Flying and packing..

[C.Ann]

Okay - I'll admit it... I'm among the WORST when it comes to overpacking..

I'll be traveling alone and want to make getting through security and dragging my luggage around as simple as possible.. I have one of those 3-pc. sets (large, medium and carry-on type).. I would like to get everything in the medium so I can nestle it in the larger one and have that one for bringing back Christmas gifts..

I'm looking at the 1st week of December.. What should I absolutely bring - based on the weather that time of year, etc.?

What do all of YOU bring?

Thanks!

 

[NotUrsula]

I won't tell you what to bring or not bring, but I will give you a couple of tips re: overpacking.

If you have a habit of overpacking, here are two tips that might help. 1) Don't pack directly into your suitcase. The way that suitcases are designed, you usually can't see past the surface to notice just what is inside. Try packing into a laundry basket first; you can see what's there as you go. 2) After you've gathered everything you plan to pack, lay it all out on a bed or table preparatory to putting it in the suitcase. While you have it all spread out, take a good hard look at what is there, and PUT HALF OF IT BACK IN THE CLOSET! Try to stick to no more than 3 colors so that each piece goes w/ 2 others. If you feel the need to bring fleece or other puffy items, buy a couple of compression bags; they will eliminate all that air and save space.

Pack your toiletries well ahead of time, using duplicate items. Our toiletries stay permanently packed; we just have to reach into the closet and toss the pouch into the suitcase. Bring only the jewelry you will wear in transit; restrict yourself to items that work with everything, and there will be no need to bring add'l jewelry.

Orlando isn't the Gobi Desert, if you forget something you can always buy it there. In a pinch, garments can be re-worn; it's not like anyone you know is going to see you do it. Keep a small packet of Woolite in your pre-packed toiletry kit; you can use it to wash a couple of things out in the sink if you get caught short.

 

[C.Ann]

Thanks, NotUrsala..

Now what is a "compression" bag - and where can I get them?

 

[NotUrsula]

It's a heavy plastic bag, sort of like a large ziploc, but with a special seal on it that lets you squash out the air. They run about $5 each, and you can usually find them in the luggage sections of gen'l merchandise stores like Target, Wal-Mart, etc.
If they don't have them, then try luggage stores, but you'll pay more there.

There are also cloth "compression sacs" that have straps around the outside, these are more for things like sleeping bags or pillows. You get those from camping supply places.

 

[CarolA]

I think you need to consider weight!

If you pack a suitcase inside a suitcase you can easily be looking at 15 pounds before you add the first thing. Some airlines limit you to 50 lbs per piece. Also, make sure your luggage is not TOO big. Some of those monster pieces are bigger then allowed by the airlines.

I personally found the compresssion and travel bags worthless. I just by 2.5 gallon ziplock bags at Walmart. LOTS cheaper and when the seal breaks you just replace it with a new one.

It sounds like your luggage is going to be checked so dragging it around should not be too much trouble.

For that time of year, bring a jacket it can get cold

 

[arminnie]

C.Ann - I've been in early December several times. The weather is VERY unpredictable, it can be 85 or 35 degrees in the same week.

Here's what I do - I usually don't bring shorts - I might pack one pair or a pair of capris. I bring some long pants - usually jeans.

I layer, layer, layer. When it is very cold I would wear turtleneck with sweatshirt over it and then a light fleece jacket. Don't forget to throw in a pair of gloves and a scarf or hat. I buy those $1 stretchy gloves at walmart or target. They don't take up much room. Those same gloves will be $8 at Disney (with no characters on them either). When it's cold the wind can blow and a scarf around your head helps a lot.

I found that if I brought a corduroy or flannel shirt or something a little heavier it made a good light jacket over a tshirt. On some days it can be warm in the sun and then cold in the shade. Having a very light jacket or a shirt/jacket is easier to take on and off than a sweatshirt is.

My fleece jacket is very light so it's not a problem if I just tie it around my waist if I don't need it.

Because it is generally not too hot and muggy you can wear clothes more than once in December.

One thing that helps me to cut back on my packing is knowing that I don't ever have to dress up at Disney. You can wear jeans, tennis shoes and a tshirt or sweatshirt anyplace.

You have to be prepared for the weather extremes but most likely it will be 70s during the day and 50s at night.

For a week's stay I would take:
3-4 pair of jeans or long pants
4 longsleeve tshirts
4 shirts (flannel, corduroy)
1 sweatshirt
fleece jacket (or other type of jacket)
gloves
scarf
usual socks & underwear
bathing suit - wishful thinking?
2 pair of comfortable shoes
pjs
toiletries

I've done the suitcase inside another suitcase myself. It works great when you are going to be shopping.