*This post contains affiliate links that help me earn a little extra money. Be sure to read my disclaimer!
Now I know you’ve probably seen it 1000 times from tons of other Instagrammers, bloggers, Tiktokers, etc etc etc…
But y’all, I PROMISE my essentials checklist is tried, true, and trusted 😂
These are the things I always make sure to have on hand when I’m visiting the Disney parks!
Beat the Sun
The sunscreen I currently love the most is Blue Lizard. It is a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and is SPF 50+. My favorite is the one for sensitive skin. It is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Now, according to the Yuka app (an app that allows you to scan foods and beauty products that rates the products based on cleanliness), Blue Lizard lotion sunscreen only gets a 36/100 rating because it contains ingredients like aluminum stearate and phenoxyethanol which apparently studies have indicated may have toxic effects. Now I’m no expert or anything, I’m just passing along information. Feel free to do your own research if you have concerns! According to the app, there are a few other products that are similar that you can try instead. I have not tried these products myself, but the app recommends Pipette Mineral Sunscreen, Coppertone Pure & Simple Mineral Sun or Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen as “cleaner” options.
As for scalp and hair sunscreen, I absolutely love the Sun Bum Scalp and Hair Mist! It is SPF 30 and contains Vitamin E. It doesn’t make my hair overly greasy and it works amazingly.
Now I don’t know about you, but I sweat like crazy while at Walt Disney World, so my face always needs a good powder refresher so I’m not glossy and shiny in all my photos 😂 My favorite powder to use while at Disney is the Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Translucent Sunscreen Powder. It’s so small and easy to carry around, especially if you’re just carrying a small fanny pack.
For sunglasses, these Sojo sunglasses from Amazon have been incredible the past few trips. They’re durable and really block the sun from my sensitive eyes.
Beat the Heat
There are lots of great small, handheld fans you can get, but this Aluan fan is my favorite. It is flat and about the size of a cell phone, so it fits well in my pocket or in my bag without taking up too much space. It also has a good battery life and it’s lasted me for many trips.
The next item on my list is an actual life saver, oh my goodness. Cooling rags are a MUST! You can, of course, get cute ones with Mickey on them, but you can also save a little money and get a big pack for cheaper with enough for everyone in the family! Cooling rags are so easy to use – you just get them wet, “snap” them a bit, then they’re icy and cool and can really bring your body temperature down!
If your thighs rub together when you walk like mine, this anti-chafe stick from Megababe is going to be your best friend! It is also great in any other place where your skin might get irritated. One time my thigh chafe got so bad that my inner thighs were bright purple and I said NEVER AGAIN. I bought this stuff immediately and it has helped me SO mcuh.
I don’t think I could visit any outdoor theme park in the summer without having a water bottle on hand! I do not like feeling dehydrated at all. This Brita Filtered Water Bottle is so perfect for helping me stay hydrated. The filter helps make the water taste clean and fresh. I like the stainless steel bottle because it also keeps my water cooler longer.
Clothing and Accessories
I love love love this Columbia Rain Jacket for so many reasons. One – it can be folded up pretty small so it fits well in a small backpack. It can literally fold into one of the pockets. Two – it is very lightweight which makes it not only easy to carry but I also don’t burn up when wearing it in Florida. Three – it’s great quality! I’ve had mine for 3 years now and used it many times but it still looks brand new.
I like to wear no show socks at Disney just because of the shoes I have been wearing lately, they just look better with them. But regardless of what type of sock you prefer, definitely wear socks unless you’re wearing sandals, and bring extra! Inevitable something is going to happen where you’ll find yourself with wet feet and hate life. It will rain, you’ll ride a water ride, really anything lol.
I love to take cutie patootie pictures at Disney, and I like to try and do them with my hair down as much as possible. However, the Florida heat is something else, so I always pack some hair ties or a claw clip so I can throw my hair up and keep it off my neck.
I love Minnie Ears so much that I sometimes pack multiple pairs in my park bag so I can switch them up throughout the day! They used to give me horrible headaches, but my body can handle them now 😄 One of my favorite ear stores is BBBrooke. Not only does she make ears of the most amazing quality, but she herself is an amazing person. I will always support her and buy from her.
I have long hair so it gets messy really easily, even if I have it up. Because of that, I always like to have a mini hairbrush on hand so I can tackle those tangles after I get off rides. And it helps when putting my hair up for the day once it gets too hot to have it down. This one is very small and compact. I like ones that close up and become small.
Tech
There are tons and tons of different types and styles of portable phone chargers. Whatever you choose – just get one! These are a must. You’re likely going to be on your phone all day for various reasons – taking photos, getting those Genie+ reservations, mobile ordering your food, checking wait times, using the app to find the nearest restroom… so many reasons.
Now vlogging cameras I guess aren’t a MUST for everyone. But honestly, even if you don’t vlog and you’re just at Disney for a family vacation, it’s super cool to have a camera that takes great video so you can capture memories to last a lifetime! I love watching our old home videos from when we were kids and went to Disney. It’s so nostalgic!
The last park day essential I recommend is to have a backup lighting charger for your phone just in case the portable charger runs out of battery as well. It does happen! There’s no guarantee you’ll be able to find a place that has a wall plug handy (that’s why I strongly recommend a portable charger). However, in the event that you are able to plug into a wall for a few minutes, I’d recommend giving your phone a quick lightning charge.
I hope you found this helpful when planning your next trip!
Download this handy image to help with packing your park day bag!
Be sure to subscribe to the blog so you never miss a post, and check out my socials (links at the top of the page).
MagicallyHollie 