Tips about Kids and Packing

I wanted to add a tip for parents after reading your Survival Guide for Parents (in last week's AllEars® Issue #572). We took foam earplugs for our daughters to use when watching the fireworks at night. Neither of our daughters, ages 6 and 10, like loud noises (especially fireworks), and the earplugs allowed us to watch the fireworks up close without the girls being upset by the loud noises. You squish the foam to make it small, insert it into the ear, and then it expands to have a custom fit. Well worth being able to enjoy the fireworks or other loud attractions without tears and fears. - Jennifer Danczyk

I had only visited WDW in January, November or December, so when I made my first hot summertime trip I didn't realize just how hot I would get. So here's my tip: pack twice the underthings you think you should. Coming back from the parks to rest midday may mean a quick dip in the pool or a quick shower and nap, but one thing is certain, you don't want to put on those same wet undergarments you just took off and they won't have had time to dry. So by the third day you have to do a load of wash already. If I had packed twice as many, I would have been able to wait until the sixth day of the trip to do some laundry. And laundry is not something that is high on my priority list when I'm in the "World." - Cheryl Hotard

I always pack extra large plastic zipper baggies to bring home wet bathing suits. I also pack plastic hangers, the ones that come with items from the stores, regular ones for bathing suits and ones with the clips for trunks. These let bathing suits dry quicker than flipping them over the shower rod. - Sue Pletsch

My husband and I have a 1-year-old little girl. We've found it very helpful to purchase disposable bibs and placemats when we travel. We found them at Target. They make mealtimes so much easier for all of us! No messy bib to put back in the bag. We can spread out her food on the table in front of her without the germs, and she can eat at her own pace. The disposable placemats have Disney themes (Disney Princess for girls and Cars for boys), and there are activities on them to keep kids busy. I hope this is helpful for other families traveling with little ones that are still learning how to feed themselves. - Mary Stogsdill

Magic Kingdom - Unfortunately, I am a victim of motion sickness. When I took my 7-year-old son to Magic Kingdom, he had no fear of riding the "big" rides by himself. I was able to stand in line with him and once we reached the ride, he got on, and I found the exit and waited for him to get off. However, we ran into a problem on two of the rides (Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad). Both of these rides have two exits depending on where you get on. So if you plan to do this, be aware and pick a good meeting place. In our case, before our trip, I ensured my son knew my cell phone number and we discussed how to find a cast member if he got lost. - Christine Crews

First just wanted to say THANK YOU for all the wonderful and very useful tips you post -- I have used more than a few on our trips. My tip is for anyone traveling to WDW by car with kids. A few days before we leave, I head to one of our local "dollar stores" and purchase toys or games they can play in the car. When the inevitable "I'm bored" virus goes around, I pull out a new game/toy and have peace for another hour or so, then repeat the process. The things I buy only cost a dollar or two so if they get "lost" in the car it's no big deal and the joy "mine" of having a peaceful ride... priceless! - Tina McCall

Pack a 4-cup coffee pot and folding cooler in your suitcase if staying at a value resort, saves a lot of money. We love the magic of staying at a Disney resort. We like to go every two years and look for ways to save money. - Bev

I just returned from chaperoning my son's band trip to Walt Disney World. I shared a room with another mom and, between the two of us, we had NUMEROUS gadgets (cell phones, iPods, cameras, batteries) that needed recharging. I wish I had packed a power strip or two so we could charge things without hunting all over the hotel room to find outlets. We had to unplug several lamps in order to get everything of ours plugged in. The power strip would make it less likely to leave behind a charger cord, too, if the power strip was located in a prominent location where it would be easily seen while packing at the end of the stay. - Debi Koehn EDITOR'S NOTE: You can also purchase electric outlets that allow 2 or more usb connects.

For those staying at a value resort and driving, you might want to bring a small coffee maker if you have the room. Value resorts don't include coffee makers and if you are in a standard room at Art of Animation like we will be, it can be time-consuming to get that first cup of morning coffee. Standard rooms are a bit of a walk from the food court. We bought paper coffee cups and plastic spoons from our local "dollar store" and are bringing coffee, sugar and milk from home. I found a small coffee maker (5-cup maker) on clearance, so I have about $15 invested (not including coffee, sugar and milk, which I'd be using at home anyway) instead of almost $40 on refillable mugs, plus we can take the paper cups on our walk to the bus stop and just throw them out when we are done. - Lynn

On our last stay, we stayed at the Port Orleans Riverside for 10 nights. We were a bit worried: How could we enjoy some late night TV without waking our 5-year-old daughter? How would she fall asleep with the lights and TV on? We found a great solution. We bought our daughter a small dome tent (it packs up very compactly), which we shipped ahead of our arrival. When we got to the room, there was just enough space (once we rearranged a table and chair) to set her tent up in a corner. She loved it! She put all her "babies" in there each night with her, and couldn't wait to zip herself in for "camping out." Interestingly enough, the housekeeper brought in extra bedding unasked and one of those foam egg-crate pads to soften the "bed" inside the tent. Housekeeping also rearranged the "babies" around the tent each day. - Laura Suffi

Even when the weather dips down into the lower 70s or 60s in the evening, you may not feel the need to pack a jacket if you are taking a resort bus or a taxi. But if you decide to take one of the boats to a park (like to the Studios or Epcot) or resort (Port Orleans, Ft. Wilderness, etc.), it is important to bring that extra layer. The waters and the outdoor breeze make the air feel a little extra chilly! - Callie Conrad

Here's a money-saving tip: One year I made a point of packing every Disney shirt my kids owned when we headed to Disney World for vacation. My intention was that they would wear them just for fun in the parks. An unexpected benefit was that neither of them asked to buy a new Disney shirt as a souvenir! - Cathy

Here's a money-saving tip: One year I made a point of packing every Disney shirt my kids owned when we headed to Disney World for vacation. My intention was that they would wear them just for fun in the parks. An unexpected benefit was that neither of them asked to buy a new Disney shirt as a souvenir! - Cathy

If you're taking Disney's Magical Express, and having them drop off your luggage in your room, pack your carry-on bag like you would if you were staying overnight somewhere. It's so great to get to your room and take a shower, change your clothes, grab a quick lunch, and head to the parks without having to wait for your luggage to get there. Be sure to pack essential toiletries, a change of clothes, and maybe even a peanut butter and jelly sandwich! - Ann Dunnington

I found a tip that sounds really good especially if you are traveling with little ones. Get a pizza box for each child and you can store crayons, paper and color book in there and they can use the box as a desk when riding in the car. Crayons don't roll around the car and when done it all goes back into the box. I think you could just go to your local pizza store and ask for a clean unused box. - Suzy Kozicki