What is the very least you would pack for WDW?

[Francisca64]

We all know there are about 500 things we all suggest to pack for a week at WDW, especially if you're driving, but how about the very least?

Daughter (9) and I are going Oct 1-7, six night free dining, seven day passes. Considering these things what would you suggest? I like the idea of traveling and living light...especially in this day and age. I don't even have TV (yikes!)

Just a curious question since I'm sure I'll still pack 499 of the 500 things suggest...yes, were driving from GA.


Thanks and have fun with the suggestions.

 

[ScoJo15]

Hello fellow Georgian!! I am making a trip down with my DD7 this Saturday in the same 6 night/7 day free dining package...staying at POP.

Other than the obvious (clothes, toiletries) we are packing cereal & pop tarts for breakfasts, digital camera, camcorder, laptop, homeade autograph book and an activity book for the drive down.

I don't like to carry a ton of things around in the parks & have a bag that will hold the camera, camcorder & autograph book very nicely.

 

[Francisca64]

Daughter and I are staying at All-Star Movies.

I was just posting this question because I was sort of hoping to find out the essentials people pack...besides clothes and toiletries.

I think an essential for me is a coffee maker.

Also a fan for white noise and hair dryer since there isn't one in the room.

I guess for a few breakfasts in the room I'll bring a cooler for juice and milk.

Other than that I can't think of anything I have to have.

 

[NandP]

Money !

 

[Francisca64]

OK, plenty of money - but actually most everything is already paid for and DD has her own spending money, so I hope not to spent too much more.

 

[heathriel]

The least I would consider packing for Disney is:

Suitcase
(duh)

Clothing (one outfit per day, one dressy outfit.)
(There are washing machines available if needed.)

Toothpaste, Toothbrush (one per person), Hairbrush
(shampoo, conditioner and soap will be in room)

Laptop and its related items.

Driver's License, Debit/Credit Card. Maybe some cash for tipping.

(If I need anything else, I'd buy it. I'd wear my shoes on the plane with me and not bother with a different pair for the dressy outfit. No one I care about would be looking at my shoes other than my DH, and he doesn't care about shoes.)

I don't carry a bag with me in the park ever, so one wouldn't be missed.

 

[Francisca64]

I'm going to try to keep it simple...not take anything into the parks, just wear shorts with a pocket for KTTW, Credit Card and Driver's license. Can't think why I'd really need much else if I can ask for ice water and step out of a brief FL rainstorm. I'll put something on my feet for blister's before I go.

To me the lighter the better. I just feel more like a kid when I'm not having to lug stuff around all day long.

 

[jonestavern]

waterproof sunscreen, sunglasses.
If you don't want to purchase while there, coffee filters & pre-measure yr coffee. Fabric softener sheets & pre-measure yr laundry detergent--we use powdered, I put the washloads in individual baggies, then into a larger ziplock--same with the coffee
I'm with you--don't like lugging stuff around!
we fly & manage just take one carryon a piece & fanny packs
I'll wince at times, at my lack of coordinating footwear, but for 1 or 2 dressy dinners, I am not lugging extra shoes! Besides, I figure critisizing my footwear choices will give those with smaller lives something to do!
Have a great trip!

Jean

 

[Francisca64]

Sunscreen (waterproof) & Sunglasses...

I like the waterproof type...once again put it on before going to the parks and I won't have to lug it around.

I live in sunglasses because the sun is so bright here in the South (as I'm sure it is everywhere). Maybe I should invest in glasses holder/string for DD?

Shoes? Well, I'm taking my walking shoes (tennis shoe type) and one very comfortable pair of sandels (have good support) so I can wear to a "lighter walking" park such as Animal Kingdom/MGM and also wear when we dress a bit more (sundress - T-shirt material type) for dinner at Whispering Canyon and Bomas.

I just want to relax and not have sore shoulders or a room clogged with more stuff than I really need.

Thanks all...keep the ideas coming.

PS...not planning to do laundry on vacation (hopefully)

 

[4fireworks]

You are making me rethink my packing list! I laid everything out on the bed yesterday, and it's scary!! I am a "picky" person though so probably not having something that I need would be worse for me than to have sore shoulders when we get back to the room.
Oh well, too late to turn back now! I'll just know for our next trip

 

[poohguys]

The least I would consider packing for Disney is:

Suitcase
(duh)

Clothing (one outfit per day, one dressy outfit.)
(There are washing machines available if needed.)

Toothpaste, Toothbrush (one per person), Hairbrush
(shampoo, conditioner and soap will be in room)

Laptop and its related items.

Driver's License, Debit/Credit Card. Maybe some cash for tipping.

(If I need anything else, I'd buy it. I'd wear my shoes on the plane with me and not bother with a different pair for the dressy outfit. No one I care about would be looking at my shoes other than my DH, and he doesn't care about shoes.)

I don't carry a bag with me in the park ever, so one wouldn't be missed.

You are right. This is how we pack. We don't even bring dressy outfits, or the laptop. Usually one pair of shoes each, which we wear down. This year I was thinking of packing flip flops to wear to the pool.

The only stuff I would add is sunscreen, lipbalm, sunglasses, camera and/or video camera and maybe a sweatshirt incase it is cool at night. I tend to be cold especially on the plane or in a resturant were the air might be blowing right on me.

We only do carry on we do not check our luggage. HAppy packing everyone!
Only 16 more days til we go to WDW!

 

[dyna]

I'd do the same thing I do when travelin on Dyna or Christine and pack 2 changes of clothes and very bare essentials of tolietries. DH and I could share a carry on and still have room left over.

 

[Francisca64]

OK, so here we go for the light weight packing list:

One week:
clothes-
3 - shorts
1 - pants/capris
1 - sundress
4 - short sleeved shirts
1 - long sleeved shirt
1 - sweatshirt/sweater
7 - undies
4 - bras
1 - tennis shoes
1 - comfy sandles
1 - pjs
6 - socks

toiletries-
toothbrush
toothpaste
hairbrush
dryer (staying at ASMovies)
shampoo
face lotion w/sunscreen
lip balm w/ sunscreen
tylenol
tums
moleskin/blister bandages

extras-
coffee maker/coffee/cream
small fan
night light
mesh laundry bag
coffee mug/refill mug from previous trips

to the park-
WDW hotel key
drivers license
$$
credit card
sunglasses

OK, have I narrowed it down enough? Or am I missing a real necessity or have I added too much??

 

[psiprez]

My Mother's vacation mantra:

"Don't worry, we can always just buy it there!"


She has seriously gone on trips with virtually nothing, and bought everything she needed, including underwear, when she got there. Pretty easy to do in the current age of Wal-Mart, but she has done this her whole life!

(I am not nearly as brave, but it encourages me not to overpack!)

 

[pooh2001]

LEAST AMOUNT - no frills
1) Toothbrush -buy toothpaste at resort
2) Hairbrush (hair ties, if you are female)
3) Glasses, Contacts & Solution
4) Sun glasses/hat
5) sun tan lotion
6) 1 bathing suit (wash after every use)
7) 7 sets of undies
8) 7 t-shirts with 7 matching shorts
9) 1 sweatshirt or 1 light jacket
10) 2 pair of sneakers (wear one pair, pack the other)
11) credit card, ATM card and some cash for tips, taxi's etc
12) medical cards, drivers license

save space by using resort soap, shampoo, hair dryer, coffee...

 

[Rachael Q]

This is what I took in January for our 10 day trip

clothes:
1 pair shorts
1 pair long pants
1 skirt
5 tops
1 sweater
rain coat
bathers
1 pair pyjama pants - for lounging round in
one pair shoes
one pair sandals
hat
2 pair socks
1 bras
5 pair underwear

Toiletries:
Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
hairbrush with hair elastics around handle
shower wash (use as soap, shampoo and conditioner)
moisturiser with sunscreen
lipbalm with sunscreen
sunscreen (for the rest of me)
tylenol
small container of washing powder, and small container of change for laundry

Other - in my carry on:
camera
pen
sunglasses
lanyard (for room key, ID, credit card and $10.00)
notebook
laptop
Passporter
wallet

Then in another bag that was also in my carry on (so it wouldn't get lost before the 1/2 marathon)
Runners,
running shorts
coolmax top
sports bra
coolmax socks
registration papers
gift bags for wishwalkers for wishes cruise night.

We are going to Australia for a month in December and that's probably all I will take then, minus the 1/2 marathon gear.

Will give me lots of room to take christmas presents home for everybody!

 

[Francisca64]

Just think how nice it will be to take a simple carry-on bag instead of two suit cases, coolers, computers, camera equipment and lot and lots of toys the kiddies will probably be too tired to play with anyway.

I did forget to mention I'm taking a disposable camera - I found it on clearance ($8) and it's a high definition Kodak. My DD insists on taking pictures...this way I don't have to worry if it gets lost or knocked around, plus it will fit in her pocket.

I wouldn't take the hair dryer and coffee maker, but unfortunately ASMovies doesn't provide these. I guess I could walk up to the food court for the coffee.

Maybe I could pack less clothes if I'd wash a load inthe middle of the week...it's a thought.

Keep you're lists coming. Maybe we'll inspire people to "lighten the load."

 

[etwinchester]

My Mother's vacation mantra:

"Don't worry, we can always just buy it there!"


She has seriously gone on trips with virtually nothing, and bought everything she needed, including underwear, when she got there. Pretty easy to do in the current age of Wal-Mart, but she has done this her whole life!

(I am not nearly as brave, but it encourages me not to overpack!)

Ok, I've done this but it was mistake. I asked DH to put the suitcase in the car while I said my goodbye's to aunt/uncle who were visiting from out of state. We got to Wildwood and I noticed that he didn't bring the suitcase in our room. He thought that I put it in the car...

I had to go out to Fashion Bug and purchase some clothes to wear...he then laughed and told me I did it on purpose to have a shopping spree. Yeah, just what I wanted to do on my vacation, go shopping at Fashion Bug.

 

[Nini]

I can get away with anything less than the following for me and ddturning4atWDW (dh takes care of himself). We are there for 5 days:

~My handbag (I usually just include my daily make-up).

~1 carryon to include basic toiletries (deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste) and one change of clothing each (JIC!)...to include a few snack items & juice boxes (approx. 3) and two sippy cups (one for milk and one for water)

~My suitcase to include (I usually "cross pack" w/dd): for me...one pair black capri pants, 2 pair of shorts, undergarmets, one shirt (cotton) to go w/each bottom, 1 bathing suit, 1 skort w/matching top(for dressier dinners), one pr. sandals (wearing sneakers) and socks, 2 Princess dresses (a must!), for dd...two complete outfits (shirt, bottom, socks & undies)

~DDturning4atWDW (again cross pack): One outfit (shorts, top, socks & undies) for mommy. 3 (more)Princess Dresses , two complete outfits (shirt, bottom, socks & undies), one pair of "Dressier" shoes (to go w/princess dresses), One pair of flip flops, coverup (very fair skinned) and swimsuit for pool/water park time. (dd to wear sneakers on trip to and from), one pair of capri pants w/top & one sweatshirt.

Add to one of the suitcases the extra toiletries such as band aids & ointment, hair accessories (what self respecting princess would go without her crown!?! ), sunscreen, and other assorted items.

OH...and this is a "pared down" list!!!

 

[Francisca64]

It sounds like the basics...clothes, toiletries, shoes and of course Princess dresses and accessories. I agree, what princess would go without her crown for heaven's sake?

My DD (9) is bringing her Hawaiian outfit for MNSSHP...what girl can go without her purple grass skirt?? It's also one of the rare times she gets to wear a "belly-show" shirt, so she's excited.

With a young child there is always more "stuff" necessary to lug. I'm glad my DD is very self-sufficent now. She's packing her things but I am going to give her a zip-lock for each day for each outfit. It will be easier in the mornings I think.

She tends to get carried away with toys though, so I'll have to oversee that part of the packing since we just downsized from a mini-van to a Toyota Corolla. I don't want to drown in a sea of stuffed animals!

Only a week to go!!!!!