Question for Drivers??

[JessZacc]

We are driving to Disney in a few weeks in our dodge caravan with 4 adults and 2 children. Does anyone have any packing tips that might help us fit all of our stuff and be able to make this work?? We do have a turtle for the top. I am concerned that we just won't be able to fit everything. We have a double stroller also.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Compression
. . . put a day's clothing for each person in separate zip lock baggie
. . . squish out the air and zip it
. . . it reduces pack by at least 1/2
. . . plus, kids can unzip the day's clothes and underwear
2) Pack the Slacks
. . . stretch pants or slacks on bed
. . . fold as if going to hang on hanger
. . . roll from bottom up
. . . rolled "tube" can be slipped in anywhere there is a tiny space
3) Dual Packing
. . . pack shoes with rolled socks
. . . socks ride in the same space

 

[larryz]

In addition to Rusty's great tips --

One suitcase shared by every two people, and everyone gets a backpack for "personal" stuff.

That way you only have to stow 3 suitcases instead of six.

Also, pack overnight stuff in the backpacks, so you don't have to schlep the suitcases into the hotel with you on the road.

 

[JessZacc]

1) Compression
. . . put a day's clothing for each person in separate zip lock baggie
. . . squish out the air and zip it
. . . it reduces pack by at least 1/2
. . . plus, kids can unzip the day's clothes and underwear
2) Pack the Slacks
. . . stretch pants or slacks on bed
. . . fold as if going to hang on hanger
. . . roll from bottom up
. . . rolled "tube" can be slipped in anywhere there is a tiny space
3) Dual Packing
. . . pack shoes with rolled socks
. . . socks ride in the same space

Thanks for the suggestions! I really like the zip lock bag idea! I'm just hoping that we can physically fit all of our suit cases in the car + turtle!!

 

[innoculation]

Not sure about the seating options in your vehicle, but it sounds like you have little ones.
In the past, we found that putting the stroller on top of the van was best. I bought a tarp and wrapped it to protect from the weather.

In the back of the van, if you can, you can fold down half of the bench seat. This allows for a good deal of luggage.

Hope that helps you.

 

[JDUB]

We had our kids pack in duffel bags so they can compress in the turtle carrier. So PP mentioned, my DW and I packe together in one big suitcase to place up top with 3 kids duffle bags. We had the double stroller dis-assembled in the back. Also pack one pool bag with swim stuff/towels so when you check-in, you dont need to unpack everything to swim at resort.
Good luck and let us know how it goes!!!

 

[JessZacc]

Not sure about the seating options in your vehicle, but it sounds like you have little ones.
In the past, we found that putting the stroller on top of the van was best. I bought a tarp and wrapped it to protect from the weather.

In the back of the van, if you can, you can fold down half of the bench seat. This allows for a good deal of luggage.

Hope that helps you.

Thanks! Good idea to put the stroller on top! I think that would save a lot of space in the van and the turtle.

 

[CyndiLooWho]

Definitely use duffle bags instead of suitcases; you'll be amazed how much you can squeeze them down.

If you are staying someplace with a washer/dryer, pack 1/2-2/3 of what you think you need and just make sure to do laundry midway through the trip. You can get away with less if you stay in a condo with its own w/d.

Don't take any denim. Pack lightweight, easy-dry nylon or synthetic blends. You'll be more comfortable in the park that way and they take up much, much less room.

 

[CyndiLooWho]

Double post

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

I agree about using duffle bags in the turtle. We are a family of 7 and can pack all of our clothing and other stuff in the turtle. We have a double stroller with folded fits in the back of the van. I'm not sure if there is a size difference in our mini vans (we have a Sienna) but everything fits fine this way. We keep food and things we need on the road between the driver seat and the front passenger seat under the little table thing.

 

[auprincess]

We are driving to Disney in a few weeks in our dodge caravan with 4 adults and 2 children. Does anyone have any packing tips that might help us fit all of our stuff and be able to make this work?? We do have a turtle for the top. I am concerned that we just won't be able to fit everything. We have a double stroller also.

Oh, my...you sound just like me, only we have 2 adults and 3 kids (all in carseats); so we'll have a double stroller that will take up a good bit of the "trunk" space. I have a chrysler town and country, I'm pretty sure it is the same as the dodge. Luckily we were able to borrow a turtle top for the trip. Do you have the stow and go seats...if so that will give you some extra space; I'm always surprised my how much stuff I can fit in there!

We are using duffel bags (lots of clothes are in ziplocs, too)...but we have to use 3 suitcases...now I'm a bit worried

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

Oh, my...you sound just like me, only we have 2 adults and 3 kids (all in carseats); so we'll have a double stroller that will take up a good bit of the "trunk" space. I have a chrysler town and country, I'm pretty sure it is the same as the dodge. Luckily we were able to borrow a turtle top for the trip. Do you have the stow and go seats...if so that will give you some extra space; I'm always surprised my how much stuff I can fit in there!

We are using duffel bags (lots of clothes are in ziplocs, too)...but we have to use 3 suitcases...now I'm a bit worried

why do you have to use 3 suitcases if you have duffel bags? I'm confused.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

The stuff you'll need first should be packed last. Assuming you're stopping along the way, one bag with one day's worth of stuff for EVERYONE is ideal so you don't have to haul EVERYTHING into the hotel room. Cooler at ready disposal along with snacks.

 

[tinkerbellybutton]

We had 3 adults and 4 kids (ages 14, 9, 7 and 7) one trip. We managed just fine in an expedition. We had the turtle on top too. The back row was able to be partially folded down to fit a few things, and we stuffed what we could behind the third row. The rest went into the turtle. It was a tight fit for sure, but we had a fantastic trip!!! The great thing is we were traveling during the summer. Summer is much easier, not to mention lighter, to pack for! You know you only need shorts, tees, and swimsuits in the summer!!! I'm sure you'll figure it out!

 

[auprincess]

why do you have to use 3 suitcases if you have duffel bags? I'm confused.

Because I don't have enough duffel bags to pack all of our stuff in; so I have to use suitcases, too.

 

[auprincess]

We had 3 adults and 4 kids (ages 14, 9, 7 and 7) one trip. We managed just fine in an expedition. We had the turtle on top too. The back row was able to be partially folded down to fit a few things, and we stuffed what we could behind the third row. The rest went into the turtle. It was a tight fit for sure, but we had a fantastic trip!!! The great thing is we were traveling during the summer. Summer is much easier, not to mention lighter, to pack for! You know you only need shorts, tees, and swimsuits in the summer!!! I'm sure you'll figure it out!

We have always gone in January, so had to pack for all weather. I thought going in April would be better...but I am still packing so much stuff. It's so hot, I'm thinking we will probably wear 2 outfits a day most days. We are going back almost each day for a mid-day break and to swim, so I can't imagine putting sweaty clothes back on after swimming.

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

Because I don't have enough duffel bags to pack all of our stuff in; so I have to use suitcases, too.

OHHHH!! LOL! Gosh, I obviously needed more coffee when I posted that! Do you have backpacks that you could use? Or even the HUGE ziplock bags would work because you can mold them and suck the air out so they can tuck whereever.

 

[auprincess]

OHHHH!! LOL! Gosh, I obviously needed more coffee when I posted that! Do you have backpacks that you could use? Or even the HUGE ziplock bags would work because you can mold them and suck the air out so they can tuck whereever.

I bet I do have a backpack or two...and I do have several smaller bags, I just hate to have more bags to carry. The turtle shell is in the garage; I think I"m going to do a trial run tomorrow and see what all I can fit in there and then re-assess!

 

[ExCMbeau]

We are driving to Disney in a few weeks in our dodge caravan with 4 adults and 2 children. Does anyone have any packing tips that might help us fit all of our stuff and be able to make this work?? We do have a turtle for the top. I am concerned that we just won't be able to fit everything. We have a double stroller also.

We have a VW Routan which is built on the Caravan frame. We also travel with 4 adults and two kids. We have a double stroller also. We use a turtle along with a cargo carrier and cargo bag. We have zero issues with space and nobody is crammed. Here is a link to the cargo carrier and bag.

http://www.discountramps.com/cargo-carriers.htm

The hitch, carrier, and cargo bag is worth every penny!!!

 

[CarrieR]

Depending on the ages of the kids, stuffing soft stuff (ie, clothing in duffels) below their feet is an option. If they're in car seats -- or even boosters -- it can provide a handy footrest! And you can stuff an amazing amount on the floor "behind" a rear-facing carseat. Just make sure it's not heavy/hard stuff that would injure someone in a crash!