What do you wish you packed... what do you wish you didn't.

[daisyyy]

We still have several weeks before our trip, the ADRs are done, and I have nothing else to do but start wondering about what to pack. I hate to overpack.. especially with the airlines charging for extra bags. I want to consolidate, and bring the minimal, but I don't want to be sorry that I didn't pack ........ (fill in the blank). We're going in Sept... I refuse to do laundry on my vacation, so forget about suggesting washing during the week to save on luggage space. We will also have 1 in diapers this trip, so diapers will take up a lot of space. (I've got to try and figure out how many to bring for the week??? I would just rather not bring what I don't need.. But, I hate to get there and wish I had something. A few years ago we went and only brought the shoes on our feet... and of course, the first day there, my daughter fell asleep in her stroller, and lost one sneaker... and had to walk around with only one .. of course we looked in all the gift shops and finally found a pair of sneakers the next day in down town disney. lucky they had one pair left in her size in the back room. that would have been bad if they didn't have any. So.. now we'll make sure they have one extra pair of shoes.

[imprimouse]

if you have transportation off property you could buy diapers/etc..locally to save space

[Amor4Pooh]

I recommend packing what you think you will need for clothes, and then taking out half and narrowing it down to only what you know you will definitely use.
Hope this helps.
Amor4Pooh

[RainbowWit]

Get a delivery service for the Diapers, like gardengrocer or WeGoSHop. It's a great idea for cases of water and snacks too.

Make sure you "stuff" your shoes with assorted things to save room.

I am glad I packed, a 3 outlet extender. Never enought outlets in the room unless you stay deluxe.

I am very glad I pack a good rotation of shoes, stuff for DD to do in lines (a 20Q ball was a lifesaver), body glide, and plenty of ADVIL!

I wish I didn't pack a pop up hamper, so much first aid stuff, so many tshirts (kept going back to tanks), large misting fans.

WHat I am GOING to pack this time, glow sticks, extra socks, mini misters, and MORE MONEY!

[gratton16]

You can also ship the diapers and other things down before you leave so you dont have to worry about carrying extra luggage. There is a post on the baord that gives you all of the info and addresses to ship to. If I can find it again I will PM it to you. We usually pack boxes of cereal in our suitcases but this time we will have a car for a day..specifically just to go food shopping at Walmart. I guess that is another option for you. Good luck and have fun!

[WillCAD]

Having been to WDW so many times, I have a pretty good handle on what I need and what I don't. But there are a few things I have found that I needed and didn't have over the years (which are now part of my standard packing list):

* Mini sewing kit. I've had bags, luggage, and other stuff start to unravel on me during a trip, and buying a new one for a simple loose thread seems dumb, particularly at the inflated prices in Orlando. With a mini sewing kit tucked into my toiletries bag, I can easily make temporary repairs to most of my gear or clothing that will last until I get home and can either permanently repair the item or replace it at the lower prices found at home.

* Cord for my sunglasses. At WDW, you walk in and out of buildings 20 or 30 times a day as you visit attractions, shop, get food, and use the bathroom. Having a cord for your sunglasses gives you a convenient and safe place to store them when not in use, and makes it quicker and easier to get them on or off.

* Pocket-size notebook and pencil. Even if you don't take trip notes or keep a trip journal, having something to write with is extremely useful. I also fill out some of my itinerary in the book ahead of time so I know things like confirmation numbers, times, locations, flight numbers, etc. It's also good for writing down URLs for fellow Guests whom you want to introduce to the DIS or AllEarsNet or MouseSavers, or give out your email address, or if you have digital photos you want to share with others or vice versa.

* Pocket-size pill box stocked with common meds that you and your family use. Ibuprofin for headaches, Prilosec or Zantrac for heartburn (a must for those on the Dining Plan!) a roll of Roll-Aids or Tums, any allergy or sinus meds, and some Immodium and chewable Pepto tabs, are all kept in my pocket box at all times on vacation. Any prescription meds you need should also be kept on hand.

* Lens cleaning cloth. This handy item is good not only for cameras and camcorders, but also for sunglasses and prescription eyewear.

* Small, basic first-aid kit (kept in room). Sometimes I get blisters or minor scrapes or cuts while on vacation, and a few Band-Aids of my favorite variety (flexible fabric) and some Neosporin antibiotic ointment goes a long way toward keeping me comfortable. Sure, you can buy that stuff in the resort gift shop, but at those prices, I'll pack a few in my toiletries bag from home just on principal.

* Nail care kit. Nothing is more uncomfortable or downright painful than a hangnail - on either fingers or toes - that you can't clip off because you don't have clippers and a file. A hangnail on a toe can easily push you into agony after walking 5-7 miles a day in the parks.

[dyna]

Yes small manicure set got mine years ago at the Everything a Dollar store. It did not come with tweezers I stuck a pair in there anyway.

Small folding sissors usually find them at walfart they like a dollar a pair it's amazing what they will cut an they always used for something.

I still pack them but I've yet to need a bandaid at disney in more than 30 visits. Wait DH did end up using a couple on the way home he should have been using them sooner he burned leg on harley pipe 1st day he used my big bandaids the kind like for a huge scrape on knee.

We usually end up taking to many clothes next time I stay offsite with a washer an dryer inside my rental I'm taking 3 changes of clothes....wait that will be in Dec so 3 summer an 3 winter changes of clothing.

I usually end up with more shampoo an tolietries than we need too

[jinia]

I always take to many clothes for us! I always do a laundry midway through the trip - can't stand the sweaty clothes looking at me.
I shouldn't bring quite as many first-aid meds with me. Last time the only thing we needed I hadn't packed and had the pharmacy deliver it at a very resonable price. Next time I will only pack the basics for first aid.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

What I WISHED I would pack? A coffee pot and some good coffee!!

Long about I got a red nylon zippered pouch and made a travel first aid kit, neosporin, band aids, ROLAIDS, moleskin, small sizzors, travel sized asprin, motrin, etc. etc. throw it in the suitcase! Replenish it as necessary! Sunblock goes in plastic bag!

Clothing, again, since I travel for work a lot, DW got me the space bags and it helps packing.

one of the "tricks that I learned, and it only takes a few minutes of planning, is to "lay out" each days park outfit (shorts, shirt, unders, socks and so forth)

we only take half for the days we are at the park, as we have a "down" day at the resort, where I do laundry, and DW relaxes. (only takes a hour or so) then we just go where we want with no schedule.

[Magical Mama]

I have always packed too many clothes, we end up buying shirts at WDW and then we don't need the ones that we packed! :rotfl:

If you have little ones, a nightlight is wonderful to pack!

I also like to pack the shower organizer (can be bought at the Dollar Store) and then use it to keep toiletries in to avoid cluttering the counter space.

We shipped a package down last year before we went filled with diapers, wipes, juice boxes, snacks, and other misc items to save from luggage charges.

[DISNEYNV]

We still have several weeks before our trip, the ADRs are done, and I have nothing else to do but start wondering about what to pack. I hate to overpack.. especially with the airlines charging for extra bags. I want to consolidate, and bring the minimal, but I don't want to be sorry that I didn't pack ........ (fill in the blank). We're going in Sept... I refuse to do laundry on my vacation, so forget about suggesting washing during the week to save on luggage space. We will also have 1 in diapers this trip, so diapers will take up a lot of space. (I've got to try and figure out how many to bring for the week??? I would just rather not bring what I don't need.. But, I hate to get there and wish I had something. A few years ago we went and only brought the shoes on our feet... and of course, the first day there, my daughter fell asleep in her stroller, and lost one sneaker... and had to walk around with only one .. of course we looked in all the gift shops and finally found a pair of sneakers the next day in down town disney. lucky they had one pair left in her size in the back room. that would have been bad if they didn't have any. So.. now we'll make sure they have one extra pair of shoes.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:That is so funny that you mentioned the lost shoe! My DS lost his sneaker somewhere in DHS as well. We had to buy Crocs at the Boardwalk Resort store! We had extras at our hotel but not with us at the time either. I always pack two pair of shoes for each of us as well as their Crocs or water shoes. I also recommend bringing a light jacket and rain ponchos just in case. Other than that and enough diapers to last a few days (just in case as well) I wouldnt worry too much. They have taxis to take you to Walmart or a local grocery store if you are really in need of something or have to pick up a prescription, etc. while on vacation. That is if you do not have your own transportation. Most of the hotels have all the little extra stuff you might have forgot...even Soy milk and baby foods are available in the resort gift shops. I would only pack the neccesary items for yourself and kids. Make sure you have those extra shoes and extra swim suits, a medicine kit with thermometer, suntan lotions, and even an extra pair of old glasses if you wear them. Dont forget IDs and the camera cards:upsidedow

Have fun!

[daisyyy]

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:That is so funny that you mentioned the lost shoe! My DS lost his sneaker somewhere in DHS as well. We had to buy Crocs at the Boardwalk Resort store! We had extras at our hotel but not with us at the time either. I always pack two pair of shoes for each of us as well as their Crocs or water shoes. I also recommend bringing a light jacket and rain ponchos just in case. Other than that and enough diapers to last a few days (just in case as well) I wouldnt worry too much. They have taxis to take you to Walmart or a local grocery store if you are really in need of something or have to pick up a prescription, etc. while on vacation. That is if you do not have your own transportation. Most of the hotels have all the little extra stuff you might have forgot...even Soy milk and baby foods are available in the resort gift shops. I would only pack the neccesary items for yourself and kids. Make sure you have those extra shoes and extra swim suits, a medicine kit with thermometer, suntan lotions, and even an extra pair of old glasses if you wear them. Dont forget IDs and the camera cards:upsidedow

Have fun!


Ha Ha... I know... The last time we went they had crocs EVERYWHERE.. but the year she lost her sneaker, was before crocs were in every gift shop.. we couldn't find anything until we went to DTD the next day.

[daisyyy]

Get a delivery service for the Diapers, like gardengrocer or WeGoSHop. It's a great idea for cases of water and snacks too.

Make sure you "stuff" your shoes with assorted things to save room.

I am glad I packed, a 3 outlet extender. Never enought outlets in the room unless you stay deluxe.

I am very glad I pack a good rotation of shoes, stuff for DD to do in lines (a 20Q ball was a lifesaver), body glide, and plenty of ADVIL!

I wish I didn't pack a pop up hamper, so much first aid stuff, so many tshirts (kept going back to tanks), large misting fans.

WHat I am GOING to pack this time, glow sticks, extra socks, mini misters, and MORE MONEY!


OHHHH... I really like the 3 outlet extender idea... :thumbsup2You are so right, we are always trying to plug all the cell phones / cameras / etc.. I am definitely getting one for this trip... I know my DH will be like.. hey this is a great idea.. and I can be like.. yeah, glad I thought of it. I am so brilliant! Then I'll tell him now aren't you glad that I DIS everyday!. :laughing:

[WDWprincessloyola]

I'm running into this problem now! As I am packing for a nine day stay at DW, we won't be doing laundry so I pack 11 outfits just in case. Ironically my clothing only takes up half the suitcase and it doesn't weigh too much at all! The problem is the toiletries! That's where all the weight comes from! Skincare (I need a lot of help with that one), haircare, teeth care, everything! I make note of what I use on a daily basis so I know what to bring.

My father asked me to cut down on the toiletries and I told him that this one time he should be thankful that 90% of his are in pill form....I have the same number of items only in liquids and creams!

I do try to keep track of how much I use in nine days prior to actually being in Disney and I keep empty bottles so I can keep a ration out just enough to get me through and then throw containers away for the trip home.

[Epcot4Me]

The other posters who mentioned medicine are right on...the first time I didn't bring any headache medicine to the park with me was also the last...SO EXPENSIVE, but it can ruin your day if you don't take it. I always take dramamine, ibuprofen, exedrine, some cough drops, eye drops, tissues, sunblock, and hand sanitizer in a little bag.

Oh, and gum. They do not sell it in Disney World anywhere, so if you are like me and like to chew it a lot, you have to be sure to bring your own:thumbsup2

I'd say I always take far too many shoes with me...I have good intentions of wearing nice shoes to dinner, but never, ever do. I also bring too much makeup and end up wearing nothing but some mascara and lipgloss every day.

Last time I went, I really wished I had packed my address book, or at least some important phone numbers...I had to take an important call from work in the MK and my phone ran out of batteries...I could have called from someone else's cell phone but didn't have the number. I had to go back to the hotel, what a waste of time.

[accountingbabe08]

[QUOTE=GRUMPY PIRATE;32778033]

Long about I got a red nylon zippered pouch and made a travel first aid kit, neosporin, band aids, ROLAIDS, moleskin, small sizzors, travel sized asprin, motrin, etc. etc. throw it in the suitcase! Replenish it as necessary! Sunblock goes in plastic bag!

QUOTE]
moleskin where in a Walmart would you find? Thanks so much

[Lori1960]

I would pack less shirts cause you will end up buying shirts there.I cant believe that your have a 1yr old and ye are not going to do laundry.I would not over pack on bandaids cause there are first aid stations at Disney World

[tinkermom23]

I had never heard of moleskin before I read the Disboards and it was a lifesaver on our last trip. But I bought it in a roll and forgot a scissor, oops! We had to cut it with a nailclipper and it was a challenge to say the least.

One thing I wish I would have brought is extra camera memory cards. :headache: Day 3 I had already filled one card and need to download onto a CD at the camera shop.

I will probably skip shampoo/conditioner for the kids & DH next trip since there is plenty in the room and they aren't picky about what they use.

I found almost all of the meds I needed to bring are available in a thin strip form which made them easier to pack for the parks and quick to use. We don't take any prescription meds so it was a cinch to pack our medications. :woohoo:

I will not pack so many toys for the kids. I thought they would need distrations on the airplane and in the room but most were never touched and it wasted packing space.

Tons of ziploc bags! I read it somewhere here and we used them all the time! :thumbsup2

[tinkerlisa]

I found almost all of the meds I needed to bring are available in a thin strip form which made them easier to pack for the parks and quick to use. We don't take any prescription meds so it was a cinch to pack our medications. :woohoo:

I will not pack so many toys for the kids. I thought they would need distrations on the airplane and in the room but most were never touched and it wasted packing space.

Tons of ziploc bags! I read it somewhere here and we used them all the time! :thumbsup2

What medicines come in the little strips? Does benadryl for kids? We always need that for DS.


I also agree on the toys. This time, we will bring my older son's handheld game(DS) and our girls can bring their iPods and for my youngest, he is 2 and NOTHING distracts him so the three hour flight will be baby wrangling between me and the hubs...:rotfl:

Ziplocs are something that I wish I had last time and will definitly bring this time.

Also, All the first aid stuf!!!! This time I will pack minimal with this. I have the antibiotic band aids instead of lugging around neosporin too. and some alcohol wipes. thats it. if someone gets hurt really bad, there is the first aid stations and of course i am sure Disney can call an ambulance if we need a hospital...

[bratmomma]

The moleskin (I know Dr Scholls make some and I am sure there are other brands as well) can be found near the pharmacy in Walmart, in the aisle with the bandaids and neosporin type products. You may also be able to find it in the foot care aisle.

It is really helpful! I've used it in the past and like the PP, I didn't have scissors and had to use nail clippers too. What a hassle!!!!!

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

[QUOTE=GRUMPY PIRATE;32778033]

Long about I got a red nylon zippered pouch and made a travel first aid kit, neosporin, band aids, ROLAIDS, moleskin, small sizzors, travel sized asprin, motrin, etc. etc. throw it in the suitcase! Replenish it as necessary! Sunblock goes in plastic bag!

QUOTE]
moleskin where in a Walmart would you find? Thanks so much

I think some previous posters were saying where to find. I got mine at a CVS in the foot care area with the foot pads etc.

I also got the "travel" meds there. The little plastic tubes of motrin, tylenol etc. they are small enough that you could carry one in your pocket at the parks, and if you use them, simply refill from a larger 'bulk" bottle later.

[WillCAD]

I had never heard of moleskin before I read the Disboards and it was a lifesaver on our last trip. But I bought it in a roll and forgot a scissor, oops! We had to cut it with a nailclipper and it was a challenge to say the least.

One thing I wish I would have brought is extra camera memory cards. :headache: Day 3 I had already filled one card and need to download onto a CD at the camera shop.

I will probably skip shampoo/conditioner for the kids & DH next trip since there is plenty in the room and they aren't picky about what they use.

I found almost all of the meds I needed to bring are available in a thin strip form which made them easier to pack for the parks and quick to use. We don't take any prescription meds so it was a cinch to pack our medications. :woohoo:

I will not pack so many toys for the kids. I thought they would need distrations on the airplane and in the room but most were never touched and it wasted packing space.

Tons of ziploc bags! I read it somewhere here and we used them all the time! :thumbsup2

Memory cards are cheap. Buy lots of them - one for each day of your trip, if possible.

I never put more than one day of pics on any single memory card. If I don't have a laptop to download and clear my cards, I take used cards out each day, even if they are not full, and put a fresh one in the camera each morning. Cards with pics on them stay in the hotel safe.

Cameras get lost and stolen, memory cards fail, camera bags get left behind, lost, and stolen, and cameras sometimes go swimming; any of these things can cause you to lose the pics on a memory card, and if pics from a whole week are on the card, you lose pics from a whole week. I prefer to split mine up so that I will never lose more than one day of pics if I have a disaster.

[MadilynnsMomma]

Memory cards are cheap. Buy lots of them - one for each day of your trip, if possible.

I never put more than one day of pics on any single memory card. If I don't have a laptop to download and clear my cards, I take used cards out each day, even if they are not full, and put a fresh one in the camera each morning. Cards with pics on them stay in the hotel safe.

Cameras get lost and stolen, memory cards fail, camera bags get left behind, lost, and stolen, and cameras sometimes go swimming; any of these things can cause you to lose the pics on a memory card, and if pics from a whole week are on the card, you lose pics from a whole week. I prefer to split mine up so that I will never lose more than one day of pics if I have a disaster.

Great Idea!!! I will surely be following this advice!

[daisyyy]

Great ideas with the memory cards... You're right, if something happened on the last day of my trip, I would be devastated if I didn't invest in extra memory cards... for a few extra bucks worth the expense.

I've never used mole skin before either... but I guess that will be something to pick up before the trip.

I never realized gum couldn't be bought... we usually bring some too... and usually a bag of the wintergreen lifesavers individually wrapped... I thow a few in my pocket, and usually after meals, it's nice to have a little mint.

What about rain gear?? do you bother packing umbrellas / ponchos? We have in the past.. but never wanted to carry them around anyway, so it's a waste! .. and luckily when it did rain it wasn't all day... fingers crossed.... and jackets.. never wear them. so I probably wont bring them.. I guess if it does get cool, we can layer, or buy a sweatshirt...

How far in advance should you ship the diapers etc. down? I guess the resorts do this all the time? I think it might be worth doing this for this trip. but, on the other hand, I'll have room in the suit case on the way home if I pack them?? Whats the chances I could potty train him in the next 2 months!! that would be great... :thumbsup2

[ZoZo]

Don't forget you can ship a box of stuff down before your arrival. Might be a great way to ship diapers and other baby stuff, since most items will be used up during your trip (and wouldn't need to be shipped back!).

After several trips over the last 10 years, here's what I think is important:

Though I'm an overpacker, I try to pack less clothing (knowing I can do laundry, if need be -- although I noticed that your post says you refuse to do laundry on vacation! I'd much rather take a "pool break" and do a load of laundry one afternoon, rather than stress about packing enough clothes. We go during a "sweaty" time of year and I often change clothes mid-day, so I go through lots of clothes!).

I would pack several options of comfortable shoes. You never know which ones will work best for you. Brought what I thought were well-broken-in shoes two trips ago, and ended up with a horrible blister. I switched to my flip flops for the rest of the trip, and was sooo glad I had them.

Bring things from home that are expensive at WDW (batteries, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, mister fan, etc.). Would rather bring from home than have to pay inflated prices.

Loved having a power strip to charge phones, camera battery, etc. Never enough easily accessed electrical outlets in hotel rooms; I always end up having to crawl around and unplug a lamp or something, to recharge my stuff.

I always bring several disposable ponchos. They're cheap (less than $1 each) and small in size, so they can be tucked into a pocket or fanny pack.

[kckmom]

Memory cards are a must, as I found out from a trip a few years ago, they sell them in only a few kiosks in MK, and they are way expensive. Don't want to lose those precious pics. Same with batteries, always run low.

We have a villa so doing laundry is great for me, don't mind it, rather go home with a suticase full of CLEAN clothes, hate leaving WDW, and if my clothes are clean when I get home it hurts less. ;)

Found out our last trip in late Sept that I didn't pack enough comfy shoes, we had rain daily and never really dried out! I will roll the clothes a little smaller this time around to fit in the suitcase, because we need to make sure the shoes are brought, with at least 2 pair of flipflops.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Memory cards are a must, as I found out from a trip a few years ago, they sell them in only a few kiosks in MK, and they are way expensive. Don't want to lose those precious pics. Same with batteries, always run low.

We have a villa so doing laundry is great for me, don't mind it, rather go home with a suticase full of CLEAN clothes, hate leaving WDW, and if my clothes are clean when I get home it hurts less. ;)

Found out our last trip in late Sept that I didn't pack enough comfy shoes, we had rain daily and never really dried out! I will roll the clothes a little smaller this time around to fit in the suitcase, because we need to make sure the shoes are brought, with at least 2 pair of flipflops.

one of the thngs we use are the spacebags, for unders, socks, and clothing that you can "shake out" they work wonders! plus we use them to "pad" the other things (DW's cosmetics barrel...errr bag, hehehheehe) and if something breaks or leaks (shampoo, etc.) your clothing is protected in the bags.

then whe we are there, the bags double as a dirty clothing bag.
(of course we wipe out and let dry after that)

[Targsmom]

walfart


:rotfl:

[reservations4five]

We always take extra shoes too for the kids- my dd lost a croc in DHS last summer sleeping in the stroller. Thankfully it was at the end of our day and we just headed back to the resort.

extra clothes are a must, especially socks

[CanadianPaco]

Extra camera batteries for sure! It kills me to have to buy more batteries inthe park when I know how cheap I can get them back home.

Ziplocs of various sizes! Right down to the snack size!

When we first went, I'd pack DD's clothes for the day in the large sized ones. One teeshirt, panties, shorts and socks. Colour coordinated and ready to go. All she had to do was go to the drawer and select a set. Then I would have another available ziploc. No fussing from her and we got a speedy morning!

I doubt DD sould still want to pack this way, the tween that she is but it was good while it lasted!:surfweb:

[tinkermom23]

What medicines come in the little strips? Does benadryl for kids? We always need that for DS.l...

I have seen the Benadryl Quick Dissolve Strips but I don't remember if it was in child-dose or not. We don't use it but I am sure I have seen it. :confused3
Good Luck!

[WillCAD]

When I travel, I take one of these with me for my various chargers and electronics:
http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=4220

It's small and light, and works great for my laptop various battery chargers, though I could use one with a few more outlets.

Since it has a very short cord, I have also started taking a 10' extension cord to reach those hidden wall sockets.

[daisyyy]

When I travel, I take one of these with me for my various chargers and electronics:
http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=4220

It's small and light, and works great for my laptop various battery chargers, though I could use one with a few more outlets.

Since it has a very short cord, I have also started taking a 10' extension cord to reach those hidden wall sockets.


Where do you get one of those?



Well.... maybe it would be worth it to do a load of wash once during the trip... some of you guys have guilted me into thinking I should do it... You're right, besides the saving room in my luggage, I wont have to bring home a weeks worth smelly sweaty clothes... and I might feel better about it when I'm packing to come home... Knowing I don't have a weeks worth of laundry for 6 people! :scared1: So... have any of you tried those Purex Laundry sheets? (they have the detergent / fabric softener in one sheet.. you toss in the wash, and transfer it to the dryer) any good? those would be easy to pack.

[AKL_Megs]

We always pack WAY too many shirts.

This past trip, my DH was SURE he'd use all 15 shirts that he packed for our 5-day trip.

Yeah, no... he probably wore only 7 of the 15. 8 extra shirts is a lot of weight when you are limited to 50lbs. Next trip, it's going to be 1 shirt per day, and 2 extras.

I would much rather spend $4 and an hour washing a load of shirts than worrying about, lugging around, packing and unpacking extra clothes! And if all else fails, it's a great reason to buy a Disney World shirt!!!

[delaneyc52]

Ahhh the beauty of DVC. It's just myself and hubby these days, but it's so nice to pack very light and have that washer/dryer in the room.:thumbsup2

I really feel for and give a hat's off to all you mom's who have to pack for the family - but I do tend to agree that one night to do a wash vs. heavy luggage is worth it. Before my DVC days, hubby and I would take the kids to the pool in the evening while I threw a wash in. It didn't feel like we were missing anything and gave us a chance to relax, talk about the day we had, and plans for tomorrow (drink a little wine :) It was family bonding time and time away from park chaos.

For those of you who go every year (or more), I keep a nice little file on my laptop's desktop and when I think of something, I add it. I no longer have to make a new list every year and it makes my packing a lot less stressful without worries of what I may have forgotten!

[daisyyy]

Ahhh the beauty of DVC. It's just myself and hubby these days, but it's so nice to pack very light and have that washer/dryer in the room.:thumbsup2

I really feel for and give a hat's off to all you mom's who have to pack for the family - but I do tend to agree that one night to do a wash vs. heavy luggage is worth it. Before my DVC days, hubby and I would take the kids to the pool in the evening while I threw a wash in. It didn't feel like we were missing anything and gave us a chance to relax, talk about the day we had, and plans for tomorrow (drink a little wine :) It was family bonding time and time away from park chaos.

For those of you who go every year (or more), I keep a nice little file on my laptop's desktop and when I think of something, I add it. I no longer have to make a new list every year and it makes my packing a lot less stressful without worries of what I may have forgotten!

Does DVC come with someone to do the wash for you? If so.. count me in..:thumbsup2
wishful thinkin'... So... besides wine... whats on the list??? :rotfl::lmao::rotfl:

[delaneyc52]

Daisyy! Actually my list is a list for an individual woman. I no longer pack for family (kids are grown) and hubby is on his own (how does he get it all in a carry on?). However, other than clothes and cosmetics, I do have a couple of unique items...including that corkscrew ;)

Pool noodle. It actually fits in my luggage and is extremely light. Not all resorts sell them and I need my pool noodle. I only do this when I use Magical Express and not rent a car. Same for the wine. I do a "girls" Disney trip at least once a year without a rental car. Before the trip we did a "Tour de Franzia" which every wine snob (sarcasm) knows is a boxed wine...one I don't particularly like. So it came to pass that it was our sad mission to test all box wines. The winner of white wine was Corbett Canyon Pinot Grigio-Chenin Blanc. No red wine could pass muster. We'd bite the bullet and buy red at the general store or Epcot. Other items..are chargers for all the electronics, face calming lotion (I'm Irish heritage), hat for pool (burnt head...darn Irish stuff again); beach bag to put all pool stuff in; workout clothes; coffee (Disney coffee is awful); travel mugs for coffee because the room coffee cups get coffee cold too quickly; my plastic Nemo cups to get wine/beer to the hot tub at night; my Hidden Mickey Book; Purell or Wet Wipes -pandemic flu =/; Tide Stick; Purex 3 in 1 washer/dryer sheets; and when in Vero Beach the fold up beach chair....and don't forget the cork screw. Not necessarily exciting or unique things...but the point is that an individual "master" list will just save some vacation anxiety!

[delaneyc52]

Oh forgot one more...my Big River Grille rewards card. Love to sit on that Boardwalk!

[daisyyy]

Before the trip we did a "Tour de Franzia" which every wine snob (sarcasm) knows is a boxed wine...

:lmao:

Oh thanks,,, I have to look for our hidden mickey book.. I forgot we had one, and remember they liked it last time.. helped pass time on line.

[3mickeymom]

I didn't see this mentioned, but if you are bringing your own stroller, throw a rain cover in the basket. It rained everyday on our trip and I was glad the baby didn't have to sit in a soggy stroller.

[evemomma]

Ok new, lurked before I went on my trip and just got back. Here's what I was soooooo glad I brought (keep in mind this was in the HEAT of summer!):

1) Mister fans...my neice and nephew carried them across their bodies and provided us with essential cooling while waiting in lines.

2) Like someone else just mentioned: stroller rain cover....so nice not to have a soaking wet strollet after the daily afternoon summer rain shower.

3) Pill container with tylenol, excedrin migraine, tums, antigas, immondium AD, and senokot (I guess my fam has tummy probs...lol!). At least one of my fam members was in need for each of these things on our trip.

4) Band-aids!

5) Small wet wipes case (used for sticky fingers, sweaty brows, etc).

6) Two hats a person (they got so sweaty and gross).

What I didn't need but brought anyway:

1) earplugs just in case my ds was scared in the loud shows (he wasn't)
2) pipe cleaners for ds to play with in line at rides (forgot I had them)
3) ponchos...we lucked out and got inside or went back to the hotel before the downpours...still glad we had the ponchos just in case

What I forgot/or didn't bring but wish I would've:

1) Cell phone charger....duh!!!!!
2) Light-up toy from home (had a buzz lightyear fan but forgot it, duh again)
3) Extra small and large ziplock bags: never underestimate the convenience of these things!
4) insulated sippy cup for my ds...I bought one especially for disney and then left it at home. Oh yeah, and the free water is DISGUSTING! Should've brought some crystal light packets.

[daisyyy]

I think the rain cover for the stroller is a great idea... hadn't thought of that.. last time we went we had a soaked stroller... luckily, the sun did come out and dry it, but I wish I had a cover....

Same thing with the tummy items... I know my DH will complain about one of those issues after the buffets... :lmao:

I did think about the misting fans.. but I know I'll end up carrying them... if I don't bring it, I know they'll want it.. if i do bring it.. they will make me carry it. But I remember when my girls were little they actually put ice in them from the restaurants.. and would squirt it in their mouths... I guess it was ok.. sounds gross, but they're still around.. no harm.. plus it helped keep them hydrated.. so I guess it will be worth it..

Oh.. and last time we brought our pal mickey.. they loved it for a few days, but then I ended up carrying him,,,, I know they discontinued selling him, but I'm assuming he will still work?? anyone confirm this?

[tinkerlisa]

[QUOTE=daisyyy;32871974]I think the rain cover for the stroller is a great idea... hadn't thought of that.. last time we went we had a soaked stroller... luckily, the sun did come out and dry it, but I wish I had a cover....

Same thing with the tummy items... I know my DH will complain about one of those issues after the buffets... :lmao:
QUOTE]



I love my stroller cover...Saved my son from looking like a drowned rat many times!

I always carry tummy stuff with me....Unfortunatly I didnt when we went to D.C. last spring and my sister threw up outside the golden corral in PA!:rotfl2:

[brivers222]

i would for sure not pack my ex-MIL again... and thankfull being an ex... i wont have to!!!!! :)

[MadilynnsMomma]

i would for sure not pack my ex-MIL again... and thankfull being an ex... i wont have to!!!!! :)

:lmao:

[pgumiela]

I agree on the stroller cover, it rained on our stroller while we were on a ride maybe three times last Sept. The cover saved out DS from a wet soggy backside and kept our bags dry.

Batteries - if your camera uses AA or AAA buy the rechargables! Cameras suck the life out of batteries so quick, the energizer ones are not that expensive(I think 10.00 for 4?), and if you get two or three sets for your camera you can have one set charging back at your room and an extra set on you at the park then just change out every night/morning.

I did have too many outfits for the kids, but I have two boys and they are so messy sometimes. And I can't do laundry on vacation, it just doesn't seem right, maybe DH could do laundry:laughing:.

I liked having a pop up hamper, ours fits perfectly into the bottom of the suitcase and takes up almost no space in the suitcase. Then for the week I didn't have dirty clothes piling up in the bathroom or around the beds.

Wish I had - a hanging organizer, a suction cup toothbrush holder thing to stick on the mirror so our toothbrushers were not laying around, a refridgerator(we are driving this year and are thinking about taking our own minifridge - is that crazy, does anyone else cart around their own fridge?)

[Pally*Wally]

I didn't see this mentioned, but if you are bringing your own stroller, throw a rain cover in the basket. It rained everyday on our trip and I was glad the baby didn't have to sit in a soggy stroller.

Where is the best place to find one? That is a great tip, thank you:)

[pgumiela]

Where is the best place to find one? That is a great tip, thank you:)

We got ours at Babies R Us, I think that they had maybe three of four to choose from to best fit your stroller. They also had them on their website.

[mcvixen]

This might have been mentioned - a collapsible laundry hamper. It's a small thing, but boy, did it ever help me keep things tidy!

[btcrane]

popcorn::

[Dani C]

Something you might want to add are emergency chargers (for both cell phone and ipod) and batteries (AA) for the chargers to take with you into the parks.

[Pally*Wally]

We got ours at Babies R Us, I think that they had maybe three of four to choose from to best fit your stroller. They also had them on their website.

Thank you:)

[nothnbutherainsir]

I like to bring one of our laptops so we can load pictures from each day onto it. If you don't have a laptop to bring I highly suggest more memory cards! I'm lucky enough to have an extra battery from another camera that fits mine so I always bring that too!

Edit: I should also add that we take a flashdrive to back-up the pictures on.

I also had joined a coffee pot/fridge swap but we didn't really use either! If you do bring a coffee pot or join a swap remember filters! We forgot them and couldn't find any anywhere! We ended up using some paper towels and it was a mess!

[nothnbutherainsir]

What about rain gear?? do you bother packing umbrellas / ponchos?

We grab some of those plastic ponchos from the dollar store. They fit nicely in a bag (if you carry one in the parks) and they can be re-used but you can also toss them after your trip.

I agree with the power strip idea too. Last trip we stayed at POP and all of the outlets were in odd places and some of our plugged in stuff didn't stay in them because they were crappy outlets!

Oh and if you don't want to pay for Ziplocks or buy as many you can always grab a roll of small trash bags. Those work great too and I always have a hair band to seal them up!

We don't do laundry when we go to WDW but we did do it when we took another vacation a few months ago and I was glad we did because we're the kind of people who don't unpack right away. It was nice when we finally decided to put away our clothes because that's really all we had to do.

I agree, as well, with the whole "don't pack so many clothes" thing because last year I ended up packing 8 outfits (went for 7 days) and wore 2 pair of shorts and maybe 4 different shirts.

[nothnbutherainsir]

Batteries - if your camera uses AA or AAA buy the rechargables! Cameras suck the life out of batteries so quick, the energizer ones are not that expensive(I think 10.00 for 4?), and if you get two or three sets for your camera you can have one set charging back at your room and an extra set on you at the park then just change out every night/morning.


Wish I had - a hanging organizer, a suction cup toothbrush holder thing to stick on the mirror so our toothbrushers were not laying around, a refridgerator(we are driving this year and are thinking about taking our own minifridge - is that crazy, does anyone else cart around their own fridge?)


Don't forget to charge them! I was too lazy to get up and stick my battery in the charger and I fell asleep before I could remember and I was so mad at myself the next day when my camera died! Thankfully my husband had his camera as a back-up!

We like to buy those toothbrush caps that you can get in the travel section of Target (or any store for that matter). I was thankful we brought those because our Mousekeeper didn't keep our room clean and the toothbrushes ended up getting knocked off and into things!

[daisyyy]

i would for sure not pack my ex-MIL again... and thankfull being an ex... i wont have to!!!!! :)

Depends on where you pack her.. :thumbsup2
I know where I'd pack mine.... (no.. I shouldn't say that.. god will strike me dead... I like my MIL).. ;)

OK... I've picked up a bunch of tips... many things I haven't thought of, and some I've already gone out to purchase and pack even though I've got a month and a 1/2 before we leave... but keep em coming...
colapsible hamper.. great idea!.. at least .. even if I don't do the laundry that week.. all of the dirty clothes will be in one tidy spot.. not all over our already crowded room..

[jad215]

Instead of a collapsable hamper I bought these laundry bags for the two of us (blue and pink) from the online Disney store, but it's just me and DBF and no kids so this works out better for us, plus should be easier to carry to the laundry room. Just wanted to throw another option out there.

http://www.disneystore.com/disney/store/DSISearch?Searchstr=laundry+bag&storeId=10051&catalogId=10002&categoryId=11776&langId=-1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&N=0&Nu=pProductID&Nr=OR%28pStoreID%3A10051%2CpStoreID%3A10601%2CpSto reID%3A10052%29&Ntk=All_Shopping&Ntt=laundry+bag&selectedOption=All+of+Disney+Store&D=laundry+bag&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Dr=OR%28pStoreID%3A10051%2CpStoreID%3A10601%2CpSto reID%3A10052%29&Dn=0&lid=search_submit