🎒Packing for Disney Parks & Cruises: Tips, Hacks, and a Few Laughs

Welcome back to Going Beyond the Castle! In Episode 36, things started off a little chaotic (blame technical difficulties… and TikTok mispronunciations), but we quickly dove into one of our most practical and fun conversations yet: how we pack for Disney parks and cruises.

Whether you're a minimalist with a fanny pack or a spreadsheet-toting over-packer with labeled Ziploc bags, we’ve got tips for you!

🧳 Our Packing Styles – Yes, They're All Different

Let’s just say… some of us (Lori) start packing three weeks early with color-coordinated outfits, while others (Fred) toss in polos and khakis the night before and call it a day.

• Lori: Packs early. Every day has a designated outfit. Carry-on only. Hyper-organized.

• Ashley: Uses packing cubes, separates by day, packs snacks and electronics for the kids.

• Fred: Proud member of the “night before club.” Depends on the military’s free checked baggage and focuses on packing the girls’ cute Disney looks well in advance.

Pro Tip: Pack by outfit rather than by category (shirts, shorts, etc.). This saves time and space—and makes getting dressed each morning stress-free.

🎡 Theme Park Day Bag Essentials

Here's what made the cut for our park day bags:

• MagicBands (+ chargers or docking stations!)

• Collapsible water bottles & metal straws (goodbye, soggy paper straws)

• Neck fans (Fred swears by these)

• Portable charger (bonus points if it's solar-powered)

• Gimbal for content creators

• Chapstick, poncho, and hand sanitizer

• Snacks! Mini muffins, fruit, Goldfish, and more to save money and keep kids happy

We also talked about renting strollers vs. bringing your own—and agreed that renting is often easier (especially if you use services that deliver to your hotel).

🚢 Cruise Packing Tips & Cruise-Specific Items

Cruise packing is a different beast. Lori led the charge with some cruise-specific recommendations:

• Must-haves: Swimsuits, cover-ups, dinner attire, excursion wear, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, lanyards, and a beach bag.

• Cabin Space Savers: Magnetic hooks, over-the-door organizers, and shower caddies.

• First-Aid Essentials: Motion sickness meds, mini first-aid kits, and travel-size toiletries.

• Theme Night Alerts: Don’t forget about Pirate Night (Disney), Scarlet Night (Virgin Voyages), or Formal Night (Carnival). Be prepared if you want to join in the fun!

• Documentation: Always check if your cruise requires a passport. Closed-loop cruises may not, but having one is smart in case of emergencies.

And yes—pineapple door magnets were mentioned… but we’ll save that story for a future episode 😉

🎠 Extra Essentials When Traveling With Kids

• AirTags in wearable bands

• Ziploc outfit bags labeled by day

• Kindle Fires or tablets for long lines

• Extra snacks, ponchos, and clothes

• Baby wipes or sanitizing hand towels

Our favorite kid-friendly tip? Label a Ziploc for each day and pack a full outfit—then just hand it to your little one and let them dress themselves. Easy-peasy Disney morning.

👟 Footwear: The Make-or-Break Choice

Everyone agrees: comfy shoes are non-negotiable.

Fred learned the hard way with Crocs at Disney Springs. Lori’s go-to now? Tennis shoes with solid arch support, especially after a disastrous flip-flop blister incident. Brooks running shoes were the MVPs this trip.

💡 Final Hacks

• Amazon deliveries to Disney Resorts = lifesaver (fans, snacks, forgotten chargers)

• First-aid centers at the parks are fantastic if blisters or sunburns hit

• Avoid surge protectors on cruises—they’ll confiscate them!

🏁 Coming Up Next

Don’t miss next week’s episode as we break down how to beat the heat at Disney. With Florida's summer temps regularly hitting 110°F, we’ve got all the tricks to keep you cool while staying magical.

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