If you’ve been to Disneyland Paris, you know everything you must consider when packing your Disney park bag. If you plan to visit for the first time and have never been, this post is for you. What to pack in your Disney park bag.
It is never going to be an easy task. Do you pack one large bag for the family, split it between two bags, or carry your own? These are all questions that would suit each family. We take one large bag with a built-in cool bag section (a must-have if visiting in the summer).
Here are the key essentials for your Disney park bag.
I’ve also included a downloadable packing list. It’s simple, click on the button and get your FREE download or if you prefer, click on the packing list at the end of this post to print!
The Perfect Disney Park Bag
You firstly want to keep your packing list simple, to a minimum and include essentials only. There is no point filling your bag with jumpers and cardigans if you visit in the summer months and sun lotion if you stay in November.
This packing guide suits a Disneyland Paris park bag more than the American version. Still, some items are universal between all parks, and one of the significant and first considerations should be the type of bag, considering size, weight, pockets, and accessories.
Choosing your Park Bag
Visiting Disneyland Paris is a different experience from visiting Disney World in Florida. Most trips to Paris are weekend breaks or short trips and often involve a small carry-on bag; I highly recommend the Metz Stowaway 20L Cabin Backpack (flies for free with Ryanair), which can be used for a few days’ travel or as cabin luggage for a trip to Florida. Florida trips are more likely to be at least a week, if not two and involve more luggage. They also have a super cute kids’ version of the mini scooter suitcase, and I’d say the next one up from the Trunki.
So when considering your Disney park bag, consider if it will be stored in your carry-on luggage or if you will use it during your travels.
As a Mum, I always opt for a large backpack with many pockets, allowing you to keep your hands free as you roam around the parks. Our bag also has straps that can clip it to the back of strollers, wheelchairs or pushchairs should you need this accessory.
The best Disney park bag I have ever purchased is a baby-changing bag. If you are looking to invest in a stylish, vegan changing bag. Then you should Shop Gigils best selling baby changing bag. Gigil offers stylish changing bags to suit any lifestyle. The interior space is larger than many of the other bags I have used, and I haven’t been able to fault it. I’m desperate to try a buggy/pram organiser, which would be a must around a Disney park.
Having a teenager in the family, who likes the nicer things in life, Loungefly Mini Backpacks are beautiful and something she insisted I purchase. Having a little one obsessed with food, I have had to accommodate his needs in a bag, and this Hype black lunch box is so cute.
Disney Park Bag Essentials
Never underestimate a good, large, comfortable backpack for any theme park or Disney park. Now that you’ve considered and chosen your bag; you need to find those essentials to fill it with. Here are some must-have essentials to include in your Disney park bag.
Snacks – The way to survive any park trip is to plan with snacks because you never know when the little ones will need something to take their minds off the queues. I’m one who embraced all the Disney merch and took a Disney-inspired snack box for all those little snacks. I also took some Sistema To Go Knick Knack pots as they are stackable and easy to throw in a bag. I would consider keeping snacks simple, snacks that don’t need refrigerators.
Refillable Water Bottle – Drink prices at Disneyland Paris are extortionate. The last thing you want to do is pay through the nose for bottled water when there are plenty of accessible water fountains where you can refill your Disney-themed water bottles for free. I prefer the leak-proof bottles rather than the tumbler-type bottles, as the lids have a habit of falling off or leaking. Consider a collapsible water bottle if space is an issue, which is excellent for fast-moving families.
Baby Wipes – No bag would be complete with a pack of baby wipes. From sticky fingers, unforeseen spills or mess, you might even opt for them vegan-friendly baby wipes. I’m a sucker for a theme.
Poncho/Rain Coat – Living in the UK, we are used to throwing a raincoat or poncho into the back of the car. Paris weather is hugely similar to the UK, so don’t forget to pack your poncho. You can purchase a waterproof raincoat for those who prefer a more permanent option.
Camera – Most of us use our phones to take photos or videos. If you take too many images like me, you could maximise your phone space within hours. Your best option is to buy a separate, compact digital camera like this digital vlogging camera.
Lanyard & Holder for Ticket – Disneyland Paris have yet to introduce magic bands. Hence, tickets are either paper cards or staying at an on-site hotel like The Hotel Cheyenne, you get a plastic room key with park tickets, and dining is included. So during our recent visit, I purchased a lanyard and hold for our tickets, so they were easy to find. If you are travelling with a disabled child or adult, a sunflower lanyard would be an excellent choice.
Mini First Aid Kit – When my children were babies, I put together my first aid kit that fits inside our baby changing bag. It’s still in use today and has come in very handy. It’s similar to this adorable first aid kit and sits comfortably in a changing bag or rucksack.
Portable Fan – Depending on the time of year you visit will depend on whether you need to purchase a portable handheld fan. It can get sweltering in the summer, which was very handy waiting in line.
Sun Lotion – Again, if you visit in the spring to summer months, it is good to take a bottle of sun lotion. We buy all our lotion from Superdrug, which has a great summer and holiday section.
Portable Charger – You may not be surprised that phone batteries die. Park apps, photos, social media sharing, and general use can kill your phone battery within hours. The option is to hire a portable charger from Disneyland Paris, so pop along to one of the many charger rental points. If you’d prefer, you can purchase one beforehand from Robert Dyas.
Small Wallet or Purse – No one wants to lug around a large purse full of store cards for shops near your home. I purchased the cutest Disney Card wallet to keep some cash, ID and credit cards safe.
Park Map – Collect a park from the entrance of either park and place it in your bag or make sure you download the Disneyland Paris park app.
Autograph Book – If your kids are keen autograph hunters, grab a cute autograph book and include it in your bag if you bag a meet and greet with Mickey Mouse. I especially love the cute Disney autograph books available on Etsy.
Hint: MagicBands are currently not available at Disneyland Paris.
Bag – Covid Edition
While things seem to be returning to normal, I wanted to keep the covid bag in for the time being. Not everyone is going to feel safe giving up all the restrictions.
Face Masks – Disneyland Paris states that guests are no longer required to wear face coverings. You may feel slightly uncomfortable removing them completely. You can buy face masks in many places, including these cute ones on Etsy.
Hand Sanitiser – Over 2,000 hand sanitiser stations around the parks, in-shop and restaurant entrances, and visiting attractions. We all seem accustomed to carrying hand sanitiser in our bags, and I feel this is here to stay. After some research, I discovered that the best hand sanitiser is Dettol. Perfect size for a handbag or even a pocket.
Hand Wipes/Anti-Bacterial Wipes– Sometimes, you need a little hand sanitiser wipe after touching a surface. Antibacterial wipes are perfect for hands and those all-important surfaces.
If you are travelling to Disneyland Paris, remember that if you or any family member feel unwell, it’s best you either don’t travel or you get a negative test before arrival. No one wants their trip ruined because they spend it isolated in a hotel room.
Are you booking a trip to Disneyland Paris this year? Let me know in the comments. Also, if you think I’ve missed anything, please don’t send me a message, and I’ll update it!
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I’m not much of a Disney fan, but this does seem like a conclusive packing list. Good job.
Thank you, for taking the time to read 🙂
So true! These are the things I carry in my bag every time I visit amusement parks. Gosh! I miss visiting parks!
Great essentials!! My time at the park was made so much easier by having everything i needed. Sun cream and a rain poncho are definitely a must- the weather did everything possible while I was there?
We went in the heat of summer and it was boiling! Thankfully I was prepared but I’ve been in the spring and it’s rained! Thank you for taking a look. 🙂
Handy tips. We’re just approaching parenthood and will be taking the little one to Disney everywhere when he/she is old enough.
My little ones loved it, I can’t wait to take them to Florida. That’s my dream when life is a little easier. 🙂