PACKING TIPS-- Post yours here!

[newtowdw1]

On our last trip down, we drove 2 days, stayed at Cocoa Beach 2 days, went to WDW for 7 days then drove 2 days. Rather than everyone have separate luggage, we packed for each length of the trip. We had an overnight bag with toiletries, PJs and a change of clothes for the hotel stays. (We brought this in with us at each stop.) I packed a separate beach trip bag then a third WDW bag. When loading the trunk, we put the WDW stuff in the very back, with the overnight bag in the front. Since my DS was 1 at the time we had an additional overnight bag with diapers, favorite blankets, etc. that we used throughout the trip. Once at WDW everything came out of the trunk. Our villa had a washer and dryer so I washed clothes as needed.

Thanks. I've been thinking that laundry is an unavoidable evil. I like the idea of a separate bag for each length. Fortunately, we're all out of diapers, so that's one less hassle!

Hmph! DH just saw what I was typing and said, "I already had planned to do that." Well! Guess I'll have to talk to him more often!

 

[my3princes]

I have learned that touring WDW with 3 little boys can be challenging. In order to easily identify them I either put them in identical or very similar outfits each day. I have always done the ziplock trip (even before the DIS) I label each childs ziplocks A - K (or whatever letter I end up with). Each day I gab the same letter bags for each kid and they are coordinated. Very easy.

 

[LoveWDW]

Here's what I do to pack with the least wrinkling.

I open the suitcase and lay the longest item across the bottom, lengthwise, and let excess hang out over the side. Then the next longest- hanging out over the other side, and so forth. When all clothing is laid on top of each other, I fold from the top item down so that the item fits across the entire suitcase, that is, with the fewest folds. The many layers act as cushions so there aren't creases.

I don't think this is very clear so here is an example. I lay slacks across the suitcase and the legs hang out over the end. Then another pair of slacks across the suitcase starting on the other side of the suitcase, and the legs hang out over the opposite end. Then, say, a dress that starts across the suitcase and hangs out. Then a blouse starting at the other end and that may not hang out at all, then another blouse, then underwear that is laid out unfolded. All of the items have as few folds as possible. Then I fold any excess blouse, if any, over the underwear, then pull the slacks over, then the other slacks over.

I also take very light fabrics that wash easily. I take only two changes. I handwash a change out after wearing it and towel it and hang it to dry. I have the second change in case the first isn't dry the next day or if I get caught in rain or spill. So I only need one small suitcase plus a small case for cosmetics and medications. I pack one pair of shoes to have as a substitute in case the pair I'm wearing starts to chafe or gets wet. I wear the heaviest pair of the shoes and the bulkiest slacks and shirt so that the lightest and thinnest are packed and are lighter and less bulky in the suitcase.

For nightwear, I take a thin pair of elastic waist shorts and a large t-shirt. The t-shirt can be used as an extra layer during the day if the weather turns cold. And the shorts are an alternative to slacks or skirt if needed. I also take a thin rain jacket with hood.

 

[njsw]

For the person asking about bug spray, I was there last week and there were NO BUGS at any of the parks. I couldn't believe it. They must have some serious pesticides going on because I am very prone to mosquito etc. bites. I only got one bite on the last day, it was rainy and muggy and we were on the train going around the MK where the tracks are surrounded by a lot of foliage. This is the only place I got bit. This is coming from a person who can get 4 mosquito bites going from her car to her house at dusk! But I am in NJ and the mosquito is our state bird, so...

 

[jenelope]

I use the Eagle Creek packing system (cubes and a folder) and the same type toiletry bag you have. I also take a space bag to pack the dirty clothes I have to bring home.

That is amazingly similar to my packing method! Substitute "free folding duffel I got from a Ski Patrol conference" for the space bag and that's it exactly. I love the Pack-It folder. I have the jacket size and I'm always amazed at the fact that I can fit enough shirts for a week and all of my pajamas in a less than three inch stack. I use the small Pack-It cube for socks and undies.

I always completely unpack as soon as I arrive in my hotel room. It makes me feel more comfortable to know that all of my things are tucked away, but ready to go. Dirty clothes go directly into the folding duffle and I use my regular suitcase to bring home all of the little things I always buy.

This is the first time I have rented a car, so I am taking advantage of it by hitting Super Target on my to the hotel. I'm buying things like sunblock, bugspray, laundry detergent (laundry is inevitable, but you've gotta love the little Tide to Go bottle), and some of my toiletries when I get there. I'd be buying it at Target, anyway, so what's the difference? Plus, we don't have a Super Target in Michigan yet. To a Target-addict like me, it's like the Promised Land.

ETA: About the bugspray, after my experience May 2003, it's a must-pack. Yellow fly bites all over my feet and ankles. They swelled so much that my sneakers left bruises on my feet the next day. Never again!

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Great thread!
I also use the Eagle Creek Pack It System. I love it! My clothes stayed very neat and it was easy to separate my dbf's clothes from mine since we used the same suitcase. We usually take our Eddie Bauer matching duffel bags and one suitcase.
I take a purse and my EB duffel bag on the plane and my dbf takes a backpack. I check his EB duffel and my suitcase. We put most of our clothes in the suitcase. In his duffel bag we put shoes and remaining items that didn't fit in the suitcase, and next time we might put our new matching Mickey robes (yes, we are as dorky as this sounds!) In my duffel bag we have our bathing suits, our toiletries and at least one outfit and one extra change of socks and undies for both of us.
In his backpack we put things like books, magazines, ipods, etc. that we will want on the plane. This way we never have to get in the over head compartment to get at my duffel, yet the items are there so we have what we need for at least one day in case our luggage has an identity crisis.
I plan our outfits for each day. I generally plan on getting 2-3 wears out of items like jeans, pajamas or bras. I also pack extra t shirts, socks and undies. I make a detailed packing list before I go and eliminate as many unneccessary items as possible, esp. shoes, which is always hard to do! I always plan outfits before I go. This is the only way to avoid overpacking! This sounds bizarre but I never pack pink and red in the same trip. These colors clash so terribly. I pack clothes that are greens, blues, neutrals, etc. no matter what, but I make sure that whatever clothes, purse, backpack, shoes, jewelry, nail polish, etc. I take is either one of those "neutrals" or all pinks or all reds. This way I never have red nails and a pink outfit or a purse with a pink pattern and a red dress. Choosing either pink or red limits overpacking too. Another thing I do is to squeeze the extra air out of tubes and bottles and keep each one individually in a zip lock bag so if one leaks, I'm not screwed. (like the time a bottle of aromatherapy oil in my makeup case leaked all over. The toothbrushes inside (in cases, even) tasted awful when we used them! Ick!!! Had to buy new!)
I also always take an extra 200 emergency dollars and put them somewhere bizarrely safe in case I lose my purse or something like that. Example. I once rolled up the money and slipped it inside a (new!!!) tampon applicator (I just threw the tampon away) and put it back in the wrapper (the kind that seals itself) I kept this one separate from all the others and inside the zippered part of my suitcase.
I always take 2 extra pairs of contacts, copies of my documents and airline tickets and my doctor's business card.
I sell Avon and I love to take perfume samples, mini lipsticks, face wash samples, etc. to eliminate packing large containers when possible.
I guess the key is to be organized and take what you KNOW you will use! Great tips, guys!! Thanks!

 

[Julia M]

We each carry our own carry on (the kids usually have a back pack). We each carry a change of clothing (including socks and underwear), a swim suit and pajamas, as well as having a toothbrush. I put these in ziplocks, to keep them organized. If we have a problem with our bags, we can make do.

Since I hate to have tons of luggage, I also try and be smart about the kinds of clothes I pack. For example, leggings take up alot less room for dd than jeans. Nylon shorts are easier to pack than heavy jeans shorts or khakis.

I still use ziplock bags for the kids. I pack my clothes in packing cubes (I lucked into Target clearance in February or so, buying 5 sets of two packing cubes for $3.74 each!!)

Also, now that the kids are older, we each have one smaller rolling bag. Each child rolls their own (and carries their own backpack). 5 small bags fit alot easier in a car than 2 or 3 big ones.

I'm a firm believer in less is more.

Julia

 

[Poodlebud]

We just returned from WDW last night. I took my folding Japanese fan that I bought at a dollar store a couple years ago. I used that fan more than the misting fan we carried. It really doesn't take up space in your bag, you can block the sun from your face, and it cools you off better than the battery operated fans.

 

[eaturpasta1]

Toiletries on vacation...

rule #1... everyone in the family uses what Mom uses... except for toothbrushes, razors, and deodorant.
rule #2... if you don't like what Mom uses, you are free to use the freebies that the hotel provides.

I love this!!!!

 

[cosmicdaisy]

Example. I once rolled up the money and slipped it inside a (new!!!) tampon applicator (I just threw the tampon away) and put it back in the wrapper (the kind that seals itself) I kept this one separate from all the others and inside the zippered part of my suitcase.

That is amazingly creative!!! So creative, i can't believe you didn't keep it to yourself But thanks for sharing! Now I need to think like that!

Kris

 

[cosmicdaisy]

I also wanted to add my packing tips. For me, the packing lists can never start too early. We are going Oct 2 for 7 nights and I have lists already underway. My PDA and Excel are my best friends

I am also a Zip Lock user (except I use Glad) and we haven't flown in so long I didn't even think about it being useful against dirty TSA fingers. I always overpack...I cannot help myself. But I do pack less than I would by packing as many things that go together, instead of say 5-6 different outfits. Since we are going in October, I will pack two pairs of shorts, one pair of Capris and one pair of pants and most if not all my tops will go just fine with any of my bottoms. My DH is easy, since he is a khaki shorts/polo shirt kind of guy. I do the same thing for my DD (3) as I do for me. She likes to dress herself, so I keep this in mind when packing her clothing and I guess, for her atleast, I also follow the no pink and red rule, lol. I don't mind her going to preschool in whatever she wants...but at WDW, she's going to at least half way match

We will wear our tennis shoes and pack two pairs of sandals...sandals being the easier out of the three to pack. I pack extra socks and panties, they take up so little room anyways, and on our recent trip to the beach I think I packed all of DDs panties. Never can have too many dry panties for a three year old, lol.

We are shipping a box of breakfast foods and snacks to our resort before we go...UPS 30 pound box is @ $15.

And the day before we leave I pack the traincase on the counter top in the bathroom. That way all the extra stuff is packed and all that needs to be taken out is what we will use that morning. Put it back in and we are ready to go!

I can't wait...I was just visualizing all the crap we will carry to the parks. Yikes. I'll have my fanny pack, DH will have the back pack and we will carry a small insulated diaper back to keep in the basket under the stroller for snacks. But it will all be so worth it.

Now if I could only decide on where we are eating.....

 

[Beccabooey]

Just wanted to add that you can also get packing cubes from www.ebags.com. I bought their brand for myself and my fiancee, and we love them! It's really handy when you're in the middle of packing and you can't remember if you packed something already? Well, instead of rumaging through your suitcase, just pull out the packing cube! Also, when we had our luggage inspected, everything stayed so nice and neat. Highly recommend!!

 

[MARdisney]

just subscribing...

 

[Tamie]

I am also a ziploc bag user. When I told my sister what I was doing I had to pick her up off the floor, laughing and she called me obsessive, but low and behold she is now also doing it.


If your kids are anything like mine, they make a mess of their drawers and would be suitcases. It also made putting everything in drawers at the resort so much easier and quicker. Also if something opens or spills during travel in the suitcase, your clothes are protected.

I did make my sister say sorry for laughing and calling me names. She now does it whenever and whereever she takes the kids, short or long trip.

 

[Jen_in_NH]

I've always been a list maker, and then pack 2-3 days before we leave. Everything goes in a Ziploc, and shampoo, etc, gets put in a ziploc and stufed in a shoe.

When my husband and I first went, he was one of the people that stand infront of the closet and throw in whatever he thought he might want. It was hysterical watching him re-pack about 5 times before we left. I still can't convince him that a list will work better. Maybe for the next trip...

Jen

 

[weluvdizknee]

On our last flight, my nail polish leaked on the way to Florida. I carried on, had it in my make-up bag which was luckily also inside a ziplock bag. The smell was strong during the entire flight, and the mess it made was a lasting one. The airline assistant said that was quit common, mostly with new/never opened jars, because the polish expands during the flight and breaks the jar/lid seal. My tip: never pack nail polish on a flight!

 

[LoveWDW]

When my husband and I first went, he was one of the people that stand infront of the closet and throw in whatever he thought he might want. It was hysterical watching him re-pack about 5 times before we left. I still can't convince him that a list will work better. Maybe for the next trip...

Jen

Tell me about it!

My husband not only doesn't make a list, he forgets essentials, such as hat and shorts. So we end up spending time first thing when we arrive trying to shop for him. Next time I am going to ask him before we leave if he has things he should have for the trip, and list them.

The more I read about people using zip lock bags, the more I think that I'd better do this, both to keep spilled items contained and also to protect everything else, and then there is the matter of things being protected when inspected.

 

[Disneyonmymind]

We are just back and I took too many clothes and not enough film/ memory cards.

 

[minniedisney1]

I put all the shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, etc. in ziploc bags in a separate duffle from everything else. That way if something leaks, it will only mess up that stuff (not my clothes or shoes), I learned my lesson on that! I do pack 4-5 of the large space bag things to put all of our dirty clothes in on our return trip. They all fit in one suitcase so that means I have at least one whole suitcase and duffle for all the stuff we buy on vacation.

 

[kmjmom]

Since my DD and two DS have been over 5 years old, I give them an inventory list of what to choose for our trips. They start requesting the list quite a ways in advance as vacation approaches. Then they happily scurry back to their rooms and choose all of their favorites. When they're ready, they call me in and we go over their choices before setting them in their suitcases. They got to feel the accomplishment of making their own choices and I got help with packing! A win win situation! We're light packers and don't mind throwing a load of laundry in while we're at the pool, so nobody worries about not having enough clothes. We're also ZipLoc packers!