The last couple of times we traveled to Disney World we drove. So it was easy to bring souvenirs back with us. We didn’t have to worry about leaving space in a suitcase or whether we were going to have to pay extra for the added weight to our luggage. That all changes when you make the decision to fly to Disney World.
There are so many items that are good to bring with you and that you should not compromise for space by leaving it at home. There are other things that you could leave out, or pack in a different way, to leave some space in the suitcase. Some Disney souvenirs can be big, like the Ariel pillow my daughter brought home last time, so suitcase space is important.
So this week’s tip is all about packing and how to pack to your advantage. It will help to save space and to avoid some stress that can come along with packing for any trip.
- This is a tip that has been around for a while, but just in case you haven’t seen it I’ll put it on the list. Rolling shirts, skirts, pants, etc., will save lots of space in your suitcase. It may sound a little weird, but it does add space.
- Ponchos. We have never used ponchos while at Disney, but if you are going during a very rainy season a poncho may come in handy. Some people will say to bring your own, to save money, and others will say to wait and buy it if you need it. I would put myself on the wait and see side. Adding a poncho to the luggage will take up more space, albeit a little amount, but it still leaves less space in the luggage.
- Pack your socks together in a ball. You should be able to save some space with this. Socks seem to be easier to squish in the suitcase when they are balled together.
- Don’t over pack. It is so easy to pack a lot of clothes when you are preparing for a Disney trip. I am the queen of saying “Well, I’ll bring it. I might need it.” I have learned that if it’s not something I know I will need, then I should leave it at home. If you know you want to have some nights out at fancier restaurants, clubs, or shows, then pack one nice outfit. I have packed so many extra clothes and not even thought about wearing them on vacation. To my husband’s delight, I have learned to downsize 😉
- Shoes. Yes, I gave shoes a separate category. This is another item that is very easy to over pack. I look at my shoes and what to bring half of them with me, because “I don’t know what my mood will be and I might want to wear them.” Yep, another “might” item that I have had to learn to downsize when packing for Disney trips. The truth is, you really only need to bring two or three pairs, depending on what activities and dining experiences you have planned.
- Limit your toiletries. Disney’s toiletries are not that bad. Some hotel shampoo will leave my hair feeling very dry. Disney’s doesn’t do that. They’re not great, but at least they don’t dry out my hair like others. If you don’t want to use the shampoo that is in the room, then try to bring a small amount of your own, in a small container, for the time you will be there. If you bring a big bottle of shampoo you’re taking up valuable space for souvenirs.
- Don’t bring a hairdryer. They provide a hairdryer in the room for you. Even though it may not be as strong as yours, it won’t be taking up room in your luggage.
- You can pack an empty tote in your luggage on the way to Disney. That way you have another bag, that is completely empty, to use for anything you may purchase while you are in Disney. Someone can then use that as their carry on for the flight home. (You won’t have to worry about packing clothes in a carry on, like people do for the flight to Disney, because you are going home)
- Some people will bring a mostly empty suitcase with them. The only purpose of this suitcase is to be able to pack souvenirs in it for the flight home.
- Another option, besides the mostly empty suitcase, is a suitcase with disposable items that will be used during the time you are on vacation. For instance, if you have a child in diapers, pack the suitcase with the (approximate) amount of diapers you will need that week. Then by the time you are headed home, the suitcase should be mostly, or entirely, empty and ready for souvenirs.
Hope these tips will help when you are planning your trip! It’s always nice to have the space in your luggage for those fun Disney souvenirs!
Thanks for reading!
*Liz*
