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There is an art to packing a Disney Park bag.
Sure, everyone loves to carry a LoungeFly- I mean how cute is this one?Or this Tink one?! OK sorry I am getting off topic.
You want to have everything you need, but no so much you are lugging around a super heavy bag. And by the way, I don’t have a fave backpack. I will usually use anything comfortable but I pack everything in ziplock bags.
I have an entire park bag checklist you can download for free here but here are some tips specifically for kids with autism.
Snacks: I like to pack some of my kiddos fave snacks, but also some crunchy snacks for my oral sensory seekers. As a reminder, you can order groceries from Amazon or Instacart to your Disney resort. Want to save $10 on your order, click here.
Noise canceling Headphones: My son isn’t sensitive to loud noises, but headphones help with some of the overstimulation. There are lots of kids who where them on all rides and around the parks. We like these.
Sunglasses: Sunglasses are another way to help with sensory overload and provide a mental break. I love these since they come with a nice strap.
Fidget Toys: My daughter likes anything squishy while my son loves anything with movement. I like kits like this that have a mix of both!
What is a Maybe
Tablets are a Maybe: If we are doing a late night, I may bring a tablet to let them relax while waiting for the fireworks. Or sometimes both of my kids need a few minutes to zone and compress. Don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting your kid walk around on their device the whole time, but a few minutes with their tablet to block out the world can really help.
What I don’t bring:
I won’t bring any special stuffed animals or toys that my kids would be devasted if they lost. Disney World is really good at helping you find something, but sometimes things just end up in the wrong place. We leave the items back at the resort and can tell them about our day when we get back.
What I Bring May Change:
My kids needs constantly change, so I think about what they need day to day and see how it can be adapted to the parks.