Best packing tips/items!!!

[JessZacc]

Hello! I am currently making my lists and getting ready to start packing as well as start picking up snacks for our drive and for the parks. We have 3 small kids and I'm looking for awesome packing lists and or tips. I have actually gotten quite a few good ideas for packing and for the hotel room but there is always room for more. I am really looking for great tips on what snacks you bring for the kids for the day and how you pack them. Any tips and ideas are appreciated!!! So excited!!!!!

 

[Jennasis]

Someone once posted the ultimate packing list here a while back and it was awesome! Wonder if anyone still has it?

I suggest rolling clothes instead of folding. You'll fit way more in your luggage.

 

[jamiesmom07]

My over the door shoe organizer for the bathroom. I don't ever go to a hotel for more than a one night stay without it!

 

[JessZacc]

My over the door shoe organizer for the bathroom. I don't ever go to a hotel for more than a one night stay without it!

I got mine for this trip! First time we are bringing one!!!

 

[Indio]

If you plan on doing any laundry, bring a collapsible hamper or large tote of some kind to carry your clothes out to the laundry room. I've seen people in there with their suitcases, but I think a tote is easier.

 

[Lm021583]

Clothespins. I would have never thought to pack them, but did thanks to somebody's suggestion and they were so helpful when hanging bathing suits to dry on the line in the shower.

Also, hand soap. I hate washing my hands with bar soap, and usually that is all hotels have. Makes it feel a little more like home!

 

[jsal318]

I've been bring a sharpie marker with me so we can write on the refillable mugs. With 5 people and only 3 different colors, it's much easier to remember whose is whose when you write your name on them. Also, bug spray or wipes if you plan on watching an outdoor movie at your resort. We learned the hard way that there are many bugs in the grass! When my kids were smaller I would bring granola bars, pop tarts, cereal in small ziplock bags for snacks.

 

[Ronda93]

If your kids are not familiar with sensor triggered auto flushing toilest - insert screams here - a pack of post it notes to cover the eye.

 

[1Grumpy9]

For snacks I like something that won't melt (rice crispy treats are good), along with crackers (either the peanut butter or cheese). Also, if you drink a lot of water, either bring the little packets of flavoring or the Mio style flavors. It changes it up from drinking plain water. I have also heard that Uncrustables are good for snacks in the park. I haven't tried it yet.

For the room, if you can, bring an extension cord or a multi-plug strip. The outlets aren't usually placed at a spot that is convienent for plugging in. Also if you have a lot of electronic items, you will run out of outlets quick.

 

[yeheyprincex2]

I always take, take and toss cups, disposable table placemats for my toddler, disposable bibs, Hand sanitizer, wet ones, Lysol wipes for the room wipe down and wiping down dirty table, change of clothes, bags for dirty clothes,hats
Snacks last trip I had small oranges, grapes,Cheetos, bottled water, cheese sticks, napkins for accidents.
This year we will be there in September so I will be packing battery powered fans to keeps my boys cool in their strollers. A tote bag to carry it all in with lots of pockets. Hope this helps.

 

[brookewalker]

we are leaving tonight....
and I was about 2 seconds away from...........
forgetting swim diapers!

 

[jessicamouse]

My husband and I packed a box of wine in our suitcase last trip (classy, I know) but it was AWESOME!! We were there for 8 nights, so it gave is a nice glass of (well earned) wine after getting the kids down after our long days. Took up very little room and cost the same as one trip to the resort bar.

 

[maryj11]

Sorry this is long .. I copied and pasted it.
Disney World Vacation Ultimate Packing List

Clothing & Accessories

Shirts
Shorts/capris
Pants
Suit/evening outfits
Underwear
Bras
Pajamas
Belts
Socks
Panty Hose
Comfortable walking shoes (2 pair)
Sandals
Dress shoes
Pool shoes
Flip flops
Hair bands/clips
Hats/visors
Sweatband/bandanna
Jewelry/Scarves
Watches
Sunglasses w/strap
Swimsuits
_________________
_________________

Travel with Babies, Toddlers & Kids

Bottles
Baby food
Sippy cups
Plastic pool cups w/top & straw
Portable high chair
Bibs
Diapers
Swim diapers
Baby wipes
Diaper bag
Portable crib
Stroller
Car safety seat
Room intercom/baby monitor
”Special” blanket/toy
Board games
Handheld games Car window shades
Kids ID tags
_________________
_________________
Toiletries

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Soap/bath gel
Shampoo
Hair conditioner
Deodorant
Contacts/glasses
Contact lens solution
Sunscreen
Lip balm w/sunscreen
Face wash
Face lotion
Body lotion
Q-Tips
Makeup
Make-up remover
Nail polish
Tampons/pads
Foot spray
Foot powder
Cornstarch or talcum powder
Razors
Shaving cream
Tweezers
Nail clippers
Nail file
Hair brush/comb
Hair gel/mousse
Hair spray
Blow dryer
Perfume
Kleenex
Kids shampoo
Kids toothbrushes
Kids soap/ bath gel
Kids hairbrush/comb
_________________
_________________


Other Items

Batteries
Cameras
Camera batteries, charger, data cable
Film
Camera bag
Disposable cameras for kids
Camcorder w/charger
Camcorder batteries & tapes
Cell phone w/charger
Cell car charger
Palm/PDA & charger
Music/CDs
MP3 player or CD player & headphones
Laptop computer, charger, Ethernet cable
Walkie talkies
Umbrella
Waist bag/day pack
Neck lanyard for room key/tickets
Beach bag
Collapsible cooler
Large zip top bags
Sewing kit
First Aid kit
Safety pins
Earplugs
Insect repellent
Antibacterial hand gel
Wet wipes
Stain wipes/stick
Pillows
Workout stuff
Water sports bottle
Waterproof case
Night light
Pen flash lights
Pennies for pressing
Pins for trading
Books/magazines
Playing cards
Games
Frisbees
_________________
_________________


Travel Paperwork

Plane tickets (make copies)
Hotel confirmation
Rental car confirmation
Cash/credit cards
Dollar bills for tips & tolls
Checkbook
Travelers checks (make copies)
Passports/birth certificates (for cruise)
Drivers license/IDs
Health insurance card
Guidebooks
Maps/directions
Discount coupons
Membership cards (such as AAA, DVC)
Theme park tickets (make copies)
Address book
Address labels
Stationery/notepad
Pens
Stamps
Envelopes for maid tips
_________________
_________________

First Aid

Prescription medications
Moleskin
Band-Aids
Antibiotic ointment
Anti-itch gel/spray
Aloe vera gel
Antacids/stomach remedies
Pain medicine
Kids pain medicine
Motion sickness remedies
Midol
Sinus/allergy medicine
Eyedrops
Vitamins
Cough drops
_________________
_________________
Car Trip Stuff

Maps/directions
Proof of auto insurance
Guidebooks
Coupons for road meals & hotels
Flashlight
Paper towels
Wet wipes
Cooler
Bags for trash
Umbrella
Snacks
Drinks
Pillows
Blankets
Portable VCR/DVD player
Movies
Drawing boards
Travel games
New small toys
_________________
_________________

Laundry Items

Laundry soap
Dryer sheets
Stain remover
Laundry bags
_________________
_________________

Kitchen Items

Bottled water
Coffee
Tea bags
Sugar/sweetener
Nondairy creamer
Instant soup mix
Cocoa packets
Juice boxes Powdered drink mix
Microwave popcorn
Granola bars
Chips/pretzels
Crackers
Fruit snacks
Small cereal boxes
Pop Tarts
Peanut butter
Tuna pouches/kits
Pre-measured seasonings
Travel salt & pepper
Dish soap
Dish scrubber/sponge
Dish towel
Paper plates
Plastic utensils
Disposable cups
Zip top bags
Trash bags
Paper Towels
 Water filtering pitcher
Straws
Coffee maker
Coffee filters
Corkscrew
Wine stopper
Electric skillet
Toaster
Non-stick fry pan
Citronella candles
_________________
_________________


Day Bag for Theme Parks

Theme park tickets (make copies)
Drivers license/ID for each adult
Cash/credit card
Membership cards (such as AAA, DVC)
Meal confirmation #s
Guidebooks
Park maps
Camera, film & batteries
Camcorder, tapes & extra battery
Disposable camera for kids
Cell phones
Walkie talkies
Neck lanyard for room key/tickets
Sunglasses w/straps
Water bottle w/strap
Collapsible cooler
Snacks
Autograph book
Fat pen for character autographs
Rain poncho or umbrella
Mister fan & extra batteries
Moleskin
Pain medicine
Sunscreen
Lip balm w/sunscreen
Insect repellant
Kleenex
Antibacterial hand gel
Wet wipes
Hats/visors/sweatbands/bandannas
Plastic trash bags or rain ponchos for wet rides
Large zip-top bags for wet clothes
Dry change of clothes for kids
Glow sticks & necklaces
Pennies for pressing
Pins for trading
Playing cards or handheld games to keep kids occupied in line
Kids ID tags
_________________
_________________

Day Bag for Water Parks

Water park tickets
Drivers license/ID for each adult
Cash/credit card
Waterproof camera
Cell phones
Walkie talkies
Neck lanyard for room key/tickets
Sunglasses w/straps
Water bottle w/strap
Collapsible cooler
Snacks
Bathing suits
Beach towels
Earplugs
Goggles
Plastic pool cups w/top & straw
Beach bag
Floatation toys
Water toys
Books/magazines
Mister fan & extra batteries
Pain medicine
Sunscreen
Lip balm w/sunscreen
Insect repellant
Kleenex
Antibacterial hand gel
Wet wipes
Hats/visors/sweatbands/bandannas
Swim diapers
Waterproof watch
Waterproof case
Water shoes/flip flops
Large zip-top bags for wet clothes
Dry change of clothes for kids
Kids ID tags
_________________
_________________


Before You Leave Home “To Do” List:

Give neighbors your travel information:
Name, address, telephone number
Vacation dates
Itinerary during trip
Vacation phone numbers
Cell phone numbers
Emergency number (a friend/relative)
 Give neighbors information about house:
Which lights will be left on
Which cars will be left out
Names of anyone checking/entering the house while you’re away
Alarm information (if necessary)
Make arrangements for pet care
Check all doors and windows are locked
Reduce heat, hot water heater and A/C settings
Secure all outdoor items
Water plants
Unplug appliances: TVs, VCRs/DVD players, coffee maker, toaster, computer
Set light timers
Stop newspaper delivery
Stop mail delivery
Set alarm
_________________
_________________

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Best tip is to avoid overpacking!

Bring things that are multipurpose as much as possible. Jackets that have a hood can be happily worn in light rain. Quick-dry fabric can be washed in the room.

Pockets are awesome! Especially ones that zip! Conversely - if you must bring a backpack/pocketbook- avoid one that has tons of pouches- 1 pouch is faster at security. Even better is a clear/mesh. You just hold it up and security can see everything.

Again thinking multipurpose, even in summer, clothing that can be worn in layers.

Toiletries that are multipurpose are great. I have a hair tonic that helps with styling and conditioning. One tiny bottle. any liquid soap can be used to wash dishes in a pinch. If you are doing carry on only- then finding powdered items is helpful.

Consider all the things you can get readily at WDW. I don't pack things like napkins, tissues. You can get those readily at WDW. You can also get plastic bags - so we use plastic bags to store/sort dirty laundry. Plastic bags are handy for many things. I do bring some zip locks, but also re-use shopping bags. Look too for the giant two gallon zip locks, and the tiny snack size.

DO buy/bring plenty of bottled water!

Watch out for chocolate in summer heat! Think carefully about any items that can't survive the heat, esp if you will have a car. Like make up. Many kinds melt - so consider bringing very limited quantities. That way you don't end up ruining an expensive bottle.

Medicine can also be tricky to keep in the heat. You don't want to NOT have emergency meds, but be aware you may have to toss ones that have been in the heat too long.

As far as snacks, I find it a pain to carry much. I also find that we want fun WDW treats over boring stuff that's been in a pocket all day. That said, when we buy our water, we add some fresh fruit, a yogurt or two, maybe one bag of chips, and a few granola-bar/power bar type snacks. Oranges/tangerines are good. I really love stopping at the Whole Foods, if we come in that direction. Not because they are inexpensive, but because it is sometimes hard to find good veggies at WDW. WF has a large buffet of high quality prepared salads and veggies. If we fill up on healthy the first day, then I can tolerate the junk much better.

Oh, and another item that can be very handy - shelf stable milk boxes. Parmalat is one big name, but there are others like Horizon. The advantage is that they don't need to be kept cool until they've been opened.

 

[happymomof1]

Regarding snacks for little ones, I got a great idea from these Disboards. If you go to the CreativeDis thread, you will find many talented people who create all kinds of "themed to your favorite character/occasion/celebration" treat bag toppers, treat packets, stickers, luggage tags, stroller tags....really anything you could possible think of. I printed a bunch of treat packets and filled them with fruit chews and DS thought they were the best treats ever! Cars, Mickey, Phineas/Ferb, muppets, princess, pooh all accessible with a click of your PRINT button. I put rice krispie treats and granola bars into baggies and printed out personalized toppers for that magical disney touch. The wonderful Creative Diser's also can help you with countdown calendars, scavenger hunts, candy bar wrappers, letters from your kids favorite characters, pressed penny holders personalized, Epcot passports, coloring pages, word searches, OMG go look at the thread you will be amazed and inspired!!!!!!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Here are things on this list we manage to NOT bring - even when we have kids/infants in our party. I'm not saying that nobody uses this stuff, or should ever use any of this, I'm just saying if we brought all this- WE would be seriously overpacking. I have never needed bug spray at WDW, and we are out late nearly every night.

While we do dress up for dinner sometimes, I don't bring to WDW anything that can't practically be worn into the parks- like panty hose. Except maybe the one time I attended a wedding!

I think with little kids in particular, it's easy to get carried away brining a ton of stuff you simply don't really need. At WDW, we just don't spend a ton of time sitting around like we would at a beach house. We are on the go.



Clothing & Accessories
Suit, Pajamas (limited to a t-shirt if need be), Belts - DH might rarely bring one, Panty Hose
Dress shoes (if it ain't comfy, don't other!), Pool shoes/flip flops - one pair serves as both At most, three pairs of shoes pp - if summer and one is flip flops, Hats/visors, Sweatband/bandanna, Scarves, Watches (except cellphone), Sunglasses w/strap


Travel with Babies, Toddlers & Kids
Sippy cups - mostly used straws instead, Plastic pool cups w/top & straw, Portable high chairs, Bibs (did bring disposable ones once, but did not use them), Portable crib, Room intercom/baby monitor, ”Special” blanket/toy, Board games, Car window shades, Kids ID tags

Toiletries
Lip balm, Body lotion, Nail polish, Foot powder, Cornstarch or talcum powder, Shaving cream, Perfume, Kleenex, Kids shampoo, Kids soap/ bath gel, Kids hairbrush/comb

Other Items
Batteries - only brought when we used to have a digital camera, Cameras - now just bring phone, Film, Camera bag, Disposable cameras for kids, Camcorder w/charger - I just can't imagine lugging one around all day, Camcorder batteries & tapes, Music/CDs, MP3 player or CD player & headphones, Walkie talkies- they don't work. My in-laws tried these once. Big mistake!, Umbrella - rain ponchos and hoods work better, Neck lanyard for room key/tickets - no need with new wristbands, Beach bag, Collapsible cooler - only if you have a baby, Sewing kit, Earplugs, Insect repellent, Wet wipes, Stain wipes/stick, Pillows , Workout stuff, Water sports bottle, Night light, Pen flash lights, Pins for trading, Books/magazines - a newspaper I can throw away and my cell phone are usually plenty, Playing cards, Games - unless you count ones on phone/electronic devices, Frisbees

Travel Paperwork
Plane tickets (make copies) - does anyone use paper tickets any more?, Checkbook , Travelers checks, Passports/birth certificates (for cruise) - only time to bring a copy other than cruises is if flying with a lap infant to prove child is under two, or international
Guidebooks, Address book, Address labels, Stationery/notepad - only the freebies from hotel, Envelopes for maid tips


First Aid 
Anti-itch gel/spray, Aloe vera gel, Antacids/stomach remedies, Pain medicine- only like a handful of Tylenol, Kids pain medicine, Motion sickness remedies, Midol, Sinus/allergy medicine, Eye drops, Cough drops

Car Trip Stuff
Guidebooks, Coupons for road meals & hotels, Flashlight, Wet wipes, Umbrella,Pillows,
Blankets (if we have a car, we maybe bring a few large towels they double up as blankkets, pillow), Portable VCR/DVD player,Movies

Laundry Items
Laundry soap - maybe a tiny bit, or not at all, Dryer sheets, Stain remover, Laundry bags


Kitchen Items
Coffee, Tea bags, Sugar/sweetener, Nondairy creamer, Instant soup mix, Cocoa packets, Juice boxes, Powdered drink mix, Microwave popcorn, Crackers, Fruit snacks, Small cereal boxes, Pop Tarts, Peanut butter, Tuna pouches/kits, Pre-measured seasonings, Travel salt & pepper, Dish soap, Dish scrubber/sponge, Dish towel, Paper plates, Plastic utensils, Trash bags, Paper Towels, Water filtering pitcher, Straws, Coffee maker, Coffee filters, Corkscrew, Wine stopper, Electric skillet, Toaster, Non-stick fry pan, Citronella candles,

Day Bag for Theme Parks
Meal confirmation #s- only via electronic copy on phone, Guidebooks, Park maps - also only via phone, Camera, film & batteries, Camcorder, tapes & extra battery, Disposable camera for kids, Walkie talkies, Sunglasses w/straps, Collapsible cooler, Fat pen, umbrella, Mister fan & extra batteries, Lip balm, Insect repellant, Kleenex, Wet wipes (only w/infant), Hats/visors/sweatbands/bandannas, Plastic trash bags or rain ponchos for wet rides - only wimps wear ponchos on rides. We do bring ponchos if it might rain, Dry change of clothes for kids - only for infants, or water parks, Pins for trading, Playing cards or handheld games to keep kids occupied in line, Kids ID tags,

Day Bag for Water Park
Waterproof camera,Cell phones, Walkie talkies,Sunglasses w/straps, Water bottle w/strap, Collapsible cooler, Snacks, Beach towel - we brought ONE, and barely used it, Earplugs, Goggles, Plastic pool cups w/top & straw, Floatation toys,Water toys, Books/magazines, Mister fan & extra batteries, Pain medicine, Lip balm, Insect repellant, Kleenex, Antibacterial hand gel, Wet wipes, Hats/visors/sweatbands/bandannas, Waterproof watch, Kids ID tags

Before You Leave Home “To Do” List: Give neighbors your travel information - only in vague sense or if asking to take care of plants/pets,

We don't do any of this! Give neighbors information about house:
Which lights will be left on
Which cars will be left out
Names of anyone checking/entering the house while you’re away
Alarm information (if necessary)


 

[JessZacc]

Thank you all!!! Please keep ideas coming! Love it!!!

 

[ZoZo]

• Nightlight
• Power strip for charging electronics
• Charging cords for electronics (it's easy to forget one!)
• Ziploc bags (various sizes)
• Clothespins (for closing gaps in curtains or to close snack bags)
• White noise machine
• Needle and thread (it cost about $9 to buy a little sewing kit in the gift shop!)
• OTC meds (expensive if you buy onsite)
• Moleskin and/or Bodyglide to prevent blisters
• Earplugs

 

[JessZacc]

Any unique snack ideas or good ideas for packing them?

 

[CounselorX]

It has been mentioned before but I'll say it again - 2 pairs of comfortable (not new) shoes, sandals, and toe protection (bandaids, moleskin, etc). Nothing works harder at WDW than your feet!