With post upon post and list upon list about all the things to take to the parks, it’s really easy to over pack.  I’ll admit it, I’m guilty as charged.  Back in our stroller days, I loaded that sucker down with costumes changes, what-if supplies, snacks, drinks and more.  And while I never had to plunk down big bucks for something we found ourselves needing in the parks, there are a few things most people can live without inside the magical boundaries of Disney. Lighten your load:

#1 Dress-Up Shoes

This is one of the top things I see parents toting around, and little girls especially, complaining about when all dolled up for a day in the magic.  I’ve yet to see a pair of princess shoes or Minnie heels that looks even remotely comfortable.  Add to that more walking (or excited running) that most kiddos do on a day-to-day basis, and you have the makings of tired feet.  By all means, if you have littles that are into dressing up at the parks, pack those costumes, but look for a color coordinating sneaker or maybe themed Crocs to go with the ensemble.  If a photo shoot at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is in the cards or she can’t bear to meet Cinderella without a pair of glass slippers, just remember to tote a pair of comfy shoes, too.

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Absolutely adorable and absolutely not going to last more than an hour. ©Disney

#2 Disney Planning Guide

It may seem a little counterintuitive, especially for first timers, but there’s really no need to lug a book around the parks.  Chances are you read that puppy cover to cover when planning, so make a few important notes in your phone or in a little notepad, and get out there and live it instead of reading about how to best go about it.  Besides, your friendly neighborhood cast member can often answer (or find the answer) to any question you’d thumb through your book looking for, anyway.

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©Disney

Get Park Wise: If you just can’t bear to go in without your tip bank, check to see if your planning guide of choice has an app, or maybe log onto your favorite Disney planning site from your phone.

#3 Purse

This one’s for you, girls.  Or, I guess, any of you guys who sport a man-bag.  No judgements.  If you’re like me, your bag is filled with lots of things you may or may not need on a random day (or if you happened to find yourself on Let’s Make A Deal).  You don’t need any of that weighing you down on vacation.  And if we’re being honest, Disney is a sticky, messy place.  Do you really want to subject your beloved Disney Dooney to that?  Grab your ID, cash, plastic, phone, lip gloss, stash it in a cute and compact crossbody and you’re all set.

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©Disney

#5 Your Photography Arsenal

I know, I know, sacrilege, right?  Especially to the photographers, but I’ll bet you a Mickey bar your phone has a camera that’s perfectly capable of capturing those magical vacation moments.  I’ll give a little on this one, though, because I’ll never be able to rely on just my phone.  Limit yourself to one body and maybe two lenses for an average day in the parks.  Your shoulders will thank you.

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Use your phone or Disney Photo Pass and ditch the SLR.  ©Disney

A list of just 4 items? Let’s have you pick the 5th one to help round things out. What item that many people lug to Walt Disney World do you think they can live without? Or, what did I list that you can’t live without and think I should reconsider? We look forward to hearing from you below!

Jessica Ma'ilo
Jessica is a special education teacher by day and blogger and Fairy Godmother Travel agent by evening. When not supervising play dates or sleepovers, she can be found creating, sewing or singing. She loves hitting the Disney Parks, and she and her family escape to the World and Land as often as they can. She can be contacted at [email protected], and you can also check out her family blog, Magic, Memories, Mayhem.