The Ultimate Packing List for a Disney Park Pro
There are probably well over a thousand other blogs written on this exact topic and I'm sure I'll repeat a few. I can assure you I am a pro, I have been going to the parks multiple times a year (once over 20 times in one year!) since I was a child. Every product has been used and tested by me for years now at both Disneyland and Disney World!
The first and most obvious one is a portable battery. Disney Parks require a lot of time on their app, from ordering food to checking line times and now even Genie+ to skip lines! Not to mention all the pictures you'll be taking! I have used many portable batteries in my life and swear on this one. I've charged both mine and my friends phone multiple times and still used it a few more days! If red is a little bright for you, there is also a blue and black option (but red is very Disney)! I find it to be small, lightweight, and powerful. Plus it comes in a synched carrying bag!
Now on the other hand, the FuelRod is a great option because you can swap it out at the parks. Disney World has over 40 stations alone. In this case you wouldn't have to remember to charge it before your visit since you can change it for a new one, but you will have to find the FuelRod stations which can be inconvenient at times.
This one really applies more to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida because their weather is incredibly unpredictable. Disneyland in Anaheim, California is fairly consistent, you can generally check the weather online and count on it (though I will say nights can be colder than you think). I've been in Disney World many times where it went from sunny and warm to basically flooding and freezing within moments! Therefore, I always bring a poncho. This one with sleeves and a drawstring hoodie is my preference due to the coverage it provides. Ponchos are quite pricey at Disney Parks and really come in handy. I will add that a poncho can't hurt on rides like Splash Mountain (now Tiana's Bayou Adventure)! You can ride without stressing over getting wet!
On the other side of the weather spectrum, the heat can be very hard when you are also walking 10+ miles per day! These items apply to both parks, mainly in the summer and surrounding months. This Mickey fan is a lifesaver! I simply throw it in my fanny pack and pull it out when I'm waiting in the sunshine or feeling particularly warm. It's rechargeable and offers three speeds! If you want something that takes less space or that is handsfree, I recommend a cooling towel. This one is extra cute because it has Mickey on it but these are a 4-pack for a much better price! The latter worked great for a record-breaking heatwave in Disneyland one year. Simply wet the towel then give it a good snap, and it stays cool around your neck for a while. Then I simply wet it again in a bathroom sink when I pass, or request a free ice water from any quick-service location for extra cold.
I'd argue one of the most important things about a Disney trip is feet comfort. For an open to close park day I usually bring two pairs of shoes each day and change into the second pair halfway through the day. I feel great by the end of the night and when you feel great you can enjoy your time so much more! I know Crocs get an awful reputation, and often rightfully so, but I swear by them. Crocs doesn't just make clunky clogs! The shoes below are Crocs! They are waterproof for rides and rain, you don't have to wear socks, and they are shockingly comfortable. My other go-to is a bit more expensive, but I cannot recommend the On Cloud 5 sneakers enough. They're lace less and lightweight and I cannot say enough good about their comfort level. Shoes aside, I always bring this Body Glide anti blister balm with me. If my shoes start to rub and I feel a blister coming on, I apply this and there is no longer friction! If you still feel a blister coming on, you can walk into any First Aid on Disney property and they will give you band aids! I never leave Disney property with a blister and you shouldn't either. If you are going to the parks multiple days in a row, I recommend an ice bath at the end of each day and lifting your feet high above your head for 20 minutes or more. I usually lay upside down in bed with my feet on the headboard. This will make a huge difference!
I always bring a fanny pack and a backpack to Disney parks. The lockers are VERY inexpensive. I pack my extra shoes, a jacket and pants if it may be cold that night, my portable battery, snacks, water, and basically everything you see above into the backpack and leave it in my locker until I need one of those items. Otherwise, I wear a fanny pack throughout the day which holds my ChapStick, wallet, poncho and anything I may need without the trek back to my locker. This might be my best Disney tip, it saves your back while allowing you to be prepared for your long day! What is your best Disney tip?