What's In My Park Bag?

When walking around the parks, one event I see far too often is under- or over-packing for a day in the parks. No one wants to forget anything (“What if I don’t have this and I need it?”), and no one wants to carry around a five-pound backpack either. While it can be hard to find, there is a middle ground. Whether you are new to packing for the parks or you're a seasoned professional looking to slim down your bag, this information can be helpful to all. To find that perfect medium, let’s start with finding the right bag.

The Bag

I prefer something small that I can have over my shoulder or around my waist so I can be hands free to explore for the day. My favorites in this category are the Gymshark Everyday Waist Pack, the Brixley Crossbody Sling, and the Kavu Mini Rope Bag. The Kavu is definitely the larger of these three options and a bag I would consider to be medium sized. This makes it my favorite for rainy days (more on that later). Loungefly Mini Backpacks are incredibly popular and also a good option for people who want a little more room to pack items or to carry souvenirs through the day.

You have your bag! Now what should you put inside? Please note: this is a list of what I find to be most helpful to me through the day. Every person is different with different needs and preferences. Please do not consider this an exhaustive list.

The Basics

Below is a list of the basics I always keep in my bag, regardless of the weather or the length of time I’m planning to stay in the parks.

Cards including my UOAP Pass, Drivers License, and Debit/Credit Cards.

My UOAP pass is definitely an item I prefer the physical copy of. While the Universal Orlando phone app allows you to have a QR code version of your park ticket or express pass, I actually find the physical copy to be more efficient. I wear a lanyard in the parks for easy access to my UOAP pass for discounts and quick access to my hotel key or express pass (when I have it) for rides. There are times when I am constantly utilizing the locker system for my bag, so my phone stays with my bag. It’s not something I always have in my hand and ready when checking out.
I keep my drivers license on me out of habit. You’ll need this if you’re buying an alcoholic beverage at any location (they will card you!). If you lose the physical copy of any ticket or express pass, they will also need your ID to get a new copy.
I keep at least one debit and/or credit card in my belongings at all times inside the parks. If you need to pick up physical tickets from the main gate or will call kiosks, you will need the card you used to purchase those tickets and your ID, regardless of whether or not you have the receipt in hand. I keep mine for these occasions. I also have them saved to my virtual wallet in the Universal Orlando app, on my phone, and on my smartwatch. I generally keep these cards in my bag and don’t bring them out unless I need them. When checking out shops or quick service stands, I use my smartwatch unless there is an issue with the tap to pay.

Refillable Coca-Cola Freestyle Cup.

People have very mixed opinions on these cups. If you are unfamiliar with them, they can be purchased at many restaurants or quick service stands throughout the parks, and at the Coca-Cola stand in CityWalk. The price ($17.99 plus tax at the time of publishing) includes one refill every ten minutes from the time of purchase to the time the resort closes that night on the day of purchase. After the first day, you pay at any of the kiosks that have the Freestyle Sensor at checkout to refill the cup for the day. At time of publishing, this is $10.99 plus tax per day. Cups can be refilled with water, Coca-Cola Freestyle products, and Icees. Alcoholic beverages are not included. This is great if you’re planning to drink more than a couple drinks each day at the parks because it pays for itself!
If you are strictly a water drinker, this probably isn’t worth it for you. While you do have to pay for bottled water, water cups are free at all stands and restaurants. You can also bring your own reusable water bottle or cup into the park to only use for water, free of charge.
Note: Freestyle cups purchased within the parks do not work within on-site hotels and vice-versa.

Sunscreen.

I have very fair skin, so sunscreen is a must for me throughout the year. Mine is small since it has to meet the TSA requirements when traveling, so it fits well in my bag. If you don’t bring your own, sunscreen is sold at the hotels and within the parks. However, it is definitely more expensive than if bought off-site.

Chapstick.

You’ll be eating and drinking and having wind in your face from all the walking and rides. Who wants to walk around with dry, cracked, uncomfortable lips? Use your favorite. I typically go for a chapstick that has SPF and is already a liquid. Solids tend to melt quickly and can make for a messy bag.

Hand Sanitizer.

You're in a theme park, I shouldn't have to explain any further.

Extra Socks if Wearing Closed Toe Shoes.

Yes, I know it sounds unnecessary. I know it sounds silly. If you are anything like me, you hate when your feet start getting uncomfortable. Changing socks halfway through a sweaty day can help prevent blisters and make you generally more comfortable. Don’t knock it until you try it.

Sunglasses.

Mine are small and thin, but comfortable for long term wear. They fit great in a small bag.

Hat.

I prefer a bucket hat, and my favorite is the Adidas Foldable Bucket Hat. It rolls up and is easy to keep in my bag, or I can use the strap to attach it to the bag itself.

Rainy Days

There are some items I will pack when the weather calls for a strong chance of rain, or when it’s already raining before entering the park. This is when a slightly larger bag, like the Kavu Mini Rope Bag, comes in handy! I can store my extra items when they aren’t in use and I can keep any merchandise dry from the rain.

Rain Jacket or Poncho.

Whichever you prefer, it really does make a difference. Ponchos can fold into the bag, rain jackets can be folded or worn. Walking around all day long is uncomfortable enough, don’t add soaking wet clothes to the mix, too.

Umbrella.

Sometimes the rain jacket just isn’t enough. Sure, it keeps your body dry. But not your lower legs or your feet and shoes. An umbrella can be more than most want to carry around, but it can fit in a medium or larger sized bag and can save a lot of headache in the end.

Like I mentioned earlier, this is not an exhaustive list. Everyone has different needs, and I encourage you to evaluate your own and think through your day before packing your bag. Hopefully this is helpful for first-time park visitors, and can even help some of the regulars slim down on their packing!