Packing for a Disney family trip is a special kind of stress. Here’s a tested, complete list — plus what you absolutely don’t need if you’re staying at a vacation rental with a kitchen and laundry.
Clothing (5 Days, Family of 4)
Per person
- 5 short-sleeve shirts / tanks
- 5 pairs shorts / skirts
- 1 pair long pants (December–February evenings)
- 1 light jacket or hoodie
- 5 pairs underwear + socks (x2 for sweating)
- 2 swimsuits per person (one always drying)
- 1 pair walking shoes (broken in — never wear new)
- 1 pair pool sandals
- 1 pair casual dinner shoes
- 1 rain jacket or poncho (Florida afternoon storms)
Disney-Specific Items
- MagicBand or tickets — have them ready before leaving home
- Stroller — bring or rent Orlando Stroller Rentals (better than Disney’s)
- Water bottles — reusable, for free fill-ups at quick service
- Portable phone charger (10,000 mAh minimum, more if taking photos)
- Phone tripod for family photos
- Zip-top bags for ride items
- Rain poncho ($5 pack works fine)
- Sunscreen (mineral-based for kids) — apply every 90 min
- Lip balm with SPF
- Small first aid kit — band-aids, hydrocortisone, Benadryl, Tums, motion sickness tabs
For the Kids
- Lanyard with clear pouch for park tickets/MagicBand (saves a lot of stress)
- Autograph book + Sharpies (for character meet-and-greets)
- Small favorite toys for bedtime
- Night light / sound machine (our vacation rental has these — skip)
- Stroller snack stash
For Toddlers and Babies
- Diapers — way more than you think (1/hour in heat)
- Wipes — a full pack per day
- Portable changing pad
- Pack-n-play — 450 Burma provides one on request; don’t travel with one
- Bottles / sippy cups
- Travel-size toiletries
- Baby wipes for face / hands (Disney quick service napkins are rough)
What to Skip If You’re in a Vacation Rental
These are supplied at 450 Burma:
- Hair dryer
- Iron + ironing board
- Laundry detergent (washer + dryer in-unit)
- Salt, pepper, cooking oil
- Coffee + coffee filters
- Starter paper towels, dish soap, trash bags
- Shampoo + soap starter
- Pool towels
- Beach towels (we include 2 per room; bring more if beach day)
- Pack-n-play (on request)
- Cribs (not provided — buy a portable or rent)
Checked Bag Strategy for Flying
- Divide each person’s clothes across 2 bags — if one is lost, everyone has some clothes
- Swimsuits + sunscreen in carry-on — if bags delayed, you can swim day 1
- Medication + prescriptions always in carry-on
- Portable charger must be in carry-on (TSA rule)
- Buy bulk at Publix after arrival — diapers, wipes, kids’ snacks, breakfast cereal
Rental Car Essentials
- Sunshade for car windows
- Window/sunroof shade stroller cover (kids strollers)
- Extra waters always in the trunk
- Beach / pool towels (don’t forget at your rental)
- Portable cooler for park mid-day
What NOT to Pack
- Professional camera — your phone is fine for Disney
- Full outfit changes (3 shirts/shorts per day is overkill)
- Snorkeling gear (unless you’re doing a beach day)
- Formal wear (Disney is casual even at Victoria & Albert’s)
- Hair dryer + iron (hotel + rental both have these)
- Your own pillow (unless you know you need one)
Printable Checklist
Want a printable version? Contact us and we’ll email you a one-page PDF checklist with your confirmation.
