Packing List for Preschoolers and Toddlers

[1hero2princesses]

Does anyone have a good packing list for preschoolers and toddlers they would be willing to share. I have seen the ultimate packing list but it doesn't addess this age. I am trying very hard to be organized for this trip as I have never taken a vacation with my kids and I am not naturally very organized. My kids are DS 4 (almost 5), DD 3, DD 16 months. We are going from Sept 19th to 28th. I need packing suggestions!

 

[AlisonR80]

 

[Walt Disney Worlders]

I am interested, too!

 

[debit34]

I don't have a packing list but we just got back from a trip and I can tell you what I used regularly:

Pull-ups for night
Post-it notes for the autoflush on toliets
kids sunscreen
small flashlight for dark rides
wipes for hands
character books - or buy at resort/park

I can't think of anything else "special" I packed for her that was different from things I would normally pack for me.

 

[MNFootballMommy]

When we took DD at 2.5, I sat down and made a list of what we used on a daily/weekly basis (diapers, wipes, baby wash, etc.) then narrowed it down by what we HAD to have vs. taking everything. We debated a few things (i.e., kid sized silverware, sippy cups) and decided as parents what we needed. Honestly, the least amount you can take, the better. There is almost EVERYTHING there that you could need and we found that some things (the sippy cups, for example) were simply unnecessary. (DD did fine with the water bottles and straws)

So, I guess a lot of what you will need will depend on what you are used to having/using at home. I know that is probably not the answer that you were looking for, but it is kinda true.

 

[twinmom2]

we have been going since my girls were two. One thing I know I always had was

ziploc bags with snacks.
sunglasses
sunscreen
those disposable toilet covers(if not trained --2 diapers for am)
hand sanitizer
small package of wipes

I am also a very organized person and the first time I brought too much, which made my bag very UNORGANIZED. For the park, one back pack and only what is necessary for the morning hours(assuming your going back for naps in the afternoon). THen pack the bag again with what you need later.

For the hotel, your not there that much and when you are it is usally for naps or bedtime. I brought their "friends" who they sleep with and they usually get one special thing at the park. I bring crayons and coloring books and that is it.

As far as clothes, bathing suits, and plan on one outfit a day and bring some extra shirts for changing at night.

I like to keep my girls in crocs or sneakers. That is all I bring for shoes.

HAve fun!

 

[nic98omo]

We went last November/December. My DD was 2 and the baby was 6 months old. For my daughter, the small bottles of bubbles did wonders. When she got antsy in line, we pulled them out and she was instantly happy. A pad of paper and a pen were also useful.

 

[Perditamarie]

Here are some tips that worked for us:

* pack individual kids outfits in ziplocks -- easy to select outfit in am and Dad can help kids get dressed w/o stressing about coordinating outfits. When clothes are out of ziplocks, you know they need to be laundered. As well as your outfits and some spares, you want to make sure you have at least 2 bathing suits, hats and 2 prs comfy shoes. You may also need princess dresses. It may be easier to plan on doing some laundry so you don't have to pack so many clothes (and do so much laundry when you get home!). You can pack sample sized laundry packets (in ziplocks of course so they don't leak!!).

* We always bring a small cooler bag into the parks w/a stock of drinks and familiar snacks so we do not need to get in a line for food when the need arises. It seems if you want juice, you are inevitably faced w/a crazy-long counter service line as they don't seem to sell it at the snack carts anymore.

* Start gathering what you need in a box-- I like to use a clear storage box. Diapers, swim diapers, wipes, infant tylenol, ointments, favorite snacks, suntan lotion, hand sanitizer, etc. You may end up w/a suitcase or duffle bag just for this stuff......if you are flying and have baggage restrictions, consider shipping the items to yourself at your resort.

* Diaper bag: stock w/dipes and wipes and changes of clothes, etc. Have a large ziplock packed for quick diaper changes, so that is all you have to grab when the time comes...make sure to include a changing mat/towel/blanket whatever that is large enough for your child to lay on as well as a few diapers, small pack of wipes, cream. Imperative that DH helps you w/potty breaks, or else that is all you will be doing!!!!

* Airplane: pack individual back packs for DS 4.9 and DD3..include plane activities, lots of snacks, fruit gummies (for ear pressure on take off/landing), empty sippy cups (fill after you pass thru security), bathing suit/pjs (depending on when you land). Try to have baby drink during take off/landing to avoid ear pressure too, and bring the infant tylenol in a ziplock just in case there is pain.

* We like to gate check our strollers as well, so they are right there waiting when we get off the plane. Have been many times w/o incident to strollers.

Happy planning -- your trip is almost here!!!!

 

[Perditamarie]

Oh, yeah!! If you have a sling or hip hammock for baby, it will be a lifesaver in lines, as strollers are not allowed.

Your kids are at a precious age to be dazzled by Disney...hope your family has a magical trip!

 

[NemoMOm]

I agree with a lot of posters but I will add the of course sunblock is a must. So many parents are in the parks with no sunblock. Also I love the disp. changing mats for those still in diapers. They take up no room and come in handy. Also, small can of playdough for dining. they can get antsy even in WDW.

 

[nic98omo]

The playdough is a great idea.

Another thing we brought the last time was small glow sticks. The kids didn't mind the wait for the fireworks with the sticks. Plus the dollar store is much cheaper than at WDW

 

[Siouxstone]

Here are some tips that worked for us:

* pack individual kids outfits in ziplocks -- easy to select outfit in am and Dad can help kids get dressed w/o stressing about coordinating outfits. When clothes are out of ziplocks, you know they need to be laundered. As well as your outfits and some spares, you want to make sure you have at least 2 bathing suits, hats and 2 prs comfy shoes. You may also need princess dresses. It may be easier to plan on doing some laundry so you don't have to pack so many clothes (and do so much laundry when you get home!). You can pack sample sized laundry packets (in ziplocks of course so they don't leak!!).

* We always bring a small cooler bag into the parks w/a stock of drinks and familiar snacks so we do not need to get in a line for food when the need arises. It seems if you want juice, you are inevitably faced w/a crazy-long counter service line as they don't seem to sell it at the snack carts anymore.

* Start gathering what you need in a box-- I like to use a clear storage box. Diapers, swim diapers, wipes, infant tylenol, ointments, favorite snacks, suntan lotion, hand sanitizer, etc. You may end up w/a suitcase or duffle bag just for this stuff......if you are flying and have baggage restrictions, consider shipping the items to yourself at your resort.

* Diaper bag: stock w/dipes and wipes and changes of clothes, etc. Have a large ziplock packed for quick diaper changes, so that is all you have to grab when the time comes...make sure to include a changing mat/towel/blanket whatever that is large enough for your child to lay on as well as a few diapers, small pack of wipes, cream. Imperative that DH helps you w/potty breaks, or else that is all you will be doing!!!!

* Airplane: pack individual back packs for DS 4.9 and DD3..include plane activities, lots of snacks, fruit gummies (for ear pressure on take off/landing), empty sippy cups (fill after you pass thru security), bathing suit/pjs (depending on when you land). Try to have baby drink during take off/landing to avoid ear pressure too, and bring the infant tylenol in a ziplock just in case there is pain.

* We like to gate check our strollers as well, so they are right there waiting when we get off the plane. Have been many times w/o incident to strollers.

Happy planning -- your trip is almost here!!!!

What a fantastic list! We do the ziploc outfits thing and it is one of the best tips I have ever picked up off the Dis!

 

[mominalaska]

I second the dollar store. We always find fun little things to keep our daughter entertained on planes, in lines, etc without breaking the bank

 

[KaterBell]

I have to second that the play-doh is a great idea!! I'll be bringing two of the "mini" size containers down for the restaurants! And even the plane.

Also - fruit gummys for chewing on the takeoff/landing. Great idea!

THANKS!