Is it possible to pack for WDW using carry-ons only?

[heather31]

I could never do this, but hey, more power to those who can!!! I really wish I could, but I just don't see it happening for me.

 

[MNSusan]

Just got back from 10 days with our whole family (7 in total) with no checked bags. Its just easier for us. The kids each wear a backpack and pull their own rollaboard, even the 3 year old. We did laundry once.

We HATE checking luggage - its just a time thing for us. We didn't check when we went to Europe or Hong Kong either. It can be done.

 

[safetymom]

I don't want to start a debate but usually the airplane is held up while those that carried on their luggage retrieve it out of the overhead bins. You may save time by not visiting baggage claim but you hold up everyone on the plane. Also I can't tell you how many black and blue marks I have gotten by being banged into by people carrying, dragging their stuff down the aisle.

 

[iliketoby]

No way I'd do laundry on vacation!

No $%*(@) way!

But that's just me. Good Luck!

 

[SandraC]

Great Stuff! What else!!!! S

 

[Frantasmic]

If you do attempt this, I suggest nesting one carry-on so that you have an empty suitcase for returning (souvenirs).

You can pack a smaller suitcase and then nest it inside a larger one. The larger one will be empty once the smaller suitcase.

This way, you will have room for anything you accumulate while on the trip.

 

[TimNDansMom]

Sandra, I find that using the jumbo zip loc bags from Zellers (their Truly brand) and using a straw to suck out the air, is the best way to get more clothes into a carry-on bag. I do it all the time. My suggestion would be to give it a try at home with a roller carry-on and a back-pack or tote each.

Tuck a cloth/nylon bag into everyone's luggage, for any souvenirs and check carry-ons on the way home.

Is DS still young enough so that you can pre-board? Then you would be assured of having room for your larger carry-ons, in the overhead.

 

[Kitty-chan]

It's always a drag if the overhead bins fill up and I have to check my luggage anyway, after working so hard to stick to a carry-on!

I remember when I first started flying for business a lot my general strategy was to request seats in the rear of the plane, which most people don't want anyway so aren't too hard to get, since most airlines board from the rear of the plane first, and therefore the bins usually have plenty of room when those people board. I've been told that United Airlines has changed their boarding policies though -- now instead of boarding the rear of the plane first, they board by type of seat in the main cabin (of course First Class, Premier etc stiill really boards first): first the Window seats board, then the Middles, then the Aisles. And since I like Aisle seats, well, I was usually boarding last! Ugh. It totally messed up my strategy.

Man, I have become such a high-maintainance, opinionated business traveler! It does crack me up though to watch it rubbing off on DS9, who chastises me if I even think about checking luggage now.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I am a little paranoid about losing my luggage. This stems from when my poor sister's luggage was lost during my brother's wedding. My nephew's suit and her beautiful evening gown were lost and never found. So ever since I make sure I take some carryon's so that we all have one change of clothes and our bathing suits and the most comfy shoes we will need for WDW. Also any prescription meds (learned this the hard way while travelling with my mom last month). The kids carry their stuff in backpacks, and DH and I each have one small rolling suitcase. I like it best if our carryon's can be put under the seats if possible so we aren't dependant on the overheads. We still check the majority of our stuff however. I have to agree with Safetymom. It really slows down the whole process while everybody gets all their stuff situated before and after the flight. And people get very territorial about those overhead bins! One time some guy took my daughter's little rolling bag, asked who it belonged to and threw it at me telling me to put it under the seat so he could have the space for his garment bag! I tossed it right back to him and told him to put it back! The flight attendants just smiled and told me they wouldn't be surprised to see somebody "marking" overhead bins like a dog would!

 

[dsanner106]

I have done this several times. Check the weather, and plan outfits well and with each person allowed 2 carryons, we have not had problems. On long trips, we plan for 1 laundry usage midweek. I have a friend who packed a large box and shipped it UPS for about 10.00 to the hotel, and just had carryons, then shipped it back when they were done too. A bit extreme, but it worked well for them and allowed as much souvenier purchases as they wanted.

Drew

 

[LYNSUE]

It is very possible. DH and I have done only carry-ons our last two trips. We are very light packers. Also we have a scientific method for making the most of the minimal space. On the most recent trip in September, we did end up purchasing a bag to check on the way home for our souvenirs.

PS: I would never do carry-ons only if we were traveling with small children.

I agree with some of the other posters: The lugging of the luggage through the airport and getting it into the overhead bins can be stressful.

For our December trip, we are checking the luggage. The weather is just to iffy this time of year and we need to pack for warm and cool.