Tips about Kids and Packing

People on line are constantly asking what shoes are best for wdw. Thing is, there isnt one. Like my huband only wears one brand. and i havent found a pair to walk out of store in that brand. he cant even get one foot in his size in my brand. you need to go to a running store, not a sporting goods store, and have them evaluate your walk and your feet. then buy them far enough in advance that you can be sure. most of those stores i've seen will take them back in 30 days (before your trip lol). then get 2 pairs so you can switch off!! but some will say crocs, my DD wears crocs about 250 or more days a year and wont wear them at disney. what works for others may not work for you. find a professional!!

As a DVC member we like to use our perks as efficiently as possible. We order all our drinks and snacks from the grocery service Water Butlers a week before we arrive. They are extremely efficient and our order is always perfect. Then when we go to the park we don't waste time standing in line for expensive water and snacks. We even buy the Mickey ice cream bars from them for waaaay cheaper than at the park. Sunscreen, batteries, and shampoo are also in every order. Play smart!

There are a few MVI (most valuable items) that were a necessity. One of the best things that was recommended to us was to buy a poncho before heading to the parks. When it poured, I was thankful that we were able to keep dry. Another MVI is a Brita waterfilter bottle. This saved us so much from the Florida heat in June. Plus we saved alot of money able to refill the water bottle. Lastly, a portable hand fan was perfect for the mugginess.

Buy a box of ziploc bags before you go. They can be used to carry your own snack in and save any left over snacks bought in the park. You can put your wet clothing in them after it rains, and even organize your backpack items in them for a quicker time through security, and finding items in your bag.

Also, bring your own hand sanitizer. Disney does provide it after every ride, but some of them leave a sticky residue that make you want to immediately wash your hands.

If you're already on the bus on the way to the park and realize you forgot to use deodorant, go to a cashier at one of the main stores. I stopped in Magic Kingdom at the Emporium and they had a mini size deodorant. I think it was $3. - Linda

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a good tip to keep in mind for many similar toiletries and over-the-counter medications (aspirin, antacid, etc.). At the main store in each park, like the Emporium or MouseGear, they keep a selection of these sorts of items out of sight. Just ask a cast member and they'll send you to the proper counter so you can purchase them.

No room for your refillable mug in your suitcase? Clean it out and put small gift items (or even clothing) inside to save room. - Kristy B.

If you plan on getting new shoes for The World, break them in on nightly walks, when your feet are puffy at the end of the day. I've also worn my new kicks, shoes, socks, sandals, etc, on my treadmill for a half-hour a day. Not only does it help break them in, but it's an easy way to figure out if the shoes really fit well, where they rub, if my toes are squished, if my feet will be sore in the following days. Figuring this out at home sure beats being miserable on vacation. AND, it helps prep my body for all the walking that I'll be doing. (BONUS: My new shorts will fit better, too!) - Kara

Don't forget to bring a blanket or two from your little one's crib/bed at home, and put it in the room crib if you're getting one. At least that gives them the smell of their own bed and a little comfort from home to help them adjust to a new place. It'll only take a few trips to adjust your little travelers to a life outside their comfort zones. - Kara

In addition to taking out all electronics bigger than a cell phone, TSA at the Orlando airport recently made everyone in my line and the security lines around me take out all food items --- every granola bar, every bag of Mickey treats --- and lay them in a single layer in the security bins. One lady had a whole duffle bag full of snacks and it took several bins and extra time for a TSA person and her to lay them all out in a single layer. I will definitely change the way I pack my carry-on! - Sally Schneider

Consider tucking a small, pocket flashlight into your suitcase, just in case of a power outage. The electricity went out throughout the entire hotel one night during our stay last week at Disney's BoardWalk Villas. There were emergency lights in the hallway, but our room was in complete darkness for an hour. - Linda

A great way to tote around your umbrella strollers is to use a "camping" or "sport" chair bag from home. Put the stroller in the bag when you are about to board the bus and easily store the bag in/on your stroller throughout the parks. It will make holding your stroller so much easier while toting those little ones around, too. I would love to take credit, but this is a tip someone else shared with me that I know everyone could use. - Jessica Stahl

We just returned from an eight-day stay at Walt Disney World and I have a tip regarding package deliveries from stores like Amazon. We ordered items for our baby (diapers, wipes, formula, etc.) 10 days prior to our trip and had them shipped to All Star Sports. I received emails a few days prior to our check-in day that our packages were delivered. Because of this, I only packed enough baby items for our first day. When we checked in around noon time, I asked about our packages and was told that hotels have been so overwhelmed with the number of package deliveries in the past several months, they no longer have the space to store the packages on-site. Instead, packages are sent to an off-site location. When you check in, your packages are then called for... but it can take a few days to get them to you. About 75 percent of our stuff was located by midnight, the rest by the following day. Needless to say, it was a very stressful start to our vacation and I won't be doing that again! - Jillian

This trip to Walt Disney World we decided to bring our own beach towels from home. We found it much easier to identify our chairs and verify the security of our belongings while lounging in the pool. The resorts do provide white towels, but it is so difficult to differentiate one chair from the next! - Amy Coronis

Just got back from our first trip to the Magic Kingdom with a toddler. He goes down for a nap each afternoon and after not getting him to nap while going around Fantasyland/Tomorrowland in a stroller (probably too much noise and visual stimulation), we were going to go back to the hotel. On our way back toward the exit we strolled through the Tomorrowland Terrace. Less noise, no visual stimulation and protected from the sun, it was the perfect place for our son to finally fall asleep! It was also a good place for an adult to rest. It probably saved us an hour round-trip to the hotel and back. - Doug Chen

One of the things we always bring is a folding stepstool for the room that fits nicely in our luggage. Great for the little guys to use the toilet, wash hands and brush teeth without Mom and Dad's help. Also serves as a time-out chair when necessary. Yes, the resort may have some available for guests, but I don't want to be the 100th person asking and find they are already all loaned out. - Melanie Drake