Walt Disney World is OFFICIALLY turning 50 on October 1st of this year!

And if you’re planning to be there for the marquee anniversary, you likely already know this isn’t going to be your AVERAGE Disney World vacation. And so, you need to pack accordingly.

There are some things you need to bring on EVERY Disney World vacation, like comfortable shoes, a good backpack, and your favorite Minnie ears.

If you’re heading down to Orlando this October, here are some of the extra things you may want to bring with you!

Extra Money and Gift Cards

If Disneyland’s 65th anniversary is any indication, Disney World’s 50th anniversary is going to have TONS of limited edition merchandise!

We don’t know WHAT Disney World will release, but we’re sure there will be new ears, new shirts, new mugs, picture frames, dresses and skirts, keychains, pins, hats, plushes, and so, so, so much more! It’s easy to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars, so if you want to make sure you don’t blow your rent money on Disney World merch, use one of our favorite tips for budgeting at Disney World and use Disney gift cards!

Just place however much you want to spend on new merch on your gift card, and when it’s out, it’s out!

Read 3 tips for budgeting for a Disney World trip here. 

An Empty Suitcase

If you’re flying or driving down to Disney World you may want to make sure you don’t just leave a little extra room in your luggage. Instead, you may want to bring an entire EXTRA empty suitcase or foldable tote bag especially if you know you’re going to be shopping a lot.

It may SEEM excessive, but even budget-friendly souvenirs can take up a LOT of space! (We’re looking at you, Stitch Crashes Disney plushes!)

Looking for a great new suitcase? Click here!

So pack light and make sure you have a carry-on or personal item-sized bag that you can store all of your new goodies in!

Read a few of our Disney World packing tips here! 

High-quality Camera

Yes, your iPhone can take GREAT shots. Just look at what a smartphone can do!

But this is a SPECIAL trip, and you’re going to want to take a LOT of photos, so you might want to think about bringing along a high-quality digital camera too to make sure you’re getting every angle of any special photo opportunities that may arise!

If you want to take some unique snapshots, consider bringing along a Polaroid camera too so you’ll have the beginnings of a photo album all printed before you even leave Disney World!

Click here to pick up a new digital camera!

Old Family Photos

SPEAKING of unique photos to take, if you and your family have been going to Disney World since the ’70s, it may be time to channel those memories and recreate them! The first step, bring those old family photographs!

Disney World is ALL about the memories, so break out those frilly socks and baggy polos to remember the good ol’ days. Or you can dress like it’s 2021 and snap a special shot with your loved ones in the same place to see just how much Disney World has changed over the years! Chances are, you’ve changed a little bit too. 😉

Past Disney World Mementos

SPEAKING of nostalgia, if you’ve been going to Disney World since you were a little kid, chances are you have a favorite souvenir or two from childhood, like a well-loved Mickey Mouse plush or a T-shirt that was super baggy in the ’90s that fits just right these days. And now is the time to bring it along!

You can get some adorable snapshots of your favorite pal from childhood or show off your own vintage goods for this anniversary!

Themed clothing

If you’re not out to buy brand new stuff or don’t have a well-worn vintage Disney tee, then maybe break out some themed clothing! Rock a shirt based off of your favorite Disney World opening day attraction! (Haunted Mansion, anyone?!)

Or you can go ALL out with the 50th theme and dress like you’re still in the 1970s or you can channel Disney’s announced EARidescence color scheme!

Check out a COOL Disney shirt right here!

Your Own Entertainment

As of now, the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are BOOKED TO CAPACITY for October 1st!

In addition to the Magic Kingdom’s big anniversary, EPCOT will have a BRAND NEW attraction on October 1st, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure!

The opening of a new ride and any marquee day at Magic Kingdom (think: Christmas, New Year’s Eve, the Fourth of July) will be SUPER busy with VERY long lines.

It’s helpful to bring entertainment. We like to bring a book, but if you’re an artist, you can bring a sketchbook!

Looking for a cool Disney sketchbook? Click here!

If you like to spend your time working out your brain, you can bring along a puzzle book, crossword book, or word search!

It’s also important to keep your kiddos entertained in long lines, so load your smartphone up with games for waiting in long lines or the Play Disney Parks app so you can do trivia!

Though it’s unknown what entertainment Disney World will have at this juncture, if the parks DO announce fireworks or stage shows, it may even be useful to bring a puzzle to put together while you wait on the hub grass for that nighttime spectacular!

What’s going on with fireworks in Disney World? Get all the details here. 

Coffee

Yes, Disney World sells coffee at the theme parks, and we LOVE Joffrey’s and Starbucks!

But you know what we DON’T love? Lines at Joffrey’s and Starbucks, especially in the morning. They’re LONG!

You CAN bring your own food and drinks into Disney World, and we HIGHLY recommend bringing a tumbler of coffee into Disney World with you. Odds are, you’ll have an early morning and a long day of lines ahead of you, and the worst line to be caught in is an un-caffeinated line!

Bring your OWN Joffrey’s coffee by clicking here!

Your Patience!

Seriously. The parks will be CROWDED on October 1st, especially as Walt Disney World increases capacity over the next few months.

Lines will be LONG for limited edition merchandise, special food offerings, attractions, shows, transportation, and practically EVERYTHING else.

Cast Members do their best to move things along, but these lines are practically impossible to avoid and they may feel especially lengthy because Disney World has been operating at a lower capacity since reopening.

So in addition to entertainment, bring your patience and your smile. And be sure to THANK Cast Members for all their hard work, after all, they’re the ones who have kept Disney World running for the last 50 years!

Everything That’s Happening in Disney World on October 1!

Will you be visiting Disney World on October 1st? Let us know in the comments!