"For 2,000+ Mile Round-Trip Drivers Only!" (Part V)

[dvczerfs]

Well, the old man is turning 60 in a few weeks. Guess where we going to celebrate? One guess…….. anyone?
We are heading to the Contemporary for a few nights. Staying in the A frame with a park view. We have done this a few times over the years, wife figured we need to do it again. Also have tickets to the Halloween party. We haven’t done that in a real long time.
Other than that news, work is work, had to buy a new car and a new pool heater all in the same week. Can’t wait till this wedding is over. lol.

 

[pwdebbie]

Good to hear from you. When is the wedding? I hope we get pictures. Next trip for me is in November, arriving Thanksgiving Day and spending way too much money (sure hope the house I inherited sells quickly!). But I'll be flying this time with my son and his family. I didn't know until we booked the plane tickets that I might be afraid of flying. I would much rather drive. I don't even know how to pack for a flight. With the car, everything I could possibly need traveled with me.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Good to hear from you. When is the wedding? I hope we get pictures. Next trip for me is in November, arriving Thanksgiving Day and spending way too much money (sure hope the house I inherited sells quickly!). But I'll be flying this time with my son and his family. I didn't know until we booked the plane tickets that I might be afraid of flying. I would much rather drive. I don't even know how to pack for a flight. With the car, everything I could possibly need traveled with me.

What airline are you flying? We fly a lot

 

[bluezy]

Good to hear from you. When is the wedding? I hope we get pictures. Next trip for me is in November, arriving Thanksgiving Day and spending way too much money (sure hope the house I inherited sells quickly!). But I'll be flying this time with my son and his family. I didn't know until we booked the plane tickets that I might be afraid of flying. I would much rather drive. I don't even know how to pack for a flight. With the car, everything I could possibly need traveled with me.

I totally understand this. We drive everywhere and I'm the queen of overpacking. A few weeks ago I flew cross country to visit my son and the family members I was traveling with didn't want to check any bags for the flight, so I had to pack everything I needed for 4 days in a carry-on bag and a backpack. It had been many, many years since I had flown anywhere (I don't have a problem flying, but my husband does -- he wasn't with us on this trip). I watched videos, read blogs/articles, etc. about how to pack a carryon bag and I was surprised that it was not as difficult as I thought it would be. I use packing cubes to organize things even when we're traveling by car. These really helped when only packing carry-on bags. I also used 4 clear toiletry bags for liquids, non-liquid make-up & meds, one for hair brushes, combs, and a few other odds and ends, and the last one for electronic type things (cords, power blocks, headphones, etc.). I wanted everything in a bag so that if I needed to pull anything out at the TSA security check, it would be super easy (I didn't need to pull anything out. We flew through SAN & PHL and both of those airports only had you pull out large electronics). I also put all of my clothing in the carry-on suitcase and all of the clear bags and anything I would need on the plane in my backpack so it would be easy to access. I also made sure that the shirts and pants I packed were very interchangeable so I had flexibility when choosing an outfit because there's no way I can decide specifically what I want to wear more than 30 seconds before I actually get dressed. As usual, I overpacked. But it was all ok. I don't think I would ever be able to pack for a 7 day Disney trip in just a carryon, but I could easily do it by just adding a small checked bag. Don't panic, you'll be fine.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

I totally understand this. We drive everywhere and I'm the queen of overpacking. A few weeks ago I flew cross country to visit my son and the family members I was traveling with didn't want to check any bags for the flight, so I had to pack everything I needed for 4 days in a carry-on bag and a backpack. It had been many, many years since I had flown anywhere (I don't have a problem flying, but my husband does -- he wasn't with us on this trip). I watched videos, read blogs/articles, etc. about how to pack a carryon bag and I was surprised that it was not as difficult as I thought it would be. I use packing cubes to organize things even when we're traveling by car. These really helped when only packing carry-on bags. I also used 4 clear toiletry bags for liquids, non-liquid make-up & meds, one for hair brushes, combs, and a few other odds and ends, and the last one for electronic type things (cords, power blocks, headphones, etc.). I wanted everything in a bag so that if I needed to pull anything out at the TSA security check, it would be super easy (I didn't need to pull anything out. We flew through SAN & PHL and both of those airports only had you pull out large electronics). I also put all of my clothing in the carry-on suitcase and all of the clear bags and anything I would need on the plane in my backpack so it would be easy to access. I also made sure that the shirts and pants I packed were very interchangeable so I had flexibility when choosing an outfit because there's no way I can decide specifically what I want to wear more than 30 seconds before I actually get dressed. As usual, I overpacked. But it was all ok. I don't think I would ever be able to pack for a 7 day Disney trip in just a carryon, but I could easily do it by just adding a small checked bag. Don't panic, you'll be fine.

Yes! It’s not as hard as you’d think. I never check a bag. I have a rolling carry on and a bag.

 

[bluezy]

Yes! It’s not as hard as you’d think. I never check a bag. I have a rolling carry on and a bag.

It really isn't. Along with being an over packer, I'm also an overthinker. I even have a shirt that reads: Hold on! Let me overthink this!" Once I accommodated my overthinking (with all the packing cubes and clear toiletry bags among other things), it really was simple.

 

[Becky2005]

I am an over packer too but getting better. I still prefer driving though.

We will be heading on out to see the Mouse in just over 2 weeks. It did take me forever to decide where we wanted to stop on the way down. I wanted to make sure we had a place reserved but on the way home we will be winging it (mostly because I don't know what time we are actually getting up & leaving for on the way home!).

I'm a planner so the winging it is a bit on the stressful side for me! It *has* happened to us (in ancient times before cell phones! LOL!) where we couldn't find a hotel to stay at on the way home from a trip (not Disney but from NJ to IL) so that is always in the back of my mind as I prefer not to repeat.

 

[dvczerfs]

Good to hear from you. When is the wedding? I hope we get pictures. Next trip for me is in November, arriving Thanksgiving Day and spending way too much money (sure hope the house I inherited sells quickly!). But I'll be flying this time with my son and his family. I didn't know until we booked the plane tickets that I might be afraid of flying. I would much rather drive. I don't even know how to pack for a flight. With the car, everything I could possibly need traveled with me.

She is getting married in March. She got all the major stuff done and most of the details ironed out, now it’s time to figure out how it’s all going to work. lol. Up to this point, she has had an easy time, dad’s credit card has done all the work. lol.
They have done a great job putting it together, they picked a great venue, just working out all the logistics getting people here and around. The venue does just about everything and they have people to make sure everything goes smoothly. I’ll see if I can post some stock pictures of the venue.

Good to hear from you. When is the wedding? I hope we get pictures. Next trip for me is in November, arriving Thanksgiving Day and spending way too much money (sure hope the house I inherited sells quickly!). But I'll be flying this time with my son and his family. I didn't know until we booked the plane tickets that I might be afraid of flying. I would much rather drive. I don't even know how to pack for a flight. With the car, everything I could possibly need traveled with me.

 

[dvczerfs]

Not my family or my photos.

 

[dvczerfs]

The place is pretty secluded for central Florida. lol. It’s in the middle of an orange grove. There is also another building that she rented which is right next to the ceremony area, looks like a big ranch house that the bride and the girls get ready. There is also a big room with a pool table etc. that the guys hang out till it’s time.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

So exciting Dave!!
What? No Disney wedding!!??? I hope my boys eventually get married! It may be a while…. or never.

 

[pwdebbie]

What airline are you flying? We fly a lot

United out of Dulles.

 

[pwdebbie]

I totally understand this. We drive everywhere and I'm the queen of overpacking. A few weeks ago I flew cross country to visit my son and the family members I was traveling with didn't want to check any bags for the flight, so I had to pack everything I needed for 4 days in a carry-on bag and a backpack. It had been many, many years since I had flown anywhere (I don't have a problem flying, but my husband does -- he wasn't with us on this trip). I watched videos, read blogs/articles, etc. about how to pack a carryon bag and I was surprised that it was not as difficult as I thought it would be. I use packing cubes to organize things even when we're traveling by car. These really helped when only packing carry-on bags. I also used 4 clear toiletry bags for liquids, non-liquid make-up & meds, one for hair brushes, combs, and a few other odds and ends, and the last one for electronic type things (cords, power blocks, headphones, etc.). I wanted everything in a bag so that if I needed to pull anything out at the TSA security check, it would be super easy (I didn't need to pull anything out. We flew through SAN & PHL and both of those airports only had you pull out large electronics). I also put all of my clothing in the carry-on suitcase and all of the clear bags and anything I would need on the plane in my backpack so it would be easy to access. I also made sure that the shirts and pants I packed were very interchangeable so I had flexibility when choosing an outfit because there's no way I can decide specifically what I want to wear more than 30 seconds before I actually get dressed. As usual, I overpacked. But it was all ok. I don't think I would ever be able to pack for a 7 day Disney trip in just a carryon, but I could easily do it by just adding a small checked bag. Don't panic, you'll be fine.

This was really helpful information. I'm thinking I can pack fairly light because we are doing three nights at POFQ, then three nights at the Island Tower at Poly and will have a washer and dryer there, and then three nights at Kidani Village, and again will have a washer and dryer. I will start looking at packing cubes and those clear toiletry bags. Where does a laptop go -- backpack or carry on?

 

[ddluvsdisney]

This was really helpful information. I'm thinking I can pack fairly light because we are doing three nights at POFQ, then three nights at the Island Tower at Poly and will have a washer and dryer there, and then three nights at Kidani Village, and again will have a washer and dryer. I will start looking at packing cubes and those clear toiletry bags. Where does a laptop go -- backpack or carry on?

The laptop can go anywhere you want. If you’ll be using it on the plane, try to put it in the bag under the seat so it’s easily accessible.
Since you’ll be able to do laundry so often that makes things a lot easier for you. You definitely don’t need to pack that much.

 

[bluezy]

This was really helpful information. I'm thinking I can pack fairly light because we are doing three nights at POFQ, then three nights at the Island Tower at Poly and will have a washer and dryer there, and then three nights at Kidani Village, and again will have a washer and dryer. I will start looking at packing cubes and those clear toiletry bags. Where does a laptop go -- backpack or carry on?

I didn't take a laptop, but if I had, my backpack had a separate zippered slot for a laptop and I would have put it (and only it) in that space so that I didn't have to worry about anything else falling out when I took my laptop out at security. My son took his laptop and that's where he had his laptop -- separate pocket in his backpack. It really doesn't matter where you put it, but to keep things quick and easy at security, I'd put it somewhere that it's easy to grab without disturbing a bunch of other things in the bag. I saw one lady digging through her clothing in her carryon bag to pull out her laptop. Her husband was saying, "I told you to keep that on top of all your stuff in the bag!" Her reply was, "I wanted to keep it protected so it didn't get broken." And then the husband made a comment about everyone in the security lines being able to see her bras and underwear.

 

[dvczerfs]

So exciting Dave!!
What? No Disney wedding!!??? I hope my boys eventually get married! It may be a while…. or never.

You have an extra 100k laying around? I already have half that invested and I’m not done yet. lol. I learned a few things in Florida, you mention one of these three words and look out! Here it comes. lol. Electric, insurance or wedding. lol.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

@pwdebbie I have TSA pre-check so I often forget that the rules are sometimes different if you don’t. Sorry if I gave wrong information.

 

[mickey916]

I didn't take a laptop, but if I had, my backpack had a separate zippered slot for a laptop and I would have put it (and only it) in that space so that I didn't have to worry about anything else falling out when I took my laptop out at security. My son took his laptop and that's where he had his laptop -- separate pocket in his backpack. It really doesn't matter where you put it, but to keep things quick and easy at security, I'd put it somewhere that it's easy to grab without disturbing a bunch of other things in the bag. I saw one lady digging through her clothing in her carryon bag to pull out her laptop. Her husband was saying, "I told you to keep that on top of all your stuff in the bag!" Her reply was, "I wanted to keep it protected so it didn't get broken." And then the husband made a comment about everyone in the security lines being able to see her bras and underwear.

This reminded me of a funny story about my dad. We had driven down to DC to visit my brother right after the events of Sept. 11. We were staying for a week but my dad had to get back home to work. He took a one way flight and my mom stayed with us. Since he was flying home, she decided to put all the dirty laundry in his suitcase. He got pulled over (which happened to him a lot) for a special screening and they searched his carryon. He was mortified when they saw he was a single man traveling alone with a suitcase of women's underwear...hahaha!