The Complete Disney Vacation Checklist for First-Time Visitors

 

For many families, taking a vacation at Disney amusement parks is a dream come true. The excitement is palpable as you count down the days to enjoy everything that Disney has to offer.

Studies show that family vacations are important for bonding with your children. The feelings that your children get from creating memories during a family vacation are far more valuable than material items. These memories also stay with your children for a lifetime.

If you’re heading for the ultimate vacation, you need a Disney vacation checklist. This is essential for planning and preparation.

Keep reading for your guide to a Disney vacation to ensure that you and your family don’t miss a thing.

Create Your Disney Vacation Budget

Creating a budget for your vacation is important in your planning process. You want to ensure that you and your family enjoy everything the park has to offer.

You can make a list with your family of the top five attractions that you want to experience. This is a way for each member of the family to pick a shared activity. It’s also a way to manage your budget.

Double Check and Verify Vacation Dates

Make sure you double-check your vacation dates and cross-reference with any other important dates in your calendar.

High season, like summer and school breaks, will mean extra crowds in the park. Slower times of year are generally during the school year.

Choose the Right Hotel

Booking Disney hotels means choosing over 28 different hotels. They all have a variety of options and amenities so be sure to do your research on the hotel that suits you and your family’s needs.

There are hotels to suit your budget, vacation style, and type of travel group.

If you currently have a Disney Vacation Club Membership, there are ways that you can sell your DVC with the right help.

What to Bring in Your Disney Vacation

Now that your pre-vacation checklist is complete, it’s time to get to the fun part and begin packing your suitcase!

When packing for Disney vacations, there are a few essential items that you will need. These will help you and your family navigate comfortably and efficiently around the park.

Comfortable Backpack

A comfortable backpack or purse will be one of the most important items that you take with you. You want to make sure that it is light, easy to carry, and can fit in your essential items for the day.

You don’t want to be carrying around a heavy, overloaded bag that will tire you out while walking around the park. A backpack or crossbody bag is a good option. Additionally, if you have older kids, each one can take a small bag with them and disperse items like sunscreen, snacks, and hand sanitizer.

Travel Documents

Essential documents are important to have with you on your trip. Ensure that you carry a photo ID, insurance information, and copies of your Disney reservation.

Reusable Water Bottle

Staying hydrated in the park is very important. The weather can be hot and with a lot of excitement, it’s easy to forget to drink water. Keeping a water bottle on hand and making sure each of your family members also has one is a great way to stay hydrated.

Cell Phone and Extra Power Banks

With so many photo-ops around the park, you are going to want your cell phone on you, with lots of backup power sources. Make sure that your phone and your power bank both charge overnight so that your cell phone does not lose battery halfway through your day.

Sunscreen and After Sun Care

Sunburn can easily ruin your trip to Disney. You want to ensure that you and your family are using lots of sunscreen while enjoying the park.

Be sure to choose a sunscreen with a high SPF and one that is sweat resistant. Don’t hesitate to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.

If someone in your family does manage to get a sunburn, keep some lotion on hand to put on after being in the sun. Aloe vera gel is a great option for sunburn relief. These two are essential items!

Wet Wipes and Hand Sanitizer

Pandemic aside, children can be messy. It is smart to keep a pack of wet wipes on hand for the kids who have just eaten an ice cream cone, or when you’ve touched the handrails on your favorite rides.

You might be a short walk away from a bathroom, and sanitizer is a great way to get rid of dirt and bacteria on the spot. Disney will have many hand-sanitizing stations but it is good to keep these on hand.

First-Aid Items

Keeping a few first-kit items on you is a good way to stay prepared.

Bandaids are good for small cuts or even blisters on your feet. Be sure to carry some pain reliever on you in case someone in your family has a headache.

You will want to keep some medication on hand for stomach-related issues, such as heartburn, motion sickness, diarrhea, or nausea.

Hat and sunglasses

A hat and sunglasses are an absolute must on your Disney vacation. This can help you avoid sunburn and heat exhaustion. For your safety, buy sunglasses with high UV protection for you and your family members.

Wide-brim hats are also great at blocking out the sun and protecting your scalp as you enjoy the park.

Your Ultimate Disney Vacation Checklist

Checking off your vacation preparation list can be a fun part of getting ready for a vacation. A Disney vacation checklist will ensure that you and your family are ready to enjoy the park and avoid any mishaps and distressing situations.

Have a pre-vacation checklist in place with deciding on your budget, choosing the right hotel, and verifying your vacation dates. When you are ready to start packing, make sure you have a comfortable bag, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, a hat, sunglasses, first aid items, extra power banks, and a reusable water bottle.

If you found this article helpful, keep coming back to our awesome blog for more helpful travel tips and tricks!