Packing for 14 days (what to pack and what to pack it in)

[KrzyKtty101]

Sorry if this is the wrong spot to post. Couldn't find a "Travel Planning Board"

Ok. So this is a two part question.

First, my family is going on a 14 day WDW trip this summer (late June). It is 2 adults and 2 children (13 and 9). We are flying even though we live in SC (got two free tickets from our CC). So the luggage we can bring is limited. I get to check at least 2 bags for free. So the plan was to bring two larger suitcases that we can check, and two smaller ones that can be put in overhead.

How many days would you pack for to minimize how much you need to bring while also trying to avoid spending every third day at the laundry service? I don't' want to waste all my resort days doing Laundry. However, packing 14 days worth of clothes for 4 people seems unrealistic (I'm not sure any of us own 14 days worth of clothes TBH). Also, considering how hot it is, re-using clothes seems unrealistic because they will get to sweaty. Thoughts? I was probably going to pick up compression cubes to help save space (have packing cubes, but they aren't compression).

Also, the two larger suitcases we are are old soft side (nylon?) suitcases with standard wheels. Are there any larger hard shelled suitcases that you recommend with 360 degree swivel wheels that don't cost an arm and a leg? We have two carry on size like that and they are so much easier to travel with.

 

[dez1978]

I'd pack 7-8 days worth of clothes and do laundry 1/2 way thru. I'm not sure where you are staying so Idk how convienent the facility would be. But summer clothes don't take up much space. Use the travel/packing cubes to save room and get more in per suitcase.

When we go, we are only there 7 days and I pack enough clothes for all the days. But I usually end up throwing a load in on day 4-5 one evening once we are back for the night. That way I don't come home with a ton of dirty clothes. I run over and throw a load in, go back to the pool or room and chill for what ever amt of time the washing machine said it would run, and go back and throw it in the dryer.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

That is what we did on a 12 day trip. I also use packing cubes, they are a life saver. Just take them out of your luggage and into the dresser drawers.

Depending on where you are staying, this link shows available washers/dryers on various properties:

https://www.laundryview.com/selectProperty
Just type in the property name and it will populate.

 

[ShannyMcB]

Packing cubes and compression bags!
Underwear and socks for 14+ days I would go 16 days worth, given the heat, rain storms and pool trips you'll likely be flying through those. Shorts for half that time, if you go the moisture wicking variety you can likely get double usage. PJs for half the days as with AC you should be able to use each pair twice. 2 batsuits each rinse and rotate them. Tops....depends. If you are going mostly the tank top route you may be able to pack 14 but 8 or so is probably more realistic. Planning on doing a load of laundry (or two) is a good idea. If you are using cubes vs compression bags roll as opposed to folding.
Also might I suggest a wet/dry bag? Good for packing a bathing suit that might still be wet OR for your park bag to keep essentials dry in.

 

[KrzyKtty101]

Packing cubes and compression bags!
Underwear and socks for 14+ days I would go 16 days worth, given the heat, rain storms and pool trips you'll likely be flying through those. Shorts for half that time, if you go the moisture wicking variety you can likely get double usage. PJs for half the days as with AC you should be able to use each pair twice. 2 batsuits each rinse and rotate them. Tops....depends. If you are going mostly the tank top route you may be able to pack 14 but 8 or so is probably more realistic. Planning on doing a load of laundry (or two) is a good idea.
Also might I suggest a wet/dry bag? Good for packing a bathing suit that might still be wet OR for your park bag to keep essentials dry in.

And the nice excuse to buy new clothes

 

[ShannyMcB]

And the nice excuse to buy new clothes

Moisture wicking skorts saved me during our trip! Cute, practical AND minimized chafing!

 

[KrzyKtty101]

Moisture wicking skorts saved me during our trip! Cute, practical AND minimized chafing!

I was going to look into something like that for this trip. Last it last trip I ended up buying large cargo shorts so that I didn't have to use the bag. But I've heard the security situation has changed in the last 4 years so going bagless isn't really important. Those cargo shorts were a bit too heavy. I'd really prefer something light weight that dries quickly after water rides and is cool.

 

[CynBeth]

One thing to advise is check your airline’s baggage requirements. We used to be able to have a larger suitcase on SW but when we flew to Disney in November it had changed and we had to take our smaller ones. We use the compression bags you just have to roll no vacuum.

 

[FeistyDisneyMom]

Where do you get packing cubes? Amazon or is it better to get them at a store? I hadn't ever heard of them before this thread and now I am super curious!

 

[bbak30]

I would try and pack enough to last 1/2 of the trip and plan to do laundry halfway through. Do you get a free carry on? If so, then you should each bring a smaller suitcase or something to go in the overhead. DH and I recently went to Las Vegas for 5 days and we were able to pack everything including dress clothes and all toiletries in 2 carry ons that went in the overhead and then we each had a backpack.

 

[redboat45]

Are you in a regular hotel room or a villa? I'd honestly bring 4 shorts, 6 tops and 6 underwear. Then just do wash twice. That's what we'll be doing for our trip but we have laundry in our room.

 

[JBRB828]

We’re going for 10 days in August. I bought 5 Ideology moisture wicking t shirts at Macy’s, they get good reviews. The other tops I bought are very thin so they should ok. I don’t do shorts, only capri‘s, so, 7 pairs of them. I am also bringing 2 pairs of my athletic capri’s. Two pairs of sneakers (12 pairs of moisture wicking socks) and one pair of flip flops for the pool. Always extra underwear! I will use the laundry mat once.
I, too, use packing cubes they’re great.

 

[ShannyMcB]

Where do you get packing cubes? Amazon or is it better to get them at a store? I hadn't ever heard of them before this thread and now I am super curious!

I have found cubes and compression bags at the container store. Honestly though I prefer the compression bags I found on amazon (using them right now on a long weekend away). Eagle creek is at container store and on amazon and are good.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07XLGZD2W/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_K8FTDZZXKVP48EA7MKJM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
These are the ones I found on amazon and really like them. One perk of eagle creek over these from my perspective is the eagle creek has a sheer section so you can see what is inside.

 

[KrzyKtty101]

Where do you get packing cubes? Amazon or is it better to get them at a store? I hadn't ever heard of them before this thread and now I am super curious!

I got my current set from Amazon. I don't know if they really save space per se, but I LOVE how they organize everyone's stuff.

 

[KrzyKtty101]

I would try and pack enough to last 1/2 of the trip and plan to do laundry halfway through. Do you get a free carry on? If so, then you should each bring a smaller suitcase or something to go in the overhead. DH and I recently went to Las Vegas for 5 days and we were able to pack everything including dress clothes and all toiletries in 2 carry ons that went in the overhead and then we each had a backpack.

We do get a free carry on, but I also get 4 free checked bags due to my credit card. We are going to try to bring 2 large full size suit cases, and two carry ons. It does mean waisting time at baggage claim, but I don't have 4 carry on sized suit cases lol.

 

[kwdw]

I think it really depends on if you are in a villa with a washer/dryer or if you will have to haul things to a laundry room. If you are in a place with a washer and dryer, I’d pack 6 undies, 6 tops, and 5 shorts per person and do laundry. If you have to haul things to a laundry room, plan to do that once. Take a day in the middle to do laundry and organize your space. 14 days will get messy. You didn’t say if you are in one spot the whole time. If you are, take a moment on day one to organize into drawers, closets, shelves, etc.

When we are in a unit with washer/dryer inside the unit, we regularly do laundry in little loads because it’s quick and easy and we stay more organized.

 

[KrzyKtty101]

I think it really depends on if you are in a villa with a washer/dryer or if you will have to haul things to a laundry room. If you are in a place with a washer and dryer, I’d pack 6 undies, 6 tops, and 5 shorts per person and do laundry. If you have to haul things to a laundry room, plan to do that once. Take a day in the middle to do laundry and organize your space. 14 days will get messy. You didn’t say if you are in one spot the whole time. If you are, take a moment on day one to organize into drawers, closets, shelves, etc.

When we are in a unit with washer/dryer inside the unit, we regularly do laundry in little loads because it’s quick and easy and we stay more organized.

No villas. We are staying for 10 days at BC and then transferring for the last 4-5 days to the Polly.

 

[han22735]

I'll second the compression bags are a must. We typically go for 10-14 days in August and never do laundry. 2 adults and a 10 yr old bringing 2 large and 2 carry-ons with plenty of room for souvenirs. Being summer clothes they really don't take up much space. I can fit most of my clothes in 2 compression bags that fit perfectly into a carry on.

 

[RoseGold]

I don't think laundry a few times is a big deal. It isn't like you are going to park warrior for 14 days straight anyway. I never bring more than a couple days of clothes. I'd bring a spare swimsuit so you can really wash everything on laundry day afternoons while everyone is in the pool. Your kids might even like wearing swim stuff to the parks, like rash guards. Don't forget to bring some detergent.

I will never, ever check bags to MCO, after the nightmare I had getting them in December.

 

[KrzyKtty101]

I always check bags lol. I really really hate carrying the bags with us, And since I don't pay to check bags with delta, it's really convenient.