Leaving for WDW in a month, what's the best way to start preparing?

[dtsaos]

Let me start by saying that we just went to WDW in spring of 2004 and a few times before that so it's not that I don't know what to expect. But...I'm not the most organized person in the world (just ask DH ) and with 3 kids this time, I just feel a little overwhelmed! Okay!-A lot overwhelmed! I usually don't plan too much in advance and end up having to go crazy right before we go which is what I'm trying to avoid! It'll be DH, DS 5, DD 3 and DD 8months and me of course We're also driving which makes it easier in some ways (just throw everything in the van and don't have to worry about it) but obviously harder in other ways because it's gonna be a long trip! So I was hoping maybe some of you wonderful Dismom's could help me make a list of things that need to be done, packed, bought etc. etc. We're making 2 stops down, once at my mom's in NJ and once at a hotel in SC and doing the same on the way back except that we'll probably stop further north than SC on the way home. We're staying for 11 nights (hey, when it takes you 2 days to drive there, you gotta stay for a while ) , the first 6 will be at ASMo and the last 5 will be at BWV. Thinking about using some of those "air bags" that compress your clothes to make more room in the luggage-I can't think of what they're called but you know what I mean. Anyone ever try those? Please share ideas! thanks

 

[MelodyMack]

Hi Maine-iac (one entire side of our family lives near Bar Harbor)....

Just a few things:

We have used those compression-type bags before and had good results with them. I got mine at WAlly world and still use them for seasonal linens.

You sound like you got your hands full Chica! I would recommend the portable DVD player (if you don't already have one) for the lonnnng car ride. Also, I suggest packing the clothes you'll need for your stops down seperately from the rest of your bags so your hubby will only have to drag in a few bags to the hotel/ relatives homes.

Good Luck!
Mel

 

[isla bonita]

Make lists of what you need for all the different things you want to do. Pack each suitcase and know whats in it. You can never have enough stuff to keep the kids busy. Any hand held games, books on tape, I use a clip board for coloring and such. Your local AAA will have pictures of Disney and such. My kids can never look at them enough. I do suggest you take many breaks and let them run. That will be for your benefit trust me on this one. Have a great trip.

 

[dtsaos]

thanks for the tips so far! I like the idea of packing a seperate bag for the drive down-It would be totally insane to have to bring in everything for 1 or 2 nights! We do have a dvd player in the van which I know will help a lot, but we'll be bringing a lot of other things to hopefully help. I'm worried about the baby the most because she'll still be facing backwards and won't be able to watch tv, but at least she can look at her brother and sister! I'll give her as many safe toys as possible, any suggestions on car toys for a baby?

By the way MelodyMack, we're about 5 hours south of Bar Harbor-we're at the very southern tip of Maine-I actually do my grocery shopping in New Hampshire if that gives you an idea of how far south we are!

 

[annie1995]

I second the portable DVD player. That was the best invention in the world for long car trips! Get a few new DVD's and hold them aside until the trip and play one or two on the way down, and the others on the way home!

 

[bamamom]

That was the best invention in the world for long car trips! Get a few new DVD's and hold them aside until the trip and play one or two on the way down, and the others on the way home!

This is what we are doing!! We have a 12 hr drive, I have already started buying DVD's for the trip...You can get these are your video store previously viewed very reasonable too.

 

[MandM-Mom]

Why reading the Dis of course! However else will you prepare. LOL!