You're always told to carry your expensive electronics -- cameras, computers, DVD players, iPods, iPads, and so on with you on the plane to protect them during the journey. What happens, though, if the airlines lose your luggage? Or, what if you use Disney's Magical Express on your Disney vacation?
For the most part, Disney has been successful with their Magical Express service that takes you from the airport to your Disney resort, at no additional charge. They even pick up your bags from the baggage claim and deliver them to your resort.
However, Disney's own Magical Express paperwork states that it could be several hours before your bags arrive at your room. You could be checked into your room, watching kids jump on the beds for hours, if you don't plan for this standard delay in bag delivery. For this reason, we recommend you include some additional items in that carry-on bag, besides those precious electronics. Without question, throw in swimsuits for everyone. This way, if you're not planning to go directly to the parks you can use the resort pool to cool-off and get some of those wiggles out before dinner. Don't forget the sunscreen, too.
You may also want a change of clothes. I know I never get on a plane in shorts or I end up freezing through the friendly skies. Once you exit the plane into a balmy 95 degree day with that standard 100% Florida humidity, you'll wish you'd brought along something a bit more tropical to wear.
Here's a short list of some other items to consider:
- Chargers -- Cell chargers, but more importantly camera chargers. All those electronics you carried along won't don't much good without some "life" in them.
- Batteries
- Autograph books -- This is a big one if you're planning to go into the parks, first thing. If you buy them before you leave, like we recommend, you'll be ready to grab Mickey's signature as soon as you enter the parks.
- First Aid Kit -- In our family, the reactions to the scrapes and bruises are much worse than the injury, itself. It's amazing, though, what just a bandage can do to reduce that "pain" and reaction. You don't need an arm sling, just a few band-aids to heal the hurts.
- Ponchos -- It rains in Florida. Like, every afternoon.
- Sunglasses
- Travel guides
That should about cover it. What did I miss? What do you bring along?