We are heading to Disney at the end of Feb. next year with our 4 children (9,8,5,2) I always over pack and my husband has already told me he was not carrying bags this time. We will have a stroller for the little on. What are the basic must take with us to the parks each day? If I had my way I would have extra change of clothes for all thr kids and lots of little bags of snacks and lots or drinks for the kids as well as a full first aid kit and every medicine that thy may possiblely need. Along with a whole bunch of other little things. What is must have to take That will fit within our stroller?
I agree with the others about taking a "full 1st aide" kit. A couple of Band-Aids, some Neosporin, a few pre-cut moleskins and some sample packets of Motrin or other pain reliever is sufficient.
No extra clothes for the older kids. I would just bring a change of clothing for the 2 year old. But I would bring extra sweaters or hoodies for everyone if you are traveling during the winter months. Looks like you're going in February? I've been there in January a couple of times and it gets pretty cold at night.
Take the diapers (if needed), a Ziploc bag of wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitizer
Take a small bag of snacks to share but just enough to quell the hunger while standing in line. No drink boxes. Bring refillable water bottles and a few powdered drink packets to mix in if the kids don't like the taste of the water.
A camera and cellphones are a must but not their chargers or extra batteries.
If the kids want to drag anything into the parks, tell them that they have to carry it. Mom and Dad are not pack animals. Give them those drawstring backpacks to hold their stuff. Once you have to carry that stuff on your own back, you redefine what is essential. So, if they cannot survive waiting in line at Soarin' without their PS3, then they will need to carry it all day.
I'm all for taking as little as possible into the parks. If I can slip my cellphone into my pocket and wear a lanyard around my neck to hold my KTTW and a few dollars, then I'm good to go. But then, I also understand that when you have small children you need to bring a few extras to make your day go smoothly.