Minimalist packing doesn’t have to be overwhelming or difficult. For Disney fans like myself getting into a routine of packing light for a Disneyland day trip is a challenge I welcome. The key to successful minimalist packing is to choose the most necessary and lightest items. You don’t want to have to lug around a heavy backpack full of stuff or even waste money on getting a locker! Here are some tips for minimalist packing for a Disneyland Day trip!
This post contains affiliate links.
Invest in a Sturdy Backpack
The first thing I suggest is to invest in a sturdy and durable backpack. Disney allows you to bring backpacks into the park and onto rides so I chose one that is on the smaller side. My go-to bag is the Jansport Half Pint Backpack. It’s small with a mini pocket but long enough straps to fit an adult comfortably. It’s also a great backpack to display some of my pins and buttons. I’ve also seen lots of people with faux leather Loungefly backpacks!
Cell Phone
I never go to Disneyland without my cell phone. We use them to check times on the Disney app and to scan in our Max Passes.
If you're planning a Disneyland vacation, make sure to use Get Away Today- they offer the best prices and services. Plus, you can save an extra $10 off packages with promo code BLISS.
Hand sanitizer or Hand Wipes
A minimalist packing list for a Disneyland day trip isn’t complete with some sort of hand protection. I know with the Coronavirus scare hand sanitizer is scarce but it’s a must-have in the Parks! There simply isn’t enough hand sanitizing stations in the parks. I clip a small bottle to my backpack to make it easily accessible to the kids. I also have at least one person with me to carry actual anti-bacterial wipes to clean up after eating.
Phone charger
An external phone charger is also something I never visit the Parks without. Even if I wasn’t a blogger I would bring one, since we rely on our phones so much for fast passes and wait times. Fuel Rod has charging stations in Disneyland and the charger itself is slim and lightweight. If you don’t have a Fuel Rod or want to invest in a reliable charger, this external charger is a good choice.
Sunglasses
They may be on your head for a better part of the day but sunglasses are usually a key item to keep in your bag. Again, a cloudy day may look harmless but sun protection is so important.
Small sunscreen
Sunscreen should be in every backpack you bring to Disneyland. Often times it may look cloudy in Anaheim but you can still get sunburned. My favorite sunscreen brand is sun bum and they have smaller bottles that you can travel with.
DISCOUNT DISNEY TICKETS
My favorite Disney-approved re-seller, Get Away Today, offers the best Disney discount tickets around. In addition to great discount prices, their customer service is top-notch. They have an entire department dedicated to making sure every order has a wonderful experience and they are on-call to help you during your vacation if you need them.
Buying tickets from Get Away Today is easy and convenient since all their tickets are sent electronically. You can take their vouchers and head straight to the gate without waiting in ticket booth lines. They also offer layaway plans so you can pay off your vacation over time. Don’t forget to mention THIS BLISS LIFE for your discount!
Pocket Blanket
I love this pocket blanket for parades. With the new Magic Happens parade, you will want to find a spot early and a pocket blanket will help protect you from sitting directly on the ground. Choose one that is easy to fold and to wash when you get home!
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated in the parks is easy when you have your own water bottle to refill. I keep a small kids hydroflask in my bag that I refill in Batuu!
Tylenol
I always keep a small package of Tylenol just in case my kid’s little legs get sore and tired or if I get a headache.
Disney’s Aulani Resort is a beautiful hotel located on the South side of Oahu. It is definitely out of the way and located on the road to Waianae. Aulani is an upscale Disney resort, it’s not a Disney theme park. There are thoughtful tributes to the Hawaiian culture with some Disney magic sprinkled in. We…
The Disneyland Plaza Point Christmas store is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the holidays. Plaza Point is a small shop located on Main Street U.S.A within Disneyland. It’s directly across from the Refreshment Corner and this festive store is filled with all kinds of holiday-themed merchandise that is sure to bring joy and…
Disney Springs offers a ton of dining options but there are some great options if you are looking for kid-friendly restaurants. There are several quick service and sit down type restaurants that have relatively affordable meals for children. Here are my top 5 kid friendly restaurants at Disney Springs. 1. D-Luxe Burger Quick burgers and…
Disney Aulani Resort & Spa is located on the picturesque island of Oahu, Hawaii is growing in popularity! The resort features several world-class amenities and attractions, but perhaps the best feature is its spectacular swimming pools. In this article, we’ll explore the various pools available at the Disney Aulani Resort and provide some helpful insights into…
Packing for Disney Parks can be challenging on a good day! Typically I start packing at least two weeks before our trips so I know what I will have room for. For short trips I like to include unusual items that I KNOW will be useful while we are inside a Disney space. Here are…
The amenities of the hotel are one of the most important factors to consider when booking a hotel near Disneyland. For the downtime on your vacation, you want a hotel that is comfortable and close to the theme park but what about those amenities like a waterpark to explore? Here are the best hotels near…
