AHHH! We leave in 2 weeks!

[dolphinmus]

I haven't started packing, and honestly I don't know where to begin! We're a family of 5. HELP!!! Where do I start? I haven't done much of anything but research for this disney trip. Suggestions, comments, PLEASE HELP!!!

 

[adventure_woman]

For me, it isn't just the clothes (which are a given of course), but the OTHER things you need to pack. Do you have the DDP? I don't know how old your kiddos are but a few things not to forget:

Sunscreen
Hand sanitizer
First aid kit (bandaids, pepto, neosporin, tylenol, etc)
Ponchos
Backpack for parks
Snacks if needed (granola bars, cereal bars)
Disney gifts/trinkets from dollar store/Michaels/etc.
Camera, extra batteries

 

[aspcamhreditor2]

Hey ....

There are some really great threads on this forum related to packing lists. Check back through this family forum as well as the strategy forum.

You'll find some GREAT lists!

 

[dsnymomof4]

The key is to have lists - and lists of lists. I always make a list for each of the kids and let them pack, then I check to make sure they have everything. I have a list for clothes and a list for things to bring in the car or on the plane, a list if we're staying in a DVC resort, a list of things to bring to the park. There are some good links somewhere on the DIS of the ultimate Disney packing list. I tend to think of things but then when it comes to packing, I forget things. So if I have a list, I can add things when I think of them. We also keep a Disney bin that we throw things in throughout the year (or leftover from our previous trip) - like sunscreen, travel size toiletries, etc. As we get closer to the trip and I buy things, I put them in the bin until a few days before when we actually pack the suitcases. You definitely want to start setting clothes aside and making sure you have bought everything that needs to be bought. Then a few days before, start organizing and reviewing your lists. Good luck!

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I would start by making a shopping list, go through the tips on these boards and pick up everything you need such as ponchos.

As far as packing, here's what I did. BTW, my DH thought this was hilarious, he doesn't understand my organization. I wrote down where we were going each day of our trip on an index card, then I laid them out in a row on the floor. Then I made a row of clothes for each day for each person. After I had the outfits I put them in ziploc bags (labeled by day and initial). When their row was complete I put them in their suitcases. I made sure that each person's bag was completely packed with jammies, sandals, hats, etc. before I zipped it up.

The next day I packed my bag for the parks and the entertainment for the drive down and chargers, batteries, etc.

I'll pack the toiletries last.

 

[TinaLala]

OKAY not knowing how old your kids are I would say PACK THE DIAPERS FIRST!!! Trust me you don't want to forget those! They are WICKED expensive at Disney and Disney isn't the best place to start potty training either! One trip I forgot diapers and bottle liners because DH took them out of his bag to make room for something else.(can't remember what could be more important then those items?) It was a long 10 days!

So I agree with everyone here - make your lists of lists. Then get your kids involved! They should/could pack themselves - with your help. Then get your accessories together - the stuff listed above - and squeeze them into all of the bags. There's some threads out there about what you don't need to pack so check them out. You don't need Disney themed towels, but depending on when you're going you do need water misters. You don't need an umbrella, but you do need ponchos and cheap lightup toys.

It is overwellming but you can do it. Get the suitcases out and throw stuff in for a week then take a Saturday/Sunday and make it happen. Get DH and the kids involved so it's not so crazy. Be happy!! You're going to Disney.

 

[Maiya]

The first thing I always do when I need to pack is start doing laundry.
Family of five here too, and I am always behind. Ugh!
I write out a packing list while I am doing this and seperate as I fold what to pack and what not to pack. I also make a shopping list as I go of anything we need but don't have. I don't actually do the shopping until I have packed everything so I only have to go once.
Maybe not the most organized method, but it works for me.

 

[dolphinmus]

I would start by making a shopping list, go through the tips on these boards and pick up everything you need such as ponchos.

As far as packing, here's what I did. BTW, my DH thought this was hilarious, he doesn't understand my organization. I wrote down where we were going each day of our trip on an index card, then I laid them out in a row on the floor. Then I made a row of clothes for each day for each person. After I had the outfits I put them in ziploc bags (labeled by day and initial). When their row was complete I put them in their suitcases. I made sure that each person's bag was completely packed with jammies, sandals, hats, etc. before I zipped it up.

The next day I packed my bag for the parks and the entertainment for the drive down and chargers, batteries, etc.

I'll pack the toiletries last.

I love that! I'm totally doing that, what size ziplocs do I need?

 

[LWatson]

I love that! I'm totally doing that, what size ziplocs do I need?

Gallon.

I'm going to be doing this for us too. My mom thought I was nuts for packing 2wks out when we went in Feb, but it made sure those clothes were clean...LOL. I didnt know about the ziploc thing then. But I know now and I am actually doing it for my trip to TN in 1.5wks.