What’s In my Bag? Five Pixi- Dusted Essentials for a Quick Summer Trip to the Parks
As a Magic Key holder, I know firsthand that a successful Disneyland trip, especially during the summer, starts with a perfectly packed backpack. Whether you're soaring over Main Street, U.S.A., hopping on your favorite attractions, or catching a parade, having the right essentials can make all the difference. In this guide, I’ll share my must-have items that ensure every Disney day is filled with magic and fun, no matter how hot it gets or how fast the trip is. To read this blog is to know I am not an “all day at the parks” type of person due to work, so my trips are usually 3-6 hours depending on my return time for Guardians (IYKYK). Ready to unlock the secrets of a perfect park day? Let’s dive into my go-to summer backpack essentials! For quick trips the backpack or purse will be Loungefly 99% of the time. Why? They are great quality, durable, stylish and come in a few different sizes, so depending on the type of trip, they have the perfect size available for whatever you need!
Refillable Water Bottle- a Must for ANY park trip but in the summer? If you arrive at 7am or 7pm it will be HOT in Anaheim. Before I leave home, I fill it up with ice because I need my water to be super cold. Depending on the temperature outside I might refill it once at a refill station, or a quick service restaurant. Hydrating is important because even at night, that humidity will set in and drain you. Ice cold water takes my mind off the fact that my clothes sticking to me.
The Coldest Water Bottle is my fav! https://a.co/d/8jSZ6OE
Personal Fan- These fans are small but mighty. The fastest way for me to say I am ready to go is to be uncomfortable. I always check the app before I even schedule a time to head to the park, so I already know how to prepare. There are times during the summer when the cloud coverage comes at around 8pm and the humidity shoots up. I know Floridians are laughing at me right now, but it is what it is. Anything over 80 degrees and I am in the trenches scratching and surviving.
Pic: www.amazon.com
Hand Sanitizer and Hand Wipes- This shouldn’t need an explanation of why it is a staple in any bag, but in the summer, everything feels stickier. Maybe being an L.A. native, I am used to balanced temperatures, but there are some summer days that can be gross. The air is thick, and my hands just feel clammy. I use hand wipes after I eat to wipe my hands. Sanitizer is more for smaller jobs, but the wipes are for after a meal and There is always going to be a food situation when I go. Hands will already be sweaty, so this is also a great way to keep them refreshed when you are not close to a bathroom for a full hand wash.
Sunglasses- Can’t forget the shades! In my personal opinion there is not much shade at Disneyland Resort, so sunglasses are definitely needed. The sun gets BRIGHT, and we don’t want to be squinting in pictures now do we? Don’t be caught unprepared friends.
Sunscreen for Face- Since we are strictly here for a good time and not a long time, if it is a rope drop trip I will throw the Neutrogena SPF Sunscreen Stick in my bag. Reapplying is easy and I already applied my Paula’s Choice sunscreen before leaving the house. Both are SPF 50 but if we are being honest, Paula’s choice is $39 and Neutrogena is $10. Paula is also a liquid, and I am not trying to do all of THAT at a park in the middle of summer 2 hours into the day. The goal is to fast pass as many rides as possible before the sun hits its peak. Sacrifices must be made, but not wearing SPF will never be one of them.
Summertime at Disneyland is all about sun, fun, and making the most of those longer magical days or summer nights. A well-packed backpack can be your secret weapon for staying cool, comfortable, and ready for anything the day throws your way. From keeping hydrated to staying sun-safe, these essentials are my go-to for any summer trip to the park.
As a Magic Key holder, I’ve learned that a thoughtfully packed backpack is the key to a stress-free day full of adventure. Whether you're planning to hop between parks, enjoy a parade, or catch the fireworks, being prepared will let you focus on the fun. So, grab your sunscreen, pack your water bottle, and get ready for a summer day full of unforgettable Disney magic!