Best Cooler for Disney World

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Finding the best cooler for Disney World can make so much difference to your trip, trust us! Taking your own food and chilled water bottles to Walt Disney World theme parks means you can save money – no paying an elevated resort price for you. Buying your own snacks is a lot cheaper in grocery stores than when you get there.

Having access to your own steady supply of snacks and drinks – as well as perhaps a picnic lunch – ensures no hungry kids (or adults) during your Disney vacation. You can even go hands-free when you invest in the best cooler backpack for Disney too.

If any of your family are bound by dietary restrictions, having your own food supply is also a great way to know exactly what you’ll be eating and drinking. It’s also great for kids who are picky about the kind of food they’ll consume – even if it’s just peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. You’ll also really need a cooler during the summer months, especially in the hotter states!

Best Cooler for Disney – Our Top Pick

We’ve chosen the Mickey Mouse cooler backpack because… well, who can resist? It’s cute, comfortable and practical, with pockets, a cargo cord and space for up to 23 cans.

Whether you want to find the best soft-sided cooler for Disney World in a small size or need the biggest and best backpack cooler for Disney World so you can feed and hydrate a large family, this guide will help you track down the best cooler to take to Disney World – for you.

If you’re planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland, Disney Springs or any of the other Disney theme parks, don’t go without reading this article. We’re sharing our experience to tell you all you need to know about choosing a great Disney cooler bag. Also covered are the rules regarding coolers at Disney World.

Check out this guide so you can find the perfect insulated cooler backpack for your family’s Disney adventures! From small coolers or the best backpacks to a themed Disney park bag or tote-style cooler bags, you’ll find them all right here.

Compare the top 10 best coolers for Disney

Discover the best cooler for Disney at a glance with this quick-check comparison chart.

Choosing the best cooler for Disney

These are some of the key considerations to think about when picking the best backpack cooler or bag for Disney.

Hard or soft cooler

While at the time of writing there’s nothing on the official Disney website to say that hard coolers are not allowed, some people do seem to think this is the case. The bottom line is – who wants to carry or pull a hard cooler around with them all day anyway?

We reckon it’s wise to focus on finding the best soft cooler for Disney World. It will be lighter and easier to carry. Rules may also change at any time, so if this did happen you may find that you cannot enter with a hard-sided cooler.

Type

What type of bag would you be happy to carry around? Would you prefer a backpack, or would you like a stylish tote? There are also collapsible coolers than are easy to store and pack whether at home or away.

Size & capacity

What’s the perfect size for one person, couple or family will not be for another. How much do you need to take with you, to last the whole day? Could more than one of you even carry a cooler, to help spread the load?

Bear in mind if you have small kids that you may need to take along a diaper bag as well. Could you store anything in here to save some space, such as baby food or bottles? Think about other things young kids need, too, and how you can store those.

Don’t forget you’ll need space for those gel packs too!

Weight

We’ve stated the weight of each bag at the top of each product review, along with the size, type and capacity. It may not seem like a big deal, but when you’re carrying a lot, every gram or ounce can make a difference!

Pockets

You may not necessarily require pockets for storing food or drinks separately, but they can be useful for carrying other stuff too. How about selfie sticks, personal items, granola bars, a change of clothes or even the kids’ autograph books, for example?

Whether you’re planning to use the baby care centers or not, we all know that a small child who’s hungry is not good company. Having snacks or drinks to hand can really help here, and outer pockets are ideal for accessing these quickly.

Separate compartments can help you stay organized throughout the day, even when it seems that there’s little room inside the bag for certain items. A section with a waterproof zipper can also help keep other things dry.

Other uses

There are lots of other times you could make use of a cooler – such as on road trips, when hiking, on beach days and for picnics.

Some of the options are suitable for regular use as well, especially those that look much like a regular tote bag or backpack.

Best coolers for Disney World – Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Disney cooler rules?

When choosing a cooler for Disney World, the first thing is to make sure you’re familiar with the park rules. There’s no point buying a cooler that you cannot get past a cast member or the security checkpoints! Lots of people will be taking their own coolers, so make sure yours isn’t the one not allowed in. Even if you have a good reason for bringing it.

Coolers are permitted at the Magic Kingdom, and all other Disney parks, including water parks and golf courses. They must be less than 24 inches long, 15 inches wide and 18 inches high. You should use ice packs rather than dry or loose ice.

No glass containers are generally permitted, except for baby food jars. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited, apart from on the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser or at Disney resort hotels. Any water bottles in Disney World should thus be made from plastic or metal rather than glass unless you’re in your hotel room.

Can you take your own food into Disney?

As long as you follow Disney rules as outlined above, bringing your own outside food and drinks into the parks is a really good idea. It gives you easy access to snacks and water at all times and is a great option when you want to reduce the time spent waiting in line for counter service.

Just make sure bottles of water or other containers aren’t made from glass – except for small jars of baby food. No alcohol should be brought into Disney World parks, apart from in some accommodation as mentioned above. So that’s OK as part of a hotel dining plan.

While you can bring as much food as you can fit into your permitted cooler, Disney also says that no food items should require heating, processing or any kind of temperature control. They also must be free from strong odors!

As long as you’re aware of the restrictions, the good news is that taking your own food and drinks to Disney is totally a viable option – whether it’s water and dry snacks or a full-on picnic. A great bag to keep things cool really will help you all to have a great time on vacation.

Are there Disney World lockers?

Lockers are available for rental at Disney resorts. They come in small and large sizes, with a jumbo version available at Epcot and Magic Kingdom only.

Find out all about locker options via the Disney website here.

Best cooler for Disney World Reviews

Yeti Hopper backflip 24

• Type: Backpack
• Capacity: 24 cans
• Size (in inches): 20.9″ x 14.6″ x 11.3″
• Weight: 3.31 kilograms

The Yeti Hopper backflip 24 is for those who don’t mind paying extra – though the price tag buys you a product that goes way beyond a bargain with free shipping. It may cost more than your latest gadget or the most expensive, best shoes, but this is a cooler that should last a lifetime.

It has cold cell insulation which outperforms other products, while the tough outer shell is waterproof and puncture-resistant. Yeti says it’s also the most leakproof carrier in the world.

This is one for the serious outdoor adventurer, as it can take you way beyond Disney and into the wilderness.

Pros:

• Built to last
• Water, puncture & leakproof
• Superior cold cell insulation

Cons:

• Highest price

Read reviews for the Yeti Hopper Backflip 24 here

Coleman collapsible 16 can cooler

• Type: Collapsible bag
• Capacity: 16 cans
• Size (in inches): 7.9″ x 11.5″ x 11.2″
• Weight: 0.77 kilograms

You can count on an established outdoor brand like Coleman to supply the goods – and this collapsible cooler will keep your drinks and food cold while at Disney. It comes in 5 different colors too.

This compact cooler allows you to carry an insulated lunch, snacks and drinks around with you all day. A great feature is the fact that antimicrobials have been added to ward off odors and inhibit the growth of mildew, fungus or mold.

The shoulder strap is adjustable for hands-free carrying and there are various pockets inside and out. Seams have also been heat-welded for leak prevention.

Pros:

• Ultra-compact
• Antimicrobial treated
• Range of interior & outer pockets

Cons:

• On the small side for a family

Read reviews for the Coleman 16 can cooler here

OlarHike 30 can cooler backpack

• Type: Backpack
• Capacity: 30 cans
• Size (in inches): 15″ x 13″ x 4″
• Weight: 1.75 kilograms

If it’s a backpack cooler you want, this 30 can one from OlarHike is one of the smaller options. This product also makes the best hiking cooler, as well as being ideal for taking into Disney or using for picnics, beach days or camping trips.

The price offers great value for money anyway, and it attracts great ratings and reviews – better than those for the Tourit cooler backpack, for instance. When used with a disposable or reusable ice pack supply, it can keep things chilled for up to 16 hours.

Other helpful features include an integral bottle opener, a reflective strip for safety and a useful range of inner and outer compartments.

Pros:

• Great value for money
• Reflective safety strip
• Lots of pockets

Cons:

• Chills for less time than some

Read reviews for the OlarHike 30 can cooler backpack here

California Picnic cooler tote bag

• Type: Tote bag
• Size (in inches): 17″l x 5″w x 13″h
• Weight: 5 lbs

If the shape and style of a tote bag suits you, then take a look at this one from California Picnic. At a glance, no one will even know that you’re carrying a cooler bag when you take this product along.

It has a long shoulder strap as well as two tote straps and is made from flexible, eco-friendly, food-safe, non-toxic material. The bag is also leakproof and puncture-resistant.

This is a multi-purpose tote that you could take anywhere, and in fact, you could even use it as an everyday sling bag if you wanted to. Especially when you want to carry cold water or food around with you.

Pros:

• Compact, lightweight tote
• Leak & puncture-proof
• Highly versatile

Cons:

• Could become uncomfortable to carry

Read reviews for the California Picnic tote cooler here

Disney Classics Mickey cooler backpack

• Type: Backpack
• Capacity: 23 cans
• Size (in inches): 11 x 7 x 12.5″
• Weight: 0.47 kilograms

This is the first of the Disney-themed cooler bags we recommend. The insulated, padded cooler bag is comfortable to carry and has space for up to 23 drinks cans inside.

Designed with a cool Mickey theme, this chiller backpack comes in red and black and includes a harness made for attaching the bag to a golf cart.

There are several outer pockets plus a handy cargo cord so you can carry an extra layer of clothing, a picnic blanket or a towel on the outside. The only downside is the limited capacity on comparison to others, but the fun design means more than one person may be more than happy to carry one around!

Pros:

• Various pockets
• Mickey Mouse theme
• Cargo cord & golf cart harness

Cons:

• Not the biggest capacity

Read reviews for the Mickey Mouse cooler backpack here

Everlasting Comfort 54 can cooler backpack

• Type: Backpack
• Capacity: 54 cans
• Size (in inches): 13.38″ x 8.66″ x 17.71″
• Weight: 2.06 kilograms

The promise of ‘everlasting comfort’ sounds good to us, and as this item is rated highly by current owners, it seems it’s a pledge the company lives up to.

In addition to the main compartment, there are two large mesh side pockets, which are ideal for storing larger bottles of water. There is also a bottle opener on an attached keychain and a handy front pocket for essentials.

Padded, adjustable shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry, and the pack also has reflective strips and a grab handle.

Pros:

• Bottle opener keychain
• Large outer mesh pockets
• Adjustable straps for comfort

Cons:

• May feel heavy when fully loaded

Read reviews for the Everlasting Comfort 54 can backpack here

Coleman 30 can extra insulated cooler

• Type: Collapsible bag
• Capacity: 30 cans
• Size (in inches): 15.55″ x 10.04″ x 11.42″
• Weight: 1.18 kilograms

If you need a larger cooler bag, this bigger Coleman cooler may be your best option. It also has thicker insulation, claiming to keep drinks cold for up to 42 hours – almost 2 full days!

A good feature is the quick access hatch to the top which allows you to grab a cold drink or snack whenever you need one. On the outer, there are pockets for storing important items that need to stay dry.

This is a relatively large cooler to carry your Disney food in, so it’s great for families. It is also treated so it’s resistant to fungus, mold, mildew and strong odors.

Pros:

• Quick access hatch
• Extra thick insulation
• Cools for up to 42 hours

Cons:

• Bulkier to carry than some

Read reviews for the Coleman 30 can cooler here

Lekesky cooler backpack/tote

• Type: Backpack/tote
• Capacity: 30 cans
• Size (in inches): 12.2″ x 7.8″ x 16.5″ 
• Weight: 2.7 Pounds

Is it a backpack, is it a tote? This bag can be carried as either, and it looks just like a stylish version of a regular bag too.

Two ice packs are included with this product too, so you can get started as soon as they’ve had long enough in the freezer to become solid. The shoulder straps are padded with mesh for breathability, while the outer fabric is water repellent.

Twin grab handles to the top mean you can also carry it like a tote, and there are also zippered, buttoned and mesh pockets on the outer plus a concealed anti-theft compartment at the back.

Pros:

• Stylish looks
• Carry 2 ways
• Ice packs included

Cons:

• Build quality

Read reviews for the Lekesky cooler tote/backpack here

Coleman 28 can soft cooler backpack

• Type: Backpack
• Capacity: 28 cans
• Size (in inches): 12.2″ x 6.3″ x 19.29″
• Weight: 0.48 kilograms

Some of the backpack coolers we’ve come across are pretty rigid, but not this one. It does a great job of looking just like a traditional backpack, this is another reliable and well-regarded product from a great outdoor brand.

It has heat-welded seams to prevent leakage and backpack-style padded, adjustable straps to ensure a good fit. There is also a generous front pocket for storing items you need to keep dry or have fast access to.

Two outer mesh pockets are ideal for water bottle storage and there is extra waist and back padding to ensure all-day comfort.

Pros:

• Large front pocket
• Padded straps, back & waist
• Heat-welded seams to prevent leaks

Cons:

• Only 1 color is available

Read reviews for the Coleman 28 can cooler backpack here

Disney Classics Mickey or Minnie cooler bag

• Type: Tote bag
• Capacity: Not stated
• Size (in inches): 21″ x 13″ x 8.7″
• Weight: 0.52 kilograms

What Disney fan can resist a themed cooler to take to the parks? In fact, as it looks nothing like a cooler, it could be used on a daily basis as a regular tote too. What better way to remember your vacation?

You can pick a Minnie or Minnie Mouse tote, and both come in bright red. This also makes it easy to spot whoever is carrying it, even in a crowd!

There is a separate exterior pocket for items like cash, keys, cards or your cell phone, and the main compartment offers plenty of room for everything – ideal when you want to bring your own lunch to eat at a picnic spot.

See below for the same bag in a Disney Princess design too!

Pros:

• Disney themed
• Zippered outer pocket
• Spacious main compartment

Cons:

• Not the most comfortable to carry

Read reviews for the Disney cooler tote bag here

BONUS ITEM – Disney Princess cooler tote bag

This is the same bag as the above Mickey or Minnie Mouse tote, but in a Princess design.

• Type: Tote bag
• Capacity: Not stated
• Size (in inches): 21″ x 13″ x 8.7″
• Weight: 1.02 kilograms

Disney fans can pick between Snow White, Cinderella and Little Mermaid designs when buying this cooler. If one of these is a favorite character, this bag is surely a must! Shaped like a tote with two carry handles, it makes a great shopping, picnic or beach bag too.

All options come in navy, with a princess design in aqua green, icy blue or golden yellow. The trim and stitching are in white for contrast.

The insulated interior is lined with heat-resistant PVC, so it can keep your supplies chilled even on a hot Florida day at the Animal Kingdom park. An outer pocket with zipping gives you somewhere to store other items too.

Pros:

• Ariel, Cinderella or Snow White design
• Heat-resistant PVC lining
• Zippered outer pocket

Cons:

• More about fashion than function

Read reviews for the Disney Princess cooler tote here

Best cooler for Disney World Summary

We hope this guide has helped you find the best cooler backpack for Disney World – or indeed a tote or collapsible bag. While you’re here, why not check out our guides to choosing ponchos for Disney, outfits to wear at Disney and all you need to know about the best strollers for Disney.