Disneyland Packing Prep: Things to Buy Before You Go

I never wait until the last minute to get Disneyland tickets, because that just means you’ll be paying more. I alway recommend buying in advance from my ticket partner at Get Away Today. 

 

 

Why Buy in Advance: You secure the lowest possible price, lock in your park dates, and can even lock in lower Lightning Lane Multi Pass prices. Seriously non-negotiable for any Disneyland visit.

Action Plan: I always recommend buying in advance from my official ticket partner, Get Away Today. They are an authorized seller, often have special deals like “Adults at Kids’ Prices,” and their tickets are instantly delivered via email for reservation linking.

I love using the Target Red Card trick for saving 5% on Disney gift cards. Yup, there’s a loop hole in the classification of Disney gift cards at Target. Since they fall under “entertainment cards” you’ll save 5% on Disney gift cards. Take those gift cards with you on vacation and distribute to the kids for their souvenir budget.

 

 

Why Buy In Advance: You automatically save 5% on the purchase using the Target Red Card so you essentially save 5% on everything you buy at Disneyland Resort.

Bonus Tip: Use these cards for almost everything—food, souvenirs, and even your Disneyland Resort hotel bill. You can also give Disney gift cards to your kids to help them manage their own souvenir budget! Here’s everything you can buy at Disneyland with a Disney gift card.

4. Hydration Essentials

Park Bags are worth an entire article itself. Here’s where I list everything I pack in my park bag, plus my favorite, stylish bag to bring to the parks.

But for those who just want a quick list of what to buy before your trip to stash in your bag or locker, I’ve got you:

• Reusable Water Bottle: Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw is my absolute favorite. I must admit though, I tend to not bring a water bottle in the parks because I hate lugging it around. But if you are bringing one, this is the one you want.
• Water Flavor Packs: While I tend to skip bringing my own water bottle I always have a pack or two of these mix-ins in my bag. Keeping myself hydrated with electrolytes is so important—your body and wallet will thank you. Get your fav brand like Gatorade or Liquid IV sticks and you’ll be good to go.
• Reusable Straws: Yup, Disneyland has paper straws so many people prefer to bring a few of their own. We love this set we have at home, plus kids can use a favorite color for the trip and feel super fancy. 

5. Cool Down or Warm Up

Southern California days can be intense. Whether we’re talking heat or cold days with the Santa Ana winds.  Don’t rely on expensive, low-quality cooling products bought in the park and get these before you go. 

• Hands-Free Neck Fans or Cooling towels are lifesavers in line and walking around in the heat. For families with strollers, grab a clip-on fan to keep your little one cool.

• Disposable hand warmers and neck warmers are ideal for cold weather. Layers are always key, but these small items make a huge difference once the sun sets.

• Even if the forecast is clear, you need ponchos for two reasons: unexpected rain and water rides (like Grizzly River Run).

• Throw a few gallon-sized Zip-Loc bags in your bag, too. They are perfect for protecting phones and small electronics on water rides or keeping a wet change of clothes separated from dry items.

 

Custom Mickey Mouse ears with your name embroidered on the back (or side for Minnie headbands) is a timeless classic.

 

 

Everyone wants just the right set of ears with their name on them. You’ll be ready to take family photos the moment you first walk down Main Street, U.S.A and toward Sleeping Beauty Castle. 

 

But your ears before you go and avoid waiting at the popular embroidery spots inside the park. My favorite places to take photos at Disneyland, and how to get “Magic Shots”.

 

As your trip gets closer a lot of families like the convenience of ordering groceries online. Many hotels will accept deliveries for you from places like Amazon or the local grocery store, Vons. 

 

You can bring food, snack and drinks with you to Disneyland—just no glass containers or loose ice (bagged ice in coolers is just fine).

 

 

 

Bonus reading: Need to store your snacks and drinks in a locker? Here’s where to find them.

 

This spot is just for you! I’m taking your suggestions and putting them in! I’ll start . . . 

 

Glow sticks are the perfect solution for late nights at Disneyland. Pull this set out of your backpack when you’re waiting for night shows like Fantasmic or World of Color to begin. Glow sticks are a great distraction and also help keep your eye on each other when it’s dark out.

 

What are your “Top Things to Buy Before Your Disneyland Vacation?”