Disney Packing List for International Travel
Domestic Disney is one thing. International Disney is a full strategy game. You’re juggling flight rules, foreign outlets, unfamiliar food, time zones, and kids who think socks are optional and bedtime is a suggestion.
This is your complete Disney packing blueprint for international travel. It works whether you’re doing:
- Tokyo Disney Resort as your first big trip with littles.
- Disneyland Paris in the rain with a stroller and a teen.
- Shanghai or Hong Kong Disney in full heat + humidity mode.
- Aulani with three kids, pool days, and grandparents in tow.
We’re not just listing stuff. We’re building a system so that:
- Every bag has a job.
- If a suitcase goes missing, you’re annoyed — not ruined.
- Neurodivergent and sensory-sensitive travelers feel anchored, not ambushed.
- You know what to pack differently for Europe vs Asia vs Hawaii.
Important: This is a buffet, not a commandment. Take what fits your family, skip what doesn’t, and screenshot the sections that make your nervous system exhale.
Lock in flights, beds & backups before you start folding socks
Packing is easier when your trip has a skeleton. Use this mini-dashboard to price flights, pin a few hotel options, set up insurance, and then come back here to build bags around the actual plan.
Open these in new tabs, save your favorites, then let the packing list serve the trip (not the other way around).
Non-negotiables before you pack: flights booked, at least one hotel confirmed, and proof of insurance screenshotted in your camera roll.
Your Disney international planning hub
This packing list is one tile in a bigger Disney supercluster on Stay Here, Do That. Use these guides together so your suitcase, hotel, and park days are all working toward the same calm, realistic trip.
Start with the big “where + when” decisions:
- Disney Parks Around the World — Family Guide
- Which International Disney Trip Is RIGHT for You?
- Best Time of Year to Visit Each Disney Park
- How Many Days You REALLY Need at Each Disney Park
Then line your packing up with your people:
- Best Disney Parks for Toddlers, Littles, and Teens
- Disney Parks Ranked by Sensory Load
- Best Disney Parks for Neurodivergent Families
- Disney Tips for Autistic or Sensory-Sensitive Kids
- How to Do Disney Without Meltdowns
And match your bags to your beds & transport:
How to use this packing list (and not cry over a suitcase)
Instead of a giant list that makes you feel like you need ten checked bags, we’ll build your packing by role:
- Documents & non-negotiables — the things that turn a disaster into an inconvenience.
- Carry-ons — your “we could survive three days if bags vanish” kit.
- Checked luggage — clothes, park gear, and backups.
- Destination-specific extras — Europe vs Asia vs Hawaii.
- Neurodivergent & sensory support — regulation first, Mickey second.
- Health & meds kit — especially for international rules and time zones.
- Power, tech & adapters — the boring things that keep everything running.
- Park-day bag — what actually goes into the backpack or stroller.
- Trip profiles — checklists tailored for toddlers, teens, budget, luxury, and solo parents.
- What NOT to pack — the heavy nonsense you will not miss.
Permission slip: You’re not “overpacking” if those items prevent meltdowns, medical scares, or four days of diarrhea. You’re packing for the family you actually have.
Documents, money & “if everything goes sideways” prep
Before ears, before outfits, before bubble wands — you pack the things that get you on the plane, into the country, and safely back home. This is your fireproof folder, and most of it lives in your personal item, not your checked bag.
Critical documents
- Passports for everyone (check expiration date + entry rules).
- Printed & digital boarding passes.
- Printed hotel confirmations + addresses (ideally in local language).
- Printed copy of travel insurance policy (I use SafetyWing).
- Copies of prescriptions & doctor letters for meds / medical devices.
- Emergency contact sheet (home, pediatrician, local embassy/consulate).
- Copies of kids’ ID (passport photo page, school ID, etc.).
Money & access
- At least two different cards (stored separately).
- Small amount of local currency for arrival (snacks, carts, taxis).
- Digital wallet set up (Apple/Google Pay) where accepted.
- Secure travel wallet or neck pouch for transit + park days.
Screenshot all key QR codes and confirmations. Airport Wi-Fi always dies at the exact moment someone needs a bathroom and you need to pull up the booking.
Carry-ons: your 72-hour survival kit
Think of carry-ons as “if our luggage goes on its own adventure, we’re still okay.” Anything you’d be devastated to lose for three days belongs with you, not in the hold.
Every family member’s carry-on
- 1 spare outfit (top, bottom, underwear, socks).
- Light hoodie or cardigan (airplanes are cold).
- Toothbrush + small toothpaste.
- Travel-size wipes (hands, faces, surfaces).
- Snacks they will actually eat.
- Medications for 3–4 days in original containers.
- Comfort item (small stuffie, blanket square).
- Noise-reducing headphones or earplugs.
- One small surprise activity (stickers, fidgets, coloring).
- Refillable water bottle (empty through security).
Family tech pocket
- Power bank that can charge phones 2–3 times.
- Charging cables (labeled/color-coded per person).
- Universal travel adapter for your region(s).
- Offline downloads: shows, music, audiobooks, maps.
- Paper backup of reservation codes & key addresses.
Rule: If it’s medically necessary, required for regulation, or would cost a fortune/tears to replace — it goes in the carry-on. Full stop.
Checked luggage: core wardrobe & park gear
This is where we build a modular Disney wardrobe that handles:
- Cool mornings + warm afternoons.
- Rain, wind, or sun spikes.
- Park days + city sightseeing + travel days.
You do not need a brand-new outfit for every photo. You do need layers that dry quickly, breathe well, and still work when a kid decides they’re only wearing the blue shirt forever.
Per adult (7–10 day international Disney trip)
- 3–5 breathable t-shirts or tops (quick-dry if possible).
- 2 lightweight long-sleeve layers.
- 2–3 pairs of park-worthy bottoms (shorts, pants, leggings).
- 1 “nice but comfy” outfit for dinners/photos.
- 7–10 pairs of underwear.
- 4–6 pairs of moisture-wicking socks.
- 1 packable rain jacket or shell.
- 1 pair of broken-in walking shoes.
- Optional sandals or water shoes (Aulani / hot climates).
- Swimwear + simple cover-up.
- Sleepwear for 3–4 nights (you can rotate).
Per child
- Under 5: 1.5–2 outfits per day (they’re spill magnets).
- Older kids: 1 outfit per day + 2 spare outfits.
- 1–2 favorite “character” items (not every piece of clothing).
- 7–10 pairs of underwear, extra for potty-training age.
- 7+ pairs of socks (plus extra for rainy/cold trips).
- Lightweight packable rain jacket or poncho.
- Hat with brim that stays on their head.
- 1–2 swimsuits + rash guard.
- Sleepwear that feels like home.
Shared family gear
- Compact travel stroller + rain cover.
- Small foldable picnic blanket for parades/grass breaks.
- 2–3 reusable shopping bags (groceries, laundry, snacks).
- Small first-aid kit (we’ll build this in the health section).
- Lanyards / small pouches for tickets or room keys where needed.
- Compression packing cubes (by person or by “type of day”).
Destination-specific extras (Europe · Asia · Hawaii)
Each international Disney destination has its own personality. The right 5–10 extra items can save you money, discomfort, and time in gift shops buying emergency ponchos.
Disneyland Paris & European trips
- Compact umbrellas + lightweight waterproof shells.
- Thin gloves & warm hats for shoulder season or winter.
- Base-layer leggings/thermals for chilly nights.
- Extra socks (cobblestones + drizzle = wet feet).
- Small crossbody bag that zips (crowded transit).
Hotel hub: Compare Disneyland Paris area hotels on Booking.com
Tokyo Disney Resort & Japan
- Slip-on shoes (helpful for security & hotel rooms).
- Compact, respectful clothing layers for shrines/city days.
- Small coin purse for vending machines & lockers.
- Masks if traveling during allergy/cold season.
- Phrase card or offline notes with allergies/dietary needs in Japanese.
Hotel hub: See Tokyo Disney-area hotels on Booking.com
Shanghai & Hong Kong Disney
- High-SPF sunscreen & good sunglasses.
- Ultralight, quick-dry clothing for humidity.
- Small hand fan or clip-on stroller fan.
- Electrolyte packets for heat recovery.
- Wet-dry bag for sweaty clothes/swim gear.
Hotel hubs: Compare Hong Kong Disney hotels on Booking.com Search Shanghai Disney hotels on Booking.com
Aulani & island-style trips
- Reef-safe sunscreen & after-sun aloe.
- Water shoes for rocky beaches.
- Extra swimsuits + rash guards (they live in these).
- Lightweight mesh bag for wet things.
- Fold-flat beach tote for pool + grocery runs.
Hotel hub for Aulani area: Browse Kapolei & Aulani-area family stays on Booking.com
Neurodivergent & sensory-support packing
If someone in your family is autistic, ADHD, anxious, or just deeply particular, the right packing turns “this was too much” into “we’d actually do that again.”
Use this section alongside: Best Disney Parks for Neurodivergent Families and How to Do Disney Without Meltdowns.
Regulation & comfort items
- Noise-reducing headphones + backup batteries/charger.
- Preferred fidgets, chewelry or stim toys (duplicates in case one is lost).
- Weighted lap pad or small travel blanket for flights.
- Compression shirt/vest or snug hoodie if that helps regulate.
- Favorite pajamas and one “home-feeling” outfit.
- Sleep mask if light sensitivity is a thing.
Routine anchors
- Visual schedule or simple printed daily plan.
- Bedtime routine kit: exact book, nightlight style, small toy.
- Preferred snacks and safe-food basics for each day.
- Photo cards/social stories for airport, plane, hotel, parks.
For sensory-sensitive park days
- Soft tagless shirts and familiar fabrics.
- Spare “safe outfit” in park bag if something gets wet or itchy.
- Sun hoodies and brimmed hats that don’t rub.
- Cooling towel for heat + sensory overload.
- Earplugs or headphone plan for fireworks and loud shows.
Reminder: It is more important that your kid feels regulated and safe than that they wear the cute matching outfit you saw on Instagram. Pack for their nervous system first.
Health, meds & “tiny clinic in a bag”
International Disney trips are not the time to gamble on finding the right medicine in a foreign pharmacy at midnight. You’re building a small, legal, parent-friendly health kit.
Core family health kit
- Prescription meds (full trip length + 3–5 extra days).
- Pain/fever reducer for kids & adults (check local rules).
- Electrolyte packets or tablets.
- Anti-nausea / motion sickness options.
- Child-safe antihistamine for allergies & reactions.
- Thermometer (small digital one).
- Bandages, blister patches, antiseptic wipes.
- Anti-chafe stick for thighs/feet.
- Cooling gel pads or reusable cold pack (if allowed).
Allergies & food sensitivities
- Enough safe snacks to cover travel days + 1–2 back-up meals.
- Allergy cards translated into local language (nut-free, gluten-free, etc.).
- Doctor letter for EpiPens or medical devices in carry-on.
Insurance pairing: For international trips, I like to know we’re covered if someone gets sick or breaks an arm mid-Disney. That’s why I travel with SafetyWing — it’s flexible, family-friendly, and designed for global travel.
Power, adapters & tech that actually works overseas
Half of international packing is deciding which cords and bricks to bring. The goal is “everything charges” without carrying a full electronics store in your backpack.
Power & charging
- Correct plug adapters for your region(s).
- One multi-port USB charger for the whole family.
- Power bank that can recharge phones multiple times.
- Charging cables (one per device + 1–2 extras).
- Small power strip if you’re a multi-device family.
Must-have downloads
- Park apps & ticket/booking apps.
- Offline maps for cities & parks.
- Translation app with offline packs.
- Downloaded shows/playlists for flights & waits.
Optional but helpful
- Small camera or GoPro if you care about video.
- Tile/AirTag-type trackers for luggage & stroller.
- Travel router if you’re a work-on-the-road parent.
Your park-day bag (what actually goes into the backpack)
This is the daily workhorse. Whether it’s a backpack, crossbody, or stroller basket, it should be light enough to carry, but stocked enough to handle spills, moods, and weather flips.
Core park bag list
- Wallet + travel wallet with minimal essentials.
- Phones + small power bank.
- Mini first-aid kit & meds for the day.
- Refillable water bottles.
- Snacks that span sweet + salty.
- Light layer for everyone (hoodie or packable jacket).
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hats, sunglasses.
- Hand sanitizer & wipes.
- Spare outfit for the youngest / most spill-prone child.
- Small towel or cloth for spills.
Neurodivergent / toddler add-ons
- Noise-reducing headphones.
- Mini sensory kit: fidgets, chew, stim toy.
- Sticker book or small coloring set for queues.
- Comfort item small enough to clip into the stroller.
If your hotel is close (see: Best Disney Hotels for Families and Best Off-Site Disney Hotels), you can shrink this list and plan a midday reset at the room instead of hauling everything all day.
Trip profiles: tailor this list to your family type
Here’s where we turn the big system into quick-hit checklists for the most common Disney international trip styles.
Toddler-Heavy Family (multiple littles under 6)
- Double the spare outfits for kids in carry-ons.
- More wipes than you think, in every bag.
- Lightweight stroller with full recline + rain cover.
- Travel white noise machine for naps & jet lag nights.
- Familiar sippy cups and snack containers.
- Extra comfort items (backup lovey if possible).
Neurodivergent-Focused Family
- Visual schedule kit (laminated or in an app).
- Extra regulation clothing (compression tops, soft fabrics).
- Fireworks/heavy-noise plan: headphones + alternate activity.
- Safe snacks with sensory-friendly textures.
- Back-up “safe outfit” in park bag.
- Photo cards/social stories for each stage of the trip.
Big Family or Multi-Gen (5+ people)
- Color-coded packing cubes by person.
- Shared “laundry & cleaning” bag with pods/sheets.
- One shared “medicine & health” cube.
- Group text or WhatsApp for daily check-ins.
- Park bag per adult with clearly assigned role (snacks, meds, tech).
Budget Traveler (carry-on only if possible)
- Cruel to be kind: repeat outfits, prioritize layers over quantity.
- Do laundry halfway through (hotel, laundromat, or in-sink).
- Shoes: 1 walking pair + 1 light backup only.
- Pack solid toiletries where possible to skip liquid drama.
- Use packing cubes to compress and stay organized.
Luxury / “I want it easy” Traveler
- Room category with laundry or easy access to it.
- Extra comfy “dinner” outfits (but still walkable shoes).
- Space for one or two special wardrobe pieces for photos.
- Packable steamer or wrinkle-release spray.
- Special bedtime kit for everyone (nice PJs, mask, pillow spray).
Solo Parent Traveling with Kids
- Hands-free setup: backpack over shoulder bags.
- Ultra-light stroller that you can fold one-handed.
- Simple outfits that all mix & match (less decision fatigue).
- Duplicate copies of documents & emergency contacts.
- Low-prep activities for airports and queues.
What NOT to pack (save your back and your baggage fees)
A Disney packing list isn’t just “more stuff.” It’s better choices. Here’s what most families don’t need on an international Disney trip:
- Full-size toiletries for everyone (travel sizes + buy local if needed).
- More than two pairs of shoes per person.
- Bulky blankets (use hotel bedding + a small travel blanket).
- A different themed outfit for every single park day.
- Heavy hair tools if humidity will win anyway.
- Every toy from home — pick a small “travel crew” instead.
You’re aiming for “enough to feel safe and prepared” — not “enough to move into the hotel permanently.”
Disney international packing FAQ (parent-to-parent, not airline-to-passenger)
How many suitcases do we really need for an international Disney trip?
For most 7–10 day trips, a good baseline is:
- 1 checked suitcase for every 2–3 people.
- 1 carry-on suitcase for your highest-need family member.
- 1 personal item per person (backpack or crossbody).
If you’re traveling with babies/toddlers or medically complex kids, go ahead and add one more checked bag for gear. Your sanity is worth the baggage fee.
Is it worth doing carry-on only for international Disney?
It can be, especially for budget or shorter trips, but it’s harder with little kids and sensory needs. If you’re going carry-on only, commit to:
- Laundry midway through the trip.
- Strict shoe limits (one main pair + one backup).
- Layering pieces instead of bulky items.
What should go in my child’s carry-on vs my own?
Think of your child’s bag as “comfort + entertainment” and yours as “documents + disasters.” Keep passports, money, phones, meds, insurance and tickets with you. Let their bag hold toys, snacks, headphones, and comfort items.
Do I really need travel insurance for an international Disney trip?
If you’d feel sick to your stomach paying out of pocket for an ER visit or last-minute flight changes, yes. I like having a simple, flexible plan like SafetyWing baked into my budget so I can focus on kids, not paperwork, if something goes wrong.
What’s the best way to pack for weather surprises?
Layers. Always layers. One packable rain jacket per person + thin base layers + a warm hat/gloves for cooler destinations will cover most surprises without filling an extra bag.
How do I pack if we’re doing Disney and non-Disney sightseeing?
Build a small “city capsule” and a small “park capsule” that share pieces:
- Neutral tops and bottoms that work in both settings.
- One slightly dressier outfit for city dinners/photos.
- Comfort-first shoes that still look fine in photos.
You can catch destination-specific ideas in: Disney Parks Around the World — Family Guide.
Your next steps (before the zip closes on the suitcase)
- Decide which Disney destination and season is right for you using the big-picture guides.
- Book flights & at least your first hotel night:
- Set up your travel safety net:
- Pick your trip profile from the section above and screenshot its mini-checklist.
- Walk through this post again with a pen, your suitcases open, and full permission to pack for the family you actually have.
Stay Here, Do That
Family-first travel guides that tell you exactly where to stay, what to do, and how to keep everyone regulated along the way.
New cities, new Disney strategies, and new packing lists land here first:
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