We all have those well-meaning friends that provide advice, both solicited and unsolicited. It’s free advice, so what do you expect at that price? Here is our list of the top 5 items you should not bring to DisneyWorld, but that someone probably told you that you would need.
- A Stroller
As soon as your child is old enough to be out of the stroller, make the punks walk. They’ll complain, yes. But try getting off the monorail at the Contemporary with a stroller. While everyone else gets to take the escalator (or stairs), you have to wait for the elevator, which only accommodates 1-2 strollers per elevator ride. You could be there 20 minutes just waiting for the stupid elevator. Have you tried to dart down Main Street with a stroller? You’re going to get separated from your non-stroller wielding family members. When you get on the bus you have to fold up your strollers, too, which means all that stuff you’re storing underneath has to come out, too – no easy feat when you have sweaty, passed out kids at 11:00 at night. Strollers are a liability, but I get that you need it when your kids are certain ages. We opted to rent a stroller when we went the last few times we used them and stuck to umbrella strollers when it made sense to (obviously when they were infants that wasn’t really an option). Try life without a stroller, you might like it.
2. Precious items
That favorite blanket? It’s going to get dirty. The special stuffed animal? You might lose it. Random rainstorms, clumsy children, uncaring adults, dirt, and grime will undoubtedly collect on your special items. My daughter has a blanket that she LOVES and has always slept with but we discovered VERY quickly how gross it became when she used it on her stroller at Disney. We bought her a “super special Tinkerbell” blanket that she was able to use in lieu of the special blanket she cared more about. That was a blanket I could bleach, wash and dry and not worry about so much and we were able to make it feel special and unique for her.
3. Electronics/Video Game Systems/Computers
Think about why you’re at Disney World – it’s probably to get away from most of that stuff. We bring items for the car and then try to leave them there.
4. Pool Floats/Pool Toys
Simply stated, in most places they aren’t allowed. Pool toys (in some resorts) and life jackets are complimentary at Disney Resort pools so you don’t need to bring that giant set of floaties for your toddler. For example, the Contemporary has beach toys, the Beach Club has buckets and shovels, and the Boardwalk has pool noodles.
5. Jewelry
I’ve never had a theft issue at DisneyWorld, but it’s a great rule of thumb to leave the “good stuff” at home. Your fingers will probably swell some in the heat, you will be getting on and off rides, different transportation, and in and out of resort rooms. All of that creates opportunities to drop, damage, or lose your valuables. I’ve brought things for fine dining (yes, I wore my Jimmy Choos on the monorail to Victoria and Albert’s) but it’s definitely not daily wear for the parks.
What else did I miss? What did you pack that in hindsight wish you hadn’t? Leave a message in the comments!
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