Heading to Disneyland with the kids and not sure what to bring and what should stay behind? In this post I will include what you should be packing in your backpack for a day in Disneyland for you and your family.
As a mom of four young children, keep in mind that I am still in my stroller days at the Disneyland parks. So if it seems like this is a LOT of stuff for one backpack, it probably is! Truth be told most of this just gets thrown into the bottom of our strollers.
Note: This post contains affiliate links to products and services we love and recommend. If you click these links, we may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you). Thanks, as always, for your support!
Shop all of my Disney Backpack Finds HERE
Pack your Backpack for a day in Disneyland the Night Before
This may seem obvious to some, but if it is important for you to get to Disneyland for the rope drop, then you should really consider packing your backpack the night before. Do not wait until the morning to get things together.
Getting to Disneyland before the park even opens is one of the many ways to maximize your day at Disneyland.
RELATED POST: 5 WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR DAY IN DISNEYLAND
Consider Everyone in your Group to be Responsible for their own Disneyland Backpack
If your children are old enough to be without the stroller (lucky you!) then they are probably old enough to carry their own small backpack. So, if each child carries their own gear for the day, then this list doesn’t sound so “heavy” as it is broken down into per person, instead of one backpack for the entire group.
Follow Disneyland Rules & Guidelines for What is Allowed in your Backpack for a Day in Disneyland
Stay up to date with all of the Disneyland rules and regulations. Check out their latest rules about backpacks, coolers, and more here.
View this post on Instagram
Complete List for what to Pack in your Backpack for a day in Disneyland
Sweatshirts
Even in Southern California, the nights can get chilly and/or windy, so be sure to pack sweatshirts for both the kids and adults for the evening time. If you know you are heading back to the hotel midday for naps, then you could pack the sweatshirts then for the second half of your day.
Water
I usually don’t bring the kids reusable water bottles into the park for fear of losing them. The only exception to this is a baby sippy cup. It’s easier for me to just give them a plastic bottle of water and then toss into a recycle bin as they finish. If you do happen to bring water bottles and want to refill them, they have a water spout with filtered water in the dining area of Rancho del Zocalo Restaurant as well as in Tomorrowland at Galactic Grill.
I bring 3-4 bottles of water per person. Yes, that is a LOT of water bottles to lug around, but we have a stroller so we aren’t carrying it. If we are driving to Anaheim, we usually stop by Costco or Target for a large case of water before we get down to Southern California. Another great idea is to throw a few of them into the freezer in your hotel room so that they are ice cold later in the day.
If your kids are older and you don’t have a stroller, I would just plan on getting cups of ice waters around the park. It’s free! You just have to ask for ice waters at any of the quick service dining within the park. I usually get ice water while we are dining, and then use the water bottles throughout the day for while we are waiting in lines, sitting at shows, and cruising the park.
Chapstick
Need I say more?
Hair Essentials
1 mini packing cube for all the hair essentials – hair ties, mini brush, and barrettes.
Sunscreen
Southern California sun will take a toll on your body. Be smart, use sunscreen. Especially on the little ones. Although the spray cans are lighter and easier to apply, I recommend bringing one bottle of regular sunscreen. It will last all day for your family and it has better coverage.
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
It’s nice to have disinfectant wipes on hand wherever you are. I especially like to have them to wipe down the tables before we eat anywhere.
Hand Sanitizer
Just like the disinfecting wipes, I like to have hand sanitizer with me at all times when at Disneyland.
First Aid Essentials
Although you can go to the First Aid station within both Disneyland and California Adventure, its so nice to just have your own set of bandaids, children’s ibuprofen, adult ibuprofen, children’s Benadryl, tweezers and mini scissors, and children’s Dramamine (motion sickness pills).
Fan/Mister for Hot Days at Disneyland
Although this is not required year round at the parks, you may want to consider bringing a small fan, or mister with you on hot days at the parks.
Light up toys
There are two benefits to bringing light up toys along with you to Disneyland for the day.
- Your kids will see many other kids with light up Disney toys. Save your self the headache of telling them no, and just bring some alternatives to the $25 Disney light up toy. We like to bring these small finger light up lights. I know another popular alternative is bringing glow sticks (which you can grab at the dollar store or in the Target dollar bins.)
- It makes your kids easier to see. Once it gets dark in the park, it becomes a little trickier to keep your eyes on your kids.
Autograph Books
If you have little ones you can stock up online with autograph books and pens before you enter the park.
Mouse Ears & other Disney Gear
If you are a Disney fan, you may already own a pair (or two) of Disney ears, Disney hats, or Disney lanyards and pins. Make sure to bring all of that fun stuff with you each time you enter the Disneyland parks. It will help you not feel so tempted to buy something new each time you are there.
Another great idea, is to shop online ahead of time for less expensive Disney gear. Surprise your kids throughout the day with small Disney treats that you bought in advance at a fraction of the cost.
Wipes
Even without an infant a parent can always find uses for wipes. Even though I have no little ones in diapers anymore, I always bring a pack of wipes.
Diapers
Bring enough for the day, but know that if you need an extra, or you completely run out, they are available in the infant centers at BOTH Disneyland and California Adventure.
Change of Clothes For my Toddler & Infant
No one else in the family would I bring a spare set of clothes for besides the youngest member of our family. Honestly, I know people like to bring change of clothes in case they get wet on a ride, but I don’t want to lug all of that extra clothing around. If you don’t want to get wet, then don’t go on the ride.
Snacks & Infant Food Pouches
I try to limit the amount of snacks I pack to one small packing cube. When packing snacks, I always try to consider things that will not crumble (who wants a huge bag of smashed Goldfish), not melt, and not end up just being thrown away or wasted by my children. Pack what they like and pack what is going to give them sustainable energy to survive between meals.
Here is a list of snacks that I pack for our day at Disneyland:
- beef jerky
- trail mix (no chocolate though, it melts!) and other nuts
- granola bars and Cliff bars
- Belvita Breakfast bars
- Mandarin oranges
1-2 empty reusable grocery bag or an empty travel cube
If you have to close up your stroller to take a shuttle back and forth from your hotel, or if you want to take the train or monorail you have to close up your stroller. Nothing worse than having 1,200 things and no place to put them.
Disney Backpack
Definitely not required, but having a Disney backpack is fun when you are headed to Disneyland for the day. Check out some of my favorite Disneyland backpack finds.
Wallet
For a day at Disneyland I don’t bring my entire wallet. I transfer just my essentials items (credit card, ATM card, cash, Disneyland pass and driver’s license) into a small coin style wallet.
Extra charging/power block for all of our electronics
If you use the Disney App throughout the day, and plan on taking pictures with your phone, you are going to want to have a back up to charge them. True story: I have been to the park with my sister, we were separated and her phone was DEAD. I had no way to get a hold of her but luckily we always have a meeting point.
Don’t find yourself in a situation where you have a dead phone. Bring a power block to keep your phone charged.
Gallon size Ziplock baggies or Wet Bag
I always throw a gallon size Ziploc baggie with a variety of other ziplock baggies inside of it. Why? Ziplock baggies can be used for just about anything. If your child has an accident all of the wet clothes can go into a Ziplock. If your child doesn’t finish his lunch or snack it can go into a Ziplock. The wet bag can serve the same purpose for clothing, however, I still prefer Ziplock bags because they serve a multitude of purposes.
I hope that you feel ready to pack your backpack for a day in Disneyland now. If you liked this post, make sure to check out the rest of my Disneyland tips, planning ideas, and tricks. If you ever have any questions planning your next trip to Disneyland, please send me an email or DM me on Instagram.
With over 25 visits to the parks in the past 10 years with children, I can guarantee you I probably have experienced the same question that you need answering. You can always comment below, send me an email, or find me on Instagram where I am sharing mom tips each day. I look forward to hearing from you!
Did you like this post? PIN it on PINTEREST board to refer back to it for later so you are ready to pack your backpack for a day at Disneyland. Did you know that pinning this post onto your PINTEREST boards allows others to see this post and may help someone else pack their Disney backpack too.
