What gear to bring... strollers, bikes, refridge, etc...

[Sammi2]

I have the classic quandary of wanting to take everything I need, and yet not wanting to take everything I own. At least, I assume its a classic quandary.

I have a minivan with a pop-up and a 5yo, 3yo, 16month old. I'm bringing a double umbrella stroller (I have to bring that since its how I convinced dh to buy yet another stroller

But then someone mentioned bikes. My camper has a bike rack, so it's not a big deal really. But I hadn't planned to bring them. I'm not getting a golf cart, though, so maybe I ought to bring the bikes. And if I bring the bikes, maybe I should bring the bike trailer that totes to kids. I can bring the kids bikes but they aren't really old enough to be riding as recreation. So- bikes? bike trailer?

Refridgerator? My camper doesn't have one built in, but I bought a little cube to take with me. But maybe I'd be better served by a 5-day cooler and some dry ice. I have to take the cooler anyway. But I was planning to transfer stuff to the fridge upon arrival. We'll have food for cooking in the crock pot and also lots of milk. Should I take the fridge?

Microwave, crock pot, coffee maker, kitchen kettle. Am I over packing or is this reasonable?

I might add that we'll be there 7 nights, and this is our first real outing in our camper.

 

[LONE-STAR]

I would bring the fridge ice is $2.00 a bag. I only buy ice for BEER . There is a ice machine at the comfort stations. Bring the bikes it gives you freedom, you can even bike to the lodge. The more times you camp the more you know what you need. Other than the crock pot we bring everything you mentioned plus a golf cart. I also over pack but I figure if you have the room why knot. Hope this helps.

 

[LarryJ]

I have the classic quandary of wanting to take everything I need, and yet not wanting to take everything I own. At least, I assume its a classic quandary.

I have a minivan with a pop-up and a 5yo, 3yo, 16month old. I'm bringing a double umbrella stroller (I have to bring that since its how I convinced dh to buy yet another stroller

But then someone mentioned bikes. My camper has a bike rack, so it's not a big deal really. But I hadn't planned to bring them. I'm not getting a golf cart, though, so maybe I ought to bring the bikes. And if I bring the bikes, maybe I should bring the bike trailer that totes to kids. I can bring the kids bikes but they aren't really old enough to be riding as recreation. So- bikes? bike trailer?

Refridgerator? My camper doesn't have one built in, but I bought a little cube to take with me. But maybe I'd be better served by a 5-day cooler and some dry ice. I have to take the cooler anyway. But I was planning to transfer stuff to the fridge upon arrival. We'll have food for cooking in the crock pot and also lots of milk. Should I take the fridge?

Microwave, crock pot, coffee maker, kitchen kettle. Am I over packing or is this reasonable?

I might add that we'll be there 7 nights, and this is our first real outing in our camper.

WOW are you energetic, I would never have tired to do a WDW thing with 5, 3 and 16 mo old. They will never remember it and you IMHO won't enjoy parks since that combo will require 24/7 supervision/attention. This might be a little harsh, but a WDW vacation should be that a vacation and again IMHO childern less than around 7 just can't comprehend what is happening around them. Now with that being said we did take our sons as young as around 2 or 3, but that was a week-end trip to DL and we spent like 1/2 day in the park.

Larry

 

[dtum]

when we had our pop-up we took all the things you mentioned. If you don't need them, lyou can leave the "extras" in your van, but if you miss something you have to do without. Our pop-up had a frig, but back in the 80s friges weren't very reliable so it never stayed lit. We bought a small office size one that we loaded through a bed end before closing it up. Looking back at pictures, I still can't believe all the stuff (and people) we had in that old pop-up. I agree that children under 7 or so don't remember it. My DH was 5 the first time and doesn't remember that trip, but we remember and will never forget the expression on her face at seeing Mickey and Minnie...so maybe taking the really little ones if more because we get so excited and can't wait to pass the magic on to the next generation.

 

[Rhonda]

The refrigerator is much easier than dry ice or a cooler with regular ice. We use regular ice for our drink cooler (beer, pop/soda, bottled water) and a small refrigerator for milk/food.

The crockpot and coffeemaker are musts, IMO. Nice to put a meal in the crockpot in the morning, and have it ready when you get back from the parks -- especially when you're dealing with 3 tired little ones.

Personally, I don't think you'll use the bikes much this time, especially since the kids are young. Everyone will be too tired from the parks to ride around anyway. The internal bus system will take you where you need to go, with less hassle then getting everyone on bikes and loaded into the little trailer.

This will be a learning experience for you! Keep in mind that it's always hardest the first time! You'll find yourself making a list while you're there of things that you don't want to forget the next time! Just try to keep it as simple as you can! You're there to enjoy yourself at WDW! Disney is not going anywhere, so if you don't do it all the first time, there's always next year! And, every year it will get easier, as the kids get older.

 

[camelotcats]

WOW are you energetic, I would never have tired to do a WDW thing with 5, 3 and 16 mo old. They will never remember it and you IMHO won't enjoy parks since that combo will require 24/7 supervision/attention. This might be a little harsh, but a WDW vacation should be that a vacation and again IMHO childern less than around 7 just can't comprehend what is happening around them. Now with that being said we did take our sons as young as around 2 or 3, but that was a week-end trip to DL and we spent like 1/2 day in the park.

Larry

Larry, I disagree. We took our 3 and 4 year olds to the parks last year, and it's all they talk about, even 7 months later. They even recall details I forget. I think the vacation is different with little ones, yes, but not a chore. We had a great time. True, we didn't camp, which may change the experience, but IMHO, doubt it.

As for the OP, I have never camped, or come close other than in decently appointed cabins not at WDW, but I agree with others to pack what you have room for, as you could always store it if you don't use it, but if you wanted it, you'll have to do without.

 

[Sammi2]

WOW are you energetic, I would never have tired to do a WDW thing with 5, 3 and 16 mo old. They will never remember it and you IMHO won't enjoy parks since that combo will require 24/7 supervision/attention. This might be a little harsh, but a WDW vacation should be that a vacation and again IMHO childern less than around 7 just can't comprehend what is happening around them. Now with that being said we did take our sons as young as around 2 or 3, but that was a week-end trip to DL and we spent like 1/2 day in the park.

Larry

When I return, I may be willing to say I should have listened to you. But the thing is, whatever we do requires 24/7 supervision of the wee ones. There is no 'vacation' at this point in our lives.

I'm sure the camping aspect will be at least as amazing to them as the parks. We've been on a couple of weekend outings to test out our camper, and 5yo has already told us that she wants to buy the camper when she's a grownup. Yeah, its a bit of insanity to take the crew camping, but its worth it (I say from the comfort of my living room

I'm glad to know that its prefect for 7yo, though. Since my oldest is only 5, I must admit I was a little nervous that by 7 she'd be practically grown up and Disney wouldn't have the same magic. If I'd waited til the youngest was 5, the oldest would be 9, which, in my current position, is just hard to imagine. Disney isn't going anywhere, but childhood changes so quickly.

If nothing else, it'll be a learning experience for next time. I'm quite certain 5yo will remember it, and 3yo will remember it for a long time. She remembers that she went to Madeline's birthday party 6 months ago and fell down on the sidewalk and needed a bandaid.

 

[LONE-STAR]

I have 2 nephew's 2 and 7. We just got back from WDW and they loved every minute of it and their faces were priceless. The first 2 times that my oldest nephew went he was 2, and then next time he was 3. Both times my nephew and his parents were able to stay in FW and he still talks about it till this day especially getting to ride his bike with his uncle. Now they stay at the POP but the boys bring their bikes and leave them at our campsite so they can ride. The first time I went I was 1 and I dont remember a thing but my parents do the next time I was 3 and I remember some.

 

[des1954]

Sammi - If you have the room & even think you might need something - why not bring it??? The nice thing about having your own transportation is that there are several grocery stores & a Wal-Mart within a reasonable distance - so you or DH can always make a run!

The truly great thing about camping at FtW is... if your kiddies get too overstimulated at the parks, you can always come back & relax at the camper. There are many things to do at FtW that are easy, laid-back things, and the kiddies aren't cooped up in a hotel room. Your bikes and bike trailer are a must, IMHO. Also, bring some sidewalk chalk for your older ones. They can draw all over the place!!

If this is the first time taking your children to WDW, just don't try to do everything on this trip - cause it'll never happen. Take each day at an easy pace & when the kids get tired, leave the park & don't push them to keep going. It just makes everybody miserable.

Another "easy" (and free) thing to do at FtW is to walk the trail between the Settlement Depot & the Ft. Wilderness Lodge. If you do this late afternoon or early morning, you will see LOTS of deer (it's about a mile walk). You will find there are a lot of things to explore at the Wild Lodge - and you could spend the better part of an afternoon just at The Lodge (again - a freebee)!! There is also a walking trail behind the Settlement Trading Post that takes you through pine woods, along Bay Lake, and to the 300 loop. At the exit to 300, you can catch a bus back to your loop. There is also a petting zoo at FtW near Settlement Depot - which the kids would really enjoy.

Given the age of your kiddies, you might want to consider taking them into the MK & AK only and skipping Epcot & MGM this trip (another way to save some $$$$). Most kids that age get a bigger kick out of riding the boats, the busses & the monorails - all of which are free!

I hope you and your family enjoys FtW! But, beware!!! You'll probably find yourselves obsessing over planning multiple trips to The Fort in the years ahead!!

Debbie

 

[GreatLakes5]

What to bring - go for fridge and cooler as others have said....plenty of extra baby wipes....perhaps a griddle? I ended up using my griddle more than my crockpot though both come with me bring the collapsable outdoor chairs for the movies with the kids (if you keep 'em up that late) as the bleachers are hard on the bum! You may wish you had outdoor decorations at the Fort...a string of Christmas lights will at least give you a small bit of that feel...you'll be inspired for much more when there.

As for remembering the trip - if you as parents are up for it, YOUR memories will be wonderful. I don't remember my first trip - it was 1st grade - plaid pants suits were involved - there was no EPCOT (the point in the story where my kids gasp in horror). I have snippets of memories but my parents have great stories and thanks to them I feel that I have plenty of my own memories. It was a great age for a trip in their eyes because of my reactions. ENJOY!