Am I missing anything?

[jaimiemarshall]

I admit I am one of those people who when I first started thinking about a Disney trip thought people were nuts with the amount of work they were doing for it. Fast forward to now and I'm moderately obsessed with ideas, charts, planning (if you ask my fiance he would probably say severely). We are going to Disney at the end of August with my two kids who are 10 and 11 - it is their first trip; and my step-son who is 13 and has been before. We are driving from Toronto, Ontario. This is my first time at Disney as well and my fiance hasn't been since he was 8 so a very long time ago. We are not staying at the resort we have rented a condo about 10 minutes away. I'm wondering if I'm missing anything glaring from my list of stuff I'm planning to take and make.

I'm making each kid their own autograph book and their own mini journal that I can easily convert for their scrapbooks. I'm still looking for interesting journal pages if anyone knows of a site where I can find some

I'm making each kid up an activity book/info booklet that will have a map of our route for the inevitable are we there yet questions, maps of the parks, a list of fun facts about disney, activities for the car ride (any tips on where to find stuff for their age a lot of the printables are for younger kids?), an itinerary - anything else I could add?

I'm also making a coupon book for things like a Dole Whip, Mickey Bar, etc. and I'm making Epcot passports for them.

I'm doing up baskets for them with a combination of stuff for at the park and for the car ride. In it I'm including lanyards with pins to start the pin trading; pressed penny holders; portable USB chargers; either the Hidden Mickey's or Birnbaum's Guide to Disney; mist fan; sunscreen on a stick; glow in the dark bracelets; rain poncho; bandaids; cool towels; water bottles; hand sanitizer and snacks - anything else you can think of?

I'm doing a basket for the SO as well that will have sugar free chocolate; blister bandaids; beer; munchies; tylenol; a travel pillow; itunes gift card; gum; 5 hour energy shots; hand sanitzier; cooling towel; sunscreen.

Ummm okay after looking at this list perhaps he is right lol.

Thanks!

Jaimie

 

[rachael95]

Sounds like you have a lot of good ideas already. You might check Pinterest though. There's a ton of boards for traveling long distances.

Instead of doing baskets, it might be easier to separate out the car stuff from the general trip basket. Maybe so you can dole it out a bit at a time when you hit certain points.

Might be fun to also do facts about different cities you'll be driving through.

 

[Perditamarie]

Putting the goodies in a string sack could be useful for kids use in the parks as well .

Also, creating an Epcot Passport could be fun if you think they would use them.

Did you check out the awesome Dis Design board for inspiration:

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=105

Also, my kids absolutely love to swim w/goggles, so maybe some goggles for your resort pool!

Happy planning.....you won't think you were too carried away when you see how perfectly everything comes together and how your thoughtful baskets enhance your trip!!

 

[jaimiemarshall]

Thanks for the suggestions!

Rachael - the city idea is great thanks

Perdita - oh goggles is a great idea the kids go through them like crazy!

Yes I think I will split it up. Not only will that prevent overload on the kids but it will also help draw out the surprises.

I was thinking of getting the three kids each a different Disney "guide" so that they can all look at each other's but I'm wondering if there are any that you guys don't recommend or that are better than others. I was thinking of getting the Hidden Mickey's for my 11 year old son; the Birnbaum for kids for my 13 year old step-son and the Guide to the Magic for my 10 year old daughter. Anyone have opinions on these?

Jaimie

 

[ebradley23]

Nothing to add. I just want ask if you can make me a Disney basket? I thought I was prepared, but you have me beat by a long shot!

 

[Aliceacc]

Wow...you're certainly on top of a lot of things!!!

At some point, take a look at the "Fairy Godmailer" thread on the Family Board. The basic idea is that someone going to WDW before you sends your kids a postcard from WDW, anticipating your arrival. You, in turn, "pay it forward" by agreeing to do the same for someone else's kids while you're there.

Also, consider saving a movie or two for the ride home. The ride there will probably be easy-- lots of anticipation to get you through. The ride home is different. (If you can swing it, maybe find someplace fun to stop for a day on that long ride home?)

As long as you're driving, consider packing a case or two of water to have in the parks. (My family of 5 goes through 2 cases in a week in August.) You can refrigerate/freeze 5 bottles a day, and everyone starts off with a cold bottle.

Also, something we consider to be a tripsaver: Mistymate personal misters. (We like the 2.5 ounce size.) They're small, about the size of an electric toothbrush, and don't require batteries. They make August in Orlando SO MUCH more comfortable. One for each of the kids should be plenty; they'll be more than happy to mist you and your fiance. You can find them lots of places online, including amazon and walmart. Shop around for the best price.

Also, consider what each of the kids will use as a "park bag." Do they want string backpacks? Small regular backpacks? Cargo shorts with pockets? Make sure they know that if they're bringing it along, they're expected to carry it. Get their input on what they think will be most comfortable- you want SMALL, but big enough for that water bottle, sunglasses, whatever else they'll want to carry.

Happy planning!

 

[jaimiemarshall]

At some point, take a look at the "Fairy Godmailer" thread on the Family Board. The basic idea is that someone going to WDW before you sends your kids a postcard from WDW, anticipating your arrival. You, in turn, "pay it forward" by agreeing to do the same for someone else's kids while you're there.

Oh awesome I will check that thread out thanks!

 

[Altoqueenkelly]

Nothing to add. I just want ask if you can make me a Disney basket?

I want one too