Packing for 3, what would you leave at home?

Pookles · Nov 29, 2015

When I started planning our trip to WDW 5 months ago I was very excited. I immediately began stockpiling all of the useful items I came across in various posts, ultimate packing lists and videos and now I have quite a collection.

The list is long, medicines and first aid stuff, Disney t-shirts and socks, play packs for keeping kiddos entertained, glow sticks, night lights for room, lanyards, pins for trading from ebay and autograph book, (have to be prepared tho my son will have no interest in either, not sure why I insisted) LED candles for fun, room spray to scent up the place and create a memory, Lysol wipes, antibacterial wipes and gel, a shoe rack, a hanging shelf rack, some hangers, extension cords, folding baskets for room organization, various bubble baths, string lights and decorations for room, and all of those stuffed animal for in room surprises.

And don't forget the new Wookie backpack with R2D2 lunch tote and stormtrooper coin purse, filled with stuff my son doesn't need but in my excitement I thought would be really fun, themed snacks, astronaut ice cream (why?) tattoos, crayons and stickers, more glow lights (I bought separate themed ones for each park)...most of it Star Wars themed with toys to match when our son has no idea yet what it is...including light sabers for all 3 of us.

Last night I was trying to find a spot for the big bag of candy I thought for some reason we'd want...uh, we don't really eat candy at home, why would I start? Especially with turkey legs and cupcakes around every turn? It came to me that I don't actually have to bring this all with me. I had the best of intentions, but I'm second guessing myself now. Especially since all the stuff I've gathered already fills a suitcase. And then there's all the clothes (have to pack for cold and warm weather) and shoes, the electronics and extra batteries, AND all the items we do actually need, as well as our big bag of snacks/breakfasts.

I've already decided that big bag of candy is going to work with me instead, but if it were you, what else would you leave at home?

3Gsandme · Nov 29, 2015

You know, sometimes I think there is some crazy one upmanship that goes on here at the DIS. I wouldn't bring half of the stuff you mentioned bringing and I think the "must pack" lists are super bloated. Lysol? Room spray? LED candles? That's just crazy talk. If you're flying, why on earth would you pay to bring that with you? And, in our car real estate is limited so I wouldn't waste our space on that either. I have never needed lysol in a hotel room and if I did, I'd be demanding another room.

We stick to the basics. Clothes. Reasonable toiletries (with a nod to things like benedryl and motrin). ONE backpack of extras for each kid. Orlando isn't some third world country where, if you forget your deodorant it cannot be had. It can.

Allison · Nov 29, 2015

I don't see a need for a lot of it. You are at Disney. Room spray isn't going to make a memory. LED candles, night lights, shoe rack, hangers, bubble bath, stuffed animals, folding baskets, string lights, Star Wars toys-no to all of it.

3Gsandme · Nov 29, 2015

Additionally, you can bring a million glow sticks, but your kid is STILL going to want that light up toy they're selling from the carts before the parades...

Alesia · Nov 29, 2015

I would bring clothes, toiletries, and basic first aid supplies. The rest of that list is just junk you're going to wish you hadn't brought.

Pookles · Nov 29, 2015

It all seemed innocent and fun until I did the trial pack and realized what I had. Thankfully all the kids stuff can be split between the 6 cousins, so while unnecessary, it can get used. But the LED candles in addition to the 2 nightlights (why?) and Christmas lights? I probably would have been better off packing at the last minute and making a dash to the dollar store for a couple things.

Baklava · Nov 29, 2015

Pookles said:
When I started planning our trip to WDW 5 months ago I was very excited. I immediately began stockpiling all of the useful items I came across in various posts, ultimate packing lists and videos and now I have quite a collection.

The list is long, medicines and first aid stuff, Disney t-shirts and socks, play packs for keeping kiddos entertained, glow sticks, night lights for room, lanyards, pins for trading from ebay and autograph book, (have to be prepared tho my son will have no interest in either, not sure why I insisted) LED candles for fun, room spray to scent up the place and create a memory, Lysol wipes, antibacterial wipes and gel, a shoe rack, a hanging shelf rack, some hangers, extension cords, folding baskets for room organization, various bubble baths, string lights and decorations for room, and all of those stuffed animal for in room surprises.

And don't forget the new Wookie backpack with R2D2 lunch tote and stormtrooper coin purse, filled with stuff my son doesn't need but in my excitement I thought would be really fun, themed snacks, astronaut ice cream (why?) tattoos, crayons and stickers, more glow lights (I bought separate themed ones for each park)...most of it Star Wars themed with toys to match when our son has no idea yet what it is...including light sabers for all 3 of us.

Last night I was trying to find a spot for the big bag of candy I thought for some reason we'd want...uh, we don't really eat candy at home, why would I start? Especially with turkey legs and cupcakes around every turn? It came to me that I don't actually have to bring this all with me. I had the best of intentions, but I'm second guessing myself now. Especially since all the stuff I've gathered already fills a suitcase. And then there's all the clothes (have to pack for cold and warm weather) and shoes, the electronics and extra batteries, AND all the items we do actually need, as well as our big bag of snacks/breakfasts.

I've already decided that big bag of candy is going to work with me instead, but if it were you, what else would you leave at home?

My choices to take along are in green. To be fair, there is hand sanitizer in my purse, so maybe I should have tagged that too. FFS- extension cords? What exactly do we imagine we'll be needing extension cords for?

Depending on the length of your travel, there may be a need for a play pack. We are putting an active 5 year old on a 6-7 hour flight. We're providing stuff for her to do. That's rational.

You fell into the Dis Pit of Quicksand Cray-Cray. It's okay. We've all done it once or twice and several of us know the way out. Step this way...

Allison · Nov 29, 2015

Hey, at least you realized you had too much stuff. Have a great time.

Pookles · Nov 29, 2015

I'm going to have to do a quick pack of essentials and see how much that comes out to for the three of us. I should have only added in a few things in addition to what I'd normally bring on a trip. This is our first Disney trip and our first family trip away from home for more than a couple of nights. I didn't want to forget anything and I wanted to try and make it as comfortable for us as possible.

DisneyWishes14 · Nov 29, 2015

We bring clothes and toiletries and I bring a foldable bag that I use to pack all the stuff we pick up along the way (souvenirs, etc). If you get sick or need band aids they have them there. They also sell toys, coloring books and light up toys. You don't need room spray, christmas lights, led lights, shoe racks, storage bins, etc. I usually pack half of what we need and spend one evening doing laundry. If you forget anything, WDW has everything you could possibly need right there. Seriously, less is more, as you will most likely be accumulating things as you vacation and you'll need extra room to bring those things home.

loves to dive · Nov 29, 2015

I agree with everyone else. I pack enough clothes for the trip (I don't do laundry on vacation nor do I wear the same shirt two days, I will wear a pair of shorts/pants two times or a sundress twice) at least two pairs of shoes (your feet will thank you) basic medicines like pain relievers, antacids, benydril) a hanging toiletry bag with the usual deoderant, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, comb, face cream, sunscreen, hair ties. A tote bag that goes in the suitcase for things bought that aren't going to fit in the suitcase. I drive down so I take car snacking foods but don't take any other food, I discovered a long time ago it doesn't get consumed and either has to come home to get thrown out. When my kid was young we did not travel with toys, kid was going to DW after all why would he need toys he was usually fast asleep when his head hit the bed. I take a carry on size bag for 5 nights plus another tote bag for my laptop/tablet, kindle, GPS that I don't leave in my car. I will admit I take an extra purse, if I'm wearing sundresses I have to carry a small crossbody and according to the weather that may to be a little bigger cross body. I also take a candle for the bathroom because I have a grown son, you figure it out. Dirty clothes either go back in the bottom of the suitcase or in the laundry bag in the room.

Babydreamz · Nov 29, 2015

Believe me when I say I used to pack all that and then some. Shlep a suitcase full of junk there and back unused. Live and learn. Only clothing and toiletries from now on. We buy as we need.

scdak · Nov 29, 2015

Pookles said:
It all seemed innocent and fun until I did the trial pack and realized what I had. Thankfully all the kids stuff can be split between the 6 cousins, so while unnecessary, it can get used. But the LED candles in addition to the 2 nightlights (why?) and Christmas lights? I probably would have been better off packing at the last minute and making a dash to the dollar store for a couple things.

Are the 6 cousins going? If so, you could pack all the kid type stuff in a box and mail it down to the resort, thus allowing all your hard bought treasure/fun shopping to not be in vain but you wouldn't have to find room to pack it in suitcases. Just a thought

A small amount of meds and first aid supplies - yes, maybe a couple of doses of meds you think you might need in the middle of the night until you could get more, a few bandaids of various sizes/neosporin again just in case you need it until you can get more. I travel with a 7 day pill box of "as needed" meds - I write the name and dose schedule on the bottom of each bin with a sharpie - off the top of my head I think there is Dramamine, Immodium, Benadryl, Tylenol, Motrin and 2 of my prescription meds - that pretty much covers vomiting, diarrhea, allergic reaction/seasonal allergies, fever/pain and its maybe 6-7 inches long and 1 inch wide.

Now, I do use a night light for safety (MINE) but rather than one that plugs in the wall i buy the little battery "tea lights" (usually 2/$1 at a Dollar Tree etc) and elevate them on a glass in front of the bathroom mirror - instant night light, takes up little space and they last a long time since we turn them off in the daytime. We used them 24/7 on our last trip as decorations in fall glassware and they lasted about 3-4 days each.

I never leave home without extension cord and power strip - and they are always used, think about how much you have to charge and plug in and decide - most rooms have plenty of plugs but not always where I need one!

Shoe rack, hanging shelf - I don't use them at home, no reason for me to bring them with me. I do travel with a multipocket shoe bag that goes over a door when I am staying some place for over a week - but it holds almost everything we could ever want or need for the bathroom and keeps the counter neat. It also holds the extra meds (as long as its out of reach of your child of course), the first aid supplies, ponchos (when we bring them), brushes/combs, perfume bottles etc.

Have a great trip, make plenty of memories, take lots of pictures, treasure your time with your family!

Pookles · Nov 30, 2015

I'm thankfully able to laugh as I read the responses...or rather seeing my list of items repeated back to me, now sounding like overkill when read with the partially mocking tone in my head. My sister, who has been to WDW numerous times and has 3 children to my 1 was telling me that she's wanting to pack everything into one large carry-on. Snacks/breakfasts included. Meanwhile I'm adding more and more each week to the list of items to pack.

I will probably keep half of it. The over the door shoe rack, maybe a folding basket or two...to keep things neat. The medicines, Lysol, wipes etc are mostly to make us feel like we have any control over getting sick but honestly as a doc on the DIS pointed out it's the recirculated air on the planes...which I agree with as it always seems it's the plane itself that does me in. Our son hasn't been sick much in his life and I'm worried we'll have the first biggie on this trip. However, he puts his hands all over every public restroom surface so maybe he's built up an immunity?

Since we are bringing food tho I'm also skipping the extra folding luggage. We will make space as we eat breakfasts and snacks.

And the bubble bath is staying home, as are the lightsabers. Thankfully some of this will work double duty for stocking stuffers!

Alesia · Nov 30, 2015

Pookles said:
The medicines, Lysol, wipes etc are mostly to make us feel like we have any control over getting sick but honestly as a doc on the DIS pointed out it's the recirculated air on the planes...which I agree with as it always seems it's the plane itself that does me in. Our son hasn't been sick much in his life and I'm worried we'll have the first biggie on this trip. However, he puts his hands all over every public restroom surface so maybe he's built up an immunity?

I have never, ever disinfected anything while on vacation and we have never gotten sick on vacation. I do bring a travel size bottle of hand sanitizer, but that's for getting sharpie out of things. I bring a couple of doses of basic medications - ibuprofen, midol, cold & sinus medicine, pepto bismol tablets, etc. - I put each one in a different section of a pill caddy. I also have a few band-aids, blister band-aids, antibiotic ointment, and a tube of theragesic. That's it. The entire first aid kit fits into a 6x4x2 box.

DisneyOma · Nov 30, 2015

Why do you need baskets and racks to keep the room neat? How about just putting stuff away in drawers or back in the suitcase? I'd leave the wipes and spray at home - maybe pack a few wipes in a ziploc bag to wipe down the remote and handles?

Alesia · Nov 30, 2015

DisneyOma said:
Why do you need baskets and racks to keep the room neat? How about just putting stuff away in drawers or back in the suitcase?

I agree with this. I brought that stuff on my first trip - it didn't help keep the room organized, it just cluttered it up even more. There are drawers, and a closet, and counter tops. You don't need anything else.

loves to dive · Nov 30, 2015

Alesia said:
I have never, ever disinfected anything while on vacation and we have never gotten sick on vacation. I do bring a travel size bottle of hand sanitizer, but that's for getting sharpie out of things. I bring a couple of doses of basic medications - ibuprofen, midol, cold & sinus medicine, pepto bismol tablets, etc. - I put each one in a different section of a pill caddy. I also have a few band-aids, blister band-aids, antibiotic ointment, and a tube of theragesic. That's it. The entire first aid kit fits into a 6x4x2 box.

I agree 100%, sometimes I have hand sanitizer in my hanging bag but it's just because someone other than me put it there. I carry a few individually packaged wipes with me but not for germs, more for cleaning my hands off after my ice cream has dripped all over me and I want it off now before I can get to the bathroom and wash my hands or if I spill something on myself.

DisneyOma said:
Why do you need baskets and racks to keep the room neat? How about just putting stuff away in drawers or back in the suitcase? I'd leave the wipes and spray at home - maybe pack a few wipes in a ziploc bag to wipe down the remote and handles?

Yep, I either put things in the drawers or back in the suitcase, I guess if you travel enough you learn not to sweat all that stuff. I don't wipe down anything either, not the remote, not the handles, seriously you can't wipe down every handle everywhere you go. I do get sick sometimes if I fly but it's probably from someone coughing or sneezing. If I'm sick I will wash my hands a lot and spray my own phone and keyboard at the office just in case one of my co-workers pick them up (and why are they sitting at my desk anyway, if they are they deserve to catch my germs).

Shellyb84 · Nov 30, 2015

I would take the glow sticks. We took a big pack of glow bracelets for DD(5) and she never asked for any other glow toys. Hand sanitizer for your park bag. A few medications and band aids (I wouldn't take much of that to the parks though as they have first aid stations). Cheap toys for in room surprises. A few snacks. That's all I would take other than clothes and shoes.

Baklava · Nov 30, 2015

Alesia said:
I have never, ever disinfected anything while on vacation and we have never gotten sick on vacation. I do bring a travel size bottle of hand sanitizer, but that's for getting sharpie out of things. I bring a couple of doses of basic medications - ibuprofen, midol, cold & sinus medicine, pepto bismol tablets, etc. - I put each one in a different section of a pill caddy. I also have a few band-aids, blister band-aids, antibiotic ointment, and a tube of theragesic. That's it. The entire first aid kit fits into a 6x4x2 box.

This. I bring wet wipes because my kid is a hot mess but not to disinfect. I do carry a box of bandaids with some neosporin, pepto, and ibuprofen tucked in because I know we'll use those and I hate paying Disney prices for them. That's my first aid kit for travel. It all fits in a bandaid box.

Packing for 3, what would you leave at home?

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