HELP!! what to pack for 4 kids

[MandaPerry]

My cousins are going to be joining us on our Dec vacation they have four kids Peter-9 Will-7 Claire-5 and baby Teddy-2. They are calling us everyday asking what to pack"long sleeves short sleeves, jeans,shorts?" We have never traveld with kids and have no idea what to tell themThey will be there Dec3-8. i need all your suggestions also would you suggest renting a stroller or bringing there own ( they have a double stroller) Thanks in advance the Perry's

 

[rileyroosmom]

I would say shorts and tee shirts during the day. A sweater/sweatshirt for mornings and evenings. It can't hurt to throw in a pair or 2 of jeans and long sleeves, "just in case" but I believe the temps should still be in the high 70's maybe low 80's then. I recommend they bring their own stroller. It is a life saver when leaving the parks with tired cranky kids to just wheel them to the bus (It's kind of a pain to have to fold it and get it on the bus, but better thank carrying kids from the gates to the bus). JMO

 

[crazelion]

I would check www.weather.com to check the forecast in Orlando. Because Florida could get a cold front in.

4 pair of jeans
3 shorts (just in case)
3 T-shirts ( you will probably buy more at WDW)
2 long sleeve shirts
1 sweatshirt
Fleece jacket or coat
pair stertch gloves

I would bring there own stroller.

 

[DisneyMom5]

Another vote for bringing their stroller. I had a dbl with me last time, no problem.

If they plan in a day of laundry, I would pack one outfit more than 1/2 of the trip. For example: 7 day trip, 4 outfits. Then set aside time to do laundry. Bring extra socks and undies (small children!)
We had jeans, t-shirts, and shorts for all days, then 2 long sleeve shirts just in case. And, instead of fleece jackets, consider something waterproof (and possibly fleece lined). Much easier to deal with the rain.
Others have recommended packing hats, and gloves, and just layering your other stuff in case of a very cold spell.
Tell them to have fun!

 

[cmonroe]

Another vote for the stroller.

We brought small snacks for in the park.
Kid's always seemed to have wanted something.

Hats for everyone helps keep out the sun beating on their little squashes all day.

Light jackets or sweatshirts for the night time ( I also recommend checking weather.com)

One other thing I wish we had... It might sound crazy, but I couldn't find any before I left. Ear protection for the youngest (My DS was 7 months). Honestly some of the rides are so loud, the little ones are always able to plug their ears. My DW was blocking my son's ears for some of the rides.

We used rain protection every day. It rained every afternoon (we went in August). That might not be necessary this time of year.

 

[elgerber]

Definitely bring their own stroller!!! I also second the ear-plugs. We have used them on every trip for my dd, she hates loud noises. I found them at Walgreens, just bought the foam squishy ones.

For clothing, I have been twice in early December, and I wore more jeans than anything. In 2000, we wore shorts a couple of days, but in 2003 I think we only wore them once. Beautiful t-shirt/jeans weather, but not quite shorts weather most of the time. We also needed sweatshirts and jackets for the evenings. Keep in mind I am from the north, so we are used to cold, but we still wanted jeans.

 

[paigevz]

shorts/sweats/t-shirt outfits.........so they can wear the shorts under the sweats in the mornings/evenings and just take off the sweats if needed mid-day

zip-off pants.........they make 'em in small sizes too.............just zip the legs off when it's warm, and zip 'em back on when it's cold

and one sweatshirt and one fleece for each..........and their hats/gloves because when we went in February it got pretty cold.......we did okay with t-shirts/sweatshirts/sweat pants except we did end up buying gloves and hats.........the breeze on the rides can get pretty stiff!

this way, they have pant options, they'll wear t-shirts, and then if it's a bit cold sweatshirt or fleece......if it's really cold, then sweatshirt AND fleece

AND if you get lucky and it's really warm, they still have their t-shirts and shorts!

When it was cold last year, too, on the look-out for sweatshirts, we bought those cover-up towels that look like Pooh and Mickey to try to keep the kids warm...........it worked like a hooded blanket adn was so, so cute.............I am taking those this year for getting out of the pool........the water's heated, but the air isn't!

 

[ErinInCT]

Here's a tip that really helped with packing, especially with so many kids!! Each kid can pack their outfits in gallon sized Ziploc bags. Then they can write their name on the bag & just pull out a bag when it is time to get dressed. You can squeeze the air out of the bag making the clothes really tight for packing. We did this on our vacation & it was so nice to not have to think about what "outfit" to wear, just grab a bag & get dressed. Hope this helps not only for this trip, but for others too!

 

[ErinInCT]

Oh, just to clarify. I mean pack one outfit a day, not try to stuff all outfits in ONE bag!! So each kid would have 5 bags (or less if you will be washing). Another idea you may have seen on DIS is the clear plastic shoe bag to keep toiletries in which hangs from the door in the bathroom to save counter space. Also helpful when you have 4 kids and a mom & a dad.

Oh, and definately BYO stroller!

 

[bobcat]

Great suggestions so far. If you are prepared for a cold snap hopefully it won't come. One other thing with little ones you might want to stock up on glow necklaces. They cost a fortune in the parks but are cheap at home and easy to pack.

 

[MandaPerry]

Thank you all so much for the answers. As i mentioned before this is the first time we have travled with little kids. I will pass on the information and if you are going to be in the world nov26-dec6 look for us we will be the caravan of five adults and four kids(at least we outnumber them)a double stroller and a rented stroller for all the stuff the grandma is going to buy them

 

[elsaj]

I just learned a big lesson in packing. We just returned from our trip which was wonderful. However remember to pack an emergency change of clothing for your kids in your flight carry on bag. My 5 year old from all the nerves and excitement vomited all over herself before we even took off. This was very unexpected behavior and needless to say it was not the most comfortable flight to Florida.