What do you wish you packed... what do you wish you didn't.

[daisyyy]

We still have several weeks before our trip, the ADRs are done, and I have nothing else to do but start wondering about what to pack. I hate to overpack.. especially with the airlines charging for extra bags. I want to consolidate, and bring the minimal, but I don't want to be sorry that I didn't pack ........ (fill in the blank). We're going in Sept... I refuse to do laundry on my vacation, so forget about suggesting washing during the week to save on luggage space. We will also have 1 in diapers this trip, so diapers will take up a lot of space. (I've got to try and figure out how many to bring for the week??? I would just rather not bring what I don't need.. But, I hate to get there and wish I had something. A few years ago we went and only brought the shoes on our feet... and of course, the first day there, my daughter fell asleep in her stroller, and lost one sneaker... and had to walk around with only one .. of course we looked in all the gift shops and finally found a pair of sneakers the next day in down town disney. lucky they had one pair left in her size in the back room. that would have been bad if they didn't have any. So.. now we'll make sure they have one extra pair of shoes.

 

[imprimouse]

if you have transportation off property you could buy diapers/etc..locally to save space

 

[Amor4Pooh]

I recommend packing what you think you will need for clothes, and then taking out half and narrowing it down to only what you know you will definitely use.
Hope this helps.
Amor4Pooh

 

[RainbowWit]

Get a delivery service for the Diapers, like gardengrocer or WeGoSHop. It's a great idea for cases of water and snacks too.

Make sure you "stuff" your shoes with assorted things to save room.

I am glad I packed, a 3 outlet extender. Never enought outlets in the room unless you stay deluxe.

I am very glad I pack a good rotation of shoes, stuff for DD to do in lines (a 20Q ball was a lifesaver), body glide, and plenty of ADVIL!

I wish I didn't pack a pop up hamper, so much first aid stuff, so many tshirts (kept going back to tanks), large misting fans.

WHat I am GOING to pack this time, glow sticks, extra socks, mini misters, and MORE MONEY!

 

[gratton16]

You can also ship the diapers and other things down before you leave so you dont have to worry about carrying extra luggage. There is a post on the baord that gives you all of the info and addresses to ship to. If I can find it again I will PM it to you. We usually pack boxes of cereal in our suitcases but this time we will have a car for a day..specifically just to go food shopping at Walmart. I guess that is another option for you. Good luck and have fun!

 

[WillCAD]

Having been to WDW so many times, I have a pretty good handle on what I need and what I don't. But there are a few things I have found that I needed and didn't have over the years (which are now part of my standard packing list):

* Mini sewing kit. I've had bags, luggage, and other stuff start to unravel on me during a trip, and buying a new one for a simple loose thread seems dumb, particularly at the inflated prices in Orlando. With a mini sewing kit tucked into my toiletries bag, I can easily make temporary repairs to most of my gear or clothing that will last until I get home and can either permanently repair the item or replace it at the lower prices found at home.

* Cord for my sunglasses. At WDW, you walk in and out of buildings 20 or 30 times a day as you visit attractions, shop, get food, and use the bathroom. Having a cord for your sunglasses gives you a convenient and safe place to store them when not in use, and makes it quicker and easier to get them on or off.

* Pocket-size notebook and pencil. Even if you don't take trip notes or keep a trip journal, having something to write with is extremely useful. I also fill out some of my itinerary in the book ahead of time so I know things like confirmation numbers, times, locations, flight numbers, etc. It's also good for writing down URLs for fellow Guests whom you want to introduce to the DIS or AllEarsNet or MouseSavers, or give out your email address, or if you have digital photos you want to share with others or vice versa.

* Pocket-size pill box stocked with common meds that you and your family use. Ibuprofin for headaches, Prilosec or Zantrac for heartburn (a must for those on the Dining Plan!) a roll of Roll-Aids or Tums, any allergy or sinus meds, and some Immodium and chewable Pepto tabs, are all kept in my pocket box at all times on vacation. Any prescription meds you need should also be kept on hand.

* Lens cleaning cloth. This handy item is good not only for cameras and camcorders, but also for sunglasses and prescription eyewear.

* Small, basic first-aid kit (kept in room). Sometimes I get blisters or minor scrapes or cuts while on vacation, and a few Band-Aids of my favorite variety (flexible fabric) and some Neosporin antibiotic ointment goes a long way toward keeping me comfortable. Sure, you can buy that stuff in the resort gift shop, but at those prices, I'll pack a few in my toiletries bag from home just on principal.

* Nail care kit. Nothing is more uncomfortable or downright painful than a hangnail - on either fingers or toes - that you can't clip off because you don't have clippers and a file. A hangnail on a toe can easily push you into agony after walking 5-7 miles a day in the parks.

 

[dyna]

Yes small manicure set got mine years ago at the Everything a Dollar store. It did not come with tweezers I stuck a pair in there anyway.

Small folding sissors usually find them at walfart they like a dollar a pair it's amazing what they will cut an they always used for something.

I still pack them but I've yet to need a bandaid at disney in more than 30 visits. Wait DH did end up using a couple on the way home he should have been using them sooner he burned leg on harley pipe 1st day he used my big bandaids the kind like for a huge scrape on knee.

We usually end up taking to many clothes next time I stay offsite with a washer an dryer inside my rental I'm taking 3 changes of clothes....wait that will be in Dec so 3 summer an 3 winter changes of clothing.

I usually end up with more shampoo an tolietries than we need too

 

[jinia]

I always take to many clothes for us! I always do a laundry midway through the trip - can't stand the sweaty clothes looking at me.
I shouldn't bring quite as many first-aid meds with me. Last time the only thing we needed I hadn't packed and had the pharmacy deliver it at a very resonable price. Next time I will only pack the basics for first aid.

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

What I WISHED I would pack? A coffee pot and some good coffee!!

Long about I got a red nylon zippered pouch and made a travel first aid kit, neosporin, band aids, ROLAIDS, moleskin, small sizzors, travel sized asprin, motrin, etc. etc. throw it in the suitcase! Replenish it as necessary! Sunblock goes in plastic bag!

Clothing, again, since I travel for work a lot, DW got me the space bags and it helps packing.

one of the "tricks that I learned, and it only takes a few minutes of planning, is to "lay out" each days park outfit (shorts, shirt, unders, socks and so forth)

we only take half for the days we are at the park, as we have a "down" day at the resort, where I do laundry, and DW relaxes. (only takes a hour or so) then we just go where we want with no schedule.

 

[Magical Mama]

I have always packed too many clothes, we end up buying shirts at WDW and then we don't need the ones that we packed!

If you have little ones, a nightlight is wonderful to pack!

I also like to pack the shower organizer (can be bought at the Dollar Store) and then use it to keep toiletries in to avoid cluttering the counter space.

We shipped a package down last year before we went filled with diapers, wipes, juice boxes, snacks, and other misc items to save from luggage charges.

 

[DISNEYNV]

We still have several weeks before our trip, the ADRs are done, and I have nothing else to do but start wondering about what to pack. I hate to overpack.. especially with the airlines charging for extra bags. I want to consolidate, and bring the minimal, but I don't want to be sorry that I didn't pack ........ (fill in the blank). We're going in Sept... I refuse to do laundry on my vacation, so forget about suggesting washing during the week to save on luggage space. We will also have 1 in diapers this trip, so diapers will take up a lot of space. (I've got to try and figure out how many to bring for the week??? I would just rather not bring what I don't need.. But, I hate to get there and wish I had something. A few years ago we went and only brought the shoes on our feet... and of course, the first day there, my daughter fell asleep in her stroller, and lost one sneaker... and had to walk around with only one .. of course we looked in all the gift shops and finally found a pair of sneakers the next day in down town disney. lucky they had one pair left in her size in the back room. that would have been bad if they didn't have any. So.. now we'll make sure they have one extra pair of shoes.

That is so funny that you mentioned the lost shoe! My DS lost his sneaker somewhere in DHS as well. We had to buy Crocs at the Boardwalk Resort store! We had extras at our hotel but not with us at the time either. I always pack two pair of shoes for each of us as well as their Crocs or water shoes. I also recommend bringing a light jacket and rain ponchos just in case. Other than that and enough diapers to last a few days (just in case as well) I wouldnt worry too much. They have taxis to take you to Walmart or a local grocery store if you are really in need of something or have to pick up a prescription, etc. while on vacation. That is if you do not have your own transportation. Most of the hotels have all the little extra stuff you might have forgot...even Soy milk and baby foods are available in the resort gift shops. I would only pack the neccesary items for yourself and kids. Make sure you have those extra shoes and extra swim suits, a medicine kit with thermometer, suntan lotions, and even an extra pair of old glasses if you wear them. Dont forget IDs and the camera cards

Have fun!

 

[daisyyy]

That is so funny that you mentioned the lost shoe! My DS lost his sneaker somewhere in DHS as well. We had to buy Crocs at the Boardwalk Resort store! We had extras at our hotel but not with us at the time either. I always pack two pair of shoes for each of us as well as their Crocs or water shoes. I also recommend bringing a light jacket and rain ponchos just in case. Other than that and enough diapers to last a few days (just in case as well) I wouldnt worry too much. They have taxis to take you to Walmart or a local grocery store if you are really in need of something or have to pick up a prescription, etc. while on vacation. That is if you do not have your own transportation. Most of the hotels have all the little extra stuff you might have forgot...even Soy milk and baby foods are available in the resort gift shops. I would only pack the neccesary items for yourself and kids. Make sure you have those extra shoes and extra swim suits, a medicine kit with thermometer, suntan lotions, and even an extra pair of old glasses if you wear them. Dont forget IDs and the camera cards

Have fun!

Ha Ha... I know... The last time we went they had crocs EVERYWHERE.. but the year she lost her sneaker, was before crocs were in every gift shop.. we couldn't find anything until we went to DTD the next day.

 

[daisyyy]

Get a delivery service for the Diapers, like gardengrocer or WeGoSHop. It's a great idea for cases of water and snacks too.

Make sure you "stuff" your shoes with assorted things to save room.

I am glad I packed, a 3 outlet extender. Never enought outlets in the room unless you stay deluxe.

I am very glad I pack a good rotation of shoes, stuff for DD to do in lines (a 20Q ball was a lifesaver), body glide, and plenty of ADVIL!

I wish I didn't pack a pop up hamper, so much first aid stuff, so many tshirts (kept going back to tanks), large misting fans.

WHat I am GOING to pack this time, glow sticks, extra socks, mini misters, and MORE MONEY!

OHHHH... I really like the 3 outlet extender idea... You are so right, we are always trying to plug all the cell phones / cameras / etc.. I am definitely getting one for this trip... I know my DH will be like.. hey this is a great idea.. and I can be like.. yeah, glad I thought of it. I am so brilliant! Then I'll tell him now aren't you glad that I DIS everyday!.

 

[WDWprincessloyola]

I'm running into this problem now! As I am packing for a nine day stay at DW, we won't be doing laundry so I pack 11 outfits just in case. Ironically my clothing only takes up half the suitcase and it doesn't weigh too much at all! The problem is the toiletries! That's where all the weight comes from! Skincare (I need a lot of help with that one), haircare, teeth care, everything! I make note of what I use on a daily basis so I know what to bring.

My father asked me to cut down on the toiletries and I told him that this one time he should be thankful that 90% of his are in pill form....I have the same number of items only in liquids and creams!

I do try to keep track of how much I use in nine days prior to actually being in Disney and I keep empty bottles so I can keep a ration out just enough to get me through and then throw containers away for the trip home.

 

[Epcot4Me]

The other posters who mentioned medicine are right on...the first time I didn't bring any headache medicine to the park with me was also the last...SO EXPENSIVE, but it can ruin your day if you don't take it. I always take dramamine, ibuprofen, exedrine, some cough drops, eye drops, tissues, sunblock, and hand sanitizer in a little bag.

Oh, and gum. They do not sell it in Disney World anywhere, so if you are like me and like to chew it a lot, you have to be sure to bring your own

I'd say I always take far too many shoes with me...I have good intentions of wearing nice shoes to dinner, but never, ever do. I also bring too much makeup and end up wearing nothing but some mascara and lipgloss every day.

Last time I went, I really wished I had packed my address book, or at least some important phone numbers...I had to take an important call from work in the MK and my phone ran out of batteries...I could have called from someone else's cell phone but didn't have the number. I had to go back to the hotel, what a waste of time.

 

[accountingbabe08]

Long about I got a red nylon zippered pouch and made a travel first aid kit, neosporin, band aids, ROLAIDS, moleskin, small sizzors, travel sized asprin, motrin, etc. etc. throw it in the suitcase! Replenish it as necessary! Sunblock goes in plastic bag!

QUOTE]
moleskin where in a Walmart would you find? Thanks so much

 

[Lori1960]

I would pack less shirts cause you will end up buying shirts there.I cant believe that your have a 1yr old and ye are not going to do laundry.I would not over pack on bandaids cause there are first aid stations at Disney World

 

[tinkermom23]

I had never heard of moleskin before I read the Disboards and it was a lifesaver on our last trip. But I bought it in a roll and forgot a scissor, oops! We had to cut it with a nailclipper and it was a challenge to say the least.

One thing I wish I would have brought is extra camera memory cards. Day 3 I had already filled one card and need to download onto a CD at the camera shop.

I will probably skip shampoo/conditioner for the kids & DH next trip since there is plenty in the room and they aren't picky about what they use.

I found almost all of the meds I needed to bring are available in a thin strip form which made them easier to pack for the parks and quick to use. We don't take any prescription meds so it was a cinch to pack our medications.

I will not pack so many toys for the kids. I thought they would need distrations on the airplane and in the room but most were never touched and it wasted packing space.

Tons of ziploc bags! I read it somewhere here and we used them all the time!

 

[tinkerlisa]

I found almost all of the meds I needed to bring are available in a thin strip form which made them easier to pack for the parks and quick to use. We don't take any prescription meds so it was a cinch to pack our medications.

I will not pack so many toys for the kids. I thought they would need distrations on the airplane and in the room but most were never touched and it wasted packing space.

Tons of ziploc bags! I read it somewhere here and we used them all the time!

What medicines come in the little strips? Does benadryl for kids? We always need that for DS.


I also agree on the toys. This time, we will bring my older son's handheld game(DS) and our girls can bring their iPods and for my youngest, he is 2 and NOTHING distracts him so the three hour flight will be baby wrangling between me and the hubs...

Ziplocs are something that I wish I had last time and will definitly bring this time.

Also, All the first aid stuf!!!! This time I will pack minimal with this. I have the antibiotic band aids instead of lugging around neosporin too. and some alcohol wipes. thats it. if someone gets hurt really bad, there is the first aid stations and of course i am sure Disney can call an ambulance if we need a hospital...

 

[bratmomma]

The moleskin (I know Dr Scholls make some and I am sure there are other brands as well) can be found near the pharmacy in Walmart, in the aisle with the bandaids and neosporin type products. You may also be able to find it in the foot care aisle.

It is really helpful! I've used it in the past and like the PP, I didn't have scissors and had to use nail clippers too. What a hassle!!!!!