Do U Do Laundry on Your Trip?

[Forever a Princess]

Hello,

We will be going back to DW in December (DH and I) for a 10 day/9 night trip. We will be splitting our time between two resorts.

We usually pack enough clothes and stuff for the whole trip.

I'm thinking that our suitcases would be a lot lighter if we did a load of laundry when we're down there.

However, I'm not really sure if I want to take valuable time from Disney time to do this.

Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance.

[epcotfan]

I always do laundry on my WDW trips. I like having clean clothes and don't want to overpack. I find that I go through more clothes at WDW because of the heat. If I'm at a park in the am and then go swimming I always change into a different outfit in the evening. It only takes an hour or two out of my day for doing laundry. I usually do it in the middle of my vacation.

[JOC]

We also go for 10+ days at a time, and I always do laundry...sometimes twice during the trip! I'll usually wake up early a morning or two and do it then, before going to the parks.

[karen1]

Just did laundry last week at GF for the 1st time ever!!!However , this was also our longest trip too.- 10 nights! I'm so glad I did!!! And I didn't let it interfere with the trip--when we can back to the room for pool and naps I did a load and also at night while the kids watched the fireworks I did some!

IT was great to come home with little laundry to do!!!

[Kteacher]

i usually do it during afternoon pool break time about halfway through the trip. Throw a few fabric softener sheets and a small container of detergent in your suitcase to save some $$$ . I think at most WDW resorts the washer and dryer are each 2.00 per load.

[grinningghost]

Yes, I always do. I like to get up very early and do mine, it's quite peaceful and there's generally no wait for the machines. Scary, but it's almost like "me time". Nobody else wants to do it, and I get a little time to read and smell the nice, clean laundry. It sure beats doing the laundry at home.:D

[LvsTnk]

I try not too, but I always end up doing at least one or two loads.

[soccer mom]

Only if I absolutely have to! Only once so far for six of us when we stayed 10 days. This year only four for 10 days so absolutely not! I don't care how much underwear I have to buy!

I don't want to see a washer/dryer or kitchen when I am on vacation! That would be too much like home and not enough like Fantasy Island! (for those of us who are old enough to remember that show!) LOL!

[sherry8253]

I never waste my time doing laundry while on vacation at Disney. Instead I take the dirty clothes to a laundry/dry cleaner in the strip mall where the Steak and Shake is near Disney. I drop them off late afternoon and they are all nicely laundered and neatly folded the next afternoon when I pick them up. And, they are very reasonably priced - about $20 for an entire weeks worth of clothing for my DH and me. We usually go in Dec so our laundry includes heavy jeans and sweatshirts. It is a wondeful thing - heck if they had a shop in my neighborhood I would be tempted to let them do my laundry every week because they do such a great job at a very reasonble price. So if you have a car, let someone else do the work for you while you are on vacation. :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[packy]

We do laundry on a 7 day trip, pack light then wash on the 3rd or fourth day. Usually not much, shorts, shirts and sox as we go in the warmer months. We usually, or at least one of us, takes a one morning break from the parks to do the laundry. Really a relief from the parks in a way and you come home with some clean clothes and without having to wash everthing in the house upon the return from your vacation.

[jaysue]

We do laundry 1x per trip - allows us to really reduce the packing

Thanks
jaysue

[KSgirl]

I have four kids. I do laundry EVERY day. Yes, I do laundry while on vacation at WDW....it saves a lot of packing! It can be a logistical feat to get through the airport with all 6 of us and luggage, so I minimize as much as possible. It was no big deal to do laundry during pool/nap time. Definitely bring your own fabric sheets and detergent (I've heard some people bring detergent tablets). It was so important to me to be able to do laundry on our next trip that we booked a room with a washer/dryer included, which should be extremely convenient!

[goofymom23]

I agree with Soccermom, I don't want to see a Washing machine/dryer/kitchen, I'm on vacation! I work in the real world I vacation in Fantasy Land and there is no laundry.

[hookedup]

Yep and I pack a pack of detergent tablets and a couple of fabric softner sheets in my suitcase too. Keeps it easy and cuts down on cost.

[Forever a Princess]

Soccer Mom-Yes I remember Fantasy Island!!!LOL:D

Sherry8253-If possible please give specific details on how to get to the place that you get your laundary done at.


I have another question. I am allergic to most soaps so will be bringing my own with me. Usually when I use "public" washing machines I take a wet paper towel and wipe out the drum of the wash machine. Usually does the trick.

With those of you with sensitive skin any other hints.

Thanks for all of your posts! I must say that it is an attractive option not to have a mountain of laundary to do when we get home.

Renee

[nanalisa]

I always pack enough for the time we are there but we always take home clothes that were never worn because I do laundry. Makes sense doesn't it? I really don't mind, especially at the moderates where the w&D is near the pool. They are usually clean and working properly. The detergent tablets are the best!

A couple of years ago we were staying at the Contemporary and I decided to do laundry on a rainy evening. Two women came in with their family's tennis shoes and threw them in the dryers. I could not believe me eyes! I certainly was not going to put my clean clothes in a dryer where their stinky, dirty shoes had been flopping around. I used different dryers but you just never know what was in there before you:confused:

[goofy4tink]

Yep, I plan on doing laundry next month. I figure it's going to be hot and humid, so we'll be changing at least once during the day. This way I only have to bring 6 changes for 8 nights. I'll do laundry early morning mid stay. And we always pack detergent and dryer sheets. Don't forget those quarters either!!

[poohlover]

Do laundry on vacation??? NEVER! With 6 kids I would be doing it everyday! They each carry their own suitcase ...we got the little ones a case with wheels.

Why waste time? I'm at DISNEY!

[packy]

The detergent tablets are the way to go. Small and clean and they can't open up and spill like a powder or liquid. Bring a few dryer sheets also.

[Pryncess'mom]

I usually end up doing laundry when on vacation. I do agree with soccermom and goofymom23, I would love not to see a washer/dryer, but realistically, we don't have enough of certain clothes to last longer than a week at the most. So I usually do my laundry late in the evening. We usually end up with a room close to a laundry facility (even though I don't ask:p ) so when we get back, no matter how late, I go and throw in a load or two, come back to the room, get DD in bed, then go back and put in dryer. Last year at POR the laundry was close to a quiet pool. I *thought* I might get some *quiet* time, but a quiet pool is anything but!!!:rolleyes:

Because we drove last summer I just packed my bottle of detergent in the van, but if you don't want to put your own detergent in little bottles or containers, you could go to a laundromat at home and purchase the little boxes for less than Disney charges!

Have fun, no matter what you decide!!

Deb:earsgirl:

[cindala]

No laundry for me on vacation!!! I'm trying to get away from that chore while I am away.

:sunny::bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :sunny:

[Augustheather97]

yup.......I do it too.usually 2 times ...once mid week while everyone is swimming and the night before we leave.....when everyone is sleeping....so I have no dirty clothes to bring home....I like the time ALONE.....I put the load in go for a nice walk around port orleans riverside and over to the french qtr...then stick it in the dryer and check out the gift shop one last time.........I love coming home without the dirty clothes pile plus I only have to pack half as much stuff and you get to wear your favorite outfits twice since they were cleaned....works out well for us.....do bring the dryer sheets and tablets though.....lots of times the machines are sold out I have found and bring LOTS of quarters......we store them in the mini m&M containers for the arcade and washers and it works well.....

[DrTomorrow]

Never have before, but after reading this thread and discussing with DW, I think we will (which means I will - I'm also Dr. Laundry at our house) when we're at the Polynesian this Oct. Seems like it could seriously reduce our packing - and wardrobe - needs if we do a load of whites and a load of darks halfway through. I think that I'll either do it during the afternoon break or really early one morning.

Question: Is it safe/reasonable/practical to start your load, then head out for the time it is washing/drying, as opposed to sitting there feeling the Wash Disney Magic?

[Janet2k]

Me do laundry on vacation? Are you kidding? I don't even do it at home. That's what husbands are for. ;) Click here for one of hubby's favorite WDW laundry rooms. (http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/bc/janettwokay/vwp?.dir=/Walt+Disney+World/Animal+Kingdom+Lodge/AKL+Miscellaneous&.src=ph&.dnm=Laundry+Facility.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/bc/janettwokay/lst%3f%26.dir=/Walt%2bDisney%2bWorld/Animal%2bKingdom%2bLodge/AKL%2bMiscellaneous%26.src=ph%26.view=t) My husband has done laundry in almost every resort we have stayed in (GF, BW, YC, AKL, CRB, etc.). Usually he does it while we are swimming: load the washer, swim a lap or two, unload the washer, load the dryer, swim a lap or two, unload the dryer, deposit laundered clothes in resort room, head back to the pool for a final lap or two. Disney makes everything so easy.

[HookdonWDW]

I do laundry at WDW. One of the benefits of DVC is having a washer and dryer in the room. I'll throw in a load on the way to the parks, and put it in the dryer when we get back. Definitely reduces the packing. I pack those Tide laundry tablets, and Snuggles fabric softener sheets.

[ducklite]

When staying in a 1 or 2 BR DVC (which is what we do for our longer trips) always. When staying in a non-DVC resorts (usually five days or less) pretty much never.

Anne

[Madi100]

We have done laundry both times. I hate doing laundry when I get home from a vacation. We usually pack enough to wear for the whole trip, but do laundry the night before we leave so we have mostly clean clothes when we return home.

[BillSears]

I can bring along a weeks worth of clothing but if the stay is longer then that I'll do laundry. One week from today I'll be in WDW for 11 nights. Sorry but I can't bring with me 12 hot summer days of clothes. So I'll be doing laundry mid trip.

[grinningghost]

For the person who asked if it's OK to leave your laundry to go for a walk or a swim or whatever, I don't see it as a problem. Just make sure you're back to take your clothes out of the washing machine and get them into the dryer promptly, so you don't tie up a machine for someone else that needs it.:D

[philaround]

Originally posted by DrTomorrow
Never have before, but after reading this thread and discussing with DW, I think we will (which means I will - I'm also Dr. Laundry at our house) when we're at the Polynesian this Oct. Seems like it could seriously reduce our packing - and wardrobe - needs if we do a load of whites and a load of darks halfway through. I think that I'll either do it during the afternoon break or really early one morning.

Question: Is it safe/reasonable/practical to start your load, then head out for the time it is washing/drying, as opposed to sitting there feeling the Wash Disney Magic?

Also Mr Laundry here.

DW and I were at the Poly for a week at the end of May then moved to ASMu for the first week of June. We did laundry once each week [we brought the detergent tablets with us and lots of quarters]. We started the washers and went back to our room at the Poly to sit on the balcony and sat by the quiet pool at ASmu. Went back later to put the clothes in the dryers and went out again while they dried.

Warning: The dryers look very large but do not be tempted to put more than 1 load in each, they will not get dry on 1 cycle.

[kimmar067]

...since there are 5 of us, there's just SO MUCH we can bring on our vaca. So, I invest in a GOOD book, carry along a roll of quarters, and usually the "non-park" day I do a few loads, hanging out by the pool to read. Then, I periodically check on the clothes....works out pretty well for us. Of course, It'd be the PERFECT vacation if I didn't...hmmm, wonder if the Tag Fairies do laundry??!?!!?

[tinkymom]

Do I do laundry on our trip? NO. Does Laundry get done on our trip? YES This is the only time DH ever does laundry - this is HIS JOB on vacation and he loves it! He takes the laundry down and then sits by the pool with a couple of beers and has a wonderful time! I think it works great!

[jeankeri]

This is our first trip to WDW and we will be staying at the Poly. How many washers/dryers are there in the laundry room? Is there a better/worse time to go? Are there certain hours it's open?? Need to know! My family makes LOTS of laundry!!

[sherry8253]

For those of you who asked for directions to laundry that I use at the strip mall where the Steak & Shake is - From Downtown Disney - Take Hotel Plaza Blvd to traffic light where there is an Unos Pizza and McDonalds. Turn left and go about 1 mile. On the right there is a strip mall with Steak & Shake, Eckards Drug store and a few other shops. The laundry is there. It sure does beat wasting time doing it yourself. Have a great trip.

[Snowysmom]

We do laundry on our trip. I look at it as a break. The guys help me carry the clothes to the laundry, I do the laundry, and read while it is washing and drying. Sometimes my older son will help fold the clothes and bring them back to the room. I use it as a time to relax.

[davandflav]

The services that will do the laundry for you sound great! Unfortunately we will not have a rental car on our upcoming trip. Does anyone know if any Disney resorts offer any type of laundry service like this? We will be staying @ ASMo and would pay almost any amt to not have to use up any of our Disney time on laundry. If there is a program like this, does anyone know how much it costs? Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

[Gabrielle]

I always do laundry - about 2x during a week's trip. I take it to the laundry room in the Disney cleaning bag and bring it back in a clean pillow case.

At the moderates, the laundry room is usually located next to the quiet pool so that's my time to swim and relax - the time goes by in a flash.

I've never had a problem leaving clothes for an hour or so in the laundry room.

[ceecee]

I do laundry midway thru vacation! I used to try to pack enough...nightmare 10 outfits for each of us! I pack a Tide tablet and dryer sheet and do one load while we swim.

[Alice28]

I did laundry on our last trips- it was 10 days and I just didn't want to #1 pack that much stuff and #2 go home with dirty clothes. I packed laundry tablets and softener sheets and did it while my kids were napping. No biggee. The only problem was that the freaking washing machines (& dryers) at the Contemporary were either broken or didn't work well! I think they had 6 washers and 3 were out of service, and 2 of the dryers were broken and the others took at least two cycles to dry our clothes! I finally gave up on the dryers and hung up our underpants and shorts all around the room one day while we were at the parks. I wasn't going to shell out another $4 ($2 a load) for a dryer that didn't work! :mad:

[~Sparkly~Zoe]

I have done it while at Disney, I just throw a load in go to the pool, then go back and switch loads and back tot he pool, then back to getting the finished laundry and then back to the room for the night or we go to DTD!

[philaround]

Originally posted by davandflav
The services that will do the laundry for you sound great! Unfortunately we will not have a rental car on our upcoming trip. Does anyone know if any Disney resorts offer any type of laundry service like this? We will be staying @ ASMo and would pay almost any amt to not have to use up any of our Disney time on laundry. If there is a program like this, does anyone know how much it costs? Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

The resorts do have laudry service. As to cost, are you willing to take out a home equity loan?
I would quess that 3days worth of laundry for 2 adults would set you back at least $80.

[dvc guy]

Another great reason to be a DVC member. We throw a few days worth of laundry in the machine when we get back to the room for the night. By the time we hit the bed it's done and in the dryer it goes.

Clean clothes, less packing, no hassle.
BTW Does anybody like to do laundry????

[CamColt]

The most laundry I have ever done on a trip was put my wet sneakers in the dryer...and even then it was DH who did it, LOL! I am very much against doing laundry on vacation.
However, we have our longest trip since our honeymoon coming up in December. And with 4 of us now, and needing some winter clothes, I have a feeling I may be forced to do some. But I sure will try not to. ;)

[Kitty 34]

When we go to Disney we stay 7 to 11 nights so yes, we have always done laundry somewhere in the middle of the trip. :D

[diskids2]

Well, the laundry is done at least once or maybe twice. Cuts down on packing etc. DH does it and that is like Fantasyland for me!

[Goofyish]

If I need anything cleaned while on vacation in WDW like shorts, Tshirts or underwear I just wear them to go swimming in - cleans them up a treat :)

[morrow4]

We just arrived home last night from AKL... I did laundry there while my DH took our 2 children out for a "midnight" swim. It only took a little over an hour. I'm glad I did it since I don't have mountains of dirty clothes this morning. The funny thing is that each child (ages 5 and 9) took a suitcase full of clothes and since I washed while there, they didn't use 1/3 of what we took.

[PartyOf5]

I do laundry at WDW and I enjoy it. Like others have said, it's a nice break and you pack less. We also bring the tablets and fabric sheets and I always bring extra to share with fellow guests. It's a great way to strike up a conversation with someone! And I love talking to fellow guests while doing laundry. It can be very interesting.

However, if there is nobody to talk to, I do other things to make the time pass such as swim. However, while staying at the Poly, I would bring my boys with me and play in the arcade in between loads. While at POR, I would put the clothes in the washer, walk over to the surrey bike rental station, rent a surrey, drive over to the laundry room, switch the clothes over, finish my surrey journey around POR and walk back to take the clothes out of the dryer.

I'm not one to leave dirty clothes around...it would be haunting me my entire vacation so I tend to get it out of the way.

[jeankeri]

PartyOf5- re:laundry at the Poly- are there any times there to avoid the laundry room?

[Danauk]

I'm staying in the BCV's next month :teeth: for 2 weeks and am coming from England. I don't plan to do laundry on the trip (it's an excuse for me to need to buy more clothes!!) but my husband usually likes to pack lighter and do a bit of laundry every few days. That suits me fine though as there is more room for my things in the case LOL!!!:p

[milmore104]

We always stayed in a 1-bedroom at OKW and they came with a washer so I never really thought much of it. While winding down for the night I would throw a load of clothes in. Well on our last trip we stayed 16 nights at AKL and with a 2yo you HAVE to do laundry. So DH took DD out and I headed down to wash our clothes. By I will really rethink it next time. Not only did it take me half a day, we could have went to Boma's for dinner for what it cost! I think next time I will only do one wash of essentials!

[PartyOf5]

Originally posted by jeankeri
PartyOf5- re:laundry at the Poly- are there any times there to avoid the laundry room?

The Poly has about 10-15 washers and dryers (each). It's never been crowded when I've been there. I tend to go early morning, after lunch or evening (around 7 or 8). There is also a sitting area with a TV for your viewing pleasure.

[jeankeri]

Thanks for the info PartfOf5! Do you remember- is the laundry room open certain hours?

[GailT]

Never have down laundry on any vacation let alone Disney. I take enough clothes so I can have an outfit each day (after sweating like apig each day you need that). My suitcases are heavy but I rather that being apain then going down to do laundry on vacation. :D

[PartyOf5]

Originally posted by jeankeri
Thanks for the info PartfOf5! Do you remember- is the laundry room open certain hours?

I can't be 100% but I think the laundry room is always open...you just need to use your room card to access after hours (I think between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.).

Can anyone verify this?

[kimmar067]

...does anyone know if there are laundry facilities available at Ft w?

[KSgirl]

kimmar067~

Yes, there are laundry facilities at Ft. Wilderness. They are located near the pool. I think the cost was $2 per wash or dry.

[shelanaoaktree]

Yes, FW has laundry facilities.

It is $2.00 per washer and 25 centers per 15 minutes of drying time. When I did laundry there a week ago, I found that the dryers worked really well and I didn't need more than 1/2 hour drying time.

[kimmar067]

...guys!