What My Teenagers Pack in Their Disney Bags
When people talk about packing for a Disney trip, the focus is almost always on babies, toddlers, and little kids. Snacks, strollers, diapers, wipes—you name it. But what about teenagers? As a Florida family that visits Walt Disney World (and Universal Studios) monthly, I can confidently say that packing for teens is its own category entirely.
Teenagers want independence, comfort, and practicality—but they also want to look cute while surviving long park days in the Florida heat. Over the years, we’ve fine-tuned what actually makes it into their backpacks versus what gets left behind. These are the items my teens always pack and genuinely use every single trip.
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Backpack
Each of my kids carries a Disney Parks Loungefly backpack. We rarely pay full price for them—these make fantastic gifts for older kids, especially birthdays or holidays. Our best finds have been at Disney Character Warehouses. While the Orlando locations tend to sell out quickly, we’ve had great luck at the Sunrise outlets outside of Miami. Amazon is also a solid option if you want convenience or variety.
The backpacks are the perfect size for teens: big enough to carry essentials but not so bulky that they’re annoying on rides or in queues.
Portable Fans
Coffee Sleeves & Reusable Straws
Yes, we are absolutely a little boujee. Years ago, a coworker sent me a coffee sleeve and now everyone in our family has one. Wet hands from condensation are annoying, especially when you’re walking miles a day. Anyone who uses straws also brings a reusable one because Disney’s paper straws are… not a fan favorite in our house.
Below is my favorite place to by Disney coffee sleeves. I spend a ridiculous amount of money on the for our team. Look how freaking cute.
Magic Bands
Even though you can load park tickets into your phone wallet, teenagers’ phones die. Every. Single. Time. My kids are required to bring their MagicBands as a backup. I personally don’t wear one (I can’t handle the sweat trapped underneath—gross but honest), but for teens, MagicBands are practical and reliable.
Sunglasses or Hats
Everyone in our family is required to pack either a good pair of sunglasses or a hat—preferably both. Florida is known as the Sunshine State for a reason, and that sun can be brutal after hours of walking the parks. Between the bright skies, reflective pavement, and open areas with little shade, eye strain and headaches can sneak up quickly, especially on longer park days.
It’s also worth mentioning that sunglasses get lost or broken easily at the parks, so we don’t bring expensive pairs. We stick to affordable, comfortable options that won’t ruin the trip if they disappear on a ride or get crushed in a backpack. A simple hat or pair of sunglasses may seem minor, but it makes a big difference when you’re spending an entire day outside in the Florida heat.
Foot Glide
Foot glide is one of those items that you don’t think you’ll need—until you absolutely do. With how much walking Disney and Universal require, blisters can form fast, especially when teenagers insist on prioritizing cute outfits over practical shoe choices. No matter how many reminders I give, there’s always at least one pair of shoes that probably shouldn’t be worn for a full park day.
Foot glide takes up very little space in a backpack, but it can save a lot of complaining—and even an early exit from the parks. For us, it’s one of those non-negotiable items that always makes it into the bag. Comfortable feet mean more rides, more walking, and way fewer “my feet hurt” comments by mid-afternoon.
Disney Pins
Pin trading is still very much alive in our family. My kids bring their pins to trade and show off. You can find affordable trader pins on Amazon or through Disney pin-trading groups online, which helps keep this hobby budget-friendly.
Anti-Chafing Cream
If you’ve ever visited Disney in the warmer months, you already know that the Florida heat and humidity are a brutal combination. Add in miles of walking, sweat, and long park days, and chafing becomes almost unavoidable if you’re not prepared. This is one item my family never skips, especially with teenagers who are constantly on the move.
My kids pack anti-chafing cream to prevent irritation before it starts. Whether it’s thighs, underarms, waistbands, or anywhere clothing rubs throughout the day, applying it in the morning can save a lot of discomfort later on. We’ve learned the hard way that once chafing starts, it only gets worse as the day goes on.
Disney does offer packets of anti-chafing ointment at First Aid, learn about the First Aid Centers available at Disney [HERE], but having your own on hand is much more convenient—especially if you’re not near the front of the park or don’t want to stop what you’re doing. A small stick or tube takes up hardly any room in a backpack and can make a massive difference in comfort.
It might not be the most glamorous thing to pack, but anti-chafing cream is truly a Disney essential. Staying comfortable means fewer complaints, fewer mid-day meltdowns, and more energy to actually enjoy the rides, shows, and magic.
Portable Chargers & Cords
Between photos, Lightning Lane bookings, mobile ordering, and texting friends, phone batteries drain fast. Since my teens often split up and do their own thing, everyone carries their own portable charger to avoid dead-phone panic.
Liquid IV
Hydration is non-negotiable. We don’t buy bottled water in the parks. Instead, everyone brings refillable bottles. Learn can learn more about how to get free water at Disney parks [HERE]. My older girls prefer Liquid IV packets, while younger kids lean toward Gatorade. Staying hydrated keeps energy up and attitudes in check. I give you a list of all the things we bring to make bringing our own water less sucky for the parks [HERE].
Cooling Towels
Summer Disney trips are hot. The combination of a portable fan and a cooling towel makes a huge difference, especially during afternoon heat. This leads to less overheating and therefore less whining by the kids.
Ears & Ear Holders
We rarely buy ears in the parks unless they’re irresistible. Most of ours come from Character Warehouses. Ear holders (we love Etsy finds) clip onto backpacks so ears don’t get crushed or lost on rides.
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