Planning a vacation can be stressful! If it is your first time, you can be completely confused on what you have to pack, or what is needed for your trip. Having a travel agent is the best way to ensure you are 100% prepared! We always recommend Key to the World Travel Advisors!

Once you’ve planned the travel dates, and made all the reservations, it’s time to think about packing! Luckily, we have had a ton of experience with traveling(with all party sizes) to both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. We have put together an extensive breakdown of the items you need for your trip. While we have a lot covered here, we understand that there may be items we missed or that you don’t need. This guide is meant to help you prepare a list based on your own personal needs.

Our first bit of advice, have the whole vacation party be part of the packing! You want to get each member of the family on board with making your trip the best it can be! There is no reason this has to be a one-person job.

Flying to Orlando Packing List:

The first thing you want to do before you purchase those plane tickets, is to take a look at the current covid guidelines for your state. Each state has different requirements for air travel and quarantines. Work with your travel advisor to make sure you have all you need in order to fly into, and out of, Orlando.

If this is your first time flying make sure you have looked into the luggage size requirements and prohibited items before you start packing. Keep in mind, most airlines cap you at 50lbs for full-size luggage. You want to leave room for souvenirs, so don’t overpack! While it is not always possible, I always suggest bringing a spare change of clothes in your carry-on bag for everyone in the travel party(make everyone carry their own). This will cover you if you need to do a quick change once you get to the hotel, or if your luggage doesn’t arrive on time.

If you are flying with little ones, your list will look a little different from those without. Depending on age, you are going to need some, if not all, of the following items:

• medications or health supplies
• diapers and wipes
• books or tablet with games/movies
• headphones for phones and tablets
• gum or gummies for them to chew during take-off/landing
• snacks and drinks-make sure your airlines are allowing these items
• travel pillow
• sanitizer wipes for seats and services
• additional masks to wear on the plane

Driving to Orlando Packing List:

Everyone’s road trip packing list will look a little different. Depending on how far you are traveling, how often you plan to stop, and the ages and number of people with you. If you are staying on property (Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando) you likely won’t plan on doing much driving around Orlando. However, if you plan to stay in a rental home or hotel off-property, your packing list will differ!

Take a look at some items we suggest and you can edit for your needs:

• GPS- either on your phone or navigational system in your car
• AAA or some type of roadside service
• emergency car kit- you can find great ones at Walmart, Target, and Amazon for under $30
• license/photo ID, insurance card(or digital file), car registration
• games for the car- if this is a tablet make sure to bring a car charger
• downloaded audiobooks or movies when you won’t have wifi
• snacks, drinks, and full sandwiches, or meals if you don’t plan to stop
• auto air freshener! I suggest bringing a bottle of Fabreeze and spraying everything when you stop to air it out
• auto phone chargers
• garbage bags

Packing For Hotel Room:

Whether you are staying on property or off, stopping at a local Walmart or grocery store for hotel room supplies is a great idea! Not only will you save a ton of money, but it also helps keep those “hangry” moments at bay for all members of your travel party. Most hotels have, at the very minimum, a mini-fridge.

There are a lot of options in the Orlando area to either drive or order a Uber/Lyft and get some groceries, or you can order through Amazon or local grocery delivery services. I also like to hit the liquor store to get a few basics to have in the hotel room for adult time or to save money for drinks by the pool. I also suggest getting some breakfast options for the hotel so you can save money at the parks.

Food/Snacks-

• Goldfish crackers
• gummies/fruit rolls
• crackers
• cheese sticks
• infant/toddler snacks
• juice boxes
• water bottles
• on-the-go drink mix to add to water bottles
• pop/soda
• granola bars
• raisins
• pretzels
• trail mix
• bag of bagels
• spreadable cheese or peanut butter
• small fruits: such as tangerines, apricots, grapes, bananas, or plums
• mini muffins or full-size pre-packaged muffins
• flavored coffee creamer
• resealable plastic baggies to put snacks in to-go
• solo cups for adult drinks
• mixers/adult beverages

Sundries/Supplies:

• plastic bags for wet suits/towels
• first aid items: pain relievers, allergy pills, anti-nausea/motion-sickness medication, etc.
• extension cord in case you have more electronics than outlets
• cash for tips: waitstaff, bell staff, bus/shuttle drivers, valets, room attendants
• earplugs
• sunscreen
• disposable masks
• hand sanitizer
• sanitizer wipes
• diapers, wipes, infant care

Park Packing List:

Depending on your party size and the ages of travelers, your list will look a little different. I personally don’t even take a bag with me to the park anymore. I use my MagicBand(at Walt Disney World) or lanyard with my Universal AP and bring my ID in my pocket. However, we want you to be prepared for the parks no matter what your travel party looks like. For families with little ones, we suggest bringing a full diaper bag and a backpack.

Make sure you have at least 2 masks/per person/per day! We have some helpful hints for mask choices below as there are many things to take into consideration:

• Will the mask provides enough protection for myself and others?
• Does it fit properly? You don’t want to get there and realize it is too big or too small. Pulling at your ears all day creates sores you don’t want to have to deal with. Especially for children.
• Are you able to take deep breaths without having the material make you feel restricted?
• Do you have enough masks for every day of your trip? When you are reusing cloth masks you need to take into consideration sweat and food spills.

*Everyone over the age of 2 is required to wear a mask at the parks. This is non-negotiable and for your health and safety as well as the other people working and visiting the parks. If you are not able to wear a mask, please refrain from visiting the parks at this time.

Take a look at some of the items we suggest for your day trip to the park:

• photo ID
• phone and charger with external battery charger/Fuel Rod
• camera, camera bag, additional batteries
• rain poncho- we suggest you bring one you bought at the Dollar Store. The ones in the parks are over $12 each
• sunscreen
• Bandaids, antibiotic cream- for blisters
• hand sanitizer
• Disposal masks- while you must wear a mask all day, it is also possible you will get yours wet or dirty throughout the day. Bring back-ups!
• motion sickness meds or any other needed medications
• small brush or comb to tidy hair for photo opps
• credit/debit cards- most locations ask that you mobile order and offer cashless options for payment
• waterproof pouch for phones and valuables
• snacks/drinks/bottles
• infant care items
• back up change of clothes for little ones- trust us, a blowout at the park is the worst!
• spare-dry-clothes for the whole family if you plan to ride the wet attractions (you can rent a locker to store items)
• refillable water bottles- nothing glass allowed

Clothes to Pack:

While we understand that everyone’s body is different, it is important to make sure you are comfortable. Florida heat is no joke, and even in the middle of winter, it can be quite hot sometimes.

Take a look at our suggested clothing items to pack for your days at the park:

• hats/visors
• sunglasses
• masks-many options and disposable back-ups
• comfortable shoes- sneakers or whatever you have tested to be the most durable
• back-up comfortable shoes for days you get your #1 pair wet at the park
• flip flops
• shorts with pockets
• lightweight jacket- with a hood
• light-weight items you can layer

If you love following along for the most up to date park information and news, follow us on Instagram too: @themeparkprofessor

This is a great time to plan your perfect vacation! Having a travel advisor means someone there to have your back in any occurrence. There is no additional cost to you and you have peace of mind knowing that your vacation is in good hands. Contact our friends at Key to the World Travel® for a free, no-obligation quote for your next trip. Click here.