10 days left

[mamaloya]

OK, there is 10 days left until we leave. I as in an accident last month and was expecting to have my van fixed in time, but upon closer inspection, it was deemed totalled. The insurance company is being a bear about paying a fair amount for it. It wasn't my fault, so I am a little ticked. I cannot find another Safari or Astro van, which I adored for the size and tow capacity. They are really hard to come by. Took me 3 months to find the one I had. I did find a Toyota Sienna. It only seats 7 instead of 8 and there is no way I will be towing with it. Luckily I only have to deal with it for 3 years until I have my master's and can buy a new one. I pick up my "new" van tomorrow.

I bought a bag for the luggage rack so that I can put our camping gear up there. I have not owned a minivan in years. I will be laying out the back in the living room and arranging the gear in it to make sure it all fits before I put it on top of the van. I don't want any surprises. I am hoping most of the stuff fits in it because cargo space is at a premium inside and I want the coolers and food inside. I may take my son's advice and just buy the food when we get there.

I have bought all of our clothes and swimsuits for the trip. This will be the first time that we are not matching. I hope I don't lose anyone. Now to start putting the daily outfits into ziploc bags and then into the bin. Also to get our camping gear from the attic. I have not had time to camp dry the tent this season, so hope to do it as soon as we set it up. I hope 8 hours is enough to dry before we sleep in it. I hope 15 cubic feet in the luggage rack bag is enough to fit everything. I have 1 large tent, 1 dome tent, screen room, air mattresses, kitchen bin, camp stove, misc gear bin, sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, clothes bin, and a fan. 3 coolers in the van. I am so nervous.

Anyone have any tips on packing a minivan or cartop carrier bag? There will be 6 of us in the van. Me, ds19, dd14, ds10, dd9, and dd7.

 

[liv luvs disney]

I've been missing you!

I don't have any advice as we are going on our first tent camping trip this weekend. (Technically, it's not our first trip, but it is our first trip in a long time!) Sorry about your accident, but I'm glad you're getting something decent to replace what you had. I know you guys are going to have a ball and with the size family you have, I know you know how to be resourceful.

Don't forget a trip report as soon as you walk back in the door.

 

[owensmama2007]

Sorry about your accident! I do hope the new van works out for you.

We've got about 12 days before we leave for the Fort so maybe I'll see you there! I'll have my green Mickey ears out!

 

[mamaloya]

Olivia, I missed being around here. Just so busy with finals and the car accident and my daughter and baseball/softball season. It was just nuts. I was beginning to think this trip was not going to happen. I tented a little last season, but have not tented at Disney or for a long period in 6 years.

Dang, I forgot about the lime green mickey ears. Oh ROG!!! Where are you? I need one. Pretty pretty please with a cherry on the top!!!

 

[MommylovesMickey]

i don't have any advice, but I just want to say 12 days till we arrive at the Fort..... so excited... lol

 

[OK GRUMPY]

Can't help you with the packing. But I'm so happy you are making this trip! Glad no one was hurt and I hope your new van works out good.!
What a stress breaker!

 

[sdsmom]

No real advice, but be sure to take a test run with your cargo bag before you head down the road. We got one for our cross country move - loaded it up and hubby took it for a test spin down the road...and the cargo bag blew off! The straps were still attached, we just overpacked it Thankfully hubby chose a quiet, country road for the test so no one got hurt.

I know what you mean about the lack of cargo space in the van. We crammed the 3 kids in the back seat and took out the middle captain's chairs and we were still all crowded into the van. Good luck getting it all to fit and have a great time at the Fort!

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Sorry to hear about your accident. Did I ever mention that I hate insurance companies? But, that's another story.

I wanted to comment on the suggestion made by your son. The one about buying your food when you get there. Since space is at a premium, and since you will have your van when you get there, I think your son's suggestion is an excellent one.

There is a great Winn Dixie grocery store which is just 5 miles from the Fort entrance. And, you don't even have to travel on any major roads to get there. It will take you ten minutes or less to get there. If you have another adult (i.e. your 19 year old son), you can send him or her with the grocery list. Heck, you could even go or send someone a couple of times on your trip, and buy food as you need it. That could save you the trouble of having to keep perishables cold- just buy the food and cook it up. You could probably leave two of your coolers at home.

Let me know if you would like specific directions to that store.

TCD