Between the extreme of bringing too much to carry and too little that you have to pay a ridiculous amount to buy things at the parks is the magic place where you’ve packed just right. Here’s how to find it and suggestions on what to bring.  

 

Autograph book and fat felt-tipped pen: You can buy these in the parks or bring one from home. Many kids love collecting autographs from Disney characters. Fat felt-tipped pens are easier than regular pencils and pens for the characters to use to sign autographs.

 

Baby carrier: A Snugli or Baby Bjorn–type carrier or Playtex Hip Hammock for infants or toddlers between 15 and 35 pounds keep you hands-free while waiting for the bus, standing in line, tending to your older kids and browsing in shops. You can also take your toddler on some rides in them.

 

Baby fingernail clippers: These may be handy to have because baby’s fingernails grow so very fast. (Check the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) website, which has a list of prohibited and permitted carry-on and checked items for air travelers, for the current rules.)

 

Backpack: Get older kids to carry something in a child-sized backpack. It makes them happy and involved and also can actually spread the burden around. Even a 3-year-old can carry a kid-sized backpack stuffed with his diapers, change of clothes, and some toys. He’ll feel quite grown-up and his diapers will be handy when you need them.

 

Beach towel: This will come in handy if you let your little ones splash in the fountains and water play areas. You can also use a large beach towel to make a canopy over your stroller. This will offer more sun protection and privacy for naps.

 

Bibs: Especially handy are extra large bibs that cover most of your child’s clothes and bibs with plastic or waterproof coatings that can be wiped off and reused.

 

Bicycle lock: If you’re concerned about your stroller being stolen, bring a bicycle lock to secure it.

 

Blanket: Bring at least one heavy blanket.

 

Burp cloths: Cloth diapers work well.

 

Changing pad: Most restrooms in Disney World have changing facilities, but this might come in handy en route.

 

Cheerios: They’re very hard to find at Disney restaurants and resorts.

 

Child-proofing supplies: Outlet covers and masking tape to secure cords to the wall and tie up window curtain cords are especially handy.

 

Child-sized bags: If your child is old enough, pack her things in her own small suitcase. Choose one with wheels that’s easy to pull so she can roll it herself. Let your kids pack travel bags for themselves for the car ride or flight. They can choose a few favorite toys and some snacks. Place them in a child-size backpack.

 

Clothes: Pack even more than you think you’ll need. Pack a second shirt in your carry-on bag for the plane and in your day park for the parks. That way you'll be prepared if (when!) something gets spilled on you.

 

Coins: Kids love to toss coins into the fountains. Pennies are also great to use in the pressed penny machines. (Keep them away from little ones because they’re a choking hazard.)

 

Comfort items: Chances are, your baby or toddler has some sort of a comfort item, such as a favorite stuffed animal or blanket. Be sure to bring it along!

 

Diapers, diaper wipes, and diaper rash ointment: Bring lots of them; you'll use as many as ten diapers per day (or more!).

 

Disposable camera: Give an extra one to your toddler or child. Disney looks very different from a stroller.  Sure you’ll get some shots of the ground, but you’ll likely get some other great photos.

 

Earplugs: If your little one is frightened by loud noises, bring a pair of ear plugs.

 

Fanny pack: Get one for each member of your family and stash them with sunglasses, snacks, wet wipes, and toys for the kids.        

 

Feeding supplies: Bring formula and bottled water and/or baby food, dishes, and spoons. Bottles that use disposable bags are more convenient for trips.

 

First-aid kit: Band-Aids, cleansing wipes and allergy medications will help you manage minor cuts, bruises, and first aid emergencies.

 

Harness: If you have a young child of “bolting” age, with a harness she can run around with limited freedom and you don't have to cling to her hand.

 

Hats and sunglasses: That Florida sun can be brutal.

 

Hooks: Suction cup hooks are handy to bring along to stick on the shower and hang wet towels and bathing suits.

 

Instant ice packs: Bring along instant ice packs, which are sold in stores an online. Activate them with a squeeze, then get cold in a few seconds and stay cold for 30 to 45 minutes.

 

Jackets or sweat shirts: Especially if you use WDW Transportation system, which are very highly air conditioned, something warm will come in handy. Especially if you're traveling in November and December, bring jackets. It may be Florida, but it can still get chilly!

 

Key chain light, pen light, or glow worm: If your child is apprehensive of the dark, with a small light, she’ll feel a bit in control. But these lights are not so bright that they’ll disturb anyone else.

 

Lysol: A small can is bound to come in handy at some point.

 

Medical information: Gather together the name and contact information for your baby’s pediatrician, a list of medication your child takes, and your health insurance card. Also locate the name of a pediatrician and a hospital in Orlando that your insurance plan works with.

 

Medicine: Remember Tylenol drops, Mylicon drops, nasal aspirator, and prescription medications your child takes. It’s also a good idea to pack Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, a cold pack, tweezers, scissors, antibiotic ointment, a digital thermometer, and electrolyte solution for dehydration or diarrhea. (Check the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) website, which has a list of prohibited and permitted carry-on and checked items for air travelers, for the current rules.)

 

Night-light: For in the hotel room.

 

Ponchos: You can buy these in the parks, but they’re far cheaper at home.

 

Pop-up hamper: Wondering where to stash dirty clothes in your hotel room? Bring along an inexpensive, pop-up hamper. (You can buy them for less than $5 on amazon.com.) They take up very little space, and if you need to do laundry while you're there, you can use it to carry your clothes to and from the laundry room. If you're driving home, you can just throw the whole thing right in your car.

 

Receiving blankets: These are soft and comforting for the baby, but they can also be used to protect the little one from sun . . . and the hands of other curious guests.

 

Straws: If your kids prefer to drink with straws, bring extra long straws from home. These come in handy when you buy bottles of water or soda. Regular straws are too short.

 

Stroller: A stroller that can lay flat is helpful for the baby to sleep comfortably, though make sure it has breathable cloth and plenty of ventilation. Or you can rent strollers in the parks.

 

Stroller cover: Stroller covers cost around $9 and can also be used safely with the child in the stroller

because they have mesh for air to circulate. They keep rain out, and don’t blow off like ponchos.

 

Sunscreen: The American Academy of Pediatrics now believes that sunscreen in small amounts is safe for young babies, even younger than 6 months old.

 

TableToppers: Toddler still not eating off a plate? Bring along some TableToppers. These disposable

placemats are handy when eating out by providing a sanitary eating surface. You put them on the table

where they stay in place. They cost around $10 for 20 at baby safety supplies stores.

 

Towel: If you rent a stroller, bring something soft to cushion the hard plastic seat. Towels may also come in handy if you're staying off-site to put over windows to compensate for flimsy, whispy curtains.

 

Toys: Quiet toys will be especially helpful as distractions when there are lots of other people nearby.  Plastic links that can attach the toys to your baby’s stroller or highchair will help keep the toys within reach. Small toys, such as Matchbox cars and blowing bubbles can occupy older kids in lines.

 

Travel-size toiletries: Small containers of tissues, wipes, Band-Aids, and sunscreen are much easier to tote around the parks than their full-size bottles.

 

Who’s Shoes ID: You place these creative ID tags under the shoelaces in a child's shoes. They have space to write in your child’s name, your name, phone number, and medical information, and they cost $7.99 at www.whosshoesid.com. Or you could write your child’s name, your name, phone number, and medical information on a piece of paper, laminate it, and tuck it into her pocket each day.

 

Woolite: If you can wash clothes fairly easily where you’ll be, it’ll be a good trade to exchange a hour or two in the laundry for two weeks of carrying around less stuff. Woolite works very well if you’re washing clothes out in the sink because it rinses out easier and more completely than other soaps.  

 

Zipper-lock bags: These will come in handy to stash dirty diapers, wet bathing suits, and bibs.

 

 

Consider leaving at home:

Walkie talkies: Although they seem like a great idea, they're not very useful in the parks because so many people have them.