I Visit Disney World Every Year. Here's What I Pack.,
Over the years, I've fine-tuned my go-to gear for a stress-free Disney park experience. These are the items I actually bring in my backpack or wear in the parks — tested by long walking days, character meet and greets, and riding every roller coaster. Whether it's a portable charger that won't die by noon or a neck fan that saves you from a heat-induced spiral, here's what I'd pack to make the most out of every Disney day.
Stay cool no matter how hot it gets with a neck fan
Florida heat doesn't play around, and this bladeless neck fan will cool you down. It rests comfortably around your neck like headphones, blowing cool air directly onto your face and neck while keeping your hands free for more Mickey Mouse pretzels. It's quiet, rechargeable, and way more discreet than you'd expect — no need to sacrifice style for survival. Don't worry – your hair won't get tangled in this one like the old-school blade fans.Get it from Amazon for $27.19+ (available in five colors).
Sanitize before eating your favorite Mickey Mouse-shaped pretzel
Let's try not to think too much about how dirty the handrails and dividers are on those long lines for the rides. This sleek, credit-card-shaped bottle from Touchland slips easily into any park bag or pocket, and the mist goes on evenly without that sticky residue. Aside from being on-theme, the mist also smells amazing. Get it from Amazon for $20.
A perfectly-sized backpack that you can bring on every ride
The last thing you want is to lug around a heavy backpack for 12 hours and then doing it all over again the next day. For a lightweight, no-fuss backpack that can fit on every ride, the Osprey Daylite backpack is my favorite. It's comfortable to wear all day and has plenty of space for park essentials without weighing you down.Get it from Amazon for $47.41+ (available in 18 colors).
Recharge your devices and check wait times on the Disney World app with a portab
Your phone is your lifeline at Disney — between taking photos, using the Disney World app or Genie+ and placing mobile orders — and this portable charger has the battery power to keep it alive all day (and then some). (The Disney app, for one, is a game-changer – it shows wait times for rides in real time.) With multiple ports and a digital display, it's easy to share power with your group and know exactly how much juice you've got left. It's a little heavy, but totally worth it for peace of mind when you're having 12-hour days of pure magic. Get it from Amazon for $28.49+ (available in four colors).
A hat that everyone will be asking about
Disney fashion is out on display in the parks. You don't want to get sunburnt on your first day, so this Stitch trucker hat gets the job done while playing the part. The mesh back keeps you cool on hot days, without blocking your view during parades or shows. It's lightweight, adjustable, and easy to toss in your bag after dark. Be prepared to get an influx of compliments!Get it from Amazon for $16.38+ (also available in eight other styles).
Keep your prized possessions dry as you're barreling down Tatiana's Bayou Advent
You have to ride the new Tiana's Bayou Adventure at the Magic Kingdom park – it replaced the long-running Splash Mountain last June. For log-flume rides like these that come with a high chance of getting completely soaked, a dry bag is a lifesaver. It keeps everything from your phone to your snacks bone-dry, and the lightweight design makes it easy to roll up and stash when you don't need it. Plus, the transparent plastic means you're not digging around blindly when you're in line for a Dole Whip ice cream cone.Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in five sizes and 11 colors).
Affordable sunglasses that won't fall off your face no matter how fast you go on Tron
Leave your expensive sunglasses at home, because losing them in Hollywood Studios on Slinky Dog Dash isn't a very happy ending. These Goodr sunglasses are my go-to for park days — lightweight, non-slip, and polarized so you're not squinting at Cinderella's Castle. They stay put on rides like Tron Lightcycle / Run and Tiana's Bayou Adventure. The translucent frames and reflective lenses add fun to your 'fit. Plus, they're affordable enough that if you lose them on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, it won't ruin your trip.Get them from Amazon for $25.
Hair clips that give a subtle nod to the magic of Mickey and Minnie
Don't underestimate the power of a good hair clip at Disney — especially when it's 92 degrees and you've been riding roller coasters since 8 a.m. These mini claw clips are lightweight, non-slip, and come in a pack of 20, so you won't stress if one gets lost in the depths of your backpack. They're perfect for quick updos, half-up styles, or keeping your hair out of your lunch. Get them in a pack of four or eight.Get them from Amazon for $9.99+.
A pair of waterproof sneakers that will make those 20,000 steps feel easy
Comfort is everything at Disney World and the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 GTX sneakers are built for marathon days in the parks. With excellent arch support, responsive cushioning, and a waterproof-yet-breathable design, they keep your feet happy whether you're power-walking to the Lightning Lane or dodging Florida rainstorms. The grip is solid even on slippery pavement, and they don't need a break-in period — just lace up and go. Trust me, your feet will thank you by the time you hit mile 10.Get them from Amazon for $119.95+ (available in men's sizes 7–14).
A T-shirt that pays homage to a beloved attraction
Muppet Courtyard, an area of the park that included the Muppets*Vision 3D attraction and PizzeRizzo restaurant, closed earlier this month to make way for a 'Monsters Inc' installation, and superfans paid their final visits to say goodbye to a classic. You can pay homage with this 100% cotton Comfort Colors tee printed with an original design from Main Street Thieves. The California-based small business specializes in unique Disney designs that offer new riffs on classic characters. Get it from Main Street Thieves for $39 (available in unisex sizes S–4XL and two colors).
Vlog the entire trip with a GoPro HERO13 Black that will become a family home vi
Whether you're traveling to Disney with your kids, your parents or your best friends, you're going to want to enter your vlogging era. The GoPro Hero13 Black is compact and easy to use with voice-activated shooting options. Set up your GoPro on its handheld tripod and simply say 'GoPro, take a photo!' to capture the moment. Keep in mind that you cannot bring a recording device on most rides for safety reasons – but there are a few exceptions, like Mad Tea Party and It's a Small World. Get it from Amazon for $329.
A book for collecting autographs from your favorite characters
Meeting characters is half the magic, and this Stitch-themed autograph book turns those moments into keepsakes. With plenty of pages and a spiral binding that lays flat, it's easy for characters to sign — even the ones with oversized paws. Get it from Amazon for $9.58.
A Canon camera to capture every single, goofy, magical moment
Disney World is about making memories for a lifetime, and sometimes the camera on your phone just doesn't cut it. The main feature to consider for the parks is a compact yet powerful device. The Canon PowerShot SX740 is a solid pick with 40x optical zoom that captures everything from the fireworks to posing with Goofy. Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth make it easy to send photos straight to your phone for quick posting on social media.Get it from Amazon for $805.50.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
2 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
35 Products That Will Brighten Your Day Every Day
A limited edition Eos 24H Moisture Super Balm in a delectable marshmallow fluff flavor that'll hold you over until you can actually sit 'round a campfire and make s'mores with your pals. Oh, and it'll keep your lips feeling hydrated all day and night! Vanilla Velvet Touchland Power Essence Hydrating Body and Hair Fragrance you can easily stow away in your tote to freshen up your scent throughout the day (a must during these gross, sweaty, summer days). An iced coffee enamel pin for anyone who considers themselves a proud member of the I-Drink-Iced-Coffee-No-Matter-The-Temperature-Outside Club. Add this to your tote bag or denim jacket to let the world (and your barista) know *exactly* what you like. A set of five dinosaur nugget pillows that'll make you want to bring your favorite childhood meal out of extinction — they're so plush and cozy you'll want to bury yourself in 'em while your *actual* nugs cook in the air fryer. A lovely 5-inch ceramic planter adorned with a panther design you'll want to show off to everyone that enters your home — it has a drainage hole in the bottom so if you dare to plop a living plant in it you'll be fully equipped! An LCD writing tablet that'll remind you of the rainbow scratch art crafts of your youth — snag it for the kiddo in your life to keep 'em entertained in the car or use it yourself to doodle while watching TV, write your crush's name with hearts all around it, or to leave your roomie a note (but with some extra pizzazz). An attachable Stanley Cup snack bowl to take your favorite drinking vessel to the next level — a drinking and snacking vessel! Fill it with cookies, chips, fruit, candy... whatever! Once you've stocked it up, you won't have to leave your bedroom until morning. See ya never. A boat-shaped Dinghy Soap that your kids will be impressed by, regardless of whether they're 2 or 12! Toss it right into the tub alongside your mini-mes and watch as they look on in amazement to discover IT FLOATS. Your next game of "sink or float" is going to be incredible. An Owala FreeSip water bottle in an exciting color that'll ensure no one ever picks up yours by mistake while you're lifting weights at the gym. Not to mention, it's made of triple-layered, vacuum-insulated stainless steel that'll keep your drink cold for 24 hours *and* two ways to drink from it (a spout and a straw!) Stunning patterned taper candles you can count on to bring a smile to your face whenever you glance at them atop your mantle. They're too pretty to leave sitting in your Amazon wish list — add 'em to your cart, it's what you and your home decor deserve. Some solar-powered lights that'll make your boring old patio feel like Alice's Wonderland once night falls. Your friends won't be able to resist taking aesthetic Insta pics of them — imagine how magical they'll look with a cool filter added to them??? Flower vase fridge magnets for anyone who simply doesn't have the space in their kitchen for a full-size planter but longs to bring some florals into their space. Polly Pocket herself couldn't come up with a cuter solution than these cuties!!! The flowers and the vases arrive packaged separately, so you can pretend you're a teeny tiny florist while setting them up on your fridge. A splurge-worthy new Nintendo Switch 2 you should probably stop reading about here and buy immediately before it sells out again — it'll be a major upgrade from the original model you've been playing on for years with poor battery life. Not to mention, it has 12 GB of RAM (the first one only had 3 GB!), a vibrant OLED screen, a built-in GameChat voice communicator for when you play alongside your friends, *and* the ability to use the Joy-Con 2 controllers as a mouse (WUUUUT). Egyptian Diamond Hair, Face and Body Glitter Mist, because Tinker Bell isn't always available to cover you head to toe in shimmer dust. Spray this baby all over for a magical, sparkly, glow with minimal effort. Or a pack of glitter freckles if you don't want to commit to full-on body glitter. They're water-resistant, will shimmer beautifully in the sunlight, and can be easily taken off with makeup remover. A crayon vase, because it's nearly back-to-school season and we LOVE 👏 A👏 THEME. 👏 And who wouldn't want a colorful new piece of decor to liven up their space? This nostalgia-giving beauty simply belongs with you. A stackable oval gem ring you can totally wear on *that* finger to convince everyone at your high school reunion (mainly your ex) that you're happily taken (they'll be none the wiser). If that's not your plan (to each their own) you can stack it beautifully with other high-quality Pavoi rings for a fabulous lil' look. A tin of emergency googly eyes because there won't be a single day that passes where you won't have the thought "this family photo could be improved with some silly googly eyes." Keep this pack in your back pocket and break it out when the opportunity presents itself. A pack of food-themed bandages, so when you nick yourself shaving or get a nasty paper cut, you'll be able to cope with a giggle. A phone umbrella you won't know how you've survived the entire summer without. It suctions to the back of your device and shades the screen so you can happily text your mom about your date from last night or devour the latest beach read everyone on BookTok has been raving about. A realistic "Things I'll Cancel Later" undated daily planner for the optimistic homebody who makes a ton of plans for themselves, then suddenly has "a headache" when said activity comes along. No judgment here, my friend. A 30.4 fl. ounce bottle of Monday Cleanse Body Wash filled with grapefruit extract, coconut and avocado oils, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid that'll help both moisturize and clean your skin. You'll be pleased it comes in such a large pump bottle after experiencing how incredible it smells and makes your skin feel. A miniature wacky waving inflatable tube man that'll make you want to throw your hands up in the air and yell, "WOOHOO!" A magnetic goose holder because *someone* needs to be in charge of keeping your keys from getting lost in the black hole that is your apartment. If you're a fan of the Untitled Goose Game for Nintendo Switch, you won't be able to resist welcoming this literal *silly goose* into your home. A Grim Steeper silicone tea infuser for anyone who feels *dead* until they choke down their first cup of caffeine. No need to hold off until spooky season rolls around the break out this festive friend. A "Gracula" garlic crusher to make even the most serious of chefs let out an audible giggle. Unless that chef is, of course, a vampire. They might not find it quite as hilarious — but let them know it can crush nuts up, too! A bee-proof and drip-free copper hummingbird feeder that'll have you whisper-singing "My nectar brings all the birds to the yaaaaard" while quietly admiring the gorgeous new feathered friends frequenting the new addition to your outdoor space. A trendy textured bag you can throw over your shoulder and feel like a fashionista, even though 1. It's filled with things like a dried-up lip balm, and sweat blotting wipes, and 2. It costs less than 30 bucks. Reviewers say it looks just like the Clare V. Petit Moyen bag (which retails for $385, in comparison). A set of mushroom bookmarks that'll both save your spot in your book while also making you feel like you've finally achieved your cottagecore dreams. I can totally see using these in a big ol' science textbook during the school year to mark off different chapters with whimsical flair. A box of flash-frozen coffee pods you can use to whip up a delicious caffeinated bev faster than you can say "I need coffee." All you have to do is defrost and pour over milk and ice for a delectable latte or pour hot water over the frozen pod for a life-changing hot coffee. Plus, the coffee itself is made from recognizable bean brands you likely already love, like Counter Culture, Onyx, and Joe Coffee! A set of cat-shaped double-sided sponges because why not turn one of your most hated tasks (scrubbing, well, anything) into an adorable experience that'll encourage you to do it *meow* instead of later? Glitter-infused highlighters, so the next time you get the urge to annotate your already worn-down copy of Pride and Prejudice, you can do so with the kind of flair Jane Austen deserves. You better believe I'm reserving shimmery red for Mr. Darcy. A puppy night-light that'll be the paw-fect companion to your need to pee about three times every night, despite cutting yourself off from drinking water at least an hour before climbing into bed. Sigh, such is life. Anyways, it has a lovely glow to it *and* has different color settings so you can customize it exactly to your up-in-the-middle-of-the-night liking. A set of Disney Princess–themed playing cards to bring some magic to your daily game of Solitaire. The best part? You won't know whether your deck will be *pink* or *blue* a la Sleeping Beauty's gown in the film until it arrives on your doorstep! And a Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse pumpkin throw pillow that'll look so gourd-geous on your couch, your partner won't even care when you display them in the midst of summer instead of holding out until the *Ber* months.
New York Post
2 hours ago
- New York Post
7-year-old boy created a simple card game — now it's turned him into a teen millionaire: ‘Wanted to get the most money out of it'
Boys will be…millionaires. Most adolescent boys are playing video games or with a ball outside — yet this Seattle teen has more money in his pocket than most adults twice his age have. Alex Butler invented a wildly successful card game called Taco vs. Burrito when he was only 7-years-old — which has turned him into a 15-year-old millionaire, according to the Seattle Times. 3 Little did this young boy know that he would go on to become a millionaire before he even graduated high school. Taco Vs Burrito The young entrepreneur conceptualized the game 'randomly' after spending much of his childhood playing card games with his family. Having an imagination and creating new games to play didn't make Butler's parents, Leslie Pierson and Mark Butler, bat an eyelash since he was always creating and experimenting with fun projects. However, after seeing how serious their son was about creating a card game that could potentially wind up on store shelves one day — they started a GoFundMe-type site to help pay for the pricey cost of production. 3 This card game is now a bestseller on Amazon. Taco Vs Burrito The family managed to raise $25,000 — and from there they created their own business, Hot Taco Inc., chose a manufacturer and eventually put the game on Amazon to sell for $20 a piece. What happened next was a dream come true for any entrepreneur — the response to the game was beyond anything young Butler could've imagined. By 2018, the family made almost $1.1 million, as explained by the outlet and it's now Amazon's No. 1 bestselling game. At a certain point, the high schooler was ready to part ways with his original concept. Just last month, he sold Taco vs. Burrito in a cash deal to Wisconsin-based PlayMonster. The family didn't disclose how much the game sold for — but one could only imagine it had a lot of 0s at the end of it. 3 The teen wants to treat himself to a Lambo with his hard-earned money. Christopher Sadowski 'It was never something that I've been attached to or anything,' the teen told the Seattle Times. 'It's not super important to me. I just kind of wanted to get the most money out of it.' When asked what he wants to do with the money — the family is still deciding — the teen has his eyes on one thing and one thing only: 'a Lambo.' Butler isn't the only teen cashing in — reportedly, 2 in 5 American teens are learning how to earn money online. 'In the past, you had to find somewhere to sell a product, set up a payment platform, network and build up a community of potential customers before you could even think about launching your own business,' said Cameron Zoub, co-founder and chief growth officer at Whop in Brooklyn, an online business platform. 'Now, all you need is a phone and an internet connection.'
Miami Herald
2 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Amazon makes surprising decision to cut losses on recent deal
Are you a "Joe Rogan Experience"guy or more of a "Pod Save America" gal? How about "The Mel Robbins Podcast," Jay Shetty's "On Purpose," "My Favorite Murder," or "Crime Junkie"? No matter what, the odds are pretty good that you subscribe to at least a handful of podcasts. Don't miss the move: SIGN UP for TheStreet's FREE Daily newsletter The growth of podcasting is kind of nuts. As of 2025, there are over 4.52 million podcasts worldwide, with nearly 487,200 new shows launched in just the past three months, according to Podcastatistics. Most people in the U.S. listen to podcasts via: • YouTube: 33% • Spotify: 26% • Apple: 14% Notice a name missing from that list? Yep, podcasts are one of the few technology-related lists Amazon doesn't dominate. Now, in a surprising move that underscores the evolving nature of the podcast industry, Amazon is dismantling Wondery as a standalone podcast studio, cutting approximately 110 jobs and signaling a major strategic shift. Image source: Shutterstock The Wondery brand isn't going away completely. Still, the division that produced acclaimed narrative series such as "Dr. Death," "American Scandal," and "Business Wars" will be absorbed into Amazon's Audible platform. Meanwhile, Wondery's high-profile, creator-led shows - like "New Heights" with the Kelce brothers, "Mind the Game" with LeBron James, and "Armchair Expert" with Dax Shepard - will now be housed under a new "creator services" division focused on monetization and partnerships. Former Fox International Channels CEO Hernan Lopez founded Wondery in 2016. Lopez saw an opportunity to build what he called the "HBO of podcasting" - a studio focused on high-quality, immersive, narrative storytelling. The company quickly made a name for itself with hits like "Dirty John," "Dr. Death," and "The Shrink Next Door," many of which were later adapted for television. Related: Amazon plans popular service change customers are bound to hate Barely five years later, Amazon acquired Wondery for a reported $300 million. The plan was to bolster Amazon's position in the fast-growing podcast market and compete with Spotify, Apple, and others. Wondery's library of chart-topping shows was seen as a way to: Add exclusive content to Amazon Music and AudibleExpand its ad-supported audio and subscription offeringsGenerate intellectual property that could be developed into TV or film projects, ideally for Amazon Studios Amazon's goal was to be a content-producing powerhouse - not just a distributor. Fast forward to 2025, and the podcast landscape has shifted dramatically. Amazon VP of Audio Steve Boom said in an internal memo per Reuters that creator-led, video-first podcasts "have different audience needs and require distinct discovery, growth and monetization strategies compared to audio-first, narrative series." This shift reflects changing listener and advertiser preferences. While narrative podcasts once dominated the charts, today's top-performing shows tend to be personality-driven, video-enhanced, and easily shareable across platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Despite some headlines calling this a shutdown, Amazon says the Wondery name will continue to exist, particularly for its creator-led content. However, the heart of Wondery, which focused on scripted storytelling, will now live within Audible. CEO Jen Sargent is departing as part of the reorganization. Related: T-Mobile boots customers off yearslong offers without asking The Wondery+ subscription service will remain available, but it's clear that Amazon's podcast strategy is narrowing in on shows that can scale quickly, attract big-name talent, and command premium ad rates. The overall podcast industry is still on the rise, despite Amazon's retreat from narrative. According to Edison Research, over 135 million Americans now listen to podcasts each month - up from 82 million just five years ago. U.S. podcast ad revenue is projected to surpass $4 billion by 2026, per the Interactive Advertising Bureau. But the growth isn't spread evenly. The fastest-growing category is video podcasts, where content from influencers, athletes, and celebrities generates massive engagement. That's where Amazon is now focusing its efforts. Amazon's move is part of a broader trend across the media industry, where platforms prioritize profitability and scale over artistic ambition. With interest rates high and investor patience wearing thin, companies can no longer afford to fund years of losses just to build market share. Buying Wondery was supposed to help Amazon become a dominant player in podcasts, but it didn't work out that way. The acquisition didn't bring dominance - just more complexity. Now, Amazon is streamlining its audio business in hopes of making it more efficient and profitable. If you love high-production storytelling podcasts, this could be bad news. Wondery was one of the few studios consistently investing in scripted, documentary-style audio. With Amazon shifting away from that model, it's unclear who will pick up the slack. On the other hand, fans of celebrity podcasts may see more content, more video integration, and better-quality production as Amazon doubles down on creator services. Related: The alarming reason so many tech companies are raising cash The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
