This is going to sound really dumb

[the100acrewoodcc]

My husbands hates to travel with the kids. He has a hard enough time dealing with their special needs at home that spending money on a vacation is not on the top of his list. Well I finally talked him into a disney trip and we leave A WEEK FROM SATURDAY!! Because we never go on vacation I am having complete anxiety attacks and am freezing up just on what to pack and how. We have 3 fairly large suitcases (that we actually had to borrow from family) and a backpack (plus the kids have really tiny backpacks), and two fanny packs and a carry on type bag that we can pack in the suitcase for items we buy there to come home. That is as far as I got.

I have no clue what to pack to bring on the plane/versus check in, never mind what to bring period. Please, if anyone has a detailed list or can offer any suggestions for someone who is travel illiterate i would really appreciate it.

 

[eliza61]

My husbands hates to travel with the kids. He has a hard enough time dealing with their special needs at home that spending money on a vacation is not on the top of his list. Well I finally talked him into a disney trip and we leave A WEEK FROM SATURDAY!! Because we never go on vacation I am having complete anxiety attacks and am freezing up just on what to pack and how. We have 3 fairly large suitcases (that we actually had to borrow from family) and a backpack (plus the kids have really tiny backpacks), and two fanny packs and a carry on type bag that we can pack in the suitcase for items we buy there to come home. That is as far as I got.

I have no clue what to pack to bring on the plane/versus check in, never mind what to bring period. Please, if anyone has a detailed list or can offer any suggestions for someone who is travel illiterate i would really appreciate it.

Ok, first take a deep breath. You have a week, no panic attacks until friday night. What I always try to keep in the back of my mind is CONVIENENCE. Remember mom, this is your vacation too and since this is your first, you don't want a lot of hassle on the plane.
How old are your kids? How long are you staying?

My first tip is for the Airport. Remeber you have to go thru security. You will have to remove your shoes and put just about every thing through the scanner (Xray machine). I would only bring 1 carryon if your kids are big enough to handle their own bag. Keep some quick snacks, no liquids until you get through security, some gum, a small change of clothes and some magazine and essentials (cell phone, id, wallet etc)

 

[the100acrewoodcc]

Okay, they are both boys and they are 8 and 13. They are both autistic, but very high functioning and verbal but prone to meltdowns if they are tired, overwhelmed, etc. THey can carry their own bags (I bought really small drawstring back packs for them) as long as there isnt too much in there. I also have to try to figure out how to get my laptop down there as I sell avon and my order is due to go in while i am down there.

We are staying for 8 days. Sat to Sat. We dont get in until 4:00pm and we dont leave until 5:20pm.

Phyllis

 

[hmmchowell]

Remember that your checked luggage can't exceed 50 lbs per bag or they will charge you an arm and a leg. Try to pack one outfit per day per child, but pack more underwear. There are washing machines and dryers at each resort. You can pack less and commit to washing a load. My daughter and I went last year and in the evening after a day at the park, we would go swim. At the Pop Century, the laudromat was right there at the pool. I put a load in, swam for 30 min, put them in the dryer, swam for 45 more minutes and then took it back to the room. It wasn't even like doing laundry!!

 

[Hannathy]

With 2 autistic boys may I suggest you take a look over on the disabilities board. There are a lot of folks who have dealt with autistic children at Disney and will be able to give you a lot of hints and helps.

As far as what to bring, it will still be warm there so just bring their summer clothes and a jacket in case it rains or somehow gets cool in the evening. Bring what they are comfortable in and good comfortable shoes for everyone!

 

[fun4disney]

I would bring a sweatshirt for everyone onto the plane along with things that you know your kids like. like game boys or books....I don't know how they handle new situations but now isn't the time to get them new toys, books, clothes or shoes. From what I know about special needs children they need things to remain "normal" or they could have a melt down and you don't want to do that over a pair of socks! Pack light on the plane so you aren't carry too much through the airport and can focus on your boys and what they might need from you. Maybe a magazine and some hard candy and your off. Washing clothes at WDW is easy and I suggest it. Relax, have fun and if you forget anything I'm sure as long as it isn't your son's favorite blanket you can get it there. Have fun!

 

[Teresa Pitman]

Okay, stay calm. Here's my suggestions:

First, for on the plane. How long is your flight? Will you want to have some things to entertain or calm your kids? I'd pack those first. I personally always bring my laptop with me on the plane as well - I just don't trust it anywhere but in my hot little hands. Bring snacks too.

Then here's what I usually do: I put together a complete outfit for each person for each day of the trip (top, bottom, undies, socks). If I'm going to do laundry part way through, then I allow for that and do only 4 outfits for a 7-day trip. Then I lay it out - pants on the bottom, then T-shirt, then underwear and socks, and roll it up. (If it's shorts, I put the T-shirt on the bottom, because it's usually bigger.) The rolling, if you do it carefully, seems to reduce wrinkling. Take the roll and pack it into the suitcase, then do the next one. Pack pajamas the same way. Add any jackets or sweaters just in case you have a cool or wet evening. Then all your child has to do each morning is pick a "roll" out of the suitcase and he's got a complete outfit, ready to go.

Start a little list for yourself of things you don't want to forget (camera, tickets, sunscreen...) and post it on your fridge or someplace where you can add to it as you think of things, and then do your final check the night before.

You are going to have a great time!!

Teresa

 

[the100acrewoodcc]

Do you pack snacks or breakfasts or anything? We have the basic dining plan (1 snack, 1 fast serve and 1 sit down a day). All of our ADRs are for either lunch or dinner except for 1 breakfast our last day. The Fast serves will be for the other (lunch or dinner). That leaves 1 snack a day. some of our ADRs are at really weird times (8:50 or 3:40 for dinner or 1:40 for lunch). it was all I could get and that was 2 months ago when we booked our trip. I tried again a couple of days ago but everything was booked solid. I feel bad because Justins Bday dinner which we wanted at Chef Mickey's (from everyones recommendation) isnt until 8:50.

I have 3 suitcases that I borrowed (all the tall narrow rolling kinds although one is smaller and was inside one of the other ones). I though I could use one large one for the kids stuff, another large one for our stuff and then the smaller one for snacks and breakfasts for one the way down and then souveniers on the way back. Is that too much? Hopefully all my cosmetics and accessories can fit in our big suitcase so I dont need another bag for that but then we have shoes, water shoes, things to keep the kids busy, jewelry, etc. I know it shouldnt be this hard.

Phyllis

 

[eliza61]

Do you pack snacks or breakfasts or anything? We have the basic dining plan (1 snack, 1 fast serve and 1 sit down a day). All of our ADRs are for either lunch or dinner except for 1 breakfast our last day. The Fast serves will be for the other (lunch or dinner). That leaves 1 snack a day. some of our ADRs are at really weird times (8:50 or 3:40 for dinner or 1:40 for lunch). it was all I could get and that was 2 months ago when we booked our trip. I tried again a couple of days ago but everything was booked solid. I feel bad because Justins Bday dinner which we wanted at Chef Mickey's (from everyones recommendation) isnt until 8:50.

Phyllis

Hey Phyllis
I'll give my tips here. We rarely do ADR's and we have wonderful TS meals every day. Every day when you wake up, give disney dining a call, from your resort room, its just a button on the phone (hey, where are you staying). You'd be surprised how many things open up. Keep checking for the Chez Mickey. For breakfast we generally do cereal in the room or fattening, not healthy for you in any way pasteries. Hey you're on vacation! There are many bakeries in and around various resorts and parks. Let me know where you are staying and I'll give you my favorites.

Truthfully, you have more than enough suitcases. My first time my sons were 6 & 8 and they still had serious melt down issues and were not the most patient of souls (and that's putting it midly). I still keep jewerly and makeup down to the minumium. Some foundation, mascara and then I hit the door same with accessories. I think last trip, I took 1 pair of gold hoops and called it a day.

On the days you have a late dinner, take a mid afternoon break and cool out at the resort. When it's your first time, every one's natural tendency is to go "commando" style every day. Tone it down a bit on the 8:30 pm dinner day this way every one's not cranky from a long day.

 

[Vacation Lover]

Here's a link to a very comprehensive packing list. http://www.mousesavers.com/UltimatePackingList.doc

I like it because you can download it and make changes before you print it out.

Allears.net also has a good one.

We'll be there the same time as you! Have fun!

 

[the100acrewoodcc]

We are staying at the CBR. What happens if we cancel an ADR the day we have it. Say (not on Justins Bday but on another day) we find an earlier time somewhere else or we decide to just show up and the rest. we have a late ADR at and actually get in. If we tell the people at the time we are there that we actually have a later ADR will we get charged for it. We didnt have to leave a credit card for any of our adrs that I remember. This is what we have right now:

9/23 50's Prime Time 1:05pm

9/24 Crystal Palace 3:40 pm

9/25 Coral Reef 1:40pm

9/26 BOMA 8:50pm

9/27 Chef Mickey 8:50pm

9/28 Liberty Tree Tavern 7:35pm

9/29 Ohana for breakfast 10:00am

 

[Diamondintheruff]

I just came back from our family's first trip to Disney. I had a hard time convincing my husband to go too. My children have always been "shy" and full of anxiety about new experiences which translates into public breakdowns and lots of "I'm not going. You can't make me." and another favourite. "I want to go home". So we haven't had much experience with disney type environments.

It turned out that with patience and following what it was that the children wanted to do they did alright. Our problem was with my husband. He had a hard time following what the children wanted to do as opposed to what HE wanted to do. I wish I had of sat down and talked it through with my husband as much as I had my children. After a couple of days he GOT it and our vacation was much more pleasant. Also my parents were with us so we escaped a few nights on our own which helped.

In a nutshell my advice is to talk over your plans for the trip and your priorities for it with him. Discuss strategies for when one of the boys has a breakdown so you will both be on the same page before you get there.

 

[LadyShea]

Congrats on your first family vacation! We will be there the same week you are, the 22nd-29 for our DS's first trip

I am a seasoned business traveler, though haven't had much experience traveling with kids, but some things you mentioned are in my sphere of experience so:

1. Do not take any jewelry. It might get lost or stolen and really isn't necessary at WDW. Wear your wedding ring and watch, and medical alerts if needed and that's it. I don't even wear my diamond wedding ring when traveling, I wear a plain gold band.

2. Pack only the most basic cosmetics. Your moisterizer, foundation, one blush, one neutral eyeshadow, one neutral lipstick, one eyeliner pencil if you wear it and mascara. It will all fit in a tiny bag. Put one big tube of toothpaste and all toothbrushes in a Ziploc. I usually pack a full size shampoo and conditioner (not quite full though) also in a big Ziploc in case they spill. I also throw in a bag of disposable razors that both me and hubby can use

3. Get a note from the kids doctor that they have special needs and any special techniques that may be employed to take care of them. I know of a parent who had to produce such a letter when her son had a meltdown in a store and she was doing some kind of holding technique, as someone decided she was abusing the kid and called the police.

4. Pare down shoes to the barest minimum or they take up too much room. Comfortable walking shoes, cheap rubber flip flops or crocs for the pool, and maybe one nice pair for a special dinner. Consider wearing the flip flops/Crocs to the airport, no matter how they look, as it will make it easier to get through security and take up less luggage space. Pack socks in the carry on for the flight in case someone's tootsies get cold.

5. Pack mix and match outfits and stick to two or three basic colors for yourself and hubby. I have found packing all khaki, black or navy, and white works well. That way you can wear the same khaki shorts a few days (as long as you don't get them stained or very dirty) with different tops or the same top with a pair of shorts, then later a pair of pants. If you have linen, pack it. It's the coolest fabric to wear in our climate, is expected to get wrinkled, and dries fast if you want to wash it out in the sink and hang it to dry in the shower. Also, in this climate, plain cotton undies are the most comfortable. Leave your pretty silk and satin and lace at home...trust me! If the whole family has plain white cotton, they can be washed in one load.

Best of luck and have a great time!

 

[ksumn1]

The packing list is a great help. I used it, and I didn't forget anything.Like other posters said, take things to keep the boys occupied. Maybe a portable CD for each with a couple of favorite CD's for the carryon. The music may sooth them and keep them distracted. Maybe give them a little "gift" on the plane like an autograph book, a book about WDW (I like the Birbaum's book) a Disney hat, something like that. I definately agree that flip flops would be easiest to get through security, and bring the socks in the carryon. I wouldn't wear any jewelry but maybe a watch on the trip to the airport. Make is much easier to breeze through security. Check your airlines website or the TSA's website for specific carryon allowances.

Have a plan in mind, but don't be afraid to change it if you need to. You can just call WDW dining at any time to cancel and ADR (even in the parks) and even reschedule. I think alot of times the resort restaurants will have availability when the park restaurants don't.

Have a great trip!!!

 

[amyhughes]

Make a list per bag per person. It makes things very orderly and less confusing for you. Next especially for the kids place their entire individual outfits in Gallon Ziploc bags. This will help not only them, but your DH get them dressed in the AM. Mine usually gets confused as to whos clothes are whos and this helped him get them dressed while I showered.

As for what to pack I would make it as simple as possible. We did shorts and Disney shirts each day for the kids. Water sandals or crocs so they could play in the fountains and I didn't have to haul around a change of socks and shoes as well. For me I just wear capris and a MIckey polo and DH wore shorts and a polo. Bring sunblock, Skin So Soft has a sunblock and is a great mosquito repellent. I brought extra things like BandAids, AloeVera (just incase of sunburn), blister covers (again just in case your shoes give you blister its alot of walking!), and those break/cold packs.Also you may want to bring the children's versions of Tylenol, Motrin etc. You can usually find the adult versions on property but the children's versions are hard to come by and the closes Walgreen's is outside of the AKL about 3 miles.

On the note about your DH my husband is somewhat the same way. We have a child that has delays in a couple different areas and we both work so he is not used to dealing with it 24 hours a day 7 days a week. I do most of the time, as I take of time from work to do so. When we were in the parks though I noticed that he remained calmer and more vigilant. He pushed the stroller I carried the backpack. Our younger son had a complete meltdown our first night on the ferry. I expected DH to lose it and have to remove himself but he did very well and stayed right there through the whole ordeal. There is something to be said about being there in the moment, but every kid at Disney will have at least 1 meltdown rather its small or large it just happens. I would prep your hubby by going out and doing some shopping all together and have him stay with the kids a bit. In a way it's like training for a cross country race you have to do a bit of work beforehand to make sure your mind thinks accordingly while you are there. The more exposure he has to the kids now, the more knowledge he will have while there to help in the situations that can, and do, arise.

As for your sons what I would recommend to AVOID the meltdowns due to tiredness is take a break midday. Go back to the resorts let them swim, take a nap. Trust me everyone will probably need a nap! And just refresh for the evening where the lines are shorter, the sun has hidden for the evening and the parks look beautiful. Nightime in the parks is really a wonderful time, and it can be more relaxing to tour in the evenings. But just hang back you don't have to see everything this time around.

Best of luck!

Amy

 

[robsmom]

1. Start with the shoes. pick your shoes (one pair each of sneakers/walking, flat sandles that dress up or down, pool flipsflops/crocs.) if an outfit needs its own shoes, save it for at home!

2. based on the shoes stick with basic colors. as suggested mix and max. if a shirt doesn't go with a pair of shorts and a pair of pants it probably does not get packed. typically i am going to pack shorts and pants in matching colors (e.g. one pair black shorts, one pair black pants, one pair of beige shorts and one pair of beige pants).

3. Put everything aside in an empty room. when you have everything, put 20% back. You will always have too much.

4. no jewelery. where one set on the plane and that is it for the week.

5. minimize makeup (great suggesting above).

6. do pack a small medicine case (or i comingle with my toilletries). bandaids, tylenol, anti-biotic cream, allergy meds, wipes to clean a scape or cut. Stick to the basics, you can't prepare for everything and can buy other meds if you really need them.

7. Pack across all suitcases - not a separate one per person. this helps if the airline loses one. I start with shoes and put one of mine in each, one of dh, ds, etc. then some of my casual goes in each, nicer outfits in each, and course undergarments for all in each.

8. For the airport you want as few bags as possible. You also want shoes that are easy to take off. If you dh and ds's can skip belts that makes it easier and faster for everyone.

9. Airline rules allow only 3 ounces of liquids or gels. in carry on's. this includes drinks but also lotions, toothpaste, shampoo etc. If you need any of these they must be less and 3 ozs and go in one 1 qt clear ziploc bag. have this bag at the top of your carryone and be prepared to take it out. prescription meds should be in your carry on but any other items you can live without or replace (like shampoo, makeup) i would pack in the suitcase.

10. laptop - needs to come out at the security and go in a bin. be prepared that you need to do this. have someone in the middle of your group carrying the laptop. this way a member of your family is on both sides of the scanner while you are going thru and can keep an eye on your computer. watch it closely. coats/sweaters must come off at security so put them in your carryon before hand if you can. one less thing to do. also at security each person needs to have their boarding pass so keep them handy.

11. food - snacks for your kids in the carry on is a must - just in case you get stuck or delayed. i personally don't worry about the change of clothing for my child when going to disney. old enough that he does not have accidents and young enough that shorts and tshirts can be bought at any airport in an emergency. I do tend to tuck my bathing suit in the bottom of my carry on as for me that would be hard to replace quickly.

Relax and have fun. it will be ok.

 

[Melissa]

No packing tips but just wanted to say there is a special place in heaven for the parents of autistic kids. I went to WDW in May with my sister to help with her twins, one of whom is autistic. He is such a sweet kid but he is a challenge! It really makes me appreciate my easy dd. Hope you guys have a magical and easy trip! You probably won't need or want this but just in case things don't go as planned with one or both of them, there is a Babysitting service Sunshine babysitting that specializes in special needs kids, they were great. Max decided he hated all the parks so he spent one day at the pool with a sitter and we all had a much better day!

 

[engkitten]

not sure this will get to you in time or be helpful But I also have to boys 6 and 10 who are autistic high functioning as well...what I have done in the past and will be doing again this year is I get a letter from my doctor stating my boys are autistic and have a hard time with wait times and noises and I go to the Customer Service desk at the parks and they give us a pass to use the fast pass lanes to help make the vacation and there time at the disney parks more enjoyable for all...not just my boys but also us and the people that are around us...

 

[hipporina]

Don't panic. Your vacation will be great. We have several special needs in our family, and as long as you are ready to work with them, they won't ruin your trip. One of our boys does not have a frim diagnoses, but is likely on the autistic spectrum. His language and emotional issues are really unique, but he is making amazing progress. Anyway, there has been a lot of great advice posted, so I will just add a few things that haven't been mentioned.

1. Prepare your kids for the flight - If this is your first time flying, make sure they know a little bit about what it will be like. Talk to them about the noise and vibration. If you live close enough, take them to the airport so they can see what it is like. I know you can't go through security, but at least they can get a feel for it.

2. Expect to have some issues - If you go into the trip expecting some problems and have a plan to deal with them, then they won't seems as bad.

3. Don't worry about what other people think - In 2005, our son had an absolute meltdown at Animal Kingdom. We weren't planning on staying in the park much longer anyway, so we decided to go ahead and leave. We were all walking toward the exit with that child screaming and crying in full tantrum mode when a woman looked at me and said "He's going to scare off the animals." I chose to ignore her and not let her ignorance bother me. Be prepared for these insensitivities.

4. Remember that it is a family vacation, not a Disney tour - If you keep your focus on making memories with your family then it will help you to not stress about seeing and doing everything. Disney will still be there in the future. Just relax and look for those moments that you will treasure forever.

Have a great time. We will be there the same time as you (we are going Sept 21-30). If you see a family with 8 little kids in matching shirts, that's us! Just don't forget to enjoy it yourself!