[llama]

I'm always amazed at the amount of "luggage" I see people lugging into the parks. I understand the necessities (especially for small children and babies), but coolers??? Nobody's going to expire between the entrance and Splash Mountain. And as Steve Martin once observed regarding the "bottled water phenonemen" - "when did we all get so thirsty?"

[jennyd]

I just noticed that no one suggested bringing an autograph book from home. I know these are sold at dollar stores. I am sure they sell these at Disney for MUCH more. Is it worth the extra or should I pick some up beforehand?

[lawwin]

My DD is bringing her own personally decorated autograph book this year. It was made from a small artist sketch book that I got from the college I attend (you can find them at any hobby store). The kind with a spiral binding and a really firm back. That way it will be easier for the characters to write on it and we can get more autographs per page and there are a lot more pages. Also, hers is very distinctive, nobody at the park will have a book like my DD's (brer rabbit), she decorated it herself and it has her name on it and lots of pixie dust.

[MrDisneyfan1]

I think decorating your own book is a great idea. Here is my Ds in full autograh collecting mode!
Den

[cahogbin]

If you do save your quarters and pennies for pressed pennies in the mini m&m containers put in 2 quarters then a penny. It makes it easier when you get to the machines and you only have to carry around 1 container a day.

The pressed pennies were a big hit for our kids.

Also if you just have a mini m&m container for quarters for laundry, arcade and toll roads it's a good idea.

We also brought zip lock bags they were great for stowing any thing in to keep for later, pressed pennies, pins that were traded for or whatever.

Also a great tip I got on here was to buy on over the door shoe rack at a Dollar Store and use it to put your bathroom supplies in once you get to your resort. That way your whole sink space is not cluttered. Ours had 12 holders on it so each of us had our own row for deoderant, brush/comb, hair supplies, razors.

I took a small sewing kit with small pair of scissors and extra safety pins. We didn't need it but you just never know when you will.

I also used the small travel size anti-bac wipes and had them in my fanny pack. Sometimes you just need a wipe and a napkin won't get it off.

I also used a ribbon to tie on the kids big pens to their autograph books that way no one was fumbling for a pen when getting autographs. It was always there.

Oh also if you do up address labels for those you want to send postcards too you won't have to write it all out, saves you time and energy and you still get out postcards to friends and family. I did mine while I was waiting at the laundromat. I brought a tiny bottle of Tide (4 loads) and some dryer sheets. But be prepared it was $2 a load to wash or dry. I did laundry once and packed a bag of dirty clothes to come home with and they just went straight in the laundry chute when we got home.

Have a great trip. Just have FUN - you're going to WDW!

[Dana]

Originally Posted by lawwin

My DD is bringing her own personally decorated autograph book this year. It was made from a small artist sketch book that I got from the college I attend (you can find them at any hobby store). The kind with a spiral binding and a really firm back. That way it will be easier for the characters to write on it and we can get more autographs per page and there are a lot more pages. Also, hers is very distinctive, nobody at the park will have a book like my DD's (brer rabbit), she decorated it herself and it has her name on it and lots of pixie dust.

That is an awesome idea! Mind if I borrow it?

[lawwin]

Nope go ahead. It was a lot cheaper and lil brer loves her book. It has lots of pages. We had to buy two disney books last year for all her autographs.

[hiner]

Wow, don't know what to say about everyone's packing tips. Here is my suggestions/list...and yes I grew up in Jersey and yes had the big "Quidette" hair. That's what we use to call it.

Here goes:

-Shoes go in a plastic store bag, tied closed. That way clothes stay clean and don't stink like feet.
-About a month and a 1/2 before our trip, I would buy a little bit each week food shopping...shampoo, conditioner, spray conditioner, hairspray, deoderant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sunscreen, aloe spray, band-aids, moleskin, soap, vitamins, headache remedies, medications. I then put it in a pile by the suitcases to pack. This way I don't have to run around the night before, and morning, grabbing everything last minute. Then when you return, there may be less to pack if you have used it up on your trip.
-I also bought the weekly pill packs to put our daily vitamins and medications in. That way we did not have to pack all the bottles, gave us more room.
-Anything that could break open during flight and leak, I put into ziplock bags.
-Brushes, combs, blow dryer, curling iron, scrunchies, hairbands and of course make-up.
-Quarters in the M&M packs and laundry detergent in an old Woolite bottle, along with extra garbage bags for the dirty clothes to go into before being washed at the resort.
-Clothes, clothes and more clothes. Shorts, t-shirts, tops, jeans, sweatshirts/sweaters, a light jacket for each, socks, undies, bathing suits, beach towels, hats/visors, jammies, shoes, sandles, sneakers and belts.
-Hangers....there are never enough hangers in the room for the jackets and sweatshirts/sweaters or other hangables.
-Backpack for the park filled with....cameras (digital, 35mm and DS' disposables), first aid bag (in a ziplock I put band-aids, neosporin, moleskin, small pair scissors, nail clippers, anticeptic wipes, cortaid), bottle full of excedrin, tylenol, motrin (kids headache remedies), heartburn relief, regular wipes in one of those portable containers, ponchos, sunscreen, PS's and sunglasses, baggie of change for the coin press machines, the coin press collector's book, autograph book and pen.
-We have waterbottle coolers that we also take to the parks. The bottles fit inside a cooler with a strap. These are great because you can sling them on your shoulder and they have little pockets to hold $$ or pressed coins too.
-If you have a fridge in your room, stop on your way to the resort to pick up snacks, water and breakfast items. It saves room in your suitcase to purchase when you arrive. Also saves you time in the morning.
-If you are staying at a resort where you can purchase a refillable mug, do so. It will save you $$ if you intend on dining there often.
-If you are going to a water park, don't forget a beach towel, goggles, watershoes (your feet will love you at the end of the day), bathing suits (one piece if you intend on going down some of the slides LOL), sunscreen.
-I usually print labels with people's address' for postcards and bring stamps. It is so much easier than writing out the address'. Also, bring e-mail address'. There are quite a few places where you can send funny e-mails to friends and family for "Free". In Epcot there is Mexico, I think the other place I did it was Land of Imagination. DisneyQuest has free internet access too.
-Don't forget most of all....your airline tickets (if flying), PS's, reservations for hotel and/or car, driver's license, credit cards, money and your trusty guide book.

Well that is all the major stuff that I can think of right now. I usually go from my "List". Make your list and anytime you think of something else, add it to your list to make sure it is not forgotten. I am a list person and would die without it. My DH and DS sometimes think I am nuts, but better to have than not to have it with you.

Don't sweat the packing, if you forget something, you will find it while you are there. Have a wonderful time and enjoy the magic!!!

[chiasgirl]

Originally Posted by hiner

I also bought the weekly pill packs to put our daily vitamins and medications in. That way we did not have to pack all the bottles, gave us more room.

I love lots of your suggestions hiner but I would caution anyone considering taking vitamins or medications in containers other than the ones they are sold in. (This only goes for those flying...) I have been questioned extensively about what each pill was, what it was for, how long I had been taking it, how many times a day etc. Not only was it time consuming but also a bit embarassing. Now I only travel with medications or vitamins in their original containers.

[hiner]

Originally Posted by chiasgirl

I love lots of your suggestions hiner but I would caution anyone considering taking vitamins or medications in containers other than the ones they are sold in. (This only goes for those flying...) I have been questioned extensively about what each pill was, what it was for, how long I had been taking it, how many times a day etc. Not only was it time consuming but also a bit embarassing. Now I only travel with medications or vitamins in their original containers.

Did you have them in your carry-on or luggage? I had packed them in our luggage in ziplock bags with the headache/cold rememdies. It did not appear that anyone bothered it.

[chiasgirl]

Originally Posted by hiner

Did you have them in your carry-on or luggage? I had packed them in our luggage in ziplock bags with the headache/cold rememdies. It did not appear that anyone bothered it.

I had them in my checked baggage for an international flight (to China). It was the TSA guy that grilled me - I was a bit surprised as I thought people smuggling drugs out of Asia not into it would be something they watched for more intensely!!!
I don't know if they were being picky because it was international or what. Either way - it is not an experience that I care to repeat.

[Val32]

Ahhh yes.... I found it!!
thanks to the good ol search feature!

Just bumping this thread up so I can copy some ideas!

[ddoll]

Thanks for bumping it up, Val. I found some really good hints in there.

Really liked the over the door shoe bag for the toiletries. That will come in very handy when traveling with other women this trip.

[Val32]

your welcome!

I must ask.....
Why the roll of quarters and pennies???

[ddoll]

For the pressed penny machines, mostly. But also for the laundry room, tolls, etc.