Your Amusement Park Packing List: What To Bring, What Not To

Travelers in the know describe theme parks as the vacation that fights back. Why? Families spend plenty of time waiting in line, walking miles as they criss-cross the park in the hot sun.

Whether planning a trip to Disney World, Universal Studios, or any other theme park, avoid whining and meltdowns — both the kids’ and yours — by being prepared. Here's the ultimate theme park packing list to ensure a smooth vacation (and far fewer sunburns).

What to bring to a theme park

Leave the flip-flops and heels behind: Every theme park packing list requires suitable footwear. Have everyone in your family wear lightweight, comfortable, breathable running shoes. Bonus points if they’re also waterproof since you must wear shoes on all rides. Pro tip from Universal Studios VIP tour guide Paul Campbell: Order a package of disposable pedicure slippers you can slip on for water rides, and throw them out when your trip ends.

Cross-body day bag

You’ll be carting plenty of stuff to the park, and accessing what you need from a cross-body bag is easier than taking something like a backpack on and off. Pro tip: Morgan notes that if you stay at a Universal Orlando resort, you can buy souvenirs and not have to lug them around; packages will be delivered directly to your hotel room for free.

First aid essentials

Every theme park packing list should include some first aid essentials. Few things ruin a vacation more quickly than getting blisters while walking 18,000 steps, so keep a supply of adhesive pads and bandages handy. Bring a few sets of acupressure wristbands or non-drowsy anti-nausea patches if anyone in the family is prone to motion sickness; many high-tech theme park rides feature intense 3D simulation experiences. Tuck in some pain reliever medication too.

Children’s ID bracelet bands

Disney World and Universal Studios have fenced-in areas where children can run around while parents catch their breath. But for areas of the park where you don’t want your little one to get lost, it’s wise to dress them in neon clothing so you can spot them if they run ahead, and to snap a waterproof ID bracelet on their wrist with their name and your contact information — just in case.

Ticket lanyard

Spending multiple days at the parks? You won’t want to lose your tickets and stand in line at guest services, so pick up lanyards in advance for everyone, or splurge on cute themed ones in the resort gift shop.

Cooling towel

These microfiber towels get icy cold when wet and quickly cool you off under the hot sun. After wolfing down a doughnut or ice cream cone, they do double-duty to clean messy hands and faces. Every amusement park packing list should have one.

Portable charger

Trust us, you’ll be snapping photos all day and night, so you’ll want to charge your phone with a portable charger. Pro tip: Don’t forget the cable to connect it to your phone!

Reusable water bottle/travel mug

It’s hot year-round in Florida (and on summer days in California for the West Coast theme parks), so stay hydrated. Buying bottled water is not only expensive, but it increases your carbon footprint. Save money and the planet by refilling your reusable water bottle. Disney has water-filling stations throughout its parks, and Universal Studios offers free water and ice at any of its Coke Freestyle machines. Bonus tip: Bring a bottle to clip to your daypack or belt with a carabiner. This way, you won't need to carry it (or worse, lose it at a ride).

Sunscreen and sun protection

No theme park packing is complete without sunscreen. Don’t underestimate how long you’ll be out in direct sunlight: Wear sunscreen, hats, and UPF clothing to prevent heat stroke and sunburn. Pro tip: Theme parks have plenty of misting stations where you can cool off and grab some shade.

Soft-sided cooler

Most theme parks allow visitors to bring soft coolers packed with snacks, lunch, and drinks. You can store it in a locker on-site or wear a backpack cooler. Pro tip: Consider ordering groceries to be delivered to your hotel room so you can eat breakfast and make sandwiches, saving money and time during busy mealtimes at the parks.

From wet bathing suits to leftover food to extra socks, have plenty of these in different sizes on hand. Pro tip: Fill a few bags with ice to keep in your cooler.

Rain gear

Florida weather changes throughout the day, and disposable ponchos cost about $13 at resort or hotel gift shops. Save money by picking up one for each family member at a dollar store or by ordering online before arriving at the park. A small umbrella works well if it rains and creates shade while waiting in line.

Light sweater

For families that stay at the parks all day and into the night, pack jackets for your kids to keep them warm. Check a weather app and if the temperature drops, have sweatpants at the ready too.