Strategic Packing- Lists and Tips from a Neurotic Mom! Now organzing the thread!

[teachermommy78]

Subbing so I can retrieve later!!!! Thanks for the compilation!

 

[casa34]

Great help. Thanks for the list.

 

[bearlyanne]

Ima---I'd suggest a couple of things. Get the baby crayola crayons. The triangle ones. They don't roll as easily. An etch a sketch is fun. Raid target's easter aisle for small portable toys and coloring books.

and I might have posted this earlier, but make individual ziploc packs of a diaper, individually wrapped wipes and butt paste,and a disposable changing pad.It will make easier to maneuver in the tiny bathrooms. I also liked bring a thin blanket to lay on the floor in the airport so she could chill for a bit.

Run them silly, before you get on the plane.

and lollipops for the ascent and descent will help with the popping.

 

[jkshel]

I found a picture of your backpack!!!

just kidding!!!! You're list was a very helpful post!!

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

I found a picture of your backpack!!!

just kidding!!!! You're list was a very helpful post!!

The only thing missing is the lime green Mickey head with "DISer" written on it!

 

[Corjack]

Subbing for reference....waiting to see the infant post!!!

 

[Wiloughby1]

DD had a coxsackie virus this week, on top of some chaos at work, so I haven't been able to devote time to thoughtful writing! I'll be back soon!

better the chaos now, than 3 weeks from now!

 

[twinboysmom]

Wiloughby1, thank you for the great thread! We will be going in May also, arrive May 10. It is the first time for us to take our boys who will be 17.5 months. So excited! I am interested in any children's clothing thread you may offer particularly since you mentioned about the characters interacting with the kids when they are dressed in character clothing. Also, I just have to ask, the painters tape for child proofing. Have never heard of this. Exactly what do you do with it? Hope your DD is feeling better.

 

[Wiloughby1]

Subbing so I can retrieve later!!!! Thanks for the compilation!

Welcome! As a former classroom educator, we likely have common management systems!

Great help. Thanks for the list.

Glad you found it helpful!

Ima---I'd suggest a couple of things. Get the baby crayola crayons. The triangle ones. They don't roll as easily. An etch a sketch is fun. Raid target's easter aisle for small portable toys and coloring books.

and I might have posted this earlier, but make individual ziploc packs of a diaper, individually wrapped wipes and butt paste,and a disposable changing pad.It will make easier to maneuver in the tiny bathrooms. I also liked bring a thin blanket to lay on the floor in the airport so she could chill for a bit.

Run them silly, before you get on the plane.

and lollipops for the ascent and descent will help with the popping.

Great tips! I agree with running them silly! We do everything we can to keep them from napping until the "assigned" time!

I found a picture of your backpack!!!

just kidding!!!! You're list was a very helpful post!!

hehehe...since everything stores under my stroller, I never have to carry anything other than this tiny Baggalini

You'll never know I'm a crazy bag lady! Muahahahahah!!!!

Subbing for reference....waiting to see the infant post!!!

It's halfway written! I promise it will be soon!

Wiloughby1, thank you for the great thread! We will be going in May also, arrive May 10. It is the first time for us to take our boys who will be 17.5 months. So excited! I am interested in any children's clothing thread you may offer particularly since you mentioned about the characters interacting with the kids when they are dressed in character clothing. Also, I just have to ask, the painters tape for child proofing. Have never heard of this. Exactly what do you do with it? Hope your DD is feeling better.

We get home May 9th! DS was 20mos on his 1st trip. It's a great age.

I will devote a whole post to kids clothes if I can fit it in before we leave. Basically, when we went to Crystal Palace for breakfast, I dressed DS in a Winnie the Pooh outfit and the characters would point to his shirt and act surprised, etc. He would also look down at his shirt and "make a match." The same thing happened with Mickey. This time I have shirts selected for each character meal (we have Garden Grill, Crystal Palace, Hollywood & Vine but I may cancel that one, and Tusker House) and places that have very consistent sightings, such as Snow White on our World Showcase day. I'll post the match up soon! I picked everything up on sale at the Disney Store, Old Navy, and Sears.

I use the Painters' Tape for quick fixes- covering electric outlets, latches, interesting narrow spaces, call buttons, latches, sharp corners, hanging cords, anything that is toddler-appealing that shouldn't be, etc. It's certainly not as safe as carrying plug covers, corner covers, and all of the other options, but since the kids get lots of supervision en route, the tape buys me a little extra time and security. For my 3.5y/o, it gives him a visual "do not touch" cue. HTH!

 

[ImaDVCwannabe]

We've flown numerous times with our kids, starting out at 7 weeks old. We're flying to Orlando from Seattle so I hear you on the long flight. In October we flew to Maui, so it was about a 6 hour flight (same as to Orlando, just a different direction). For DD (then 2) we took the portable DVD player, her favorite toys, some books and some snacks. She was good with all that. Plan to bring food on the plane, kids get hungry...a lot, when sitting still. DS was 8 months then so he didn't have many toys, but we brought his favorites. We've never done anything to help their ears, DD mentioned her ears this past flight for the first time ever. She never cried or anything, just said they felt funny. I would bring something they can drink during take off/landing, maybe a lollipop or other candy like that. For babies bring something they can suck on as the sucking motion will help pop their ears if need be. Gum for older kids as long as its not a choking hazard.

Thanks

 

[Corjack]

We get to WDW on the 6th!!! I am praying for lovely weather, no rain and no 100 degrees!

 

[Wiloughby1]

Before I begin the “everything else for infants/toddlers/preschoolers” post, I have to preface with the nature of our vacations.
-9 times out of 10 we stay in a condo or rental home
-Most places we go, the beach, snowboarding, etc are within driving distance, and we are taking the autotrain this time

So...if we were flying, or staying in a hotel rather than a condo (we’re doing only 2 nights at POFQ, the rest off site) we would make much different choices.

Here’s my infant toddler list with notes. Since everything had notes, I kept them together! (Remember, this is for a condo, via car)
-pack-n-play with sheets and blankets (i have met many a disgusting PNP, so I bring my own when I can)
-booster seat or travel high chair(our fav offsite has the restaurant style chairs, but most don’t)
-stroller/s (we have room so crazy me is bring a double AND 2 singles. 2 singles are better for MK because you can fold for the train and navigate the evening departure. The double means only 1 person has to push. If you can, avoid a carseat insert for infants. WAY. TOO. HOT.)
-Stroller shade extender
-3 bottles/sippy cups (Only 3 so I keep up with washing)
-bottle brush and small foldable drying rack* (a MUST in a hotel without a kitchen!)
-1 plastic plate
-1 plastic bowl
-1 set of toddler utensils (or take and toss spoons for infants)
-a box of Pampers bibsters (bibs are too gross to keep around)
-a full container of wipes, in the plastic container
-8 diapers/day
-diaper rash treatment of choice (DD can only use corn starch)
-NO CHANGING PADS (we use hotel hand towels so they can be washed and replaced)
-clothespins* clip curtains closed, hold blanket over window. Rooms are never dark enough.
-ice packs for milk in parks* I like the playtex cooler with the built in ice packs
-Horizon milk in juice box style cartons (may be lower fat than I typically give DD, but I can almost always buy whole milk, so these are for those “desperate times”)
-nightlight

Previous trips...
-Pump and pump parts
-Nursing Cover
-Pre-measured powdered formula and bottled water
-jars of baby food, only fly with plastic
-playmats
-toys (this time, everything she needs is in her train backpack)

Maybe I missed a few things. I’m revising for her current age (18m) so the list is evolving. Let me know your thoughts!

-A

 

[GiJohnsGirl]

Any advice for traveling with a 3.5/4 month old? We are driving and taking a sit and stand stroller (she has a 4 year-old brother) and our own portable bassinet.

 

[diamondpixienc]

Okay I am subscribing to this thread

 

[Wiloughby1]

Any advice for traveling with a 3.5/4 month old? We are driving and taking a sit and stand stroller (she has a 4 year-old brother) and our own portable bassinet.

We've only taken a baby that young to the beach and to Vermont in the winter, but my boss frequently travels to Israel with her newborns (she's on #5) and she says that age is the best for traveling! They have few requests and complaints and they are very portable! We took DS to WDW at 20mos, and most of these tips still applied.

What I can tell you is that I learned how to nurse with everyone seat belted in their seats. This was a lifesaver. DD wanted to nurse on every long drive. DS took pumped milk in a bottle. You'll never make the drive if you have to stop for extended nursing.

Depending on the time of year, plan for keeping the baby cool. Laying in the stroller in the heat for extended periods will leave the baby hot and sweaty (and in my case for my kids, rashy with heat and diaper rash! I almost killed DH after a special Daddy-takes-us-to-the-zoo trip!) A carrier or sling might seem convenient, but you're doubling the body heat, so choose wisely and be careful. Try to find a misting fan (I just got new ones for $8 after discount at Bed, Bath, and Beyond) since babies aren't good at regulating their own temps. Wet washcloths in your cooler bag can also be nice. One last note on heat- plan to wait outside the car. If you are parking in the lot, your car will be HOT. I'd let DH walk ahead, start the car, and get it cool, long before I arrived with DS.

Also, prepare for the sun. I know most sunscreens say 6mos+ because of the chemicals, but your Dr. will probably say that one of the zinc oxide based formulas, like California Baby (love the product, hate the price) are much better than a sunburned baby. They have it at drugstore.com. Focus on feet and legs, because they stick of the stroller the most. I also recommend a shade extender like the one from Kiddopatomous. They have it at BRU or Amazon. DD hates it, but we used it the whole time in WDW with DS.

If you're using formula, go with powder and reconstitute in the park to prevent spoilage and use the baby centers. They are very nice, though maybe a schlep to get there.

Don't forget to use baby swap and remember that the extra pass will allow your DS to ride with both your and your DH. That's a good perk!

Let me know if you have any other specific questions!

Okay I am subscribing to this thread

Welcome! I'm only 8 days out, so I am not qriting as frequently, but I hope I can still e of help!

 

[kt3119]

I am so happy to have found this thread!! We are leaving for our first FAMILY trip to Walt Disney World on June 1, we can't wait. Of course our family consists of three Lovely boys, ages 6, 5, and 3 1/2. Some may say we are crazy, but I beg to differ.

Can't wait to read through all of the info!

 

[kt3119]

I am so happy to have found this thread!! We are leaving for our first FAMILY trip to Walt Disney World on June 1, we can't wait. Of course our family consists of three Lovely boys, ages 6, 5, and 3 1/2. Some may say we are crazy, but I beg to differ.

Can't wait to read through all of the info!

 

[forever11709]

Hi! You can find Bobbles here. I got mine when they were offering "Spend $35, get a $35 set for free, but they are good prices either way. Each family member has a different color, so we know our own.

They have a carbon filter that gets rid of the FL funky water taste.

I just went to the website and if you "adopt" a bobble you get one free, so if you buy the family 3 pack you get a family 3 pack free! i just might have to get some!

 

[Wiloughby1]

I am so happy to have found this thread!! We are leaving for our first FAMILY trip to Walt Disney World on June 1, we can't wait. Of course our family consists of three Lovely boys, ages 6, 5, and 3 1/2. Some may say we are crazy, but I beg to differ.

Can't wait to read through all of the info!

Not crazy, LUCKY! As long as you plan well (and there are TONS of tips on the DIS) it just may be easier than a week home with all 3! We are just 8 days from our trip and I am so ready to get away. My house is clean, my laundry is caught up, I just had a dinner for 26 people on Tuesday...Now I just need to preserve the state of the house and keep up until then! Of course I just found out that DS's preschool is doing a consignment sale the week we get back, so I also need to prep all my sale stuff before we go. If only I could get the $$ before the trip!

What do you have planned for your boys? Any great ADRs? We have CP, Tusker House, Garden Grill, Hollywood & Vine, and haircuts at the Barber Shop.

I just went to the website and if you "adopt" a bobble you get one free, so if you buy the family 3 pack you get a family 3 pack free! i just might have to get some!

Nice deal! It's Earth Week, so I bet there are a lot of water bottle sales!

 

[kt3119]

7 days away, how exciting!!

We have ADR's at Chef Mickey's, Hollywood and Vine, Crystal Palace, T Rex Cafe, Rainforest Cafe, Coral Reef, and a few other places. We have the dining plan, we will have to see how this works for us. The boys also have appointments at the Pirates League!! My husband and I have been before the kiddos...this trip is going to be amazing now that we have our family!!

I can't wait to get started on my packing after reading your tips!!