10 Must-Pack Items for a Theme Park Day

These products are essential for a day in the parks. Keep the family cool, dry and comfy when waiting in those hour-plus lines.

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August 21, 2019

By: Deanne Revel

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Lightweight Poncho

Afternoon showers are common in the Sunshine State, but many visitors who come to popular Orlando theme parks aren’t prepared for all the rain. These showers pass quickly, and the sun comes back out in no time. However, a lot of tourists leave the parks, thinking the rest of the day is ruined. But those in the know just throw on a poncho and wait it out. Pack a thin poncho--like this #MinnieStyle polka dot number--that you can crumple up and stuff in a backpack easily.

Buy It: Amazon, $21.99

Portable Phone Charger

Taking photos, entertaining yourself while waiting in line and using a theme park app can all drain your phone battery. Keep charged throughout the day with a portable phone charger. Just make sure to charge the charger the night before!

Buy It: Amazon, $34.99

Handheld Fan

As much fun as theme parks are, standing in long lines in 95-degree heat is total hell. Keep the family cool with a personal mister or fan like the Aluan mini fan. Don't let the compact size fool you, these fans have amazing reviews on Amazon.

Buy It: Amazon, $11.99

Waterproof Action Camera

Selfie sticks are banned from most parks. (And for good reason.) But if you want to document your family’s drop down Splash Mountain, splurge on a waterproof action camera like a GoPro. You can buy camera accessories like handles with wrist straps so you don’t have to put your smartphone in danger.

Buy It: Amazon, $189.99

Fanny Pack

Keep your hands free for double-fisting Dole Whips and character-shaped ice cream bars with a trendy fanny pack. This vegan leather belt bag from Fawn Design was designed for moms on the go and has room for all the essentials.

Buy It: Amazon, $54.99

Collapsible Water Bottle

Did you know most theme parks offer water for free? You just have to ask for it. Get a large cup of ice water, fill up a water bottle, like the Vapur collapsible water bottle, and skip the water fountain and beverage cart lines for the rest of the day.

Buy It: Amazon, $11.99

Sun-Protective Clothing

It’s hard to escape the sun at a theme park, from outdoor theaters to long coaster lines. Protect your family from excessive and harmful exposure with UVA and UVB shielding clothing, like Coolibar's line of tops for kids and adults. These garments don’t replace sunscreen but when used together reduce the amount of exposure to harmful rays.

Buy It: Amazon, $38.00

Gel Insoles

Prepare to log thousands of steps each day on a theme park vacation. Coming back to the hotel with aching heels is so common that some of Walt Disney World’s high-end properties offer mint foot cream alongside shampoo and conditioner. Slip gel insoles into your tennis shoes before you head out for the day and your feet will thank you.

Buy It: Amazon, $10.88

Waterproof Phone Case

We’ve all been there. You get off the log flume ride and discover your phone was in your pocket the whole time. And just like you, it’s drenched. Invest in a waterproof case like the LifeProof FRĒ case so you can snap photos all day without worrying.

Buy It: Amazon, $50 (Originally $90)

Reusable Plastic Bag

If you don’t want to shell out the big bucks for a fancy phone case, a plastic sandwich bag will also do the trick to keep your phone, cash, tickets and anything paper safe from water rides. You can also reduce your single-use plastics by investing in a reusable plastic bag. This two-pack from Amazon is less than $7 and keeps you from grabbing a new sandwich bag every time you travel.

Buy It: Amazon, $8.87 (Set of 2)

Polarized Shades

Make sure your theme park sunnies have protection against UVA and UVB rays and opt for polarized shades like these from Sunski as these lenses curb blinding sun glare--especially on water rides.

Buy It: Amazon, $55

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10 Must-Pack Items for a Theme Park Day

Related To:

Shop This Look

Lightweight Poncho

Portable Phone Charger

Handheld Fan

Waterproof Action Camera

Fanny Pack

Collapsible Water Bottle

Sun-Protective Clothing

Gel Insoles

Waterproof Phone Case

Reusable Plastic Bag

Polarized Shades

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