Machine
Unsurprisingly, a good night’s rest is key to a successful day in Disney World — especially when you’re traveling with kids! With the Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine, you’ll drown out the hotel buzz and ensure that the whole family is rested in the morning.
Photo: Amazon
Get the Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine here!
10. Sanitizer
It’s no secret that kids are, for lack of a better word…kind of disgusting. They touch things, lick things, and pick up germs EVERYWHERE. So clearly, hand sanitizer is a non-negotiable park bag essential.
Honestly, you don’t need anything fancy, but we’re partial to Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray.
Photo: Amazon
Not only do they smell fantastic, but they’re SUPER gentle on little hands, so you’ll limit the dryness and skin irritation that comes with frequent sanitizing.
Click here to order Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray!
11. ALL THE WIPES
Kids and wipes go together like peanut butter and jelly, so we always keep a stash of wipes in our park bags to clean up messy hands and remove those CONSTANT ketchup stains! We love fragrance-free, travel-sized Wet Ones Hand Wipes for general messes…
Photo: Amazon
…and Tide to Go Stain Wipes to keep our kids’ clothes stain-free.
Photo: Amazon
Click here to order the Wet Ones Hand Wipes and the Tide to Go Stain Wipes!
Ready to Tackle Disney World with Your Family?
MickeyTravels can help! Their talented agents will help you plan a magical Disney vacation at no extra cost to you!
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As always, stay tuned to MickeyBlog for all the latest Disney Parks news!
