Updated on: March 2, 2022 / 8:28 AM / Essentials
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So you've booked a spring-break trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World. Now you need to figure out what to bring.
Top products in this article:
Regulars at the Magic Kingdoms maintain that packing the right items can make or break a trip. Comfortable clothes and shoes, your smartphone and a sun-shielding hat might be no-brainers, but there are other, less obvious essentials to throw into your suitcase.
Don't wait until the last minute to order the gadgets, gear and personal-hygiene items you need, and don't plan on buying them at a Disney gift shop unless you want to risk spending significantly more. CBS Essentials rounded up everything you should pack to enhance your trip to a Disney destination. And, if you haven't booked your Disney vacation, check out the best packages (hotel, air and park tickets included) on Orlando Vacations.
Even if you plan on walking the parks as a family, Apple AirTags help keep track of your kids and their belongings should they get lost. Order a watch band for each of them, so your kids can wear the GPS tracker on their wrists.
Cellar Temp AirTag wrist band, $9
What better way to board your flight to Disney than with themed carryon luggage in tow? Whether you choose Mickey and Minnie Mouse in paradise, or a sticker-style casing featuring your favorite Star Wars characters, pack away your clothes and belongings in these hardshell luggage options, surprisingly affordable at shopDisney at less than $65.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse tropical rolling luggage, $65
For those who prefer to pack light for a day at the parks, a hands-free bag can be a game-changer. This popular State bag, which regularly sells out, doubles as a fanny pack and cross-body, with enough room to hold a 12-ounce bottle of water, a pair of sunglasses, and other everyday essentials like your phone, lip balm and wallet. Don't forget to buy the child-size version for your littles.
State Lorimer kids fanny pack, $48
A trip to Disney serves as a great excuse to upgrade to the latest Apple Watch, offering a larger, more shatter-resistant screen; faster charging time than previous generations; and up to 18 hours of use per charge. Track your steps, check your emails, send text messages, and more, without taking your smartphone out of your bag.
Apple Watch Series 7, $379 (reduced from $399)
And, to go along with your Apple Watch, don't forget a Disney-themed band. Casetify offers a variety of them, like this Louis Vuitton-inspired check print version featuring Mickey Mouse himself.
Casetify Checker Mickey Apple Watch band, $52
Both Orlando and Los Angeles offer a whole lot of sun, so a high-SPF and water-resistant formula should be a priority. Stock up on Sunbum broad-spectrum SPF 50 for the face and body, both highly rated on Amazon and gentle enough for children and those with sensitive skin.
Sunbum moisturizing sunscreen SPF 50 Face (3 oz.), $10
Sunbum moisturizing sunscreen SPF 50 (8 oz.), $16
A great way to keep the kids on a budget during your family trip to Disney? Purchasing gift cards ahead of time, so they can spend their allotted vacation money as they see fit. Available in $25 to $500 increments, cards can be used at shopDisney.com, Disney store, Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and more.
Disney gift card, $25 and up
Fact: Disney allows outside food and beverage in its parks. For those packing a lunch or beverages, invest in an insulated, stay-cool backpack. This Amazon favorite from Tourit rises to the occasion. The lightweight backpack offers enough space for 30 beverage cans and boasts many convenient pockets for utensils and plates, in addition to a bottle opener on the strap.
Tourit 30-can insulated backpack, $31
Avoid the price tags at the parks by ordering ahead of time on Amazon. Simple Modern offers a variety of Disney-themed prints, including Mickey Mouse, Cars and this Disney princess-themed version in two sizes.
Choose a color and add your family name to this customizable T-shirt to wear around Walt Disney World with your pack. And, if your kids wander off at the park, security will know who they belong to. After your trip, it becomes a keepsake to remember fun times for years to come.
Mickey Mouse custom family t-shirt adult sizes, $25
Mickey Mouse custom family t-shirts kid sizes, $20
Don't show up at the park without this classic Disney accessory. ShopDisney has a selection of fun Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears to wear, some at a discount, so you can outfit the whole family.
Minnie Mouse headband, $20 (reduced from $30)
If you're visiting a Walt Disney World Resort theme park, chances are you'll want to use a MagicBand -- it's a small RFID device that can unlock your Disney Resort hotel room door, redeem Disney FastPass+ selections and more. ShopDisney has MagicBand bracelets featuring some of your favorite characters, such as the Child from "The Mandalorian."
(Note: MagicBand does not work at Walt Disney Land Resort theme parks.)
The Child MagicBand slap bracelet, $30
Ponchos like this are quite handy for some of the splashier Disney rides. While the gift shops around the parks sell plastic protective wear, plan ahead of time, and maybe even save money, with this frugal family pack.
Looking for a special Disneyland outfit to wear? This Mickey Mouse waffle-print jersey (look for the pat of butter) has a Walt Disney World logo on the back and a ribbed neck and cuffs. A tye-dye print long-sleeve is also available.
Mickey Mouse Waffles Spirit Jersey, $75
Walt Disney World Tie-Dye Spirit Jersey, $75
"We Don't Talk About Bruno" continues to burn up the charts, making "Encanto" the hottest Disney film in recent history. Fans should snap up this t=T-shirt, featuring the man of the hour, to wear around the park.
Easily remedy stubbed toes, blisters, cuts, scrapes and other booboos with a Welly first-aid kit. Each tin contains 18 bandages in various colors and patterns in two sizes, plus three single-use antibiotic ointments and three single-use hand sanitizers.
Welly Quick Fix first aid travel kit (2 pack), $14
Smartphones snap great family photos at Disney, but your kids will have a blast with this hybrid camera-slash-printer from Instax. This set comes with a camera, a travel case, 50 sheets of photo paper and a photo album to store all of your vacation photos.
INSTAX Mini Evo Hybrid instant camera, $140 (reduced from $150)
If you're bold enough to wear them, Crocs make for comfortable footwear for rain or shine. Instead of just a plain color, these "Star Wars" Crocs, featuring the Child, available in both children and adult sizes, will add a little Mandalorian spirt to your step.
"Star Wars" Crocs for adults, $60
"Star Wars" Crocs for kids, $45
Leave your bulky, heavy water bottle at home and pack a few Vapur flexible water bottles instead. Available in various sizes and colors, they stand tall when filled with water but fold up when empty. Each comes with a handy carabiner to easily hook onto your backpack or stroller.
Taking photos, uploading posts to social media and using the Disney app while at the parks can drain phone batteries quickly. Make sure to pack a wireless portable charger so your electronics don't run out of juice. Whether you're an iPhone user or Android user, the Anker PowerCore III offers high speed USB charging up to 18 watts.
Anker PowerCore III wireless portable charger, $50
Because Mirabel is the new Elsa, you might have a tough time finding one of these "Encanto" costumes at the park. Order it ahead of time from Shop Disney and avoid any potential disappointment. Don't forget to check out all of the other costumes available on the Shop Disney website.
While Disney World recently made masks optional for vaccinated individuals, masks are still required for air travel. These 3M masks prevent eyewear fogging and have a foam cushion for maximum comfort on your nose.
3M N95 8210 respirator (20 pack), $18 (reduced from $30)
First published on March 1, 2022 / 7:00 AM
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Jussie Smollett issued a forceful statement after he was sentenced to 30 months felony probation, which will include 150 days in jail, for lying to police about an alleged hate crime in 2019. Smollett again proclaimed his innocence, and told the courtroom that if anything happens to him in jail, he did not do it himself. Watch his remarks here.
Jussie Smollett was sentenced to 30 months felony probation, which will include 150 days in jail, for lying to police about an alleged hate crime in 2019. Smollett, best known for his role in the TV show "Empire," was convicted in December of five counts of lying to police about the attack but has maintained throughout his extensive legal battles that it was real. Watch part of the judge's statement and Smollett's reaction here.
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