After researching the differences between Disneyland and Disney World, if you've decided on Disneyland, get ready for a magical experience filled with iconic attractions and unforgettable moments. This one-of-a-kind destination will quickly have you feeling like a kid again, running from one ride to another while you enjoy mouthfuls of their world-renowned churros. Making sure you have everything you need while there is the best way to ensure a vacation unlike any other.
These AAA packing suggestions will help guarantee you know exactly what to bring to Disneyland, from clothes to extra phone chargers, to prepare for the perfect park adventure.
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All the Necessary Documents
After reading through AAA’s Disneyland Park recommendations, you’re probably just bursting with excitement and can’t wait to finally step foot in the parks. However, you don’t want your magical day to be cut short because you forgot something as simple as your ID. Making sure you remember to bring all the necessary documentation for your trip is absolutely essential. This includes:
Personal Identification (Passport, Driver’s License, etc.)
Plane Tickets
Hotel Confirmation
Health Insurance Cards
While most of these items can usually be accessed digitally through cellphone apps, making sure you have a physical copy with you will guarantee you have what you need, regardless of any unexpected hiccups that could take away your time in the parks.
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Battery Packs
Similarly, making sure you can keep your phone charged while you’re at the parks will be critical. The Disneyland App is the best way to organize your trip to the parks, as it will allow you to check wait times for all the rides, make dining reservations and, of course, take a plethora of pics as you make your way through this magical theme park.
Unfortunately, all this use is going to put a serious strain on your battery, so you should have a portable, battery-powered charging device with you at all times. This way, you don’t have to worry about dead phone batteries or running around trying to find a usable plug somewhere in the parks.
istockphoto.com / Dmytro Melnyk
Water Bottles
California is known for its incredible year-round weather, only adding to the magic of Disneyland Parks, but all that sun can take a toll when you’re running around from one ride to the next.
Making sure you have a full water bottle for everyone traveling with you is the best way to keep everyone hydrated and ensure you do not have to change your itinerary to fit in a stop by the park’s emergency medical services.
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Sunscreen
Sunscreen will be your best friend during your Disneyland vacation. Again, the California sun is incredibly strong and even if it looks like a cloudy day, you can easily end up getting burned, turning your perfectly planned trip into a pain-filled one.
Of course, there are several sites and shops throughout the parks where guests can purchase smaller bottles of sunscreen but you can expect to pay a highly inflated price. Instead, we recommend bringing more than enough sunscreen with you to cover and recover everyone in your group.
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First-Aid Kit
While Disneyland does have three first aid stations throughout the parks, bringing your kit is a great way to take care of smaller issues and keep the magic going during your travels. Some things you may wish to add to your first-aid kit include:
Bandages
Antihistamines
Tweezers
Disposable Gloves
Thermometers
Antiacids
Antiseptic
Insect Repellent
Pain Relievers
When putting together your kit, it’s important to take the health needs of everyone in your group into consideration. Families with younger children, for example, will need to bring different items than an older couple traveling together. This way, you’ll be prepared no matter what unexpected circumstances arise.
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Clothes
When it comes to packing clothes for a Disneyland vacation, it’s better to be safe than sorry. While you always want to check the weather directly before you leave for the parks to make sure you’re prepared, you can pretty much guarantee that the time of year you book your holiday will have a major impact on your packing list.
For summer travelers, it’s highly recommended that you bring lighter clothes such as shorts, lighter T-shirts and a light summer jacket for the evenings. On the other hand, guests visiting during the winter months will want to pack layers such as both long and short sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, heavy jackets and jeans.
However, there are certain clothing staples you’ll want to bring with you regardless of the time of year, including:
Hat
Jacket
Rain Poncho
Sunglasses
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Sandals
Bathing Suit
istockphoto.com / Helin Loik-Tomson
Hand Sanitizer
While you’re running through the parks taking pictures with cast members and jumping on and off rides, you may not realize just how many things you end up touching. Many surfaces in Disneyland are high-contact areas and are great places to pick up unwanted germs.
Bringing hand sanitizer with you is a great way to ensure you keep your hands clean throughout the day, especially right before you bite into one of those mouthwatering turkey legs.
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Ziplock Bags
Ziplock bags are a great way to not only stay organized but also keep all of your things safe and water-free during your visit. Whether you use them for leftover food, to keep wet clothes from dripping everywhere or to protect your newly signed autograph book from getting ruined, these little baggies will be a lifesaver that you can easily store in a backpack or purse.
There is nothing more magical than taking a trip to Disneyland. However, making sure you have everything you need during your stay is the best way to plan the vacation you’ve always dreamed of.
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