Best Backpacks for Disney World with Tips for Nine Things to Pack for a Great Day in the Park
You’ve spent weeks, even months, planning your trip to Walt Disney World. The hotel is chosen, the dining reservations are made, and you probably have even spent time planning out your park days. Before you head off to meet your favorite characters and experience thrilling rides, don’t forget to plan for how you will pack for a day in the parks. With personal experience and extensive research, I bring you the best backpacks for Disney World and what to pack in them for the most magical Disney day.
As an avid Disney enthusiast and seasoned traveler, I understand the importance of choosing the right backpack. It can mean the difference between a day filled with frustration or one overflowing with pixie-dusted moments.
The right backpack can keep your belongings organized and add a touch of Disney flair to your style. These backpacks will make your Disney adventure a breeze, from spacious compartments to ergonomic designs.
Get ready to discover the perfect companion for your Disney escapades. Let the magic unfold!
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Walt Disney World Backpack Policy
At Walt Disney parks, guests can bring their bags with them to the theme parks and water parks as long as they adhere to the bag policy guidelines.
The policy allows for suitcases, bags, coolers, or backpacks, with or without wheels, that are smaller than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high (61 cm x 38 cm x 46 cm).
This lenient bag policy ensures that guests have the convenience of bringing their essentials while still maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
Which Backpack Should I Bring to Disney World?
Many people visiting Walt Disney find that a fanny pack or mini backpack just isn’t big enough for everything they need for a full day.
Luckily, there are backpacks that are lightweight, allowing you to comfortably carry it throughout the day without adding unnecessary strain.
Additionally, it should be designed with comfort in mind, featuring adjustable padded shoulder straps and back panels for optimal support.
A spacious interior is essential to accommodate all your park essentials, including water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, and extra clothing.
Finally, durability is key, ensuring that your backpack can withstand the demands of a bustling theme park environment.
By choosing a backpack that checks all these boxes, you can enjoy a worry-free and enjoyable experience at Disney World.
Loungefly Disney Minnie Mouse Backpack
You will undoubtedly see a ton of Loungefly Disney bags at Disney World. These popular and stylish bags are top-rated and come in all of your favorite Walt Disney Company character designs.
Its spacious compartment and pockets make storing all your essentials, like water bottles, snacks, and extra clothes, easy.
The double straps provide added comfort for all-day wear, while the special Disney touches give these backpacks a stylish look. Plus, it’s made with durable and high-quality materials to ensure it’s long-lasting.
This backpack will surely be your go-to whether you’re going on a ride or catching a parade. Get ready for a fun, worry-free day at the park with a stylish Loungefly backpack, like this Minnie!
ZOMAKE 25L Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack
The ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Backpack makes the perfect companion for a day in Disney World.
This bag is designed to be lightweight and comfortable, with padded straps that make it easy to carry. Its compact design means you can easily pack it away when you’re not using it, making it ideal for travel.
With its water-resistant materials, this lightweight hiking backpack will keep your belongings dry in case of inclement weather.
The bag also offers plenty of space for all your essentials, including water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, and extra clothing. This travel backpack’s high-quality construction ensures it can withstand the demands of Magic Kingdom or an adventure on board the Disney cruise line.
WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack
The WATERFLY Crossbody Sling bag backpack is perfect for a day at Disney World due to its sleek and functional design.
The spacious main compartment can hold essentials such as a smartphone, wallet, sunglasses, car keys, and sunscreen.
The bag has an external pocket for your sunglasses case and a mesh external water bottle pocket to hold up to 24oz water bottles.
Additionally, the phone pouch on the strap gives you quick access to your phone for unforgettable moments.
The water resistant material, lightweight design, and adjustable shoulder straps, with easy-on/off capability, make it an efficient and ideal bag for Disney rides.
Disney Diaper Bag Backpack
The Disney Mickey Mouse Diaper Bag Backpack is a versatile bag that doubles as a diaper bag for families going on a Disney World adventure.
Its playful Mickey Mouse design adds some Disney magic to your vacation.
Multiple compartments, including an insulated bottle pocket in the front, keep all baby essentials organized.
The backpack’s spacious compartment holds diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes, while exterior pockets have quick and easy access to snacks, tissues, and toys.
With adjustable straps, the Disney Diaper Bag Backpack provides comfort and convenience and can be used for other daily excursions with your child after your trip is over.
What Should you Pack in Your Disney World Backpack?
When packing a backpack for your Disney World vacation, there are several items that you should consider bringing along.
First and foremost, guests are allowed to bring food and drinks into the park, so packing snacks and a reusable water bottle is highly recommended.
Don’t forget to include sunscreen, hats or visors, and a poncho or rain jacket in case of inclement weather. Additionally, bringing a portable phone charger and a map of the park can be helpful, as well as any necessary medications or first aid supplies.
Overall, packing a backpack with all the necessary essentials can ensure that you have an unforgettable and worry-free day at Disney World.
These are my favorite things to pack:
ID Safety Wristbands
Safety is always my biggest concern when we go to places where there are large crowds. If you are traveling with young kids, consider having them wear ID Safety wristbands that include all of your contact information. Should they get lost, you can easily be contacted and reunited.
Trip Tip: Write your information with a permanent marker, then place clear packing tape over it to ensure it doesn’t get erased or rubbed off.
Have address labels with your phone number? These work great as well when used along with the tape.
Are you ever too old to seek out Disney characters?
Finding characters for pictures and autographs is one of our favorite things to do at Disney.
Autograph Book with a Pen or Sharpie
Beginning on April 18, 2022, Disney has returned autographs and hugs from its characters.
This leads me to my next suggestion for what to pack in your backpacks for Disney World: purchase an autograph book before your trip.
Some characters have an autograph stamp, and some give you an autograph card. But, just in case, bring along a colorful Sharpie or pen.
We bought these Disney sets. The set comes with a pen and an autograph book.
They are a little smaller than a half-size sheet of paper, making them the perfect autograph book to take to Disney. Simply toss them in your backpack or bag.
TRIP TIP:
When you have a character sign the book, leave the page adjacent to the signature blank. While your child is with the character, snap a picture. Then, when you get home, print out the photos and glue them next to each character’s signature. You will have a much more meaningful souvenir you will cherish for years.
Lanyard and Pins to Trade
Trading pins at Disney is popular among guests and Disney Cast Members. This began back in 1999 and was so popular that Disney continued it. Disney trading pins come in all shapes and sizes. There are pins for characters, parks, and events, and the list goes on and on.
Disney trading pins can be purchased in the park, with prices ranging from $7 to $20 each.
However, Amazon sells a pin trading starter kit for around $30. Bulk pins can sometimes be purchased through eBay. We found ours at a Disney outlet for an unbelievable price. I think it was because the year on the pin had already passed.
If you find a great deal, buy several pins. Remember, you will be trading them, so it doesn’t matter if you have the same ones.
Be careful about the pins you purchase. Only metal pins with the ©Disney symbol can be traded with Disney Cast Members.
Sunscreen and Sunglasses
The Florida sun can be brutal, and getting sunburned on vacation isn’t fun. To be prepared, bring sunscreen and sunglasses in your backpack for Disney World to protect your skin and avoid buying them in the park.
First Aid Kit, including Hand Sanitizer
The best-packed backpacks for Disney World have first aid kits. Small first aid kits can be purchased at most grocery stores. Having things like band-aids and Tylenol will come in handy when you are at the park all day. Hand sanitizer is an excellent choice to include in your kit.
The Disney Cast Members will roll out kiosks with light-up toys when the sun goes down. This brings me to my sixth recommendation for what to pack in your Disney World backpack: light-up toys and bubbles.
These toys can range anywhere from $13-$25 each at the park. If you have more than one child, this can get pricey quickly.
Light Up Toys/Bubbles
It doesn’t matter how well-behaved your kids are, either. When they are tired from being in the park all day, the whining will begin for the light-up toys.
This will happen, especially when they see everyone around them twirling and swirling lights and blowing bubbles.
Buy novelty light-up toys before leaving for your trip and have them tucked away in your bag.
Break open those glow sticks and bring out those toys; you will have some happy campers. Make sure you pack the batteries too.
TRIP TIP:
Keep in mind that you get what you pay for when it comes to glow sticks. The Dollar Tree lights are inexpensive, but their glow doesn’t compare to Disney toys. Look for toys with great reviews, or you will end up buying the Disney toys at the park too.
Rain Ponchos/Rain Gear
The best backpacks for Disney World are prepared for the ever-changing weather at Disney World. Pack rain ponchos or rain jackets for your family. You’ll appreciate being prepared and saving money for each poncho you would have had to purchase at the park.
Water Bottles/Snacks
You can bring outside food and non-alcoholic drinks into the park. Even though you may choose to eat a meal in the park, the cost of snacks and drinks can quickly add up.
You’ll also be prepared when the kids get hungry or thirsty while waiting in line by sticking a water bottle and snacks in your bag.
Portable Phone Charger
You will use your phone more than you realize in the parks. Make sure to pack a portable phone charger with a USB charging port.
I own the Anker PowerCore charger, which I bought through Amazon, and I find it is highly reliable.
Choose your Best Backpacks for Disney World
When it comes to preparing for a Disney World trip, choosing the right backpack can make all the difference in ensuring a comfortable, organized, and enjoyable experience.
With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know what to look for. I’ve given you some of the top backpacks for Disney World, each with unique features that cater to different preferences and needs.
Now that you’re familiar with some of the best backpacks for your Disney World adventure, it’s time to take action and choose the one that suits you best.
Whether you prioritize ample storage space, convenient pockets, or comfortable straps, there’s a backpack out there for you.
In addition to enhancing your experience at Disney World, a great backpack can be useful for hikes, beach trips, and other Florida outdoor adventures.
So, don’t hesitate – invest in a high-quality backpack and enjoy a fun-filled and stress-free day at the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”
