So you’re planning a trip to Disney World with your preschooler (i.e. 3-5 year old).  You’ve made your FastPasses long ago, and your ADRs even longer ago. Now it’s time to make your packing list.

What do you pack?  We’ve made a customized packing list for each age group, babies through adults, to make life easier.  This packing list is customized for preschoolers.

For example, maybe you have 8 month old, a 3 year old and a 7 year old.  We’ve got a customized packing list for each of them, plus one for the adults.  This is the list for the 3 year old.

Preschoolers require a lot of gear, as you know.  Some supplies are not on this list, because they are on our packing list for parents.  This list is designed to cover your preschooler’s suitcase.

Seasons

We’ve taken it a step further and also broken down some of the seasonal items by season, to the extent reasonable.

Orlando, Florida does not have a classic 4 season climate (spring, summer, fall, winter).  Instead, there is a hot season and a cool season.  Hot season is reliably HOT and extends from May through September.  Cool season is more variable, and requires being prepared for a range temperatures from the 50s through 80s, with potential for 20 degree temperature swings from day to night.  There is some variable transition between seasons, especially during April and October, which we labeled “warm season” below.

There is also a rainy season, June through September, with heavy afternoon rainfall common.  There is a dry season November through May.  We recommend being prepared for precipitation regardless of the season.  In the rainy season, you’ll want an umbrella and poncho in your park bag.  During the dry season you can bring them in your suitcase and leave them in the room if no rain is forecast.

Should I pack a stroller for my preschooler?

In a word, yes.  Or be prepared to rent one.  Even if your preschooler rarely uses a stroller back home, he or she may benefit from having one at Disney World.  Trekking around the park in the hot  and humid Orlando sun wears kids out quickly, and they will appreciate the ride by the afternoon.  We recommend a stroller with lots of attachments and configurations (the Uppababy VISTA) if you have multiple stroller-age kids in your party; the ride along board is great for 5-6 year olds.  However, if an older preschooler that has mostly given up strollers is the only stroller age kid in your party, a stroller like the VISTA is probably overkill.  In that case, we recommend considering an umbrella stroller like this one.  Check out our stroller tips here.

Note that we’ve provided (affiliate) links to Amazon for convenience, in case you want to stock up on some items.

Now, let’s get on to what to pack for Disney World with a preschooler.

Preschooler Packing List

Apparel

☐ Underwear and Socks (More than you think you'll need, unless you plan to do laundry.)
☐ Swim Suits (I recommend 3, 2 is the minimum. You want one drying while one is in use.)
☐ Swim shirts (Avoid sunburn by keeping those shoulders covered.  Again, I recommend 3.)
☐ Sunglasses with strap
☐ Pool sandals / flip flops
☐ Shorts (Cargo pockets can be helpful in the parks. You will probably wearing shorts every day.)
☐ T-shirts
☐ Jeans
     Hot season (May-Sept) - none
     Warm season (Apr, Oct) - 1 pair
     Cool season (Nov-Mar) - 2 pairs
☐ Pants/Capris (as above)
☐ Long sleeve shirts (1 or 2)
☐ Collared shirts or dress (optional, you want to dress up a little. Costumes work too!)
☐ Light Sweater / Sweatshirt
     Hot season (May-Sept) - none
     Warm season (Apr, Oct) - 1
     Cool season (Nov-Mar) - 2 or 3
☐ Pajamas 
☐ Light weight, water resistant jacket (omit during hot season)
☐ Costumes 
☐ Athletic Shoes (for walking the Park) 
☐ Breathable hat
☐ Hair bads / accessories 
☐ Watch / jewelry as appropriate

Toiletries

☐ Toothbrush
☐ Toothpaste
☐ Floss
☐ Hairbrush or Comb
☐ Hair gel or spray if desired
☐ Travel shampoo if desired (Disney World resorts supply)
☐ Soap / Shower gel if desired (Disney World resorts supply bar soap)
☐ Nail Polish if desired
☐ Glasses if needed
☐ Lotion if desired (Disney World resorts supply)
☐ Children's tylenol / ibuprofen
☐ Medicines / prescriptions

Gear

☐ Stroller (as above)
☐ Kids fanny pack for parks 
☐ iPad or tablet (to stay busy on the plane, waiting at dinner, or even in lines)
☐ Headphones
☐ Charger 
☐ Refillable water bottle (this Yeti has a screw top and keeps thins cold for hours)
☐ Sippy cup 
☐ Mini first aid kit / Band-Aids 
☐ Sunscreen (year round) ☐ Sunscreen Lip Balm (year round) 
☐ Travel hand sanitizer (to go in park bag) 
☐ Travel wipes 
☐ Autograph pen 
☐ Autograph book 
☐ Glow sticks / glow necklaces 
☐ Trading pins 
☐ Lanyard for park ticket (if not using Magic Bands) 
☐ Rain poncho 
☐ Cooling towel like Frogg Toggs (skip in cool season) 
☐ Misting fan (skip in cool season)
☐ Bubble gun (sold in the park, your preschooler will want one)
☐ Bubbles
☐ Batteries
☐ Special blanket / stuffed animal / lovey
☐ FAA approved harness for airplane (highly recommended)
☐ Toddler leash

Snacks

☐ Gum (if old enough, not sold at Disney World)
☐ Tootsie rolls (to chew on plane if your preschooler is too young for gum)
Snack needs will depend on dining plan
Snacks can also be bought online and delivered to room

Did we forget anything?  Let us know in the comments!

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