Top Ten First-time Disney necessities for an Adults only trip

Are you planning a trip to Disney and need to know what to take? My husband and I have been on many trips together and I have some tips that will help steer you in the right direction. These are the top 10 items you will need.

1. Hand Sanitizer

Obviously with the pandemic, hand sanitizer is a no-brainer. However I recommend bringing it even without the pandemic. Disney World has literally millions of people coming in from all over the world. That is a lot of hands touching surfaces. I know Disney is always super clean but I still feel better using hand sanitizer in between hand washes.

2. Sunscreen Sunscreen Sunscreen!

I can not stress enough how much you need sunscreen. I am a redhead with fair skin, so as you can imagine, the sun hates me. On our honeymoon I got sun poisoning, Yes you read that right, sun poisoning-in October.

The humidity in Florida makes the sun much more intense, so if you are staying for an extended stay, for the love of all that is holy bring at least two bottles (cans, sprays, whatever) per person, and apply as often as the directions on your brand say to, Coverage length does vary from brand to brand.

3. Masks

Yes, that is plural as in more than one per person per day. With the threat of Covid -19 still raring it's ugly head, most entertainment businesses have integrated a mask requirement, and no one is stricter at enforcing that while on their property than Disney. The reasoning is simple: Disney does not play with the health and safety of their cast members (disney's name for their employees) and guests.

Masks must be at least two layers of material, fully cover the nose and secure snugly under the chin and against the face. If your mask does not meet these requirements they do have some for purchase at all resort stores. This is not an option. Masks must be worn at all times unless guests are stationary and eating or drinking and socially distanced appropriately, or when in "relaxation stations" which are special areas designated for people to rest and remove a mask for a short period of time. Masks can be removed before swimming, obviously,

It is a good idea to bring multiple masks per day because you will likely sweat through one, which is gross. Also it rains in Florida nearly every day in the afternoon, and you will likely want to change it after a sudden rain shower. Also, once dropped they are no longer sterile and trust me, you not want to put that back on your face. I would estimate to bring at least 3 masks per day. They can be hand washed in your resort bathroom sink, or they do have a laundry set up at every resort for a minimal fee. If you plan on doing laundry and it's not a DVC or suite with a laundry included in your room, make sure to bring quarters.

4. Shoes.

You will need at least 2 pairs of comfortable walking shoes. One reason is the rain in Florida and wet shoes. The other reason is blistering on your feet, Unless you only buy one brand of sneakers (tennis shoes, whatever) and the same style, each pair will hit a different pressure point on your heels and toes. Bringing two pairs guarantees less blisters and dryer feet. (also pro tip, you can use the hair dryer to dry your shoes). I also recommend at least one pair of slide on shoes or sandals to wear to the food court or shop once you get back from the parks.

5. Toiletries

Every resort does have basic soaps, a shampoo and conditioner combo, and body wash. We often stay at the All-Star Resorts and even the "lower tiered" resorts all have blow-dryers, lighted makeup mirrors and an iron and ironing board.

However, if you are like me and have sensitive hair and skin I recommend bringing your favorite travel sized toiletries. Disney's products smell great and work in a pinch but I always bring my own.

6. OTC medications

As far as otc I would recommend the following:

1. Motion sickness medicine

The most common tablet is meclizine and can be purchased at any pharmacy. I have noticed motion sickness armbands but have yet to give them a try. There are roller-coasters, spinning rides and indoor simulated rides. People who normally don't have an issue have issues on the simulation rides. Just a heads up.

2. Pain reliever

Tylenol, Advil or Aleve or their generics. You will be doing a ton of walking and your feet, knees and body in general end up being sore after about day 4. (or day 2 if you've never been before). Plus if your an adrenaline junky and ride a lot of coasters you will likely get a headache

3. Antacids and Immodium

Disney has some of the best food I have ever eaten. They literally have food from all over the world. Trying new food is one my favorite parts of the trip, but new foods do no always agree with my stomach, so please make sure you have antacids. I have paid $5 for a tiny roll of Rolaids before. Also Immodium is something that is just good to have on you at all times anyway. You'll thank me later

4. Muscle cream

As mentioned before, you do a lot and I do mean a lot, of walking. Bring your favorite muscle cream, whatever you use after an intense workout .. I like Blue Emu, but there are literally hundreds of options including Voltaren gel which just became and over the counter option.

5. Chafing gel or powder for Chub Rub

If you plan on wearing shorts, or are a dude, you'll want at least some powder in your thigh area to absorb excess moisture. I know, I know it's not a pleasant thought. It's definitely not a pleasant experience. I am only trying to help you out.

6. Band-Aids and antibiotic ointment (neosporin)

Did I mention the walking? You will get blisters on your feet, usually on your heels, Bandaids are a lifesaver and just a good idea. I also trip over my own feet so, yeah bandaids.

7. Quick Drying clothing. and Bathing Suits

Fabrics that are a heavy blend of polyester tends to dry faster and makes all that walking just a bit more comfortable. I recommend thin cotton t-shirts or polyester blends as well. I also recommend at least one days worth of extra outfits and undergarments. It rains a lot in Florida and sometimes you just want some dry clothes.

I brought our swimsuits when we went last year (2019) in December. Why? Because weather in the southern US tends to be a fickle. It was too hot for thin pants one day, and hoodie weather the next. The only reason we didn't use our swimsuits on the last trip was because with all of the extra Christmas and holiday events they had going on, we didn't have time on the warmer days

8. Refillable Water Bottle

Bottled water in the parks is around $4 a pop. I recommend bringing a few refillable water bottles. You can bring those in as long as they are not made of glass and you can get free water at any quick-service restaurant. With Covid procedures in place a cast member will hand you paper cup with ice water that you can then pour into your bottle. Disney has been adding those bottle refill stations as well, so be on the lookout. Staying hydrated is very important in the Florida heat. Heat stroke is very real and happens a lot more often than you think. Nothing puts a damper on your trip like fainting in the middle of the park.

9. Backpacks/purses

This is really up to your personal preferences. I have a tiny Vera Bradley cross-body purse and a Loungefly mini backpack. It depends on the day of the trip and where we are going. I like the mini backpack because I can put a full size can of sunscreen and bug spray. If I want to be unencumbered, for example if I was going to Magic Kingdom, I tend to use my smaller bag. It's easy to get on and off while on the rides. Disney does not have lockers at the rides so depending on the ride, your bag is likely going with you. I don't recommend backpacks personally. I would go without a purse if I could, but I do need to carry a few things.

10. Cooling Towels , Fans and Hats

No matter the time of year you go, Florida is still hot, It is in a sub-tropical zone after all. You will need something to help beat the heat. Hats are always a good way to keep the sun off your face, whether you prefer baseball style, trucker hats, straw hats or fedoras it's never a bad idea to have one.

Cooling towels are a God=send! They are towels that you wet with water and it literally lowers the temperature of the towel for an extended period of time. We bought one a few years back when there was an unexpected heat wave in September. Combine that with the fact that I had been working third shift and I was miserable. Bradley bought me one and I have to say I love it. It has come in handy at home as well with fevers.

Fans will be your best friend. They sell battery operated misting fans with a water bottle attachment for a pretty penny at the parks, but you can get them at home or on Amazon, Add the masks to the Florida heat and the little fans they sell there will look very tempting. There is also a fan that can be worn around your neck and points two small fans at your face.. While it won't be winning any fashion awards it will definitely would help keep you cool.

So there are my top ten must have items. Of course you will need and ID if you plan on consuming alcohol on your trip. I also recommend bringing a decent amount of spending money. I did not list everything here, just my main go-tos. I hope this helps. Let me know in the comments if there is something you recommend for first-time Disney trips.