Who likes packing lists? :) 1-3 year old

[peterpanandwendy]

Hi everyone! I'm going to DL and CA in August for 4 days (park hopper passes). We have a 3 year old DS and a 1 year old dd. we are flying from Vancouver bc to la, and staying at the hojo. This is our first big trip with the kids and I was hoping that some of you veterans might be able to share your tips and tricks with me what do you absolutely need to have with you when traveling with toddlers/preschoolers? What are your tips for making the trip as special as possible (for everyone)? And what are your toddlers favorite things to do in disneyland

We are hoping to be able to go stroller free, our 3 year old regularly walks with us on 4-5 km hikes, or sits on daddy's shoulders, and our daughter is used to an ergo back carry...

Thanks everyone

 

[lalasmama]

I'll try to keep this as short as possible, but you have toddlers, so you know nothing about taking a toddler anywhere is ever short or simple

First and foremost, I'd reconsider the stroller. If you don't want to bring one on the plane, I highly recommend renting one when you get there. citystrollerrentals.com tends to be a favorite around the Disboards. They are somewhere in the neighborhood of $35+ per trip (it's a flat fee based on stroller and number of nights--for a single stroller for 3 nights, it's as low as $35). You can also rent strollers from Disney. What I like about City Stroller Rentals is that they deliver the stroller to your hotel (and other baby things, if you need them!) the day you arrive, and pick up on the day you leave, and you can take it outside of Disney, so on the way back to the hotel, you're not having to carry a million things (ie, diaper bag/backpack, 2 sleeping toddlers, anything you bought that day, etc). An average Disney day can be several miles of walking, in the heat... And not just 5-6 miles (10km); we've clocked over 13 miles (21k) in a day! That's a heck of a lot to ask a toddler/preschooler to manage, in my opinion. I'm a mom who wants to have what I could possibly need--I over-pack, I over-plan, I may occasionally over-stress --so I'm not one that wants to figure out how to rent a stroller when my toddler is already upset and refusing to walk... or when my shoulders/back are too wiped out to carry them anymore!

Okay, now for the packing... I'll divide this into several categories, because I'd pack different things in different places, and buy some when I get to my destination. Thankfully, my youngest DD was very portable, even as an older toddler, so we went a lot of places

For the flight:
2 large backpacks
2 small backpacks
1 diaper, per child, per each hour you will be without direct access to your luggage, even if your 3yo is potty trained
1 large (80-count) pack of wipes per child
1 extra outfit, per child, per flight segment. 2 extras per flight segment if your kids are the runny-poo or pukey sort. 3 if they are anything like my kids
1 snack, per child, per hour of flight
3 new toys, per child, per flight segment
1 extra outfit for mom
1 extra outfit for dad

In the small backpacks, place: 1/2 of the allotted diapers for each child, the allotted outfits for each child, and the pack of wipes for each child. Let them each carry a backpack on their backs They will think it's awesome (or at least my kids did/do!). We make a point to do a favorite character/animal for these backpacks to increase the exciting factor, and a lot of praise about being a big boy/girl for helping so well.

In the large backpacks, place: the rest of the diapers spread 1/2 and 1/2 in each bag, mom's outfit in one backpack, dad's outfit in the other backpack, snacks in each bag, toys in each bag. Use the rest of the backpacks for anything you may want easily available: your purse, travel itinerary, ID, boarding passes, iDevices/tablets/computers/etc.

Vons.com is the local delivery service. It's free delivery on your first order of $50 or more, I believe. They have a huge selection. From them, I would order:
2x the number of diapers you think you will need. Some toddler tummies don't like the change in typical diet.
1 large container of wipes per unpotty-trained child.
Pull-ups if you need them. (We don't use them except for traveling sometimes, but never will rely on them on a flight!)
Any snacky things your children will happily eat (goldfish, breakfast/granola bars, raisins, fruit, etc)
Any drink items your children must have (small container of milk, etc).

At the parks, I would take 1 backpack (ideally, in the stroller), with double the number of diapers you expect to need, the container of wipes, 2-3 extra outfits (is mine the only child who waits until she's cleaned up to have an explosive poo and ruin her clean clothes at the most inconvenient times?!?!), maybe an extra outfit for one parent (because DD never just got herself with her messes ), and several snacks to be pulled out while waiting in lines.

Favorite toddler spots in Disneyland and California Adventure include: All of Fantasy Land (DL), all of Bug's Land (CA), Pirate's Lair (DL), the train (DL), the monorail (DL), the Main Street vehicles (horse-drawn bus, double-decker bus, fire engine, horseless carriages, DL), the Buena Vista trolley (CA), Ariel (CA), Buzz (DL), parades (Pixar in CA, Soundsational in DL), Redwood Challenge (CA)... Oh the list could go on and on and on.

If your kids get overstimulated, there's baby care centers that are nice and quiet, and will allow for some snuggling time And, of course, you can always take a dip in the pool at HoJo too for a break from all the hustle-and-bustle!

 

[peterpanandwendy]

Wow! Thanks! Ok, I will reconsider the stroller lol! You make some excellent points! So, can I go on Von's website to order my groceries/diapers? How early in advance do I need to do this? Do I pay in advance, or on delivery?

 

[lalasmama]

Wow! Thanks! Ok, I will reconsider the stroller lol! You make some excellent points! So, can I go on Von's website to order my groceries/diapers? How early in advance do I need to do this? Do I pay in advance, or on delivery?

You pay when you place your order. I'd place the order the day before you leave. I think they will give you a 4-hour window or such for the delivery, I think. Use the hotel's address as the delivery address. I think there could be something funny about the zip code for using your debit/credit card from Canada... Hopefully someone else can answer about that. We're in Oregon, so our regular card works without issue.

 

[Newsiemj]

Yes in stroller and on lots of diapers! Even if your 3yo is potty trained, bring pull-ups and extra clothes because the environment is over stimulating and it tends to regress them a bit. The ergo carrier is great but my husband and I were pretty exhausted by the end of the day that we couldn't use it at all the second day.

A little tip not related to packing - I bought my 1 and 3yo a couple of toddler meals bit ended up finding it was more cost efficient and better quality food if they split a kids meal.

We did a trip earlier this year with 3 kids under 5 and we are going back this fall! I love toddler posts!

 

[smiles33]

My first family trip was with 2 and 5 year olds, so older than your 1 year old, but I'd echo what PP said and add:

1) a nightlight (my kids prefer one and it makes it easier to see if someone needs to use the bathroom in the middle of the night)

2) glow sticks/glow bracelets (unless you think kids will be home and in bed before it gets dark), as my kids LOVED these and continue to love them

3) My girls are sensitive to loud noises, so I bought them the Pelter earmuffs to wear during fireworks and WOC. My then 2 year old slept through WOC in the stroller wearing the earmuffs and my then 5 year old watched WOC with the earmuffs on as it was super loud. I know they're bulky to bring when traveling by plane, but I was thankful I had them and avoided tears. I really enjoyed WOC!

4) Since you're coming in August, hats and sunscreen for both toddlers! Buying them there may be exorbitant. I also had my kids wear "sporty sandals" like Keens. They don't match as well with princess dresses, but no blisters or sweaty feet! Bring swimsuits, too, as HoJo has the great kids' water play area.

5) Assuming you bring the stroller, decorate it so you can find it easily among the hundreds of strollers there. A scarf or something of low value will work. Don't tie a balloon, as those will hit you in the face as you push the stroller and/or tempt someone to steal it.

Have a great time!

 

[AmberStar]

When I pack for my littles I pack each kid an outfit in a large ziplock bag. Each bag includes pants, shirt, socks, undies. This way I can label each bag mon-friday (etc) or I can tell the kid to pick a bag and dress themselves. It also helps with the husband MATCHING an outfit properly (my husband really struggles!).

I also intend to take a full outfit for each child into the park. The kids would drive me bonkers if they got even the slightest bit wet after splash mountain or if they spilled their water or food on themselves. For spare outfits I like to go with something neutral so that if only the shirt is messy I can just change the shirt vs the whole outfit.

 

[YukonMommy]

We fly in from the Yukon on air Canada to LAX and have never had a problem gate checking our stroller (helps in the busy airport also!).

So my advice is to take a stroller!!!!! There is a lot of walking, tonnes of people and a lot of waiting. Plus between keeping track of a toddler, a baby and each other to add in a backpack full of stuff, just way easier to bring a stroller.

To add to the above advice:
-a medium sized blanket (smaller than a twin but bigger than a baby blanket) (helps shade baby when napping), but also a great spot saver for parades and shows.
-if your kid(s) are soother kids take spares, and then a few extra and clips
-a few toys for the stroller that you will not care if lost of ruined (good for entertaining baby in line also)
-bandaids, small hand sanitizer, small package of tissue
-take an extra outfit per kid in big Ziploc baggie (just in case)
-for us I never took a diaper bag in, just put all the stuff in the bottom of the stroller.

The first time we went we had a 1, just turned 4, 6 and 8 year old. We found that they loved any ride they were tall enough for, so I urge you to go on as many rides as possible. They loved the parades, WOC was amazing (although the baby slept in the stroller through the whole thing).
My youngest did not like any characters when he was 1 nor again when we went back when he was 3, but he did finally come around on our last trip. So be prepared for anything when you meet characters.

Have Magical Time!

 

[peterpanandwendy]

Thanks for the great suggestions everyone! I have reconsidered the stroller. I'll check out city stroller rentals. We plan to keep things pretty "go with the flow" when we are there, so hopefully it will be pretty relaxed

 

[meggles]

Yes to the stroller, extra diapers and wipes, and extra clothing for your kiddos. I'd also still bring the ergo so that you could carry the baby when you wanted or when the older child wanted to ride in the stroller(if you bring or rent a single).

Other things: bring a few hand sanitizer and stash them in stroller, purse, ergo pocket, etc. That way you don't have to go digging for one. Bringing a cross body purse is great because you can fit all necessities in it- small sunblock, phone, small camera, money/cards, sunglasses, gum, tickets and fastpasses, lip balm, small snack- and have it all organized at the ready. I figured this out the hard way when I had to dig through a packed tote bag in the stroller everytime I needed a small thing. Extra phone chargers are nice. Bubbles are easy and portable and can can keep little ones entertained or distracted from crankiness while waiting for meals or shows.

 

[jofo]

Sounds like you're going to get a stroller -- I think that's a good idea. We just went with those ages and had a double stroller and it was great because of the huge distances being covered, the fact that you could get both kids somewhere more quickly if necessary (like they start melting down and you want to go back to the hotel for swim/naps), for stroller naps, and also to keep them safer when there was a huge crush of people walking around the parks after parades and such. Also a place to sit and wait for rope drop, parades, etc. Or if the adults want to split up for a ride, it can be helpful for the other adult to be able to transport both kids somewhere else.

I would bring the Ergo, too, because that would be super handy for waiting in lines.

We also underpacked on diapers despite packing way more than we thought we would need.

I wasn't going to pack any bath toys or bedtime because I thought they'd be so tired at the end of the day and out of their routines anyway that we wouldn't need them, but threw a couple small ones in the suitcase in the last minute and they ended up wanting them.

We also brought a couple nightlights for the hotel room, that was very helpful.

 

[AmberStar]

Thanks for the great suggestions everyone! I have reconsidered the stroller. I'll check out city stroller rentals. We plan to keep things pretty "go with the flow" when we are there, so hopefully it will be pretty relaxed

We are very go with the flow but I like go with the flow and prepared for anything. I would hate to have to go back to the hotel or find a store that sells something I need overpriced.

Hope you have a fab trip. We are renting from City Stroller Rentals too.

 

[mikana876]

I agree with the others; you should definitely reconsider the stroller. It's great for naps and for storing all the stuff that you'll be bringing along with you.

For park days I'd try to bring extra wet wipes for hands and faces and extra sunscreen.

 

[lovebug33]

Totally not about packing but don't buy the toddler meal. It was bland chicken and rice. My dd wouldn't even touch it. We bought one adult meal and shares it amongst all three of us and we were good to go with snacks. And the ergo became a pain to use after a while. I needed a stroller!

 

[NiceOneSimba]

I totally recommend Von's. They are great! A little more expensive than my store at home, but MUCH less expensive than the convenience stores around the park. If you order diapers, it should be easy to get to the $50 minimum!

I packed a small soft-sided cooler (and the gel "ice" packs) in our checked bag. Each day, I filled it full of snacks for my DD (and sodas and water for my DH and I). The shelf-stable milk boxes (Horizon Organic) were amazing for us, because all she ever wanted to drink was milk, and we didn't have to worry about it being kept at a certain temperature.

And I do recommend Pull-Ups, especially for the plane. My DD was about 95 percent potty trained at that point, so it was a "just in case" for use. Turns out, she was terrified of the plane's bathroom and refused to use it, and of course she had to go RIGHT NOW after the seat-belt sign came on for the descent.

Be warned that most of the toilets in the park are automatic-flush. Bring a post-it note to put over the senor, if your oldest is freaked out by them. (My daughter found them to be more terrifying than any ride.)

The mac-and-cheese toddler meal is a teeny-tiny portion, but my DD liked it. The Power Pack was also a big hit at that age. There are restaurant menus on this site, and you can see what restaurants have what meals before you get there. I knew we would need the mac-and-cheese, so it was good to know where it could be obtained in advance.

I also bought a bunch of little gifts for my DD, bought at the dollar store and during the Disney Store's sales. Every night, Mickey would leave her little presents (a small plush, a coloring book, glow necklace, shirt....). It made the trip fun, and she never even knew to ask for a souvenir in the park!

And I totally recommend renting the double stroller, if for no other reason than you won't have to carry anyone back to the hotel at the end of the day.

Have a great trip!

 

[Pesky]

Bring.the.stroller. Trust me. I tried to go stroller-free with my large 4YO and ending up renting a stroller for the remaining 3 days. Even DD (6) wanted to trade off with him every now and again. It's a lot of walking and their little legs just aren't up to the job.

Ditto extra wipes and clothes. Ditto on snacks -- I picked up some cheerios at a local store along with yogurt tubes and bagels and apples. I would take snack bags of cheerios into the park and that was a big life saver. Don't forget water bottles for them. Look into colorescience powder sunblock. Super easy to apply to even wriggly toddlers and easy to stash for park-time reapplications. I would put on their regular cream sunblock in the morning and then use the powder during the day. Perfect for hairline as well. Be ready to take some downtime breaks like feeding the ducks by hungry bear, tom sawyer island and naptime in the room.

For the plane, stickers, post-its, books and fav and new toys. Try to group everything into large ziploc bags so when it is time for a diaper change, you reach in and grab the diaper change ziploc and have 2-3 diapers, bag for dirty diapers, wipes and cream all in there. Makes it SO much easier to find and sort things on the plane.

 

[melindae10]

I would totally get a double stroller! My kids were 5 and 2 and they used it every day. I might even get a double this year also because I just don't need to hear complaining from the 6 year old the entire time. The stroller was also a great storage compartment. I kept my valuables (money,tickets, phone, camera) in my purse and then we had a park bag with all the diapers, extra outfits, wipes, sunscreen, food, etc. that was put in the bottom of the stroller. No one had to worry about carrying a backpack around the park and onto the rides. I also loved the fact that with the stroller I could get places faster. My 2 year old took a nap every day in the stroller so that was awesome also. The stroller also provides a great seat for the kids to eat, wait for the park to open, watch parades, etc. It also helped me to keep track of the little rascals. Loved the double stroller!

One thing that we loved during our trip was the Brita water bottles, I could fill them up anywhere and I didn't worry about the water because of the water filter on top of the bottle. Saved money and very convenient. I also brought the glo sticks and the light toys and such down with us so we didn't have to pay huge amounts of money for the same thing in the parks. Buying the "souvenirs" before the trip at places like the Disney Store, Target, WalMart, etc. really keeps your kids from wanting to buy everything in sight at the parks. The autograph book was a hit for even my 2 year old! It helped him to interact with the characters, by the third or fourth character he knew exactly what to do One thing I wish I would have done more of was getting the smashed pennies. They loved finding the machines and getting the pennies. This year I plan to make them up a little gift set of pennies and quarters so they can do it all over the parks.
Have a great time!

 

[peterpanandwendy]

Amazing suggestions everyone! The stroller is definitely sounding like a must have now, I guess I was just being lazy (didn't want to have to haul it around the airport).... But thinking now, with hands full of suitcases I don't need a 3 year old running loose!

I've emailed Von's about ordering from Canada, maybe ill be able to order by phone, I'm waiting for them to get back to me about that. Being able to order snacks and baby food and diapers from them would be much easier than packing them, or buying them from the hotel.

The small cooler with ice packs is a great idea! My daughter has special needs and is not eating finger foods yet, so I would be bringing soft food for her... I was wondering how I was going to keep the containers cool in the August heat.

The tip about the toddler meals is a great one too.. And my son is a very good (not picky) eater, so perhaps I will skip the toddler meals and let him share my meals (maybe with an extra side). We are grazers too, so my son is not used to having three sit down meals, but is more used to snacking on 5-6 healthy small meals throughout the day, so sharing a burger and then regularly munching on an apple, or a banana, or some nuts may work out really well for him and cut the cost down.

What does everyone bring for the plane to keep your toddler/preschooler entertained? Someone mentioned crayons, stickers, small toys..?

 

[NiceOneSimba]

Portable DVD player. We bring plenty of coloring books, regular books and things like that, but the portable DVD player (or iPad/pod loaded with movies) has been an absolute must for us on the plane.

Our DD knows it's only for plane rides and car trips over two hours, so it's not a common occurrence.

 

[Dduckmom]

We traveled with my DD to WDW when she was 3. I can try to help with a few ideas that worked for us. First, I highly recommend (as PP mentioned) that you bring something to "mark" your stroller. Sometimes, strollers get moved by CM or other people. We tied a brightly colored scarf to our handle and it made a huge difference and saved a lot of time and frustration. I also second the Brita bottles with the built in filters. We love ours and use them when we travel all of the time. We also saved up those small boxes of crayons that you get at restaurants and other places. They are great to bring along. I would also recommend Wikki Stix. They are bendable, shapeable "sticks" that stick to each other but not other objects. They leave no mess and we used them everyehwere - planes, restaurants, waiting in line, etc. Same with play foam sculpting beads - we love these. THey stick together and you can create whatever you want but they are not messy. Both of these items weighed very little and were very easy to pack. My daughters used them both for years. We also liked those small packs of PlayDoh that kids get in goodie bags at birthday parties or sometimes for Halloween. A little more messy but not too bad on a plane or a restaurant. My last suggestion would be printing coloring pages from an online source (there are lots of them) with your child's favorite character. For years, I have been making my kids their own travel activity "books" using 3 ring binders from Staples (not the really heavy duty ones but the ones that are much more lightweight and flexible). We buy them during back to school sales for 25 cents. When they were younger, I filled them with coloring pages and very simple connect the dots, etc. As they got older, I added tic tac toe games, word searches, crossword puzzles, soduko, etc. They used them for years and years and I just replaced the used sheets and added new ones. They were economical and I could tailor them to each child's interest.
Lastly, I can't emphasize the snacks enough. Bring more than what you think you may need and maybe a little treat (lollipop?) for when you have to wait a long time in line.
Have fun!!!