Planning what to pack. What do you think? Any tips?

[CB2@disney]

We are going to WDW 12/31/12 and staying for 8 days. There are two of us going, myself and my 11 yr old son. I have in my plans a day to do laundry so that should help.

This is the hardest part of a vacation... and the only part I don't like much.

My goal... 1 large suitcase for both of us and a carry-on each. Do you think this is even possible?

So here are some of my thoughts... jeans and light weight long sleeve t-shirts and sweatshirts/fleese hoodies. 2 pair of shoes one we'll travel in the other in the suitcase. Since we are traveling from Northern VA in Dec we'll have jackets on. Of course pj, undies, and socks.

What else do we need to make sure we have in the suitcase. I don't use hairdryers or curling irons or anyting so not bringing any of that and the resort should have a hairdryer anyway.

Does anyone have a list for packing that you actually use? I've seen some but so many times we've been and it seems that I don't use the things that I've packed.

ANY ADVICE OR TIPS ARE WELCOME.

 

[Mukta]

Your plan sounds very doable to me. I love using carry on luggage only. I have backpacked all over the world with minimal luggage.

My first step for a WDW trip is to upload the list from mousesavers so that I don't forget anything.
http://www.mousesavers.com/walt-dis...s/time-is-money-at-walt-disney-world/#packing

Next, I whittle that list down to the absolute essentials only.

I utilize ziploc and space saver bags. I fold everything well, put them into bags and suck the air out. That saves a lot of room.

 

[CB2@disney]

I've always wondered about the space saver bags... I understand using the vaccum at home but how do you do use them on the trip back?

 

[Mukta]

It sounds cheesy, but I just squeeze out as much as I can, seal up most of the bag, leave a small opening and suck out the rest of the air with my mouth.

 

[the1nonlysinger]

I second the baggies! I just use regular ziploc bags (not the vaccum ones) and leave it open a tiny bit and put all my weight on it to push the air out. Saves so much room. And I bring extras in for the way home- because depending on how full the bags are, sometimes they split.

 

[Phonedave]

Some of the space savers have a one way valve. Once you close it, you roll it. It pushes the air out, and none can get back in.

As for packing, for one adult and one 11 year old, you should EASILget by with 2 carry-ons and a single checked bag. Especially if you do not plan on anything that requires any sort of dressier clothing.

-dave

 

[minniemickeyfan]

For this time of year, I usually pack clothing that I can layer because the weather can go either way. This past January we had to scrap frost off the car one morning! I usually bring short sleeve shirts, a sweat jacket or 2 (Disney of course), capris/jeans for me, daughter might bring a pair of shorts. I have found many times that this helps with the cool mornings but the short sleeve shirt is great for the afternoon. Sounds like with careful packing your 1 checked bag should be sufficient. Somehow my mom can pack in a carry on and a bag-I'm still learning to get to that. She does roll everything which does seem to help with space for sure. Have fun at the world-I will be there these dates too!

 

[luv]

Gum. It isn't sold at OIA or WDW.

Small pair scissors. You'll be surprised how glad you'll be that you brought them.

Extra pair of shoes in the event the first ones get wet. Cold, squishy feet would suck.

Nail file.

Chargers for electronic crap.

If you are driving, a roll of quarters (fit nicely in the mini M&MS plastic containers) and some singles for the drive in.

If you're going to be using bellmen and valet, you'll want to have tip money for them.

 

[real mad hatter]

Bubble wrap for delicate ornamental souvenirs,waiters friend ( wine opener ) T- bags for coffee machine in room ( yes it takes them )

 

[dreamfinder]

My DW and I travel with 2 pilot style cases, and then our personal items are my laptop and camera, and her purse. This will last us for 10 days on our next trip, and includes all my running gear (going down for the Goofy weekend). My biggest piece of advice is to pack in layers, and to make sure that everything you bring can be worn with multiple other items. Personally, I'd rethink your outer wear situation. Unless you plan on it being so cold that you need to wear hoodies/fleece under your jacket, think about bringing layers. Maybe a thin fleece, a fleece vest, and then a water proof/wind proof outer shell. A combo like that will take up significantly less space than a hoody and a winter jacket, and allow you to add/remove layers from/to your backpack as needed. There can easily be a temperature swing of 10-20 degrees from park open, to mid afternoon, to park close in January. Starting with a warmer jacket may seem great when its 45-50 in the AM, but when its 60 in the afternoon, that jacket will see like way way to much, but you have no other option.

For 8 days I would probably pack the following
2/3 long sleeve shirts (3 if weather shows cold, 2 if not)
2/3 short sleeve shirts (same concept as above)
1 pair shorts
5 sets underwear/socks (less socks if you bring shoes that don't need them)
1 vest
1 pair birks/five fingers (substitute your favorite broken in shoes here)
1 bathing suit
1 pair soccer shorts for pj's
toiletries
running gear (probably not in your packlist, but takes up a bit of space in mine)

1 base layer (wear on plane)
1 waterproof outer shell (wear on plane)
1 pair running sneakers (wear on plane)
1 pair jeans (wear on plane)

Then obviously cameras, laptops, iPads, books etc in a carry on/personal item.

That is coming from New England. If the forecast was really cold, then I might bring a second pair of jeans. Assuming you are doing laundry on day 4/5, there is no need to being more than 5/6 sets of clothes. You will have what you wore on the plane down, but I usually pack 1 extra set in case on emergencies.

The travel space saver bags work well to keep dirty running clothes separate from the rest of the luggage, but if you are packing primarily cotton shirts and jeans, you won't get much compression as those materials are pretty dense and compact already, and they will tend to wrinkle. So I typically don't use it on the way down. They would work ok for fleece as those tend to compress a bit, but really are meant for big sweaters, comforters and the like. Not things you typically bring to Florida (nor do they fit in the travel bags). Most travel/packing "experts" tend to suggest packing properly, and ensuring to only bring what you need to get better results.

 

[UPbeekeeper]

http://www.mousesavers.com/walt-dis...s/time-is-money-at-walt-disney-world/#packing

Thanks for sharing that link. That's quite a comprehensive list! I will print this and carve it down to what applies to me, but that's an excellent starting point. I appreciate you sharing it.

 

[Mukta]

Thanks for sharing that link. That's quite a comprehensive list! I will print this and carve it down to what applies to me, but that's an excellent starting point. I appreciate you sharing it.

It has helped me immensely on my trips. In several trips to WDW, I can honestly say that I haven't never forgotten to pack anything. Enjoy!

 

[britlightyear]

Are you not planning to buy many souvenirs? I have always wanted to take only one checked bag but I know I will buy too much while I'm there and it would be too much to ship it all home.

 

[dreamfinder]

Are you not planning to buy many souvenirs? I have always wanted to take only one checked bag but I know I will buy too much while I'm there and it would be too much to ship it all home.

Why ship? Assuming their carry on bags can be checked, and they are flying an airline that allows then each to check a bag, check on the carry ons on the way home, and bring back souvenirs as the other. You can use the bags your purchase gets put in, buy a reusable shopping bag for a few dollars, or they typically offer a duffel bag/shoulder bag at a PwP item.

 

[zurgandfriend]

For our trips in the winter I have some "Zip-off" pants. You unzip the lower part of the legs and turn pants into shorts great for Florida not too heavy and saves space.

 

[CB2@disney]

All of these wonderful ideas.... Thanks.

 

[Hulacat]

I like to bring a metal binder clip- it helps to seal the curtains/keep out the sunshine if you wish to nap & comes in handy to keep chips or other snacks closed. We pack a small travel sized baby powder for dusting our feet every am- helps a lot.

 

[copcarguyp71]

I am not sure if it was mentioned but a trip to Dollar General or other similar type store for disposable rain ponchos is always a must for us. Saves some serious money over buying in the parks!

Also foot powder (eeeww). I know it can make a difference in the condition of my feet around day four or five.

 

[CB2@disney]

I like to bring a metal binder clip- it helps to seal the curtains/keep out the sunshine if you wish to nap & comes in handy to keep chips or other snacks closed. We pack a small travel sized baby powder for dusting our feet every am- helps a lot.

Great idea about the clips... never thought of that. Does the baby powder help with not getting blisters?

 

[CB2@disney]

I am not sure if it was mentioned but a trip to Dollar General or other similar type store for disposable rain ponchos is always a must for us. Saves some serious money over buying in the parks!

Also foot powder (eeeww). I know it can make a difference in the condition of my feet around day four or five.

We have fantastic rain jackets that are really light but keep the rain out that we have for cubscout camping and I'm bring that... they fold up really small like the ponchos. Thanks for the idea though.