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Smart Disney World Travelers Always Pack This One Thing

Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom
Credit: Nicholas Fuentes, Unsplash

Heading to Walt Disney World Resort? Don’t forget the one item with the potential to make or break your trip—resealable plastic bags.

Basic though they may sound, these little MVPs are the unsung heroes of the parks. They keep your snacks fresh, your phone dry on water rides, and your essentials organized without adding any weight to your bag. Whether you’re a Disney rookie or a park-hopping pro, tossing a few into your backpack is the easiest hack to level up your vacation game.

A girl happily holds a Minnie Mouse plush toy in a store filled with similar toys. She looks up at a person holding a red Disney Springs shopping bag. The shelves are packed with plush toys in the background.

Credit: Disney

Why Resealable Bags Are a Must-Have at Disney World

Walt Disney World is full of magic, but it also comes with unpredictable weather, long park days, and the occasional messy situation. Packing various sizes of resealable plastic bags can help you tackle unexpected challenges and keep your trip stress-free. The best part? They have countless uses that go beyond just protecting your electronics from rain.

Here’s why they belong in your Disney day bag:

Protect Electronics from Water Rides and Rain

Yes, we’re starting with the obvious, but let’s be real: Florida can get wet. From splashes on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to Orlando’s sudden downpours, keeping your phone, camera, and chargers in a resealable bag ensures they stay dry and functional. A waterproof phone case is great, but resealable bags provide an additional layer of protection without the added cost.

Magic Kingdom with Cinderella Castle and puddles

Credit: Brett Kiger, Flickr

Keep Snacks Fresh and Accessible

Disney snacks are delicious but can be expensive – especially if you’re trying to feed a large group. Bringing your own snacks or saving leftovers in a sealed bag helps reduce food waste and keeps treats fresh throughout the day. Resealable bags also make it easier to portion out snacks for kids, preventing spills and keeping everything organized inside your backpack.

Snagging park-bought snacks? Smart move — not just for the instant sugar rush but for stashing those hefty Disney treats you can’t quite finish. Let’s be real, some of those sweets are no joke. With a little extra carry space, you’re not tossing anything — just saving it for a snack break later.

Two women are sitting outside a building with red roofs. One is in a wheelchair, wearing a peach-colored shirt, and the other is on a bench, wearing a white shirt and denim overalls with yellow Minnie Mouse ears. Both are smiling and looking at a smartphone.

Credit: Disney

Organize Park Essentials

Use small bags to store tickets, receipts, and travel-sized toiletries, keeping your backpack neat and easy to navigate. Keeping these essentials in a designated bag ensures you won’t be rummaging through your belongings when you need them most. If you’re traveling from overseas and carrying your passport on your person, it also helps prevent any accidental damage that may impact your journey home.

Contain Souvenirs and Prevent Messes

Disney merchandise can be fragile or spill-prone. If you purchase candies, scented candles, or liquid souvenirs, storing them in resealable bags prevents potential messes in your luggage. Autograph books and pens can also be stored in a sealed bag to protect them from spills or unexpected rain.

How to Use Resealable Bags for a Stress-Free Disney Day

Now that you know why these bags are useful, here are some creative ways to use them at Disney World:

1. Keep Wet Clothes Separate

Whether your kids get soaked playing in the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station or you brave a water ride like Kali River Rapids, having a dedicated bag for wet clothes prevents moisture from spreading to the rest of your belongings. This is especially helpful if you plan on changing into dry clothes after water rides but don’t want to carry around a soggy mess.

2. Create an On-the-Go First Aid Kit

Walking miles each day can lead to blisters and minor scrapes. Pack a small resealable bag with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers for easy access in case of emergencies. Adding anti-chafing balm, cooling wipes, or even electrolyte packets can also help you stay comfortable during long days in the park.

Guests drinking and eating at the Rose and Crown at World Showcase's United Kingdom Pavilion

Credit: Disney

3. Store Extra Face Masks or Hand Wipes

For added hygiene during long park days, a resealable bag can keep disinfecting wipes, tissues, or extra masks clean and ready to use. If you’re dining at a quick-service location, having sanitizing wipes in a bag ensures your hands and table stay clean before eating.

4. Contain Loose Items on Rides

Certain Disney rides, like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and TRON Lightcycle / Run, require guests to store loose items.

A resealable bag keeps small accessories like sunglasses, wallets, and MagicBands together and easy to retrieve after the ride. You can also use it to hold small jewelry or valuables so they don’t get lost while you’re riding high-speed attractions.

5. Make Pin Trading Easier

If you’re a Disney pin trader, keeping your extra pins in a resealable bag helps protect them from getting lost or damaged.

This also makes trading sessions more efficient, allowing you to quickly access and swap pins. Consider using separate bags for different types of pins, such as limited editions or trading duplicates, to stay organized.

6. Hold Ice Packs for a Quick Cool Down

Florida heat can be intense, especially during the summer months. A resealable bag filled with ice from a Disney restaurant or hotel can act as a makeshift cooling pack to help lower your body temperature on scorching days. Just place it on the back of your neck or wrists for quick relief.

A little girl scanning her MagicBand and fingerprint to enter EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort.

Credit: Disney

7. Prevent Sunscreen and Lotion Leaks

Sunscreen, bug spray, and lotions are essential for Disney World, but they can leak inside your bag. Store these items in a sealable plastic bag to avoid messes and keep your backpack clean.

Packing Tips for Maximum Convenience

To get the most out of this hack, follow these simple tips:

  • Pack multiple sizes – Quart-size bags work great for snacks and electronics, while gallon-size bags are perfect for wet clothes and souvenirs.
  • Label your bags – Use a marker to write what’s inside (e.g., ‘Electronics,’ ‘First Aid’) for quick access.
  • Distribute them across your family’s bags – If traveling with kids, giving each child their own resealable bag for small essentials can help keep things organized and prevent lost items.
  • Opt for eco-friendly options – Reusable silicone bags offer the same benefits as resealable plastic bags but are more sustainable and durable. Investing in these can be a great long-term travel solution.
Three people sitting in a Space Mountain ride vehicle at Magic Kingdom Park

Credit: Disney

A Simple Hack for a Smoother Disney Trip

Disney World is all about making memories, and a little prep can go a long way. Tossing a few resealable bags in your bag is a game-changer for water rides, messy snacks, and any surprises that pop up during the day. Lightweight and versatile, these bags are essential for any Disney trip.

Before you hit the parks, make sure resealable bags are on your packing list—you’ll be glad you did.

Already tried this hack? Drop your best resealable bag tips in the comments!

About Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

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