Using carry on’s only?

[Beachmom0317]

DH and I are going early December with DD2 and DS4. All of us have plane tickets so we can all bring a carry on, personal item and I can bring a diaper bag. DH wants to just do carry on so we don’t have to worry about losing luggage or laying checked bag fees. But I’m not sure. I know each kid can have a carry on but DD is only 2 so I’ll prob have her in my backpack carrier and am worried about lugging 4 bags plus a diaper bag! I suppose we could prob fit our stuff into 3 carry on’s. Hm any thoughts? We are not gate checking any strollers or car seats. We are renting stroller from Kingdom again

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

I think you could manage it all.
My only problem with carry on only is the liquids restriction.
So if you can work around that then definitely go for it IMO.

 

[tjmw2727]

That's a lot - for cost maybe you could compromise and check just one larger bag?
Otherwise I don't know how a 4yo is going to deal with a carryon and a backpack, through the airport both ways.
Then you and dh will also have a carryon each, backpack and diaper bag plus a baby to carry so not a lot of hands to help the 4yo.

Going through security (unless you have precheck) you will have to remove all liquids, shoes and coats off for you and DH, everything through the belt, if the 2yo can/will walk through alone they may ask him/her to do so.

Are you using a car seat onboard - that's an additional item, some 2yo's do great in the airplane seat others don't and then the AAP and TSA both recommend using a car seat onboard so that's another thing to think about.

For me it just helps to walk through the entire process in my head and come up with the "what ifs" and then go from there.

I traveled often as a single mom with 2 kids from the time they were born and its just my opinion of course but for me (especially then!) some things are worth paying for and for me a checked bag(s) were

Hope this helps - enjoy the trip!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

If you could fit everything into 3 carry-on's (one for you to roll and two for your DH to roll), plus one backpack, one small backpack (for your 4 year old to carry) and a diaper bag, I might do it. Otherwise, I think 4 carry ons, 4 backpacks and a diaper bag are going to be a lot to manage with two small children in tow. We are a family of 3 and we always do 3 carry-on's and 3 backpacks, but my DS is 11 now and can handle his own carry-on and backpack.

 

[NYCgrrl]

DH and I are going early December with DD2 and DS4. All of us have plane tickets so we can all bring a carry on, personal item and I can bring a diaper bag. DH wants to just do carry on so we don’t have to worry about losing luggage or laying checked bag fees. But I’m not sure. I know each kid can have a carry on but DD is only 2 so I’ll prob have her in my backpack carrier and am worried about lugging 4 bags plus a diaper bag! I suppose we could prob fit our stuff into 3 carry on’s. Hm any thoughts? We are not gate checking any strollers or car seats. We are renting stroller from Kingdom again

It's doable for my mindset but one airline approved carry-on is the way I've been traveling for business and leisure for a long time. When I had small children in tow, I also carried an oversized pocketbook that held their extra immediate needed stuff but didn't walk with it filled to the brim daily once we got to our destination.

Unless I'm camping, I leave first aid kits, carry no more than an extra shirt for kiddos, and forego anything that's not related to regular use, at the hotel since Disney's theme parks and resorts will provide the rest and generally for free. When I buy large and small stuff, I avail myself of the free resort delivery whenever possible thus negating the need for oversized storage compartments w/i in a stroller. Disney really tries to make your visit easier whether you think on it or not.

Been wearing classic multifunctional clothing in tightly edited colors for donkey years and I can fill half to 3/4 of a wheeled airline approved carry on with a week's work of mostly rolled clothing, leaving space for makeup, accessories, and toiletries.

 

[Beachmom0317]

Thanks everyone! We are totally okay with no liquids more than 3oz since we’re gonna stop at a Publix or target on our way to WDW. May need to consolidate to 3 carry on total and plan on doing laundry since it’s free at DVC resorts which is where we’re staying. Thanks for advice!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Thanks everyone! We are totally okay with no liquids more than 3oz since we’re gonna stop at a Publix or target on our way to WDW. May need to consolidate to 3 carry on total and plan on doing laundry since it’s free at DVC resorts which is where we’re staying. Thanks for advice!

This is what I do and how we can keep our luggage to a minimum! Also, if you happen to bring liquids, I throw them in the quart size ziplocks and then throw those ziplocks in a gallon size ziplock. I then throw that gallon size ziplock in my shoulder bag. That way, I still meet the ziplock bag size requirement (if they request that I separate the bags, but they never have), but still consolidate to one bag (if that makes sense). All I have to do is then throw that gallon size ziplock in the security tray and I'm good to go.

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

Is your 2 year old still in diapers? If so, can you amazon diapers to the hotel? Also, do you plan on carry-on everything back as well? It will mean saying “no” to souvenirs. Just a heads up.

 

[Taylor'sMom]

We always fly carry-on only, even for Disney (at least once a year). We each have a carry on suitcase and I carry the singular backpack for the group. I find it just helps to categorize what goes where. Make a list and then pack accordingly.

Backpack has things we need on the plane (electronics, books, travel documents, snacks, etc.) and anything we want easy access to when we land (Magic Bands, sunglasses, etc.). With a younger child, this would also include toys and comfort items.

Each person usually has their own carry-on for clothing. We've done this where my husband and I have SHARED one, and we just plan to do laundry mid-trip. There are videos on how to pack efficiently. I roll some things to save space, but not everything. Our minimal toiletries are in a 3-1-1 bag and in an outside pocket to easily put on conveyor thru security.

Figure out how many bags you can carry/pull (not how many are allowed, but how many you can manage) and then pack what you can, planning to wash mid-week, or as needed.

Big tip is to wear the biggest/bulkiest things on the plane.... sneakers, sweatshirt, etc. Then it doesn't take up room in a suitcase.

 

[Giz1026]

I would consider checking one larger bag and having only one carry on. The cost would be worth not having to hassle with 4 pieces of luggage and backpacks/diaper bag. Plus possibly a car seat and a stroller. It would be hard to wrangle IMO.

We use packing cubes so when we get to our destination everyone's clothes are still separated and they make excellent use of space in your luggage. I shipped diapers, wipes and toiletries. First time I had done that and now if we stay anywhere for a week I would totally do again. Good luck!

 

[siren0119]

We (me, DH, DS 8 and DS 10) flew last year with only carry-ons and backpacks. 8 days at Disney, we did laundry on our mid-week non park day. it was perfect and we had plenty of room for everything we needed.

 

[MomOTwins]

We (me, DH, DS 8 and DS 10) flew last year with only carry-ons and backpacks. 8 days at Disney, we did laundry on our mid-week non park day. it was perfect and we had plenty of room for everything we needed.

Yeah, but an 8 and 10 year old and wheel their own carry-on. A 2 and 4 year old can't. I would definitely just consolidate to one checked bag, especially since with Magical luggage tags you don't have to pick it up from baggage claim. Getting through the airport with small kids is such a pain; wheeling two bags the whole time would drive me nuts.

 

[siren0119]

Yeah, but an 8 and 10 year old and wheel their own carry-on. A 2 and 4 year old can't. I would definitely just consolidate to one checked bag, especially since with Magical luggage tags you don't have to pick it up from baggage claim. Getting through the airport with small kids is such a pain; wheeling two bags the whole time would drive me nuts.

I agree - add to that clothes for bigger kids take up more space. I will bet that the 2 and 4 year old could probably fit clothes in the same carryon, especially if you build in a plan to do laundry halfway through the trip - half the clothes to pack. My boys both had smaller backpacks when they were toddlers, so they could easily have their own "personal" items for snacks, a couple of small toys and one change of clothes. without infringing on precious carryon space.

 

[Gafnorin]

I would consider checking one larger bag and having only one carry on. The cost would be worth not having to hassle with 4 pieces of luggage and backpacks/diaper bag. Plus possibly a car seat and a stroller. It would be hard to wrangle IMO.

We use packing cubes so when we get to our destination everyone's clothes are still separated and they make excellent use of space in your luggage. I shipped diapers, wipes and toiletries. First time I had done that and now if we stay anywhere for a week I would totally do again. Good luck!

This is what we do. Worth the money to check the big bag IMO while wrangling 2 small kids. We just take backpacks onto the plane.

 

[KrazeeK120]

Is your 2 year old still in diapers? If so, can you amazon diapers to the hotel? Also, do you plan on carry-on everything back as well? It will mean saying “no” to souvenirs. Just a heads up.

I was wondering this as well. Diapers are such a space hog!

 

[quandrea]

Avoid the wheeled carryons. I use an Osprey 40 backpack. It’s the best luggage I’ve ever owned. Keeps my hands free. We have three kids, two of whom are twins. Dh has the same bag. We fit everything we need for a ten day Disney trip in the two carryons. The kids each carry a backpack with their books, and stuffed toy. I also carry a crossbody purse.

Our kids are 14, 9 and 9 now, but we’ve never checked luggage.
https://www.amazon.ca/Osprey-Farpoi..._SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=osprey+farpoint+40

 

[unrequited23]

My luggage set came with a strap so you could connect the hand strap of one piece to another, so you can maneuver them both together using just one pull up handle. It works best when traveling in a straight line and they get wonky when making sudden sharp turns, but this might help. Also you could use a carabiner on the pull up handle to hold a personal item/bookbag that you are not wearing.

I would plan to do laundry and buy any diapers/pull ups when you make your Publix/Target stop.

The PP idea about all of the quart size bags in a gallon size bag is genius.

 

[Beachmom0317]

Is your 2 year old still in diapers? If so, can you amazon diapers to the hotel? Also, do you plan on carry-on everything back as well? It will mean saying “no” to souvenirs. Just a heads up.

Ooh I didn’t think of souvenirs! We may have to just check one suitcase now. I am not sure if we’ll buy tons of stuff but I would like the option

 

[Beachmom0317]

Our dd2 is still in diapers but thankfully we have the rental car and are stopping at a Publix or target on the way! Definitely considering checking one bag at least so we have some flexibility coming home with extra space for purchases. We have to wait for a rental car pick up anyways (those always seem to take so long to pick up lol) so I can always split up with DH and he go and waits in line for the car and I go to baggage claim.