Top 5 Must-Have Items To Pack for Disneyland

Every trip involves a packing list. But these are not your basic packing items. These are ESSENTIALS. (I’d like to think you know to pack your toothbrush and deodorant)

When planning a vacation to Disneyland, there are certain items that can make or break your trip. In my experience, these items are the things that can be game changers in allowing you to maximize your time and really be able to spend all day in the parks.

Here are my Top 5 Must-Have Items to Pack for Disneyland.

To be clear, I’ve used every single product below and have had great success in the parks with them all. So if you’re unsure what to bring, keep reading.

 

1. Shoes

I used to hate wearing tennis shoes to the parks because I felt they made my feet hot, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve seen the light. They are definitely the way to go.

The type of shoe you wear is definitely up to you, but go with something that has plenty of padding and support. I wear these Nike Roshes and have been really happy with them. They are pretty lightweight and though they aren’t water resistant, they dry quickly since they are made with a mesh instep.

If I do decide to wear flip-flops, I love my Tevas. They offer the most support of any flip-flop I’ve ever worn. They are seriously like Heaven for your feet. I’ve worn my Tevas for years and have loved every second of it. They are durable, supportive, water-proof and cute. In other words, great for Disney. Teva also offers more durable sandals such as this.

Other shoe brands good for Disneyland are:

• Crocs
• New Balance
• Chacos
• Abeo

2. Skincare

One of my main concerns when going to Disneyland is the sun. I have very fair skin, and am especially prone to sunburn. I am from New Mexico, so strong UV rays are no stranger to me and I think I’ve finally figured out the best products to use to avoid sunburn while maintaining a healthy skincare regimen.

My first step is to use a face moisturizer with an SPF of about 30. Most suncare moisturizers will have at least SPF 15. My favorite is the Classic Sunscreen moisturizer by COOLA. It goes on nice and light and has a refreshing cucumber scent. It makes a great base layer for your suncare.

Next I use the Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch with SPF 100. I know this seems like an extreme amount of SPF, but it gets the job done and I can last all day in the sun without worrying about sunburn. I put it on underneath my makeup as to avoid a greasy or oily appearance. That said, the best part about this sunscreen is that it doesn’t go on thick or greasy at all. 

3. Light Jacket

 

Like New Mexico, Southern California is a desert climate. This means it gets super hot during the day, and much more chilly once the sun sets. I always bring some sort of light jacket I can fold up and keep on me for those magical Disney nights. I got this one at the Magic Kingdom last year.

I also like some sort of light windbreaker such as this Northface one.

4. Cross-Body Bag

The cross-body bag is key. I’ve done days in Disney before with a standard purse, and let me tell you, it’s a huge pain having to keep it on your shoulder all day.

The cross-body offers a more hands-free experience, and typically holds more pockets for better storage. I use the Vera Bradley Hipster every time I go. It’s cute, lightweight, durable, and has tons of storage to ensure you can carry everything you need for a full day in the parks.

It can hold up to two small jackets, perfect for Josh and me

 

5. Dramamine

 

 I know this will not apply to everyone, but it certainly applies to me. I get motion sickness, and one tablet of this stuff is the difference between a happy day or a pretty bad one. It works wonders as a preventative measure, so taking one in the morning can help avoid an upset stomach later in the day. It definitely gives me the confidence to go on any and every ride I want with no fear of getting sick

Bonus – Dapper Day 

This year I’m going to my very first Dapper Day event, so I’ve been preparing my outfit as a new must-have item. Josh and I are using clothes that are already in our closet and sprucing them up with some dapper styling.

For me, I’ve chosen an A-line cocktail dress from JCrew with some retro inspired accessories. Again, I’ve taken special care to find some supportive shoes, and have been really pleased with these Josef Seibel ballet flats. They have extra padding and a non-skid sole, made to be durable for travel activities and lots of walking. I like that they look cute and classic, so I can also wear them outside of Dapper Day.

I’m planning on a 1960s style French twist and will be sporting some retro makeup.

For Josh, we went with a Vintage inspired John Varvatos sport coat (similar) and a basic dress shirt. Josh really likes playing with patterns, so he decided to go with a checked shirt. He’s wearing his Lulu Lemon khaki pants and Blue Suede Shoes. Nothing more dapper than that, right?

I’ll be posting a recap of our Dapper Day experience and plan on taking lots of photos for future posts!

 Tell me what your Disneyland Must-Have Items are!

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