Calling all EXPERT packers!

[Luv4Disney]

I pack the night before we leave. Which probably isn't a good thing since we usually get up at about 3:30am to catch our flight out (we like to maximize our days, LoL). But I make "outfits" and then roll them. That wait I make sure we have pants, tops, underwear, socks, whatever. Even if we don't use the sock because say we wear flip flops, we'll have extra in case it rains or whatever. Then for toiletries I think of my usually routing and what I need. Brush teeth first, okay, so you need toothpaste and toothbrushes. Then I usually have a list of odds and ends like sunscreen, dressier clothes for PI or a nice dinner, swimsuits, towels, etc. and check those off as I go. Haven't forgotten anything yet.

 

[amwhitaker]

I have a toiletry bag that is always packed. When I come home from a trip, if anything needs replenished I do it right away. I start packing about 2 weeks before a trip. I throw odds and ends like fanny pack, gloves, sweater.

 

[kaelarad]

We travel to WDW at least three times a year so I have a disney totebag that is always packed for disney. I have a packing list that is also just for disney. We just got back on Saturday and go back on December 20 for two weeks. Laundry is done so many of our warmer season clothes that I know we are taking are back in the suitcase. toitletrey bag is also perpetually packed for trips. Have one bag for travel infor stuff: guide book, information binder, wallet with passes, DDE card DVC member card, etc..

Since we are always at Disney at Christmas, I have a plastic storage container that contains all the Christmas stuff that we bring dowm. That will get packed in about a month.

Final packing gets done about a week before, once we have a better idea of what the weather is going to be like.

 

[smiller]

I'm a very minimalist packer, be it Disney or Europe or my parents' house.

My best advice when making a list is to go through your daily routine, i.e., wake up, shower, put in contacts, get dressed--it helps you think of all the things you wear and use throughout the day. I also go through what I will need in my purse/day pack. I don't pack for worst case scenario; the only thing like that I always bring is my $2 eyeglass repair kit which is worth it to me! Packing light and not stressing about forgetting things is worth having to pick up an item or two while traveling (which can often lead to an adventure!).

I usually start a trip-planning list well ahead of time to write down other people's suggestions, items special to that trip (such as my Disney Rewards Card), and often recommendations for the rest of my family (and things I think they'll forget!).

Also, figure out what is most important to you. For me, I'd rather have nice hair conditioner that three pairs of shoes. For others, it'll be the other way around. There's always an opportunity to minimize your packing in one area or another.

And I, too, am a serial ziploc baggie packer. I pack like items together, such as all the socks, underwear, tank tops, etc. I throw in a few more for good measure--you never know when they'll come in handy!

Once you've made the list, be sure to use it! I usually do a double-check: mark the item once it's made it's way to the general packing are, and then scratch it out completely once it's actually inside the suitcase (or day pack).

 

[Drizzo67]

And don't forget to make a copy of your clothes list to check off repacking all your clothes for the return trip. I do this every trip and even add to the list as the trip progresses if we have bought souveniers, shirts etc. Don't want to leave anything behind.

We buy regular size toiletries for the 4 of us but usually buy the cheap stuff (Suave, etc.) This way I don't feel too bad leaving a half empty bottle (1.49) behind. This empties up room for taking home all our Disney goodies.

Lists are the key to packing well. If your list is right you can pack in just minutes. I zip lock the kids clothes so they can just pull a bag out each day and be dressed. Since we usually travel in February I include a pair of pants along with a pair of shorts in each bag. We adjust our attire according to the weather channel.

Dina Marie

 

[ro80]

I get all discombobulated when it comes to packing too, but I agree with Amyg, the rolling method is the best!!! It will save you a ton of space, you'll see...

 

[MinnieMommy]

Thanks for the great tips everyone!
I wish I could see the look on customs officer's face when our bags go through screening. "Oh great, another one of those Disney families!"
Dd's princess dresses, the pins, the kettle for the room, the Disney stuffy toys, and this year Christmas decos for the window!!

 

[Dragonlady]

Well I'm from Louisiana and we go to WDW in the winter. Some people have told me that they can start early because they pack their summer clothes. I can't do that, as I will be wearing what I'm wearing to Disney until the day we leave off. .

We'll be going to Disney this Christmas like many times before, but make a stop for a few days in New Orleans (Saints footballgame). Would you say that the weather in New Orleans in December, is something like Orlando during the same timeperiod?

 

[disneychickforever]

we are leaving in 5 days (just changed to 4!!) and I packed all the shirts I made today. I folded and layed on my bed what I plan to bring, and am going to do a quick load of laundry now before bed. I should be packed (hopefully) tomorrow. For some reason, all my professors decided to give me assignments, projects, essays, and a speech the week I leave.....bummer...

My Essay is on the Cultural De-race-ination of Disney's Song of the South on Splash Mountain....we had to pick an article off the school database, and being my trip is so close, I typed Disney World, and that's what came up. It's a neutral subject, it's 16 pages long, I should be good.