Top 10 Things to Bring BEFORE You Get to Disney

Hi Companions,

 So, when Natalie and I first thought of this blog, we talked about the many wonderful blog posts we would do and share. (We have a bunch coming at you, so please subscribe, follow and share!) That being said, I really wanted to do this one because realistically it lends to my personality pretty perfectly. :) I am the type of traveler that always likes to be prepared! Call me type A, mom or whatever but I try to categorize it in three categories. 1. Does it save me money? 2. Is it more convenient? 3. Will it enhance my experience? After basically going to Disney my whole life, these are the BEST 10 THINGS (and maybe some honorable mentions) I could think of that you should bring BEFORE you get to Disney. Without further adieu, in no particular order.

10 Best Things

1. Rain Poncho - Disney does have rain ponchos but they are expensive and the plastic ones are very thin. You could get one from the dollar store and get something just as thin for those water rides or you could spend a little more and get a PVC material version that is a little thicker for those rainy days. This isn't fool proof, you are probably still going to get a little wet but you aren't going to get DRENCHED. I find this is good for not only water rides but the occasional rain especially in Florida. (Experience Enhancing)

My family with their ponchos on.

2. Phone Charging Brick - So Disney is full of photo opportunities and if you are not going to buy the Memory Maker then most likely you are using your phone to take photos. You are probably also using your phone to use the digital map, adding fast passes and even making reservations last minute. This kills the battery. My phone charging brick charged not only my phone but another phone at the same time. I never had to look for a random plug nor did I have to stop what I was doing. Having this small charging brick was convenient and also kind of a life saver because our group never had to worry about a phone not being charged. 

(Convenient)

3. Snacks - A lot of people do not realize they can bring snacks to the park. My sister actually brought a WHOLE Thanksgiving leftover meal to Disneyland the day after Thanksgiving. As long as it is not in glass and it is for self consumption, it is okay to bring in. Alcohol is not permitted to bring into the parks. Click DisneyWorld and get it from the mouse's mouth directly. It is the same at Disneyland. So please don't sweat if you have dietary restrictions or just want to save some money, because you can bring it in! :) 

(Money Saving)

4. Disney Apparel & Toys - Buy your Disney themed apparel & toys early!! Nowadays, there are plenty of places that sell Disney apparel and merchandise. I love Hot Topic, Box Lunch and even Disney online for merchandise like back packs and dresses because it is cheaper and specialized. Amazon, Target and Walmart all have shirts and toys available to order and even pajamas for the little ones. When I find them on sale, I buy them and so should you BEFORE you get there. Of course, you want to pick up SOME items at the park but when it comes to merchandise, get it cheap and save it to save yourself some money while still being festive.

(Money Saving)

5. Magic Band* - These can be "free" with the purchase of staying on property; however, even if you aren't on property, these are worth it. No taking out your wallet or losing your card, this is on your arm and ready to scan. I realize that Magic Bands are ONLY for Disney World as of yet, but this really is a game changer. Potentially this could be your room key, your form of payment, your fast pass and your ticket. For those who are going for a few hours, THIS is how you do Disney!! If you forget about the rest of this list, THIS to me is worth the money to buy ahead of time. 

(Convenient)

* Also, when staying on property, remember you only get the solid colored ones not the specialty ones that can be way more fun and festive. Please keep that in mind!! :) 

6. Reusable Water Bottle - Water is free. Refill those bottles and don't spend the money buying the expensive water bottles. (In Disneyland, I would ask for water at the Starbucks. It is always filtered!) However, if you did want to purchase a plastic bottle water, it is extremely convenient to split the water up. Sharing is caring but no shared germs! Yay!! :) This worked EXTREMELY well when we went with a large family. 

(Convenient & Money Saving)

7. Games & Reading Material - I highly recommend buying "Heads Up" or electronic games on your phone, tablet or bringing games like Catch Phrase, books or magazines and even coloring books & crayons. The electronic games are fun for line waiting. Although, Max Pass & Fast Pass+ makes the lines shorter, it DOES NOT stop them completely. Also, you can't have them for every ride, so I suggest some games to pass the time. Also, the coloring books and crayons really work for the little ones while waiting to eat or when you need a break. Although, some of the newer rides are more interactive, there are several of them are not; therefore, keeping them busy while you are getting food or waiting around helps...A LOT! My niece and nephew would color on my phone and the adults would pass the time by playing Heads Up. My husband would also play his games and sometimes I would read. 

(Experience Enhancing)

8. Disney Gift Cards - We bought these ahead of time from Sam's Club for the best deal. The savings really do add up because you can use them for character dining, merchandise and food in the park and surrounding area around Disney World and Disneyland. Depending on where you get it, it can be a significant savings. I highly recommend a gift card to save even a little bit. You know you are going to spend it, might as well save some money doing it. :) 

(Money Saving)

9. Comfortable Backpack - This might be a given to some people but you would be surprised how many people forget this. It doesn't have to be fancy but when you have snacks, your reusable water bottles, poncho and one or more of the honorable mentions....it adds up and a fanny pack, just won't do. I am not talking string backpack, although that does work in a pinch, something that has padded shoulders so it isn't digging in your shoulders. Disney has MANY cute backpacks for purchase, but so do a lot of other retailers. See #4.

(Experience Enhancing)

10. Portable Fan - Okay, so MOST of the time it is hot in both Florida & California. Having a portable fan is honestly amazing! One that sprays water AND is a fan is even better. One that does that AND has a lanyard so you can wear it around your neck...well that's gold especially during the summer months. I cannot tell you what a life saver it was to have it during the month of April this year. YES, I said April. NOPE, I didn't go in the summer months and YES, in Florida it was still THAT hot. I'm from Southern California and it is about the same. Anytime you are in the heat for any period, you want to have something to cool off. 

(Experience Enhancing)

Honorable Mentions

1. Comfortable Walking Shoes - Also, something I shouldn't have to say but A LOT of us try to wear sandals to look cute. CUTE will give you blisters by noon! Unless you have the most comfortable wedges or sandals possibly known to man, wear some comfortable shoes. PERIOD. I did 18 hours in my Rainbow Sandals and hated myself in the morning. These were my comfy sandals, sandals I wear all the time but they were NO match for the hard ground that is Disneyland. I am fully a sneakers type of girl WITH gel insoles. 

2. Sunblock - It is cheaper and you get more if you buy it BEFORE you get to Disney and NEEDED! 

3. Medication - Same as above. Also, you don't have to go searching for it. Sometimes you just need an acetaminophen, allergy medicine, or even stomach medicine and you need it NOW. You have no idea what a relief it is when someone has it in their backpack and you can take it without the added headache. (Pun intended! hahahaha!)

4. Disney Autograph Books & Pen- This doesn't have to be Disney but just a book and a pen for characters to sign. It is an absolutely free souvenir and you get to keep the little ones busy in line. I can honestly say, I have stood in line for A LOT of characters and to see my niece and nephew meet them was something I will always remember. 

5. Sweater or Spare Clothes - I always kick myself when I underestimate California and Florida at night. Southern California has this thing called the Santa Ana winds and BOY do those pick up at night there. EVERY TIME I forget to bring a THICK jacket (preferably a puffy one that folds up really small but is also very warm) I have to then buy another sweater or shirt to keep warm. One year, I had to buy TWO to stack on top of my already long sleeve shirt. It gets cold and very quickly. Now, I generally bring leggings or pants, sweater and jacket combo for the night time. Sounds like overkill but you will thank me later. 

6. Band Aids & Neosporin - It is for those blisters. If you didn't do #1 in my honorable mentions, chances are you are going to need them. 

I hope these help your Disney adventure! If you can think of any that I missed, please comment below! :) 

Your Castle Companion,

Susan

“Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved.”

— Pooh (Winnie the Pooh)

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