Box? update(BEEN SHIPPED, done!!) :)

[LoveTwoTravel]

Yes, I have considered these items and, for our unique circumstances, they are ones that have already passed muster. If you have any helpful comments or additions they are welcome!

And no, we are not moving to Disney, sadly. We do not do laundry on vacation.

Don't worry, I won't ask any of you to help carry or unpack!

• paper towels (eating b'fast in the room and we don't like to use the hotel towels for this--gross)
• trash bags (the small kind that are for diapers)
• razors
• snack bags
• snack cups
• sippy cups
• bar soap
• q-tips
• swim diapers
• prizes
• duct tape
• clothes pins (to keep those darn curtains closed at night)
• safety pins
• binder clips (to hold park maps to top of stroller)
• outlet covers (so my children won't put their fingers in)
• AA batteries (for fans)
• Flashlight, small
• Glow sticks & bracelets
• Face wash cloths (the kind that have soap)
• Stroller fans (2)
• Mini fans (4)
• Lysol wipes
• Hand soap in a pump (b/c who wants a mess of a piece of soap sitting on the counter?? Not me!)
• Pool toys & rafts
• Disposable placemats (for parks for children)
• Over door shoe hanger
• Swim Goggles
• Flushable wipes
• Travel baby wipes
• Pop up laundry hamper
• Swimmies
• Cough drops
• Ear plugs
• Baby washcloths (contain soap)
• Disposable changing pads
• Gatorade packets (3 boxes)
• Gift bags (large, Disney character)
• Binoculars (small)

 

[happymommy]

Wow - that is a lot. I would say much of that you may not need. Specifically,

paper towels,
trash bags,
bar soap (unless you're like me, I always bring one bar of Dial),
duct tape,
hand soap,
wash cloths,
placemats,
outlet covers,
clips,

the hotel will have soap, wash cloths, and I'd think they will provide outlet covers if you need them, and you can get extra trash bags from housekeeping.

I used to totally overpack, but now just bring a carryon per person. We do laundry usually on vacation anyway.

Just my two cents.

 

[deedeetoo]

Are you moving?

Seriously, why are taking all that stuff on vacation? The only thing on your list that I take are extra batteries. They fit in my carry on.

 

[LoveTwoTravel]

Really helpful comments. Thanks!

 

[imthatgirl]

Are you moving?

Seriously, why are taking all that stuff on vacation? The only thing on your list that I take are extra batteries. They fit in my carry on.

thats what i was going to say.

i think youll find when you get there you didnt need most or any of it.

are you renting a home? if you are staying on site you certainly dont need paper towels you can get napkins for free at the resort restaurants or you could use the towels they provide in the room.
we had lots of dirty diapers, we just threw them away in the trash, its collected every day.
duct tape..im at a loss at that one?

i really think you should look over this list and really think about what you need.
i sure hope you got a really large room?

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

If I am not mistaken Disney does not allow rafts in their pools. Someone correct me if I am wrong. But I have never seen rafts in any of the pools.

Why bring disposable placemats why not just use several napkins just unfold them and you could use them for the same thing. Which are readily available at WDW.

 

[arminnie]

immodium
pain reliever (aspirin, aleve, etc.)
sunscreen

 

[imthatgirl]

If I am not mistaken Disney does not allow rafts in their pools. Someone correct me if I am wrong. But I have never seen rafts in any of the pools.

Why bring disposable placemats why not just use several napkins just unfold them and you could use them for the same thing. Which are readily available at WDW.

this is correct, you can not bring anything into the pool. well small toys like a ball yes, but not a raft.

 

[Minniekins]

I think papertowel is a great idea! There have been a number of times we've needed some and didn't have, and of course, I never remember to bring any with us! Times like when we order pizza to the room and really need it! I do use the room towels, but sometimes feel bad and would rather have paper towel for things, so I think that's a good choice.

Do I think you need eveything on the list? Some things are good to have, some not so necessary, and I'm not a light packer, though getting much better, but you'll figure it out. Plus, no little kids here, just a DD18 and myself. Do remember if flying, they are charging per bag, and or for overweight/oversize limit luggage on most airlines. And, most anything you forget, you can buy there! You can also have things delivered by gardergrocer.com, saving packing on disposable items you need and in room food!

Anyway, a couple other things you may want:

camera
extra memory card, or film
rechargable batteries
battery charger
cell phone
phone charger
extension cord
sunglasses
hats
flipflops
gum, they don't sell it
band-aids for blisters(they have some great new ones that help prevent blisters!)
body glide to help with blisters or foot sweating and rubbing
ziploc bags, i.e. leftovers if you eat in the room
scissors

Hopefully, this was somewhat helpful!
Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[brekin67]

I pack like the OP. I don't want to risk needing anything once I am settled into my room. Did I see rechargeable batteries with a battery charger on your list? Have a great time.

 

[DisGal520]

4 mini fans and 2 stroller fans?????

You don't say how many little ones will be on the trip but maybe one stroller fan might do.

And what might the duct tape be for? Don't take this as rude, but you did want coments when you posted.

Hope your trip is a good one.

 

[d1gitman]

we usually bring the kitchen sink as well

 

[DAKnits]

LOL, we are only 2 people, and I'm bringing most of what you're bringing and thensome! I don't know how young your kids are, but I used to bring one of those thick vinyl floor placemats (you can find them at Babies R Us and they're for under highchairs). I'd put one on the floor and my daughter who was probably about 2 at the time, would play with playdough or other messy stuff. Now I'm bringing a soft blanket and her small pillow (after reading about the lack of cleanliness in the rooms, and the pillow I'd need anyway b/c it's a small size that she sleeps with every night).

I don't see any toys for the room listed ... how old are your kids? A DVD player and some movies can be very useful, even if you don't normally allow your kids too much TV time. Since you didn't list it, I assume you don't need to bring food/snacks -- I have to b/c my daughter is so incredibly picky. I pack bunch of plastic spoon/knives/forks to have in the room -- but I bring a lot of food, so you may not need that.

Do you need Purell or another anti-bacterial sanitizer? I bring baby wipes (for the potty), but use anti-bacterial wipes for my daughter's hands, and also carry a Purell.

Also, I'd consider bringing a soft sided cooler to keep water bottles cold and to hold leftovers while you're at the park.

You didn't mention diapers/pull-ups, or diaper cream, but I saw you listed swim diapers ... just want to make sure you don't forget those if you need them!

Also, what about medicines other than cough drops? For my daughter, I bring Tylenol, Tylenol cold, her vitamins, anti-itchy cream, neosporin and bandaids, sunscreen (a full size, plus a tiny travel size to take to the park), and a bug spray.

Also, I picked up this tip on a baby board -- you can use masking tape to cover all of the outlets in your room, and it won't leave residue when you want to take it off. The masking tape can also be used to tape the hotel washcloths to the corners of tables, and to tape drapery/blinds cords up out of reach. I never traveled without it when my daughter was younger.

After reading though someone else's post, I'm looking for a small travel towel to have in the parks in case we get wet -- but I really don't want to add too much to your list b/c I'm sure I could go on and on. I'm a true overpacker!

I'd also add the items listed by the other posters, like flip flops (I even wear these in the room), and if you or your kids use them: slippers and robe, chargers, body glide, moleskin, hats, camera film, scissors etc.... AND although you don't do laundry on vacation (neither do I), I'd bring a tiny travel size detergent (they have them in the travel products at Target) to wash out the bathing suits or anything that's been badly stained (unless you don't care if the clothes get ruined).

 

[happymommy]

I used to just ask housekeeping for an extra sheet, then put it under DS when he ate messy snacks like crackers. Then I could just shake it out outside and roll it into a ball and put it with the dirty towels for them

There is a lot that housekeeping can get you - just always remember to tip them! I am always bugging them for stuff - nightlights, towels, extra soap, etc...

 

[happymommy]

Oh - and a small travel towel for the parks - we used to bring a couple of washcloths from the resort room. I'd wet one and put it into a ziploc bag, so we'd have it to wipe messy hands and stuff when the antibacterial wipes weren't enough.

They don't mind that I think.

 

[LoveTwoTravel]

Those are great ideas. YES, we've got SEVERAL little ones (we're very lucky). And each small Blessed baby needs their own fan.

The items listed were only for the boxes being shipped down so I've got a separate list going for the things we're schlepping with us!

And, some might be surprised to hear that for ALL of us the things we're flying with (clothes, toiletries, cameras, movies, DVD player, etc.) ALL fit into just 3 checked bags (small ones at that). All of our clothing is in one bag.

We're actually allowed quite a few bags and we will not come close to reaching our limit with the airlines. Thanks, Southwest!

One box I mailed was HUGE and the second one was smallish, and they only cost me $30 total, with tax. FedEx. This was the first time we've tried mailing things ahead of time and I'm really happy that we did. I'll probably do this again in the future.

We mailed things like diapers (and swim diapers) b/c we won't need as many as we'd have to buy in the pack down there and I really didn't want to bring any back, save the few we'll need on the plane. There are also quite a few "prizes" in the box that my kids will get (and probably use up and enjoy) while we're there--bubbles and other novelties.

So, all in all (despite the nay-sayers above) it was a smart move for us. AND we don't have to *hope* that Wally World has the things we need--lots of allergies in our family and special needs. So, again, for us it is proving great so far.

Oh! The duct tape is something we travel with and we have ALWAYS found we need it! We take a small roll and we always, always need it. I know ahead of time we'll use it for something special but there are always things that pop up that we've needed it before. Did I mention, ALWAYS!?!

My Husband is an Army Ranger (among other things) and so we know how to be prepared and travel with what we need. Everything is compact and we never end up with things we DON'T need. We've also done Disney from both perspectives (we've been and stayed in the higher end places and the values and we know what it takes to make the values comfortable, for US).

Thanks again for all of the helpful insight.

Have great trips everyone!!!!

 

[Minniekins]

Wow, you do take lots of stuff! But, with a family with lots of little ones you need more stuff, of course. Sounds like you've got it down, though. Plus, if you want it and can get it there, and hubby doesn't mind, bring it! I am not a light packer, (though lighter than you ), but I've definitely gotten to be a lighter packer over the years. I hate carrying stuff in, and even more, packing at the hotel to go home and unpacking it when getting home! I'm not the best at being a quick unpacker, that's for sure. But, when I was married, I took much more stuff cause then-hubby didn't seem to mind hauling it in and out for us! And, I think we always drove to wdw back then when DD was little, so we had more room and could bring what we wanted in our car. Since then, now that it's just me and DD18, we always fly and we try to take what we need/want but keep it pared down so we can handle it without too much trouble. Also, sounds like you are a good packer getting all your flying stuff in three checked bags!

I'm still curious about the duct tape, though. What kind of things come up that you can use it for? I guess I've needed or wanted tape in the past so I usually have a scotch tape in my suitcase but just curious.
Also, curious, being that you seem pretty thorough and take a lot, do you ever get there and find things that you've either not thought of or meant to take and then forgotten to bring at last minute? No matter my planning I always forget something! Two of three years I forgot my curling iron and had to stop and get on way to airport. Last year I made point to get sunglasses, (I don't usually wear them), and then of course, forgot to put in my bag, left sitting on the couch!

Sounds like you are very thoughtful and put a lot of care and love into taking care of your big, and young!, family, and making sure everyone has what they need and is comfy! Sounds like your trip is coming soon since you already mailed the boxes, how long are you going for? Hope you all have agreat time on your trip!!

 

[LoveTwoTravel]

Thanks, Minniekins! I hope you have a great trip as well. We're staying for more than a week this time. It's just such an easy place to have a "family" vacation AND it means we don't have to rush anyone--when they poop out we stop for the day.

Well, the duct tape...not only have we fixed things, and made things (I once made an entire costume from duct tape and coffee filters for a child) but I use it to put paper up on the wall or taped to the floor for them to color--then we pitch the paper (easy entertainment). I've even taped a big race track on the floor for the children to play with their toys. When we were in military housing I used the colored version to decorate a children's bathroom (cute stripes and it didn't damage the walls). It looked like paint stripes! If you roll a strip inside out a sippy cup will stay put on a high chair or table (so will those crayons the restaurants give).

I love me some duct tape!

While it's not great for the environment a lot of the things we're taking will be used up along the way and thrown away. And many, many of them are very small. So while the list seems loooooong the items are fairly compact.


This time is our first to travel with the over the door shoe holder but I loath having all those little things about and taking up counter space, so I'm looking forward to having that with us (it lays flat so very easy to pop in a box or suitcase). The hand soap is also a new addition b/c I detest the gloppy wad of soap slipping around on the counter (even in a dish it's a bit gross). And little ones make a dog's breakfast out of a bar of soap when washing up, so having the pump kind will be great.

Last time we forgot the clothespin to hold the curtains closed. I ended up using a hair clip but the clothes pin would have been better. AND last time the noise from the pools kept us up (when one is awake they all end up awake...) so we're using a small portable white noise maker this time.

 

[Jitzy]

Do you visit Disney often enough to use The Owner's Locker?

 

[Minniekins]

Thanks, Minniekins! I hope you have a great trip as well. We're staying for more than a week this time. It's just such an easy place to have a "family" vacation AND it means we don't have to rush anyone--when they poop out we stop for the day.

Well, the duct tape...not only have we fixed things, and made things (I once made an entire costume from duct tape and coffee filters for a child) but I use it to put paper up on the wall or taped to the floor for them to color--then we pitch the paper (easy entertainment). I've even taped a big race track on the floor for the children to play with their toys. When we were in military housing I used the colored version to decorate a children's bathroom (cute stripes and it didn't damage the walls). It looked like paint stripes! If you roll a strip inside out a sippy cup will stay put on a high chair or table (so will those crayons the restaurants give).

I love me some duct tape!

While it's not great for the environment a lot of the things we're taking will be used up along the way and thrown away. And many, many of them are very small. So while the list seems loooooong the items are fairly compact.


This time is our first to travel with the over the door shoe holder but I loath having all those little things about and taking up counter space, so I'm looking forward to having that with us (it lays flat so very easy to pop in a box or suitcase). The hand soap is also a new addition b/c I detest the gloppy wad of soap slipping around on the counter (even in a dish it's a bit gross). And little ones make a dog's breakfast out of a bar of soap when washing up, so having the pump kind will be great.

Last time we forgot the clothespin to hold the curtains closed. I ended up using a hair clip but the clothes pin would have been better. AND last time the noise from the pools kept us up (when one is awake they all end up awake...) so we're using a small portable white noise maker this time.

Wow, you are really creative with that duct tape, some great ideas there!

For stuff that would sit on the shoe holder thing you have, we use the couple shelfs inside the armoire the tv sits on at CBR. But there are only 2 of us! plus, not sure if those will still be there because I saw in the newer refurbed rooms the have a different cabinet thing with the frig inside and no shelf or top cabinet, the tv just sits on top. Hmmm. I read on a tip somewhere about setting up the ironing board in the vanity area for stuff so maybe we will do that.

Yeah, i've used the hair clips too, or safety pins work well, too! Don't like any light peaking in, that's for sure!

Really need to find a new white noise machine, the rooms are loud! But for me, what's loud is not coming from outside, I don't really notice that too much. I think the quite in the rooms at night is really loud, lol! It's like you can the quite and it's very loud and sometimes make me have a hard time getting to or staying asleep. I know that probably sounds weird, lol!

Well, again if you haven't left yet have a great time!!