What not to forget?

[karenannD]

I will be packing this weekend for our June 8 Magic cruise. What items do you veterans say is a must to pack. Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks!

[prymsu]

1. disposable water cameras. on the ship and other places they are much more expensive. on our first cruise I paid $26 for one on the ship, and found out that you can get them at kmart or walmart for about 8 dollars.

2. sunscreen. ditto above.

3. Also an over the door shoe organizer to hang over the bathroom door really helps you keep things organized and neat, and easy to locate small items.

have fun. i still have a ways to go before I cruise again.

[Cruise]

I would echo the above. Take anything that is of small size that you *might* need... they don't take much room and may save you a lot of money.

Examples - a couple of pair of cheap sunglasses - in case you lose one. Different medicines - pain killer, upset stomach remedies, etc. This stuff will be expensive on the ship and if you need it, you won't want to wait till a port to get it.

I'd also take along some kind of flat folding bag that can be packed on the way there, used at the ports for a beach bag, then used as a carry on when you find that all your purchases won't fit back in your luggage. :)

Have fun!
Julie

[TnRobin]

I would like to emphasize one item previously mentioned

Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen

The Carribean sun will burn you a lot faster than that American Sun

[TootyJane]

Originally posted by karenannD
I will be packing this weekend for our June 8 Magic cruise. What items do you veterans say is a must to pack. Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks!

Biggest thing I wish I had (and it's been suggested before) was an extension cord. I always take my own hairdryer since the ones provided in hotels, etc. are usually useless. The last time we cruised I was able to use the outlet in the bathroom. This time, however, we noticed it was marked "For Shavers Only" and I wasn't able to use it. My husband found an outlet by the bed so I had to sttrreeettchhh over to the mirror.

I packed baggies. They came in handy for various things.

We were in the 2-bedroom suite so the over-the-door shoe organizer really wasn't a necessity for us. There is a lot of drawer space/counter space. I think in the staterooms this would be nice though.

I can't think of anything else, but if I do I'll post my thoughts.

Lisa :sunny:

[westjones]

A small night light for the bathroom and zip lock bags for packing swimsuits and water shoes when the cruise ends (we found many other uses for them also).

I love the shoe organizer idea for the bathroom, there is almost no room by the sink in the bathroom and it would be nice to have a place to put stuff.

My favorite thing that I did buy on the ship was a 'necklace' type holder for my KTTW (room key). I am taking it with me again.

DJ

[mmouse37]

Definitely the extension cord (there are also outlets on the dresser and behind the TV). Also, a small illuminated clock. there are none in the cabins.

I also bring Whisk laundry tablets if I get inclined to do a wash. Ziplock bags, collapsible cooler. I also always bring plastic clothes pins. They come in handy when hanging up west suits in the bathroom.

MJ

[Debbie H]

We even pack a small fan and extension cord. We sleep with a fan at home and it does cut down if there is any noise out in the hall if you are trying to sleep.

[disney6]

We found very helpful a highlighter in different colors (one for each child) so we didn't miss anything they REALLY wanted to go to.

[Debbie H]

Oh, more things that you must NOT forget to take!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1. CRUISE DOCUMENTS
2. PHOTO ID (LICENSE)
3. BIRTH CERTIFICATES FOR EVERYONE
OR PASSPORTS

and yes, I am yelling that!!!! Do not forget them!!!!!

Debbie

[tlt]

More sunscreen than you think you will need, over the door shoe organizer, and one of those mesh laundry bags...we hung it on one of the hangers mounted in the room and put all our dirty clothes in it as the week went by...just squashed it into the suitcase at the end of the week. Also, small alarm clock...one with a built in noise maker if you have one...HoMEDICS makes a good one (Walmart, or Bed, Bath and Beyond)...our room was very loud and it really helped us sleep at night.

[jdm]

Without a doubt the over the door shoe holder was the best thing we brought. I knew DH thought it was ridiculous when he saw me packing that (although he said nothing) and I can't believe how handy it was. With two kids it held everything from hair doo-ees to sunscreen to our walkie talkie's (which we never used on the ship). Every single pouch was full.

Also, the clock. I'm one to wake up in the night and want to know what time it was. It was very handy.

I wouldn't go on another cruise without bringing these two items.

Jenn

[joellen2]

I definitely agree with the laundry tablets. I like Tide w/ Bleach better than Wisk w/ Bleach. I took the Wisk ones on our cruise last month, and Wisk didn't get all of the stains out. If you are going to do laundry, then ake lots of quarters in case the change machine is empty. I also took a stain stick and dryer sheets (also helpful to put in drawers and luggage to keep clothes smelling fresh.)

A few other things I think are helpful are:

Aloe (very expensive on ship)
hand sanitizer
air freshener (I forgot, but wish I had taken)
fanny pack
$2 bills for tipping
Post It Notes to leave messages for family, stateroom host, etc.
lip balm
extra hangers (not enough in the closets)

Hope this helps. Have a wonderful trip.

[PiperG]

Yes, bring quarters. I had to trot down to guest services as the change machine in the laundry room was empty. FYI, the dryers require several cycles to thoroughly dry everything, hence the need for the quarters!

[karenannD]

All of the ideas of things to pack are wonderful. Keep them coming!

A big thanks to all of you!

[Mjasp]

A BIG don't forget is the over door shoe holder, I got a few chuckles from my DH when I packed it, but he repeatedly said on the trip, what a great idea this is, so glad you brought it. Yes, I did rub it in.

Also, something I didn't bring that I wish I did were highlighters. When you read the navigator at night you can highlight all the things you would like to try and do, and then the next day you can see at a glance the times and see if you still want to do them.

[westjones]

I decided to make a check list. I love this thread and it is going to be very helpful to have a list like this when packing. Here is what I have so far:

-Over the door shoe hanger
-Highlighters in different colors (for kids and adults)
-disposable water camera
-sunscreen
-extra (cheap) sunglasses in case you lose them
-extra folding bag that can be used as a beach bag and then to carry off extras items you
-purchased.
-extension cord
-baggies or ziplock bags
-night light
-small illuminated clock
-laundry tablets, dryer sheets and lots of quarters for laundry
-collapsible cooler
-plastic clothes pins
-small fan
-cruise documents
-picture IDs
-birth certificates for everyone or passports
-mesh laundry bag

[karenannD]

Thank you so much for putting it all in a list. This will make packing much easier.

Karen:wave: Jack:bounce: Jamie:Pinkbounc

[tlt]

Also take plenty of $1 bills...the locals that sell things (a lot of nice things at good deals) say they don't have change and you may end up paying $10 for something you could have talked down to $6-7 if you had the right amount of change. We bought lots of neat jewelry and those nice bathing suit wraps on the beaches we went to.

[ruvidu]

I will be packing a small pair of binoculars, personal CD player with earphones and CDs, a small note pad to take notes for future reference and trip reports, and a small can of Lysol. We usually pack a collapsable duffle bag about 2 feet long that we can use to pack our souvineirs in.
One other thing we will be taking this year are personal business cards we make. This will have our disboard ID, our email address and our home address to share with new friends we meet.
Hope these ideas help.
Russ and Vivian

[mmouse37]

I thought of another thing we usually bring...not so much for the cabin, but for the hotel either pre or post cruise.....FEBREZE (SP) spray. I have a small travel size bottle and it really takes the stale/smokey smell out of hotel/motel bedding, drapes, etc.

MJ

[karenannD]

Thanks to everyone! I just printed up my list.

Karen:wave:

[randytenn]

(This is Randytenn's wife, by the way!)

Great suggestions! The post-its and highlighter suggestions were very clever.

One thing we discovered we DIDN'T need to take on our last park/cruise combo on the Wonder was beach towels. They take up a lot of room in the suitcase. We don't plan to bring them on our Eastern Carribbean excursion in Sept. The ship provides all the towels you'd want right by the pools.

However, I'm not sure about how they handle it on Castaway Key -- I imagine you could take the towels in your room with you but not sure where you'd drop them on the island. Anybody know?

:smooth:

[raisin64]

They hand out towels when you step off the ship and there
dirty towel bins before you board

[randytenn]

(again, it's Randytenn's wife, Kim)

Thank you, Raisin!! You've been most helpful answering my question regarding beach towels and Castaway Cay. I appreciate it, and my hubby thanks you because that makes our suitcases that much lighter!!

Kim

[goofysgal]

In addition to the over the door shoe organizer I took several of the "snap hooks." They were great for assembling outfits as we dressed; also could be placed just about anywhere since they adhere to most surfaces.

Check the following site for an extensive packing list:

www.geocities.com/Calgon1/Pre-Departure_Cheklist.html (www.geocities.com/Calgon1/Prre-Departure_Checklist.html)

[Bellewish]

Downy Wrinkle Releaser! This was invaluable on our trip. Using that got out most of the wrinkles in clothing and steaming took care of the rest! (We hung the stubborn items in the bathroom while we showered.) We had the over-the-door hanger and loved it.

[Familyof6]

Downey wrinkle releaser!! AND the clock...

I never once went to the laundry room to iron anything! DWR worked great!

I knew to take a clock, but as we were packing the night before we discovered that our travel alarm wasn't working. No time to go get another...boy did I regret it! I never knew what time it was. What a pain to have to keep asking my dh. Bring a clock!

Lisa:)

[DisneyCruiseluvr]

Hi!

There are only a few things I can add to the great tips listed above. First thing I can think of is to pack a beach bag, this will definitely come in handy when you go on the excursions and to the pool! Some extra ziplock bags will come in handy for keeping things dry in your beach bag or to keep your damp bathing suits in when you're coming home. I always pack drawstring trash bags for our dirty clothes that we accumulate throughout the cruise, then I stick the filled trash bags in the suitcases or the closet (it makes it easier to carry dirty laundry to the laundry room also). I also bring Downy sheets for the dryer when I wash clothes (along w/the Wisk tablets & lots of quarters!!!).

Bring appropriate clothing for dinner! Boys & men must wear pants to dinner!!! Luckily we had two pairs of pants for my son on our first (4 day) cruise because they will not let you wear shorts to dinner. Ladies must wear dresses or nice pantsuits (No denim jeans allowed). On our first cruise I was always cold at dinner (I'm thin-skinned), so a nice sweater that will go w/everything might come in handy.

Try to pack a lot of clothes that don't need to be ironed. There's only one iron on every two floors (if I remember correctly) and the line is long before dinner!!!! Or, get your ironing done earlier in the day if you can break away from all of the fun!!! We actually brought a little travel steamer/iron, that worked out great for us!!!

Last but not least, please bring enough money to tip all of your servers and stateroom host/hostess. Call ahead and ask what the recommendations are for your cruise. These people work their butts off and provide OUTSTANDING service (from our experience anyways!) and they deserve to be compensated well and fairly for their efforts.

Have fun!

[CRB#33]

I bought a little plug in air freshener that you can press and spray into the room.

Glasses-extra contacts-eye glass repaire kit

Hole puncher for the KTTWcard

Cork Screw (if your bringing wine)

Boy I love this stuff!!!:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[karenannD]

You all have been soooooooooo helpful !!!
I am still in the process of packing, so don't stop these great ideas yet.

karen:p

[DisneyCruiseluvr]

Hi!

It's me again! Thought of a few more things. If you like to work out, the ship has an awesome gym (opens 6:30 AM!) and track for running around the ship (4th Fl.). Bring some workout clothes, tennis/running shoes, hair ties, portable cd player & cds!

In my last post I mentioned to bring enough money for your servers and stateroom host/hostess. You can charge these gratuities. What I should have said instead, is to not forget to work these expenses into your trip's budget. They really do work hard for us! Thanks for letting me clear that up!

I also always travel with a hip purse. Comes in very handy at the airport (one less bag to carry!), excursions and at Disneyworld!!!! I always bring a few, small evening bags for dinner on the ship (white, black, ivory).

I'm also going to add "SafeSea" to my list. After reading about "Sea Lice", I don't want to take the chance of us suffering with that stuff!!!

Visors/hats are nice to have too. That sun is bright!!! :smooth:

Hope some of this helps!

:cool:

[4myguys]

I am so glad I found out about the clock. To me, that is a must. All of ya'lls ideas are great. Starting to pack this weekend.:wave:

[DisneyCruiseluvr]

One more thing!

This is not a necessity, but something fun to pack:

AN UNDERWATER CAMERA!!!

We have been on two Disney cruises and never thought to bring one of these. Our travel agent was on the cruise with us last time and took a picture of us with her underwater camera. It was one of those Kodak disposable ones. This time we're definitely taking an underwater camera!

(Western Caribbean ~ July 20-27,2002 ..... can't wait!!!)

Linda




:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[4myguys]

I just bought some at Walmart for about $3.00-4.00 less than you can get them at a drugstore. And probably about 1/2 as much as they would cost once on the boat. :D

[DisneyCruiseluvr]

Thanks for the tip 4myguys!

How do you include your countdown in your posts?

Linda

[tlt]

Just returned from the Eastern and we took several underwater cameras...Kodac and Fuji...the Fuji pics look much better than the Kodac ones. Found out from our photographer friend that Fuji tends to pick up on blues and greens better (therefore better underwater) and kodac picks up reds and yellows better...just FYI

[diznynut]

Originally posted by DisneyCruiseluvr


How do you include your countdown in your posts?

Linda

Try this link, it will give you the counter and tell you how to post it.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=204263

[DisneyCruiseluvr]

Thank you Diznynut!!!

[westjones]

I love this thread, and am trying to update a list. Here is what I have picked up from all the posts so far. If anyone has extras needed for the 7 day, I would love to hear that too! Thansk!

What not to forget?

-Over the door shoe hanger
-Highlighters in different colors (for kids and adults)
-disposable water camera
-sunscreen
-extra (cheap) sunglasses in case you lose them
-extra folding bag that can be used as a beach bag and then to carry off
extras items you purchased.
-extension cord
-baggies or ziplock bags
-night light
-small illuminated clock
-laundry tablets, dryer sheets and lots of quarters for laundry
-collapsible cooler
-plastic clothes pins
-small fan
-cruise documents
-picture IDs
-birth certificates for everyone or passports
-mesh laundry bag
-Several $1 bills for tipping and buying things on shore
-small pair of binoculars
-personal CD player
-a small note pad to take notes
-personal business cards
-a small can of Lysol
-FEBREZE
-post-its and highlighter
-snap hooks
-Downy Wrinkle Releaser
-a beach bag
-extra ziplock bags
-drawstring trash bags for our dirty clothes
-Downy sheets for the dryer along w/the Wisk tablets & lots of quarters
-enough money to tip all of your servers and stateroom host/hostess
-a little plug in air freshener that you can press and spray into the room.
- Glasses-extra contacts-eye glass repaire kit
- Hole puncher for the KTTWcard
- Cork Screw (if your bringing wine)
- If you like to work out bring some workout clothes, tennis/running shoes, hair ties, portable cd player
& cds!
-a hip purse
-SafeSea
-Visors/hats
-AN UNDERWATER CAMERA

[ZooMommy]

MY GOODNESS, westjones! Thank you for typing all that in! :) I've already got your post saved and ready to print out for our last shopping trip before we leave.... It looks like I'll have to hire a valet to carry our stuff around! LOL

[Viking]

If you intend to work out in the gym or do aerobics, pack a refillable sports bottle. You can fill it on the upperdeck aft on the port side. There's a water dispenser for hot and cold water, a coffeemaker and tea.

[DisneyCruiseluvr]

Ok, ok! I know you all are sick of hearing from me ... but I have one more thing to add to our list:

ADDRESS LABELS

Yes, address labels! I stick them on our video camera, digital camera, walkie talkies, inside beach bag, kids wallets, backpacks, inside visors, etc. Basically anything that's easy to lose that I'd like to get back if a nice person finds it! My daughter likes to buy stuffed animals and I'd stick a label on the cloth label that's attached to those! She did lose a stuffed "Pluto" in WDW once, alas, no time to put an address label on it ... now it's gone forever! We learn the hard way sometimes. Anyways, just a page of labels will do and most of the labels can be attached to these types of items before you leave for your cruise.

I know there's no guarantee that you'll get your item back if you lose it, but you'll feel better knowing that your name and address are attached to it just in case a nice, honest person comes along.

[Dancind]

Minority opinion here. I hope you all don't go out and buy Downy, Febreze, etc. if you don't normally use it. The chemicals in those products are nasty, and lots of kids react to them. Just a thought. Diana

[grandmalinda]

:bounce: Wow, westjones, what a list! Thankyou!! Zoomommy and I will be on the same cruise so it's nice to see she has the list. If I forgot something, I'll know where to go. I might add: special sunscreen. I read that sunscreen must have either parsol or zinc oxide to be really effective. I bought several tubes of Sea & Ski spf 50 at WalMart ($6.46 ea.) which has zinc oxide. I'm really nervous about that Caribbean sun and we're from So. California! Also bought a square fan at WalMart, 6" (Lasko), with a built-in alarm clock ($9.97). This is a unique design and will fit easily in a suitcase. Also bringing an extension cord and a 3 prong adapter. Someone mentioned bringing a heavy duty folder to put photos in. Lots of good ideas and am sure there will be more. :cool:

[AliPom]

Since this list continues to grow, I'll add to it. I also like to label my possessions, and I preprint address labels for postcards to be sent out - so that I don't forget anyone. I also pack Dollar Store rain ponchos, pocket-sized first aid kit, antibacterial wipes, purse-sized flashlight, and just incase - a prescription from Dr. for child ear infection (from airplane or swimming).

Very recent photos kept on my person of the kids with physical characteristics detailed on back such as height, weight, missing teeth, etc. (exclude name/address). Jot down what the kids are wearing each morning before leaving room, especially if going to the WDW parks. I think that if we became separated I would be a frantic mess and having those items on hand could be helpful.

And this is not to be packed, but for the containers of the items to be packed. I made laminated tags for luggage, and since last Sept., also for stroller, backpacks, baby bag, video camera bag, camera bag, etc. with a unique colorful picture (Mr. Potato Head) and I keep a business card inside my luggage, etc. just incase it gets lost (again!). There is too much confusion these days going through airport scanners/x-ray. On the last "four" flights that I took, people mistakenly pulled our articles off the belt. The potato head tags helped me to spot our items easily, and retrieve them from over-anxious, unobservant travelers.

Is anyone packing the kitchen sink -- kidding. Lots of good ideas, but I think the more I can leave out of my suitcase the better off I am. It's taking me years to try to work out my over-packing habit.

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Originally posted by AliPom

Very recent photos kept on my person of the kids with physical characteristics detailed on back such as height, weight, missing teeth, etc. (exclude name/address). Jot down what the kids are wearing each morning before leaving room, especially if going to the WDW parks. I think that if we became separated I would be a frantic mess and having those items on hand could be helpful.

Good idea, AliPom. I generally <i>don't</i> carry photos of my DS. I try to keep the contents of my wallet to a minimum and... as I like to tell folks... <i><b>I</b></i> know what my DS looks like. I hadn't ever considered the emergency factor though.

[opsomyo]

A Watch!

I thought about it after reading about all those people that miss the boat after an excursion. I had to go buy on because I don't wear one. Thought I will proboly want to know what time it is ALL the time, what a pain that would have been

[grandmalinda]

Since I'm "double" packing for two cruises back-to-back, I've been going back to see what I might have missed on prior posts and came across this one. Bumping it up for the newcomers and to see if anyone has anything new to suggest.

[DisneyDarwin]

It's a cliche, but true. After all the anxious waiting, packing, booking excursions, excitement of travelling and getting there, the ressie-shuffle, you've got to slow down and enjoy it and love it. Then, whatever you forgot...won't matter!

[DisneyCruiseluvr]

Bumping this list up for anyone who may have missed it.

[opsomyo]

an accordian file folder........for all the pics & scapbooking stuff. It makes it sooo easy to bring the navigators etc home. I purchased stamps at CC post office. I also brought home some of the paper things they put under your glasses in your stateroom.(silly, I know) Anything I could find for a great commemortive scrapbook. The accordian folder kept everything safe on the trip home!

[MrsPotatoHead]

I usually pack a few sheets of bubble wrap when we take a vacation. Sounds odd, but it has really come in handy when we've bought glasses or breakable mugs on a trip. The gift shops usually pack them well with lots of paper, but I feel better after putting bubble wrap around them. We all know how our checked luggage gets thrown around at the airport!!!

We also pack a roll of paper towels for the room. Comes in quite handy. :) We're planning on bringing one extra smaller suitcase for the cruise, and it'll be empty except for the paper towels and a small room fan. That way, we'll have room in that suitcase to pack our souvenirs for the trip back home!!

[lespaul55]

Hubby forgot to pack a T-shirt for sleeping, so he got an ESPN T-shirt for his souvenir.

I didn't pack any exercise clothes cause I wasn't going to do any. Anyway, I changed my mind and had to buy a T-shirt to sweat in. It was so hot that even just walking around the promenade deck, I was pitted out.

Leslie

[gfolchick]

BONINE!!! Anti-Seasickness preventer

I used this last May and it worked great. Take first one a few hours before boarding ship, then one a day. We had some big swells and I felt fine all day. I believe children can take it too, although they are not as prone to seasickness as adults (so I'm told).

How about those new "neat sheets" for beach excurtions. We went to Magens Bay in St. Thomas last year and the ship beach towels weren't big enough to lay down on and dry off. The neat sheet doesn't take up a lot of room like a towel or blanket. I'm planning on packing one for next cruise. They're cheap too, only $6-$8 depending on where you purchase it (I've seen them at Wal-Maart and at our super grocery store)

Did anyone say a hat or visor (one that goes completely around head so it doesn't blow off)