From WDW to DL With Love - January 06, 2011 part 5

[TJFrack]

We live in San Diego and go to the Temecula area wineries, but the one with the raspberry champagne is Oak Mountain Winery! It is the best!! It won't let me put the link but go to google and look for oak mountain winery in Temecula.

 

[sak0526]

skype: dont know about guests, but skype is not TOTAL ship blocked as DD uses it from crew quarters. not often as internet is SLOW and unreliable but she an dother crew use it all the time.

I second (third? fourth?) the pop up hamper. We've had ours since '05 and it goes on any long vacation.
I've been stocking up all year on free samples of laundry detergent/ fabric softner/ etc. I have a nice bag of it now.
Pack a corkscrew. Yes you can get one from dining/ your room steward, but it's a pain. Make sure your corkscrew can double as a bottle opener if you're taking beer on board.
iPod and speakers. Jack is use to sleeping with music on. Although he hasn't for a few weeks now since his CD player died in his room!
Sharpies. Seriously, you can always use one!
A power strip. We have 4 laptops, seven cameras in our room. This is DCL, I think the Titanic had more outlets.....
Stainless steel water bottles. These clip onto my backpack.
Caribeeners for clipping stuff to said backpack...
USB keys. no really, both Jeff and I will be working on board and if we need to print anything out....

hmm, didnt think about looking for samples of detergent but we got the purex brand sheets so they're small too. put them in ziplock bag so they take up almost no room. Corkscrew!! thanks, would have forgotten!! FOUR laptops!!!! we'll have one netbook! LoL.

One cruise (it was planned last minute) I forgot to pack my dress pants so I had to buy them onboard. I had all the dress tops, but nothing but jeans to go with them. And one WDW trip I too left home without my PJ's & had to buy them when we got there.

I personally have never brought this, but I have a friend who never travels without duct tape. You never know when a suitcase will fail on you and duct tape can be a lifesaver. I've seen it happen.

someone said "Flat duct tape" - where do you get that, any idea? Loews type places??

My Eagle Scout/Sea Scout husand always travels with two waterproof bags, quart size, filled with his "in case" stuff. One has a few of each of these rubber bands, paper clips, blue tape, string, black clips, twisties, needle, thread, safety pins, ear plugs, magnifying glass, cortezone cream, lens cleaner, pencil, small first aid kit. The other bag has the things I think he feels are even more important - small fast-food size packets of mustard, catsup, salt, pepper, soy sauce, sugar, creamer, hot sauce, relish, lemon juice. - really - there are some things he is just not willing to do without. Like the British Adventures, he would have been the first on the boat to the jungle, with his china tea service packed.

whew, already sent a box to DD with some/most of the non-fast food stuff. forgot needle/thread, will put in suitcase. thanks for that reminder!!

 

[Tami0220]

someone said "Flat duct tape" - where do you get that, any idea? Loews type places??



I've seen it at Michael's Arts & Crafts

 

[Luvin all Disney]

Anyone want to play a little packing game? (ok, not really a game)

What item(s) are you packing that you find really useful but probably many others haven't thought about packing?

and/or

What item(s) have you forgotten to pack on previous cruises? (and the story that goes with it)

I'll start:
1. I'm packing 2 large insulated mugs for filling up at the drink station (those tiny cups don't cut it!). I'm filling them with clean socks while in the suitcase to save on space.
2. Binoculars (DH doens't go anywhere without them) and he usually does use them.
3. Folding/collapsing hamper for dirty clothes. I picked one up at the $1 store so I'll just leave it on the ship if suitcase is filled on journey home. (I tried a garbage once and it was a pain!).

I'll probably post some more on Monday as I'm packing and checking my list.

The one item I've forgotten is pajamas (and I've done it twice!). I wound up sleeping in DH t-shirts. Won't be forgetting this time as I already packe my fav Disney PJs for the PJ breakfast.

And, a what NOT to pack story: On the last night of our cruise with family, my DC packed ALL of her shoes and put the bags out. The next morning she realized what she'd done, but too late. Yes, she walked off the ship barefoot! We are cruising with them again in Nov and I'm sure this story will come up at least once on the cruise.

The hamper is an especially GREAT idea!! I hate using the trash bag, because I'm the only one who makes sure the clothes actually make it inside!!

Thanks!

 

[Luvin all Disney]

I received a note from DCL about ESTA the other day.

We don't need it as we have green cards, but I just thought I would post a reminder in case anyone who needs it hasn't done it yet (and I understand mail might be slow in the UK because of the snow).

Packing tips

- battery operated t-lights - give a nice glow in the bathrooms as a night light (I always leave a faint light on when staying away from home and these are perfect for that) or on a balcony / in the room for romantic ambiance.

Clock with light up dial - so you can see the time in the dark.

"HELP" kit (band aids, safety pins, tape, sewing kit etc) for those moments when you need a bit of help.

Sturdy card / folder / envelope to take home important things flat (like navigators if you collect them)--Kay

T-Lights -- Another great idea!!

And here I thought I was done shopping!

Thanks!!

 

[Pixie Dust II]

Harole Ann -- are you the non-zipper of your group? Me too...looking forward to visiting with you! DD & I are scheduled to make our annual chocolate chip cookies for Santa in the morning! Tahara

Yes, I would be the non-zipper. Ryan will be doing this so we can have a nice visit! I was so glad to have this tour instead of the Disney where he would go alone. I made some shortbread cookies this afternoon and then Jasmine & I went to see Tron. I have to agree with Allan -great movie and I know I will go again on the ship with Ryan.

It is hard to believe in two weeks from this time we will be dining at sea! WOW! We joined this group lated than a lot of you, but the time has really gone by fast, especially now!

Merry Christmas everyone in case I don't get back on line

 

[jsails]

Clothes pin hangers. These are great to hang swimsuits or hand washed clothes in the shower to dry. I bring a towel turban so I use these to hang that up also.

I found duct tape in small rolls (like 1 inch think rolls) at REI.

Pump hand soap. I don't like the wet bars of soap on the vanity so I buy a bottle of softsoap before boarding the ship. Then I donate it when I leave.

Also the clear plastic over the door shoe racks are the greatest.

Back from our road trip. Rained on us traveling everyday. Wrapped the grandkids gifts from their Dad (he is deployed to Africa) today. Tomorrow is clean boat and grocery shop. Then Saturday and Sunday are relaxing days. But come Monday.....it's work on FEs and start the packing process. We leave the 2nd.

 

[TJFrack]

Great ideas on what to pack!! Just when I think I am done more good suggestions are presented.....

 

[KayR]

Uh oh...

only 2 weeks to go:

Is it time to panic yet?.









Lets get this party started!

​

 

[KayR]

My Eagle Scout/Sea Scout husand always travels with two waterproof bags, quart size, filled with his "in case" stuff. One has a few of each of these rubber bands, paper clips, blue tape, string, black clips, twisties, needle, thread, safety pins, ear plugs, magnifying glass, cortezone cream, lens cleaner, pencil, small first aid kit. The other bag has the things I think he feels are even more important - small fast-food size packets of mustard, catsup, salt, pepper, soy sauce, sugar, creamer, hot sauce, relish, lemon juice. - really - there are some things he is just not willing to do without. Like the British Adventures, he would have been the first on the boat to the jungle, with his china tea service packed.

I am not bringing a tea set!

A coffee mug will do. (I will bring my own tea bags though!)

-Kay

 

[Luvin all Disney]

Uh oh...

only 2 weeks to go:

Is it time to panic yet?.









Lets get this party started!

​

Yes, time to PANIC!!! Wrapping presents, eating home-made party mix, and drinking wine here.

Oh -- and watching the Boards!! Got the suitcases out today, so very excited!! We leave on the 29th for WDW -- can't wait!

(Hi Des!)

 

[RRBB]

In case I forget tomorrow, Merry Christmas to everyone that is celebrating. I passed by a mall today and was so glad I didn't have any reason to go there. The traffic was horrible, even with the police directing traffic.

Who did I order the DCL planning DVD for? It arrived today and I put it with stuff that needs to be packed. But I'd like to make sure it goes to the right person/cabin.

Anyone want to play a little packing game? (ok, not really a game)

What item(s) are you packing that you find really useful but probably many others haven't thought about packing?

and/or

What item(s) have you forgotten to pack on previous cruises? (and the story that goes with it)

Great "Game"!

1) I totally agree with the pop-up hamper. We actually have one specifically designated for vacations. It stays in the suitcase so it's forgotten.
2) Dropps laundry detergent. So much cheaper than buying those little boxes on board. And they work in HE machines, too, for times I'm desperate at home.
3) Lots of spare batteries (along with chargers) and memory cards for cameras.

I'm sure I'll think of more when I actually start packing.

Items to pack
4. Laptop to transfer the thousands of photos my husband will take to free up space on the memory cards

I usually transfer pics to laptop, write them to DVD, then erase memory card each night. But I was reading on a digi scrap site how many actually transfer then store the memory cards in case something happens to the computer or storage device the pics were transfered to. So this time I'm actually planning to switch out memory cards daily, but will still probably write to DVD too.

 

[tinksmom]

Merry Christmas Eve eve, everyone. Prayers, pixies, and fairy dust to all for wellness, better weather, and safe travels.

We sorted out suitcases today and I got all the "stuff" packed, including one suitcase only for FE gifts. Now we just have to pack clothes and necessities. I feel so much better having that much done.

Carmen -- so glad your hubby is able to be home for Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. Joe came home last night. It's nice having him hear for a few extra days.

For those of us beginning vacation on Jan. 2, we're down to single digits tomorrow!

On a heavy note, please pray for one of my dearest friends' family. Her oldest son tried to commit suicide last night. They are facing some bleak days as he works to regain his health, both mentally and physically.

tenya

 

[A Litle Pixie Dust]

URGENT WINE M&G - URGENT

Ok guys, Disney just got back to me with some info. So here's the deal.

If you plan on attending the Wine Meet and Greet, please E-MAIL, not PM, me. My e-mail is monorailpilot@gmail.com

I'll need first/last names of attendees and staterooms as well as the # of bottles of wine you plan to bring.

Again, please e-mail me. I'll pad the numbers of guests by a few for stragglers.

I know many of you have also PM'ed JenKatt. Please e-mail me to reconfirm and I'll work with her this weekend to get it all straight. Thanks again.

Jeff

Do you have a cost yet? thanks!

 

[KeatingFamily]

Hello Travelers (and future friends). Joining the discussion (and planning) a bit late. Very much enjoying all of your suggestions though a bit overwhelming. We want to join in the Fish Extender fun - looks like fun for my daughter and niece. Can someone point me at the FE FAQ?

FYI - In the real world I provide tech support for Apple and would be happy to help fellow DIS members on our cruise.

 

[ACDSNY]

On a heavy note, please pray for one of my dearest friends' family. Her oldest son tried to commit suicide last night. They are facing some bleak days as he works to regain his health, both mentally and physically.

tenya

So sad, prayers and pixie dust for him and his family!

Hello Travelers (and future friends). Joining the discussion (and planning) a bit late.

Welcome! If you haven't already noticed, most of the important stuff is on page one of this thread. You can also email Jeff at monorailpilot@gmail.com to add your family to the website www.wonderpanama2011.com.

 

[aan1701]

Hello Travelers (and future friends). Joining the discussion (and planning) a bit late. Very much enjoying all of your suggestions though a bit overwhelming. We want to join in the Fish Extender fun - looks like fun for my daughter and niece. Can someone point me at the FE FAQ?

FYI - In the real world I provide tech support for Apple and would be happy to help fellow DIS members on our cruise.

Hello. I am a huge advocate for Apple. I love them. I will only by Apple for my computers.

 

[DCLtravler]

Greetings everyone!
Wow, can you believe it is Christmas Eve for some of you (we still have 49 minutes here in CA). I just recently arrived safe and sound in Nor Cal and will be staying here until the first. Then back to So.Cal to De-Christmas, unpack, pack and head to the airport for our little trip
Is it time to panic??!!! Oh my YES!!!

As far as what to bring, sorry, I can't help there...You all are making me tired just reading your suggestions! It took me FOUR hours to pack up my car to drive up north today. The thought of doing this again (and having to keep under the weight limit) is starting to freak me out!
Oh wait, I did think of two things that no one mentioned...a notepad and walkie talkies. I also bring a "smell" for each trip. Someone mentioned this once on the radio and I have been doing it ever since--pick a brand new scent that you only use while on your vacation and then stop using it for a month or more after you return. Then, whenever you use it, it will take you back to that place and time. I have done it for the last 5 cruises (different scent each time), and it really works!! I usually get something that has lotion, shower gel, and body spray.
In our family, we all buy one $10 or less gift for each person to place in their stocking for Christmas morning (the rule is you have to buy your own gifts, so even the MEN must shop for these items). Since it is the same six people who will be on the ship together, I found luggage scales at TJMaxx for under $10 to stuff in a few stockings. I don't know how good they are, but it's made by Samsonite, so I'm hoping it will work.

In other news...
Robin, I think it was Shussh who wanted the DVD (?)
Tenya, I am so sorry to hear about your friend's son. The family will be in my prayers! Often the most beautiful and perfect miracles occur in the darkest hours. I pray that God will use these moments to reach your friends in a very special way!
I know there is more I wanted to say, but I just cannot remember...Happy dreams everyone, and regardless of your winter celebration preferences, I hope you all have fabulous time with family and friends during this wondrous time of year!

~Melissa

 

[granmaz]

Hello Travelers (and future friends). Joining the discussion (and planning) a bit late. Very much enjoying all of your suggestions though a bit overwhelming. We want to join in the Fish Extender fun - looks like fun for my daughter and niece. Can someone point me at the FE FAQ?

FYI - In the real world I provide tech support for Apple and would be happy to help fellow DIS members on our cruise.

Hi there and welcome.

 

[aan1701]

When it comes to all these packing tips I don't use any of the tips here except for the power strip. We repack as we go. We just keep our tolietries in our bathroom. We use dry cleaning hangers for our evening wear. We keep it as simple as possible.