Please Help! Getting nervous about packing everything!

[dts718]

We're going to disney the last week of April for 9 nights, 4 at VWL and 5 at CBR. It's me, my DH, my DD 15, my DS 3, and my DD 22 months. We plan on doing laundry once. (not sure where yet). Are there any packing planning sites-know that may sound weird, but it's hard for me to be organized, especially since me and DH work opposite hours so that one of us is always with the kids. In other words, I don't have a lot of free time or time alone!Do I need to bring jackets for them? long pants? etc. Any packing tips and what to bring, etc is greatly appreciated!

 

[mommytotwo]

My family and I are planning on going to Disney in May and I was told to bring a light jacket-you may also want to just in case it rains.
I'm not sure about any packing sites but just bring the basics-in a ziplock bag, pack your toothbrush, toothpaste,...it will help you in trying to find things since you can see through the ziplock.
Bring clothes that you are able to coordinate with other things. That way, you won't have to bring as many clothes.
I always make myself a list for each family member, and mark them off as I pack them.
Have a fun time.

 

[dts718]

thanks, somehow I forgot to mention (probably because I'm in denial about how many clothes we actually will need), but we are also driving/taking the autotrain, so it's really a total of 13 nights away from home!

 

[mommytotwo]

Are you able to pack clothes for the first 7 nights, then do your laundry and use those same clothes again?

 

[dts718]

mommytotwo,
that just may be a very brilliant answer! Only thing is that some of that time will be in New England and NJ but still I think that I can basically go with that idea and just add a few things extra.

 

[Tamickey]

Dont' make yourself nuts over packing. I make a list and add to it when I think of that item in the middle of the nite. One trip I packed so much and didn't wear half of it. Just had to lug it around and was left with hardly any room for goodies. Now I take basics and necessities plus some stuff I might need. Then I make sure I know where to find sundries, clothes, etc if the occasion arises. I know they will cost more there, but I've also found out that I rarely need to shop for anything else anyway. Also taking clothes in similiar colors allows for taking less since they pretty much go together. Like all cool tones, warm tones or light or dark.

 

[My2Girls66]

We will be there the last week of April, too. We've been a few times at this time of year. You should bring a lt jacket and a pair or 2 of light weight long pants for evenings in air conditioned restaurants. Other than that- in our experience, its very warm that time of year. You can always wash clothes, if necessary. I worry more about forgetting park passes, picture ID's(most important!!), reservation #'s, tele. #'s, $$$, cameras(& accessories), film, credit cards. Most other things you can get down there, if necessary. I end up double and triple checking everything so I don't usually forget anything important. I did forget my park passes once- that won't happen again!
I make a list on the computer- print it before I pack and check things off as they go in the bag. Works pretty well. One list for clothing, 1 for toiletries, 1 for carry-on(plane) items and 1 for other stuff. If you make it as a spreadsheet and print with gridlines- it makes it easy to check things off.
I also check weather.com for Orlando weather before leaving- just to be sure about the clothing we'll need.

 

[Gomez Gang]

I agree, pack coordinating clothing. Make a list for each child and they can "help". Do each kid one at a time. Get a notebook and go through thier drawers and closet and write down what you (they) want to wear. I am in the same situation as you--I or my husband are ALWAYS with the kids! You could also get a friend to watch them for an afternoon and get EVERYTHING done!
I am a zip-loc packer! I put in a pair of shorts, t-shirt, a hair "thing" and undies in each bag and zip it! Pack enough for 7 days and wash.
I would suggest (for each kid) 2 sweatshrits, 7 pr. shorts, 7 t-shirts, 9 undies, 7 socks, 4 p.j.s, 2 bathing suits(don't forget an extra shirt or cover-up for the pool!), 1 pr. sandals, 1 or 2 pr. jeans and have them wear thier tennis shoes. Get some rain ponchos at the dollar store and you should be set!
You will probably also end up buying some shirts and / or sweatshirts once you are down there.
HAVE FUN!!!!!!

 

[My2Girls66]

Things I bring: normal toiletries, sunblock, Chapstick w/spf, fannypack or backpack for parks, cameras(accessories), camcorder(accessories), film, my kids like swim goggles for the pool, sunglasses, hats or visors, medications, games for the plane/car/train, snacks, laundry powder/dryer sheets, this time I'm going to try a Brita waterbottle to save $$ on buying water in the parks.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Make a list now when you have a free moment (LOL). Leave it somewhere handy so as you remember items that you forgot, or that someone else in the fam remembers, it can be easily added.

Sit down and mentally go through your day. Write down each item that you use daily, including what your children each use... So many times we don't even think about the amount of products we use in the bathroom each day, because its just habit! Think of which items can be shared.. like bringing only one hairdryer, one tube of toothpaste... etc.

Check out potential weather forecasts, and write down specific outfits for each person... including matching socks, shoes, accessories, undergarmets, etc.

I would include a nice outfit for each person in case you do a nice dinner out, light jacket for each, several swimsuits, pair of pants, etc etc. And GOOD shoes to walk in!

And REMEMBER-there are FEW items that can't just be bought once you're down there. If you forget a toothbrush, don't sweat it! It can be bought! Same goes for clothes, beach towels, hairbrushes, sandals, etc. Just make sure you don't forget things like prescriptions, eyeglasses, and your tickets, and most of the rest can be purchased again if need be.

Making the packing list is part of the fun for me! It gets me excited and anxious about my trip, and also helps me keep my eye out for things that we still need to buy. I even go so far as to type it up with cute clipart things around it... print it off right before I begin packing, and mark it off as I go. Never forget anything! =)

 

[dts718]

thanks everyone so much for all the great tips! I'll definetly be making lists and checking off as I go. Gomez gang, that's a good idea about getting a friend to babysit for an afternoon so I can get a lot done. I most likely will end up doing that. I also like the idea of picking up some rain ponchos before we get there, the last time we were there (before the 2 younger kids) it was July and it rained all the time and I remember paying around 7 or 8 bucks for each poncho. (i think) You guys are awesome, pls keep the great ideas coming.

 

[Del]

and found that a light jacket/sweatshirt was needed in the early morning or late evening. The young ones wore capri pants at night. High was mid 70'sn (cold front was in) and windy and low was high 50's.

Good luck and don't overpack--i ended up bringing back at least 1/4 of the clothes back clean. What was I thinking?

Del

 

[ms_flo]

Originally posted by dts718
Are there any packing planning sites

Here are 3 things I bookmarked for myself... hopefully.
I've never tried to put links in a post.

http://allearsnet.com/pl/forgot.htm
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=497331

OK, only 2 would copy. The third is called the Ultimate Packing List. I think it's an adobe file on mousesavers. Let's see if I can type it correctly...
www.mousesavers.com/UltimatePackingList.doc

Good luck.

 

[ms_flo]

Sorry those don't work as links. But all three worked when I copied & pasted them into an open window.

Don't remember if these are on those lists or not, but I've made notes to myself to remember my Disney Visa Rewards card & to take a photocopy of the backs of our park hoppers in case we lose one. I also have notes about packing swimmies for the pool & maybe little binoculars for AK. (I have TOO many little notes to myself!!! )

 

[vicnmickey]

I recommend a light jacket and pair of pants! They may never come out of the suitcase but you have them just in case. We are going for 12 nights our upcoming trip. We have two travel days down and two back!!!! I am going to take 6 outfits each. I plan on doing laundry on our down day, that will be day number 6. Every other time we have gone, I have always over packed. Here is an idea for a list:
1 light jacket
1 pair of jeans
1 sweatshirt
6 t shirts
6 shorts
6 pair of socks
6 pair of undies
undergarments for mom
3 swimsuits (we hang dry ours) don't forget clothes pins
3 pjs always wear ours 2 nights after showers of course
sandels
sneakers
hats
sunglasses

Toiletries:
Shampoo/Conditioner
Toothbrushes/Toothpaste
Hair Stuff: Hairspray, gel, mousee, etc.
Blowdryer/curling iron
brushes and combs
deodrant
Powder (daughter likes it in her sneakers)
Soap
Sunscreen/Aloe
laundry soap(you can buy this there but can be expensive)
mess laundry bag
clothes pins
air freshner(lots of people in a small room)
Feminine Prods
Travel sewing kit
beach towels( I like to bring because they are bigger then hotels)
Wrinkle releaser(great for the t-shirts)
finger nail clippers
Razors/shaving cream
Qtips/cottan balls
Makeup/jewelry(minimal)/Body spray
lotion
First aid kit with the following in it/ Bandaids, Neosporin, Tylenol(for all ages), Exedrin, Midol, Ibprofen, Immodium, Pepto Bismol, Benadryl, Orajel, Tylenol PM, Hydrocotosine Creme, Scissors and tweezers and Mole skin

Small Back pack for the parks:
Passes
Ressie #'s
Ps#s
Copys of passes
$$$$$$$
Drivers Liscense
Wipes
Camera/Film(I take two rolls per day)
rain ponchos(cheap ones from Wal-mart)
small tube sunscreen
small bag with some of stuff from first aid kit such as bandaids and tylenol
Autograph books/pens
Brita Water bottle

Wow, that looks like a lot!! I have learned to get rid of the extras of the years. But that still looks like a lot. I am also bringing snacks and such for the trip down. I hope this helps a little. The one trick I learned from these boards for when the kids were younger was. Pack each of your younger kids outfits each in a large gallon sized baggie. This will save you time in the am at the hotel and it helps with space in the suitcase. Good luck and have a great trip!!!!

 

[dts718]

Wow! Thanks so much you guys! Really good stuff. Haven't had a chance to check out the links from ms_flo yet, but I plan on it some time today..

 

[vhoffman]

Yes, you don't want to overpack, but don't underpack, either. Many here have said that you can always buy what you forgot while you're there, but do you really want to spend precious vacation time running around trying to find a WalMart? You can easily burn half a day shopping for something that you could have just as easily packed. I always try to think of contingencies, such as OTC meds, first aid items, etc. You can get most meds in pill form in blister packs and they take up hardly any room. I pack a first aid kit of sorts which includes band aids, antibiotic cream, peroxide wipes, sunburn spray. Yes, I could buy those items there. However, when you need them is not the time to run around looking for them. Also, don't forget meds such as Inmodium (you really don't want to go looking for that!), stomach upset medication such as Pepto Bismol, pain reliever such as Ibuprofren. Also, take along a small sewing kit (you can buy travel ones at WalMart). Regardless of the weather report, take along contingency clothes, such as a light weight jacket, sweat shirt, and at least one pair of long pants. Believe me, I've seen more vacations ruined by people not packing the right items. Keep in mind that you're going to be living out of a hotel for a week or so and can't easily get out to shop for necessities. Its really better to have a few items you don't need than the other way. On most of our trips I've taken along items we didn't use, however, I never needed something I didn't have. A real wardrobe stretcher is a bottle of laundry detergent. I always end up washing out something in the hotel sink.

 

[frannn]

I never do laundry on vacation. Last trip, I took two whisk tablets just in case. Probably will do the same this time. Since we were away from home 13 days, there was a lot of stuff to pack, especially for DD1. We never had to take a stroller or car seat before, plus all the luggage. So we definetly wanted to bring enough, while still limiting luggage and the three us fitting into the midsize rental car with it. Here is how I cut corners, spacewise- I used ziplocs and spacebags, being weary how much my luggage weighed when I was done I took a few extra really big t shirts, to be used for pjs, but could be used during the day if necessary. I took trial size and travel sized toiletries, except for a few things I knew I'd need more of. I packed some snacks in an empty baby wipes container, to keep them from being squished. You'd be surprised how many nutigrain, granola bars, and applesauce tubes fit in there! We only brought 2 days worth of diapers (except the expensive swim ones) and stopped at Publix for that, water, and more snacks. I removed one light outfit (in ziploc) from each person's luggage & put it in the carryon in case luggage was lost. I brought a few sundresses and bike shorts, which are very light and very versatile. The sundresses could be used for a night out, daytime in the parks. I brought one extra sweatshirt and a sweatjacket, along with capris. I wore one pr pants on the plane, and one pr on the plane home. I used really big duffels in place of hard sided luggage, since it's lighter and sometimes you can fit more. Put a large, lightweight, extra empty bag inside your luggage for souveniers. I am usually very unorganized, but not when I pack. I went back to FL to visit a coworker later in the year and she got something out of my duffel for me. She even remarked on how organized it was! I always overpack, but I have realized that the lighter the clothes are, the more you can pack. It will be a challenge for me to pack for the next trip, since we are also bringing DD11 (one more person, luggage, carryon, OY!) HTH!

 

[dts718]

Frannn,
thanks for your suggestions, you have some really good ones; especially about the diapers-honestly I hadn't thought of that!

 

[Sunkissed]

Any tips for a December visitor? Obviously, the weather is a bit milder, but do any experienced visitor have tidbits to share? Thanks!