What to pack for 14 day trip in Jan?

Elvis1515 · Jan 9, 2008

Hi Everyone,

First off, I love this board. I have been reading it for the last 6 months and have found lots of great info. THANKS

My family of 4 (DH, DS 5, DD 2) are leaving on Tuesday for a 14 day trip to Disney World. We save all year and count down the days. We are actually flying this year b/c of the low rates and unexpected Christmas gift. I haven't flown in years and not sure how much to pack. Usually we drive and I can bring everything. January is such a hard month to pack for b/c of the weather.

So far, I've packed 5 warm outfits, 5 spring outfits & 4 summer outfits for each of my kids. Also I've packed a light jacket and sweatshirt for each of them also. I will be doing laundry due to length of the trip. Does this sound like too much. Should I be packing lighter? Any suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks much,

Lisa

RumpleMom · Jan 9, 2008

We have visited several times in January and the temperatures can vary greatly. I suggest packing colors that all coordinate like red, white, blue, black. If an item can't go with several things, then don't pack it.

I usually pack at the last minute for a January trip. Pack the cheap stretchy gloves for the kids, so you don't have to buy ten dollar gloves.

You could buy a sweatshirt there, if you are cold, and have it be your souvenir.

No matter what the weather is, you won't be shoveling snow!!!!

Disney_luvin_family · Jan 10, 2008

We go in January almost every year. We live in South Dakota, so no matter what the weather is in Orlando- it seems to be warm! it's only 18 degrees here today (before the cold blowing wind!!!).
Here's our "generic list" for our 11 day vacation...(clothing is per person)
2 sweatshirts (it gets cool there at night)
1 lightweight jacket- like a fleece
6 short sleeve shirts
3 long sleeve shirts
4 pants
4 shorts
Every shirt we pack matches with most (or all) of the pants/shorts.
2 swimsuits (my family hates putting on a cold, wet swimsuit!!!)
6 pair socks
flip flop sandals for the pool
2 pair of comfortable shoes for walking in the parks, tennis shoes mostly.
"finger mittens" that are thin- never know, you may have one or two cool nights where they are just nice to have!
light hat

My one BIG TIP FOR FLYING!!!! Pack a few of your outfits into a separate suitcase- never pack all of your clothing or all of your kids clothing in one suitcase. If the airlines "misplaces" one of your suitcases temporarily, and it just happens to hold all of your kids clothing (for example) then, you won't have any clothing for your kids until they find the bag!

That's it as far as clothing goes. We end up Filling two large suit cases with clothing and toiletries, we also usually end up packing a smaller bag with other "extras" and it's never full, so we put a large hockey bag that is empty in side of that bag (for the return trip home).
We always mail a package to our resort at Disney world with a few snacks in it before we leave. They hold it at the front desk until our arrival. It's nothing big, since we're on the dinning plan. We also put new toothbrushes, travel toothpaste, and a few other things in it.

Elmo888 · Jan 10, 2008

I wouldn't think that you need summer outfits (well, maybe it depends on what summer means to you!). It isn't likely that the temps will hit 80s, and even less likely that they will hit 90s.

Check the weather before you go (maybe this weekend) for a 10 day forecast...

http://www.accuweather.com/us/fl/or...recast.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&u=1

Have a great trip!

GrammyJudy · Jan 11, 2008

We have gone in Jan and yes the temp varies. Plan layers so kids have short sleeve t under a sweatshirt under a spring jacket in the morning. You can use the lockers or carry a tote bag. Disney pools are heated so bring a swim suit. You will most likely wear long pants but may have a few short days. We skip the water parks and the kids like the pool just as well.A fleece vest is a good thing if you have those. remember to break in your shoes

Disneylush · Jan 11, 2008

We just returned yesterday from our 10 day trip and we are from Minnesota so I understand the weather thing. We were there for the cold snap of 52 degrees which I thought would be fine for us being we were coming from zero temps but it was so cold. I was very thankful the kids had hats a mittens. I put thin stretchy pants on both my kids under their regular clothes. On the other hand it was 70 -80 degrees towards the end and it felt like 100 degrees to us. Plus don't forget about Florida's humidity! I think the packing list that was listed looked good. Plus remember you can always do laundry. (we did)

dzneelvr · Jan 12, 2008

When we go for 10-14 days, I plan to do laundry about every sixth day. That way, you don't have to have so many seperate outfits for say, 10 days. If you are packing "summer clothes", make sure they can be layered with others. I can't tell if you are flying or not, but if you are (we do) definitely pack on the lighter side and follow the rule already listed by one poster--pack one outfit each in a carryone with your basic toiletries. You can pick up clothing articles while you are down there--The Disney Mega store in DTD always has sale items and the Rainforests have clearance racks with many clothing choices. Don't forget to bring your $1 ponchos (no need to spend the $$ on those at WDW) and take along plastic hangers so you can hang your clothes in your room to dry if all the dryers are taken (or there is only one available) when you do laundry. Most of our clothes dry overnight or so. Have a wonderful time :thumbsup2