1st time villa stay...what do I bring?

[laurabelle]

We're staying at the Vistana Resort next month and I'm starting to think about what I need to bring with me, as far as groceries, light cleaning supplies(thinking Lysol and febreeze are a good idea!) ect. We're driving and have lots of room in the van, so I want to bring as much from home as I can, then buy perishables there. Just wondering what others bring, in case I hadn't thought of it...

[soupy11]

Hi,
We stayed at a villa in February and did not plan it at all. In hindsight it would have been good to have brought some dish/laundry/dishwasher soap etc. The place had everything else as far as I remember. Fabreeze is a good idea, as are some scented candles. Have a good time.

[Doesney]

Originally posted by soupy11
Fabreeze is a good idea, as are some scented candles. .


Fabreeze is fine, but I'm pretty sure candles are a no-no. Too easy for a fire to start. We bring lysol wipes, and laundry detergent, and plastic baggies in different sizes.

[Melynny]

I always pack night lights, and bathroom air freshener spray.

[disneysteve]

We bring:
nite lights, dishwasher and liquid dish soap, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags.

As for food, we pack breakfast cereal, pop-tarts, granola bars, cookies, soda, bread, peanut butter and jelly, and whatever else we throw in. Then we buy the perishables when we get there. We do have a thermoelectric cooler that we take so we keep some stuff cold in the van too.

[laurabelle]

Thanks everyone, I've definitely added a few things to my list! :wave:

[Bella the Ball 360]

Do not bring anything. Go to Wal Mart and pick up a few things including some food and snacks. Wal Mart stocks small sizes of everything so you do not have to lug anything home with you when you go.

[Bella the Ball 360]

Do not bring anything. Go to Wal Mart and pick up a few things including some food and snacks. Wal Mart stocks small sizes of everything so you do not have to lug anything home with you when you go.

[Bella the Ball 360]

Do not bring anything. Go to Wal Mart and pick up a few things including some food and snacks. Wal Mart stocks small sizes of everything so you do not have to lug anything home with you when you go.

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by Bella the Ball 360
Do not bring anything. Go to Wal Mart and pick up a few things including some food and snacks. Wal Mart stocks small sizes of everything so you do not have to lug anything home with you when you go.

This obviously works, but isn't the budget way to go. Its cheaper to bring everything from home where you aren't paying resort prices. Since we drive down, space isn't an issue.

[maximom]

Originally posted by disneysteve
This obviously works, but isn't the budget way to go. Its cheaper to bring everything from home where you aren't paying resort prices. Since we drive down, space isn't an issue.

This is a crazy question but are the prices at Wal-mart in the Orlando area that bad? I would think Wal-Mart prices are pretty close to the same everywhere but maybe I'm wrong.

I was planning on picking up my items when we arrive too since we are flying in on a twin engine and need to conserve weight. Should I re-think my budget?

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by maximom
This is a crazy question but are the prices at Wal-mart in the Orlando area that bad? I would think Wal-Mart prices are pretty close to the same everywhere but maybe I'm wrong.

I was planning on picking up my items when we arrive too since we are flying in on a twin engine and need to conserve weight. Should I re-think my budget?

Prices are about the same if you are comparing identical items, but that's not the case. For example, at home I can buy an 10 pack of paper towels and bring down one roll. If I wait until I get to Orlando and buy a single roll, I will pay more for that roll than the unit cost in the multipack. At home, I can buy a 100-pack box of trash bags and shove 2 or 3 in my suitcase. If I shop there, I'll end up buying a 10 pack and pay more per bag. You get the idea.

In your case, of course, shopping on arrival probably makes more sense. In our case, we drive down with our minivan and it is no problem to pack the stuff we need rather than spending more to buy single-use or travel-size versions of everything when we arrive.

[laurabelle]

Originally posted by disneysteve
Prices are about the same if you are comparing identical items, but that's not the case. For example, at home I can buy an 10 pack of paper towels and bring down one roll. If I wait until I get to Orlando and buy a single roll, I will pay more for that roll than the unit cost in the multipack. At home, I can buy a 100-pack box of trash bags and shove 2 or 3 in my suitcase. If I shop there, I'll end up buying a 10 pack and pay more per bag. You get the idea.

In your case, of course, shopping on arrival probably makes more sense. In our case, we drive down with our minivan and it is no problem to pack the stuff we need rather than spending more to buy single-use or travel-size versions of everything when we arrive.

Steve,
This is my thinking too. Like I said, we'll have plenty of room in the van and it makes more sense for us to bring the things we'll have on hand anyway from home, then buy only the perishables we'll need there.

[bearzabout]

I'd bring your own laundry detergent and stain remover. I think night lights are great. Buy the ones that are non-breakable and do not use light bulbs.

We are spoiled by fancy bedding at home so I bring a down comforter and down pillows with nice sheets and cases. No more scratchy sheets and dirty polyester blankets for me.

I bring a few empty tupperware containers for leftovers. They are great at keeping desserts brought back to the room fresh.

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by bearzabout
I bring a few empty tupperware containers for leftovers. They are great at keeping desserts brought back to the room fresh.

Yes, I forgot about containers. Definitely bring a few. And if you need any Tupperware, PM me as my wife is a Tupperware consultant.;)

[CrazySun27]

lauriebell

I'm staying at the Vistana Resort, please email some pics of the resort when you get back. I'd love to hear some reviews about the place. Can't wait.

Thx!!

Enjoy your trip........

[CrazySun27]

I apologize got the name wrong... forgive me Laurabelle

[laurabelle]

CrazySun27 - I'm really looking forward to staying there too! We'll have our brand new digital camera next trip, so hopefully we'll get lots of good pics to post.

:wave:

[luvdisney14]

You are not provided with toilet paper or soap?

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by luvdisney14
You are not provided with toilet paper or soap?

There is usually a starter supply of toilet paper and may or may not be more in the closet. We always bring a roll or two. Same for paper towels.

I don't recall soap being provided but we always bring our own so its hard to say.

The best rule of thumb is to contact the owner before you go. Most owners will be happy to send you a list of what is and isn't provided in their unit. Remember, you are staying in a private residence, not a hotel. Each one is furnished and equipped differently.

[luvdisney14]

If we do a time share presentation then who do I call to get that information? Is there some other way to rent directly from an owner?

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by luvdisney14
If we do a time share presentation then who do I call to get that information? Is there some other way to rent directly from an owner?

If you are attending a timeshare deal, the villa should be fully equipped with all you need. My comments only refer to private rentals.

And yes, there are lots of ways to rent these types of accomodations either direct from the owner or through a management company, realtor or travel agent. Check out sites like http://www.vrbo.com and you can find rentals all through the Disney area. Also, http://www.skyauction.com can get you some great deals. We are staying at Orbit One Villas in October for $261 for the week through SkyAuction.

[mmapwright]

Space is no issue for us at all in our conversion van. So we started taking a big cooler. In it we put frozen meats, a nearly full gallon of frozen milk, a nearly full gallon of frozen water, butter, and some frozen veggies. Then I pack ice cubes around everything. We make the 16 hour trip straight through and I have never had a melting problem. I also take a decent size rubbermade container full of our dry goods, (pasta, cereal, sauce, salt and pepper, ketchup, mustard, mayo, dry soups, canned goods). The last trip we made a few weeks ago I did not have to go to the grocery store at all. On the way home we use the cooler and container for storage.

[Cyndiu]

I like to bring a pop up hamper. I usually do a load a laundry each night, but hate having a pile of dirty clothes on the floor & I bring a folding wooden drying rack, which I put out on the patio and use for towels after the pool. (we usually bring our own beach towels rather than using the ones the resort supplies, just personal preference, I guess). Also, did anyone mention bubble bath? That's big fun in the jacuzzi; just don't use too much!

[2Disneybuggs]

I prepare a few months before! I bring laundry detergent, cereals, snack foods, Lysol cleaner for the tubs. If my store is having a sale on muffins and bread, I will bring them from home too. Usually the only things I need at the grocery store there are perishables. The Marriott provides dishwashing soap, both liquid and for the dishwaher. I like to bring Softsoap. We also bring bottled water from home and buy a couple of gallons there. I also buy paper napkins, plates and cups.

We drive in our minivan so I like to travel well stocked! It does save money and that means more fun in Disney. Have fun shopping and in Disney!

[Mom of Sleepy, Bashful and BabyDoc]

Do the villas usually have a non stick pan?? I need a non stick for the eggs. :D

And since I'm on the subject of cookware..........have you guys found those items well stocked at the places you have stayed?? See sig. for the places we're staying.

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by Mom of Sleepy, Bashful and BabyDoc
Do the villas usually have a non stick pan?? I need a non stick for the eggs. :D

And since I'm on the subject of cookware..........have you guys found those items well stocked at the places you have stayed?? See sig. for the places we're staying.

I haven't stayed where you are staying, but all the places we've rented have had non-stick cookware of varying quality. Rental units have always been nicely stocked with kitchen equipment.

[2Disneybuggs]

Our villa was nicely stocked but no non stick pans. DH did make eggs in a regular pan and they were good.

[disneycrazzzy]

Don't forget the box(es) of kleenex. For those of us with allergies, the cheap kleenex provided is too scratchy for our delicate noses.

We also bring VHS tapes or DVDs if a player is available. Music CDs too.

If space wasn't an issue, I'd bring my favorite pot. So many of the pots and pans provided are cheap and scald easily. I like my stainless steel pan with the thick bottom.

I've never had the luxury of driving since we are in the Pacific NW, but I would love it if we could.

Have a great time!

[luvdisney14]

How many towels are provided and are fresh one brougth in daily?:confused: