The Ultimate Disney Packing Guide (2026 Edition)

The Mindset Shift: Pack Light, Source Locally

If you're flying or trying to keep luggage simple, the best strategy is:

• Pack the personal items you can't replace easily (meds, broken-in shoes, kid items).
• Don't pack the "Heavy Hardware" (Fans, Batteries, Cooling Gear). It takes up half your suitcase and often breaks in transit.
• Source the "consumables" locally (Sunscreen, Rain Gear, Hydration) so you aren't carrying liquids that might explode in your bag.

That's what the rest of this guide optimizes for.

The Core Essentials (And How to Get Them Without Packing Them)

These are the items most likely to cause a miserable day if you forget them. But here is the secret: you don't need to pack them.

1. 1. High-Velocity Fans (Don't Pack These)

   Florida heat is suffocating. You need air movement. But cheap handheld fans from Amazon often have weak batteries that die by 2 PM, and bulky stroller fans take up massive amounts of luggage space.

   The Local Pro Tip: Save the suitcase space. Reserve a ShadeReady Cooling Kit. We deliver industrial-grade Neck Fans and Stroller Fans directly to your bell desk. They are charged, sanitized, and powerful enough to actually cut the humidity.

2. 2. Serious Power Banks

   Your phone is your lifeline - it's your tickets, maps, photos, and Genie+ schedule. A standard "lipstick" charger won't cut it.

   The Upgrade: Every ShadeReady rental includes a massive 10,000mAh+ Power Bank standard. It keeps your phones and our fans running for 12+ hours without you needing to buy (or pack) a heavy brick.

3. 3. Hydration & Electrolytes

   For many guests, fatigue isn't just heat - it's dehydration.

   The Fix: Don't drag cases of water from the grocery store.

   Get it Delivered: Add our Hydration Packs (Electrolytes) and premium Water Bottles to your kit at checkout. We drop them off with your fans so you start the trip fully hydrated.

Sun + Rain: The Two Things That Ruin Park Days

Park days rarely fall apart because you didn't bring the perfect outfit. They fall apart because of sunburns and surprise storms. As locals, we know Florida rain happens fast (and sideways).

The Problem: Carrying full bottles of sunscreen and heavy rain jackets is annoying. The Solution: Go disposable and lightweight.

• Travel Sunscreen Packets: Pocket-sized, easy to reapply in line, and no risk of a bottle exploding in your luggage. (Available as a ShadeReady Add-On).
• Emergency Ponchos: Lighter than a jacket, more practical than an umbrella in crowded walkways, and ride-friendly. (Available as a ShadeReady Add-On).

Don't waste vacation time hunting for these at a drugstore. Add them to your rental order and we'll pack them in your kit.

What to Carry in Your Day Bag (The "All-Day" Loadout)

If you want to stay comfortable for 8-12 hours, this is the tightest "always worth it" kit. Since you rented the heavy stuff from us, your backpack will feel much lighter:

• Phone (plugged into your ShadeReady Power Bank)
• Travel sunscreen packets (easy reapply without digging)
• Emergency poncho (packed small until you need it)
• ShadeReady neck fan (wearing it, not carrying it)
• Cooling towels (included in your kit)
• Sunglasses + hat
• Blister kit / moleskin
• Snacks (especially with kids)

Families: Stroller Add-Ons That Actually Matter

If you're using a stroller, heat meltdowns are your biggest enemy. They are usually caused by "Sun + Dehydration + Still Air."

The Fix: Our kits focus heavily on stroller relief. We provide high-velocity Tripod Stroller Fans that grip anywhere, plus cooling towels to drape over tired legs. It solves the meltdown before it starts.

The "What Not To Pack" List (Save Suitcase Space)

We see tourists overpack these items constantly. Leave them at home:

• Bulky fans: They break in transit. Rent our professional gear instead.
• Full-size sunscreen bottles: They are heavy and messy. Use our travel packets.
• Heavy rain jackets: You will boil inside them. Use breathable emergency ponchos.
• Disposable water bottles: Don't buy a 24-pack. Buy our reusable bottles or bring your own, and use the cooler bag we provide to keep refills cold.

Final Checklist: Pack Tonight, Enjoy Tomorrow

If you do nothing else, make sure you have this split: