packing help

[emmababy]

I had my packing for WDW down to a science. I have a family of four. I used 2 LARGE suitcases and 2 carryons. That way my hubby could handle the suitcases and I could handle the stroller and carry ons. Well, in my reading I found out that there is now a 62" size restriction on suitcases!

That screws up everything for us. We measured our suitcases, one is 69 inches and one is 61 inches. So, now not only do I have to go buy 2 new suitcases, I have to figure out how to fit everything. My hubby has a cpap machine, which we could take as a carry on. I usually packed a booster seat for the little one, I can leave that out.

But, I am looking for advice on how to get everything I need into 2 smaller suitcases for 4 people! Any help appreciated!! I have considered taking a 3rd suitcase but don't know how to manage that with our lack of hands!

 

[kidsicet]

Could you maybe buy one of those portable luggage carts? They fold down, and could maybe be put into a suitcase before it's checked. We usually rent a cart at the airport to lug all of our stuff, but sometimes logistics could make that a difficult possibility.

 

[BiancaBernard&Penny]

What about playing around with bags that can be bungee corded onto your new smaller rolling bags?

 

[GoofyFairie]

Have you considered doing laundry? You would only have to pack half as much and you won't have to pay as many fees the airlines are now charging for checked luggage. I do it about half way through. I don't have to come home to a huge pile of dirty laundry and we can navigate the airport a lot easier w/ the kids when we only have half as much luggage.

 

[emmababy]

Thanks for all your tips. We have a luggage strap,where we could strap one suitcase to another.

I just liked being able to put everything into 2 suitcases. Now I will either have to drastically reduce what we take or add a third suitcase.

We do laundry part way through, it is all the other stuff that takes up room. Swim stuff, bathroom items, all the what ifs of what we have to bring, shoes, formula, baby items, etc....

Any recommendations on good, cheap suitcases is appreciated!

 

[disprincessatheart]

If one suitcase is under the limit - the 61" then you only need 1 new suitcase, right? If you leave out the booster, I'd imagine that'd make enough room to fit what you normally bring into the same number of bags. The other option is to do a grocery delivery service for things like baby food to save room.

 

[mom2meiko]

ship stuff down ahead of time. if you are staying onsite you can send it down and have it held until you arrive. we're planning on doing that this time for all of our diapers, wipes, formula, etc.

 

[peemagg]

Do you use the travel space bags? These are the ones that you just roll to get the air out of. I have found that by using them I can double even triple the space in the case. For small children you can also use gallon size or two gallon size bags for their clothes.

Someone recommended just buying things like your shampoo and such at Disney, so it doesn't take up room in the suitcase.