1) TSA Approved Travel Kit: This is helpful if you don’t plan on checking a bag, as it brings together all of your necessities, such as toothpaste, deodorant, and sunblock, in a handy plastic bag. The best bit? Everything is TSA compliant! Amazon also sells empty plastic bottles that are under the 3.4 ounce limit, which you can then fill with your personal products. You can find these in the travel-sized section at other stores like Target as well.
2) Lightweight Water Bottle: One of the best cost-cutting tips I can give is for you to bring your own water bottle to the parks. Water is free anywhere on Disney property and by carrying a lightweight water bottle you’ll avoid paying $5 per bottle whenever anyone in your group is thirsty. The best place to ask for a water refill is at any quick-service restaurant. I’m personally a fan of the silicone bottles with an attached carabiner because you can both hook them to your backpack and collapse them when you’re done.
3) Over-the-Counter Medicine (a.k.a. Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Tylenol, and allergy medicines): Believe me, you’ll be glad you brought some Ibuprofen by day two. The price of these medicines in the parks is jaw-dropping!
4) Second Skin or Band-Aids: Given that most guests walk about eight miles a day at Disney, at one point or another, you will most likely have some blisters show up. Second Skin blister pads are preferred by hikers and I highly recommend using them at theme parks too. The sticky side stays firmly on your skin, while the felt side reduces friction and helps the pad stay on your foot for longer. You do have to cut the squares down to size though, so it might be a good idea to do that before leaving. Regular Band-Aids will also be useful to have on hand too. If you run out of either, Band-Aids are provided at first-aid stations in both parks.
6) Lip Balm: Just like your skin, your lips need protection too! Make sure the lip balm has SPF protection and throw a couple in your park bag before leaving.
7) Aloe Vera: I obviously don’t suggest getting burnt on a Disney trip, but if you do, cooling gels like Aloe Vera will help soothe your skin. Buy a small bottle so you can carry it around and apply as needed!
8) Poncho: Ponchos at Disneyland are mostly useful if you’d rather stay dry on Splash Mountain or any other wet ride. And if you get stuck in a rainy season downpour, a poncho is a good thing to have to hand.
9) Frogg Toggs Chilly Pads: To help stay cool, Frogg Toggs cooling towels are a popular choice for Disney guests. Run the towel under a faucet and wrap it around your neck or shoulders. The towel will keep you cool without getting you wet. These are my lifeline!
10) Misting Fan: If a cooling towel isn’t your thing, good ol’ fashioned misters are incredibly pleasant while standing in line. They can be heavy though, so do opt for a small, portable fan. This fan can be charged via USB!
13) Portable Phone Charger: You have a couple of options here. You can purchase a charger from Amazon like this one. Or, you can purchase a Fuel Rod charger when you arrive. The Fuel Rod charger can be switched out at any Fuel Rod Charging Station in the park and costs $30. Additionally, both parks offer charging lockers for $2 per hour. You can use the cords provided to charge your phone or use a regular outlet and your own cords to charge your portable charger or phone.