Disneyland Tips and Tricks for the non Magic Key Holder (Part 3- Things I used a lot at the Parks)

This is part of a 4 part series. You can find the full series of posts here:

Part 1: Navigating the Parks

Part 2: Genie+

Part 3: Things I used a lot in the Parks

Part 4: Ways to save money at Disneyland

We spent 3 very full days (at least 14 hours each day, with 4 kids, my friend and I), and didn't bring any strollers or access lockers. Whatever we brought was on our own backs (or some of our kids, since some are old enough to carry a backpack for the day). These are things I found to be absolutely essential (or at least nice to have) for our very long days.

1. Extra battery pack/charger for your phone. I love this one by Anker, because it's small and connects directly to your phone without an extra cord. Since you use your phone a lot to check Genie+ (there are also some games on the Disney park app that the kids like to play in line) the battery drains quickly.

2. Belt Bag- I have this lululemon one, but any other belt bag will do. I love being hands free, but also having the freedom to leave my backpack on the table to save a spot briefly, or putting it down for some rides without worrying about my valuables (wallet, phone) being stolen.

3. A good backpack- This one worked really well for me. It has water bottle holders on the side for a slim bottle, and because the top is adjustable and cinches, I could stuff extra jackets in there when needed, but condense things when I didn't have as much stuff in there. The external pockets were great for my chargers and there was plenty of room for snacks.

4. Stasher bags- I always travel with stasher bags- it's a great environmentally friendly way to store snacks, and even if we bring a larger bag of chips or gummies, if they are not finished right away I can just put the remainder (inside the original bag) in one of these stasher bags and it will store them safely. They are waterproof too, which are great for the water rides, and can be used in so many different ways.

5. Disposable poncho- it was kind of rainy when we went one morning, but we didn't use the ponchos for the rain. We used them for Grizzly River Run to prevent us from being soaked all day (no fun on a cold day), and again during the World of Color show so we could sit comfortably in the splash zone and get an incredible view! They are so lightweight that I feel they are worth carrying around "just in case".

6. A good jacket (especially when it's cold!)- I get cold so easily, but I brought this long jacket from 32 degrees and it was literally the best thing ever. It was super packable, kept me really warm when I needed it in the early morning and evening, and totally felt like I was wearing a sleeping bag. I would have been frozen without it!

7. Snacks and water- This is a no brainer. Of course, if there are Disney snacks you want to indulge, by all means! But it's nice to have something in your bag in case the line is much longer than you think it will be, and food is definitely pricier in the parks, so if you can save a little here and there, you won't feel as bad if you splurge a little on churros or blue milk :) I like to bring lunchables for my kids- they love lunchables and think it's the best treat, and it's easy to eat in line or on the go, especially if you're getting. an early start and the kids are hungrier earlier than normal.

I hope this list is helpful! Of course, your list may vary depending on the needs of your group, but I felt that these things were really necessary for us to have a successful trip and used frequently!

Disposable Ponchos were clutch when securing a front row seat for World of Color (also used for Grizzly River run earlier that day- no one wants to be soaked in the winter!)