Like I said, the medium-sized Away suitcase is the way to go for a week-long trip. But packing cubes make all the difference as you navigate the day. You can organize them by category (think PJs in one; shorts and pants in another) or you can organize by day and theme park (my son wore an on-theme animal shirt for Animal Kingdom, so I sorted that day’s outfit and essentials into a packing cube I could easily grab). The process of sorting into cubes not only helps you edit your load, it will help you anticipate your travel needs before you depart.
2. Choose a backpack with plenty of compartments
I was so happy that I grabbed a backpack (like this one from Jansport) with a lot of separate spaces for carrying all the things. Keep in mind: Disney World restricts certain sizes, so you want to be sure what you carry fits within those measurements. (It’s also another reason to keep things organized: You’ll save time at security screenings.) Overall, it was helpful to have a pocket for sunscreen and Band-Aids and a separate pocket for my cell phone charger and extended life battery pack. A roomier design is also key if you’re aiming to stay at the park for hours on end—you’ll need space for sweatshirts, since it tends to get chilly at night. Or if there’s any water activities on deck. (For example, at Epcot, the new Moana-themed Journey of Water experience could result in a misty splash.)
3. Save money by buying Disney-themed merchandise in advance
Yohay’s best advice before heading to Disney World is to check out online offerings for Disney-themed merch. “I love to check out Target for any cute new shirts or tank tops,” she says. “They often have really cute—and not cheesy—options for a fraction of the price.” I agree. I was happy to pre-purchase everything from Mouse ears to a character autograph book. It also meant that I could throw together a welcome basket in the hotel room for my son, which created a lovely “surprise and delight” moment ahead of our first day at the Magic Kingdom.
4. An oversize white-button down is your Disney World outfit savior
I swear, this was the item that I was most happy I packed. The one I chose was a one-size-fits all from Frank & Eileen, and I wore it to the parks and the pools as a swimsuit cover-up on repeat and found that it kept me cool and comfortable. There’s not a ton of shade, so it’s nice to have long sleeves that you can roll up when it gets warm.
5. The Magic Bands are worth it
A trip to Disney World is about packing smart, not hard. Yohay can attest: Investing ahead of time in the Magic Bands makes managing park tickets and paying and maneuvering through lightning lanes a cinch. “They can also be your hotel key if you’re staying on property and you can even use them to pay at the gift shops,” she explains. “For kids, a Magic Band lock is also a must since it helps keep the band in place so it doesn’t fall off.”