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The Perfect Backpack Size for Disneyland: What to Pack and What to Leave Behind 

 September 11, 2023

By  Keith Terrell

Planning a vacation to Disneyland? Part of the fun of Disneyland is riding the rides, meeting your favorite characters, and trying new snacks, but the key to the perfect Disneyland experience is packing the right items. The right backpack size for Disneyland is essential if you want to carry enough provisions for a day at the park without weighing yourself down.

A medium-sized backpack is usually best for Disneyland so you can take the essentials but not be crushed by a backpack that is too big. Think about how much you want to take and choose the size of your backpack accordingly.

To make sure you have everything you need while avoiding an overloaded backpack, here’s a guide to what to pack and what to leave behind when packing the perfect backpack size for a day at Disneyland.

Disney Parks Bag Checklist

A visit to the happiest place on Earth is made even better with the perfect backpack. When packing for your trip to the Disney parks, it's important to think about what you need to bring with you and what you can leave behind. To help you plan, here is a checklist for your Disney Parks backpack:

You'll need to bring any tickets, passes, or vouchers—these are the most important things! You should also take a camera or smartphone to capture all the magical moments. Also take sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and waterproof clothes—you know the weather never changes in Southern California. Depending on where you are in the queue, you might need something comfortable like folding chairs or snacks.

Next, dress appropriately. Shirts with shoulders that cover your cleavage and shorts that cover at least half of your thighs are needed to enter the attractions and venues. And don’t forget—stay hydrated! It’s hot in the summer months, so bring enough water for everyone in your party.

If you want to go shopping after a day in one of the parks, be sure to pack an extra bag in your backpack. That way you don’t have to carry your new purchases around by hand all day.

No matter what size backpack you choose for your park adventure, remember that it’s important to pack light. And if you leave unnecessary items at home, you can have a comfortable and enjoyable experience without too much weight on your back.

Packing light is essential for a stress-free parking experience, but you must also have enough space for all your essentials. However, no one wants to have a bag that is too big and will hinder them all day. So here's how to choose a spacious yet lightweight backpack for your Disneyland trip.

Roomy Backpack

Choosing between a small and roomy backpack for a day at Disneyland is a debate that can weigh heavily on one’s mind. Proponents of the roomy backpack point to the fact that it provides extra storage space so that all the items you need can fit in and you don't feel crushed by a bulky bag. Roomy backpacks are also praised for their durability as they can easily be fitted with protective cases, which prevents wear and tear on electronic devices or delicate items.

One disadvantage of a roomier backpack is that it is easier to be tempted to carry more than necessary, resulting in unnecessary weight during long days in the parks. Additionally, bags that are too large may be refused entry as they might not fit into the secure lockers at certain attractions and locations.

Ultimately, it's best to decide in advance what is best for you and find an appropriate bag size. By keeping these considerations in mind, you can be sure that the size of your backpack is best suited to your experience at Disneyland.

With an appropriate choice of backpack size, carefully tailored to the needs of the day, you can equip yourself with a few extra accessories such as a water bottle holder for further convenience during their park visit.

Water Bottle Holder

A water bottle holder is another important part of the perfect backpack for Disneyland. Water is a must, both as a drink and to keep you hydrated in the blazing sun of the Californian summer. A built-in water bottle holder is therefore indispensable.

It makes it much easier than taking up your precious backpack storage space with several large, brick-like water bottles—which distracts you from what you need to carry and always leaves open the possibility that the weight of all those separate containers will cause you to topple forward as you move around the park.

On the other hand, a water bottle holder limits your options in terms of size and type. Not everyone wants to lug around a particular bottle all day, and combined with a built-in holder, it can prove more time-consuming to replace or swap them out according to preference. It also takes away some flexibility when you want to buy and carry drinks in plastic bottles in the park without having to carry them manually.

Ultimately, the decision to use a water bottle holder in the backpack depends on personal preference and anticipated need—especially if several people share a bag during the day. If there are still spacious compartments within the main container because other items such as jackets or food containers can fit inside, this can offer more flexibility than opting for an attached water bottle holder.

In any case, backpackers should weigh up their individual needs before making this decision, because having enough space to refuel during breaks can be just as important as having room for jackets or medical items before heading off to one of Disneyland’s world-famous attractions— which we will discuss in the next section.

Jacket or Coat

When thinking about Disney Parks, be sure to bring a jacket or coat —it is always better to be prepared for any weather. While temperatures often stay warm in the summer, it can often get a little chilly in the late evening and morning. Also, many of the indoor attractions are kept quite cold to keep guests comfortable!

The best thing to wear is some lightweight clothing—a simple hoodie that fits easily in your backpack can work wonders. But if you’re looking for something warmer, you might want to get a jacket with Polartec insulation; this kind of jacket is extremely lightweight and travel-friendly but will keep you warm in colder temperatures.

Another option would be to take something like a blanket scarf that can double as a coat. These garments are usually made of softer materials and can add a bit of style, too! Depending on how chilly it gets, this is the ideal choice for an evening walk through Disneyland in cool weather.

No matter what outerwear you take with you on your trip to the Disney Parks, don't forget that comfort and pack size are key. Now you're ready to choose the perfect backpack size for your magical Disneyland adventure!

The Perfect Size Backpack for Disney Parks

A backpack that is too big can be a burden and restrict your mobility; a backpack that is too small doesn’t have enough space for your essentials. Ideally, the backpack should be light and have enough space for all your things without being bulky.

A good rule is to buy a backpack with a capacity of 10-20 liters that fits comfortably on your back. This gives you enough room for a raincoat or jacket, snacks, your mobile phone, spare clothes, and other essentials without the pack becoming too heavy and uncomfortable. You should also make sure that the backpack has multiple pockets of various shapes so that you can organize your things well – additional features such as waist straps can also be useful.

Regardless of the size, your bag should be able to withstand some wear and tear as any park in Disneyland can get quite crowded at certain times of the day. Consider buying a bag made of durable material such as nylon or polyester so that it will hold its shape long after your visit.

With the right backpack size, you'll be all set for your day at a Disney park. By making sure that all the necessary items are safely stored in their designated compartments, you will have a much easier time navigating the crowd!

Before we get into what exactly to put in your backpack, let's discuss what type of clothing will best suit your experience. After all, comfort is key when visiting the Disney Parks!

What to Pack in That Bag

Once you’ve decided on the perfect size backpack for your day at the Disney Parks, you need to think about what exactly to put in it. If you prefer to keep it light and practical, you should only take the absolute essentials, such as a few snacks, your wallet, an extra layer of clothing for cold weather, and necessary medication or toiletries.

If you are of this opinion, you should keep your luggage lean and only pack souvenirs or bulky items of clothing when you really need them.

On the other hand, many people believe in being prepared for any occasion if they want to spend a day at the Disney Parks. So if you’re someone who wants to have all your comforts with you when you're out and about, pack your backpack with things like an extra pair of shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera or phone charger, and even some kids' games or coloring books for when you're waiting in line. The goal is to make yourself as comfortable as possible when you're not at home

What you pack in your backpack depends entirely on you and your individual style. But either way, whether light or fully loaded, it's a good feeling to know that everything important is safe and sound in your perfectly sized backpack! And when all your stuff is in the right place, it’s time to make sure your clothes and other essentials come along too.

Clothes and Essentials

The next important aspect of the perfect Disneyland backpack size is clothing and essentials. Depending on where you live and what time of year your visit is scheduled, it may be necessary to bring rain gear or even just a jacket. However, if you are unable to pack multiple items of clothing in your backpack, it would be wise to leave them behind.

If you are visiting Disneyland in winter, it may also be beneficial to bring an extra set of socks and/or mittens. In addition to these items, you should also take hand sanitizer, a small first-aid kit with the necessary medicines, sunscreen and of course, a water bottle (especially in the warmer months).

When you move on from choosing clothes and essentials for your bag, make sure you pack games and snacks for rides in-between too!

Games and Snacks

Games can help both children and adults entertain themselves while waiting in line or passing the time between rides. Many families choose to bring small board games or decks of cards, such as Uno or Old Maid, as they offer an easy way to play together without the need for a screen. If you plan it right, these activities won't take up much space in your backpack either, so weight won’t be a problem.

Some parents, however, prefer not to bring games on their Disneyland trips to save space for more practical things. In addition, the distractions offered by the rides and entertainment at Disneyland often make it unnecessary to keep family members busy with other activities.

Ultimately, this decision is yours and depends on how easily your children get bored and whether or not you think an alternative method of entertainment is necessary for them.

Snacks are especially important for younger children who need energy throughout the day. As mentioned earlier, it is allowed to take food to the park, but there are some guidelines that must be followed: Water bottles should not be larger than two liters and dry snacks should be taken in individual (or very small) containers rather than large bags

Some people also pack alternative meals such as sandwiches and wraps that can be stored in cold-resistant bags. Although bringing food with you will save you money compared to buying it at the concessions in the park, keep in mind that too much food can be a nuisance if you carry it everywhere, or even worse if it spills in your bag!

Figuring out what games and snacks to take with you when you travel is not just a matter of considering the space available,but also taking into account the personal preferences of those who will be using them on the trip. Taking a little extra time before packing can make all the difference when you have a nice, but exhausting day at Disneyland!

Frequently Asked Questions 

What size bag is allowed at Disneyland?

Disneyland allows guests to bring backpacks smaller than 24" x 15" x 18" (61 cm x 38 cm x 46 cm). Guests may also bring a soft-sided cooler as long as it is smaller than 9 ½” in any dimension. All bags, including diaper bags and medical bags, will be searched before entering the park. Space in the park is limited, so it's important that you pack light. If you only take the essentials and a few souvenirs, you can be sure that your bag will fit within the limited volume.

What are the most important things to consider when choosing a backpack for Disneyland?

Weight is an important factor to consider because a heavy backpack puts a strain on your shoulders and back. Choose a lightweight backpack that doesn’t add too much weight to your load.

Also, pay attention to the type of material used in making the backpack . Look for backpacks made of durable material so they can last through all of the rides and attractions at Disneyland. Finally, consider the size of the backpack. It should be big enough to hold your essentials, but not so big that it's cumbersome or you have to carry it all day.

What kind of items should I pack for a trip to Disneyland?

The most important things to pack are a map of the park and a reusable water bottle. These will help you find your way around the park and keep you hydrated throughout the day.

If you plan to ride any of the attractions or see a show, you should also take some snacks with you, such as trail mix or energy bars. This will help keep you energized throughout the day and keep you going between meals. You should also bring appropriate clothing depending on the season - a hat in summer or a coat in winter.

By packing all of these items, in addition to any personal items such as sunscreen or an extra phone charger, you’ll be set for an enjoyable experience!

About the author

Keith is a one bag traveler and the owner of Backpacks Global. His go to backpack is the Osprey FarPoint 40.

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