Top Five Reasons to Do Carry-On Bags Only on Your Disney World Vacation

1923 Main Street: Disney Travel Style Podcast

If you're wondering if it's possible to fly to Walt Disney World with carry-on luggage only, the answer is yes. We share the top five benefits of doing carry-on only and how it's easy to pack for a week's vacation with carry-on only.

Ever since Covid hit in 2020 and bag check became a universal nightmare at airports around the globe, we have never checked a bag again.

We travel to Walt Disney World and Disneyland at least three times each year, plus we have had European vacations and more during this time and have not checked a single bag.

For most airlines, you are allowed one free carry-on bag, plus one additional bag – like a backpack. This is an important part of the carry-on packing strategy, since the backpack can be a fallback for additional items that may not fit neatly into your carry-on.

Five Reasons Why Should Only Do Carry-On on Your Disney Vacation

1. Saves You Money

The first and easiest reason is that it typically saves you money when you go with carry-on bags only. Carry-on is less costly (usually free), so the savings increase with the size of your group. Airlines may soon charge for carry-on baggage, but for the time being, it’s usually going to save you money on checked baggage fees if you go with carry-on bags only.

2. Forces You to Pack Light

Overpacking is one of the worst habits of many travelers, and Disney travelers in particular can ten to overpack on Disney outfits. Remember, five to seven outfits is plenty. Even less if you will typically wear only two pairs of shorts for the week (for men at least). Shoes is also one of the biggest issues travelers have. I pack only one pair (and one pair of flip flops for pool time, but those are flat and don’t take up much room). So if you are a shoe person, try to limit yourself to two pairs maximum,

3. Faster to Get out of the Airport at Orlando International Airport (MCO)

When you land in Orlando, everyone is usually itching to get out of the airport and get to Walt Disney World as quickly as possible. The carry-on strategy is your biggest friend here as you will get to walk right by the crowds hovering around the baggage carousels waiting (im)patiently for their bags to arrive. If you go with carry-on baggage only, you can skip this time sucker altogether and be out of the airport and on your way to WDW an hour faster.

4. Easier to Maneuver at the Airport, Hotel and Everywhere

Carry-on bags are smaller, lighter and easier to maneuver. So you will really enjoy the convenience at the airport, on your transportation, at the hotel and anywhere you need to lug your bags around. If you are going with a split-stay strategy (two or more hotels on your vacation), then carry-on bags is even better. First, you won’t have as much to repack (since you have a smaller bag in the first place) and second, switch hotels is so much easier when you only have small, light luggage to move.

5. You’ll Have More Room in Your Room

With carry-on bags, you’ll find that you have more room in your hotel room. The small bags can make a huge difference in how much space is tied up by luggage. You’ll find you’re not tripping over bags or having to give up valuable room space to full size suitcases. Even with only two or three people, having only carry-on suitcases to deal with makes a big difference. So enjoy your extra space!

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Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

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