When packing for a Walt Disney World vacation, it’s a good idea to consider what to pack, buy, or have shipped to your resort. The super cool thing too is that when buying souvenirs at Disney, you can have them sent directly to your house-no hassle of packing them in your luggage for the car or plane ride home. I want to share with you some items you might consider packing, buying, or shipping to Disney.
Pack:
- Ponchos. You’ll be sooo glad you did. I learned from experience that Disney ponchos are expensive-and since we ended up throwing them away at the end of our trip, I wish I had packed our own. Head to your local Dollar Tree, WalMart, or Target and pick up mid range quality ponchos. You’ll be glad you did! There’s a good chance it’ll rain at least once on your Disney vacation, so it’s not a bad idea to have these at hand.
- Disposable Camera. Our boys LOVE taking pictures, and thankfully have their own digital cameras now. However, on past trips they’ve each gone through two or three disposable cameras. These are high priced in the parks. You can easily get a three pack at the store before you go for about the price you’d pay for one at Disney.
- Bottled Water. This can be a toss up. If you’re driving, it’s way cheaper to buy some at home and bring it with you.
- Sunscreen. I know this is an obvious item to include in your luggage. But, it can be expensive while you’re at Disney, and it’s something you don’t want to forget. Also, you’ll probably end up using it the rest of the summer, so it’ll be a good investment.
Buy:
- Milk. While this can be slightly more at your resort gift shop, it makes sense to have some milk or juice in your room for your trip. We eat breakfast in our room a few times on our trip, so this is something we always buy upon check in.
- Autograph book. There’s nothing like an authentic Disney autograph book. We’ve used the same Disney autograph book for three trips now, and there are still a few pages left. If you are a returning Disney traveler, you can add “Autograph Book” to the above “Pack” list :).
- Hats. When we are at Disney, we are looking for souvenirs with a practical side as well. Hats make great souvenirs for the kids-and you-and serve the purpose of keeping the sun out of your eyes while visiting the parks.
- Groceries. There’s a great place-Garden Grocer-that will deliver to your resort at Walt Disney World. I suggest bulky items-like a case of bottled water-to be delivered to your resort. They have a wide range of products, and I think the best use of them is for perishable foods. Also, if you are flying to Disney, it makes sense to order from a service like Garden Grocer.
- Stroller. Okay, don’t BUY it. But rent it from Kingdom Strollers. They rent high quality strollers, and will deliver them directly to your resort. These are our number one struggle when driving to Disney because they take up a lot of room, and when flying they can be nice in the airport, but also a pain. Rent one, and you don’t have to worry about transporting it back home.
Ship: To ship items to Disney, pack a box of a few days before you leave with items that are non perishable or bulky. A quick visit to the post office or UPS office, and you can send your package to yourself. If you do so two days or so before check-in, it’ll be waiting at your resort for you.
- Diapers. Diapers take up a lot of room in luggage. Pack just enough to get you there-either if driving or flying. Pack the rest in a box and send it to yourself at your resort.
- Non perishable foods. Granola bars, Pop Tarts, small boxes of cereal, etc. make great snacks in the parks. If you have a stockpile of these at home that you’ve gotten with coupons, then add them to your package. These-although small sometimes-can take up precious room in your luggage or cargo area of your vehicle.
- Clothes. Sometimes you need more clothes than will fit in your luggage. Add some extra socks, underwear, or sweatshirts to your package. You can always save your shipping box, and ship it back to yourself upon your check out.
- Toiletries. I like my full size toiletries. But airlines don’t always like them. These can often be more expensive at the parks or surrounding stores.
- Surprises for the kids. Put together a small package for each of your kids of Disney souvenirs before you leave home. Upon your arrival, they’ll be waiting for them at check in. How special!
So, have you considered what to buy, pack, or ship to Disney? Do you think any of these options make it easier, and possibly less expensive? What am I missing from the above lists? I’d love to hear!
Contact me today to get your 2014 Disney Parks trip booked, and enjoy up to a $35 resort credit just for being a reader of Chip and Co.! I’m always ready to walk alongside of you to create magical vacation memories for you and your family! Email me at carrie@destinationsinflorida.com for more details.
Carrie shares her Disney trip planning tips and tricks here on Chip and Co and on her own blog-My Favorite Finds. She is always in “Disney planning mode”, and if she isn’t planning her family’s next Disney vacation, she’s sharing her crafts, recipes, and organizing ideas on her blog.
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