Last year I did an article on the Top 10 Helpful Things to Bring to the Park.  You can read it here.  Today, I’m going to give you tips on how to go to the parks without a bag (or at least a much smaller one!).

As you probably know, going to any Disney park (especially if you have kids), usually requires a bag.  Or two.  Possibly a purse.  Or a diaper bag.  And sometimes even another bag, usually a big one.  Although it may not be possible to completely eliminate everything you regularly take with you, here are a few tips to help you go without – or at least trim down your inventory.

•  Magic Bands.  If you’re staying on property, you can’t beat the convenience of the Magic Band.  It is your room key, ticket, FastPass+ (FP+) reservations, and credit card all in one place.  Unless you have a specific reason to carry cash or change, this pretty much eliminates having to carry a wallet.

DIStracted Tip:  Even if you’re not staying on property, you can purchase a Magic Band and link your park ticket and FastPass+ reservations.

• If you have little ones and need diapers, wipes, etc., don’t forget about the Baby Care Centers at each park.  DIStracted writer Kelly M. wrote all about them here.  They have formula, baby food, juice, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, over-the-counter medications, and even clothing for purchase.  Yes, it is probably more expensive than buying things at home, but if you’re hoping to eliminate a diaper bag this might be the way to go.

• Do you usually bring water or other drinks into the parks?  Every counter-service restaurant will give you a cup of water for free, just for the asking.  If you’re a fan of powdered drinks, you can always put a couple of packets in your pocket to use to flavor your free water.

• Do you usually bring snacks?  Sometimes this is a must, especially for the kids.  It helps to keep them busy when waiting in line, and also can help head off a tantrum.  That being said, there are ample snack options in all of the parks – and you can charge snacks to your Magic Band if you want to consider leaving the snacks behind.

• A change of clothes for either you or your little ones.  This one is kind of tough.  If you know you’re going to get soaked on Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids, it’s always nice to have some dry clothes.  But if you don’t want to haul them around all day, all of the parks have lockers that you can use for a fee. DIStracted writer Lisa M. wrote all about where to put your stuff here.

DIStracted Tip:  If you’re going to bring your phone (and who doesn’t these days?), you might want to consider bringing a Ziploc baggie to put it in.  Even in your pocket, it can get wet on the water rides.

• Do you usually bring ponchos and umbrellas?  The weather in Florida can be quite unpredictable. It’s bright, sunny and hot, and then suddenly you’re in the middle of a sunshower or a torrential downpour.  Having ponchos and umbrellas is a great idea.  But if you’re trying to reduce the size of your bag, you might want to consider that almost all of the stores in the parks carry ponchos.  Yes, you’ll pay a premium for them, but it is one less thing to carry to begin with.  And when it stops raining?  You can put them in a locker and retrieve them on your way out of the park.

• Do you bring notes with your FP+ times and dining reservations?  Or even a spreadsheet?  This can all be eliminated by using your phone.  The My Disney Experience app will keep track of your dining reservations and FP+ times, and now you can even book additional FP+ selections on the app.  If you’re old-school and squeamish about the app losing the information, you can always take a picture of your handwritten (or typed) notes and you’ll be able to refer to them without fear of them getting wet or lost!

What are your favorite tips for making your load a little easier?  Come by the Magical DIStractions Facebook group and let me know!  Magical DIStractions can also be found on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Google+ so please take a moment to follow us.  You can also sign up for the Magical DIStractions newsletter and watch videos on our YouTube channel.  We will keep you up-to-date on all of the latest news!