The Ultimate Theme Park Checklist for Minimalists: Don’t Carry Unnecessary Junk
A trip to a theme park can be a hot grind. Don’t make it worse by carrying a bunch of unnecessary stuff all day. What should be on the ultimate theme park checklist for minimalists?
What Should Be on the Ultimate Theme Park Checklist for Minimalists?
1. Clothing
2. Accessories
3. Baby Items
4. Toiletries
5. First Aid Products and Medications
6. Documentation
7. Methods of Payment
8. Miscellaneous
9. Day Bag Packing
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The Ultimate Theme Park Checklist for Minimalists
1. Clothing
Pro tip: Pack laundry pods and do laundry during your trip. You just cut your luggage in half.
Bonus pro tip: Check the weather!
What Should Be on Your Amusement Park Packing List?
A. Shorts – One or two extra at most.
B. T-shirts – Same rule as the shorts.
C. Long-sleeved shirts – Depending on the time of year.
D. Pants – Depending on the time of year.
E. Pajamas
F. Sandals or flip flops
G. Socks
H. Shoes
I. Underwear
J. Bras
K. Swimwear – Two per person. Hang the wet suits in the bathroom and rotate. You don’t need them in the park.
L. A jacket – If needed.
What Not to Include on Your Theme Park Travel Packing List
A. Workout gear – Unless you’re actually going to work out.
B. Formal wear
C. Costumes – They are hot, bulky, and unnecessary.
D. A sewing kit – You’re not going to sew things.
2. Accessories
What to Bring to a Theme Park
A. Ponchos – For both weather and water rides.
B. Hats
C. Sunglasses
D. Hair ties – These are crucial.
E. Goggles – For the hotel only.
What Not to Include on Your Theme Park Packing List
A. Umbrellas – It’s just a matter of time until your child nails someone in the eye.
B. Floaties – Unless your hotel doesn’t offer life jackets.
C. A large selection of jewelry
3. Baby Items
Pro tip: Don’t pack things you can get at your hotel. When in doubt, call ahead to double-check.
What to Pack for Amusement Parks
A. Formula and baby food
B. Sippy cups
C. Bottles
D. Breast pump and accessories
E. Dish soap and bottle washer
F. Bibs
G. Pacifiers
H. Diapers – Both regular and swim (but not more than you need).
I. Wipes
J. Stroller – You can also rent one at most parks.
K. Car seat – You may not need this if your ground transportation provider offers it. Check first.
What Not to Include on Your Theme Park Packing Checklist
A. High chair – Not worth it.
B. Pack and Play – Unless your hotel doesn’t have one, which is unlikely.
C. Baby monitor – Unless you’re in a giant room where you can’t easily hear your child.
4. Toiletries and Bathroom Essentials
Pro tip: Purchase travel bottles to bring your favorite products in smaller quantities.
What Should Be on Your Theme Park Essentials List?
A. Toothbrush
B. Toothpaste
C. Floss
D. Mouthwash
E. Hairbrush
F. Hair styling products
G. Deodorant
H. Glasses
I. Contact solution and extra contacts
J. Face wash
K. Makeup
L. Sunscreen
M. Shampoo – You only need this if the hotel does not provide it or you need a special kind. Tear-free is probably not at the hotel.
N. Conditioner – Same criteria as the shampoo.
O. Body wash – If the hotel doesn’t provide it.
P. Loofah
Q. Razors
R. Cotton swabs
S. Tissue
T. Tweezers
U. Nail file
W. Feminine hygiene products
X. Lotion – If the hotel doesn’t provide it.
Y. Hand sanitizer
Z. Chapstick
What Not to Include When Packing for Theme Parks
A. Nail clippers – Unless you’re going on a really long trip.
B. Hair dryer – Confirm this, but it is almost definitely in the room already.
C. Anything you can get from the hotel
5. Medications and First Aid Supplies
What to Pack for an Amusement Park Trip
A. Medications
B. Medical equipment
C. Motion sickness medicine – No, really, bring this.
D. Pain relievers – For both adults and children.
E. Vitamins
F. Thermometer
G. Antibacterial cream
H. BAND-AIDs
What Not to Include When Packing for Amusement Parks
A. Full bottles of anything
6. Important Documentation
What to Pack for a Theme Park Trip
A. Identification for all travelers
B. Park tickets
C. Touring plans
D. Airline reservation confirmations and boarding passes
E. Hotel reservation confirmations
F. Rental car and ground transportation reservation confirmations
G. Proof of car insurance – If applicable.
H. Health insurance card
I. Priority Pass card
What Not to Include
A. Any unnecessary or duplicate documentation with your personal information
7. Methods of Payment
What to Bring
A. Credit cards – Don’t forget those with perks specific to your trip like the Disney Visa and cards that get free checked bags.
B. Cash – Use sparingly. Cash doesn’t earn travel points.
What Not to Include
A. A lot of cash
B. Debit card – Unless you might need to visit an ATM.
8. Miscellaneous Items
What Are the Must-Haves When Going to a Theme Park?
A. Travel entertainment
B. Cell phones and chargers
C. Portable cell phone charger – Theme park apps drain cell phone batteries rapidly.
D. Snacks – Be sure to check the outside food policy for the theme park you are visiting.
E. Gum – Most theme parks don’t sell it.
F. Refillable cups and popcorn buckets – Only if you already have them.
H. Cooling towels – Only if it is really hot. Check the weather.
I. Autograph book – Only bring this if your child cares.
J. Lanyard – Only if you want it to carry your park tickets.
K. Noise-canceling headphones – Only if your kid is freaked out by loud noises.
What Not to Include
A. Hamper – An empty suitcase is a rolling laundry basket.
B. Shoe organizer – You shouldn’t have that many shoes anyway.
C. Night light – Crack the bathroom door and leave the light on.
D. Extra towels
E. Pool toys
F. Cameras – Smartphones take pictures.
9. Day Bag Packing List
Theme Park Bag Essentials
A. Methods of payment
B. Identification
C. Theme park tickets
D. Touring plans
E. Cell phone and portable cell phone charger
F. Sunscreen
H. Pain relievers
I. Ponchos
J. Jackets – Only if needed.
K. Hats
L. Sunglasses
M. Cooling towels – Only if needed.
N. Tissue
O. Feminine hygiene products
P. BAND-AIDs
Q. Autograph book
T. Refillable cups and popcorn buckets
U. Baby stuff you need on a typical day
V. Lanyards
W. Gum
X. Hand sanitizer
Y. Chapstick
Final Thoughts – The Ultimate Theme Park Checklist for Minimalists
Amusement parks are fun. They also tend to be hot. Don’t add stress and irritation by overpacking. Use this Ultimate Theme Park Checklist for Minimalists as a guide to bring what you need and not what you don’t. Visit a theme park with your kids. You will not regret it.
