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I try to be as prepared for a Disney trip as possible. I read lots of other blogs and I’ve been enough times that I like to think I have a good idea of what I need to bring and do. However, I’m always discovering new ways to make life in the parks easier. Sometimes I’ll observe another guest with a great idea, or I’ll think of something myself. So I thought it could be useful if I shared with you these Disney tips you didn’t think of! Or probably didn’t think of 😉 If you did, or have any others, let me know in the comments below!
Pack a foldable laundry basket
I have a mini laundry basket that folds up and takes up hardly any space in my luggage. When I get to the room I can set it up and just toss all of the dirty clothes in there! It keeps things separate and is easy to dump it all back into the suitcase at the end of the trip. I know that some people put their dirty clothes directly into the suitcase, which works too, but this takes up a lot less space than leaving your suitcase out. It can be particularly useful in a value resort, where space is a commodity.
Buy a clickable sharpie pen
I always carry a sharpie for character autographs. But find one of the ones that has a clickable top rather than a cap you need to remove. It’s much easier for both you and the characters, rather than trying to juggle the autograph book, pen, and cap!
Bring multiple pairs of comfy shoes
Even if you think you know what shoes work for you being in Disney or walking long distances, bring multiple pairs of shoes just in case. You might discover that the shoes you’ve walked miles in up north feel more snug when your feet swell up in the Florida heat. Or maybe your favorite pair of comfy flip flops breaks. Or perhaps your super comfy sneakers get caught in the rain and you’re stuck with soggy shoes the next day. Having a backup is always a good idea.
This white cardigan shows up in many of my Disney pics.
Bring a light cardigan
At least for me, this goes for all the time, even in the middle of summer. It could be 100 degrees out, but I’ve noticed Floridians like to compensate for the heat by making it extra cold in the air conditioning. This feels great the first 5 minutes you come out of the heat, but if you’re going to spend an hour+ inside, such as at a restaurant, you may find yourself getting chilly in just a shorts and a tank top. I always pack a light cardigan like this one to throw on and keep me warm, and if you know you’re sensitive to the cold it’s probably a good idea for you too.
Put some sunscreen in your carry-on
If you arrive early enough in the day that it’s still light out, you can head straight from your resort to the parks if you want to. Because I use the spray sunscreen and it’s a liquid I shoved it all in my suitcase… forgetting that Magical Express wouldn’t be bringing my luggage for another 3-4 hours. Because of that I had to buy ridiculously overpriced sunscreen for that afternoon. Next time I’ll pack a mini bottle in my carryon, since I can get one for like $2 instead of $12.
Use the single rider line
Did you know this exists? Many people don’t. If you’re by yourself, or don’t mind being separated from your group, you can get on a (usually much shorter) line for single riders. You’ll find it at Rock n Roller Coaster, Test Track, and Expedition Everest – it’s especially hidden there, around the corner!
Use the child swap
Another line trick not everyone knows about. Say you and your husband want to ride, but your child is too short or too scared or just doesn’t want to. Ask about child swap – this allows one of you to ride while the other stays with your child, and then you switch so the other can ride without having to wait in line again! Also useful if you have one older child who wants to ride and a younger one who doesn’t.
I wouldn’t want to carry all of these souvenirs around the parks!
Send stuff back to the resort
If you’re staying at a Disney resort, you can have merchandise you purchase in the parks sent back to your resort. That way you don’t have to carry it around at the parks with you all day! Even if you’re not at a Disney resort, you can have it sent back to the front of the park. Then you can pick it up in one spot when you leave.
Check-in online to skip the front desk
If you do online check-in there’s a good chance you won’t have to stop at the front desk. When your room is ready you’ll receive a text message and/or email telling you your room number. Last time I traveled I got the text that my room was ready before I’d even gotten on the plane to Orlando – I was still sitting at my desk at work!
Pack edibles in luggage to make room for souvenirs
Bring some snacks in your suitcase so you can have something quick to eat in the parks or for breakfast. This might be granola bars, cereal, goldfish, bottled water, etc. Once you’ve consumed all the food during your trip you have that room left in your luggage for any souvenirs you bought!
Were these useful? Also take a look at What to do the week before you leave for Disney and Tips for planning a Disney World Trip (when you don’t know where to start)
What are some of your favorite Disney tips?
