The Ultimate Guide to Overpacking for Disney: Tips, Tricks, and Hacks
Are you someone who tends to overpack for every occasion? Do you find it challenging to fit all your essentials and souvenirs in your bag when visiting Disney? Look no further! In this guide, I’ll share my favorite tips, tricks, and hacks on how to master the art of overpacking for Disney while ensuring you have room for all those coveted Mickey ears and coffee cups. Get ready to pack like a pro and make your Disney experience unforgettable!
How I (Over)Pack for Disney
I’m the person that overpacks everything, from my purse, workbag, suitcase, Disney park bag, all of it. In my bag, you will always be able to find band-aids, hair ties, gum, tums, extra contacts, whatever you need, and even the things you don’t need. So how do I, an over-packer pack for Disney? But still, have room for all the Mickey ears and coffee mugs coming back? These are my favorite tips, tricks, and hacks.
Deciding what to pack
How do I decide what gets over-packed and what stays home? Lists, lists, and more lists. As a Disney regular, I have a master packing list that I have revised several times. I make a color-coded list of everything I have in my piles of travel items, from the travel-sized shampoo and sunscreen to the reusable straws and toothbrush covers. I have a whole box full of travel-sized things. I pull out the master list a month or so before I leave. Then grab those colored pens and start checking off what I have and need to buy. I go to the Disney clothing side of my closet and look at what shirts I have and plan on taking or what new shirts I’m going to make. My clothing items are decided weeks before I go, and my toiletry list is color-coded and labeled a week out. Then the packing begins.
The Packing Process
So, you have the lists, and you know what you have. Now, what do you do? Play Tetris with it in your stuff in your suitcase. A few years ago, I invested in packing cubes. Best decision ever, I am now able to overpack the 6 extra pairs of socks that I pack in case it rains, or I develop a blister, to the extra pair of leggings with pockets after that one time I lost my cell phone at Animal Kingdom. I’m also team over pack little things into little bags. I have a travel bag of every size for all the little things I bring. All the little bags, so much so that my travel bag box is overflowing. I have an electronics bag for all the chargers. There’s an allergy bag; as someone allergic to every tree in Florida, I have allergy medicine for every type of reaction I might have. There’s also a list for my park bag. My Disney park bag is also over-packed. Honestly, is that statement a surprise?
Packing the Park Bag
How do you over-pack a bag that you plan on wearing all day? I previously was team cute backpacks, but after many trips, buying all the things, and holder of water bottles. I am now team padded shoulder strap backpack person. In that backpack, you will find everything I need and could need in a day. I have the first aid bag, with everything from band-aids to baby wipes. On more than one occasion, I have given a baby wipe to someone who misjudged just how messy a Mickey ice cream bar is. The electronics bag has a charger cord and an external battery for my phone. You know that you take hundreds of photos and videos during the day, that the last thing you want is a phone with no battery. Another perk of a backpack that serves practical purposes rather than looking cute is that it has room to fit all the things I see and buy.
The Over-packing Tip
One over-packer trick I learned was packing a foldable or collapsible bag in my suitcase. When I end up buying 3 pairs of Mickey ears, 2 coffee mugs, a shirt or two, and coffee, I don’t have to worry about packing it in my suitcase coming home. Because of confession time, I might meticulously pack my suitcase on the way to Disney but repacking my suitcase at the end of the week is impossible. The more important goal is getting the souvenirs home in one piece. That carry-on bag is precious cargo, and I’m always thankful to have that extra bag after buying every new set of Disney ears.
7 Tips, Tricks, and Hacks to Overpack for Disney
With the right strategies and mindset, you can conquer the challenge of overpacking and ensure you have everything you need for a magical Disney experience.
1. Prioritize Essentials
When overpacking, it’s crucial to start with the essentials. Include items like band-aids, hair ties, gum, tums, and extra contacts in your bag. These items are practical and can save the day during your Disney adventure.
2. Multi-purpose Items
Opt for multi-purpose items that can serve different functions. For example, choose a scarf that can double as a blanket or a sarong that can be used as a towel. This way, you can save space while having versatile items at hand.
3. Utilize Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a game-changer when it comes to overpacking. They help maximize space, keep your belongings organized, and make it easier to locate specific items in your bag. Consider investing in a set of packing cubes to streamline your packing process.
3. Roll, Don’t Fold
To maximize space in your bag, roll your clothes instead of folding them. Rolling clothes not only saves space but also minimizes wrinkles. You’ll be amazed at how much more you can fit in your bag using this simple technique.
5. Vacuum-seal Bags
If you’re truly committed to overpacking, vacuum-seal bags are a must-have. These bags remove excess air, compressing your clothes and saving significant space in your luggage. This can be particularly useful if you plan on bringing bulky clothing or souvenirs back from Disney.
6. Minimize Toiletries
Toiletries can quickly take up valuable space in your bag. Instead of bringing full-size products, opt for travel-sized versions or transfer your essentials into smaller containers. Additionally, check if your accommodation provides toiletries to further lighten your load.
7. Leave Room for Souvenirs
One of the biggest challenges of overpacking is leaving room for souvenirs. Consider packing a foldable tote bag or a smaller bag within your main bag. This way, you’ll have extra space for your Disney-themed treasures without sacrificing your essentials.
Conclusion
Overpacking for Disney doesn’t have to be a challenge. By implementing these tips, tricks, and hacks, you can master the art of overpacking while still having room for all your Disney essentials and cherished souvenirs. Embrace your overpacking tendencies and make your Disney trip unforgettable!
About the author
Get Planning Help From the Disney Experts
Be sure you are making the most of your vacation time and money. Click the box below to request a free, no-obligation quote. And start planning your vacation with The Disney Experts, Destination Magic!
Destination Magic will save you time, money and strees. Start planning your simply magical vacation today!
Recent Posts
