TRAVEL | WHAT TO PACK FOR A DISNEY DAY WITH A TODDLER

If there's one thing I can say with certainty, it's that going to Disneyland with a toddler is WAAAAYYYY different than a) going kid-free or b) taking a pre-walking baby (aka infant). Toddlers (well, at least mine) are busy, messy, excited time-bombs that are as ready to shout for joy as kick & scream. To successfully survive a quick day trip with Evie, there are a handful of things we always bring, so I thought I'd share my Disney Day Toddler must-haves with you!

1) Changing pad with extra diapers and wipes

And I mean like twice as much as you think you'll need. I've run out of diapers, and I've run out of wipes, and neither is fun. Also, you need a changing pad. Otherwise, there's nothing to put your sweet little one's bum on besides cool plastic that so many other people have used. 'Nough said. If I'm just bringing a changing bad, I love the SkipHop Pronto changing station. If I'm planning to bring more than that, the Mickey's 90th Boxy from Petunia Pickle Bottom is hands down my favorite! The changing station is the best I've ever used, and it holds everything Evie needs.

2) Snacks & water

Even if you plan to buy food at the park, having a handful of snacks that don't need an ice pack on hand will quell many tantrums as they begin. Also, it's thristy work being at a theme park, so we always bring our thermos and refill often. We just toss these in a small cooler and leave it in the bottom of the stroller.

3) Battery Operated Fan, Sanitizer, and Sunscreen

These are all "comfort" items, but I think they're still needed - a fan keeps your kiddo cool, and we always use the sanitizer after rides, and sunscreen often. Our favorite fan is this one. Under $20, so easy to use in the car, on strollers, etc., and the speed choices are awesome.

4) A stroller that reclines & something to create a quiet space for naps

We love our Uppababy Cruz & Milk Snob cover for this. Evie will nap for 45 min to 1.5 hrs if we create a quiet little bubble for her. We usually stick the fan inside to keep her cool and add some ambient noise.

5) Change of clothes

We didn't bring these once. It was a mistake. A disastrous, disgusting mistake. I even bring a spare pair of shoes now. The large cube from the PPB intermix system is my favorite for this.

A quick aside - I put everything we need with us (my purse, essentially), in this adorable Disney belt bag and just toss everything else in the bottom of the stroller. I have this stroller lock, and wind it through all the straps for the bags just to be safe, and we've never had any trouble.

That's it! Let me know if you have any must-haves for a quick trip that I've missed!

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#Disney #Disneyland #Momlife #SCmomlife #TravelTips #PackingTips #TravelTuesday

TRAVEL | HOW TO PACK FOR A DISNEYLAND VACATION

It's no secret that I love Disney - I mean, Evie and I are there 1-2 times week - so when we had the opportunity to spend a long weekend there with G's folks, I was so excited! But one thing I quickly realized is that packing to be at Disney all day for days in a row is very different than packing to run into the parks for a few hours. With that in mind, I wanted to share what worked for us when packing to spend a long weekend at Disneyland.

1) LAYERS

If you're there all day, things go from chilly to warm to chilly again in a 12 hr period. You'll want light-weight but warm layers that you can add on or tie around your waist/stick in your backpack. Some of my favorites are this super light weight, ultra compact and very cozy down puffer vest, this soft knit sweater and this light but warm cashmere scarf.

2) YOU WON'T WANT TO RE-WEAR THOSE...

Unlike in my day to day life, I don't want to re-wear something I've worn all day at Disney. You sweat. There's dirt. People spill things. It's just not gonna work. So bring fresh pants and tops for each day. Outwear/outer layers can usually be re-worn, but I'd pack several options just in case. Some of my favs include these boyfriend jeans and these under $20 tees. (With a toddler, having multiple outfits for one day can be key.. Evie goes through shirts and pants like no one's business when she's feeding herself...)

3) COMFORT IS KEY

Being on the move all day long can be exhausting. Being on the move all day and uncomfortable makes for being the unhappiest person at the happiest place on earth. I would encourage you to wear your comfiest shoes (mine are these Nikes, which also happen to be very light weight) and whatever pants you feel best in. I also highly recommend cotton, since it breathes and let's heat out as the day warms up.

4) KEEP IT LIGHT

While you do want everything you need to be comfortable all day in the park, you don't want to be a pack-mule. Figure out what your necessities are, what you could buy in the park, or what you might even just want to leave in a locker! You'll enjoy your time more if you aren't lugging around a camp-worthy backpack. Some of my favs are this convertible belt bag, and (if you're a mom) you can't beat this backpack with a built in changing station.

5) EARS!

And a fun one :) Everyone wears ears, and it's so much fun to find a pair that matches your personality and compliments your outfit! You can order online ahead of time, or make your selection at the newly reimagined World Of Disney in Downtown Disney on your way into the park.

#Disneyland #Disney #PackingTips #NorthAmerica #California