5 Surprising Things You Should Bring To Disney
Whether you’re traveling to Walt Disney World or anywhere else, most people have a short list of go-to items that will always find their way into their travel bags. I’m no exception. Today, I’m going to share 5 of those items with you [ok it’s more like 7 if we’re being honest. . . . but who’s counting] and tell you why I don’t leave home without ‘em!
Sponge & Bottle Cleaner - When I travel, I’m always carrying around a water bottle with me [which technically brings our count today to 8] so that I can fill it up in the room or at a water bottle fill station around Walt Disney World. I’ve also been known to put other drinks, such as water flavor packets or even soft drinks, in my water bottle. [Then there was that time I slipped a pina colada in there. . . . . but that’s a story for another day!] Great as it is to enjoy a variety of flavors while also saving money on water, stacking flavors like this can become a bit much and so it’s nice to have a way to clean your water bottle. That’s why I’m always traveling with a sponge and/or bottle cleaner [scrub brush].
Aside from keeping the water bottle you bring with you clean and the water within it tasting fresh, it’s also nice to have a way to wash out and clean up other containers you’ve brought with you or purchased during your trip. Rather than having to wait to use that shiny new travel coffee cup, you can clean it out and bring it with you to the parks!
When choosing and purchasing these items, I like to grab something cheap from wherever it is that I happen to be shopping when it’s on my mind. Keeping these items affordable makes it so that I can toss them at the end of my trip or after every use if need be. Some places I find the most affordable options tend to be Walmart, Target and my local dollar store.
Reusable Straw & Utensils - We may be talking about 2 different things in this category, but I’ve decided to lump them together because the reason I bring them when I travel is the same. Whether you’re trying to suck that delicious frozen drink through one of Disney’s paper straws or trying to get hold of that food item with a flimsy fork, theme park straws and utensils can be . . . . . challenging. The solution to this, at least as far as I’m concerned, is bringing your own straws and utensils.
In the past, having something that you can use with confidence and ease has always been a good idea. This is especially the case if you’re traveling with the intention of doing lots of eating at food festivals. . . . . or just anywhere deliciousness is available. However, in the current times we’re living in, this can also be a good way to eliminate yet another one of those possible touch points [such as utensil dispensers].
If this is something that appeals to you, I recommend grabbing some camping utensils. I like the ones that include both a fork, spoon and cutting instrument like the Light My Fire Spork Original BIO - Package of 2 that you can find at REI. They are affordable, easy to store, durable and will make your theme park experience that much easier. [You can also find similar products elsewhere in camping sections, so check out your favorite department store or online shopping website.] For straws, I like something that is wide so that it can accommodate frozen drinks easier; similar to a smoothie straw. There are also lots of great kits out there that come with storage cases and cleaners.
Dish Soap - Obviously, if you’re going to be cleaning water bottles or utensils then having dish soap is useful. Makes sense that I would put it in my must haves when I travel kit. . . right? There’s another reasons too though! Sure, having a small bottle of dish soap with you when you travel is a good way to make sure you can wash those kitchen type items you’ve got with you, but I also like to have it with me because it also works great on stains!
Ok. . . . stick with me here for a second.
Dish soap, especially good quality brands like Dawn, are known for cutting grease from your dishes. The same can be said for getting oil and grease out of your clothes. If you’ve got a washing machine handy, you can squirt some in with the load, but if you’re on vacation a little dab on the stain and some hot water can do wonders! This is a great option to have available, especially if you’re traveling to a theme park where greasy and oily foods are everywhere! Whether there’s a hole in your chin or you sit on a crumb of someone’s leftovers, having a way to save that cute outfit or new shirt is worth the 99 cents you’ll pay for that bottle.
Ziplock Bags - Ziplocks are one of those things that I always have with me. Whether I’m traveling to Disney or just going on a day trip somewhere. . . . there’s usually a Ziplock locked and loaded in whatever bag I’m using for the day. The reason for this is one you’ve heard before and so I won’t go nuts drilling it into your brain here today; they’re too convenient. Whether I’m looking to hold something I want to keep dry or store a snack that I couldn’t finish. . . . Ziplock!
Personally, I prefer the quart or gallon size freezer bags. Unlike other bags, the freezer variety is a bit more durable and will last longer and under less delicate conditions. I’ve also got a few reusable silicone zipper storage bags that I’ve been using recently. I’ve only been using them for a few weeks, so when I’ve got some miles on them I’ll let you know whether or not I think they’re a suitable options.
Vacuum Bags - Anyone out there ever have that experience where you’re trying to shove everything from the past 7 days back into the luggage that you swear has shrunk 2 sizes since you unpacked it? Yeah. . . . I’ve been there too! There are a few different ways you can aim to solve this problem, but one of them is most definitely vacuum bags.
There are a few different kinds of vacuum bags out there. Some require a vacuum to shrink them down, others do not. I recommend that you grab a variety [like the one I pictured] which can be go either way.
Vacuum bags like this can be a lifesaver, especially if you know you’ll be purchasing bulky items like clothes or plushies. The items can be put in the bag and squeezed down so that they take up less space and can more easily fit within your luggage. In some rooms, such as those in the DVC resorts, a vacuum is provided and can be used to such the air out of the bag, but you can also do it manually with some varieties. . . . . like I mentioned above.
The price point for these bags can vary, but I personally think that it’s worth the money versus having to pay for an extra piece of luggage at the airport. They are also reusable, especially if you get a good quality brand, so you can use them again and again.