Ultimate Disneyland Backpack Essentials for an All-Day Trip: A Magic Key Holder’s Guide
I will admit that due to work and being a Magic Key holder, all day Disneyland trips are far and few in between for me. I either rope drop on a Sunday and head home early afternoon to prepare for work on Monday, or I go Friday nights after work, however, there are times when an all-day trip is necessary. A few times a year I go with my family who are not Magic Key holders, so I must make sure their single day ticket price is worth every penny. No stone should be left unturned and although I am the youngest (besides my sisters 6-year-old twins), I am in charge once we hit the parks. I have all tickets and Lightning Lane Multi Passes on my phone. Follow me, this is the way.
I know a day at the parks is not cheap, so I always plan and make sure not only are everyone’s needs met, but, they get all the bang for their buck. There will be no “I wish we were able to do XYZ..” Not on my watch. Everything is getting done and if you follow me precisely, some things can be done twice. Now, some might say I am an over thinker. When I pack an “all day” Disney backpack the point is to not need anything that I could already own. I would rather have it and not need it, than wish I had it. I do not want to spend unnecessary money when that can go towards the all-important corndog and churro. I used to be a locker girlie back in my younger days but now, we don’t walk all the way to the front of the park for anything. The point is to keep it moving because time is money, and we have rides to ride and pictures to take. This list is for the all-day backpack, for quick trip packing essentials, I suggest reading Winter Disney Bag Must Haves and Summer Disney Bag Must Haves which is a condensed version of the list and weather specific. Here are the staples in my backpack for every all-day trip and the type of backpack:
JanSport Backpack- I got my backpack at least 8 years ago and the closet thing I have found on Amazon was called the Laptop Backpack by JanSport. It has 6 different zipper compartments which comes in handy for me because I do not like things just thrown about. Everything needs to be organized, and I need to be able to grab and go. For this bag usually keep a spare spirit jersey in the far back zipper compartment and I leave the main storage part for my refillable water bottle, protein shake, chips and room for souvenirs. Smaller compartments are for small items such as cosmetics, phone charger cord, ect.
Snacks- My top 2 park bag snacks are Pringles and a Core Power Protein Shake. I like Pringles because the can is big and easy to share and I like Core Power because with 42g of protein, it will keep me full so I can go longer periods of time without needing to stop for a snack. I prefer to spend my cash in the stores!
Portable Phone Charger- I am a photo and video taker so although my S24 Ultra has amazing battery life, why chance it? When shopping for a portable charger I always get something at LEAST 20,000mAh, which means it will charge faster and you can use it multiple times throughout the day for more than one charge. Chargers with this much power typically have more than one charging port so you can fast charge at least 2 devices at once in the event someone in your traveling party isn’t as prepared as you.
Refillable Water Bottle- a Must for ANY park trip. Winter, spring, summer or fall I will have one on me. The only thing that changes is the size. For all day trips I use a 40oz bottle. Before I leave home, I fill it up with ice because I need my water to be super cold. I have bottles that are insulated and keeps the ice frozen all day. There are multiple bottle filling stations throughout the park, and you can also refill your bottles at quick service stations and almost every eatery offers cups of water (just pour the cup into your bottle). Hydrating is important no matter the season.
Small Medication Organizer- We do not want fun to stop because I have a headache coming or my allergies keep acting up. I keep a small pill organizer in my bag for anything I might need to feel better right away.
Hand Sanitizer- I mean, does this even need an explanation as to why? I sure hope not, but I will say I prefer pop top over the pump. The squeeze pop top is just more secure and if it is too hot that pump will start to leak.
Hand Wipes- I use hand wipes after I eat to wipe my hands. Nothing more nothing less. Sanitizer is more for smaller jobs, but the wipes are for after a meal.
Personal Fan- More often than not, lines get stuffy, and I need air. These fans are small but mighty and at certain times of the year when it is a little more humid, these are a life saver. Attitudes and morale can change at an instant in my family when it comes to weather and humidity. The goal is to keep all parties comfortable and if that means sharing my fan, then so be it.
Sunscreen- You need sunscreen every day, all year long. I will not be taking questions on that matter at this time, just trust me. For long days I bring a spray for my body and one for my face. Technically I can use one for both, but my skincare regimen isn’t to be tampered with for the sake of a park day. My grab and go favorite body sunscreen are Neutrogena Beach Defense and for my face Paula’s Choice Broad Spectrum SPF 50. Paula’s Choice is moisturizing, available in travel size, light and makes reapplying easy and I am all about convenience.
Packing the right items in your Disneyland backpack can make all the difference for a fun and stress-free day at the park. Whether you're a Magic Key holder or a first-time visitor, having these essentials ensures you're prepared for anything. From staying hydrated to capturing magical moments and keeping comfortable throughout the day, these items have become my go-to for every trip.
I hope this guide helps you feel prepared and ready for your next Disneyland adventure! Remember, every trip can be a unique experience, so don't hesitate to adjust your packing list based on your needs and preferences. Enjoy your magical day, and may your backpack be light but filled with everything you need!