how soon do you start packing, and other 1st timer questions :) thanks!

[airbornearmywife]

hi- we are leaving on aug 10 and i have already started to pack (things that i have bought just for the trip)- my dh thinks i am jumping the gun- but i just want to make sure that i remember everything how soon do you start to pack?

also, how many cameras should i bring (we are bring disposable just in case -my dh has lost too many cameras on tdy's lol!!!) i was thinking 6, which would be more than one per day.

and for those who have stayed at the courtyard marriot in dtd- how big are the refregerators you can rent? are they worth it (only 6.50 a night i think)

i also want to bring something special to suprise my dh with for the trip... or buy something there (this is kind of our anniversary/honeymoon trip) that is very special (but not alot of $$$) he will be deploying again soon when we get back and i want him to have something special to remember the trip by. any hints????

helppppppppppp any other hints??? thanks so much- i am just gettig so excited as the trip gets closer!! lol

 

[suzimar57]

we leave in 17 days & today i started packing, so don't think you're packing too soon!

6 disposable cameras should be enough - better to bring extra from home, since they're expensive in wdw

never stayed offsite - but those small in-room refrigerators are a decent size - they're the "dorm size" - you can fit plenty inside - we've rented them onsite wdw to hold sodas, water, snacks

in epcot we've seen (and keep planning to buy!) these "cubes" with your pictures laser-etched inside - really cool & a nice way to mark an occasion - not very expensive, but not cheap either - i think the small one was around $50 (back in september, if i'm remembering correctly)

 

[obnurse2003]

IMPORTANT tip that my sister was telling me just today:

LABEL YOUR CAMERAS!!!!

Use a return address label or something. Just in case it gets lost, dropped or left behind on a table, you can identify it at the lost and found!!

All cameras look alike on the outside.

 

[laurabelle]

I started packing last weekend. Good thing too, I discovered that my youngest dd's fanny pack is missing and so is a piece of luggage. Can you tell we just moved?!?
We're also staying for part of our trip at CBM, but it's our 1st time staying there, so I don't know about the fridge. We're renting a car this time so we'll drive down to Winn-Dixie and get groceries and a styrofoam cooler to use and toss out when we leave. If you don't have a car and are using a towncar service to get from the airport, most do grocery stops. You usually have to ask about it before you arrive.
Have fun, maybe I'll see you there!

 

[SYDNCLAIRESMOM]

PACKED! at least my kids are packed-99%. Im way to eager!

 

[miche61]

I will start packing as soon as we start putting away our summer things and get out the winter clothes. Our next trip is Jan-Feb 2004. I don't think you can start packing too early. I also need to pack little by little because our kids don't know the exact date we are going yet and I get stressed out when I pack. So, the more time I have, the better.

 

[Danauk]

I start to get things ready to pack eraly too. I have a wardrobe in my study so as I have bought new clothes for out trip I have placed them in there. I have also taken out of my regular wardrobe and other clothes I plan to take plus shoes, swim suits etc. I still ware some of the clothes if I go out on an evening but always put them back in the other wardrobe!! My husband is the complete opposite though. He will pack the night before if he needs to!! This year though I have made him look at his clothes to see if he needs any more (last year we had to make a quick trip to the local shops the day before we went!!)

 

[disney_girl27]

I suggest buying water proof disposable cameras for those rainy days or water parks

 

[KatelynnsAuntie]

We leave on August 9 and I dragged out the suitcases two weeks ago! I have throwing stuff in the corner of a closet that I wanted to take and the pile got so big that I started weeding through it and packing.

Great idea about labeling the camera! I hadn't thought of that.

I am also going to get a styrofoam cooler but instead of throwing it out when I leave, I'm going to see if anyone checking in wants it.

It seems a lot of us are going to be there around the same time! I hope you all remember to wear something lime green!

 

[bearloch]

Well im not leaving for 57 days but i have a huge I mean huge rubbermaid tote that i have put stuff into for the trip for almost 6 months, I am stocking up on zip lock bags, suntan lotion new shoelaces ( I use then to decorate out stroller to make it stand out then have in case we need then works great) ( get bright orange) Even bought those bags from qvc that make packing eaiser the bags that shrink clothes, and stuffed animals

so no packing early is a must must plan
!!

 

[Tink1999]

Hey I'm also leaving Aug 10 and I started packing too! It's never too early.

Packing tip: I'm assuming it's just you and DH since it's anniversary/honeymoon. Try to pack everything into one carry-on each and don't check luggage. Much simpler and lower maintenance.

As for the special gift thing, how about Mickey underwear or boxers that he can wear while jumping out of planes?

 

[catize43]

I usually write myself up a packing/things to do list first. Saves me on having those "mental-pause" moments and wishing I hadn't forgot this or that.....

 

[jeleebeene]

I started packing last weekend, so to me, it is never too early to start packing!!

I also recommend the water proof disposable cameras - could come in handy should it rain!

 

[nrose101]

Well my DW and myself actually pack the night before. lol

 

[honeymo78]

I have been very tempted to pack for weeks now but I am holding off until Sun - 1 week before we leave. I think I now have everything I need so on Sunday it will all go in the suitcases except for the stuff we need on a daily basis. I'll wear other clothes all next week so that I can pack everything - same for my DF although he really could care less what he takes so I'll have to do the packing for him.

What are all of you using for your lime green. I have some of those paint sample things from home depot but I'm not sure what to do with them. I'm carrying a sling backpack and would like to attach it somehow on there. Any suggestions?

 

[tci1212]

You will have a great time. Our 1st trip we packed a month before we left! We took tons of pictures. Now I pack 2 days before we go! You will probably want to take alot of pictures since this is your 1st trip. Bring plenty of film or disposable cameras. Most of all have fun! We will be there on 8/15/3 can't wait!

 

[mbb]

got a bag, open in the spare room, stuff in it, no date for a trip....think I need help??!! A girl can never be too prepared...!

 

[Disney845]

I am fairly bad about packing, which is weird because I am an obsessive planner. I usually make extensive lists including everything that needs to be brought on a vacation, however I usually pack the night before I leave. In some cases I am even packing right up until I get ready to leave. If I wasn't running around like a crazy person and worrying to death that I left something at home, than it just wouldn't seem like vacation!!

 

[MLindaG]

I generally start gathering stuff about a month before vacation.....I tend to put it in a pile in my dining room. I am a list maker and have lists for everything.........what to pack......what to where.......what to take into the parks.........what to purchase at the grocery store when we get there..........So always felt confident that I would pack everything. I used to pack the day before until about 5 years ago when we were going on a cruise. I had done my usual gathering stuff in the dining room and the day before had layed out all the kids clothing in their rooms so I thought heck the plane isn't leaving until 4 pm I'll have plenty of time to pack in the morning...........well.......I ran around so stressed out and upset........I didn't have enough suitcases for all the stuff.........I'm trying to figure out that.........My curling iron didn't work and my hair looked awful........I was stuffing stuff into the suitcases and because the normal calm person was so histerical the whole family was crazed!!! The kids got into the stuff in the dining room and were playing with it. I'm all yelling at them and they are wound up like tops. We are running out the door and barely make it to the airport(Running like nuts down the halls - now adays you can't do that!) . (I felt like it was Home Alone relived except I did make sure I had all three boys!) It was just terrible!!!!! We got on the plane and just collapsed. The last 4 vacations I have started actually packing the week before and finished the night before we are leaving for the majority of the stuff. Never again last minute!!!!

 

[cali2gagirl]

I was so excited I started packing about 2-3 weeks early..and checked it alot. I found myself the day before going thru it all again...because I couldnt' remember what I put in there! I think a couple days is best...cuz your mind is soo fresh, you've had time to think long about it too.
I brought our digital camera and 4 disposables for 5 days.. I probably would have liked 1 more flash disposable..but hubby thought I had too much.. I'd say at least 1 a day, more if it's your first time or have kids (like us).
Enjoy your trip!!