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7 Packing Necessities for Walt Disney World with Toddlers

My family has gone on a Walt Disney World vacation with babies, toddlers, preschoolers, tweens, and teens. As a family of 7, we have had many magical firsts. With all that magic, you also have to be prepared to travel with young children.  Traveling to Disney World with toddlers can sometimes can be tricky, but these 7 packing necessities for Disney World with toddlers can be helpful.

First Disney haircut at Harmony Barbershop

Packing for Disney World With Toddlers

So what should you pack when traveling to Disney World with toddlers? Things can differ with travel by airplane or by car, but we usually travel by plane. If I was driving, I would probably throw everything in the car, but here’s a good list to start with and things that saved us on our Walt Disney World trips.

Disney World Packing Tips for Toddlers

Snacks

Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or automobile, snacks are a necessity for all children – at least all of mine! Without fail, within the first 10 minutes of departing, the first question is, “Can I have a snack?” I put a few snacks in a Ziploc bag for travel, but also for park days. You never know when you’ll need them, but it’s always best to be prepared. My ‘ol standby is a lollipop. Yes, I will bribe my child with candy, thank you very much. But I also add in their favorite healthier snacks, too.

Snacks are always a necessity when packing for Walt Disney World with toddlers

Baby Wipes

I always carry baby wipes with me. Even to this day, my children are out of diapers, but my purse and suitcase will always have some, and I’ve helped out fellow passengers and guests in a jam. When traveling to Disney World with toddlers, they are a must! Sticky hands + rides are not a good combination.

I use them for everything from wiping down surfaces on an airplane to washing hands off of each attraction to wiping faces from eating all the delicious foods at Walt Disney World! Um, yes you will have ice cream running down your face, and you’ll probably have sticky syrup hands  from eating Mickey Waffles for breakfast. 

I throw a tub in my regular suitcase and a refillable pouch in my carry-on and park bag. 

Huggies Resealable Pouch

Diapers/Pull-ups/GoodNites

I always stuff diapers, Pull-ups, Goodnites, or underwear in between all the empty spaces in my suitcase. My kids aren’t in diapers anymore, but it’s always a good idea to have extras on hand. They sell some on property, but they’re expensive. Also, throw in a plastic bag in case they want to get wet at some of the water attractions and need a quick change.

Huggies Good Nites are great for toddlers who aren't nighttime potty trained yet.

Extra Change of Clothes

Speaking of water attractions…aside from packing each day’s clothes in a separate gallon-sized Ziploc bag, I also carry an extra change of clothes in my carry-on bag as well as a diaper bag or backpack that I bring to the park. Toddlers are unpredictable. There may be a potty accident, a complete food spillage, a “I don’t want to wear my Princess dress anymore” declaration, or they may just want to play in Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in Magic Kingdom Park. So I throw in a t-shirt, shorts, diaper/underwear, and a pair of socks, and it doesn’t take up much room and can lie flat.

Favorite Toy

I bring my child’s favorite toy or stuffed animal to remind them of the comforts of home. It functions as a travel buddy and a sleeping buddy. Don’t forget to leave extra space in your suitcase to bring new friends home. There are plenty to choose from in the shops around Walt Disney World or grab some inexpensive ones at the best Disney outlets by Walt Disney World

Minnie Mouse always comes with us to Walt Disney World

Disposable Sippy Cups and Placemats

These are my favorite for traveling, especially air travel. When the free drinks come around, I grab a cup out of my carry-on and pour it into one with a lid. They are especially great for using inside the theme parks, too.

When my little one is in a stroller, I can grab a cup of water from a quick-service dining location, pour it into the sippy cup, and not have to worry about spills. My little one is independent and hydrated.

Disposable placemats are also a must for eating at quick-service and table-service dining locations. These little beauties definitely come in handy. They are small, fold easily, and make eating fun and clean. I use them on an airplane tray and when at Walt Disney World restaurants.

You peel off the sticky side and stick them to the table. My little ones usually just like to eat off the table with some finger foods, so now I don’t have to worry about what else is on the table or the mess they’re making. When you’re done, you just throw it in the trash.

Portable Fan

Disney World in Florida can get hot, really hot. They sell spray fans in the parks and kids will probably want them, but they can also be bulky and expensive. They sell inexpensive hand-held portable fans (affiliate link) on Amazon that are nice for an extra cool down. 

They even have stroller fans for little ones who need a break or are taking a nap in the stroller. 

 

One question my friends always ask me is if taking little ones to Walt Disney World is worth it. I can truly answer, “100%, YES!” Does it take some preparation? Sure. 

Packing essentials for toddlers at Disney World

Happy toddler at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is where we can be anything we want to be – pirates, princesses, Jedis, or rebels. It’s here where my family laughs together, plays together, have adventures together, and act like kids together.

It’s where my 12-year-old still holds my hand, where my 9-year-old wants me to try Expedition Everest for my “first,” because I’m a ride chicken, where my 8-year-old wants me to sit next to her on Dumbo the Flying Elephant, where my 6-year-old wants me to dance with The Incredibles with her, and where my 4-year-old wants me to take her to each Disney character collecting autographs. Now that’s magic.

Pirates and Pals at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Now that we’ve got the essentials packed for Disney World with toddlers, my little Jedi and I will race you to the castle!

Homemade Princess Leia Costume

 

The best packing tips when traveling with toddlers to Walt Disney World! 7 things to pack that were lifesavers when I travel with little ones to all the Disney theme parks.

Best Rides, Parks, and Tips for Disney World With Toddlers

Monday 9th of July 2018

[…] Some may say that toddlers won’t remember their vacations. This may be true, but I’ll sure remember that joy in my toddler’s eyes when she meets Mickey Mouse or when she shot an arrow waiting for Merida. It’s the extra touches that makes planning for toddlers at Disney World fun! Check out my 7 packing list for Disney World and toddlers. […]

jaime

Wednesday 28th of September 2016

These are great packing tips and I agree 100% on snacks and wipes, lol. Oh and toys. Gotta keep them entertained!

Robin Rue

Wednesday 28th of September 2016

Walt Disney World is one of my favorite places. These are all super important items to make your trip a success with toddlers.

Liz Mays

Tuesday 27th of September 2016

Snacks and wipes, yes! 100% right on that! I like the placemat idea too actually.

Chelley @ A is For Adelaide

Tuesday 27th of September 2016

These are great tips for packing! Looks like you had it all- and you had the perfect theme throughout!