Crazy to Just Bring Carry On to Disney?

[Frozen2014]

With all the travel issues with flights , DH and I were discussing if we can somehow pack just using carry on. We're flying WestJet from Toronto Pearson to MCO, coming for a week in August.

Clothes-wise, I'm thinking it's light items....shorts, tshirts, tanks, etc....so this seems doable. Don't need bulky winter stuff or dressy stuff.

Will for sure each have extra shoes (sandals).

My biggest concern is toiletries and meds....but should be ok using a carry on and back pack each. But...liquids can only be up to 100ml so that may be an issue.

Question 1 - Does Disney sell things like shampoo/conditioner, make up remover, etc? Resorts? Downtown Disney? If not, is there a CVS or something near by we could uber to if needed?
Question 2 - Anyone else considering this?

 

[vicarrieous]

We have only been doing carry-on's for the past 8 years with a family of 4. We pack light, plan a laundry day and place an Amazon Prime Now order for food.

Q1 - They have minimal items in their resort gift shops, but you can get stuff delivered through amazon or other suppliers. You could also take a Lyft or Uber to a local store and get what you need.
Q2 - It's doable. We even do it in January when we need to bring layers and warmer clothes. A carry on and backpack is sufficient for us.

 

[SleeplessInTO]

We just did a carry-on only trip. Yes it’s definitely doable. Our main motivator was to avoid paying for checked bags but the convenience of simply walking off the plane is addicting.

Disney resorts definitely sell shampoo and conditioner. The main item I needed to buy was sunscreen which they had plenty of in stock this past weekend. I don’t know about make up remover but you could consider bringing the kind that’s a wipe and save some liquid carry on space?

Definitely plan for a laundry day. Or two.

Edited to add: the hard part for me was not buying all the souvenirs I wanted!! Flying to Disney with carry on is fine. But those loungefly…

 

[BadPinkTink]

The only thing is, depending on the airline and flight and where your seat is, and how full the flight is, you may have to gate check carry on bags. I saw this multiple times over the last two weeks , on my West Coast trip. Some times the gate staff ask for volunteers to gate check carryon, sometimes they just announce halfway through boarding that the flight crew have said there is no more room and all remaining bags have to be gate checked.

 

[vicarrieous]

We just did a carry-on only trip. Yes it’s definitely doable. Our main motivator was to avoid paying for checked bags but the convenience of simply walking off the plane is addicting.

Disney resorts definitely sell shampoo and conditioner. The main item I needed to buy was sunscreen which they had plenty of in stock this past weekend. I don’t know about make up remover but you could consider bringing the kind that’s a wipe and save some liquid carry on space?

Definitely plan for a laundry day. Or two.

Edited to add: the hard part for me was not buying all the souvenirs I wanted!! Flying to Disney with carry on is fine. But those loungefly…

You can always send home large souvenirs from the resort giftshop. Just make sure to keep your receipt. We have sent home two lightsabers during our last two trips right from the Beach Club and Poly Giftshops.

 

[SleeplessInTO]

You can always send home large souvenirs from the resort giftshop. Just make sure to keep your receipt. We have sent home two lightsabers during our last two trips right from the Beach Club and Poly Giftshops.

Good to know!! I didn’t think they would ship outside the US.

If you don’t mind me asking, how much was it to ship the lightsabers and to which province/territory?

 

[vicarrieous]

Good to know!! I didn’t think they would ship outside the US.

If you don’t mind me asking, how much was it to ship the lightsabers and to which province/territory?

Sorry totally missed this was on a Canadian thread. We shipped back within the States. Total was $15-$20 which I thought was fair for a large/unusual shaped item and they did all the packaging as well.

 

[Frozen2014]

We just did a carry-on only trip. Yes it’s definitely doable. Our main motivator was to avoid paying for checked bags but the convenience of simply walking off the plane is addicting.

Disney resorts definitely sell shampoo and conditioner. The main item I needed to buy was sunscreen which they had plenty of in stock this past weekend. I don’t know about make up remover but you could consider bringing the kind that’s a wipe and save some liquid carry on space?

Definitely plan for a laundry day. Or two.

Edited to add: the hard part for me was not buying all the souvenirs I wanted!! Flying to Disney with carry on is fine. But those loungefly…

Lol...I didn't write make up remover but this is one of the essential items on which I was thinking. The waterproof one I have (needed for eyeliner) is 125ml...so just over.

Yes, I think they have small detergent bottles so could bring that.

Shampoo and conditioner definitely need to get there as couldn't buy enough travel ones for four of us for 7 nights.

 

[vicarrieous]

Lol...I didn't write make up remover but this is one of the essential items on which I was thinking. The waterproof one I have (needed for eyeliner) is 125ml...so just over.

Yes, I think they have small detergent bottles so could bring that.

Shampoo and conditioner definitely need to get there as couldn't buy enough travel ones for four of us for 7 nights.

I know they sell laundry soap in the laundry rooms and gift shops. They will also have a limited selection of shampoo and conditioner, plus there will be some in the room and you can always ask mousekeeping for more if needed.

 

[Frozen2014]

The only thing is, depending on the airline and flight and where your seat is, and how full the flight is, you may have to gate check carry on bags. I saw this multiple times over the last two weeks , on my West Coast trip. Some times the gate staff ask for volunteers to gate check carryon, sometimes they just announce halfway through boarding that the flight crew have said there is no more room and all remaining bags have to be gate checked.

Yeah....DH did mention that we could still be asked to check in our luggage when boarding. We would have 4 carry ons and if everyone else is thinking the same thing, we might have to check them. But at least we would be right at the plane so it wouldn't get lost getting on the plane (unless they make you return tot he gate to check it in...I've seen it in the past where they take it when you are boarding)...but could have the same issue when trying to get our luggage on arrival.

 

[Frozen2014]

We have only been doing carry-on's for the past 8 years with a family of 4. We pack light, plan a laundry day and place an Amazon Prime Now order for food.

Q1 - They have minimal items in their resort gift shops, but you can get stuff delivered through amazon or other suppliers. You could also take a Lyft or Uber to a local store and get what you need.
Q2 - It's doable. We even do it in January when we need to bring layers and warmer clothes. A carry on and backpack is sufficient for us.

Thanks. Silly question but the amazon thing might be a good idea. We are Canadian but could order from US Amazon.

1. The resorts are ok getting such packages?
2. Could we order a couple days ahead and the resort would hold it if it arrived before we checked in?

Uber would also work...just don't know the area very well (and obviously not how we want to spend our first day but would if we had to)

 

[vicarrieous]

Thanks. Silly question but the amazon thing might be a good idea. We are Canadian but could order from US Amazon.

1. The resorts are ok getting such packages?
2. Could we order a couple days ahead and the resort would hold it if it arrived before we checked in?

Uber would also work...just don't know the area very well (and obviously not how we want to spend our first day but would if we had to)

Do Amazon Prime Now or Instacart like a grocery order. You can order and have it delivered to your resort on your check in day and don't have to be there (unless it has alcohol). They will hold items and when you get there call bell services. If it's a normal package, you may get charged an additional $6 fee from Disney.

 

[samsteele]

I've only gone with carry-on the past 10 years and usually stay for 12 or 13 nights so definitely doable.

A few tips that work for me:

Don't forget you can bring one personal item - like a purse or small bag - plus your rolling case onboard. I use a small fold out fabric shopping bag that holds my crossbody park bag, chacos or teva sandals and a few other essentials.

Re eye makeup remover, lots of wipes available instead of liquid. Walmart used to have a great small pad eye makeup remover but may have been discontinued. Garnier definitely makes a larger one. Do try it at home first in case a skin sensitivity.

Lots of solid stick toiletry products out there esp sunblock (Neutrogena makes a good one), solid stick body lotion (see well.ca for Rocky Mountain Body Butter or Badger tinned lotion) and Dr. Bronner's bar soap is excellent. I cut a bar of Bronner's in half and use it for easy wash up of mugs, etc in the room sink.

On site resorts have shampoo and body wash in dispensers in the room. But small travel sz bottles of shampoo and hair conditioner go far and I never use up the whole bottle in 13 nights. If traveling with a partner, consider sharing so more room freed up in your ziplock toiletry bag.

Buy some old-style powder laundry detergent at Walmart. Sunlight still makes a powder. Take enough for 2 or 3 laundry loads and pack a few fabric sheets. A full sz box less $ than what you'll pay at the resorts.

Watch your trinket spending. The personal carry on bag lets me pick up one or two special little things like a Trader Sam's tiki glass and a Starbuck's you are here mug. But you are def limited re carting home goodies.

When I started carry-on only, I used a backpack like Cabin Max but found the hike through Toronto Airport to be nasty with all that weight on my back. I now sacrifice a little room and stick with a basic unassuming roll aboard. Amazon.ca had an amazonbasics one that has stood up to some wear and tear. I prefer the 'gray man' black or gray or navy boring colour so less likely to catch the attention of attendants at boarding. I carefully measure the bag but it's usually a little bit overstuffed so might be a struggle to show that it complies with that steel limits cage. I do lock my roll aboard in case I'm forced to check it at the gate and carry a spare set of luggage lock keys.

Because I need my full overhead bin space for the roll aboard, I'm always one of 'those people' who cluster around the boarding gate before my row is called. I want to be in the first few people in my section to board so I have the room I need.

Have a great vacation and enjoy the freedom of no checked baggage. One less worry and hassle to deal with.

 

[Frozen2014]

I've only gone with carry-on the past 10 years and usually stay for 12 or 13 nights so definitely doable.

A few tips that work for me:

Don't forget you can bring one personal item - like a purse or small bag - plus your rolling case onboard. I use a small fold out fabric shopping bag that holds my crossbody park bag, chacos or teva sandals and a few other essentials.

Re eye makeup remover, lots of wipes available instead of liquid. Walmart used to have a great small pad eye makeup remover but may have been discontinued. Garnier definitely makes a larger one. Do try it at home first in case a skin sensitivity.

Lots of solid stick toiletry products out there esp sunblock (Neutrogena makes a good one), solid stick body lotion (see well.ca for Rocky Mountain Body Butter or Badger tinned lotion) and Dr. Bronner's bar soap is excellent. I cut a bar of Bronner's in half and use it for easy wash up of mugs, etc in the room sink.

On site resorts have shampoo and body wash in dispensers in the room. But small travel sz bottles of shampoo and hair conditioner go far and I never use up the whole bottle in 13 nights. If traveling with a partner, consider sharing so more room freed up in your ziplock toiletry bag.

Buy some old-style powder laundry detergent at Walmart. Sunlight still makes a powder. Take enough for 2 or 3 laundry loads and pack a few fabric sheets. A full sz box less $ than what you'll pay at the resorts.

Watch your trinket spending. The personal carry on bag lets me pick up one or two special little things like a Trader Sam's tiki glass and a Starbuck's you are here mug. But you are def limited re carting home goodies.

When I started carry-on only, I used a backpack like Cabin Max but found the hike through Toronto Airport to be nasty with all that weight on my back. I now sacrifice a little room and stick with a basic unassuming roll aboard. Amazon.ca had an amazonbasics one that has stood up to some wear and tear. I prefer the 'gray man' black or gray or navy boring colour so less likely to catch the attention of attendants at boarding. I carefully measure the bag but it's usually a little bit overstuffed so might be a struggle to show that it complies with that steel limits cage. I do lock my roll aboard in case I'm forced to check it at the gate and carry a spare set of luggage lock keys.

Because I need my full overhead bin space for the roll aboard, I'm always one of 'those people' who cluster around the boarding gate before my row is called. I want to be in the first few people in my section to board so I have the room I need.

Have a great vacation and enjoy the freedom of no checked baggage. One less worry and hassle to deal with.

This is great. Thanks for the tips!
For those that know me, it's crazy to think I am even considering carry on. (And I always make fun of DH for just taking a carry on for business trips). I don't go overboard with clothes (although I do pack 1 tank, 1 tshirt per day) but it's all the toiletries that adds up ...plus I'm one to need my own hairdryer and flat iron.

Unfortunately...I think based on our seats we won't be one of the first ones on, so that may be an issue.

 

[Silvermist999]

We are also considering only using carryons for the 4 of us for our upcoming trip. We have never done only carryons at all before. The toiletries will be a big issue for us because we need to pack our specific brand of sunscreen and hand sanitizers due to skin sensitivities.

 

[AussieFan8]

We have only traveled with carry-on bags for a decade or more.

• Maximize the size of your personal item, like a backpack that meets the maximum allowable measurements.
• Consider using packing cubes and rolling clothes.
• Wear your thickest/heaviest clothes/shoes on the plane if you can.
• Try to only bring one additional pair of shoes, plus maybe flip flops if needed.
• Consider bringing an additional lightweight, packable bag for souvenirs and checking your suitcase on the way home. Or, as others have said, consider shipping souvenirs home.
• Use the hotel hair dryer rather than bringing your own, if possible.

 

[Smugpugmug]

Not Canadian but wanted to put in my 2 cents.

I always do carry on only when going to Orlando. The less time I spend in MCO, the better. I use an Osprey Porter bag for my clothes and I have another backpack as my personal item. The personal item backpack is what I use to store potential souvenirs on the trip home. I don't use packing cubes but I have mastered the art of rolling my clothes into the tiniest bundles possible in order for them all to fit. If I need one, I wear my coat/hoodie on the plane so I save carry on space and I also wear my sneakers while putting sandals or flip flops in my bag. I bring travel size toiletries such as toothpaste, face cleanser, moisturizer, hand sanitizer, etc. along with my prescriptions and put them all into one gallon size Ziploc bag that goes into my personal item in the rare chance I would have to check my main carry on.

I'm also one of those people that tries to line up to be the first few people in my group to board so I am guaranteed overhead space. On every flight I've been on in the past 2-3 years, those in the last group have had to check their bags at the gate due to a lack of space.

In terms of things that I cannot bring due to size and lack of space such as sunscreen and laundry detergent, I buy those once I land in Orlando. On my last trip my group and I took a ride share to the Target on Rolling Oaks Blvd. in Kissimmee to buy whatever we needed. That store is HUGE and also has a decently sized liquor section if that is something you're interested in. I have never done grocery/liquor delivery to a WDW resort so I can't say much there. WDW resorts have shampoo, conditioner and body wash in the rooms but if you don't want to use them you can buy your own at any grocery store as there are plenty of other stores besides Target nearby such as Walmart, Publix, CVS, Walgreens, etc.

Feel free to ask any other questions. I've been doing carry on only for years now.

 

[dawnelda]

Chalk me up as another vote for carry-on only. I wouldn't trust an airline to not lose checked bags nor do I want to spend vacation time waiting around a baggage carousel.

• Plan to do laundry one afternoon. The laundry rooms at the Disney hotels sell small boxes of soap. Optionally bring drier sheets from home.
• The store Lush sells solid shampoo and solid conditioner so they won't count against your liquids/gels/aerosols (or use the ones provided in the hotel room)
• Use travel sized bottles of moisturizer, face soap, toothpaste, sunscreen.
• Use packing cubes to squash clothes down really small. Be ruthless when crushing them.
• Decide to not go to places requiring fancy clothes (therefore no need to bring fancy clothes)
• When on vacation, make a list of the stuff you use and don't use so you can be more efficient next time
• If you need to bring a warm jacket then choose a down coat that will squash pretty small
• Wear running shoes onto the plane, pack flip-flops in your carry on. No need for other shoes.
• Minimal souvenirs
• If you can, pack clothes that you don't want to bring home (e.g. old pajamas that you can throw out before returning home)

 

[bababear_50]

Hi Hon
My biggest problem is I have been away for 3 years and just know I am going to want to bring back a (few) things.
If in Jan things are still not improved at Toronto airport I will fly with a carry on. I will also be taking a large bag purse
that I can stuff a few things into.
I allow myself one medium size baggie for all necessary toiletries and /meds.
Basins in Disney Springs has all sorts of toiletries you can pick up. I usually make a shopping trip from our Resort via Uber to Target /Walmart also.

https://www.disneysprings.com/shopping/basin/

Also have a look here

https://www.themouseforless.com/walt-disney-world/dining/money-saving-tips/shopping-for-groceries/

I also take my oldest PJs & housecoat and will throw them out before returning.

I find that Green Mile at Pearson Airport one I really hate so if I can skip luggage pick when I come home it's a win win.

Best wishes
Mel

 

[Frozen2014]

Chalk me up as another vote for carry-on only. I wouldn't trust an airline to not lose checked bags nor do I want to spend vacation time waiting around a baggage carousel.

• Plan to do laundry one afternoon. The laundry rooms at the Disney hotels sell small boxes of soap. Optionally bring drier sheets from home.
• The store Lush sells solid shampoo and solid conditioner so they won't count against your liquids/gels/aerosols (or use the ones provided in the hotel room)
• Use travel sized bottles of moisturizer, face soap, toothpaste, sunscreen.
• Use packing cubes to squash clothes down really small. Be ruthless when crushing them.
• Decide to not go to places requiring fancy clothes (therefore no need to bring fancy clothes)
• When on vacation, make a list of the stuff you use and don't use so you can be more efficient next time
• If you need to bring a warm jacket then choose a down coat that will squash pretty small
• Wear running shoes onto the plane, pack flip-flops in your carry on. No need for other shoes.
• Minimal souvenirs
• If you can, pack clothes that you don't want to bring home (e.g. old pajamas that you can throw out before returning home)

This is good. Thanks. If it were a cruise, then we'd have different evening wear, but luckily for WDW, we can stick to shorts, tshirts, tanks. Will be very hot in August so packed clothes won't be bulky (but will wear pants on the plane and even a cardigan or something long sleeves on us).

I did a search and it looks like the shampoo/conditioner provided is a good one....So if that's the case, can just use theirs. My only concern is it isn't enough for 4 of us (i.e. won't be refilled prior to all of us showering).

Yeah...will all wear runners....and only have 1 other pair each of good walking/waterproof sandals.

We have cubes...can use so pack efficiently (or I often use them for underwear and socks so they don't get lost in luggage - but not so many spots to get lost if carryon...lol)