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

[glassslippergirl]

I know it is not exactly "green," but we carry regular McDonalds straws when we go to Animal Kingdom. The paper straws-- only kind available in AK-- are impossible to drink through. Don't worry. We are very careful with the plastic straws and always dispose of them properly so they do not harm the animals.

[maxiesmom]

Originally Posted by glassslippergirl

I know it is not exactly "green," but we carry regular McDonalds straws when we go to Animal Kingdom. The paper straws-- only kind available in AK-- are impossible to drink through. Don't worry. We are very careful with the plastic straws and always dispose of them properly so they do not harm the animals.

I think that is a horrible "tip". While your family may be very careful, there are others who would not be. Why encourage them to do what you do, when it can cause a huge problems for the animals at Animal Kingdom?

To me, that is like saying you sneak glass jars into the parks. It can cause injury to others, and shouldn't be done. Honestly, if you can't follow the rules of the park, you shouldn't go. I don't think it would be so hard for your family to either use the straws provided or to just not use a straw.

[blessedmom4]

Clothes Pins~ They are wonderful to hold curtains closed in hotel rooms and have come in handy on many occasions for unexpected reasons (such as hanging wet clothes, keeping an open bag of chips, etc. closed).

A three pronged power adapter (has three outlets) which expands a normal outlet to four places to plug things and is not as heavy as a surge protector.

A nightlight, hotel rooms can be dark (I actually carry several).

Air Freshener

Crazy Glue~ fixes everything.

Safety Pins, Emory boards, elastic hair bands (works as rubber bands as well). UNO cards, Ziploc bags in assorted sizes.

These are just a few of the things I always keep packed in my overnight bag.

I also pack a bag of medicine with Tylenol, ibuprofen, beano, acid reducer, cold meds, polysporin, Band-Aids, etc, prescription meds. Medical notebook with list of doctors/pharmacies (actually has their business cards with all of thier info), medication names, dosages; important dates (surgeries, procedures), etc., extra insurance cards.

[BealsRwe]

Purex all-in-one sheets are great! We also bring Dawn dish detergent pads...we like to wash our reuseable mugs every day, and the Dawn dish detergent pads have dish soap, but are lightweight and not messy.

[Naisy68]

Originally Posted by musclemouse

These are all awesome ideas!

Mine is a collapsable cloth box from the dollar store. I put it on the table closest to the door for any little items that don't have their own place. I toss the door keys, change, etc... I also use them by the sink and beds.

GREAT idea!! Always have clutter on the table and this would at least make my clutter look a little better.

[grafxgirl]

Night lights so we can see where we are walking at night.
Zip-lock storage bags for things like snacks or wet items.
Band-aids because someone in the family always needs one for one reason or another.

[ILoveMyGirls]

great thread. i've copied and pasted several things including the men's gold bond for man rashes lol

[TaraCavin]

Although I am a super light packer, I love the thought of home smelling like well home.

[ILoveMyGirls]

so far, as a result of this thread, i've bought the following for our upcoming trip.

-Shout Wipes
-Speedo swim towels, one for each of us.
-Purex Complete 3 in 1, Pure and Clean (laundry)
-Purex Complete 3 in 1 Refill, Pure and Clean
-Bodyglide Chafing Stick (to help with blisters)
-Dr. Scholl's Blister Defense Anti-Friction Stick (to help with blisters)
-Downy Wrinkle Releaser, Travel Size Light Fresh Scent
-Nexcare Active Waterproof Blister Pads

Will also take items I had not thought of:

-Ziplock bags
-Plastic soda cup tops to hold ice creme drips for the mickey ice creams. not going to steal them, will wash the ones we get now and between when we go on the trip.
-Piece of a plastic tablecloth for my kiddos to sit on during the parade
-Big bow to put on my ECV so I can find it easily if it gets moved.
-Light sticks for my kiddos.

Thanks all.

[ILoveMyGirls]

you should not do things to break rules and potentially harm these animals just out of convenience for yourself.

Originally Posted by glassslippergirl

I know it is not exactly "green," but we carry regular McDonalds straws when we go to Animal Kingdom. The paper straws-- only kind available in AK-- are impossible to drink through. Don't worry. We are very careful with the plastic straws and always dispose of them properly so they do not harm the animals.

[CityGirlLost]

Seriously, there is nothing wrong with the paper straws.

I print a sheet of small labels that say "If lost, please call ..." with my cell number. I stick one on the back of each of my kids' shirts in the morning before we leave.

I stick them on our cameras and backpacks and water bottles.

Essentially, everything.

[ILoveMyGirls]

that's a good idea about the labels. have you lost anything and had it returned?

Originally Posted by CityGirlLost

Seriously, there is nothing wrong with the paper straws.

I print a sheet of small labels that say "If lost, please call ..." with my cell number. I stick one on the back of each of my kids' shirts in the morning before we leave.

I stick them on our cameras and backpacks and water bottles.

Essentially, everything.

[cuches]

Got this idea from another thread but I am using it for our trip this October! I am a BIG water drinker, especially at night....always have water on my nightstand and by morning it is always empty, I must drink all night long in my sleep. I used to send DH every night to the vending machine for my water fix (too much $$$) I thought about having a case of water shipped to our room but never did it because it would also be kind of pricey. This other DISer said she brings the same small Britta water filter pitcher every trip for her water fix. She puts t-shirts inside it to save room in the luggage. STEALING this idea makes me smile

Tina

[cuches]

Paper straws don't bother us and I don't like the idea of bending this rule because the animals are at risk of being hurt. I even go as far as cutting up the plastic soda can holders as to not harm some innocent animal from getting its head stuck in it (saw this happen once and left me stunned)

Not really sure if you were encouraging the use of the plastic straws at AK but you can get slammed by the moderators of these groups for suggesting breaking the rules at WDW.

Tina

[ChelleMouse]

-Swimmers Ear drops
-Garlic Mullein drops in case anyone's ears start hurting - perfect way to keep an ear infection away
- Boiron Arnicare Cream - works like a dream for pain - including sunburn
- Boiron Bitecare Gel - stops itching from bug bites
- Vitamin C and/or magnesium for those who tend to get constipated when away from home
- Capsules of Olive leaf extract should anyone catch a bug/virus
- Digestive enzymes to help digest eating way too much

Love the ideas I picked up in this thread! Thanks!!