5 helpful tips for packing your Disney park bag

With a little planning, you can have all the comforts of home at your fingertips. For example, you are waiting in line for the 8th attraction of the day and hunger sets in; you can enjoy a snack right from your bag. When a surprise thunderstorm hits, you can whip out the poncho you bought while others run to the gift shop and pay WAY too much for the same poncho.

Which type of bag is best?

Are you an adult traveling without kids? Your needs and desires will be much different from a parent packing for a few little ones. Are you a minimalist? A smaller, lightweight bag or cross-body will suit you just fine. “Big kids” can wear a small sling or cross-body bag and carry their essentials. See our favorite bags in our Facebook video here.

Buy a little at a time.

Make a list of the must-haves or use my list found here. Budget how much to spend each week or month leading up to your trip. Use a storage tote or laundry basket to store the items in until you are ready to pack. Cross off items as you purchase them.

Packing Tips for Those Who Fly.

Pack the main items in your pack bag before traveling. This will save you space in other pieces of luggage. Child-size bags may be able to fit inside a suitcase. If you are flying, store bags for each member of the family inside the largest one. Another option is to use your park bag as your personal carry-on. Many of the items you would want in the park will come in handy on a plane. Be sure to check the airline's size requirements for sunscreen and other liquids. Place an order through Shipt, Uber, etc. for food and other essentials to be delivered to your hotel. Check with your hotel about delivery restrictions (not all hotels have a cooler for perishable items) and where to pick up the order.

Do a bag refresh each night.

Once you are at your hotel, make a habit of restocking your bag when you are back at the hotel. Pack new snacks, throw away wrappers, add cooling towels, and so on. This will save you time in the morning.

For those who like to coordinate outfits to match the park you visit.

If you like to coordinate outfits to match the park you visit, consider a bag to match! Our granddaughter is going to wear her Ratatouille bag when we visit Epcot in December. I plan on wearing my Disney Eats Popcorn ears and wearing a very minimalist bag: the cross-body matching Disney Eats popcorn handbag.

Remember, a little planning suited to your needs will provide you with the comforts of home and save your budget while traveling. Have fun at the parks!