I’ve put together The Ultimate Disney Packing List for Canadians—with a twist. You’ll get all the must-haves, a few “why didn’t I think of that?” items, and of course, the three things you absolutely cannot forget. Miss one of those, and your trip gets way more complicated than it needs to be.
Spoiler: you won’t want to. A pack of socks at Walt Disney World can feel like it costs the same as your flight. And trust me, nobody wants to explain to their kid why the magical Disney poncho is $25 when you could have brought the $2 version from Dollarama.
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re either staring at a half-zipped suitcase wondering what on earth you’re forgetting—or you’ve just had the classic Canadian thought: “I’ll just buy it when I get there.”
Step One: Know the Basics
Before we jump into the oddly specific things Canadians need, let’s run through the basics quickly. These are the “of course you packed them” items, but if you’re like me, you’ll forget one and spend the first day annoyed at yourself.
- Clothes: Shorts, T-shirts, light dresses, and at least one warmer layer for the chilly mornings or evenings. (Yes, Florida can get cold. Don’t laugh until you’ve seen Canadians in hoodies huddled outside Space Mountain in January.)
- Shoes: Comfortable sneakers for the parks, sandals for pool days, and maybe a nicer pair for dining. Break them in before the trip unless you enjoy blisters.
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen (SPF 30+ is non-negotiable), shampoo/conditioner if you’re picky.
- Swimwear: Disney pools are an underrated part of the trip. Toss in goggles for the kids, too.
- Rain Gear: Florida weather is like an indecisive toddler—it changes its mind every five minutes. A poncho or small umbrella will save you from walking around soaked.
Now that we’ve covered the standard checklist, let’s get into the real reason you’re here: what Canadians specifically need to pack to make their trip smooth.
Why Canadians Pack Differently
Here’s the thing: most Disney packing lists you find online are written by Americans. They drive down, toss things in the car, and boom—they’re there. Easy.
But Canadians? We’ve got different challenges:
- Flights and baggage limits. Do you really want to use precious luggage space on stuff you could’ve packed smarter?
- Currency differences. Buying last-minute at Disney costs way more once you factor in the exchange rate.
- Climate shock. We’re leaving snow boots one day and melting in the Florida sun the next.
That’s why I built this list with us in mind.
The Ultimate Disney Packing List for Canadians
Here’s your master list, broken into categories. I’ve sprinkled in some “pro tips” to make sure you avoid rookie mistakes.
Travel Essentials
- Passports & copies: Don’t just bring the passport—make a photocopy or snap a picture stored in a secure spot.
- Park tickets & reservations: Disney is not the “buy at the gate” experience anymore. Have everything linked in your My Disney Experience app.
- Health cards & insurance info: Florida is not the place you want to test your luck without coverage.
- Credit card with no foreign fees: Those small fees add up faster than Mickey bars on a hot day.
- Cash (USD): Even in a tap world, it’s handy for tipping and small purchases.
Park Bag Must-Haves
- Lightweight backpack or sling bag
- Refillable water bottle (Disney has fountains)
- Portable phone charger (you will drain your battery on Genie+ and photos)
- Snacks (granola bars, trail mix—saves time and money)
- Sunglasses & hat
- Hand sanitizer & wipes
- Band-aids (a.k.a. the blister savers)
- Cooling towel or mini fan (Canadian bodies + Florida sun = puddle)
Comfort & Clothing Extras
- Extra socks (your future self will thank you)
- A long-sleeve UV shirt if you’re prone to burning
- Light rain poncho
- Mickey ears or Disney-themed gear if you want to blend in with the spirit of the parks
- A hoodie or light jacket (especially if you’re going in January/February)
For the Hotel
- Travel-sized laundry detergent (in case of spills)
- Ziploc bags (great for leftover snacks, wet clothes, or protecting your phone in rain)
- Canadian snacks the kids can’t live without (try explaining to a five-year-old why Goldfish crackers taste different in the U.S.)
Don’t Forget These 3 Things!
Okay, here’s where I’m going to save you from future Disney heartbreak. Out of everything on this list, these three things are the ones that Canadians most often forget—and regret forgetting.
1. Power Adapter (and Enough Chargers)
Yes, our plugs work in the U.S., but here’s the kicker: you’ll need more chargers than you think. Between your phone, smartwatches, portable fans, and kids’ devices, one lonely USB cord won’t cut it. Toss in an extra-long cable for charging in the hotel room—it’ll reach the outlet behind the bed when nothing else will.
2. Sun Protection That Works
Canadian sunscreen? Meh. Florida sun laughs at it. Bring reef-safe, sweat-resistant sunscreen that’s made for all-day use. Bonus points if it’s a stick sunscreen for the kids—it goes on fast and doesn’t end in tears. Don’t forget SPF lip balm too (yes, lips burn).
3. Proof of Travel Insurance
This one isn’t exciting, but it’s the most important. Accidents happen, and an ER visit in Florida can cost more than your entire Disney trip. Print your insurance card, know your policy number, and tuck it somewhere safe. You’ll thank me if you need it.
Pro Tips for Canadian Families
Because we don’t just pack—we strategize.
- Dress for Canadian departure, Florida arrival. If you’re flying out of Toronto in February, wear layers you can peel off when you hit Orlando’s humidity.
- Skip bulky items. Don’t waste space on towels—Disney resorts provide them at pools and water parks.
- Medication matters. Bring kids’ Tylenol, Gravol, or anything you might need. The U.S. versions sometimes differ, and who wants to play “pharmacy roulette” on vacation?
- Souvenir strategy. Pack a foldable duffel bag in your suitcase. It’s the smartest way to bring home all the Disney merch you swore you wouldn’t buy.
The Canadian Edge: Be Overprepared
Some people say packing light is the way to go. And while I admire that confidence, I know most Canadian families want the peace of mind of being prepared.
Because here’s the truth: you can’t pack everything, and that’s okay. But with this list—and especially the three can’t-forget items—you’ll cover the essentials without blowing your budget on “emergency” Disney prices.
Final Thoughts: Pack Smart, Stress Less
When it comes down to it, packing for Disney as a Canadian is about balance. Bring enough to avoid overpriced surprises, but not so much that you’re paying Air Canada extra baggage fees.
Think of this packing list as your shield against stress. With it, you’ll be ready for Florida heat, sudden rainstorms, endless walking, and those magical moments that make the trip worth it.
And if you really want to guarantee a smoother Disney trip? My complete 8-module Canadian Disney Guide breaks down everything—from park strategies to dining hacks—so you don’t waste money or time.
Grab your copy today, pack like a pro, and get ready for the most magical vacation of your life.
