Help a worried first time mom pack! share a tip!

[laurafaith]

hi all we will be down in disney nov 28 - dec 8

im getting worried already about what to pack? it will be me and hubby and 2 sons 6 and 2. im worried about clothes...because part of me thinks shorts and t-shirts because its florida......but i don't want to be freezing? also worried about all the great tips ive heard on here about things to bring...but we are flying so i don't want to have a TON of luggage...but we will be there a long time! oh please help!

ive heard of some "ultimate" packing list....if anyone has that would u mind sharing....also what is one tip u can share....either something u also forget, or something fun to bring for the kids....any ideas would be greatly appreciated! thanks


laurafaith

 

[Hannathy]

First and most important tip RELAX!!!! You are going to Disney not into the wilderness. Anything you forgot you probably can live without and anything you forget and really need you can buy. After you convince yourself of these 2 facts you'll do fine.

Oh the one thing you can't forget is money!
(or credit cards and some money)

 

[tinkerfan1]

Just because it's Florida doesn't mean you won't need jackets. Chances are, you will. We go down at Thanksgiving and have been caught unprepared a couple of times while out. Of course, that's always and excuse for buying a Disney hoodie or cute jacket!! Have a wonderful time!! You are going at a great time.

 

[diznygirl]

Just because it's Florida doesn't mean you won't need jackets. Chances are, you will. We go down at Thanksgiving and have been caught unprepared a couple of times while out. Of course, that's always and excuse for buying a Disney hoodie or cute jacket!! Have a wonderful time!! You are going at a great time.

Yup - the weather could change so make sure to pack at least one pair of pants and a sweater or jacket for each person. And socks. The long sleeves could also come in handy in overly air-conditioned restaurants.

 

[cmaee]

I know how easy you can work yourself into a whirlwind when getting ready to depart on your Disney trip, but try to relax and breathe! A tip I got off of the DISboards in regards to packing clothes is priceless IMO. I bought gallon size ziploc bags and put each days complete outfit in it (socks, undies, shirt, short) , sealed it while trying to get as much air out of it as possible, and then marking on it what day it was to be worn. It was such a space and time saver. I would hand the kids their bag for the day when they got out of the shower. It was so easy to keep everything organized that way.

 

[squirrel]

Yes, definately do the ziplock bags! Love that tip. If you have little ones it's so easy to grab a bag to keep in the stroller for a change of clothes.

 

[BPATSMouse]

hi all we will be down in disney nov 28 - dec 8

We will be there at the same time (Nov 28 - Dec 5) The zip locks are a must as everyone has stated and are also great to put the dirty clothes back into at the end of the day for easy packing at the end of your trip. Also put any reservation/conformation numbers you have on both you and your husbands cell phone calenders so you have them readily handy if needed. You have ten days at WDW don't rush but definately have an itinerary for each day (planning is half the fun for us Disney nuts )

 

[Keri]

yes, I did the ziplock bags last year & they were AWESOME. Especially for dresses & skirts -- I know you don't have that issue, but for anyone else reading, those pricess dresses condense to a really flat pack in a ziplock!!

We've been basically that same week the last 2 years & had VERY different weather. 2 years ago it was basically 85 every day & we barely touched our long sleeves at all. Last year it was more like 70-75 most days, 50s one day, and definitely sweatshirt weather in the morning & evening. If you look on weather.com you can get a better idea of what to expect, but definitely bring a jacket/sweatshirt that is easy on & off and not bulky. We did that & ended up buying a second set on the really cold day because it poured & our jackets got all wet!

The other thing I read on here last year that I did was I put at least one change of clothes & pjs for everyone in each suitcase. That way if we ended up short a bag, we still had clothes for everyone.

I packed snacks & some capri suns in one small suitcase which left some empty room on the way home for souvenirs.

You won't get your luggage as soon as you get to the resort, so pack a change of clothes for everyone in your carry on so you can get to the park/dinner/pool if you're going that day.

We ended up doing laundry last year and it was pretty easy to do. Don't be afraid to underpack a little & do that, esp. as long as you'll be there!

Otherwise ... just remember some tylenol/motrin just in case but you can buy pretty much anything you want/need when you're there if you forget something. Try not to stress & have TONS of fun!

 

[susykt4]

I agree with everyone who said don't be completely against doing laundry while you're there. I was very against it, but really, it's not that much of a pain while your kids are swimming or napping and it saves tons of room packing. Packing your own detergent in ziplocks will save some $$$.

My kids are 9 and 7 and still hate the power flushing loud automatic toilets in the parks. If your youngest is potty trained, pack some post it notes or stickers to cover the motion sensor so the toilet doesn't flush at the wrong time.

Oh, and another vote for packing the kid clothes in the gallon ziplocks!

 

[Mommyto1andtwins]

One thing that I still bring is the goodnight underpants for older kids. My kids usually don't wet the bed but down at disney they are so tired that they can't wake up to pee. That way I always have room for all the kids new stuff.

 

[Sgt Mickey]

Yes bring at leats one sweatshirt and one pair of jeans for each. I did not last spring break and they had a cold spell. Year of going to florida for spring break I had never been there when it was so chilly. I felt like a very bad mom

 

[puffkin]

I also used to be really against doing laundry, but it isn't bad at all! I actually prefer doing it down there and I pack much less! Nov/Dec really is a mixed bag of weather, even from day to day. You really do need to pack a few of everything. We always wear our bulkiest clothes/sweatshirts/shoes down on the plane to save room in the suitcases.

I don't pack clothes in ziplocs but I do always bring a bunch along. We use them for everything down there. You would be surprised how handy they become!

 

[KelseyLaPerle]

hi all we will be down in disney nov 28 - dec 8

im getting worried already about what to pack? it will be me and hubby and 2 sons 6 and 2. im worried about clothes...because part of me thinks shorts and t-shirts because its florida......but i don't want to be freezing? also worried about all the great tips ive heard on here about things to bring...but we are flying so i don't want to have a TON of luggage...but we will be there a long time! oh please help!

ive heard of some "ultimate" packing list....if anyone has that would u mind sharing....also what is one tip u can share....either something u also forget, or something fun to bring for the kids....any ideas would be greatly appreciated! thanks


laurafaith

We'll be there the same time, and I'm looking for the same tips, so here I am jumping on your post! I'm actually taking a break from packing right now! We live in VT so it's not a problem to pack the summer clothes....ah, I can't wait to actually WEAR them!

 

[disneyfan2]

i would also do a last minute weather forecast check before you leave so that if you see an unusual pattern of cold/heat, you can adjust a bit

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

hi all we will be down in disney nov 28 - dec 8

im getting worried already about what to pack? it will be me and hubby and 2 sons 6 and 2. im worried about clothes...because part of me thinks shorts and t-shirts because its florida......but i don't want to be freezing? also worried about all the great tips ive heard on here about things to bring...but we are flying so i don't want to have a TON of luggage...but we will be there a long time! oh please help!

ive heard of some "ultimate" packing list....if anyone has that would u mind sharing....also what is one tip u can share....either something u also forget, or something fun to bring for the kids....any ideas would be greatly appreciated! thanks

laurafaith

The ultimate packing list is on mousesavers.com. You can save it as a word document and then delete what you don't need.

Take 1-2 warm outfits. Think in layers and pack a sweatshirt. We went in April and one night it dropped into the low 40s. Stop by walmart and grab a couple of long sleeve garanimals to wear under their t-shirts. They're lightweight enough that they're small to pack but should work fine on a cool day.

All else fails, you can pack half the clothes and plan to do laundry. There are those combo detergent/dryer sheet things now that you could pack. You can check on allears.net for the cost of laundry services.

Try to share hygeniene products if you can. DH and I share shampoo, I'll pack a 3oz bottle of conditioner. I'll find a neutral scented body wash (like ivory) and we pack J&J's head to toe baby wash for the kids. Saves lots of room.

Don't forget rain gear!

Have a great trip!

 

[OffKilterMom]

Yes to Ziplocs! They come in handy later for putting your camera wallet in, in case your pack gets wet on Kali River and Splash. I also poke a plastic shopping bag in my pack and put the whole thing down it it. Not leakproof but helpful. But the Ziploc inside your pack truly will protect your camera/phone etc.

 

[MSSANDRA]

It can be COLD that time of year. We went the second week of December one year and needed our coats and gloves! Think layers. Take t-shirts,turtle necks etc add and delete as necessary. I love taking a over the door shoe hanger. We fill the pockets with all our stuff that would be all over the coutner, in the cosmetic case etc. So easy to find. We alway have a few sample packs of tide in case we need to wash out a shirt or underwear in the sink. Never do laundry.

I also take some toys for the room. Others disagree but we love down time and the kids can play while you get a few minutes to rest or get ready. Keep a few snacks as well, even on the dining plan. Take any medication you might could need. It cost a LOT to buy on site. Take bathing suits; pools are heat and the weather could be warm!!
A colapsable hamper for clothes is also good. We try to keep it organized in a small room for a week or more. We also get everything ready at night. Saves chaos in the am.

 

[ogreenlee]

They make bigger ziplocks now, too, that are good for adult sized clothes and will fit an extra layer or two. roll out the air. i'd rather use these than those spacesaver bags, which are bulky to me.


we were in florida this past spring break and it was cold, so you never know.

always mix up clothes in suitcases like one of the pp said. my carry-on is my camera bag, so i make sure to pack some of my clothes in my husband's and dd's carry-on.

this is our first time flying to orlando, as we usually drive. but we're taking our big, huge duffle that we use for ski trips. that way i can pack some heavier coats/jackets. i'm hoping that it never gets too cold that i'll need more than a hoodie. i'm packing my lined hoodie, just in case, though, and a pair of thermals for everyone.

 

[PiperPizzaz]

Do NOT pack everything on the ultimate packing list. Do not ask me how I know.

Ziplocks are good.

Bring stuff to wash dishes. I always bring some kind of dish soap and always have had to use it for cups or other random things

I love to bring a plastic basket similar to one of these plastic baskets for the stuff that goes in the shower. Mine have holes in the bottom for the water to drain out. Actually I usually bring one for all the brushes/hairspray etc. for the vanity area. You can get them pretty much everywhere and they are really cheap most places.

The most important thing is camera chargers. One time we thought we (meaning DH ha ha) forgot ours and we had some fedex'd in only to find we actually had them.

I usually bring medication but, the last couple of times we have had to buy stuff down there anyway so unless there is a specific cold/flu/upset stomach etc. medicine you prefer take it because they may not have that kind.

Take something for you to do in case you end up in your room for a day or more. I always bring lots of knitting and hope I never have to use it. Bring small toys maybe books or something. We were down once during a tropical storm, one time DH got really sick for a couple days and this last time I got really sick for a few days.

 

[Heidijs]

Good thread, going for the first time with DD 4 in January.

So if you were going the last week in January, first week in Feb...how would you pack? Would you bring more jeans and hoodies vs shorts? We're coming from frigid Minnesota so any heat we'll appreciate!