In Search Of The Ultimate Disney Packing List

In preparation for our upcoming trip, I tried to find the ultimate Disney packing list. I guess the one I’ve used and altered and added to and subtracted from for the past 30 years just wasn’t good enough. I knew there was something better out there.

And there was.

And there wasn’t.

Who Has The Best List?

Everyone claims to have the ultimate packing list – and I won’t argue with them. It probably is. For them.

I’ve altered my own Ultimate List as many times as I’ve been to Walt Disney World. And yet, I continue to search for the ultimate Disney packing list because our needs keep changing over the years.

I’ve visited as a kid (the year it opened!) and I’ve visited as a college student. I’ve made packing lists when it was just me and my husband and lists when our kids were babies. I’ve taken trips with just my 18-year-old daughter and trips with just my 5 and 6-year-old sons. Now, we’re going with our 26-year-old daughter and our 15 and 16-year-old sons.

Time is going to continue to fly and before we know it my husband and I will be empty nesters. And it will be just the two of us again. And then, hopefully, we’ll have trips with grandkids.

Create A List That Is Tailored To You!

If there is one thing I’ve learned, packing lists are ever-changing. And packing for a cruise is a whole different ballgame! The only “ultimate” list is the one you’ve created for yourself, based on your family’s needs for your particular upcoming trip. And that ultimate list is going to shift and change as your needs change.

I keep my list on an Excel spreadsheet. Columns are easy to create and adjusting the list based on who is going, the season or where we’re staying is easy, peasy. I have a base list with everything that you could possibly need. Then, as the trip is approaching, I adjust for our specific trip.

There are hundreds of ultimate lists out there. Here I’ve compiled the best of the best. Scan through these lists. See what works best for your needs. Add that item to your list. And move on to the next list.

Packing for a cruise is a whole different ballgame!

Things You Never Want To Forget

There are things you never want to forget. Go here for the perfect summertime list of packing essentials for Walt Disney World. And go here for a list of things you don’t need that you thought you might. (Disclaimer: “Bug spray” is listed on both lists – a thing you need and don’t need. We have rarely felt the need for bug spray. But one son, as he’s gotten older, seems more prone to being bitten. We bring it now.)

Are you light sleepers? Then add the sound machine that one list suggests. Sleep like a baby in hotel rooms? Skip that item and move on to the next. Gum chewers? Pack it. You’ll get great inspiration from some lists and others will have items that won’t pertain to you at all. Tailor your list to you.

And it will be The Ultimate Packing List because it will be perfect for you and your family’s needs.

Now. Let’s get packing!

In The Heart Of My Home List – This post shares great tips about the process and how to get your kids involved.
Kelly’s Lucky You List – Extensive list that helps you organize all stages of packing.
Doombuggy Runner – There’s even a list for you Disney marathon runners out there!
AllEars.net List – A great list of things you may not want to forget, things you hadn’t thought of.
Mini Time List – Reader inspired list of things they found indispensable! Not Disney specific, but a very helpful list!
WDW Prep School List – This list is large. Very large. But you can download it in a Word or PDF format so you can add or delete as necessary.
Global Munchkins – Lots of great Disney specific travel items suggested here.
Practical Wanderlust – A great list geared towards the adult traveler.
Picture the Magic – A comprehensive list for your Disney cruise.