Packing:suitcases or shipping

[Momtowos]

My family is taking our first DW trip this December for 9 days and have questions about packing. Due to the fact that the weather is so unpredictable in December, I think it will be necessary to pack warm and cold clothes, layers etc. Do you pack 9+ outfits for everyone? DO laundry while there (is there laundry)? Check suitcases but then **** some items? What is your plan for a family of 5 for 9+ days?

 

[pooh4evr]

I usually do laundry about half way through, but we bring 1 bag a piece and then I usually have 1 extra that holds consumable things like shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, detergent. Then because we use that stuff we have room for stuff we buy there.

 

[stobaugh6]

We were there in January for 2 weeks this year and we had both warm days and cool days. Since we have 7 kids, packing multiple outfits for each day wasn't realistic. I just brought a sweatshirts, pair of jeans, light jacket, and long sleeved white shirt to put under t-shirts. I also packed a knit hat for each kid as well. We dressed in layers on cool mornings. We did a couple loads of laundry halfway through our trip.

 

[monorailsilver]

I do laundry daily or every other day. The less I bring the better but I have been going in the summer so no longs pants/sleeves. I do go to my sisters in FL in April for 10 days and still bring 4-5 outfits max.

 

[DisneyOma]

My family is taking our first DW trip this December for 9 days and have questions about packing. Due to the fact that the weather is so unpredictable in December, I think it will be necessary to pack warm and cold clothes, layers etc. Do you pack 9+ outfits for everyone? DO laundry while there (is there laundry)? Check suitcases but then **** some items? What is your plan for a family of 5 for 9+ days?

Oh, the filter, LOL! I hope you meant ship, right?

Yes, there are laundry facilities at all on property resorts. They used to require quarters, and the change machine tended to be empty or broken half the time. Not sure if they've updated the paying mechanism to plastic?

When we fly to WDW, we pack one outfit per day and I do laundry half way just in case. I've been to Florida twice in the winter when it got colder than expected, and both times I was unprepared. Sweatshirts and a windbreaker should keep the top warm, perhaps some thin gloves just in case? Jeans seem to take up so much room in suitcases, so perhaps wear the jeans on the plane, pack some of those zip-length pants for the parks.

I wouldn't ship clothing, unless you want the hassle of trying to ship it back home too? I'm not sure where you have to go to ship it back - one of the conference centers at Coronado Springs, or Grand Floridian?

 

[BLAZEY]

We have been in both November and March. Coming from Canada we wear our jacket and hoodies, jeans. I pack a couple of pairs of pants and some summer clothes. Layering is key especially as it warms up. I have never needed hats or mitts, as it would have to be below freezing to need those. I do laundry while we swim. Yes we swim.

 

[marcyleecorgan]

If you think you can manage it, layer your clothing at the airport - wear your jeans and windbreaker. Including your kids - but I did say if you can manage it! Nobody wants to listen to a overheated kid whining about how he wants to take his pants off, LOL! Especially in an airplane where you can do nothing about it...

I normally bring 2 outfits and wash the one I'm not wearing (same for all household members). If trying to pack for colder weather, then I'd pack 3 outfits (with sleeves and warmer material) and wash accordingly.
I am thinking next trip, of shipping new underwear and socks direct to the hotel so I don't have to pack it. Maybe also all the hairbrushes and hairties.

I figured, if anyone was just absolutely miserable we would splurge on a wearable souvenir. Which I eventually did but not because I was cold, it was because of Figment...

 

[DrunkJam]

We travel from UK in december. I try not to do laundry on holiday (cos, I'm on holiday!)
So, the kids will have a full set of clothes for every day (underpants, socks, t shirt, shorts or trousers / dress) a couple spare sets of underwear then 2 or 3 sweaters (One will have been worn to travel, the benefit of travelling from uk is that we can wear a full set of warm clothes) Adults will have full amount of underwear, but slightly fewer other things
I am, however, a packing ninja, and fit all that in 3 medium suitcases between 4 people for a 10 night trip

My other packing tip, is pack stuff that is nearly grown out of / nearly at the end of its life. Then when you buy a lot of new wdw clothes and merch, you won't mind leaving the old stuff behind!

 

[DisneyOma]

I've used the ziploc travel vacuum bags, but it makes the suitcase very heavy - you can fit more clothing in so you have to be careful you don't go over the weight limit.

 

[scrapquitler]

Shipping is a huge hassle, remember if you ship it to Disney, you have to ship it home, and I wouldn't even know how to do that. And it's not going to be any cheaper than paying for an extra checked bag (and if you fly Southwest, that's free anyway). I usually do laundry part way thru the trip.

 

[monorailsilver]

I've used the ziploc travel vacuum bags, but it makes the suitcase very heavy - you can fit more clothing in so you have to be careful you don't go over the weight limit.

I have never used them, how do you vacuum close them for the return? Or is a vacuum not used and it's just squeeze the air out? Yes dumb question but I am curious!

 

[DisneyOma]

I have never used them, how do you vacuum close them for the return? Or is a vacuum not used and it's just squeeze the air out? Yes dumb question but I am curious!

The travel-styled ones have one way vents in them - they are really cool! You put the clothing in, roll the bag up, and all the air is out. Keeps the clothes surprisingly wrinkle free too. I'm a horrible packer, hate to iron, and I love these bags. I do have to keep them away from our cats though, they love plastic and pop the bags. Brats.

 

[newestkg06]

They are now charging $5 for any package sent to Disney resorts. One thing to think about: we got a Delta skymiles card that gives us free checked bags (I'm sure the other airlines have similar programs). It does have an annual fee, but it is much less than the fees would be and last time we got one ticket free, and we've now earned enough miles for one ticket to be free on the next trip.