What is your not so normal item to pack, which is helpful while at WDW ?

[heartpooh]

We always pack a garbage bag (or two) to keep our dirty laundry in. It helps keep the luggage from smelling and it is really easy to separate the clothes and throw them in the washer when we get home. I just stuff the bag in the luggage the day we leave and it doesn't take up any more room. It also keeps clean and dirty clothes separated!!

We always bring a portable fan as well. I can't sleep without white noise and this seems to help.

I also bring a small collapsible tray to keep pocket stuff in at the end of the day so we know where we put everything in our pockets.

We go around Christmas time every year and the weather is unpredictable. One year we were in shorts and the next we had to buy hoodies and gloves in the parks. Now that I have learned my lesson I will pack my own jackets and gloves just in case. We also bring a blanket that zips into a bag since I am in a ECV and can get quite cold. I will put the blanket over my legs and stay warm that way!!!

I also bring a power strip because there are never enough outlets!!!

Just a few tips that I have used!!!

 

[Chicago Mo]

the bounce dryer sheets help with the dirty launrdy in suitcases.. I use them fro MANY things..

 

[smidgy]

I always bring:

-a new candle (for fragrance and atmosphere)

not a good idea.. a fire hazard, which will affect many other people if a fire starts.

hate to be a debby-downer, but it's true.

 

[Jiminygirl]

You can get those "flickering light" battery candles that even have a scent at most discount stores (our local Christmas Tree Shops have them). Ambience and safety!

 

[BradleyB]

We are definetly pro back-pack leash. Different children need different things. DS11 never needed one, he would always stay by my side no matter what (still does), DS4 is a wild man and will bolt at the first opportunity. DS2 has non-verbal autism and does not respond to his name when called-talk about scary! To be honest, I double-dog-dare anyone to give us snide looks/rude comments for protecting our children. People need to mind their own business.

Wow-didn't mean for that to be grumpy-it just came out!

Our oldest is autistic and was electively mute til 6. He also bolted. A leash was a must. The middle one needed it only occasionally, the little one - never. He wanted to be held, lol! A good parent keeps their child safe. As others said, ignore the looks. They might be thinking "Doh! Why didn't we think of that?" as they are jerking their kid along by the arm and muttering threats under their breath.

 

[candielips]

Our oldest is autistic and was electively mute til 6. He also bolted. A leash was a must. The middle one needed it only occasionally, the little one - never. He wanted to be held, lol! A good parent keeps their child safe. As others said, ignore the looks. They might be thinking "Doh! Why didn't we think of that?" as they are jerking their kid along by the arm and muttering threats under their breath.

Good for you for keeping your children safe!
I always laugh when people give dirty looks over this. Like, omg look at that parent keeping their children safe. :rolleyes

 

[candielips]

- Probably the most unconventional item we pack is a convertible hand truck. We drive down in our van and generally stay DVC and basically move in. Once we get to our resort or when we are leaving I don't like to wait on a luggage cart to become available and these things are perfect. I use the type that fold down.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Harper-Trucks-44-x-17-Nylon-Convertible-Hand-Truck/13095396

I have to admit, this is THE strangest thing I have ever heard of someone bringing.

Not criticizing

 

[sweetmonkey]

Lots of great suggestions! We also take things like duct tape, but I usually wrap them around a straw and take a much smaller amount. A surprising number of feet will fit around a straw in a tight, and then I just trim the excess straw. I carry masking/gaffer's tape, duct tape, and electrical tape this way. I have never needed more than that and a whole roll takes up a LOT of space.

I also take bobby pins and clothes pins, safety pins, etc. I cannot think of anything that has not been mentioned. Great thread! Keep them coming!

 

[Chicago Mo]

Lots of great suggestions! We also take things like duct tape, but I usually wrap them around a straw and take a much smaller amount. A surprising number of feet will fit around a straw in a tight, and then I just trim the excess straw. I carry masking/gaffer's tape, duct tape, and electrical tape this way. I have never needed more than that and a whole roll takes up a LOT of space.

I also take bobby pins and clothes pins, safety pins, etc. I cannot think of anything that has not been mentioned. Great thread! Keep them coming!

Duck tape on a straw???

 

[sweetmonkey]

Duck tape on a straw???

LOL, yes! Wrapping it around a straw saves all that room in the middle of the roll and I put three kids of tape around one straw and cut them apart. Yes you have to be slightly OCD to get it all on straight but I am a big proponent of packing light. A whole roll of duct tape is WAY too much for most of the repairs I would be making. And I pack one of these kits in ever bag. You can also wrap it around a credit card or something flat. I prefer a straw.

 

[DisneyFan907]

LOL, yes! Wrapping it around a straw saves all that room in the middle of the roll and I put three kids of tape around one straw and cut them apart. Yes you have to be slightly OCD to get it all on straight but I am a big proponent of packing light. A whole roll of duct tape is WAY too much for most of the repairs I would be making. And I pack one of these kits in ever bag. You can also wrap it around a credit card or something flat. I prefer a straw.

Wow, you are so smart. I am doing this for our cruise, saves weight and space!

 

[AuroraRora]

+1 for the Crystal Lite single serve packets! I toss a few in my bag before I head out each day, and no more $2.50 per drink for me! Plus I feel so much better in the heat when I'm drinking water instead of soda the entire time.

 

[simonsayz]

I FINALLY CAUGHT UP TO THE THREAD!

thanks for all the great tips. lots of repeats though lol

I am going in just 11 days!

 

[mommycal]

what stores do you buy/find the body glide? TIA!

 

[RedHeadedFairy]

Question: Someone way back in the thread mentioned glow lights as opposed to glow sticks. Basically permanent glow stick bracelets. I cant find these anywhere in HK or on the web. My Google-fu has failed me (as has Amazon). Anyone know if glow light is the correct term for these? As I keep getting glow sticks instead.

Thanks in advance.

We found them at Walmart in the camping section.

 

[RedHeadedFairy]

Those mini-sponges are the cat's meow!! They worked amazingly when we visited in Oct.

Not sure if this counts as a tip but we found it beneficial to not just bring pennies/quarters for the pressed penny machines, but to actually take the time to go through the pennies & take only the shiniest & cleanest. The finished product looks so much nicer than when you use a grungy penny!

 

[HappyGal]

Those mini-sponges are the cat's meow!! They worked amazingly when we visited in Oct.

Not sure if this counts as a tip but we found it beneficial to not just bring pennies/quarters for the pressed penny machines, but to actually take the time to go through the pennies & take only the shiniest & cleanest. The finished product looks so much nicer than when you use a grungy penny!

Some say pre-1981 pennies are best for pressing, but we also soak them in vinegar overnight and really shine them up!

 

[AuroraRora]

Some say pre-1981 pennies are best for pressing, but we also soak them in vinegar overnight and really shine them up!

If you're already at Disney (without vinegar) and in a hurry to get them shiny, Sprite does the same thing!

 

[The Fox Menagerie]

what stores do you buy/find the body glide? TIA!

I found Bodyglide at drugstore.com.

 

[HappyGal]

We stay at Pop Century where there is very little counter space or closet space for that matter. I bring a cheapie toothbrush holder or ceramic mug for all our toothbrushes, keeps them organized and out of the mess.