The Best Universal Studios and Disney World Packing List for 2025
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Are you visiting a theme park in Orlando, Florida, this year? Let me help you get it right! As annual passholders for BOTH parks, we have packing for a stress-free park day down to a science! We are used to the Florida heat, and we have a child with a disability, so we know how to pack for every scenario. This list covers things you may not have considered when planning your trip.
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Packing for Disney World or Universal Studios can feel overwhelming, but a little preparation makes all the difference. This guide includes everything you need, from park essentials to items that make traveling with a family a breeze. I’ve also added a few of my tried-and-true extras to keep you comfy, stress-free, and ready for anything.
Florida Theme Park Packing List Essentials (The Must-Have Items!)
These must-have items are for those who want to pack light and don’t want to spend a lot of time having their bags searched at security checkpoints. If you have limited park time, you will want to keep it simple. Focusing on these items will help you get through your day. Keep reading for my more thorough list of everything else you may need for your magical trip.
- Park tickets, ID, wallet
- A backpack or purse
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Compact battery chargers and charging cords
- Comfortable walking shoes (trust me, you’ll thank me later!)
- Phone with Disney and/or Universal apps downloaded
Stroller and Mobility Device Extras
Navigating theme parks with a stroller and mobility device is necessary for some families to keep everyone safe, supported, and comfortable. We use a stroller for my daughter, who has autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. If we did not have her stroller, she would be unable to walk through the busy parks all day without getting overwhelmed. We have perfected everything we need for our stroller over the years, and these items are a lifesaver!
- Wheelchair or Stroller Rain Cover
- Portable fan (clip-on for strollers is great)
- Extra hooks and cupholders for strollers
- Accessory bags
- Stroller identification sign (make it cute and easy to spot!)
- Balloon or accessory to quickly ID your stroller
- Toy and Cup tethers (if your kiddo drops items easily)
- Additional sunshade for strollers
- Battery-operated lights for evening hours (this is a must so people do not trip over you)
Clothing and What to Wear to a Theme Park
Dressing for a theme park is all about balancing comfort, practicality, and a touch of fun! Maybe you are visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or will be a World Traveler at EPCOT; the good news is the same tips apply to both.
Choose breathable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, and weather-ready layers while adding personality with themed accessories like mouse ears or matching family shirts. It’s the perfect combo for lasting energy and memorable photos. Also, Florida weather can be unpredictable, so you’ll want to plan for both heat and potentially cool evenings.
- Park-specific Items (e.g., Magic Bands for Disney)
- Comfortable Walking Shoes (pack an extra pair just in case it rains!)
- Breathable Clothing, Including UPF Shirts for Sun Protection
- Wide-brim Hats and Sunglasses
- Swimsuits for Splash Pad Areas at the Parks
- Park Accessories (e.g., Mouse Ears)
- Light Layers like Cardigans or Hoodies (evenings can get surprisingly chilly in the winter)
- Matching Family Shirts or Disney-Themed Outfits for Photos
- Raincoat, Poncho, or Umbrella (for those quick Florida downpours)
- Compression socks
- Lanyards for pin trading and tickets
- Hair accessories (your hair will get messy after several rides)
Backpack and Purse Items: Park Bag Must-Haves
Packing your backpack or purse smartly can keep your theme park day running smoothly. Be sure to include essentials like hand sanitizer, snacks, refillable water bottles, and a few first-aid items—because being prepared means fewer surprises and more fun! Keep in mind that Universal Studios has more thrill rides, so larger bags may need to go into a locker. These are some essentials you may need:
- Spare Clothes
- Baby or Hand Wipes
- Hand Sanitizer
- Sunblock
- Plastic Storage Bags (gallon or quart size)
- Attachment Straps or Hook (to secure your bag to a stroller)
- Spare Shoes and Socks
- Wallet
- Backpack Rain Cover
Personal Care to Bring to a Theme Park
Personal care items are all about keeping you fresh and comfortable throughout the day. Pack essentials like deodorant, SPF lip balm, and anti-chafing stick to stay confident and prepared, no matter how long the adventure lasts! These items will keep you fresh and ready for long park days:
- Breath Mints
- Prescription Glasses
- Make-up
- Hair Care Items
- Feminine Hygiene
- Deodorant
- Hand Sanitizer
- Sunblock and Sunblock Stick
- Anti-Chaffing Stick
- SPF Lip Balm
- Hand Lotion
First-Aid and Medical Items for Park Days
Theme parks are magical, but they’re also unpredictable. A scraped knee, a sudden headache, or even too much sun can quickly ruin the moment. That’s why having a compact but well-prepared medical kit is so helpful. It doesn’t need to be a full-blown first aid station, just the necessities to help you handle minor hiccups so you can keep enjoying the day. Our family has a kiddo with more complex medical needs, so we should have these items with us:
- Over-The-Counter Medication (pain relievers and allergy)
- Prescription Medications
- Travel-size Tissues
- Bandages
- Alcohol Wipes and Antibiotic Ointment
- Motion Sickness Tablets or Patches
- Inhaler
- Epi-pen
- Medical Equipment
- Small Clear Bag (this is helpful so security does not have to open your medication bag to check it)
Cool Down Must-Haves
Keeping cool at a theme park is essential for enjoying long days under the sun. Pack personal fans, misting devices, and cooling towels to stay refreshed, along with UPF clothing and moisture-wicking headbands for ultimate sun protection. Don’t forget reusable water bottles and a wide-brim sunhat to keep hydrated and shaded all day! Florida heat isn’t a joke, so come prepared to stay cool and hydrated:
- Personal Fans (Handheld and Stroller Attachment Fans)
- Neck fans
- Misting Fans
- Cooling towels (these are life-changing on hot days)
- UPF and Breathable Clothing
- Moisture-Wicking Headbands
- Reusable Water Bottles
- Wide Brim Sunhat
- Cooling Neck Wrap
Food and Drinks
Planning your food and drinks can save time and money and prevent hunger meltdowns during your theme park visit. Pack a cooler with favorite snacks, reusable water bottles, specialty foods, napkins, and drink mixes to keep everyone fueled and refreshed throughout the day! Bringing your own snacks can save you serious money and keep everyone happy between meals:
- Small Cooler
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Reusable Straws
- Snack Containers
- Napkins
- Favorite Snacks
- Any Specialty Foods
- Ice Packs (Loose Ice Cubes are Prohibited, Must Be in a Plastic Bag)
- Drinks
- Flavored Drink Mix
Diaper Bag and Restroom Items
A well-organized diaper bag ensures stress-free restroom trips at the park. Include essentials like diapers, wipes, changing table covers, and even sticky notes to block automatic toilet sensors—little details that make big outings with kids much more manageable! Keeping kids comfortable and entertained can make or break your Disney day. Here’s what to bring:
- Toilet Seat Covers
- Sticky Notes (To Block Toilet Motion Sensor)
- Folding Potty Seat for Small Children
- Baby Wipes
- Diapers
- Diaper Rash Cream
- Spare Underwear
- Changing Table Covers
- Hand Sanitizer
- Diaper Bag
For the Car Ride
Preparing your car for a theme park trip ensures the journey is as smooth as your day inside the park. Pack essentials like a windshield sunshade, snacks, extra clothes, and entertainment for the kids, and don’t forget tools like a parking app or a quick photo of your parking spot! If you’re driving to Disney, don’t forget these road trip essentials:
- Windshield Sunshade
- Cooler with Snacks and Drinks
- Spare Clothes and Shoes
- Weighted blanket for kids who nap better with extra comfort
- Toys
- Books
- Sunglasses
- Cash for Parking
- Car Finding App
- Photo of your parking spot (you’ll thank yourself later!)
Electronics and Accessories
Electronics and accessories can enhance your theme park day and keep your devices powered and protected. Pack portable chargers, a waterproof pouch, and light-up items for added convenience, safety, and fun, especially during nighttime activities! Staying connected and capturing memories is half the fun! Here’s what to pack:
- Smartphone and Portable Chargers
- Camera (if your phone isn’t enough)
- Waterproof pouch for electronics
- Wireless Earbuds or Headphones
- Fitness Tracker or Smartwatch (to track those park steps)
- Battery Lights for Strollers or Wheelchairs
- Light-up bracelets (to find your group at night)
Theme Park Items for Sensory Sensitivities
A little preparation can make a big difference for kids or adults with sensory sensitivities. We always pack noise-cancelling headphones for our daughter, who is sensitive to sounds. Theme parks can be overstimulating, so having something to reduce loud noises is beneficial. Pack items like noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, chew necklaces, comfort items to help manage overstimulation, and fun tools like glow sticks or light-up toys for a calming and enjoyable experience.
- Electronic Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Ear Defenders (Non-Electronic Headphones)
- Ear Plugs
- Bubble and Bubble Wand
- Lighted Toys for Nighttime Shows
- Chew Necklaces
- Glow Sticks for Nighttime Shows
- Fidget Toys
- Compression Shirt
- Weighted Vest
- Comfort Items (Favorite Toys)
Other Miscellaneous Items for Theme Parks
Don’t forget the extras that can add both practicality and fun to your theme park day! Items like parade blankets, autograph books, costumes for kids, and rain essentials ensure you’re ready for anything, while park maps and Magic Band protectors keep you from losing your Magic Band and access to your account.
- Parade and Fireworks Blanket
- Rain Jacket or Poncho
- Umbrella
- Rain Shoe Covers
- Costumes for Children
- Autograph Books and Markers
- Park Maps
- Child Harness
- Magic Band Protectors
- Beach Towel (For Splash Pad Areas)
Expert Tips for a Stress-Free Theme Park Day
Make your theme park visit smoother with a few pro tips to keep everything hassle-free. Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make your trip even smoother:
- Pack a backup outfit – You never know when someone will spill a Dole Whip or get soaked on a ride.
- Bring cooling gear – Florida heat can zap your energy. Cooling towels and fans are worth every penny.
- Leave room for souvenirs – Pack an empty duffle bag or leave extra space in your suitcase for all those Mickey ears and plushies you’ll want to bring home.
- Start packing early – Aim to have everything ready at least three days before you leave. This gives you time to grab last-minute items without stress.
- Use a car-finding app – After a long day, the last thing you want is to lose your car in the sea of parking.
What Not to Pack: Prohibited Items for Disney and Universal Studios
When visiting Disney or Universal Studios, it’s important to know what not to bring to avoid issues at security. Prohibited items include loose ice, alcohol, weapons, large coolers, folding chairs, balloons (at animal parks), drones, and selfie sticks—leave these at home to ensure a smooth entry and a stress-free day!
- Weapons or fireworks
- Glass containers
- Alcohol (you can buy it in the parks)
- Oversized bags (check Disney’s size limits)
- Folding chairs
- Wagons
Ready for a Magical Trip?
Packing smart for a theme park can truly make or break your day. With the right items in tow, you can skip the stress and focus on creating unforgettable family memories. From comfort essentials to staying prepared for the unexpected, every item on this list has been carefully considered so families like ours can confidently tackle our park adventure.
For more Disney World tips, check out my beginner’s guide!
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