We recently stayed at Disney World’s Port Orleans – Riverside for 6 nights with our 3 kids (ages 6, 4 and 2). Packing for a family of 5, especially when flying on an airplane, is no small feat. Here’s our packing list, which includes items we purchased specifically for this trip. This list is not meant to be all inclusive, but rather focus on the items we found to be the most useful and items you may not think of.
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Resort Essentials
- Laundry sheets – you can buy laundry detergent on site at Disney Resorts, but you’ll pay a premium.
- Stain treatment for clothing
- Pop up laundry basket or laundry bag – we didn’t bring this and I really regretted it!
- Collapsible cooler for in your room – most standard rooms at Disney resorts only have a beverage cooler. This is not meant for perishable items and I can confirm our beverage cooler was not very cold. We used a collapsible cooler in our room for yogurt, cheese, and adult beverages. We replenished the ice everyday.
- Bug spray – we did not need this, but some report needing it at certain times of the day (specifically nighttime, by the pool).
- Dr. Scholl’s foot soaks
- Small screwdriver for replacing batteries in bubble wands
- Umbrella – we did not bring this to the parks, but used it a little at the resort and took one to Disney Springs.
Park Items
- Waterproof phone cases – essential in the Florida rain and great for water rides. You can still take pictures while your phone is in the case and it was super easy to use the phone while protecting it from the rain.
- Large beach bag or tote bag – throw all your stroller items in this for loading the bus.
- Bubble wands – not essential, but fun to have and cheaper to buy ahead of time!
- Extra batteries for bubble wands or fans
- Children’s medication – tylenol, ibuprofen, cold and flu medicine. We never needed this, but still glad we brought it!
- Motion sickness medications – I personally get motion sickness in the car. I took bonine and dramamine ginger naturals (only ginger) and was able to ride everything without a problem, even Guardians of the Galaxy!
- Blister band aids and tape – never needed, but still glad I brought them.
- Water shoes for the kids – there are a lot of water play areas for kids and these are great when it rains. We used these everyday.
- Ponchos for adults and kids – these were lightweight and came with a nice bag for storage.
- Portable phone charger
- Electrolyte packets
- Camelback backpack – great for taking in lines so you don’t have to carry a bunch of water bottles with you.
- Card games for entertainment at restaurants
- Autograph books – cheaper if purchased in advance, but selection is not as good online verses in the parks.
- Little Golden books for autographs
- Bags for organizing supplies for park days – these are advertised as waterproof, but they could not withstand the Florida rain. I recommend putting things in plastic zip lock bags first, then in here if the items cannot get wet. I labeled the bags before we left our home.
- Plastic zip lock bags or plastic doggy poop bags – great for random things that need a small bag or in case someone has an accident!
- Cooling towels
- Stroller fans or handheld fans
- Stroller side storage bags
- Chafing sticks
- Travel potty seat
- Air tags – if you want to use these for your stroller or kids. We did not really need these, but I can understand how it would be helpful if you were having trouble locating your stroller.
- Magic band holders – I personally did not want to wear mine as a watch and we used these instead. My son wore his on a lanyard and I used a small clip to put mine on my backpack.
- Key rings we used for our magic band holders