busytwinmom
07-30-2008, 09:48 AM
I have 3 year old twin boys and we've gone to both <st1:place>Disneyland and WDW each year since the boys were born. I noticed a lot of people in this forum ask about what to bring and what not to bring. So here are my lessons learned.
1. Sleeping - pack & play sheets, blankies and small teddies - Most hotels provide crib sheets but they might be stained or smelly, yuck! My kids slept better with their own stuff.
2. Go hands free in the park - zip lock bags and fanny pack - I did not carry a diaper bag in the park. I zip locked and put everything in the stroller basket - sunscreen, snacks, hats, change of clothes, sweatshirts, diapers, etc. I used a fanny pack for essential little things like camera, cell phone, room key card, Disney tickets, sunglasses, tissue, lip balm. You'll need two free hands to deal with your kids. Had my purchases sent to the hotel. Pre-load your cell with cell numbers of all members in your group.
3. Changing diapers - Of course you'll need diapers, wipes and diaper cream but also bring hand sanitizer and a disposable changing pad. We are potty training now so I put pullups on the boys instead of underwear. Take potty breaks before getting in line.
4. Camera, charger, memory card - Of course I brought the camera but on one trip the battery ran out and I didn't bring the charger. Then the memory card was full and I had to delete a bunch of pictures I hadn't downloaded yet. Bring the cell phone chargers, too.
5. <st1:stockticker>DVD Player and DVDs - I burned some of their favorite shows onto DVDs so they could watch it during down time at the hotel. After being overstimulated all day in the park, chilling with a familiar cartoon they have seen zillion times was best. I did let them watch new Disney movies on the airplane trip to hold their attention.
6. What I brought too much of... toys, books, clothes, shoes, car seats. For a week long trip, plan on doing laundry once (or twice). Now that airlines charge for extra bags it's better to pack light. Also, I never bring the kids jackets or sweatshirts from home (other than what we wear on the plane) because I end up buying them new Disney sweatshirts at the park. If it rains, we get ponchos. One pair of sneakers and sandals per person. I used to bring the car seats, now I get them from the rental car company. The kids just were not interested in their old toys and books when there was so much new stuff to explore. A handful of tourist brochures would keep them busy for some time.
7. Combi Side by Side Stroller - I use this stroller for our Disney trips. The boys prefer it since they both hate the back seat on my other stroller. Each seat on the Combi reclines for when they fall asleep and it has nice sun shades that give them alot of protection. I can fit alot in the baskets and it is very maneuverable in the crowds. It was not too expensive so I am not overly concerned about gate checking at the airplane or someone stealing it in the park. Even now at age 3 I still use it, I've taken the shoulder straps off and lap bar so they climb in and out when they like.
8. Baby gear we didn't need - I just opened the packing list from the first trip to Disney when the boys were 6 months old. Can't believe all the stuff we brought. At least we drove there instead of flying with all that gear. DO NOT bring foppy seat covers, feeding seat, steam sterilizer, humidifier, changing pad, cloth bibs (use disposable), spoons (use disposable), night light, bath toys. We didn't even use the Baby Bjorns since we always had the stroller seats with us or just we carried them in our arms. Didn't use the night light, we just left the bathroom light on. Remember that bringing less of the nonessential stuff that you can improvise or work around will mean less stress on you!
1. Sleeping - pack & play sheets, blankies and small teddies - Most hotels provide crib sheets but they might be stained or smelly, yuck! My kids slept better with their own stuff.
2. Go hands free in the park - zip lock bags and fanny pack - I did not carry a diaper bag in the park. I zip locked and put everything in the stroller basket - sunscreen, snacks, hats, change of clothes, sweatshirts, diapers, etc. I used a fanny pack for essential little things like camera, cell phone, room key card, Disney tickets, sunglasses, tissue, lip balm. You'll need two free hands to deal with your kids. Had my purchases sent to the hotel. Pre-load your cell with cell numbers of all members in your group.
3. Changing diapers - Of course you'll need diapers, wipes and diaper cream but also bring hand sanitizer and a disposable changing pad. We are potty training now so I put pullups on the boys instead of underwear. Take potty breaks before getting in line.
4. Camera, charger, memory card - Of course I brought the camera but on one trip the battery ran out and I didn't bring the charger. Then the memory card was full and I had to delete a bunch of pictures I hadn't downloaded yet. Bring the cell phone chargers, too.
5. <st1:stockticker>DVD Player and DVDs - I burned some of their favorite shows onto DVDs so they could watch it during down time at the hotel. After being overstimulated all day in the park, chilling with a familiar cartoon they have seen zillion times was best. I did let them watch new Disney movies on the airplane trip to hold their attention.
6. What I brought too much of... toys, books, clothes, shoes, car seats. For a week long trip, plan on doing laundry once (or twice). Now that airlines charge for extra bags it's better to pack light. Also, I never bring the kids jackets or sweatshirts from home (other than what we wear on the plane) because I end up buying them new Disney sweatshirts at the park. If it rains, we get ponchos. One pair of sneakers and sandals per person. I used to bring the car seats, now I get them from the rental car company. The kids just were not interested in their old toys and books when there was so much new stuff to explore. A handful of tourist brochures would keep them busy for some time.
7. Combi Side by Side Stroller - I use this stroller for our Disney trips. The boys prefer it since they both hate the back seat on my other stroller. Each seat on the Combi reclines for when they fall asleep and it has nice sun shades that give them alot of protection. I can fit alot in the baskets and it is very maneuverable in the crowds. It was not too expensive so I am not overly concerned about gate checking at the airplane or someone stealing it in the park. Even now at age 3 I still use it, I've taken the shoulder straps off and lap bar so they climb in and out when they like.
8. Baby gear we didn't need - I just opened the packing list from the first trip to Disney when the boys were 6 months old. Can't believe all the stuff we brought. At least we drove there instead of flying with all that gear. DO NOT bring foppy seat covers, feeding seat, steam sterilizer, humidifier, changing pad, cloth bibs (use disposable), spoons (use disposable), night light, bath toys. We didn't even use the Baby Bjorns since we always had the stroller seats with us or just we carried them in our arms. Didn't use the night light, we just left the bathroom light on. Remember that bringing less of the nonessential stuff that you can improvise or work around will mean less stress on you!