Packing for 4 in 1 suitcase?

[3BoysRDisneyFreaks]

we are a family of 6 and I pack 1 checked bag. Then each person has a carry on bag of entertainment items and 1 complete change of clothes. I do laundry while there.

 

[KellyNY]

There are 3 adults here. We have 1 check in and 1 big carry on. I suggest you to get one more bag. You husband will deal with bags only at your home airport. You may like extra space, esp. on your way back home when you will have additional buys.

 

[shyjade]

To the OP, if you are doing ME, your DH won't have to manage the suitcases too long -just until you check them, and you can do that at the curb most of the time. ME will go to baggage claim when you get to Orlando and the luggage will just eventually show up in your room..

And, if you are flying on a participating airline, you can check your bags right at the hotel for your return flight home!

 

[goofygal531]

To the OP, if you are doing ME, your DH won't have to manage the suitcases too long -just until you check them, and you can do that at the curb most of the time. ME will go to baggage claim when you get to Orlando and the luggage will just eventually show up in your room..

I was thinking the same thing too.

With our two large suitcases, DH hands them off at the curb at our home airport, then the airline takes them over. We don't see them again until they're in our resort room. Upon departing, we check them with the airline check in desk at the resort and don't see them until we land. Then DH rolls the two large suitcases, while I roll the duffle and push the stroller to get a cab. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

 

[goofygal531]

My family flew, Me, DH, DS5, & DD 2, only used one large carry on plus 1 day back pack for all of us.

we are a family of 6 and I pack 1 checked bag. Then each person has a carry on bag of entertainment items and 1 complete change of clothes.

OMG!!! You ladies are so lucky to be able to do this!! MY DH has so much stuff he needs a bag just for his shoes!! Unfortunately, my boys are taking after their dad and can't live without their stuff either! I don't mind as long as JetBlue allows each paying passenger one free suitcase!

 

[Mississippianna]

If your toddler is still in diapers, I think the carry on needs to for sure have enough diapers and wipes to last a day and a half, plus some snacks. You'll also want at least a toothbrush, toothpaste and change of unders for everybody in the family in case luggage gets lost. I like to also have a change of shirt for my toddler in the carry on, if not a whole fresh outfit. All prescriptions and some sunblock should also go in the carry on.

I won't pack for my family of 3 in less than 2 suitcases, and I always make sure to pack clothes for each of us in both bags in case 1 gets lost. I also would never go to Disney without room in the luggage for Souvenirs!

If you're taking ME and using an airline that lets you do check in at the resort, your husband really won't be handling the bags all that much. He needs to chill out. Explain to him that between ME and bell services at your resort, he's really not going to need to lug the suitcases very much at all.

 

[pooch]

It just takes a big bus and alot of stuff for our family...

tell me you're kidding or that you stay for a month at a time . Your siggie says only 5 days at the Poly!!! I couldn't come up with that much stuff if all 4 of us brought every stitch of clothing we owned. DD (25) and I do a full week with 1 26" rolling duffle for the 2 of us and an oversized handbag each. I pack an empty 20" in the checked bag (yup, room for that too)
in case we need more room on the way home.

to the OP - have your hubby curb check 2 less than full bags, let ME bring them to your room. At check out, have hubby (or Bell Services) bring the bags to RAC then pick them back up at your home airport. not much shlepping.

 

[Mamu]

Most airlines have weight limits on each piece of luggage. Check with your airline before packing everything in one piece. It's better to take a few pieces and leave room for items you purchase.

 

[robinb]

Opps forgot to give family info... Myself, DH, DS (5), DD(21 months)..... I might be able to get him to take 2, but he has to handle them by himself as I push the stroller in the airport. Although he may prefer 2 lighter bags as compared to the super heavy one I packed last year.

If you're taking Magical Express, what's to "handle"? When you're at your home airport just check your bags outside with the Skycaps. No need to even go inside. Your bags will be tagged and delivered to your room at your resort (no handling involved on your DH's part) and when you leave you can call bell services to pick up your bags and bring them to the bus or bag check-in. The only time that you will have to "handle" any bags is when you get home and I can tell you from experience that you can push a stroller in one hand and pull a bag on wheels with the other.

I am NOT an overpacker but one bag for 2 adults and 2 kids that weights LESS than 50 lbs? Nope. That's not going to happen.

 

[robinb]

Oh ... I thought I would throw out a couple of packing ideas too . I've used the Space Bags. They work OK but you run the risk of making your bag too heavy. When my DD was little (and didn't have a choice in what she wore) I would put together each set of clothes (top, bottom, undies, socks) in a gallon sized ziplock bag. That way I could compress clothes (like the Space Bags) and everything was completely organized. I did the same thing with diapers and I used the room that was left for souvenirs on the way home.

Our family of 3 went to WDW over Christmas Break and packed in 3 carry-on bags (2 22" and 1 20"). I was pretty proud of that because, unlike the summer, we had to pack for cold weather and for warmer weather.

 

[GrammyJudy]

Opps forgot to give family info... Myself, DH, DS (5), DD(21 months)..... I might be able to get him to take 2, but he has to handle them by himself as I push the stroller in the airport. Although he may prefer 2 lighter bags as compared to the super heavy one I packed last year.

Use ME then he won't have to handle them much

 

[cassandrap83]

We packed 3 suitcases. We *probably* could have gotten away with 2. Glad that we had the 3 so that we had room for a few souveniers on the way home. We are pretty light packers too!

(We used 1 large suitcase (biggest size) and 2 of the next size)

 

[kirstenb1]

This is how we roll...

Yeah, that looks very familiar for us. We have fewer kids, but we travel very heavy! It helps that we drive down, so I don't care how much stuff each person packs.

OP, I'd just pack however many bags you want, and have a porter help you.

 

[Britgirlus]

Opps forgot to give family info... Myself, DH, DS (5), DD(21 months)..... I might be able to get him to take 2, but he has to handle them by himself as I push the stroller in the airport. Although he may prefer 2 lighter bags as compared to the super heavy one I packed last year.

Does he have any physical problems ?? I ( 5'0" 40 year old female at the time), have traveled overseas with a baby in stroller, car seat, carry-on and 2 suitcases quite successfully. I think your dh can probably manage a couple of rolling suitcases

 

[rysmomma242]

You guys are awesome. I am totally happy we are doing ME and this year it will work when we leave too since they started taking SW at AKL. I like the space saver ideas. And so smart to organize outfits in baggies!! I had forgotten about bringing home stuff too! Thanks. Although we plan on buying the big castle for DD and that will have to be shipped. We are going in May, do you think we will need jackets for fireworks??? We have always gone in early April before and really needed them. Hoping the movies on the iPhones will be enough entertainment for the plane. But I also bought a couple of those crayola color wonder packs at Target today. And little trial size things, like those little wisp toothpaste things, deodorants, clorox wipes, hand sanitizers.... Hmmmmmm what else do I need?????

 

[Dawgdad]

tell me you're kidding or that you stay for a month at a time . Your siggie says only 5 days at the Poly!!! I couldn't come up with that much stuff if all 4 of us brought every stitch of clothing we owned.

these pictures were from our March trip - 2 weeks.

 

[Tara922c]

We are going in 18 days, I have 4 finals, plus three projects, and a paper due all before we leave Last year we brought way to much stuff, so this year we are packing light. We are bringing 2 suitcases between the three of us, and a small duffle bag because we always bring home tons of goodies. I have one evening planned mid-week where we are having dinner, and then heading back to our resort. On that night, I am going to run, and do a load of laundry. I bought a travel packet of tide for a buck at Target! Anyway, I plan on bringing 2 pairs of shoes for everyone (one pair will be on our feet), three pairs of shorts each, 5 shirts, underware, and of course things like sunscreen, shampoo, ect. I think you will be fine, but I would bring, or buy a small duffle bag for souvies you buy!

 

[Britgirlus]

Didn't see what time you are arriving, and haven't looked through all responses,so sorry if this is a repeat- but make sure you have some travel size sunscreens in your carry on to use if you plan on being out and about before your luggage arrives from ME

 

[Lorilais_mommie]

A few weeks ago I came upon a thread about packing light, And there was a Link

http://www.packinglight.net/plight/text_1.asp?tx_id=90&
I used it for a week's trip to Malta and had room to spare!

No Check bag allowed on our next trip! DH says the fees are to high
So..............
DH and I are packing 3 carry-ons, and 2 personal items (small tote), and one flat shopping bag(for souvenirs) For 7 nights/8 days!

So after watching the 2+ hour video (link above), I had to test the advice.
guess what i got 3 Pair jeans, 3 shorts, one skirt, 10 tops, underwear/socks, and 1 pair shoes. All in my 22" carry-on. (thats the smallest roller bag) I will be packing DH, DD, And my siutcase this way! This now leaves our "personal item" ( small tote) for what whatever we need!

I know the Video is 2+ hours and this guy can TALK! But if you FF>> to when he opens the suitcase(29min in) he shows you how to pack that small carry-on. Then he takes the stuff in the small carry-on and shows you have to pack a Check bag.
You will learn sooooo much!
there is a 5 min video, but it did not find it very helpful. the 2+ hour one explains why it is done this way.

 

[ccgirl]

We don't check bags anymore for Disney as we usually stay DVC and have a washer and dryer and utilize owner's locker for all of our liquids, but when we do for other travels we ALWAYS mix everyones clothes around the different suitcases so nobody is left without anything at all if a suitcase is lost. Better to be safe than sorry.
Good luck!!

Great idea! I never thought of that one. I learn so many great tips on this board!