What's the one thing you had/wish you had for your trip??

[Mommytwotwins]

My trip is getting closer and I think I have pretty much everthing(thanks to alot of you!) But just incase I didn't think of something. What are you so glad you brought with you or wish you had. I can't believe all the stuff we need to bring for 2 children for a week! I know if we forget something we can probally buy it but who wants to spend a ton of money and that!:banana::banana:

[Kat73]

This is a 'duh Kat' one, but a bigger suitcase. I'm used to packing an extra bag on the way down so that I have something to put all the souvies in on the return trip. But with all the bag restrictions now, I didn't do that for this one.
I'm looking to trade my rolling duffel in for a larger suitcase the next time Kohls puts them on sale.

Couple random smaller things after my Feb trip:
-a smaller wallet that is big enough to hold ID/KTTW card and some cash, that fits in my pocket. I have a pocket wallet anyhow, but it has 'everything' in it. I bought a Vera Bradley one (forget what its called) all one pocket with a space to show an ID/KTTW card, hold some bills/coin, and zips up. Whether I take my purse/bag into the parks or not, I've always got my wallet in my pocket and pull it out too frequently.

-Okay I don't know what you call this thing either. It's one of those clippy things that I keep all my keychains on? I got it at home depot at the key making station LOL. In the parks I always always have a baseball hat, but sometimes take it off (for a ride, for a picture, because it gets hot) and I wish I had one of those clip thingies to attatch it to my purse. Lot more convenient than undoing the strap on the hat every five seconds!

[timzagain]

This is a 'duh Kat' one, but a bigger suitcase. I'm used to packing an extra bag on the way down so that I have something to put all the souvies in on the return trip. But with all the bag restrictions now, I didn't do that for this one.
I'm looking to trade my rolling duffel in for a larger suitcase the next time Kohls puts them on sale.

Couple random smaller things after my Feb trip:
-a smaller wallet that is big enough to hold ID/KTTW card and some cash, that fits in my pocket. I have a pocket wallet anyhow, but it has 'everything' in it. I bought a Vera Bradley one (forget what its called) all one pocket with a space to show an ID/KTTW card, hold some bills/coin, and zips up. Whether I take my purse/bag into the parks or not, I've always got my wallet in my pocket and pull it out too frequently.

-Okay I don't know what you call this thing either. It's one of those clippy things that I keep all my keychains on? I got it at home depot at the key making station LOL. In the parks I always always have a baseball hat, but sometimes take it off (for a ride, for a picture, because it gets hot) and I wish I had one of those clip thingies to attatch it to my purse. Lot more convenient than undoing the strap on the hat every five seconds!

If you're talking about the same "clippy thing" that I'm visualizing - its called a carbiner clip and you're right ... it's a great thing to take the park, not just for securing stray hats, but it's a good way to keep bags attached to strollers etc. Even we're at home, my kids keep one on to attach the occasional extra item that they can't/ won't store in their backpacks

As for the wallet - I bought a cheap dollar store nylon/ velcro wallet just for travel! Not pretty like my "real" walllet which is leather, but it's a lot lighter and more compact! I like the fact that I can stick it into my pockets quite easily without too much bulk!

I usually pack an foldable duffle bag in case of overweight/ overstuffed baggage emergency! Didn't remember it on my last trip and boy would it have come in handy. Now I've got one permanently stashed in my luggage so I won't forget

[tinksgilrs251520]

endless supply of $$$$$$$...:rotfl2: and more time

[Mommytwotwins]

endless supply of $$$$$$$...:rotfl2: and more time

Well that would be nice but not gonna happen!:scared1:

[ineedmyblankie]

I just got back and I was very grateful to have brought (thanks to DISers):
--Moleskin/Molefoam - I got a really bad blister and used the molefoam for it. I also used the moleskin for ones that I thought might be forming.
--Bodyglide - I'd never tried it, but I liked it. DH even used it once or twice.
--BUBBLES!!! - This was wonderfully entertaining for the children when we were in some of the longer lines. If there was a cranky kid behind us, they perked right up at the sight of bubbles too. They are magic, I tell you.
--Pipe cleaners - We had some around the house, so at the recommendation of a fellow DISer, I brought some. At one meal, I was waiting at the table w/ the kids while DH was in a very long line. The kids were entering full meltdown mode. I gave my 4yo DD a few pipecleaners and she was so excited to be able to make structures/creations out of them. I think that 1yo DS was playing w/ the fan spritzer (see next)
--Fan spritzer (I bet you didn't see that coming) - we bought two of the small ones that can attach to your belt from Walmart (in the air conditioning section). They had foam blades, so I had no concern about the children using them. DS was entertained SO many times w/ that thing. DD loved to spray us when she got bored. Loved. Them.
--Glow bracelets/necklaces - I picked some up at the dollar store before we left and each night that we were out, I gave DD a new one. She loved it. Since it was 6 bracelets for a dollar, I offered them to other kids around us too.
--ID badges for the kids - My kids were very good about wearing them. I felt so much more at ease with them playing in fountains and being out of the strollers when they were wearing them. On the badge, which was laminated and hanging by a lanyard on each child, was the child's name and picture as well as both mine and my husband's names, pictures and cell phone numbers. I heard a few people comment that they were a great idea too.
--That shoe holder thing for toiletries - I got it and didn't know if I would really like it. I loved it. I think I will bring it to other places in the future if we will be staying for more than a few days.
--Plenty of shiny pennies and quarters for penny pressing machines. If you like those, make sure you bring a lot. DD and I both got about 2-3 at each park. I needed to get more quarters a couple of times. They are such a cheap, yet great, souvenir.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head.

[Kaler131]

endless supply of $$$$$$$...:rotfl2: and more time

I'm sooo with you on that!!:thumbsup2:cool1:

[stephaniebatesjones]

Ok here is my list:

Spray Fans: There is not always a breeze, and water blowing on your face is better than water just sitting on your face... plus it gets hot in the long lines.
Freezer size zip locks: put valuables in on water rides.
Good Rain Ponchos: not the cheep ones because they break.
Handy Wipes: Had to buy some for about $5 last trip at the park.
Sun Visors instead of hats: My head sweats under the Hat but not the visor, plus you can put it over the poncho to keep the wind from blowing the poncho hat off.
2 empty pill bottle 1 with shinny pinnies in it and the other for the pennies after they are pressed.
small bottle of Advil: Verry expensive in the park
a 1/2 full water bottle of dry gatorade : I can't drink lots of water in the heat..have to have something to rejuvinate me...almost passed out once.
A blanket: The rental baby strollers are hard and get hot in the sun.
A tiny pillow for my daughter.
Dry Socks:
Small thing of baby powder: cools you down and makes you smell better after you wipe off.
Fanny Pack..I know, I know. But I can't go without a fanny pack for every member of the family. Each person puts there own tiny stuff in there fanny pack like Advil, bubbles, pennies, small bag of chips, camera,etc.

Hope this helps

[Whitaker24]

Softer Toiled Paper!

[Catira]

Here are a couple of things I always keep in a small bag that has three compartments.It was actually a gift with purchase from Clinque. I have two kiddos and these items are always useful no matter where we vacation. Sometimes I even carry a trial size of diaper cream.
The last time I traveled with a friend, her 4 yr. old daughter developed diaper rash. She was going to go out at 11 pm to buy some. I told her I had one with me... she was surprised since my kiddos are 14 and 10. But hey you never know when you'll need it. Of course, she now has her own little "emergency bag". Hope this helps.:wizard:
*bandaids
*neosporin spray
*benadryl cream (bug bites)
*Advil or Motrin
*Purell
*rolaids and/or pepto
*dramamine (motion sickness)
and of course I always have a small package of wipes

[Later_Mater2009]

loving this thread, thanks and keep em coming .. Im copying and pasting away.. LOL

[natnelliesmom]

okay, here's my list!
Anti-bacterial hand wipes in travel size bag
Ziploc bags for sorting toiletries, small items and jewelry. Also good for wet swimsuits that need to be packed to go home.
Bandaids and neosporin ointment
Bodyglide if your thighs tend to rub at all. (the heat seems to make it worse. I wore a skirt once- never again!)
Extra comfy shoes, one pair will always get wet.
Scissors- I always need them in the hotel room for something!
on that same note, nail clippers, file and tweezers. Sucks to be without these when you need them!
Basic OTC medicines. Antacids, tylenol, Motrin, Benedryl, Pepto etc. I just get travel sizes and bring them along. I haven't needed them but a few times- but they are so expensive at the resorts. (besides, who wants to trek to the resort store when you need an antacid?)
Post card stamps and addresses for friends.
If I think of more I'll post them!
-Sarah

[wezee]

Last Sept. I came down with a terrible cold, at WDW, at the end of our trip. It hit me like a tons of bricks.:guilty: I did not pack any cold medicine and the products at our resort were limited and expensive. But, we had the sweetest server at the Yachtsman, who felt sorry for me and had the kitchen crush up fresh mint into a cup of boiling water. She told me to inhale the vapor and it really did help.
We also pack enough socks for DH to change midday...this along with BodyGlide and moleskin really cut down on blisters.:thumbsup2

[noahdove]

I do my postcard addresses on labels and they are ready when I have to mail the cards:) I take a smaller piece of luggage as a carryon and that is what I put my souveniers in on the way home, and on the way down?? I put the special tee shirts, invitations, welcome letter, mousekeeping and tip envelopes in it and this time, I will put my bag that I will take to the parks. Don't forget extra camera batteries...I went thru several last year.

[disneybliss2]

Here's my first thoughts off the top of my head:
sunscreen (a no brainer, I know)
anti-bacterial hand sanitizer (small travel size bottle)
ponchos
Motrin or Tylenol (had to use it on one trip, soooo glad I brought it)
Shout travel wipes (w/ two children, I've use these on every trip; they keep
stains from setting in the clothes since they won't be
laundered until a week later)
mini-misting fan
a night light because my girls are used to sleeping w/ one

[queenpatricia]

okay, here's my list!
Anti-bacterial hand wipes in travel size bag
Ziploc bags for sorting toiletries, small items and jewelry. Also good for wet swimsuits that need to be packed to go home.
Bandaids and neosporin ointment
Bodyglide if your thighs tend to rub at all. (the heat seems to make it worse. I wore a skirt once- never again!)
Extra comfy shoes, one pair will always get wet.
Scissors- I always need them in the hotel room for something!
on that same note, nail clippers, file and tweezers. Sucks to be without these when you need them!
Basic OTC medicines. Antacids, tylenol, Motrin, Benedryl, Pepto etc. I just get travel sizes and bring them along. I haven't needed them but a few times- but they are so expensive at the resorts. (besides, who wants to trek to the resort store when you need an antacid?)
Post card stamps and addresses for friends.
If I think of more I'll post them!
-Sarah

Ok, where does one buy the Bodyglide?:confused3

[VWB]

I bought mine at Academy. We think it is the best thing invented!!! In case you don't know... I looks like a stick of deoderant. Well worth the purchase!

[RFrank9504]

I bring a screwdriver and extra batteries, for some of the light up toys (sold for the night shows) the batteries die quickly. I got that tip on the boardslast year. It sooooo came in handy.

[mecllap]

Ok, where does one buy the Bodyglide?:confused3

At a store for runners. Some larger sporting goods stores might have it. It's also available online. It pretty much looks like and goes on like a deodorant stick -- really helpful for foot bottoms and heels, as well as thighs.

[noahdove]

I forgot to say bring larger safety pins and paper clips. I use them if the curtains don't shut tight enough and sometimes I need to pin something inside my purse or bag...

[TinaLala]

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who still carries baby wipes..I think I'll be carrying them with me until the day I die - but by then I'll probably be using them for their intended purpose - oh well.

My list is simple and includes most of what eveyone else has but
-Bagalini - this is a must for me - better and more organized then a fannypack.
-binoculars - because my kids always want to look through my camera at something.
-cell phone charges - you know you always forget it.
-dirty laundry bag - literally is it's own suitcase so I don't have to deal with it when we get home
-dryer sheets - this is mostly to keep the drawers/suitcases smelling fresh when we don't
-hair elastics - I always bring extras
-mini flashlights/glow necklaces - this is mainly for those super dark shows (fantasmic) or when the kids see all the things on sale - I make sure I bring something 'Mickey' glowable so we don't spend the money.
-extra camera batteries - never hurts to even grab an extra card
-directions to our Leave a Legacy tile - I forget this darn thing every time we go and we've had the tile for 5 years - this time I'm not forgetting it!!
-Lysol spray - the whole room gets a once over



I like the idea about the blanket for the stroller - I think I'll bring a white flat sheet - easy to pack and we can drap it over the stroller to keep it cool.

This time I'm going to try the shoe holder for tolietries - I've heard so many people comment about it.

[da big r]

May be a little different, bu we took our laptop last time and downloaded each days photos each night and sat around looking and laughing at them. I took over 2000 photos and still look at them @ once a week.

[party-of-five]

Ear plugs for the kids... some of the shows and fireworks can be very loud. My son is very sensitive to sound and this was a big lifesaver!

Glow necklaces for the dark shows and after the sun goes down.

For our next trip, I'm compiling a list of jokes for the kids to help pass the time while waiting for the bus or in line for a ride, etc.

[lawone]

May be a little different, bu we took our laptop last time and downloaded each days photos each night and sat around looking and laughing at them. I took over 2000 photos and still look at them @ once a week.



Not strange at all!!! I did the same thing last January. I also kept a daily diary and sent it along with the day's pics to family and friends!!

[lacrosse_lady72]

For me:

-Your given choice of medication that rids of headaches.
-Anti-itch cream for bugs bites... I always get just one and it kills.
-Bandaids. I always carry them around and most of the time it's someone else that needs one, it ends up being my good deed for the day.
-Extra hair ties.
-A few extra pairs of socks and undies, you'll be more annoyed when you run out then when you packed to many.
-Sunglasses, yes I have forgotten these for about half of our trips.
-Cold meds.
-Vitamin C and Calcium supplements because I always feel like I never get enough while at WDW.
-Extra packing room or a new bag.
-DVDs since they don't have the channels I usually watch at the resorts but we also bring a laptop to watch them on.


I also like to check bottled water in to luggage since I am picky about water and FL water is disgusting. I am glad they have SmartWater now but it's at that wonderful Disney price!

And some snacks, something sweet, something salty and something with a lot of protein when I need energy... usually its turkey jerky, goldfish and we just much on the candy we get from the MNSSHP which is part of the reason why it's on day 1 or 2 of our trip.

[lacrosse_lady72]

May be a little different, bu we took our laptop last time and downloaded each days photos each night and sat around looking and laughing at them. I took over 2000 photos and still look at them @ once a week.

I am right there with you. I would have to unload my memory at least once every couple of days or I'd run out of space. And for a 15 day vacation, I would need a lot of memory cards without bringing my computer.

[scar65]

Right there with you on the Lysol spray. I start with the door handle to the room and spray down the room on a continuous basis. ESPECIALLY the toilet seats and tub area. It's my personal OCD and I ain't changin' it!! Wondering if they sell it in travel size or if it's available at the resorts for travelers that fly in?

[noahdove]

Yes, Lysol does come in a travel size. It's at the checkout in Wal*Mart here:)

[TinaLala]

I didn't even think about grabbing a travel size - I always seem to find the economy jumbo sizes and go through an entire can at a time. But that's right you can't travel with it. Man I'm going to have to read the FAA regs before we go, because I never pay attention to that stuff.

Lacrosse_lady - you pack water only in a suitcase? Can you do that and fly?

That's my biggest issue is the water - we're going in August and hello we'll need a ton of water - if I can pack a case - SWEET!! I'm looking for bottle holders too.

[ZoZo]

Power strip for charging electronics (phones, camera, etc.). It's often hard to find enough outlets to plug everything in while staying in a hotel room.

Visor (I like the kind with velcro in the back - it makes it easy to loop it through my backpack or fanny pack when I'm not wearing it)

Clothes pins - handy for attaching a wet swimsuit to a hanger when drying, keeping curtains closed - tons of uses.

Ziploc bags in various sizes - I use them constantly, and they take up no room in suitcase

Kleenex brand wet wipes (I even use them on my face when it's humid - they have a nice "feel" and don't make you feel sticky after using)

Moleskin and bodyglide or monistat anti-chaffing gel

Extra shoes and socks (carry extra socks with me - it's very refreshing to change socks mid-day when it's hot and sweaty out!).

As someone else suggested, a good-quality poncho (as well as a couple of cheap "disposable" ones). Even the official WDW ponchos have gotten flimsier over the years - I bought an Eddie Bauer brand poncho at Target a couple of years ago - less than $10, but made of a nice, sturdy material that stands away from the body when wet. Hate those thinner ponchos that get very "clingy" when wet - I have to keep peeling them away from my legs when walking.

Misty mate and mini-mister-fan.

Spray-on sunscreen (I like Neutrogena).

[kaismahma]

Right there with you on the Lysol spray. I start with the door handle to the room and spray down the room on a continuous basis. ESPECIALLY the toilet seats and tub area. It's my personal OCD and I ain't changin' it!! Wondering if they sell it in travel size or if it's available at the resorts for travelers that fly in?

Found trial size bottles at Target last weekend on clearance in the Health and Beauty Aid Department for $0.86.

[kaismahma]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the posts today. I had some extra care bucks (CVS money) to use up so I went looking for the bandaid blister blocer and the bandaid blister bandaids. Not only did I find them, but they were on sale for $2.88 each. :woohoo: I think the blocker at Target was close to $6.00 the other day when I checked. (I also got a raincheck for another blocker since they only had one. Hopefully they will get some more in before we leave.)
Thanks again.

[bzzybee13]

If you don't have a laptop get an extra memory card or two. If you fill up the one you have just pop it out and put in a new one. Just have a safe place for them so you don't lose your precious pictures!

I am right there with you. I would have to unload my memory at least once every couple of days or I'd run out of space. And for a 15 day vacation, I would need a lot of memory cards without bringing my computer.

[carps09]

Batteries and band-aids! One day while we were in MK, a young girl tripped and skinned her knee while we were at Tom Sawyer Island. I was able to give her parents some band-aids and they were really grateful - especially since the boat back to the "mainland" was taking exceptionally long that day. On our last trip to HS, a kind person in line in front of us heard us commenting that our camera batteries just died and he gave us some of his. So now I know to always carry batteries and band-aids!

[WishUponAStar]

A shower curtain and rod. You can put hang it between the bed and vanity part of your room for privacy when changing clothes.

[flamingglobessigmund]

Waterproof walking shoes

[tlcoke]

One thing I didn't see on anyone's list is a Power strip for all your electronic chargers. Rooms have limited outlets so this comes in handy.

[hellokitty9016]

1. Always bring an extra pair of shoes in case it rains and you do not have to walk around in wet shoes for the rest of the trip.
2. Kool-Aid packets to put in a refillable water bottle filled from water fountains! Cuts down on food cost.
3. Gum. They do not sell at Disney, ANYWHERE.
4. Ponchos. They are ugly, but they are dry. It's Florida, and rains a lot. Dollar Tree sells a 2 pack for $1. Don't buy at park!

Oct 2008 MNSSHP @ All-Star Sports

[lacrosse_lady72]

I didn't even think about grabbing a travel size - I always seem to find the economy jumbo sizes and go through an entire can at a time. But that's right you can't travel with it. Man I'm going to have to read the FAA regs before we go, because I never pay attention to that stuff.

Lacrosse_lady - you pack water only in a suitcase? Can you do that and fly?

That's my biggest issue is the water - we're going in August and hello we'll need a ton of water - if I can pack a case - SWEET!! I'm looking for bottle holders too.

I usually pack 2 gallons but I have to keep the rest of my stuff light in that suitcase. You can check anything you want essentailly... except the obvious like firearms and the like.

But they do have SmartWater now which is OK with me. Plus, everyone can use electrolytes in a hot park.

It's my biggest issue as well. I hate Dasani at home and it's even worse in Florida... I don't like the filtered tap water either, I can stand it if it's that or nothing though. I will NOT ever drink from a fountain. But if I can, I will even drink the glass bottle Evian before the regular water at TS meals.

But before SmartWater, it was hard. I had to go to Publix and pay a premium for Fiji water because it was the only water I could drink that they sold.

And if you're like me the water delivery is out of the question. I can't find a place that will deliver water that is a brand I like.

[smithmom]

I do my postcard addresses on labels and they are ready when I have to mail the cards:) I take a smaller piece of luggage as a carryon and that is what I put my souveniers in on the way home, and on the way down?? I put the special tee shirts, invitations, welcome letter, mousekeeping and tip envelopes in it and this time, I will put my bag that I will take to the parks. Don't forget extra camera batteries...I went thru several last year.

Dear Noahdove, You have captured my attention with the souveniers you bring for the way down.
Special tee shirts? Do you make your own, or buy them?

Invitations? I have an invitation company and I would love to know what you bring invitations down for... are yours for special surprises for people going down with you... I am very curious!!! : ) I LOVE LOVE LOVE being creative like that.

Welcome Letter? To whom?

Mousekeeping and Tip envelopes? Do you separate all of this before you go?
:love: I'm loving the ideas your post alone is giving me. Thank you!:goodvibes

[CanadianPaco]

I love this kind of post! I always pack extra zip loc bags - and of different sizes. They always seen to come in handy. I also buy my laundry soap here and the Dollar Store (2 for a $1) Cheaper than at the hotel.:laundy:

[minnie1012]

I just got back and I was very grateful to have brought (thanks to DISers):
--Moleskin/Molefoam - I got a really bad blister and used the molefoam for it. I also used the moleskin for ones that I thought might be forming.
--Bodyglide - I'd never tried it, but I liked it. DH even used it once or twice.
--BUBBLES!!! - This was wonderfully entertaining for the children when we were in some of the longer lines. If there was a cranky kid behind us, they perked right up at the sight of bubbles too. They are magic, I tell you.
--Pipe cleaners - We had some around the house, so at the recommendation of a fellow DISer, I brought some. At one meal, I was waiting at the table w/ the kids while DH was in a very long line. The kids were entering full meltdown mode. I gave my 4yo DD a few pipecleaners and she was so excited to be able to make structures/creations out of them. I think that 1yo DS was playing w/ the fan spritzer (see next)
--Fan spritzer (I bet you didn't see that coming) - we bought two of the small ones that can attach to your belt from Walmart (in the air conditioning section). They had foam blades, so I had no concern about the children using them. DS was entertained SO many times w/ that thing. DD loved to spray us when she got bored. Loved. Them.
--Glow bracelets/necklaces - I picked some up at the dollar store before we left and each night that we were out, I gave DD a new one. She loved it. Since it was 6 bracelets for a dollar, I offered them to other kids around us too.
--ID badges for the kids - My kids were very good about wearing them. I felt so much more at ease with them playing in fountains and being out of the strollers when they were wearing them. On the badge, which was laminated and hanging by a lanyard on each child, was the child's name and picture as well as both mine and my husband's names, pictures and cell phone numbers. I heard a few people comment that they were a great idea too.
--That shoe holder thing for toiletries - I got it and didn't know if I would really like it. I loved it. I think I will bring it to other places in the future if we will be staying for more than a few days.
--Plenty of shiny pennies and quarters for penny pressing machines. If you like those, make sure you bring a lot. DD and I both got about 2-3 at each park. I needed to get more quarters a couple of times. They are such a cheap, yet great, souvenir.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head.


I have a question about the bubbles. Do you bring those small wedding ones? They never seem like they close well do they leak?