A few tips I will definitely use again...

[TKERBELL]

I pack 4 or 5 bandanas. They are great for wiping sweat off or tying to a stroller for ID or tying your hair back if it's long (like mine) or using it as a cover-up for your head (or little ones heads)when the the sun is beating down - there are a barrage of things that they are useful for and they wash and dry quick in the sink of the hotel with hand soap and they are really inexpensive you can get a 3-pack for a couple of dollars. I like to use it as a head wrap at the pool or at the water parks - it won't get ruined if it gets wet and stays on your head even going down the water slides.....my kids love them because they come on all kinds of funky designs and colors and my 4 year old will wear it as opposed to a hat to cover up his head.....

I am loving all these great ideas - keep 'em coming!!!

 

[agnes!]

Take the bulb-less, flat-panel night lights. Hard to describe, but I know GE makes a version. They're great because you don't have the glare, they don't take up very much space & there aren't any bulbs to break/replace.

agnes!

 

[themeparkcomando]

The bandanas are a great idea. My kids and I each wear neon colored ones to the parks. It makes it really easy to spot each other in a crowds.

 

[mamacatnv]

Cargo style shorts and capris worked out well. DS carried the autograph books and the pen in his. DH had extra film in his pockets and I carried the park maps, the Crystal Light packets and the lip goo in mine.

MamaCatNV

 

[bozley0621]

Great tip about the Gatorade mix pouches. Will definitely pick those up before our trip this Sunday.

Last year having each of my sister's six-year-old quadruplets have their own fanny pack was wonderful. We are avid penny pressers and so them being able to have all their own items at their disposal (M&Ms mini tube with coins, autograph book, etc.) saved so much time. (Tip for penny pressers: Use pre-1982 pennies as they are 97% copper and press 'nicer' than the 1982+ pennies. Also, leave the dated side of the penny dirty/tarnished and (for most machines) insert the penny into the slot with the date side facing outwards. After the penny is pressed the design will be on one side and you will still be able to see the Lincoln head and date on the other side (you can shine up the design side with a rubber eraser or small touch of copper cleaner). We sorted out a lot of 1971 pennies to use for our trip to WDW last year and our upcoming trip as that is the date that WDW opened).

It's also good to also put i.d. in their fanny packs with parents' cell phone numbers, allergies, etc. Gave my sister and I peace of mind, as well as the kids, knowing that if they got separated from us (which never happened, thank goodness) all they had to do was approach a cast member and show them their i.d. card.

Another tip for a laundry bag are those giant Ziploc bags that are now being sold (I think they are five gallon?). They also come in handy for wet clothes, etc.

QUARDRUPLETS!!! Bless your sister's heart!

Mini M & M tubes...YAY, a reason to start eating more M & M's

 

[Anna and Trino]

What all were you able to fit in them. Did it fit your autograph book and water?

 

[LisaG]

Subscribing to these great tips! I have always packed in ziplocs, but I love the shoe organizer idea!

 

[sandiegosusie]

What all were you able to fit in them. Did it fit your autograph book and water?

I fit snacks, first aid kit, purell on the outside zipper, tissue, money and i.d., and chapstick. I pinned a guest of honor badge on the front and it looks really cute!

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Target carries a travel size Oust room spray that we take along to freshen up the room or to keep handy in case it is needed in the bathroom. These are usually at the checkout but I saw some today back by the luggage on clearance for .87!

 

[spoiledbrats3]

I have some wrinkle release spray. It works soooooo good. Downey makes some, but there are other brands too. Two squirts and a good shake and you are good to go!!

 

[byoung]

Good tips thanks.

 

[TENIA66]

Any more tips dis buddies?

 

[fivefordisney]

We had the best fanny packs for our kids. My FIL bought them a couple of years ago when DDs were going to sailing school. I found a link :

http://store.summitcampinggear.com/coforkideh2o.html

They are really roomy and have a place for a water bottle. It comes with a water bottle that you can refill, but a regular Aquafina/Poland Spring-type bottle works too.

BTW, I love the tip about taking the clothes to the laundry room in the rolling suitcases. We used the pop-up hampers from the Dollar Tree (which I recommend as they keep the room neat) but they weren't great to carry! I will definitely do that next time!

 

[razamataz]

Leaving to go on Saturday. I caught this post at a great time....

These are some great ideas.

Thanks

 

[Brise Nannie]

I was trying to think of a way to have all my DH's clothes ready so he wouldn't have to worry about not matching

"Hunny, does this match?" or me saying "Your not waering that??"

I'm laughing so hard I can't see for the tears! It's nice to know I'm not the only one giving DH that look and telling him to "go back and change."

 

[ThreeAngels]

OMG, what a wonderful thread! I've written down so many of your wonderful ideas to use on our trip next month. Thanks everyone for sharing your very useful tips! Keep 'em coming!

 

[AdventureGuru]

very cool! thanks

 

[time4disney*]

I agree, this is a great thread! I used a shoe organizer for my cruise 2 yeas ago (bathroom very small), but now it is hanging on the door in my laundry room with all my cleaning supplies. It is so convenient to just grab what I need without digging in a cupboad or moving things around on a shelf to get to what I need!
I'm leaving in 5 days for WDW and am definately getting some of these great items for my trip! Thanks so much!

 

[Brooknwdw]

Great tips!

I have bought many of the things suggested for our upcoming trip.


One more tip I haven't read on here...I am bringing a small pair of scissors this time. There are always tags to cut off, things to trim, & I have never had scissors with me. I am bringing kid scissors.

 

[jenr812]

Just don't forget to bring them home after your trip (we did that once - Donated to the Disney Pillowcase Fund - wonder if I can write that one off?? )

DD left her pillow there last year She was so bummed.