What To Bring For a Day at Disney World: Tips for a Magical Experience (Part 2)

Welcome back, fellow exhausted but adventurous parents! We're diving back into our epic series on how to conquer Disney World with your little munchkins. If you missed it, be sure to catch up with Disney World: Tips for a Magical Experience (Part 1). Today we're spilling the beans on what to bring to the most magical place on Earth. Let's get packing!

Bring or rent a Stroller. First things first, let's talk about strollers. Even if your kid hasn't set foot in a stroller since they discovered their "I can do it myself" attitude, trust me, you'll want one at Disney World. Those tiny legs will be begging for mercy after racing across the park to catch your Genie+ return time. Plus, strollers are like magical storage compartments, saving you from carrying an entire circus of stuff. Oh, and don't forget a raincover because, let's face it, Florida is notorious for flash storms!

When it comes to rentals, ScooterBug is the chosen one—the ONLY company allowed to drop off and pick up stroller rentals at your Disney resort while you chill like a boss. For our upcoming adventure, we snagged two single strollers to easily divide and conquer.

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Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes. Did you know the average Disney World visitor walks 7 to 10 miles a day? That's pretty great for working off all the Dole Whips, but it's enough steps to wear out even the most enthusiastic Disneyphile. So, ditch the fancy shoes and slip into something more comfortable. Crocs for the kiddos and Oofos sandals for us grown-ups. Trust me, your feet will thank you, and you'll be ready for any unexpected rain showers.

Prepare for Rain. Sure, you could fork over a small fortune to buy Disney-branded ponchos at the first sign of rain. They're slightly more durable than the flimsy disposable ones that you can get from a dollar store, or you can bring a nicer reusable one with you for about the same cost.

Prepare for the heat. Unless you're visiting in the winter months when Floridians wear actual sweaters, you'll need some help keeping your cool. Wet some refreshing cooling towels, toss them in a leak-proof bag, and revive them throughout the day. For an extra icy treat, we filled a large Stasher bag with ice cubes to keep those towels frosty and fabulous.

Portable, rechargeable fans are absolutely clutch in the Florida heat. Picture this: a fan attached to a flexible tripod clip, allowing you to wrap it around your stroller or hang it anywhere when you need some hands-free breeze action. They're so versatile that you can even use them to create magic for your bubble-loving kids back home. With a bubble wand and a portable fan you'll be breathing easy, and your kiddos will be in bubble heaven.

Don't forget the sunscreen. Let's be honest, sunburn is not a souvenir you want to bring home. If you're feeling fancy, bring back the parasol trend and strut around with your personal shade provider–this was the best option when baby wearing! But if you need to be hands free, a wide-brimmed hat should also do the trick. Just remember to keep slathering on that sunblock and unleash your inner SPF warrior. Check out our picks for the best sunscreens and UV protective gear—your skin will thank you later.

Backpack for essentials. Our little ones might have graduated from diapers, but their need for a sherpa remains. Here's the essential checklist for surviving those seemingly never-ending lines: water bottles (stay hydrated, folks!), cooling towels and fans (because a cool breeze is better than a meltdown), small snack containers (Goldfish crackers, anyone?), and anything else your super-sensitive child requires to escape sensory overload. You got this!

Money-saving alert! Forget about breaking the bank paying double or triple the cost to have kid-approved fruit, beverages, and snacks. Order these to be delivered straight to your Disney resort. Walmart+, Instacart, and Amazon Fresh are the heroes of convenience, and they'll even deliver to bell services while you embark on your magical adventures. The rooms have mini fridges, so don't be afraid to stock up on cold items and keep them fresh for the fam.

Pro-tip: Pack a few empty takeout containers or reusable storage bags for leftovers or opened snacks. Trust me, no one wants a purse full of crushed Goldfish crackers!

Stay tuned for the next installment of our magical series, where we'll delve into the realm of food (cue the heavenly music). From character dining to quick service gems, we've got the inside scoop on the tastiest Disney World delights. We'll even share tips for picky eaters, because we're all too familiar with those tiny food critics. Get ready to eat, drink, and be merry at Disney World!