WDW with Carry-on Luggage Only? (Is it possible)

[Michguy04]

OK we just found out that Midwest Airlines charges $20.00 each way for ALL Checked Luggage.
We have a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 six year old boys) going in April.

Do you think it is possible to do a 5 night trip with ONLY 4 carry on bags?

I really hate to pay $40-80 extra for checked luggage if there is another alternative.

In addition to the 4 carry-on's I am contemplating:
a) Sending a package with some of our stuff to the resort thru UPS beforehand.
b) Purchasing Snacks/Food Items thru Garden Grocer or Wegoshop, since the $12.00 delivery fee is much better than $40 round trip for a "Snack suitcase".

Thanks for any thoughts or advice?
Guy

 

[PixiePlanner]

When we went in June, the four of us checked two bags. I packed the kids together and the other suitcase was for myself. DH carried his on. Check the measurements of the carryon. DH had the largest suitcase he could carryon. When we go again and I know the kids don't need to be "entertained" on the plane, we will probably try doing just carryons.

I packed each outfit in a ziploc bag and sat on the bag to get all the air out. This helped tremendously with getting alot in a small space.

 

[PixieAngel]

Yes that is so very possible! We just took a trip in January to Disneyland and it was the four of us, me, DH, DS15 & DS13 for 7 nights. Everyone took a small suitcase and backpack. I divided up all the shampoos etc into 4 quart size bags, we packed 2 pairs of pants, two pairs of shorts, 5 shirts, extra shoes, socks, underwear, & pjs. Our backpacks (you are allowed 1 carry on and 1 personal bag) were for computers, liquids, cameras, books, and extra space for what we brought back. After all the trips we have taken, now we wonder why we ever took more because I always do laundry at least once while we are on vacation (hate bring dirty clothes back). We may never check a bag again! This coming from a family that use to pack 1 Large and 1 small suitcase each checked in and still took backbacks~always over packed! Garden Grocer always works well for us!

 

[i'mfluffy]

We do it all the time. I only do carryons since the airlines are charging for bags. I refuse to pay the fees. We've done DIsney, Mexico and Costa Rica with just carry ons.

 

[ellenmiele]

We don't usually fly but my sister and her family (total 5) always flies and she always does it with only carryon bags. It her and her DH, DD13 and DS15,DS8 and she's been doing it this way for years - way before the extra fees started. She always says that it takes a little extra ime to pack becaquse you really have to plan and pack smart but she makes it work. We flew once and did it also and it wasn't easy for me (I'm a chronic overpacker) but I did it. But we stay in DVC villa so we have the washer/dryer which makes it easier to pack less.

 

[SFD998]

When DW and I went in December we did it with carry-ons only. We just got back on Saturday and although we drove we would not have been able to manage carry-ons only with DS 7 and DS 4. However, it should be noted that it was unusually cold and we had planned for that. Jackets, jeans and sweat shirts plus shorts and t-shirts. Our next trip is in June and although we are driving again I would be able to manage carry-ons only since it will all be shirts and shorts and nothing bulky. I think it depends on what you have to pack based on the temps and how long you are going for.

You could also look at Jet Blue. The first bag is free! In addition with the T.V.'s in each seat the kids are entertained and you can pack less.

 

[mjkacmom]

We're a family of 7, and no longer check any luggage. Each child is responsible for a bag, with wheels. It was a little tricky the last time we flew, because DH dropped us off with all of the luggage, and went to long term parking, so I had to get us all through security. There is always the option to do some laundry.

 

[tms295psu]

We will be flying Saturday (hoping with the weather in the NE anyway)

We will be gone 3 nights 4 days. Taking 1 carry-on w/ wheels. A regular backpack that we will use while at the parks. And a Kelty TC child carrier (has a backpack built into a child carrier).

Me, Fiance, and 2 year old traveling... fingers crossed! for $40 I will buy cheap tee shirts at walmart after we arrive in Florida if needed.

 

[littlbugmom]

We are a family of 4 and use 4 checked suitcases. (no fees if under weight limit) The kids have their own mini backpacks for the plane filled with stuff to occupy them. I have a carry-on.

If the airline charged for every bag, I'm not sure I could make it with all carry-on. We travel in the Fall and even though we have washer/dryers in our condo, I still have to pack clothes for warm weather and stuff in case it's chilly in the mornings/evenings.

 

[doclegler]

Yes, I think its very doable! Just remember to be prepared for the mean looks by gate personnel and flight attendants! We (family of 5) took just carry-on to Disneyland in January for the same amount of time and had no real issues (except the looks!). I did hear that on most airlines, if they run out of room for carry-on's, you are allowed to check it at no cost to you.
You can always check just one large suitcase for liquids/misc. or souvenirs if you need to. Just wash if you need to, and pack smart!
Good luck!

 

[lilmissbehaved]

Last June my husband, son (6) and myself stayed 7 nights and managed to go checked luggage free. We each had a carry on duffle bag- my son a small roller bag... My only issue is that i'm a frequent traveller (mostly for work on 50 seat commuter planes) and i spent days very stressed over not getting on the plane in the first group--- the overhead space is limitted and I was worreid about getting shut out.. All was fine and we really didn't have an issue. DH is an excellent packer though Me, not so much!

OK we just found out that Midwest Airlines charges $20.00 each way for ALL Checked Luggage.
We have a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 six year old boys) going in April.

Do you think it is possible to do a 5 night trip with ONLY 4 carry on bags?

I really hate to pay $40-80 extra for checked luggage if there is another alternative.

In addition to the 4 carry-on's I am contemplating:
a) Sending a package with some of our stuff to the resort thru UPS beforehand.
b) Purchasing Snacks/Food Items thru Garden Grocer or Wegoshop, since the $12.00 delivery fee is much better than $40 round trip for a "Snack suitcase".

Thanks for any thoughts or advice?
Guy

 

[arielmomma]

Yes this is very possible! We only ever bring carry-ons (once they started charging). Even with bringing diapers, for a 10 day trip we managed to only have 3 carry-ons for 4 people. I highly recommend those space-saver bags. They help a lot. Pack light. It certainly can be done!

 

[monkey30]

good luck.

I have to say this would not have been helpful to us back in jan as we were not allowed carry ons (canada to us) and had to check but West Jet lets u check 2 bags.

We managed to do a family of 5 in 2 suitcases and a small duffel. then carry ons were diaper bag and one kid had a back pack. That was everything we needed and in the duffel was our extra shoes, and the kids booster seats.

 

[EclecticWAHM]

I'm so glad to see this thread - I was about to ask the same question. I can't imagine paying so much in fees for the luggage. I have to check a bag because I'm going 4 days earlier than the family for a conference and I'll have to have my business wear, shoes etc. for that along with my vacation stuff. I'm hoping Dh and the kids can each just do a carry-on and a backpack. I don't mind doing a load or two of laundry while we're there if we have to.

I like the idea of shipping a box ahead of time with some stuff to cut down on luggage. I may have to figure out what to put in there. I'm thinking a full-size shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, and maybe some snacks.

 

[happymommy]

We've been also doing this for years. Since the kids were 9 and 7, I got them a rolling suitcase that they were responsible for, and they have that plus a backpack.

Even for two weeks in Hawaii, we only check one bag, and that is for snorkel equipment.

We do laundry on vacation, so we don't need tons of clothes. We wear one pair of shoes, then bring sandals.

I have shipped boxes ahead of time on many vacations as well. Usually it's snacks, or if we're staying in a condo, some spices or things.

We did check luggage for our Disney Cruise, as we brought dressy clothes. Never again! If I did a cruise, I'd just pack light as well. We didn't need half the stuff, and on formal night, my DD decided to hang out with her friend (we were with another family) and order room service. And I had a dress for her, which she never wore!

We buy stuff like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, laundry soap, as well as water, milk and juice once we arrive at our destination. You can get that from Garden Grocer, or use a town car service and make a grocery stop. Or a rental car for a day (we've done that, as Alamo and National lets you pick up at the airport and drop off at the Dolphin, and sometimes we've gotten a great deal for about $30 or so for a day).

 

[dumbo_buddy]

you can totally do carry-on only! dh and i always took carry-on only up until this last trip. BUT, that's because we were taking a 7 month old and didn't know what we were doing! looking back, we totally could have done carry-on only. also, we shipped down a box with diapers, food, etc that we didn't want to pack. it wasn't too bad.

i think you can do it. your boys are old enough to carry a small bag AND since you're going in april it's not like you have to pack big bulky sweaters and things like that. just wear your sweatshirts on the plane (it gets chilly on there anyway!)

have fun!

 

[CuteAndFluffy]

It's very very possible! I've packed for much longer stays than 5 days in a small carry-on. If we were traveling by plane for our next trip we wouldn't check any baggage. I hate to deal with baggage. We go to the parks with nothing but some cash and our tickets. It can be done!

I'd say you could even get by with 3 (biggest allowed) carry on suitcases (adults in two, kids in one). Crazy, I know, but then you could pack the remaining one with dry good snacks (you may not even need the Garden Grocer if you can do this and don't need any cold stuff). Make sure it's a collapsible bag that you could pack up when you're done, like a duffel (or a backpack you could carry into the parks).


Ultimately, for a 5 day trip you need:
*6 sets of clothes per person (plus what you wear on the plane)
*a few extra pairs of socks/undies per person
*1 or 2 sets of jammies per person
*Basic, basic toiletries (toothbrushes, deodorant, small container of sunscreen--keep in mind you get one quart size ziploc for each suitcase. You might be able to pack enough in TSA approved quantities in those 4 bags to eliminate the need for the shipped box...)
*small first aid kit (ibuprofen, band aids, moleskin)
*one extra pair of shoes per person
*swimwear
*roll of quarters to do laundry if needed
*a few small toys/crayons & paper/a couple of books
*camera & batteries
Skip bringing:
*beach towels
*big toys
*shampoo & conditioner (provided by the hotel)

Wear your heaviest clothes on the plane (jeans, sweatshirts, heavy sneakers)
When choosing extras, pick small ones (Mickey Mouse Matchbox cars, window clings)
Pack the kids clothes in outfits in gallon ziploc bags and squish all the air out
If you're taking a cab/towncar to the hotel, price out a grocery stop on the way compared to Garden Grocer/shipping costs.

Have a great trip!

 

[DCbride]

We went on a girls trip for 4 nights and only had a carry-on. With the ages of your kids, their clothes won't take up too much room. It definitely can be done.

And I agree, paying for GG or snacks in the park makes much more sense than paying $40 for a suitcase to travel.

 

[tlh0726]

Pack the kids clothes in outfits in gallon ziploc bags and squish all the air out

Have a great trip!

Did not read all of the posts but this does work. You can do this for the adults clothes too. I think it if Hefty that makes a 2.5 gallon size bag. Makes getting ready in the morning easier (DH didn't have an excuse not to help), just mark the bags with the day. We also put our clothes at the end the day back in the bags and squished the air out, made packing for the return trip easier too.

If you plan on doing laundry while there, Purex makes 3 in 1 sheets, pop a few of them in a plastic baggie and you are all set for laundry supplies.

When I pack, I put all of the clothing on our bed (a stack for each person), the suitcases next to the bed and then start packing. I do not pack a suitcase for a specific person, I divide everyones things up and split it between all of the cases (if a checked bag is ever misplaced, no one is at a total loss there is always clothing and other personal items that can be used in another case). The must have things go in first (trial size - shampoo, deo, meds etc ). Then I do shoes, we wear our bulkiest pair of shoes which are normally sneakers, so that leaves us with either sandals or crocs or both ( I normally end up with shoes at the sides or ends of the cases) I then do the clothing, 1 set per person per case. Once that is done, I then just take one set per person and just randomly throw it into one of the suitcases. If there is any additional space I will then put in another set per person just randomly into one of the cases. Once I am out of room, that is it, rest stays home and we do laundry if needed.

If we need to take coats we wear/carry them onto the plane. If it gets chilly they can be used to cover up and a few times we have bunched them together to make a pillow for one of the kids.

We normally do 2 backpacks. DH carries one backpack that goes under the seat that has stuff just for the kids to do on the plane and individual packed snacks and also 2 cups with lids and straws (open cups and kids do not work) My backpack has all the camera/video stuff, all the other important cannot lose stuff, prescription medication, bathing suits and toothbrushes (never figured out how to pack those two items if we ever lost a case) I carry that one because I am used to carrying something and definitely do not want DH to get up and let it sit because it is not a normal thing for him to grab and go. If it is a long plane ride, we will do a 3rd backpack with an extra set of clothes for everyone just incase of sometype of accident.

Wanted to add, if I am not using the gallon bags for packing, I still use the same method of one days worth clothing all together. I will fold the shirts side to side in half, place pants, socks, underwear on the bottom half and then fold the top half of the shirt over the top. Keeps everything together.

Adding again. Another thing I have done when traveling where pants instead of shorts is needed is pack enough shirts for the entire trip but only 1/2 the amount of jeans and did a load or 2 of just jeans (through socks and undies in with them) mid week.

 

[jennyf2]

Everytime we travel we NEVER have checked a bag...We (me, DS15, DS9) are able to fit everything we suit in our carry-ons. No extra fees & no lost luggage