I’m Going to Disney World for the First Time as an Adult—Here’s What I’m Bringing with Me

Brb, heading to Orlando

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Gary Hershorn/Getty Images/Quince

I’m going to Disney World for the first time. Well, technically, I paid a visit to the House of Mouse when I was three years old, but I can’t remember anything from the trip. So, this is my first visit to Disney as a cognizant, fully-formed adult, and I do intend to make the most of it (and I will be wearing Mickey Mouse ears, in case you were wondering). I must admit, however, that I’m often a procrastinator when it comes to packing, so to avoid the last-minute suitcase stress, I’ve already started planning what I’m bringing with me. From the viral Kopari Gold Sunglaze Sheer body mist ($39) to this extra-large fan tote from Michael Kors ($298), these are the 10 Disney World essentials I’m taking on the road (comfortable shoe options included).

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I’ve heard nothing but great things about this body mist from Kopari, so I’m excited to finally give it a try. I sweat a lot, so I need something I can spritz on my face and body that won’t leave my skin irritated or looking like those early-2000s celebs who hit the tanning bed a little too hard. What’s more, this mist is also packed with SPF 42, which is definitely needed for a day at Disney. Or as one Amazon shopper writes, “I picked up the Sunscreen BodyGlaze Spray to get that perfect sun-kissed look without the greasy feel, and it definitely delivers. The sheer formula goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin with a gorgeous, subtle golden glow that looks natural and radiant.”

While I prefer smaller crossbody bags in my day-to-day life, I’ve become a larger tote bag gal when it comes to my vacations. At 24 inches by 11 inches by 6 inches, this bag is right at the limit for Disney’s bag policy, which is great for me because I plan on shopping at all of their stores.

3. Furtalk Sun Hat

Furtalk

At some point, I will probably have to trade in my Mickey Mouse ears for an adequate sun hat, and this one is well-liked by my fellow PureWow editors for its perfect fit and UPF 80+ sun protection that covers your face and neck. It comes in a variety of colors and can be folded to fit easily in your suitcase without losing its shape. Or as one buyer writes, “It’s flexible, yet will stay how you shape it. It is perfect for me as I walk dogs in the Florida heat. I wear my thick hair up, and this allows me to wear a wide-brimmed hat and have it be comfortable and stay right. Looks great on too.” Music to my ears.

Yes, I am *that* person who carries a purse and a backpack. I’ve had my eyes on this All Day backpack from Baggallini simply because of the high ratings it’s received from customers. Shoppers note that there’s plenty of space available in the interior (enough to hold a MacBook Pro *and* an iPad), and that the bag is lightweight and comfortably padded. One reviewer said, “I bought this beautiful bag as a retirement gift for a friend who has grandkids that she cares for a few times a week. I wanted her to be able to bring it back and forth with her in the car to throw stuff into, and also to travel with it. She absolutely loves it.” Throw in the fact that it holds up well over time, and I’m sold.

While sunglasses are technically optional for Disney, chances are you’re going to end up regretting not having a pair on hand when the sun is hitting you directly in your eyes. I’m in love with these chic rectangular sunglasses from Donna Karan that look like they’re straight off the runway, but are still casual enough to work for, well, Disney.

Okay, comfortable shoe choice number one. While there are tons of cushioned sneakers that are perfect for walking, not everybody likes wearing sneakers and socks in the blazing heat. If, like me, you fall into this category, sandals are your best bet. This option from Taos caught my eye because of the Soft Support microfiber footbed, which also has an antimicrobial shield to keep my feet cool and dry. According to the brand, they also have Cool Recovery Foam padding and a flexible, durable rubber outsole that makes them great for trotting around in all day. Plus, the design is a closed-back one, meaning you won’t have to worry about your shoes falling off if you decide to get on a ride.

Comfortable shoe choice number two. If sneakers and socks are your preferred footwear for an amusement park, then I’ve got the perfect pair for you right here. OOFOS is a brand well-respected for their quality and comfort, and these Oomy Zen sneakers promise both. Per the brand, they come with OOfoam technology that absorbs 37 percent more impact than traditional footwear, and a patented footbed design that reduces stress on knees, ankles and other joints. Worried about odor? Don’t sweat it (bad pun intended)! The shoes are machine-washable to get rid any unpleasant smell they may have after a long day of walking in the heat. Oh, and they come in a variety of colors too.

So…what if it rains? Don’t worry, I’ve got something for that possibility as well. I’m quite fond of this windbreaker from Quince, which is water and windproof, and comes with a stowable hood. It’s lightweight enough to fold and pack without it taking up too much space, and there are two exterior pockets you can use for smaller storage if need be. Adding to the durability component is the fact that it’s sustainably made with recycled nylon in a production plant installed with solar and wastewater treatment systems to reduce environmental impact, which is just what I like to hear as a sustainable girlie. And if this tofu colorway isn’t your jam, there are two additional colors to choose from.

I feel like a portable charger is self-explanatory here because...wouldn’t it be awful to have your phone die while you’re at Disney? You don’t have to break the bank to get a portable charger that is durable and efficient, and the Anker Nano power bank is another PureWow favorite with over 10,000 reviews and counting. “First, this product is everything the reviews say -- pocket-sized, very handy, and strong,” writes one 5-star shopper, who adds, “I have had it for a year, and I tend to use it to keep my phone charged while watching movies on flights.” Take it from somebody who has had their phone die at the worst times, I’m saving myself the trouble and grabbing this $20 portable charger.

Perhaps you plan on buying a Disney tumbler or water bottle, but if not, I highly recommend grabbing a Stanley before you go. Make no mistake, there’s been a lot of hype surrounding the Stanley over these past couple of years, but the hype is very much deserved, as it’s not your average water bottle. The Quencher H2.0 is completely legit with its 3-position lid and double wall vacuum insulation that will keep your drinks cool for hours. Don’t believe me? This Amazon shopper writes, “I understand why this brand is so popular! I'm glad I got it. It's sturdy and keeps the temperature, hot or cold, for hours. I like to have tea to drink during the night, and I pour it in the tumbler around two hours prior to bedtime, and the temperature still holds when I wake up in the morning.” See, I told ya!


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Associate Commerce Strategist

  • Covers all things commerce and entertainment
  • Has over a decade of editorial experience in both fashion and entertainment, and was previously with ONE37pm before joining the PureWow team in March 2024
  • Studied journalism and marketing at Columbus State University in Georgia

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