Are you getting ready for your next trip to Disney World?

Maybe you’re starting to get your packing on now that you’ve finalized the other plans like your airline and hotel reservations. Now, we understand how stressful it can be to pack for the trip, especially if you’re double and triple-checking your list to make sure you’re not forgetting anything. We’re here for you. The last thing we want is for you to feel like you’ve forgotten anything, so let’s talk about the parks bag mistake that everyone makes in Disney World so that you won’t have to!

As we were saying, you would be surprised by how many people get it wrong when it comes to packing for Disney World, and that’s what we don’t want to have happen to you. Here are the park bag blunders to avoid, plus some smart packing tips to keep your trip magical.

Overpacking Like You’re Going on a Disney Survival Trek

Let’s be real. Disney World days are no joke on your feet and your stamina, but you’re still in a theme park, not the wild wilderness. Sure, it might be tempting to pack every single thing you could ever hope to have or need, but that bag gets heavy fast. Here’s the thing: your bag might feel okay at the hotel room, but after mile 5, 6, or 10 (and believe me, you’ll hit that), it starts feeling like you’re carrying a case of bricks!

The solution is to pack like a minimalist. Consider what you actually need. If you’re heading for a casual day at Magic Kingdom, you can totally get by with a small belt bag or a compact Loungefly backpack. These bags force you to pack only the essentials, and you’ll thank yourself when you’re not constantly readjusting a heavy load on your shoulders. A habit you might want to form is that before you leave the hotel room, ask yourself, “Will I use this multiple times today?” If the answer is no, then consider leaving it out of the bag. Now, let me talk about a couple of our favorite bags that you could consider.

Cherry Sauce Oxford Ita Shoulder Bag

If you love a lightweight and compact backpack for your essentials, and you love pin trading, there’s no better bag for you than this Cherry Sauce Oxford Ita Shoulder Bag!

Grab it here!

Mini Belt Bag

Around these parts, we love a good Mini Belt Bag! Honestly, there might not be a better way to carry your light park essentials and be handsfree.

Grab it here!

Loungefly Exclusive Disney Stickers All Over Print Mini Backpack

If you want to get a mini bag that’s sturdy and fashionable, check out this Loungefly Exclusive Disney Stickers All Over Print Mini Backpack! We love ours. They’re really the perfect parks companion.

Grab it here!

A habit you might want to form is that before you leave the hotel room, ask yourself, “Will I use this multiple times today?” If the answer is no, then consider leaving it out of the bag.

Not Bringing Enough Water (or a Refillable Bottle)

Walking around in the Florida sun is no joke (there’s not a ton of shade at Disney World), and dehydration can sneak up on you much, much faster than you think. One common mistake is not bringing enough water or even assuming you’ll buy bottles as you go.

But here’s the deal. Disney World water is free! You can stop by any quick-service counter and ask for a cup of water, or better yet, bring a refillable water bottle and save yourself the hassle (and expense) of buying multiple plastic bottles throughout the day.

Staying hydrated will help you avoid headaches, fatigue, and feeling sluggish by the time you’re in line for your favorite ride. Plus, having your own refillable bottle is pretty eco-friendly and wallet-friendly. And who doesn’t love an excuse to show off their cute Disney-themed water bottle?

Get an Owala on Amazon

Leaving the Portable Charger Behind

This is a big one! Between snapping all those must-have photos, using the My Disney Experience app for ride times and mobile orders, and maybe even squeezing in a quick phone call, your phone battery will drain fast. The last thing you want is to end up at 5% with no way to navigate the park or keep in touch with your group.

A small, lightweight charger will save you a lot of stress. Bring one that’s fully charged, and you’ll be able to power up your phone while you’re waiting in line.

Get a FuelRod on Amazon here!

Bringing Your Entire Wallet

It’s really easy to toss your whole wallet in your bag without a second thought, but do you actually need all 20 of your loyalty cards at Disney World? Nope, and you definitely don’t want to risk losing your whole wallet if it slips out of a ride pouch.

Our advice is to slim it down. Stick to the essentials — your ID, one or two credit cards, and some cash. You’ll feel way better knowing you’re not lugging around everything. If you have a MagicBand, you can even link it to a credit card and your park tickets, so you can even leave more behind.

Skipping First Aid Essentials

Blisters, headaches, or an accidental scrape can totally throw off your Disney groove, which is why we feel it’s a good idea to have a mini first-aid kit on hand.

A few band-aids, pain relievers, and maybe even an anti-chafe stick can be lifesavers! These things don’t take up much space and can make a massive difference in your day. Trust us, there’s nothing worse than hobbling around Disney with a blister.

Get the 300 Piece First Aid Kit HERE!

Forgetting Rain Gear and Extra Socks

Listen, in Florida, rain is almost as common as sunshine, and when it rains, it pours. Plus, those afternoon showers can leave puddles that might make your feet wish they had their own poncho.

A good rule of thumb is to bring a poncho (or mini umbrella) and a spare pair of socks. Ponchos are easy to find online before you go, which will save you some cash by buying them ahead of time instead of at the park! Also, stashing an extra pair of socks will help you out if your feet get drenched. It’s one of those things you won’t realize you need until you’re soaked and wishing for dry feet.

Our favorite poncho is this Frogg Toggs poncho. There is plenty of room for your bag to fit underneath. It’s quick drying but doesn’t have ya sweating all day and there’s a bag for you to put your wet poncho in so it doesn’t get everything else in your bag wet.

Get your poncho here!

The Bottom Line

Packing smart can mean the difference between a pretty magical Disney day and one that’s spent dreaming of ice packs and foot rubs. So, here’s the main rule: keep it light and functional. If you can stick to a small bag with essentials, skip the urge overload.

In the meantime, stay tuned to DFB so you’re always in the loop with all the latest from Disney!

AVOID Packing THIS in Your Luggage Before Heading to the Airport

How do you pack for your trip to Disney World? Tell us in the comments!