Packing Tips for Disney World with Children

Most of the visitors of Walt Disney World are families with children. Life at home can be hectic with children, so it can be twice as bad on a vacation where your schedule is virtually non existent. These simple things can make your life so much easier with your children in Walt Disney World. This will help you enjoy everything you can while you're there.

BAGGIES: First of all, baggies that seal with a zipper or slide are almost essential! We use these in various sizes for everything. Make sure to pack a few different boxes with different sizes with you when you head off to Walt Disney World. You will be amazed at the number of ways these will come in handy.

The smaller ones can be used for snacks, batteries, medications, or anything smaller. This will work to help "waterproof" some of your items so that they do not get wet on some of the water rides that are there. We always make sure we have baggies filled with different snacks for the kids when they need a snack, they grab a baggie. This saves us from having to have so many chips and things. We actually buy some cereal and pour some into baggies for them to eat. Nice and healthy and they love it!

The larger ones are great for cameras, maps, and other larger items. I never start to pack my children's' clothing until I have a couple boxes of the gallon (at minimum) size baggies that seal at my side. I set their clothing out in outfits, and then add the other items such as underwear and socks. I take the complete outfit for a day, fold it neatly and put it in the baggie. I force all the air out of the baggie, and then seal it. It saves room while packing as it condenses the clothing and it makes life a lot easier in the morning. When it comes times to get ready, tell them to pick out a bag and get ready (if they old enough to do this themselves). If you have to get your child ready, you have it all organized in a bag.

HANDHELD GAMES: This will make waiting times much easier. Children are impatient (as well as many adults), so if they have something to keep them busy, the time will go by faster for them. Whether you're waiting for some Disney transportation, a ride, or even a parade, this will definitely help. There won't be as much complaining or asking "how long will it be?"

FLASHLIGHT: Take a small flashlight a long. I'm talking a tiny one that you can put on your keychain. Many children are afraid of the dark and a lot of the rides are dark as least in part of the ride. This can comfort them if they know they have their special light with them when they get scared. Just be sure to make sure they aren't bothering other guests by playing with it.

STROLLER: I know strollers are generally only for the small children, such as toddlers. Really think through your situation to consider a stroller for your older child. Walt Disney World normally means a lot of walking. As an adult, think of how sore your feet and legs can get. Now think of how a child would handle it. If it cuts back on the whining it may be worth it to either rent a stroller, or bring one that will fit your child. Even if your child doesn't use it constantly, it's there for them. It's also nice for carrying your bags as well at the same time!

GIFTS: As always, children want everything they see in a store! Now that won't change, but this can help curb that appetite for souvenirs. Before you leave, go online to the Disney Store, or go to a Disney Store near you and buy some little items for your children. Don't give them to the kids until you're there though. We always bought enough for one Disney gift per day and gave it to them each morning as a surprise. Every time they would ask for something in a shop, we would remind them that they already got something that day. Don't get me wrong, we always get them a couple little things, but you can save yourself time and money by buying some Disney items before leaving home.

RULES: Remember this is a vacation for the family. You still have your rules, but you can probably afford to be a little more relaxed on some of them such as bedtime. Let their imaginations run wild. It's amazing what you will find out about your child. Last time we were there with our children, our oldest who was 7 at the time saw a shooting star in the sky. He was so excited to see that Tinkerbell was flying home to Neverland (which he could also see). It was so magical and made me realize what Walt Disney World really means to our family.

Hopefully these tips will make your life easier on your magical vacation in Walt Disney World. I know these have helped us on all our trips there. Tips such as the ones in this article can only help make your vacation that much more wonderful so that you can spend more time building those memories to keep in your heart.