How do I get all our Disney stuff home?!

[A_NY_Outlaw]

What we usually do is bring enough backpacks/ duffel bags so that we bring the maximum allowable carry-on the plane. I usually just pack a few things in each one- makes carrying them easier...but on the way home- I usually buy A TON of shotglasses, we'll pack them good in the relatively empty backpacks and luckily- knock on wood- I haven't had any broken ones yet. another thing to keep in mind is whether or not you have a direct flight or stop over. You certainly wouldn't want to put breakables in luggage where the luggage handlers will break something. Keep those fragile items with you at all costs.

 

[fla4fun]

I had a similar concern about lost luggage when I went overseas. What I did was pack a collapsible duffle bag inside my carry on (took up virtually no space). On the way back, I loaded up the duffel with dirty laundry and checked it (if it got lost coming home, it was only laundry) and packed souvenirs and important stuff in the carry on, which I then carried on the plane. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it) the dirty laundry made it home safe and sound.

If you can fly non-stop, you will decrease the odds of your baggage being lost. If you are flying with a companion, split your stuff between the two bags. Take the few seconds to look at the routing tags they attach to your bags to make sure they will go to the right airport.

Orlando isn't out in the middle of nowhere. If something does get lost, you can probably replace it easily. Save the space in the carry on for things that are difficult/impossible to replace.

There is a FedEx/Kinkos on SR535 right outside Disney (exit via Hotel Plaza Blvd., turn left on 535 and go to the second traffic light - it's on the right). If you don't feel right trusting Disney to pack and ship, you can always do it yourself. It would be a fairly short taxi ride from any of the resorts, and a really short ride from DTD.

 

[05MM08MM]

I saw those compacted duffle bags at Target the other day and thought about that. They will take up no space, but you can pack stuff in them to bring back.

We plan to fly non-stop...wouldn't have it any other way. If we use the DME then I will pack my most important items (Camera & other not cheap electronic devices) and 24 hours worth of clothes or must have items in my carry-on and check the rest.

 

[Taja]

I have drove down to Disney but next year, we plan on flying. So how is the best way to get all your stuff home? (souvenirs, purchases, etc.) And if you mail your stuff back home, how much does it usually cost? ALso I have NEVER flown before, so I just don't see how I can get all my stuff packed in the limited amount of luggage you can take on a plane on the flight back home. I plan to only take "carry on" bags, I'm scared my luggage will get lost.

I recommend you have a smaller carry-on with what you need for two days (from the skin out!--including medications) and your quart-size zip-top bag with your 3-1-1 toiletries. Than pack what you need for the bulk of your stay in a bag to be checked.

Seriously, I travel a lot and my bag has gone missing about 6 times in 30 years! It's always been found and returned to me within 2 days--usually a few hours. The biggest culprit tends to be connecting flights when the arriving flight is late and there is less than one hour between the flights. I usually make the flight, but the luggage tends to be iffy!

For a 10-night WDW visit, I pack one wheeled 21" or 22" pilot's case that is checked, one wheeled laptop case or wheeled 18" duffel that I carry on (overhead bin), and a large tote bag that will hold my purse, magazines, book, etc. for the fllight and fit under the seat in front of me. I don't buy a lot, and if it's too big for the bags, it is shipped. Most of the WDW shops will ship the items you purchase there. Cost depends on weight, value, fragility, etc.

You probably can ship from one of the resort business centers (you'll need a box, though, and shipping supplies such as tape, marker, etc.), as well. They do charge a handling fee in addition to the shipping charges, which are published rates for the carrier (i.e., no discounted rates).