Summary
You bought your tickets and marked it on your calendar: you’re going to Disneyland! Now that you’re all hyped up for your fun adventure, it’s time to start thinking about what to pack.
Ladies, this list is just for you! This is a list of the important things for every girl to pack to be comfortable and prepared for the magic at Disneyland.
Besides all the things in this list, you’ll need the perfect Disneyland bag for carrying things into the park.
Your Best Hair Care
Anaheim, California isn’t muggy Florida, but you still need to be prepared for humidity. In the Anaheim area, it ranges from comfortable to more than 90 percent humidity at times. Here’s the part that might surprise you: the air is driest in late November and most humid not in summer, but in February. So, come prepared for humid days any time of year.
You already know that humidity makes curly hair frizzier, while it sucks the style right out of straight hair. Style your hair in your favorite up-do or use some conditioning mousse and set it with lots of humidity-resistant hairspray to make sure it stays in place.
Use lots of anti-frizz products and leave-in conditioner to keep it all under control. And think about going natural instead of trying to tempt nature with that flat iron. Or, just tuck it all under a cute hat.
Aside from the weather, Southern California’s hard water can be just as disastrous on your locks. A secret remedy? To counteract some of the water’s effects, grab a lemon and add its juice to your rinse.
SPF is a Must
It often escapes our minds because we’re having so much fun, but walking around Disneyland means spending hours upon hours in direct sunlight. Also, with a lot of water and a lot of light-colored concrete everywhere, the park radiates the sun’s rays at you from every angle.
All that sun can cause burns as red as Snow White’s lips in the most unlikely places, like the backs of your knees and under your chin! Pack the highest possible SPF in case you don’t put on enough or forget to re-apply.
Waterproof Makeup Keeps You Looking Cute
When it’s hot and humid at Disneyland, makeup like Maleficent’s and hair like Sleeping Beauty’s just won’t fly, mostly because you’ll be completely uncomfortable.
Don’t end up in those photos looking like you need as much rest as Sleeping Beauty, with tired eyes and washed-out cheeks. Instead, wear waterproof mascara and opt for a tinted moisturizer or tinted sunscreen. Set it all in place with makeup setting spray to help it stay on.
Why You Need Extra Clothes and Socks
There are a few rides at the Disneyland Resort where you’re guaranteed to get wet, especially on Splash Mountain and Grizzly River Run.
Pack quick-drying clothing instead of cotton shirts and jeans, so you don’t go around feeling damp all day afterward. But, don’t forget your feet. If you’re wearing socks, your feet could turn into a soggy mess.
Pack plastic bags and twice as many socks as you might think you need and change them when they get wet.
To avoid getting blisters on your feet, make sure to pack some high-tech, moisture-wicking runner’s socks, or Wright brand socks which have a double layer.
For more protection from splashes on the rides, pack a cheap plastic poncho.
Some moms also take their kids to the park wearing a modest swimsuit, carrying their regular clothing, spare socks, and a big plastic bag. Use a locker to keep the dry stuff in, then ride early and change clothing afterward.
Dog Bowls for Your Feet?
In a long day, it’s easy to cover a half marathon’s distance or more at Disneyland, enough to make even Minnie Mouse wish she had Aladdin’s magic carpet to take her home.
Your feet will definitely need some TLC after so many hours. However, there’s a solution recommended by a doctor: pack two containers, each one big enough for one foot and water up to the ankle. Collapsible, portable dog bowls like the ones Pluto might take on vacation are perfect and easy to pack. You could also pack regular plastic containers and fill them with some of your clothing to keep things packed neatly.
After your long day of walking, fill one container with ice water and the other with water as hot as you can stand. Soak one foot in each for about a minute, then reverse. Repeat once or twice.
Peppermint foot lotion also feels really good after a hard day.
Leave the Umbrella at Home
Before you pack your bag with sunscreen or raincoats, check the weather forecast.
Even if rain is ahead (which is very rare), don’t pack an umbrella. It’s bulky and totally impractical in a theme park. Just imagine all of the people you’d be running into with an open umbrella over your head. Instead, using a rainproof jacket with a hood is highly recommended.
Don’t Forget Your Girly Stuff
Don’t forget to pack emergency feminine hygiene products just in case.
In a real emergency, Disneyland sells these items in the restrooms. You may also be able to purchase them at First Aid or the Baby Care Center in each park and in some hotel gift shops.
Light Sleepers Need to Know This
Disneyland fireworks are fun to watch, but it’s surprising how loud they are and how far away you can hear them. Even across the freeway, they can rattle the windows. If you want to go to bed early and you’re staying close to the park, check the fireworks schedule online to find out if they’re going off after your bedtime.
You may be a light sleeper, in which case you definitely need to pack earplugs to help you sleep through all that racket.
With a full day ahead of you, you’re going to need all the rest you can get. Therefore, give yourself permission to pack your favorite blanket or stuffed toy — or even a portable noise machine.
If you’re sensitive to loud noises, you may want to pack those earplugs (or noise-cancelling headphones), even if you plan to stay in the park during the fireworks. They can help you enjoy the sights but not the sounds.
Other Things You May Need to Pack
Some of these are essential; some are not. It’s not a complete list, but these are a few things that will prove to be useful and are often times forgotten:
- Tickets: Don’t forget your Disneyland tickets! If you’re using e-tickets, make sure you have the receipt to scan at the gate. You might be able to save the day if you forget them, but it’s a hassle you don’t need.
- Pillows: If you dislike hotel pillows that turn into a pancake as soon as you put your head on them, take your own. You can find good ones made of memory foam that roll up into a packable-sized ball.
- Shoes: It helps to wear different shoes each day. They might take up some room in your bag, but your feet will thank you for giving them a change of pace.
- Charging Cord: Make sure to bring your phone’s charging cord. If you use it all day to take photos, make videos, and post on social media and so on, you may also need a portable charger.
- Photography: If you’re a photographer and want to take a lot of photos, you can take a folding tripod or monopod into Disneyland as long it can fit inside a standard backpack.
What Not to Pack
This short list will help you avoid overpacking:
- If you want to dress like a Disney character, go for it. However, you won’t get in if you look just like them. It’s a rule at all Disney parks.
- Don’t pack super short shorts. They may look cute, but ride seats can get hot, wet, sticky, and generally uncomfortable on bare skin.
- When planning your wardrobe, don’t bring dangling items. Chances are they will just get caught on the rides and tangled up in your lanyard.
- Bring a day bag that you can secure well on the rides and that will fit in a seat-back pocket. Otherwise, you could be that person whose bag fell out on a ride and stopped the whole ride for nearly an hour.
- If you’re planning to carry your suitcase onto the plane instead of checking it, don’t pack big bottles of liquids. The TSA rule states liquids must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. And, they all have to fit into a one-quart zip lock bag.
- You don’t need to pack the whole medicine cabinet. Whatever you carry daily is enough. If you need more like band-aids or aspirin, you may be able to get them within Disneyland Park or outside the park at a convenience store.
- Don’t pack a selfie stick. They’re banned in Disneyland. So are wagons, bicycles, tricycles, pogo sticks, and Segways.
- Drones, skateboards, scooters, and inline skates are also banned. You can find a full list of prohibited items on the Disneyland website.
- Leave that cat or pup at home, too. They may want to jump in your suitcase while you’re packing it, but resist the urge as they are not allowed inside the Park.
