Are you planning a trip to a theme park? Have you thought about what items you need to pack? We can help you have the best day ever at an amusement park, with the help of our ultimate packing list!
Summer is officially here, and many people will travel on vacation!
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If your summer plans include going to a theme park this is a must-read!
If you’re new to the blog, we live near Orlando!
You know, the theme park capital of the world!
And we love to go to amusement parks!
We’ve learned a thing or two about what to pack to have an amazing day!
Being prepared for your visit can make the difference between having a miserable day or a fabulous one!
You know how much I love to organize stuff!
So today I will share how to organize an amusement park bag, so you’ll have all the essential items you need!
Then, we’ll share tips on what to wear, what to pack if you have young children, and what to pack to save money!
As a bonus, I made my checklist into a printable just for you! Packing can’t get any easier than that!
What type of bag should you take to the park?
I strongly suggest you carry a backpack, or at the least, a string bag. Rich is sporting his backpack in the picture above!
You’re in for a long day and a backpack is much better for your back and posture! If you’re a minimalist you can use a fanny pack!
No matter what type of bag you take, remember to use waterproof toiletry bags or Ziploc bags inside. You need something to protect your phone and charger from rain and water rides!
Above is my worn-out string bag and the Ziploc bags that were inside!
It was functional and very budget-friendly! Unfortunately, the string bag is uncomfortable on my shoulders. I’m ready for an upgrade!
We have an annual pass for Disney and go to their theme parks regularly. So, I bought this adorable backpack and new waterproof bags to put all my stuff in!
Let me show you the essentials I will put in the travel bags!!
What to pack in your park bag
- Park Tickets-most people have these on their phone/app, but if not, don’t forget them!
- Season pass/magic band (if applicable)
- Money- cards, cash, and coins. Most people use their cards to pay for things, but you may want to carry cash or coins, especially if your kids collect pressed pennies!
- As soon as you arrive at the park, pick up a map and put it in your backpack!
Phone and accessories
- Phone-make sure it’s fully charged when you arrive at the park!
- Portable charger-we use our phones in the park a lot more than we used to (mobile food ordering, checking wait times, looking at maps, etc.), so it’s important to have a way to charge them.
- Cords-make sure you have the correct cords to charge your phone.
- Earphones- if you like to watch videos or listen to music while waiting in line!
- Waterproof case/Ziploc bag to protect everything!
Medical supplies
- Hand sanitizer- in case you can’t wash your hands!
- Tissues- pack travel-size tissues. Yes, these are a must-have item, especially if you or someone in your party has allergies!
- Small first aid kit- it’s smart to have bandaids/moleskin for blisters, ibuprofen, Benedryl, etc.
- Medicine- don’t forget to pack your daily meds! I also keep eye drops in my bag!
- Motion sickness- If you have motion sickness, pack meds to help! I strongly suggest 12-hour non-drowsy Dramamine- it’s a lifesaver for me!!
- Masks- in case you’re sitting next to someone coughing!
personal hygiene
- Hairbrush- If you have long hair, you will need a hairbrush, especially if you do any water rides! I have a travel-size Wetbrush!
- Hair scrunchie/clips- If you want to see what’s on the thrill ride instead of a face full of hair, you’ll bring one! If you’re visiting a park during summer, you will want to pull your hair up!
- Personal hygiene products- be prepared, just in case!
- Lipstick/lip balm-protect those lips from the sun!
- Wet Ones- to clean up before and after eating a meal or snack.
protection from the elements
- Sunscreen- This is so important! The last thing you want to deal with in an amusement park is sunburn!!
- Baseball cap/visor- caps are great for keeping the sun out of your eyes and are a must-have if you wear glasses and it’s raining outside! Caps are perfect to wear under a poncho to keep the rain from dripping on your glasses!
- Sunglasses- to protect your eyes!
- Eyeglass holder strap- if your glasses are a bit loose, you can use these so they don’t fly off on a ride!
- Refillable water bottle-so important to stay hydrated on a hot day in a park! Buying water bottles can get expensive. Most water fountains in the park are the type that refill water bottles. We use Simple Modern Stainless Steel water bottles. They are amazing and keep ice frozen and water cold the whole day!
- Cooling device- a misting fan or a cooling towel can be a lifesaver on a super hot day!
- Poncho/umbrella- you never know when it might rain! If you have a poncho you can keep on going! If you want to ride a water ride but don’t want to get wet, this is a must-have! Umbrellas are great for keeping the rain off, but work to keep the sun off!
misc items
- Snacks-Always good to have something in your pack in case lines are long
- Reusable straws-some parks don’t allow straws because of danger to animals and if they do have straws, they’re flimsy paper ones.
WHAT TO WEAR TO AN AMUSEMENT PARK
- Comfortable shoes- you will walk a lot, so wear the most comfortable shoes you own!
- Layered clothing-watch the forecast and layer clothing to be ready for cool mornings or nights!
- Sunscreen- I always apply sunscreen after I get dressed and reapply as needed in the park!
- Choose your shorts wisely- make sure your shorts fit well and the skin of your inner legs is not rubbing together. If you have a problem with chafing, pack a chafing cream to prevent skin irritation.
- Extra clothes and shoes- If there is a high chance of rain, I suggest you keep a change of clothes with dry socks and shoes in your car, in case you get completely soaked.
What to pack if you have young Children
If you’re going to an amusement park with kids, you will need a few more items on the ultimate packing list!
This is our oldest son, Evan, in 1999 sitting in our double stroller! Stickers are keeping him entertained while we wait for the parade!
- Bring your stroller- no waiting in long lines at the stroller rental! It can be a long walk back to your car at night without a stroller!
- Distinguish your stroller-there are so many strollers in theme parks! Do something that makes yours distinguishable from the pack. Make a sign, laminate it, and attach it with zip ties.
- Baby supplies- food, bottles, diapers, etc.
- Baby blanket-to cover the stroller to block the sun, and for your child when it’s cold.
- Extra poncho- to cover the stroller if it rains.
- Sticker books or games to keep kids entertained while waiting!
What to pack if you want to save money
My boys loved to meet characters and get their autographs! Well, at least the older two did! On this trip in 2002, Harrison wouldn’t even look at the characters lol!
Here are some ways to save money by purchasing items before you get to the theme park.
- Autograph book and large marker- you can make an autograph book from a small spiral notebook or order one on Amazon that’s cheaper than buying one in the park! Be sure to bring a fat pen or maker because the characters have difficulty holding a normal-sized pen!
- Rain ponchos- On our first trip to Disney with the boys, we had to purchase ponchos in the park. We were shocked at the cost but did not want to get soaked, so we paid the price!
- Food/lunch- you can bring a small cooler into most parks (be sure to check the guidelines for the park of your choice before you do this)-you can pack a lunch and freeze small water bottles or Capri Sun to use as ice packs.
- Glow sticks- the parks light up at night with expensive wands and toys that glow! Glow sticks are a much cheaper alternative!
- Bubble wand- kids in the parks seem to love bubble wands! They aren’t cheap!
- DIY Mickey ears- there are tons of tutorials on YouTube showing how to make DIY Mickey ears!
- Matching T-shirts- many families like to wear matching T-shirts in the parks! It’s a great way to keep up with everyone in your group! You can purchase or make DIY t-shirts. You’ll already have a keepsake and it’s much cheaper than buying a shirt in the park! If buying or making shirts is not in the budget, pack the same color t-shirt for each person in your group.
Here is our family wearing red t-shirts in 2013!
The Ultimate Packing Checklist
Here is the checklist I told you about at the beginning of the post! I hope it makes packing your theme park bag a breeze! Our email subscribers have access to our free printable library!
If you’d like a free copy of our ultimate packing list for an amusement park day, click here to sign up for our email!
If you plan to go to an amusement park, let us know your thoughts about our ultimate packing list! Did we forget anything??? If so, let us know in the comments below!
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Until next time, follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram!
Blessings, Donna and Rich
More organization inspiration
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items to make your theme park day fabulous
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Save this to Pinterest, so you will know where to find it when you’re planning your next trip to an amusement park!
**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
What an awesome post, Donna. I would never have even thought of half of these things! All of the littles love going to amusement parks so I will forward to both of my sisters so they can keep organized as well. LOVE your new backpack – it’s super cute and perfect for all things Disney! Can’t wait to follow along on all your adventures, CoCo
Hi, CoCo! I’m loving my new backpack and the waterproof travel bags are so handy! I hope your sisters enjoy the tips! Being prepared can make your day so much more successful! Hugs, Donna
Hi Donna! You have got to be the most organized person I know. I am a little envious of your organization skills! The new backpack is SUPER cute and your tips are great. Thank you for sharing. Also – now I feel the need to go to Disney World. I love your photos.
Thank you, Anna! Wow, that is a huge compliment! We have had so much fun visiting Disney through the years and I love sharing tips to help others have a wonderful experience! If you decide to go and have any questions, let me know! Thanks again, Donna
Love your Minnie backpack and those clear cases for all your things! We’re usually pretty minimalist when packing for the park– sunglasses, sunscreen, poncho, wallet and camera. Though I will miss not having a stroller to hold it all now that my boys are teens and we’re heading back there next month.
We have three boys and we missed having the stroller to carry all our stuff when they got older! I hope you and your family have a magical vacation! We have so many amazing memories from our trips there! I still can hardly believe I live so close and can visit there regularly! Take care, Donna