What to pack (things others might not think of)

[Gretchasketch]

Hi all,

We are planning our first trip with our 9 and 6 year old boys. I'm starting to think about what to pack and in doing so I learned that I should bring clothes pins to hang up swimsuits in the shower. What are other items you pack like this that a first timer might not think of?

 

[trivan]

Blister prevention and treatment, someone in my family always gets one!

 

[ShelATX]

I'm usually detailed in what I pack but I recall not realizing our feet would take such a beating on our first trip and have since always packed foot-related supplies: moleskin, bandaids, neosporin, that sort of thing.

 

[sponica]

Probably in the TMI realm, but proper undergarments for men in the family and gold bond powder if they prefer something a little more loose....unless you want to overpay for gold bond in the hotel gift shop like my husband had to.

 

[Lisa_lvspplmvr]

I brought 2 sun umbrellas . Trust me you will be happy you have one when you are waiting in an outdoor line !

 

[ShelATX]

Extra phone battery is necessary for me since there's so much phone usage with photos and videos and the park app for so many hours.

 

[Piglet843]

The clothes pins are good idea - can also use to pin curtains shut and such.
I always take an extra kitchen garbage bag for storing dirty laundry in for the trip back home.
I also always take my own pillowcase.

 

[WDWEPCOT]

Having gotten sick a few times I bring medicine - just in case - I’ve gotten a tooth ache out of the blue / heat rash / sinus problems with sore throat - just off things - people have stomach issues (tmi) so I just pack some meds for just in case - better to have and not need then to try and find !!
bandaides and neisporin yes !!! Often needed !!
enjoy your trip !!! It will be awesome !!

 

[olwyngdh]

1.Pop up hamper for dirty clothes.
2.a little bottle of dish soap for water bottles/refillable mugs etc
3.Search the net for things like scavenger hunts for your resort and the parks
4. Depending on the layout of the closet/bath in your resort an over the door shoe bag and collapsible hanging fabric shelves can help a lot with keeping things organized. We did Pop for years with 2 kids and these helped stop arguments about where is this and who didn't put that away in a small hotel room.
5.Something to keep them entertained in long lines--even something as simple as I Spy can prevent a meltdown (can you tell I traveled with that age group?)
6.Quarters and pennies for pressed penny machines--mini M&M containers will keep the pennies and quarters stacked, Mentos containers will hold pressed pennies.

 

[Adventureland]

I feel like most people know this by now, but someone always goes "Oh I never thought of that": Ziploc bags for your phones and devices. Also works to carry wet clothes and ponchos.
Something to do in lines that aren't digital to save phone battery.

 

[jennyq87]

4. Depending on the layout of the closet/bath in your resort an over the door shoe bag and collapsible hanging fabric shelves can help a lot with keeping things organized.

This one! It was a life saver for our stay in the Poly studios last year. We like to unpack on long trips and there is so little storage in those rooms.

We also always pack our Columbia dry bags in case we get caught in a storm. They roll up really small so you can carry them in a purse/backpack, but have saved us from having completely soaked bag contents on multiple occasions!

 

[Gretchasketch]

1.Pop up hamper for dirty clothes.
2.a little bottle of dish soap for water bottles/refillable mugs etc
3.Search the net for things like scavenger hunts for your resort and the parks
4. Depending on the layout of the closet/bath in your resort an over the door shoe bag and collapsible hanging fabric shelves can help a lot with keeping things organized. We did Pop for years with 2 kids and these helped stop arguments about where is this and who didn't put that away in a small hotel room.
5.Something to keep them entertained in long lines--even something as simple as I Spy can prevent a meltdown (can you tell I traveled with that age group?)
6.Quarters and pennies for pressed penny machines--mini M&M containers will keep the pennies and quarters stacked, Mentos containers will hold pressed pennies.

We will be staying at Pop so #4 is a great idea!!
And I’m adding the idea about the pressed pennies. Great idea! My kids love pressed pennies. They are such a fun and cheap souvenir!

 

[olwyngdh]

We will be staying at Pop so #4 is a great idea!!
And I’m adding the idea about the pressed pennies. Great idea! My kids love pressed pennies. They are such a fun and cheap souvenir!

Before you go since pennies look better pressed when they are bright and shiny sit them down with a bowl of ketchup and let them polish the pennies with it. It works wonders and feels like play.

 

[Beckyb3]

If you have super high maintenance kids like mine, goggles for the pool. We have bought so many pairs when we travel because I used to always forget them.

Also if staying in the villas with a laundry machine it is good to have a small amount of laundry detergent and dryer sheets in case you need them since it’s cheaper than buying there.

 

[Leigh L]

About the penny machines...most penny machines, if not all by now, found in the parks have converted to the credit card versions. The resorts do still have the coin ones (many of them anyway). The last couple of trips, my DD has been having a tough time locating where the actual old-fashioned penny machines are. I think the credit cards take away some of the excitement and magic for the kids...she refuses to get the others.

We also always pack ponchos - learned that the hard way a couple of times!

 

[msshaner]

We pack a shoe holder and keep room supplies organized, sunscreen, toiletries etc

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

Black Sharpie

 

[sparkle78]

Baby wipes, sticky hands after eating ice cream, to clean off a table before lunch

gum - you can;t buy it anywhere on property

cheerios - also hard to find.

Go to your local teacher store and get tiny puzzle books, or jeopardy like questions , etc to entertain in line.

 

[tinkerjo]

Can’t stress enough about a first aide kit. Nothing big, but Tylenol and bandaids along with some immodium and tums can be a lifesaver. Oh and don’t forget chapstick with SPF!!!

 

[Gretchasketch]

Can’t stress enough about a first aide kit. Nothing big, but Tylenol and bandaids along with some immodium and tums can be a lifesaver. Oh and don’t forget chapstick with SPF!!!

Good point! They really upcharge those things when you forget them. Thanks for the reminder