How much luggage do you take?

[etwinchester]

I was wondering how much luggage you normally take to WDW if flying, a family with 2 adults and 1 child, and staying for 14 nights?

Last time we drove so the sky was the limit. This time we want to fly and I don't want to take too much.

I would like to take an extra empty suitcase for souvenirs. I didn't know what would be reasonable to check and take on a plain.

How much do you take?

 

[babybunrab]

Another dilemma solved. Thanks again, magicinmyheart!

 

[blanq]

We are a family of 3. We check 2 bags (total) and we carry on 1 bag and a backpack. We generally only travel to WDW for a week, but I can tell you we would not take more for longer stays. We are not opposed to doing laundry while on vacation.

Luggage limits vary between airlines, but many now have 50lb limits for checked bags, and most only allow 2 checked bags per person. Thought I would mention this as a consideration in your planning.

We are not souvenir types, so I have never considered bringing an empty suitcase. I suppose you could take that route, or ship (by box) souvenirs if you didn't want the hassle of another suitcase.

I envy you...2 whole weeks in WDW! Have fun!

 

[etwinchester]

Thanks. I'd rather bring an empty one for extra stuff. I'm sure my daughter will be getting tons of stuff. Last year she was 3 and saved up $300 in 9 months.

Now we have at least 3/4 years of planning for the next one so I can imagine what she'll have.

I'd rather have an extra one just incase. I also want to take my laptop (which I'll probably put in extra suitcase) for downloading my pictures from digital camera. I like ordering them thru Ofoto instead of Walmart.

 

[NotUrsula]

The laptop goes in a carryon, and a small carryon. You don't want to take the risk that they might make you gate-check it. A laptop should NEVER leave your possession during travel, except to go through security as you stand within sight of it. Get a cable to lock it to the furniture in the hotel.

Your extra suitcase is NOT one of your carryons. The extra suitcase is a lightweight collapsible duffel bag that you stick in on top of the clothing in a checked bag. On your return, you put your dirty clothing in it, and put the souvenirs in the original checked bags.

My answer requires one round of laundry. One pullman just under maximum allowed size, plus the empty duffel to be checked, and two carryons that are NOT rolling 22" bags; something a little smaller. If you will need a cooler for your stay, you could also add a rolling cooler as checked baggage, which, again, doubles as luggage for the flight. (We do this if we are spending time at the beach, too.) A young child brings a carryon bag that contains his incidentals, but except for one change, all his clothing goes in the pullman, too. You never want to actually plan to check as many bags as are allowed; if you end up overweight you want to be able to move things into the duffel so as to avoid the fee.

 

[etwinchester]

Here's what I was THINKING, but really have no clue:

I just purchased the mickey mouse luggage from disney store.

* Big mickey roll-on being with both mine and DH clothes - CHECKED

* Smaller mickey carry on with laptop and mickey tote inside that holds toilettries and extra room for souviners upon return (or a collapsable duffle bag like suggested) - CARRIED ON BY ME, along with my canvas tote which will hold camera, little purse inside, snacks, etc...

* Small purple carry on suitcase with DD clothes - CARRIED ON BY HER, plus a small bookbag

I don't know if my hubby will have a carry on or not. Might have something small like a video camera.

Now my daughter has a small tote for toilletries. Do I have to try to fit that into her carryon suitcase?


PS - Can rolling bags be carry-ons? My daughters suitcase is smaller like the small mickey one and says it's regulation flying size for a carryon bag according to sticker. I don't want her to check her suitcase if we don't have to. I'd rather only have my big bag and a cooler if necessary. We are staying for 14 nights so I might purchase one of the cheap foam coolers at walmart instead.

 

[NotUrsula]

Rolling bags are OK to carry on as long as they meet the size limit (see your airline's website; it varies). However, if they run out of space in the overhead bins, people boarding in the last group might have to gate-check larger bags.

Put the valuables (computer and camera equipment, all film, medications, jewelry and anything you absolutely cannot bear to lose) in the carryons. Make sure small valuables are in a bag of some sort, in case you have to take them out if you have to gate-check. A plastic shopping bag is fine.

Your laptop must be removed from the case and sent through security in a tray. Be sure you pack it right on top where you can easily take it out and put it back.

 

[coolmom_1966]

Originally posted by etwinchester
[ I also want to take my laptop (which I'll probably put in extra suitcase) for downloading my pictures from digital camera. ]

I never thought of doing that. Thanks so much! Now I can take even more pictures!

Barb

 

[goofy4tink]

We always pack a rolled up duffle bag, just in case. Then we put dirty laundry in it. We pack all our camera stuff and other electronic things (gameboy, cd player) in plastic baggies. They go into the carry-ons like that. Then I can just whip them out at security. It makes things go a lot faster. If you pack a roll of quarters for laundry, make sure you have them handy! Security had a heck of a time trying to find the small cylindrical shaped thing in my carry-on bag last summer. And I had completely forgotton I had it!! A nightmare. I would try to have as little carry-on stuff as you can get away with. If you are checking bags to begin with, you might just as well, check what you won't need for the flight. (other than those electronics). Put a change of clothes, some toiletries in the bag you bring on with you.