I am a WDW Newbie, the last time I went the only park was the Magic Kingdom.
I love all of the great suggestions. I noticed a while back a suggetion to read the Unoficial Guide to WDW (what great info) I have printed touring plans on ***************** (a 1 yr cost of around $8)- Has anyone used these? Are they helpful?
The OCD planer in me- my family doesn't get but I have many friends that support my obsession.
I one friend did compare me to Clark Griswald- The park better not be closed when I arrive tomorrow!
and make them early.The closer the trip gets, the more likely you are to get in that last minute panic mode and forget something important that you had thought of previously. I am forever getting that "it seems like we're forgetting something" feeling when I don't write things down when I think of them. Usually, I don't get too far down the road and I also get that "aha, I know what it was now we were forgetting." And sometimes, we just have get it when we get there (as long as it wasn't a child or something).
Here are a few additional items I have on my list that we always need.
reservation info, driving directions (if a first trip to a new resort), AAA card, insurance info, updated immunization info (if travelling with a pet and you might need to board them), travel size woolite (great for rinsing things out in the sink in an emergency), cameras, extra film and batteries, eye glasses and, contact lenses and cleaner, prescriptions, OTC drugs (tylenol, advil, etc.), deodorizing spray (for those musty rooms) and disinfectant spray (bottoms of showers and tubs), water shoes (for pool and water rides), chargers/power cords for electronics (that cell phone battery only lasts so long), and a couple of garbage bags (in case you have some wet clothes or bathing suits to deal with or pack).
We will also have at least a personal first aid kit or two for putting in fanny packs so you can grab a quick bandage if needed. If you will be doing a lot of walking, you may want to customize it and add some moleskin for blisters.
Depending on where you are staying, the time of year, and how long, you may want to bring some additional items, such as:
Suntan lotion, insect repellant, laundry detergent and dryer sheets (I usually put what we need in ziploc bags), a bottle of liquid hand soap (easier than those small bars you often get), extra coffee and filters plus any special items you like such as splenda or that favorite flavor of creamer.
If the drive is long, most everyone grabs a pillow, which makes it easier to sleep during the trip, and maybe a throw or two for those who are cold natured.
Hope some of these help. BTW, my list has gotten much longer with some of the great suggestions I have read on here already too.
I have never been to WDW. I have been to Disneyland three times ( at 8years for one day, at 19 years old for one day, and then again when I was 23 with my mom for three days which was so much fun!!!) and my husband has been once when he was little. So, we are planning a trip for us, my parents, and our daughter for her 4th bday... december 2009!!!!!!! And I already have a binder and a list of our schedule. My husband thinks I am crazy! Maybe I am
ONCE WHILE THERE BECAUSE DONT HAVE THE LUXURY OF DOING IT OWN ROOM. ALSO MOST ROOMS HAVE HAIR DRYERS RIGHT? I AM JUST TRYING TO SAVE SPACE IN LUGGAGE FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL THINGS WE WILL BE BRINGING HOME. CANT WAIT.
DOING THE HAPPY DANCE
DOES ANYONE SUGGEST BRINGING YOUR OWN BEACH TOWELS FOR SWIMMING. I KNOW MY KIDS ARE GETTING DISNEY CHARACTER TOWELS FROM GRANDMA FOR EASTER AND THEY WILL WANT TO BRING THEM. BUT WET TOWELS IN THE ROOM AND BULKINESS IN LUGGAGE. WE ARE STAYING AT POR AND WILL PROBABLY ONLY DO
) get a copy of Unnoficial Guide. Find it for free at the library or buy the latest one at your bookstore... money extremely well spent.
GREAT PLANNING INFO. WE ARE GETTING CLOSE TO LEAVING AND I HAVE BEEN LOSING SLEEP OVER WHAT TO PACK, NOT FORGETTING ANYTHING IMPORTANT.
DOES ANYONE SUGGEST BRINGING YOUR OWN BEACH TOWELS FOR SWIMMING. I KNOW MY KIDS ARE GETTING DISNEY CHARACTER TOWELS FROM GRANDMA FOR EASTER AND THEY WILL WANT TO BRING THEM. BUT WET TOWELS IN THE ROOM AND BULKINESS IN LUGGAGE. WE ARE STAYING AT POR AND WILL PROBABLY ONLY DO
They did take up a lot of space. I haven't really gone back on this thread, but another thing that came in handy was a collapsible cooler. I picked one up to keep milk in in the room. I ended up using it as a carryon bag coming home for all the extra goodies we picked up.
We brought our own towels, but really we brought them to use as blankets in the airport/airplanes. That said, my kids are only 5 & 8, so they get cold pretty easily - we went in August so the A/C's were running full speed everywhere.. We may have used them for the pool once or twice, but I can't really remember.
