The Ultimate Disney Survival Guide (From a Real Mom Who’s Done It All—Even Napped in the Car)

Planning a Disney trip? 

Bless your brave soul. Whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth, the Most Magical Place on Earth can also be the Most Exhausting—especially if you’re juggling strollers, snack needs, sensory overload, and you just want a nap. 

I’m Danielle: travel agent, celiac mom, Girl Scout troop leader, and Disney day realist. I’ve survived the tantrums, the rainstorms, the 90-minute lines, and yes—even an accidental nap in the car mid-park hop. So I made this Disney Survival List to help you do Disney like a pro (even if it’s your first rodeo).

It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing what matters—and actually enjoying it.

Grab your ears, lace up those sneakers, and let’s make the magic happen—without losing our minds in the process. 😉

💼 What to Pack (and What to Leave Home)

• Portable phone charger (because Genie+ eats batteries like Mickey eats churros). This one has been my favorite so far for my travels. 

• Refillable water bottle (you’re not paying $6 for Dasani)

• Ponchos or a compact umbrella (Florida: where sunshine turns to storms in 2 minutes)

• Cooling towels & mini fan (unless you like sweating through your soul)

• Ziploc bags (for wet clothes, leftover snacks, or sticky fingers)

• Bandaids/blister patches (you will walk 20,000 steps)

• Dramamine or motion-sickness bands. I personally prefer Dramamine. 

• Snacks—gluten-free if needed (lines are long, prices are rude)

• Mini first aid kit (ibuprofen, allergy meds, etc.) Try this one

• A comfy backpack or crossbody (bonus if it’s cute for photos). We have a loungefly collection so we usually use those. 

👟 What to Wear

• Athletic dress or moisture-wicking outfit (cute and practical) This is my favorite

• Comfy shoes—this is not the time for those new sandals. I swear by Brooks

• Extra socks (trust me on this one)

• Sunscreen & sunglasses (unless you want raccoon tan lines). My favorite body sunscreen  and for my face I use this.

🎟 Survival Tips

• Rope drop = real power. Get there early and knock out the big stuff.

• Mobile order your food like a seasoned pro (don't wait in line for chicken nuggets)

• Don't force yourself to “do it all.” Breaks are magical too.

• Embrace the nap if you need it—yes, even in the car.

• Plan your must-dos, but don’t stress if plans change. It’s Disney, not a military op.

🍦 Must-Have Snacks to Try

• Mickey Bar (gluten-free & iconic)

• Churros (if you’re not GF)

• Jack-Jack Num Num cookie (worth the hype)

• Dole Whip (always Dole Whip)

✨ Mom-to-Mom Real Talk

There’s no “perfect” Disney day. Someone will cry, someone will be hangry, and someone will try to spend $400 on lightsabers (maybe it’s you). But with the right prep, you’ll have memories that actually feel magical.

If you want more of my tips and tricks, feel free to reach out for assistance. If you want help booking your Disney trip, I'm all for it, and I'll make sure you have everything you need to make it memorable and not stressful.