Wondering how to pack for Walt Disney World? My reader Michele had the brilliant idea of putting items she needs for Walt Disney World in a basket as she gets on sale with her coupons. You could easily do this in your pantry/closet as well.
When it is time to pack for your trip, everything is together in one spot. I also keep items from previous trips that I want to take back with me including ponchos, light up toys, trading pins, etc.
Here is a list of FREE things to do at Walt Disney World.
Learn more tips and tricks for your next Walt Disney World vacation. Destinations in Florida can also help you add tips and tricks to your next vacation.
Amber Petersen says
I do this as well. I collect Dollar Tree Ponchos and glow sticks in a dollar tree basket in the closet. When time gets close, I also start adding snacks and oatmeal and things.
Danielle says
I sign up for free samples of toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, ect. I put them in a box and keep them until we go away. Everyone picks out a toothbrush and all their personal items and since they were all free samples or free with coupons, I don’t feel bad leaving it there.
Lorie says
The other day I made “quarter catchers” with my daughter and niece for my niece’s first trip to Disney. We took empty plastic containers (mine was a frosting container), decoupaged disney pictures on the sides, and cut a slit in the lid. Now she is saving quarters for special souvenirs in the parks! Mine is half full and amounts to $40 so far!
Patricia Logan says
Nice tip. I referenced your Friday tip on my blog, My Blessed Life, and well as gave you a shout-out. I got started with it last month. I think you give some great tips on this site, which is why I gave you one. Keep up the good work. My family of 10 (me, my parents, my brother and his family, and my sister and her family) are going in December (I know not the best to go), so you website has helped me that way in saving,
The Matoe says
We have a rubbermaid tote that we use.(I made one for my mom as a gift and I painted a picture of the fab 5 in the monorail with the parks as a backdrop on the lid. She LoVeD it!) It makes life so much easier when we are packing to have it all right there. We use empty printer paper boxes to store the (non-frige-able) groceries that we acquire. When a box is full we make a list of it’s contents to place on top and when we leave we simply load each box into the van. We throw away any empty boxes before we leave to return home.
Rachel says
I have a tote box for our Disney trip. We’re not going until November, but as I find cheap Disney things at stores, I pick them up and stash them in the box so I can’t lose them. So far, I’ve found little Disnry “go packs” with stickers, colors and a mini color book for the drive, they come in Mickey, Minnie, & Princess for 0.97 at WalMart, as well as Princess 3in1 body wash, shampoo & conditioner for 0.97 at WalMart. I’ve even found a few Disney outfits on clearance!
kelli says
I got the exact same Disney Go Pack for my little one, plus at the dollar store i found princess crayons and mickey/minnie coloring books…. But where did you find the princess 3in1 body wash,shampoo and conditioner?
Brandi says
I’m sure every Walmart is different, but I found the 3in1 wash in the Easter section. They have a lot of different Disney themed things and these were on the bottom shelf.
Jennifer says
how are u getting items free? From asking company for coupons etc or the the b uy one get one etc. OR if you happen to have a good deal w a cp. Im in Florida so no double cp. But, I find it very hard to get anywhere near some of deals some of you get. :( I need to soo bad
Michele says
Hi Jennifer,
This is Michele from the pictures Kristen posted. There’s not a store in my town that doubles coupons either so I miss out on some deals. However, I’m able to get plenty of other free or almost free items by checking Kristen’s posts and store matchups. I’m also able to get lots of free samples through allyou.com. I do write companies and several have sent me coupons for free items (or reduced). Just keep an eye on Kristen’s site and you should be able to pick up some great bargains!
Have a Disney Day,
Michele
Brittany says
Thats a good idea! Right now I have a shopping bag and 4 target plastic bags filled with stuff for our Disney trip in May!! I can’t wit..only 50 days!!!
Jennifer Cottrell says
I use the laundry basket idea for packing food treats mostly. Then I have the basket when I get there for dirty laundry. However pre-packing stage, I use a laundry basket to throw my items in so I don’t misplace them around the house. I keep it in a visible place and I can look through it and remind myself what is left to find/purchase or acquire before leaving on the trip.
Tonia says
Teresa,
I got ours at Walmart for about $5/ each. If you have a Target I would check their $1 section. Now should be a good time to get them.
Lisa says
I started couponing last May, just about the time we started getting things ready for my DD to go to college. I did this same thing and by the time she left at the end of August she had more than enough supplies. Now when she comes home to visit she tells me she needs to go “shopping” in the basement.
Teresa M. says
Any idea where I can purchase affordable spray/fan bottles for our trip in TWO WEEKS!!! Thanks!
Kim says
I got my spray bottle fan at Walmart for $5 – Like the PP said! Just make sure you have batteries and a spare set as well. My friend actually left her fan on her carriage – and someone STOLE her BATTERIES while she was on a ride! Seriously. Left the fan. Took the batteries. Crazy.
Jeanette says
Check your local warehouse (bj’s, Costco, sams club) if you’re a member. I was able to find a 2 pack on clearance for $8.97. Or perhaps Five Below.. Christmas Tree Shop and of course Walmart.. I was able to find cool towel wraps at Five Below for a great price (yoga section)
Good luck on your bargain hunting… have lots and lots of fun on your vacation!
Celia says
The 99 cent store has spray bottles with Dan 1.99.
Sarah says
I love packing items in a laundry basket, it’s an added bonus at the resort to have the basket to do laundry as needed!
Colleen Boehm says
Check out http://www.disboards.com…they already have packing lists made up. Some of the dis designers (men and women who just like to design things and then share them on the disboards) have made SUPER cute lists…and they are all free!
Colleen Boehm says
OK, let’s try that website again so it will work!
http://www.disboards.com
Lisa says
I have a “box” type wicker basket that I always set out about a month before I go away on trips and I just stick stuff in it when I buy it or when I think of it or come across it in the house. This helps so much. I also keep all my travel sizes together so it’s easy to grab what I need for a weekend trip.
katie says
I have a “travel box” that has all of my travel sized toiletry type items then I have a plastic drawer for my disney things (glo sticks, trinkets, etc) Although, our original plan was to go in october so I have a bunch of halloween type stuff. Now we are going in March. Oh well I guess we will just have to go next October too!!
Cherie B says
I have a box with our “Tinkerbell” items (I am going to put out new shirts and a toy for each of the kids (4) then that way we can cut down on buying souvenirs. I love adding to my stash of Tinkerbell items, travel items to keep them occupied for the 10 hour ride and free personal items for our trip. Next on the list- make 4 autograph books and finish planning on what the kids will wear.
Jennifer Loucks says
I have a box that I keep everything in as I get them. This makes it so much faster to pack, when the time comes! I also have a box of things we bring back to WDW, such as hats, spray/fan bottles, etc. That way I always know where they are.
Julie Isbell says
what a great idea! right now i have a disney recycle tote that i have been using to stash the free or $1.00 items in for our upcoming trip! i have included travel size items – toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorante, razors, shampoos, even small rolls of toilet paper for the times when a stall might be out! i have quite the little stash going! will be great to just throw the bottles away and not have to bring stuff home! thanks for the great saving tips!