20 Things to bring to the Magic Kingdom
Wondering which things to bring to the Magic Kingdom? Or perhaps another theme park?
You don’t want to bring too much and carry it around all day. There are a few small items that will save you some serious cash and make your day much smoother. Nothing is worse than having to make an unexpected overpriced purchase.
Our family has spent many days at the Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, and other theme parks. Here are some of our favorite things to bring to the Magic Kingdom and other theme parks.
1. Stroller
If you have children small enough to ride in one of these, bring it. Even if your kid is a little bit too big for it, it can come in handy. There is a LOT of walking in theme parks. Your kids will appreciate being able to take a seat now and then. It is also a great place to store your jackets, water bottles, and snacks.
2. Your tickets
Make sure you purchase your tickets online, as well as reserve your spot at the park you want to visit on your chosen day. And don’t forget to bring your tickets with you. Disney World now has a limit for how many visitors are allowed in each park per day. If you do not reserve your spot ahead of time, you may not be able to get in.
Most other theme parks also offer ticket purchases online. Many time the tickets are priced a bit lower online than at the gate, so we always recommend buying tickets ahead.
3. Character T-shirts
This isn’t as important at other theme parks, but if you are visiting a Disney park, wear character clothing. Ideally, a character T-shirt. If you or your kids have some at home, pack it on your trip. If you don’t, try to visit a store when you arrive in the Disney vicinity. Even the big box stores in the area will have a variety of inexpensive Disney clothes. Your kids will LOVE getting to pick out and wear a new shirt to the park.
In the past, we have found the discount shirts to be just as cute as the more expensive ones inside the park. Not spending so much time browsing stores inside the park can also give you more time to ride more rides during the day.
Bonus: Ideas for where to stay during your vacation.
4. Waist or fanny packs
Essential item right here. This is my favorite, of all the things to bring to the Magic Kingdom. We have found these to be the best at holding important items, such as phones, credit cards, theme park tickets, cash, etc. You are able to wear it around your waist and keep it on while you ride rides, keeping your small valuables safe all day long.
Having your ID, cash, cards, tickets, phone, or needed medications strapped right to your body allows you the freedom to roam around the park and ride all of the attractions without worrying about losing your important belongings.
5. Phone/camera
Usually this is the same device these days. Your phone will help you communicate with any members of your group that go a different direction.
The camera is necessary to document those amazing memories. You can even use it to get photos with your favorite characters.
If your kids have access to a phone, even an older one that doesn’t have service, they will have a great time taking photos of their own of whatever they like as you make your way through the park.
Make sure you download the Disney World or Disneyland app to your phone before you go. It has maps, wait times for attractions, and so much more. We found the app to be super convenient.
6. Protein bars or granola bars
Toss a couple of these into each person’s fanny pack. It will help keep everyone from getting hangry during the day, and doesn’t take up a lot of space. You can even just eat one of these while standing in a long line.
7. Broken in shoes
Don’t wear those cute new shoes to a theme park. You will be doing a LOT of walking and it will be so much more fun if you don’t have blisters on your feet! Ask me how I know. I have had a blister or two from walking around a theme park. You are better off wearing your old worn out tennis shoes. Trust me on this.
It is especially useful NOT to have blisters on your feet if you plan to visit the parks a second day.
8. Water bottles
Bring a water bottle for everyone. Small disposable ones are best. You can either refill them, or just throw them away when they are empty.
If you have a stroller with you, then you will be able to bring larger bottles that you won’t have to carry around.
Just remember, whatever style or size, to bring plastic bottles. Glass bottles are not allowed inside the park.
9. Sunglasses for Parents and Kids
If you wear sunglasses regularly, bring some to the parks. For the kids, a cheap pair will do. Especially since they possibly might lose them at some point.
10. Disney Mouse Ears
Mouse ears are super popular. They are also super expensive and an item that your child won’t likely wear any other time. Especially if you have girls in your group, they will want cute ears. There are so many different colors and styles available these days. Even your teens and adults will want a pair to wear.
Ears also make the photos you take so much more festive.
Buy these at the discount or big box store when you buy your T-shirts. If you have boys, buy hats instead of headbands.
Want to buy them before you go to save some time? There are even some cute ones available online.
11. Rain poncho or jacket
Check the weather carefully. If there is any chance of it being cool or rainy, you will be glad you brought these. Rain ponchos can be purchased at the Dollar Tree and are in very tiny packages. If you need to use them, you can just throw them away when you are finished.
It rains often in Florida. Quite often.
12. Sandwiches
We usually buy only one meal per day at the parks. If you plan to stay all day, a sandwich can help everyone make it through the day, especially since we also bring the protein or granola bars mentioned above.
Another great option to bring along for the kids is the Mickey Mouse shaped goldfish crackers.
13. Sunscreen
If you are not used to being out in the sun all day, or if your family burns easily, make sure to pack a tiny sized sunscreen in your waist pack.
14. Lip balm
Being outside all day can really chap your lips. Not to mention, they will be getting a lot of sun exposure. Keep your lip balm in your waist pack with your sunscreen.
15. Extra clothes for small children
You know kids, they can make a mess. Since they are tiny, their clothes don’t take up a lot of space. It is well worth it to have an extra set just in case.
16. Glow sticks or small light up toys
Stop by the dollar store and grab a couple of cheap light up toys, or even a pack of glow sticks, or both. You can give your kids something new and fun to play with after dark that doesn’t cost you a fortune. Keep these secretly stowed until after dark. Your kids will love the surprise.
17. Autograph books and cool pens
These can be purchased ahead at the dollar store or big box store. You only need these if your family plans on meeting characters. The kids will love having the characters sign their books.
If you don’t end up meeting many characters, the kids can even entertain themselves by drawing in their books during down time.
18. Cards
We prefer to bring a debit or credit card along to the park just in case, or to use to buy lunch. Keep it in your fanny pack with your park tickets.
19. Pain reliever or allergy meds
If a member of your group deals with pain, headaches, or allergies often, make sure to bring a few pain reliever pills or their allergy medication. This is especially important if you use a prescription medication, or one that is not extremely popular and easy to find.
It isn’t necessary to bring extra first aid items with you to most theme parks. Disney parks, and all of the them parks we have visited, have first aid stations that you can utilize if someone gets hurt or needs a band aid during the day.
20. Hand sanitizer and wipes
You will be touching a lot of surfaces. Yes, they have soap and water, and sanitizer available at the park. We prefer to have some of our own along just in case we need it in a location that is not near what is provided. You just never know when you will need it.
Bonus Item: Your good attitude
This is the most important item to bring! The Magic Kingdom is magical all on its own. However, when thinking of things to bring to the Magic Kingdom, make sure to bring your best attitude for the day. Things will get crazy at some point. That is part of the magic, and part of the fun memories of your day.
*Affiliate Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, at no cost to you, I earn a very small amount from qualifying purchases.
