I had already typed up and posted this post about 2 hours ago, but I accidentally erased it. I hate when I goof up like that. So here it goes again…
It’s just 15 days until our trip. I am trying not to get giddy with excitement because then I won’t be able to sleep. Last year at Disney, every night was like trying to go to sleep on Christmas Eve. And that was me! My entire family would be out like a light and I would be awake running through the next day in my head. So I am trying not to be like that now, because I need my sleep while I can get it.
That is why I am so thankful to have the blog this year. Y’all really have a way of keeping me busy and keeping my mind off the fun that is coming for us.
Tonight I got the suitcases out of the attic. (Which is a very scary place might I add. The first deposit to next year’s Disney fund is going to come from the huge yard sale I have to get rid of all this junk that we have managed to accumulate.) One of our suitcases is still full of the memorabilia we gathered on our last trip. I’m going to sort through it tomorrow and share some of the great things we saved with you.
I’m also going to start packing for the trip. There are a lot of items that I bought just for the trip that can go ahead and be put in the suitcases along with all our character clothes. I have at least 4 Disney shirts for every one of us.
I am a serious over packer. We had to take the back seats out of the van last year just to fit all the stuff in. This year, we have a truck with a bed cover and hopefully my husband won’t fuss at me as much. I also know what items I might need and items I won’t. (Last year was our fir
So what items do you suggest I pack?
Melanie says
We live 3 hours away and go to WDW several times a year. I use a modified packing list from allears.net. I don’t overpack, I’ve got it down to a science, LOL.
Bring tupperware to pack snacks so they don’t get mushed. Pringles cans can be reused, then tossed at end of trip. For my kids, I take an outfit w/undies and roll it up, so they just grab a ‘roll up’. We also do the matching shirts, so I put those on the outside of the ‘roll’. I pack quarters and a sample of laundry soap, and while DH & the kids are at the pool I will do laundry and read and watch them swim. Don’t forget the stain stick! For shoes, we wear crocs or Tevas or Keens, so if the kids want to get wet (or it rains), we don’t have to wear wet socks/sneakers. We bring one other pair of nicer shoes and one outfit for TS meals. No one is going to notice if we wear the same dress-up outfit more than once, LOL.
The kids are allowed to bring ONE tote bag of toys/books for the trip. Don’t forget hats!
For dirty clothes, we put them in a kitchen trash bag in one suitcase and clean clothes go in the other suitcases for the trip home.
I bring ziplock bags of different sizes, a couple clothes pins for hanging clothes in the bathroom, glow sticks, Q-tips, sunblock, sunblock for lips, Tylenol, Benadryl, safety pins, ID necklaces for the kids, tape, my folder of notes, index cards to write down the daily schedule.
Since we drive, I bring a plastic tub of snacks, pop-tarts, storage containers for snacks, bowls, and room decorations. As it empties out, you can fill it with souvenirs, resort mugs, etc.
Finally – I bring one bottle of wine for after the kids go to bed. Lasts all week and helps my mind to shut down after a busy day, LOL!
shelley p says
OT- Not sure if I asked this, if I did I can not find it anywhere…. Are you planning a meet? I hope you guys have a great time!!
Randi says
Flip flops! After 17 hours of walking in DL, then having to walk back to the hotel because we missed the last shuttle, my feet were screaming for them.
I plan on packing 2 prs of shoes, and a pr of flops for each girl when we go, we’ll change their shoes after lunch everyday to refresh their feet, and we’ll have flops for later on.
Hats or sun visors are great. Rain ponchos, for the amount of space they take up they are totally worth it!
Extra batteries. Camera cord, our hotel had computers in the media room, we were able to upload our pics to Wags online, so there were no worries about loosing those pictures to a dropped camera or some other tragedy.
Plastic bags for dirty clothes, if you seperate the outfits for each day like alot of us seem to do, you can use that bag for the dirty stuff. Having the outifts ready to go gives Daddy a chance to help get the kids dressed while you shower or get dressed yourself. :)
We bring our girls “special” blankets with us for all overnights, just in case they can’t sleep. They also can each bring one special toy.
Chapstick, sunscreen (the travel ones at cvs would be perfect), safety pins (you never know), aloe vera and patience with a handful of smiles :)
Mary says
I save all of the trial size items that I get for free before our trip. I usually don’t have to buy any toiletry items for our trip. I just throw all the samples in a big ziploc or grocery bag and I can throw them away at the hotel when we are done with them. That leaves a little extra room for bringing things home!
Lynn says
that is a great idea!
Lynn says
i’m so excited for you! i can’t believe it’s so close! you will be with minnie before you know it.
you are surely a much more experienced packer than i, but i find ziplocs in invaluable on any trip with kids. i use them for everything!
on a side note, we’re now taking a trip to disney in sept! we’ve booked 5 nights at wilderness lodge witha 40% discount, and we’re also getting a 60% discount on tix with my husband’s military id. yea!
Amy says
Must haves on my list…. cell phone charger, camera battery charger, flip video camera, LOVE IT so small and easy to use, special blister bandaids, regular bandaids and neo sporin, CAMERA, ponchos, Disney-T-shirts, swimsuits, lots of pennies for penny presses, spray fan, sunscreen and lots of snacks for waiting in line!
Michelle says
We always take our own water bottles and a little container of dish soap. That way we can wash our bottles each morning and just keep refilling them throughout the day.
I also agree with the ponchos. We always take 2-3 extra ponchos so we can cover strollers and things if it rains.
Elizabeth S. says
Oh! I have a really good recommendation for something to pack, Band Aid Advanced Healing Blister Bandages. They are bit spendy but SOOOOO worth it! They absolutely saved me when I use to work at Disney and I spent an entire day walking through the parks in brand new shoes. I never go down there with out them now.
Randi says
I made that same mistake, only I didn’t know about the band aids, and I grabbed flip flops :)
Band aids are added to the list…….. :)
Elizabeth S. says
Remember the little boy on the commercial who says, “I’m too excited to sleep!” : )
Sara says
I am an extreme over packer too. I seriously pack the kitchen sink. You never know.
Don’t forget tylenol for the kids-just in case. You know how kids are. (well…I know how mine are)
Get one of those water bottle fans. You will need one in the Florida sun. The kids will thank you. And tons of sunscreen. Its hot. Did I mention its hot right now? I mean..it is hot.
Kayla says
I am a chronic overpacker, but on our last trip I really worked on it. Putting my toiletries in travel size tubes worked wonders – I was able to downsize from a giant suitcase to a normal sized one.
But, my personal MUST pack item is a particular scent of antibacterial from Bath & Body Works. When I went on my first trip, I took one that I had gotten for free with a coupon, and now that smell IS WDW to me. I couldn’t take a trip without it! : )
Mary says
Just curious as to what scent it is! :) It’s funny, the things that make you think of Disney World!
marie says
If I go anywhere with a line, I pack bubbles…a line goes much quicker and it doesn;t seem quite as hot when you are blowing bubbles for your kids…and the kids around you don;t whine as much either ;-)
Randi says
This is such a good idea! You can get the ones that hang around their necks for the older kids too, dollar tree has a bunch.
Kristen says
We are going to Florida, from Texas, on May 13th. Unfortunatly, we will not be going to disney world. I’m jealous.
Chemmom says
Since we’re always on the dining plan, I really don’t take snacks into the parks. But … I do fill my backpack with gum (which they don’t sell on property) and those safety suckers (which I bought for a quarter a bag after Halloween candy went on clearance). They keep my kids busy when we can’t make it to a snack cart because we’re waiting in a line.
REGINA says
WE WENT TO DISNEY A FEW YEARS AGO, AND STAYED AT THE POP CENTURY. I WANTED THE MINI FRIDGE IN OUR ROOM, BUT FOR 8 NIGHTS THAT WOULD COST AN EXTRA $80. I BORROWED ONE AND TOOK IT WITH US. IT WAS GREAT TO HAVE COLD DRINKS AND SNACKS ON OUR TRIP. I ALSO FOUND THESE COOL CLIP ON FANS AT CVS. I CLIPED 2 ON MY SONS STROLLER AND HE NEVER COMPLAINED OF BEING TO HOT. THEY DO NOT SPRAY WATER BUT THEY KEPT HIM COOL.
Diane says
Motrin!!!! My son got a toothache and we had to pay crazy prize for Motrin when we were there last week!
sandra says
Don’t forget to pack the Crystal Light sticks since water is free at Disney. These work great for free lemonade.
Randi says
The kool aid fizzies (not sure if that’s what they are called) would work for this too!
Julia says
Pakc a water bottle. I don’t know about you but I get sick of flavored drinks after a while. There is nothing like some refreshing water – except when you have to pay $2.00 for it.
Cindy Anderson says
I swear by Body Glide. I put it on my toes and also sometimes on my thighs. It helps with blisters and chaffing.
I know that you already know so much to take. Last time I did pack a special box of new little toys for my son, that he had never seen before and he had them for the trip. I also packed Disney related items to leave him every day in the room from this character or that one. He loved it and it save us money because he didn’t ask for as much.
Tons of SD cards, and extra camera batteries and the chargers.
Karen says
I am so happy for you and your family. You deserve this trip and more!
Amy says
Hi- I’m new to your site and fairly new to couponing, but not new to Disney. My husband and I went on our honeymoon when my brother and sister-in-law gave us DVC points as a gift. We have been back every year since, sometimes twice a year. We go back on June 13 with my family. I will beigin packing in about a week and I totally get your desire to have everyone wearing just the right things…no simple packing for me. I sometimes remember Disney memories by what my kids were wearing on what day! It makes it more special to me and I love packing for my whole family. I am planning on getting my boys matching shirts with their names on them from the Disney website for our dinner at Chef Mickey. Have fun and I agree with the fan and extra batteries!
Tami says
I’m just very excited for you and am loving revisiting Disney through you :o)
I SO over packed in March to the tune of about a weeks worth LOL And we had to buy extra suitcases because of stuff we bought while there.
Pack Maloxx oh my gosh I got upset tummy at the airport and had to pay 9 bucks for a half sized bottle I almost cried!
15 days out and packing? Guess I would be too ha ha We also have memorabilia in our suitcases and I need to dig it out and start my scrapbook!
Anxiously awaiting your trip!!
Tina says
It’s going to be hot! I suggest you purchase a water fan and extra batteries before you get to the park. I have found both of these things to be incredibly expensive once you get there.
Also, I usually get autograph books for my kids before we leave home, again for the purpose of saving $$$.
As for actual packing, I always pack too much. I agree with the others, get your ponchos here at the dollar store. I usually get travel size bottles there for our bath soaps and shampoo, so I don’t have to lug around any big bottles. Also, I get cheap disposable toothbrushes for the trip. When we head home I just throw them away!
Have Fun! I too challenge you to take only 2 suitcases, THEN post on here to tell us how you accomplished this feat!! :-)
Sherry says
I am so the over packer. I made a promise to never over pack again. If your like me I end up doing laundry most nights any way so it is foolish to take more than 3 changes and 2 swim suites per child. I know we always think we must have 7 changes and dress ups and casual. Relax….that’s the purpose isn’t it. Just think rational right. Girls–mine just as soon wear a simple sun dress every day. So 2 sun dresses, 1 neutral short with 2 tops. Boys-3 tops and 2 denium shorts. Minimal space. Your gonna give them the extra disney stuff you’ve bought/gonna buy right, so that covers any back ups needed. PJ’s my boy sleeps in underwear, girl a set of pj’s. My guess is one or more nights they fall asleep in clothes anyway. I know the feeling as a mother- my kids will get so filthy I will have to change them twice a day, relax……it’s vacation and no chance you will be reported if someone wears the same shorts twice. Shoes same logic. I packed 3-4 pairs a child. Don’t do it. I vote you can get buy with 1 pair flops OR slides and 1 pair of comfy walk all day shoes per child. Same for you and Hubby. Find a comfy mix and match take 3-4 options, leave the just in cases at home. I PROMISE it will be okay. Snacks and others I leave you to that. I just hope my advice convinces you.
Next. I amazed with your blog, and it is amazing. You have so much info. Thanks and have fun at Disney. I challenge you to pack only 2 suite cases!
Jennifer E. says
So We Were Just at Disney Last Weekend And were Going This Weekend We Live only Like 2 Hrs Away So Not Much Of Packers But I Agree About The Ponchos Its Rains ALOT Even when it doesnt look like it Will lol And Also Take Like a Travel Size First Aid Kit With You Comes in Very Handy i found out the hard way LOL!
Lora says
Travel-sized antibacterial wipes to wipe down the hotel doorknobs, remote control and bathroom fixtures each day, to reduce the chance you’ll pick up any bugs/illness/germs left by the previous occupants. And bring your own cups to use in the hotel room.
Housekeeping services does NOT sanitize the fixtures, and they often just wipe out the glasses in the room with a dirty rag.
Betsy says
If you are staying somewhere on the way down (making it in two days instead of just one) pack a separate bag with just a change of clothes and toiletries for that one day so you won’t have to drag out all the suitcases just for one night.
lisa webb says
i have one nice set of luggage. (for a 7 day trip) my husband and I’s clothes/shoes go in the largest case. the 2 kids clothes/shoes go in the second largest. bathroom/med cabinet stuff go in the small bag. toys/ etc in a tote. Anything that doesn’t fit..doesn’t go. traveling by car i have one bag packed to take into the motel along with the bathroom bag. pjs, change of clothes for everyone. no rummaging just grab and go.
Of course theres the cooler to keep us nourished between McDonalds’..lol
(don’t forget swimwear in the motel bag, my kids are water babies)
Wow..long and rambly…time to stop.
Good Luck
Tami says
This may be an obvious one, but don’t forget your rain ponchos! Afternoon rain showers have already started in Florida so you’ll want 2 bring some of those – plus they are SO much cheaper if you get them beforehand!
brenda says
snacks. bring lots and lots of snacks!
Natasha says
We just got back from Disney on Sunday! Had a great time at the Pop Century. Our biggest money saver was the snacks and drinks I packed.
I wrote three posts about it here:
http://www.savingabundle.com/2010/05/traveling-on-budget-disney-world-trip.html
Sheila says
I found that by packing each childs outfits and pjs in separate ziplock bags it makes the morning go smoother. These are also great for using to hold snacks and stuff after the clothes are removed.
Mary says
I agree with this! We packed our kids clothes like this and it just made those early mornings easier to get going!
Chemmom says
Me too! FYI: I also put DD’s hair ties in there as well as their underwear and socks. I label each bag with “Day 1”, etc. because we also wear matching shirts everyday.
Sheila says
I had not thought about labeling them before but that is a great idea! I also pack a diaper in the bag for the little ones. That way I don’t have to search for diapers and I can leave the diapers in the van for most of the trip!
Peggy says
I always take ponchos–they’re so cheap at the dollar store (usually 2 for $1) and with the crazy summer rain, there’s a good chance you’ll need them. And a buck beats the pricey ones at the park! Otherwise, I pack a couple of pants and shorts, then lots of tops. The toiletries are covered in the hotels, you don’t need much snack food, and if you forget anything really important, you can hit up Wal-Mart!
I am a super-packer! I also swear by the Space Bags–you can put extra clothes in them, squeeze out the air, and still have tons of room in your bag. I have used them for nearly every trip I’ve taken since college, including backpacking around Europe. You don’t have to pack quite as light if you use those bags. =)
There’s my $.02 of advice!
Randi says
Ohh good thinking, never thought to use the space bags!
Christina says
I have no advice for you in ways of packing as I too am an over packer, but wanted to tell you how excited I am for you. I discovered your site a month ago and have since saved about $100 dolllars and won a prize from your site. I’ve been telling anyone who would listen to me about your site and wish you guys a happy trip! I cant wait to see the new changes coming to the site as well!
Haha, that ended up being totally off topic but oh well =)