Queue Chronicles

We like to travel light at the parks. Gone are the days of hauling a giant backpack stuffed with extra clothes, sunscreen, snacks, water bottles, and—if you remember the real olden days—film for the camera. Now that we’re seasoned park pros, we’ve narrowed it down to just a few essentials that make a huge difference in our theme park experience.

Oh, and just so you know—this post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. No extra cost to you, just a little magic that helps keep Queue Chronicles running!

1. A Collapsible Water Bottle – Stay Hydrated, Save Money

Theme park days are long, and staying hydrated is key. Luckily, both Disney and Universal have plenty of spots to refill your bottle, so there’s no need to shell out over $5 for a bottle of water every time you get thirsty.

I personally love this collapsible water bottle—it holds its shape well when full, clips onto my fanny pack, and folds up easily when empty. A total game-changer. 🏞️💧
➡️ Grab yours here!

2. The Trusty Fanny Pack – Hands-Free & Locker-Free

Ah, the fanny pack—an absolute must-have! Most attractions at Disney and Universal let you ride with it, meaning no locker stress or having to leave it with a non-rider (which is great because we don’t have any non-riders in our group!).

My go-to is the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag—it’s just the right size, isn’t bulky, and adjusts comfortably.
➡️ Check it out here!

What’s in my fanny pack?

• My phone
• Hand sanitizer
• A small Ziploc bag of snacks (because hunger waits for no one)

3. Snacks – Fuel for the Fun

Let’s be real—theme park food is delicious but expensive. After hours of walking, waiting in line, and running from ride to ride, hunger sneaks up fast. I always pack easy, protein-filled snacks like mini beef sticks or trail mix to keep me going.

Bringing a snack not only saves time but also saves money—because let’s be honest, $8 for a pretzel adds up. Plus, I have some money-saving food hacks coming soon, so stay tuned!

4. Lanyard – The Ultimate Park Hack

Lanyards aren’t just for Annual Passes! They’re an easy way to keep your ID, credit card, hotel key, and park tickets handy. Also, they are a great way to show off your pin collection! Bonus? You can attach accessories like:
✅ Cell phone cases
✅ Hand sanitizer
✅ Sunglass cases
✅ Mini sunscreen

I like this quality Loungefly Nightmare Before Christmas lanyard—

➡️Get it here.

And speaking of sunglass cases…

5. Sunglasses & A Clip-On Case – Protect Those Shades!

The Florida sun is no joke, and sunglasses are non-negotiable. The problem? Taking them on and off for rides means they’re constantly at risk of getting lost or scratched.

Enter: this soft, clip-on sunglasses case. It attaches to my lanyard or bag, keeping my shades safe and easy to grab.
➡️ Get one here!

Pack Smart & Enjoy the Parks!

These are my five must-haves for any Disney or Universal day. Unless we’re bringing lunch (which we sometimes do!), everything else stays in the car, hotel, or at home.

Have your own must-have theme park essentials? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your go-to items!