I'm right there with you - started packing this weekend. I have a drawer in my sewing room with "DisneyWorld Stuff" so that makes things a bit easier. I have a few things to pick up this week and hope to be finished packing next weekend (for the most part, anyway).
House has been cleaned (my parents have been visiting for two weeks) but my son will be staying here and taking care of my cats while I'm gone. So I'm sure it won't be clean when I return. That is whey I decided to come home on Saturday instead of Sunday. Gives me an extra day before I have to go back to work to get unpacked and organized.
I start almost every day out with a run at WDW (some short, some longer) and yes, I get icky and sweaty. So I do laundry while I'm there. I'll be there for 16 days and doing a fair number of special events (extra outfits required) so there s no way I can pack that much stuff.
A lot of my stuff can be handwashed and hung to dry. If I need to do a load of whites or something, I have to do it at the "communal laundry facilities"...no fancy schmancy DVC digs for me! It isn't too bad - I do it late at night and sit nearby at the Petals Pool Bar (drink in hand) waiting for the dryer to go off.
My dilemma this year is...should I bring my Pal Mickey...or not. If it were just him, it would not be a big deal. But, admittedly, I'm a bit obsessed and he has a VERY extensive wardrobe (enough to fill a small suitcase). OK - I'm very obsessed. He will probably come but with a only a few changes of clothing.
I've been regretting my plan to return on a Saturday but I think you are right - that day on the back end will be helpful to re-enter reality.
I think you have the right idea on doing laundry. Everything is better with a drink in hand!
Does Pal Mickey have his own suitcase? Too cute. I hope to see at least a few outfits!
WOOT!!! We have a pirate, a genie, and a princess in our mix!! It's going to be a great trip!!
Oh yes a 2012/2013 trip is already in the making believe you me!!!!
So yes I am a laundry doer at Disney, I'm also bringing workout clothes with me and while I am there I will be working out, like you I dno't want to jump off that bandwagon!!! I also like being able to clean my stuff halfway through because then I don't have to worry about as much laundry on the way home and that is worth its weight in gold to me! Not only do I not want to come home to a disaster (although Phillip in charge of the house for 9 days...it will most likely be one LOL) I don't want to do a lot of laundry either...so I do laundry!!!
OOH I thought about starting to pack this week, but it will be a lot easier with Phillip gone next week for me to spread stuff around and then do a cleanup when I'm done...so packing will begin next Sunday LOL!
It will be nice to come home without an entire suitcase of dirty clothes!
It's definitely going to be a great trip!!
I thought about packing, does that count?
Yes, I think that thinking about it does count. It gets you organized, right?
We did laundry last year. Granted it was while we were at Pop so we just threw in the clothes, enjoyed the pool and waited for them to be done. It worked out really well for us plus when we got home we didn't have to immediately get the laundry going.
I am SHOCKED that you have started packing. All this DISing with ocd packers is obviously paying off.
Yes, apparently you all are rubbing off on me. But I should clarify... I more started piling vs. packing but still for me this is a BIG deal!
You're packing already, C???
I am with Heidi -- I thought about packing today. I made lists and assessed what was in the trip drawer.
But see you have a trip drawer. I don't have one so you're ahead of me already! I have no doubt you'll pull it together.
That's the way to go! It looks like you are really getting into trip mood if you can be bothered with packing!!!
I have done laundry regularly, I just don't wash my best shirts in foreign washers... But it's a great help for packing if you count on washing your t-shirts in the middle of the trip as it reduces volume! And thus frees space for work out cloths! I usually just put the stuff in and then disappear until it is approximately the time for thing to be done. I think it gives you a time estimate. I count on nobody wanting to steal used wet cloths... Just be prepared to be back in time, so nobody empties the washer once it is done to put in their cloths. To be honest, being used to shared washers at my college accomodations, I just leave a big plastic bag on the top of the washer and if I am late, then whoever feels the need to empty the washer can put my cloths in there. For things that can't go into the drier, there is a cloth line in the shower and things dry pretty well in there.
Thanks for the tips. I will have to think about some bag or something to carry my laundry down in. Don't want my dirty undies falling out in the hall!
Everybody's going to like you! We've met nothing but the nicest people in all of our DIS meets, and we have had quite a few.
TTA opening back up is cool.
Hope you find a good solution for the workout clothes/washing situation. Throwing yesterday's sweaty clothes in the washer while you take a swim today sounds like a good thing. Maybe you could alternate between swimming and real workouts and do something fun and productive while you're washing.
Best of everything to you as these last days dwindle down and this awesome trip comes to life!
Forecasts will change many times. Don't stress over the weather, since there's nothing you can do to control it. Hope for the best, don't be surprised at the worst, and be prepared for whatever you get.
Thanks, MeMom. I am liking the idea of laundry while swimming.
I can hardly believe the countdown is in the final stretch. 10 more sleeps!
I am so excited the TTA is open. I just love that ride!
Weather.
Orlando extended forecast turned back to dark rainy clouds for the first 5 days of my visit.
I know it'll change many more times and you're right- I can't control it.
Hope your knee is feeling better!
Packing, yeah! It is always fun to start packing, makes it even more real!
I have never done Disney laundry. However if I were there 10 days AND working out, I think I'd have to. Workout clothes would get stink I think and I would probably just get up early or do the laundry one night.
So excited for you!
Allyson
Yes, packing definitely does make it seem real. Eek! I'm going to Disney soon!
I'm going to share a little tidbit with you.
Every year I pack workout clothes and sneakers.
Every year, I never wear them or work out.
This trip, I'm modifying. I'll bring semi workout clothes that can double as PJs, I have my Keens, and if I want to go for a morning walk, I will. I'll also have my swimsuit and count that as exercise.
I agree, it is always the hardest for me to get back into working out after vacation. I have a horrible, horrible time of it, so I'm going to try to work in some kind of activity.
I've done laundry on vacation (last year at the WL) and I didn't find it to be a problem at all. DH and DS were in the pool, and I just took some time and did a couple of loads. I would leave for a bit, sit, come back, check on it. It's just whether or not you want to take time out to do that.
Well I said I plan to work out... not that I will.
I'm thinking maybe an early morning wog around Boardwalk and down to DHS and back might be fun. And maybe some time on one of the machines another day. We'll see.
I like your plan. And yes, I think swimming is definitely a workout!
OK C... ya know I already luv you right???? And YOU also know I'M the psycho-nut.... so if anyone should be worried about not being liked...it's me... there you go!!
With the way you love your pool time...I don't think you'll have a problem tossing in a load or 2 of laundry while you bask in the sunshine!!
I missed that LWTL will be closed.... but yay! TTA will be open! I wonder if it will afford any peeks at Space Mountain????
Oh... and about your
MNSSHP costume??? no worries.... I've got ya covered
So you can cross that dilemma off your to do list
.
Paula
Thanks, Paula!
From what I hear, views of Space Mountain are locked up tight.
I think you're right on the combo laundry/pool time. I think I can handle that!
I don't know whether to be scared or grateful on the MNSSHP front.
Just kidding - very grateful. Thanks so much!!
But that means a whole other element to packing... workout clothes. That get sweaty and gross. I don't know if I have enough room in the suitcase for workout clothes for each day plus everything else plus room for souvies?? Oh the dilemmas, it's so tough to be me. 
Don't say the "H" word -- it's bad luck.
Oh my goodness you ARE organized! I am thinking that I need to get a drawer or basket or something for year-round trip planning! 
