Help with some really random questions

[seagodess]

This is the 2nd time I've had to type this. My computer decided to do a update and restart right before I was done. So here i goes.
It is almost time for our trip . We are super excited. I do have few questions I am hoping others can help me with based on your personal experiences.
1. We are staying at FFI. We plan to bring our own face/body wash, however are debating if we should bring our own shampoo too. Those tiny ones that come in hotel rooms are only enough for one use between DH and I. Do they replace them daily? We stay at hotels hardly ever, so I really cant remember last time we were at one long enough to know if they do or not.
2. We are planning on having a couple breakfasts and/or lunches in our room. We will have a fridge. I'm trying to think of what things to have. So far I have...Milk, individual cereal cups, sandwiches, individual apple sauce/fruit cups, fresh fruits, granola bars and small things like that. I was also thinking of bringing a few things/what I can from home so I dont have to buy as much down there. I know from experience that even a few groceries can be really expensive in CA compared to OR. Any ideas or tips?
3. DS has a short hair cut and dirty blond hair. It didn't occur to me until today that being out in the sun that long might burn his head. Do you think it would be better to lather his head/hair in sunblock, or put a hat on him? We normally dont put sunblock on his head, but he also isn't out in the sun more than a couple hours a day.
4. Packing! My big thing. I have been thinking about this for months. This will be DS's (5yr) first plane ride, a little over 3 hours. He hates car rides and asks if we are there 5 minutes after we leave. So I'm a little nervous about this, but I hope it will be exciting since its new. I down loaded a list of a website I cant remember right now that has basically everything plus some on it. I have kind of taken from that and made individual list's for DS and myself (DH can figure his out himself )for our carry on backpacks. Here is what I came up with.
DS
Glasses/case
Leapster Explorer w/games & extra batteries (should I get him headphones so he doesn't annoy the other passengers?)
Book(s)
Sunglasses
Extra outfit
Snacks
Wet wipes
ME (including purse and stuff that goes in it)
Wallet (id, money,cc's)
Travel papers (Plane, hotel, DL tix)
Phone w/charger
Camera w/charger
MP3 player
Sunglasses
Snacks

Ok so I think that is all for the moment. Any other advise or tips would be great as well. Anything out of the ordinary that you pack and wouldn't leave home with out?

Ok thought of another one. I sometimes get motion sickness. I can NOT go on star tours (was seconds away from losing it when it was finally over last time 7 years ago). For other rides I am usually ok. However just incase I was thinking of getting a OTC motion sickness med of some sort. Any suggestions? Where would I get it from. The main stores around me are, Target, walmart, walgreens, safeway, fred meyer.

 

[Malcon10t]

1. Yes, they replace the shampoo daily. If you need more, usually a call to housekeeping will bring more quickly.

2. Remember the fridges are small. There is a microwave on the third floor. They also have a decent selection in the Pizza Hut/market at FFI.

 

[dzny12]

reasonable priced groceries can be delivered to FFI. there is also a food for less on katella about 1.5 miles from resort a pretty cheap cab ride.

 

[sbakersub]

For the motion sickness (airplane and DL rides, both!) I use Bonine. It's basically one small tablet and I'm good to go all day. You should be able to find it at any of those stores you listed as nearby, except maybe Safeway.

I know some folks swear by a patch or wristband but since I know Bonine works for me, I'm not risking misery by switching to something else!

Edited to add: I also always pack moleskin to avoid blisters or hot spots from walking more than usual. It's cheaper in a roll than in the pre-cut strips. Without fail, someone will need it! Most of the stores you listed should have some in the foot care section.

 

[CrazyDuck]

DS
Glasses/case
Leapster Explorer w/games & extra batteries (should I get him headphones so he doesn't annoy the other passengers?)
Book(s)
Sunglasses
Extra outfit
Snacks
Wet wipes
ME (including purse and stuff that goes in it)
Wallet (id, money,cc's)
Travel papers (Plane, hotel, DL tix)
Phone w/charger
Camera w/charger
MP3 player
Sunglasses
Snacks

Ok so I think that is all for the moment. Any other advise or tips would be great as well. Anything out of the ordinary that you pack and wouldn't leave home with out?

Ya know you can replace a lot of those with 1 iPhone... Just sayin'

 

[rizzo0904]

Which airline are you flying? Some, like JetBlue and Virgin America, have tvs at each seat.

Carry-on: we each have one...the boys take small backpacks. We take a portable DVD player with their favorite videos (it's a 6 hour flight for us), logic puzzles for me, GUM for climb/descent, snacks, and things we must have...like bunny for bedtime. Can't chance that getting lost in the luggage. We also have brita water bottles that self-filter the water so we can bring them empty thru security and fill them at the water bubbler (fountain for those not from New England).

Oh, and we do have headsets for the DVD player.

Another recommendation...bring his car booster seat on the plane. It makes it more familiar and he's less likely to try and get up all the time. Mine are 2 and 3 and still in carseats...which they will both be sitting in on the airplane.

I also pack a small night light for the hotel room and I have mini flashlights in case anyone freaks out on dark rides. you can also buy glow bands and stuff like that at the Dollar store so you don't have to spend a ton on that crap at DL.

 

[limace]

Always pack a few essential clothing items in your carrying in case your luggage goes astray-swim suit, underwear, extra shirt.

You can only use a 5 point harness booster on a plane (if you want to do this, check and make sure your seat has a sticker saying FAA approved).

Yeah, bring earphones for the DS. I think it's good to put a few surprises in that you can pull out if the plane ride gets too long. A little toy or new art supplies or something.

Can't remember if you mentioned snacks for the plane, but that's a must.

 

[seagodess]

There is a microwave on the third floor.

That is good to know. Thanks

reasonable priced groceries can be delivered to FFI. there is also a food for less on katella about 1.5 miles from resort a pretty cheap cab ride.

We just plan to go to the Target on Harbor. I’ve noticed for the delivered groceries, you usually have to spend $50. We will only be there 4 days, and only plan on a couple meals in the room, so that would be to much for us.

For the motion sickness (airplane and DL rides, both!) I use Bonine. It's basically one small tablet and I'm good to go all day. You should be able to find it at any of those stores you listed as nearby, except maybe Safeway.

I also always pack moleskin to avoid blisters or hot spots from walking more than usual. It's cheaper in a roll than in the pre-cut strips. Without fail, someone will need it! Most of the stores you listed should have some in the foot care section.

Thanks. I will look for those. Although I have looked for the mole skin and never did see it. I assume it would be around where the band-aids and first aid kits are right? I’m not that worried about it. I haven’t had a blister since I was a kid, DH & DS has never had one.

Ya know you can replace a lot of those with 1 iPhone... Just sayin'

Ha ha. No thanks. Don’t want or need a Iphone.

Which airline are you flying?

Southwest. I would only use the TV thing for long flights. DH will have a computer to watch movies on, so I’m sure DS will watch with him.

Another recommendation...bring his car booster seat on the plane. It makes it more familiar and he's less likely to try and get up all the time.

We are bringing a no back booster for him so we don’t have to lug around the big one. We wont be using it on the plane. I plan on using the same rules as we do in the car. Stay seated and buckled.

 

[Isatricia]

Another recommendation...bring his car booster seat on the plane. It makes it more familiar and he's less likely to try and get up all the time. Mine are 2 and 3 and still in carseats...which they will both be sitting in on the airplane.

You cannot use booster seats on the plane. They are not FAA approved as there are no shoulder straps on airplanes.



For food in the room, we didn't buy a lot and as it turned out we never made it back to the room for any meals - only breakfast before leaving. We bought water and Gatorade, snack bars, squeezable apple sauce, sliced apples and some cookies for snacks. We had some sandwich bags and put the cookies in them and took them into the park with us for snacks.

We encourage the girls to wear hats, but they didn't for the most part. Same thing for sunglasses. I never thought about putting sunscreen in their hair so they did get red at the part, but they never complained. If you want to use sunscreen, get the spray kind. I would still encourage a hat.

Definitely bring headphones if he will be playing anything on the plane that makes noise. The people around you will appreciate it. I do not overpack for the plane. They will give you snack and drinks on the plane. The girls have always gotten cups with lids and straws on Southwest flights. If you need more to drink, just ask. I have found over the years that my girls never eat any snacks I packed and didn't want to drink anything I packed - only what they served on the plane. Same thing with books....they would rather look at the magazines in the seat back pocket. My girls pack in their backpacks a small blanket (my girls get cold on the plane), pillowpet (or other stuffed animal but they are limited to 1), their DVD player, and DVD's. That is all. I don't carry extra clothes in my carry on and have never needed any and we have been flying with the girls since they were 6 weeks old.

Motion sickness: the wrist bands do work well. I don't get motion sickness quite that bad, but any spinning ride will get me. If a ride is making me feel bad, I close my eyes and it seems to help. I used the wrist bands on a couple cruises and they really helped (both of those cruises I was pregnant so a drugless option was a requirement).

We took refillable water bottles (Thermos stainless steel insulated so the drinks stayed cold) and powdered drink mixes when the girls wanted something other than water. You can refill the water bottles at most restaurants. I took zip top bags of the powdered drink mixes and a measuring spoon to scoop it in there. I won't buy the individual drink mixes since they are filled with artificial sweeteners. This saved us a lot of money and the girls had drinks they liked.

We went to the Walmart on Euclid and they had a huge section of Disneyland merchandise (also where I purchased the food). We got all of our souvenirs from there for a fraction of the cost as in the park - t-shirts, magnet, lanyards, stuffed animals, etc. The Target on Euclid did not have any souvenirs.

 

[coaches24]

Another recommendation...bring his car booster seat on the plane. It makes it more familiar and he's less likely to try and get up all the time. Mine are 2 and 3 and still in carseats...which they will both be sitting in on the airplane.

We had an issue trying to do this with Alaska Airlines last June. I forget what the problem was but they wouldnt allow our car seat for our 2 year old in the seat. We had to check it at the door of the plane. We might have been in an emergency exit aisle but Im not sure.

 

[I'm mikey]

. DS has a short hair cut and dirty blond hair. It didn't occur to me until today that being out in the sun that long might burn his head. Do you think it would be better to lather his head/hair in sunblock, or put a hat on him? We normally dont put sunblock on his head, but he also isn't out in the sun more than a couple hours a day.

Definitely use sunblock and a hat, it does'nt take to long to sunburn your head.

 

[PlutoRocks]

I second the suggestion of Bonine...I have tried both Bonine and Dramamine and Bonine works better and I don't get drowsy and grouchy with it...as someone who has had motion sickness all my life I have tried many things and Bonine is the best so far. I have heard the wristbands work but they did not work for me.

 

[pixiewings71]

This is the 2nd time I've had to type this. My computer decided to do a update and restart right before I was done. So here i goes.
It is almost time for our trip . We are super excited. I do have few questions I am hoping others can help me with based on your personal experiences.
1. We are staying at FFI. We plan to bring our own face/body wash, however are debating if we should bring our own shampoo too. Those tiny ones that come in hotel rooms are only enough for one use between DH and I. Do they replace them daily? We stay at hotels hardly ever, so I really cant remember last time we were at one long enough to know if they do or not.

I always take my own shampoo/conditioner. With 4 people in 1 room those small bottles never last long enough and I like to know the shampoo I'm using is OK for my hair, I have sensitive skin so I just take my own everything.

2. We are planning on having a couple breakfasts and/or lunches in our room. We will have a fridge. I'm trying to think of what things to have. So far I have...Milk, individual cereal cups, sandwiches, individual apple sauce/fruit cups, fresh fruits, granola bars and small things like that. I was also thinking of bringing a few things/what I can from home so I dont have to buy as much down there. I know from experience that even a few groceries can be really expensive in CA compared to OR. Any ideas or tips?

These are all great ideas, make sure you buy a case of water bottles or soda bottles, you can take them into the parks as long as they are plastic. We always take a case of waters with us, much cheaper than buying them in the park.

3. DS has a short hair cut and dirty blond hair. It didn't occur to me until today that being out in the sun that long might burn his head. Do you think it would be better to lather his head/hair in sunblock, or put a hat on him? We normally dont put sunblock on his head, but he also isn't out in the sun more than a couple hours a day.

both, DBF always wears a hat and does sunscreen. remember a hat will also help protect ears and faces from the sun.

4. Packing! My big thing. I have been thinking about this for months. This will be DS's (5yr) first plane ride, a little over 3 hours. He hates car rides and asks if we are there 5 minutes after we leave. So I'm a little nervous about this, but I hope it will be exciting since its new. I down loaded a list of a website I cant remember right now that has basically everything plus some on it. I have kind of taken from that and made individual list's for DS and myself (DH can figure his out himself )for our carry on backpacks. Here is what I came up with.
DS
Glasses/case
Leapster Explorer w/games & extra batteries (should I get him headphones so he doesn't annoy the other passengers?)
Book(s)
Sunglasses
Extra outfit
Snacks
Wet wipes
ME (including purse and stuff that goes in it)
Wallet (id, money,cc's)
Travel papers (Plane, hotel, DL tix)
Phone w/charger
Camera w/charger
MP3 player
Sunglasses
Snacks

Ok so I think that is all for the moment. Any other advise or tips would be great as well. Anything out of the ordinary that you pack and wouldn't leave home with out?

Ok thought of another one. I sometimes get motion sickness. I can NOT go on star tours (was seconds away from losing it when it was finally over last time 7 years ago). For other rides I am usually ok. However just incase I was thinking of getting a OTC motion sickness med of some sort. Any suggestions? Where would I get it from. The main stores around me are, Target, walmart, walgreens, safeway, fred meyer.

Ya know you can replace a lot of those with 1 iPhone... Just sayin'

Or an Android lol

I second the suggestion of Bonine...I have tried both Bonine and Dramamine and Bonine works better and I don't get drowsy and grouchy with it...as someone who has had motion sickness all my life I have tried many things and Bonine is the best so far. I have heard the wristbands work but they did not work for me.

I just added Bonine to my shopping list, I'll be seeing if it works for me. I'm hopeful that it will!!

 

[Delilah1310]

Just wanted to share a suggestion for the flight -- our son's first flight was when he was almost 4. We did not give him gum because of the choking hazzard potential.

We tried EARPLANES, which are little things you stick in thier ears that are uspposed to help with the balance, but he was not comfortable with that. But some other kiddos like them. I got them online (they also make an adult version that my husband uses all the time).

What DID work for us was Skittles. They have the same quality of chewing because of thier texture, but I wasn't concerned that our son would choke. A super nice mom in front of us shared hers. Totally did the trick. We made sure to buy our own bag for the flight home.

I now tell all parents of little ones about this option.

 

[mmlover74]

Ever since my son was a month old we flew on planes 2-4 times a year...always had a bottle for takeoff and landing to help with the popping of the ears. Now, he gets something to drink or we will give him food.

From what I read on this board, ST doesn't have the same effect on motion sickness liek it did before.

 

[starshine514]

I would pack snacks for the plane, depending on the airline and the length of the flight, you may not get anything except a drink served to you. I definitely wouldn't count on an airline providing me with snacks my child would be willing to eat. I'm a bit of a germaphobe (and my kids, and then eventually I, got very ill right after an airline flight - not sure if it was from something they picked up in the airport or at the children's museum the day before, but I've been super cautious about germs on airplanes since. Remember, flights aren't easy to reschedule, so people fly when sick all the time), so I usually pack the following for flights:

For the girls:

• MP3 players and headphones for both girls
• portable video game systems, games and extra batteries
• crayons, markers or colored pencils and a notebook to draw in
• snacks
• Stuffed animal
• small blanket
• sweatshirt
• small toys (my girls like their little princesses)
• empty water bottle with filter that we will in the terminal before we get on the plane (not required, the flight attendants will give you bottled water). Don't count on the flight attendant providing a cup with a lid for your child, Southwest sometimes does, but not always - once they gave my 5-yr-old hot cocoa without a lid and of course she spilled it!
• earplanes for DD5 (and myself). They are not comfortable; I wouldn't pack them for a child's first flight. See how he does first and then decide for the flight back. CVS is the only place I've found the kid-sized ones.

I usually pack some clorox wipes that we use to wipe down the area and hopefully avoid repeating the return-from-great-grandma's sickness of 2009.

 

[Mel522]

2. We are planning on having a couple breakfasts and/or lunches in our room. We will have a fridge. I'm trying to think of what things to have. So far I have...Milk, individual cereal cups, sandwiches, individual apple sauce/fruit cups, fresh fruits, granola bars and small things like that. I was also thinking of bringing a few things/what I can from home so I dont have to buy as much down there. I know from experience that even a few groceries can be really expensive in CA compared to OR. Any ideas or tips?

Does the room have a full size fridge or a mini-fridge? Mini-fridges often won't get cold enough to safely store milk and other more perishable things.

 

[lk2500]

Does the room have a full size fridge or a mini-fridge? Mini-fridges often won't get cold enough to safely store milk and other more perishable things.

I was thinking the same thing. The fridges at FFI are tiny, I suppose you could pack a fridge thermometer in your luggage to make sure but I don't know if I'd trust it with milk without one. All we ever used it for was to store a few pops.

For your son on the flight - don't forget chewing gum for takeoff and landing, it will help with the ear popping thing.

I would also suggest you pack several "backup" new toys that might catch his interest during the flight. If he starts getting grouchy or irritated just pull out another new toy.

 

[Pixiafurie]

In the past, I have looked at the Disney Vacation Ultimate Packing List at mousesavers.com and gotten great tips from that. One thing I had not thought of was plastic bags for cell phones for water related attractions. Saved me a lot of stress/worrying on that ride!

 

[rizzo0904]

Sorry about the bad booster info. We use a 5 point harness seat that goes to 100 lbs for our 3 year old son...not into the booster stage yet. Our 27 month old is still rf'ing, but we'll put him forward on the plane. Hoping going back to rf'ing in the car doesn't pi$$ him off!