Disney Cast Members Say to Never Enter the Parks Without These 12 Essentials—From $7 at Amazon

Travel + Leisure

4 hours ago

A trip to a Disney park is pure magic—but let's be honest, it's also a full-on marathon. From rope drop to fireworks, there's sun, miles of walking, long lines, and the occasional surprise (or not-so-surprising) splash. Whether you're planning a day or multiple days at the parks, if you want to keep the magic alive for your entire trip, packing the right travel gear for the parks is non-negotiable. And who better to turn to for advice than the pros?
From portable chargers to avoid the panic of your phone dying just as you're picking your next Lightning Lane to personal fans to beat the heat, these go-to cast member picks are all about working smarter, not harder on your trip. Think of this as your ultimate Disney survival kit—with items tested by the people who know the parks best and all conveniently available on Amazon.
To help, I spoke to Lexie Bloom, a former Disney World cast member at Magic Kingdom merchandise, as well as Epcot and Animal Kingdom attractions, and researched the most popular recommendations from other former and current cast members.
As for a park bag, Bloom prefers a sling bag to a larger backpack. 'Not only is a smaller bag more comfortable for all-day wear,' she says, 'You can flip it around and wear it on your chest for most rides so you don't have to take it all the way off and risk forgetting it!'
This best-selling Waterfly sling backpack is the perfect size and has lots of pockets and plenty of room for storing all the essentials. As one reviewer says, it's the perfect bag for Disney, with room for a water bottle, poncho, shoes, and more.
There are a few things guaranteed when you go to Disney, and two of those are heat and waiting in line–a combination that can suck the magic out of the best of us. If you don't love the heat, cast members often recommend packing a small, personal fan as a great way to beat the heat.
As one reviewer says, this fan is a 'must-have' for Orlando. 'Perfect and compact for the theme parks, and the battery life has been amazing so far.' As a bonus, it can also double as another way to charge your devices.
Any Disney fan knows that planning your meals is half the fun of a day at the parks. With countless dining spots and seasonal treats to try, Disney dining is an experience all its own. But there's one insider tip Bloom wants you to know ahead of time: don't pay for water.
'Any quick-service restaurant will give you a free cup of water if you ask,' Bloom, who worked at Disney World from 2018 through 2023, shares.
Instead of spending money on bottled water, take advantage of those free cups—or better yet, learn from experienced cast members and bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day. These collapsible bottles are perfect for staying hydrated without taking up too much space in your park bag. They're durable, reusable, and collapse to nearly a third of their full size when empty. Fill them up with the free cups of water or at refill stations throughout the parks and resorts.
You're bound to get some sun during your day at Disney, and too much of a good thing—like that Florida sun—isn't so great. Cast members recommend compact sun care options like this Supergoop! Glow Stick for quick, mess-free applications. Plus, it won't spill or leak in your bag since it's solid. It's perfect for faces, shoulders, and chests.
'Saved my life in 90-degree Disney lines!' one person wrote. 'I use this on my whole family, it's so easy, just glides on, so easy to use on my kids and no rubbing!'
Other cast members suggest packing some travel-size sunscreen lotion or spray, too, for larger areas of your body like your arms and legs to keep the sunburns to a minimum.
Just like the Florida sun and heat, a bit of water—planned or not—is practically guaranteed during your Disney day.
'Rain ponchos come in small packaging, and they're light and easy to stick in your park bag,' Bloom says. 'They're perfect for the classic 3:00 p.m. Orlando rain shower or your favorite water ride. I always bring one—it's way more cost-effective than buying one in the park.'
This set includes five disposable ponchos, perfect for multiple park days or to keep the whole family dry. They're large enough to fit over a backpack or other park bag to keep your belongings dry, too.
Disney's eco-friendly efforts are fantastic, but not everyone loves the paper straws in the parks—and cast members and Disney fans alike agree: if you'd rather skip the soggy straw situation, pack your own reusable straws instead.
This straw set comes with 12 straws, cleaning brushes, and four pouches for storing them in your bag. Several reviewers say they take these along on cruises, too, as they're compact and durable, holding up to hot and cold drinks.
According to cast members, athletic wear like sporty skorts and dresses is a perfect way to stay comfortable and stylish for your Disney day. This skort romper is perfect for park days and beyond, whether it's errands or a game of pickleball. One reviewer says, 'The fit is fantastic, and the built-in shorts are perfect for preventing any thigh rubbing. It's the perfect blend of comfort and style!'​​ Another who bought it for an upcoming Disney trip notes that it 'fits perfectly.' Whether you're chasing toddlers or chasing the perfect photo op, this romper is a go-to choice.
As much as cast members recommend finding the perfect comfortable walking shoe, they also say it's important to have a backup plan if (and when) the rain hits or if your feet need a breather after multiple days in the park. An easy way, according to cast members, to give your feet a rest or avoid soaking your socks on Tiana's Bayou Adventure is packing a pair of comfortable, durable sandals that can hold up to water, including brands like Teva, Crocs, and Reef. Made of vegan leather with plenty of traction and claiming no break-in period, these Reef flip-flops are a great option. Reviewers even say they're comfortable enough for all-day walking (if you're brave), and the brand has lots of fans at Disney.
Park days are long, and between checking wait times, booking Lightning Lane reservations, and snapping photos, your phone is going to get a workout. It's almost guaranteed that someone in your group will need a battery boost before the day is over. This portable charger powers an iPhone up to three-quarters full in just an hour, and it features a slim design that easily fits in your bag or pocket; plus, it has three USB ports so you can charge multiple devices at once.
Bloom and other cast members agree: a portable charger (or two) is a must-have to stay connected throughout your Disney day. One reviewer calls this model 'super reliable and lightweight. Great for festivals, camping, or just daily use,' making it the perfect option for a day in the parks.
You'll likely want to bring along a few small essentials, such as band-aids, gum (since you can't buy it in the parks), medication, or hair ties. Some cast members suggest putting together an 'everything' bag to keep these items organized and easily accessible. That way, you don't have to waste time rummaging through your bag when you need something quickly.
These TSA-approved clear bags are the perfect solution: they're flat and transparent, allowing you to see all your essentials at a glance. Bonus tip, since they're waterproof, these could double as a place to stash wet items (like an umbrella)—a necessity for some cast members.
If you're hoping to snag autographs from your favorite Disney characters, Bloom says the autograph books at Disney aren't cheap, so bringing your own from home is a great way to save a little money for other souvenirs or treats. This book is the perfect size to stash in your park bag but has plenty of pages for all your favorite characters to sign. One reviewer says the book was able to hold at least 20 autographs from their trip.
Autograph books are fun, but according to Bloom, there's another (more memorable) way to collect those character signatures: bring a picture frame mat instead. It's a creative swap that turns a simple autograph into a keepsake you'll want to display.
Simply bring one on your trip (or a few!), then have characters sign the blank space and frame your favorite park photo inside when you get home. It's an easy way to turn vacation magic into a personalized piece of art. This set includes six white mats (8x10 inches with a 4x6-inch opening), backing boards, and protective sleeves to keep them safe in your park bag.
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.