How is the DIS bankrupting you?

[Pesky]

* pins -- surefire way for kid engagement and enjoyment! Except not so much. I have all these pins now.
* body glide -- don't think we ever used it and not sure where it is
* glow sticks/bracelets/etc. -- I actually forgot all about them and left them at home. Kids never missed them and never asked for one of the glow things.
* blister bandaids/moleskin -- this was awesome. And used. And have never left home without again.
* colorescience powder sunblock -- another awesome buy. Easy to reapply sunscreen in the parks and get at those ears and hairline.
* DVC rental -- this has worked out really well as having access to the kitchenette helps us stash food and eat some meals in the room.
* autograph books -- the ones I did were PHENOMENAL (big thanks to the Creative DISigns board) but I did full sheets with the intent to scrapbook. Yeah, I scrapbooked about 3. And the books were huge and heavy as sin. I'm just doing a pillowcase or photo mat next time and calling it a day.

Luckily I've side-eyed a lot of the rest after my experience at DLR and figured we'd take it bit by bit and see what works. I think I might use ziplocs to pack outfits this time but that's about it. I do feel like I should invest in another pair of shoes to wear in the parks but am not swayed by brand recommendations as I learned long ago some shoes work for my fussy feet and some shoes don't.

 

[richkaryn]

So after seeing all of everyone else's, I just have to make my list now....Dis inspired purchases.

• Teva "water" shoes-to specifically wear on Kali (the one time I rode it, as we don't prefer Animal Kingdom and tend now to run over in the am on a hopper just for exp everest. Wore the shoes 1 other time in last 3 years, when we went to a waterfall in Hawaii.
• Cross body bags- started with a Vera (which I was already a Vera addict pre-DIS but never had bought the mini hipsters). Just recently bought a Kavu sling bag for Alaska cruise
• Portable phone charger-- a life saver....but had to get a new one when I went from iPhone 4 to iPhone 5c and DH went to a Samsung Galaxy. Just recently bought a 3rd lol
• Packing Cubes- I actually bought them for our non-Disney trip to Hawaii, but learned about them here. They really were great as we were hopping to 3 different islands, combining all 3 of our items into one checked and 3 carry-ons to save on all those baggage fees, and helped keep suitcases organized
• North Face 3-in-1 Tri-Climate jacket (for Alaska, one for each of the 3 of us) -did get them all on "past season" sale prices, and we are already loving them and our trip isn't until end of May.
• Ponchos--Disney Ponchos-- yeah, never needed them on our spring trips, but made that 1 trip in June and had to have them every day, if only for 30 mins.
• Matching or coordinating themed shirts for every day-- but I have an embroidery machine and vinyl cutting supplies, so I do them myself (can't say the cost of shirts wasn't how I justified buying a machine to my husband though )
• Lanyards (and pins) and more lanyards (and many more pins).....because we just have to have new ones each trip.
• Band-aid friction block
• Sea-Safe (for our Bahamas cruise--then forgot it on the ship when we went to Castaway Cay-- and also forgot it in the hotel when we went snorkeling in Hawaii....so the bottle is still new a year and a half later, and I got a nice case of sea lice in Hawaii
• The massive amount of glowsticks we kept leaving at the hotel at night....they've since made it to the camper and we still have a ton left.
• oh and the silicone bracelet with mine and DH's phone #s for DS's ankle....we kept forgetting to use it, but he's known our phone #s since he was 3, so really didn't need anyway.

I'm sure there are many others I've forgotten

 

[AngolaHeartsDisney]

For anyone who wears a size 8 or smaller woman's shoe, I highly recommend buying kids sizes in Keens. They are about 1/2 the cost and I really like the Velcro strap at the top (on the newports and seacamps - whispers do not have this) as it makes them more secure on my thin feet - especially since the shoes tend to be wide. I wear a 7 1/2 and the size 6 kids fits well. I am actually between a kids 5 and 6 but the 5 was too short. The kids 6 fit my daughter who wears an 8-9 also. The ability to adjust them makes them fit a wide variety of feet.

This is great information- I was just looking at buying them and the price had stopped me... I have a wider foot thanks to two pregnancies in the summer- do you think that the shoes would still work- I wear a 8-81/2 wide? Any help would be great.

 

[ravenclawforever]

Quite possibly. My dd often wears a 9 and they fit her. The Newports are wider than the Seacamps and they are squishier too. I prefer them for walking though my Seacamps look better because they aren't as bulky. Nordstrom carries them in store if you have one near you so you could try them on. Nordstrom also has free shipping and free returns. I got one pair through them and had to send back 2 pair before I found the ones that fit (tried Whispers and didn't like them, then tried a smaller size Seacamp which was too short, ended up with the size 6 Seacamp on the 3rd try. 6pm.com has some right now for between $27 and $39. Regular price is around $50 but worth it in my opinion. Adult sizes are $100 which I would have a hard time justifying.

 

[ChloesDaddy]

I'm glad DW doesn't follow the DIS. This thread is like holding an AA meeting at a bar.

 

[tarak]

I'm glad DW doesn't follow the DIS. This thread is like holding an AA meeting at a bar.

That's a pretty good summation of things.

lets see, not just from the DIS but other boards also I have bought:
Baggalini - not a fan, I like my Ameribag better, and I think I got hooked on those after I read about them on a board, I was just lucky to borrow one from someone before I purchased. Im glad the one I have I got on clearance from ebags.
Packing cubes - I have a 3 piece set from ebags, I used them for a weekend trip in Jan to a conference..... not quite sure on them yet. I need to use them more.
Earth Sandals - these are actually a good buy, mine fit great, and I bought a second pair that are dressier for work. For what it is worth I have a super high arch
Matching shirts - we did this in 2013 with my Mom and Sister and Family for one day. Our husbands were not amused. I don't know if it will ever be done again. Okay yes it will but with two "kids" doing their own thing.
Brita - I took my brita on a trip in 2009. It worked great to make water to refill bottles or to have in the room, except it got broken on the way home in my suitcase. To me the water onsite has gotten better since 2006. which brings me to....

Onsite - I thought this was only for the rich and famous. Then I was looking into a honeymoon for sept 2006... and found these disney sites, and that it was comparable (esp with free dining back then) to the island resort vacations everyone else was taking. And then I found CL... and the WL...while we have stayed at all levels now, I am hooked!

I do want a sparkle skirt..... and to figure out a disbound outfit. I just can't commit.

I'll have to look at these. I have a pair of boots from Earth Shoes that I absolutely love. I've also heard good things about vionic. One style has a slight heel that I might even be able to wear to work. There's a decent sale going on at shoes.com right now (25% off $80, I think, and 30% off $149 or more). If you have ebates, there's 5% cash back. Sometimes they run 10%, too, which is really nice.

Not that anyone here needs to be enabled, but Athleta has polos that are awesome for WDW. I have two, and I love them. They never seem to wrinkle, the fabric is almost silky and very light weight. Best part, they never seem to show sweat marks. Even when I was there last August, and I know I was drenched. They are expensive, though. There are a few colors on sale right now, sizes are pretty limited. If you can wear an XS, they have an extra 20% off the sale price. I love their clothes in general and had to stop browsing the sale items (they have this really adorable poncho down to $23.99 and I assume the 20% off code can be applied.

I have a lot of pins. I bought a bunch on ebay for a good price ages ago (and they were in perfect shape - I understand some sellers give you pins that could never be traded). My older kids have zero interest in pin trading at this point. But when I take the 4-year-old, I'm going to bring some. When the other kids were that age, it was like shopping to them. They were happy and I was excited that I wasn't spending anything extra.

My feet are too big for kids sizes, but my ski jacket is a boys XL (probably about a small in women's). It was substantially cheaper than any of the ladies ski jackets (and not as garish, either).

 

[MouseMum]

Oh so many items have found their way into our suitcases bound for WDW, thanks to the DIS!
-over-the-door organizer - need I say why?
-fanny packs - even teen DSs saw their value
-Frog Toggs Chilly Pads - DD and I swear by them in that August heat, DH and DSs did not like them, although DH did snip a couple of inches off one, and wore as a headband
-Disney ponchos - which yes, we did return for free exchange!
-that "magical" deal was mentioned somewhere a time or two. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
-portable charger - used daily
-mini "blister care" kit - moleskin, small scissors, blister bandaids
-body glide - for feet, inner thighs and under boobs!
-moisture wicking socks - mine are even on the thick side but kept my feet so cool! Who woulda thunk?
And here's my small contribution...had the photo because just a few days ago, in another thread, someone asked what the heck I was describing lol...great for those Poly DVC studios which do not have clotheslines

Now off to Amazon to look for those packing cubes and moisture wicking underwear!

 

[tarak]

Oh so many items have found their way into our suitcases bound for WDW, thanks to the DIS!
-over-the door closet organizer - need I say why?
-fanny packs - even teen DSs saw their value
-Frog Toggs Chilly Pads - DD and I swear by them in that August heat, DH and DSs did not like them, although DH did snip a couple of inches off one, and wore as a headband
-Disney ponchos - which yes, we did return for free exchange!
-that "magical" deal was mentioned somewhere a time or two. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
-portable charger - used daily
-mini "blister care" kit - moleskin, small scissors, blister bandaids
-body glide - for feet, inner thighs and under boobs!
-moisture wicking socks - mine are even on the thick side but kept my feet so cool! Who woulda thunk?
And here's my small contribution...had the photo because just a few days ago, in another thread, someone asked what the heck I was describing lol...great for those Poly DVC studios which do not have clotheslines View attachment 159041

Now off to Amazon to look for those packing cubes and moisture wicking underwear!

Why is my banana not dancing?????

That clothesline alternative is brilliant.

The magical deal! I still can't decide whether it's saved or cost me money. I paid just over $200 per night to stay at BC last summer. Which I'd say saved me money, but that deal made me want to make it an annual trip.

 

[agavegirl1]

Just got home from work and stumbled on this thread...Lets see...

Frogg Toggs, never even used them at Disney but use them a lot for yard work in the summer.
Cross Body Bag, I bought a Travelon one that I wore out from constant use. I never changed back to my regular purse. Need a new one now.
Body Glide and Moleskin. I actually made a foot care bag for my last trip with everything I might need in it.
Over door shoe bag which lives in my suitcase for every trip everywhere.
Collapsable Hamper, also living in my suitcase.
Hanging Shoe Organizer to hang up and unpack into when drawer space is limited, also living in my suitcase.
Skechers Go Walk shoes. I now have three pair that I live in.
Golf Skorts, I now have 11. I was always a fan but went from 3 to 11 (wait, isn't that a work shift?)
Pre Park Opening Character Breakfast at MK. One of the best things I ever did. Hooked.
Packing Cubes, 2 sets of S, M and L in two different colors. Love them and use them everywhere.
Zip Loc Bags have always been in my suitcase, 3 different sizes for all kinds of things.

I love the DIS but it has actually saved me more money than it cost me, because I use all these things when I go anywhere. I just got back from the Caribbean and the DIS suggestions are just as handy there. This Summer I venture on a road trip to my DD's wedding in CA and these items will be with me (along with a formal gown in a garment bag).

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I haven't bought much stuff yet....trip is still a bit away but I did get packing cubes lol. They actually were Sharper Image brand at $14.99 at Marshalls for a set of 3 (large, medium, small). I've got multiple trips before Disney so I figure they will get their usage. I really just get tired of having my bag all nice and neat at first and the it gets all messed up. I figure this will allow me to at least sorta contain the mess in each cube and make it easier to take stuff back home.

I do plan on trying to make at least one shirt myself but that's Pinterest's fault there and if I can make the shirts for a decent enough price my husband will call it a win (as we all know some Pinterest projects turn into $$ pits). We also bought $4.99/each (regularly $49.99) portable chargers (holds 2 charges per charger) from Nebraska Furniture Mart on Black Friday but with the several trips before Disney those will also get their usage (though to be fair those were mainly bought for Disney as these other trips came up after Disney was already planned).

If I think of anything else I'll post about it.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I'm glad to see the comments about Skechers not having the arch support. I have stupid high arches and my feet ache like mad after a day at the parks of I don't have the right arch support. Heck, they hurt even if I do have arch support.

Yup I'm like that too. Pumps are not my friend my feet just pop right out of them with my archs. My mom swears by the Skechers pillowtop/yoga ones I just can't do them..plus I have issues with Skechers and them promoting things ever since I was forced to promote their shape ups when I worked at DSW only to find out years later that the claim of their awesomeness was unfounded (the warning of feet numbness should have been enough of a red flag; don't know if there are warning though with the pillowtop/yoga ones). My husband loves just normal street skechers though. This isn't to put down anyone who loves skechers as really everyone's feet are different just my own personal feelings.

 

[PlainJane]

Hmm...the stuff I can recall:

Body Glide
I don't remember thinking it worked that great, but someone recommended just using deodorant instead. I have happily used this trick ever since.

Luggage
The DIS was involved in my decision to buy colorful luggage, to better distinguish it on the carousel at the airport. After my set from Targt fell apart, I took the advice from here to buy a better brand like London Fog. It has held up substantially better than my other set.

Keens
I bought these for a camping trip by a river. I have not worn them frequently, but they have served me well when I've needed them.

Moleskin and Diaper Cream with Zinc
Not really for Disney. Came in real handy when I had a blister on the bottom of my foot from exercising.

Running Shoes
People on the exercise board were very insistent that it was important to buy running shoes from an actual running store with trained staff. I will say my shoes from running stores have fit better than when I tried to find something on my own.

Zebra Domes
They were no better than OK.

Mineral Makeup
It was OK. Not life changing.

 

[Jing]

Quite possibly. My dd often wears a 9 and they fit her. The Newports are wider than the Seacamps and they are squishier too. I prefer them for walking though my Seacamps look better because they aren't as bulky. Nordstrom carries them in store if you have one near you so you could try them on. Nordstrom also has free shipping and free returns. I got one pair through them and had to send back 2 pair before I found the ones that fit (tried Whispers and didn't like them, then tried a smaller size Seacamp which was too short, ended up with the size 6 Seacamp on the 3rd try. 6pm.com has some right now for between $27 and $39. Regular price is around $50 but worth it in my opinion. Adult sizes are $100 which I would have a hard time justifying.

They make Seacamps in adult sizes?!?!

ETA: Nevermind - foot just 1 size too big for kid version

 

[AnnieLytical]

Because of this thread, I have picked out 26 pairs of Sparkle Skirts that I'm dying to have. That's almost 2 grand worth. I can envision each outfit I would wear to Disney with each skirt. My husband asked me to pick a top 5...ha!!

He never asks where I find all this stuff....

 

[ravenclawforever]

They do make Seacamps in adult sizes but they are called Clearwaters - I'm pretty sure they are basically the same if you read the description of each.

 

[MrsHull]

My list, from what I can recall:

Body glide: this was a fantastic purchase.
Cross-body bag
Super light backpack
Disney Junior Character Encylcopedia (soooo heavy!)
Magical deal: fantastic!!!
Dollar store ponchos which ripped. We wound up buying the Disney ones anyway.
Barefoot shoes. I was in crocs by the third day.
More ziploc bags than I can count.
A stroller for my 7 year old. She rode in it one day and puked all over it. (My husband advocated the stroller, too).
The Nautilus.
Frozen beer.
MVMCP
Illuminations Dessert Party-- the best way to end a trip and I'll never not book this if possible.
Wyndham Bonnet Springs-- good for extended family trips.

 

[Accident]

Part of my decision to move to the orlando area is because of here. Being in the nyc area, it's actually going to save me a ton of money so not really on topic but disboards did play a major role in learning more about the orlando area, meeting some great people who shared their stories of what moving down there was like. I'm not moving because of here but it did play a major role in turning the "fantasy" of living nearby disney into something that's actually happening.

 

[tarak]

My list, from what I can recall:

Body glide: this was a fantastic purchase.
Cross-body bag
Super light backpack
Disney Junior Character Encylcopedia (soooo heavy!)
Magical deal: fantastic!!!
Dollar store ponchos which ripped. We wound up buying the Disney ones anyway.
Barefoot shoes. I was in crocs by the third day.
More ziploc bags than I can count.
A stroller for my 7 year old. She rode in it one day and puked all over it. (My husband advocated the stroller, too).
The Nautilus.
Frozen beer.
MVMCP
Illuminations Dessert Party-- the best way to end a trip and I'll never not book this if possible.
Wyndham Bonnet Springs-- good for extended family trips.

How was the Nautilus? We're staying at the Poly and I think we'll go to trader Sam's once - or go to the patio, I can't remember what it's called. I'd say my husband will think I'm nuts for spending that much on a drink, but he thinks I'm nuts anyway.

We've used the dollar store ponchos and done okay with them. We've really lucked out with the weather, though. But every trip, I consider getting the Disney ones. And it's because of the Dis, I know.

Stroller lock. I got one because of one too many threads about a stroller getting swiped. It does lock the wheels completely, so a CM could still move the stroller. It would just keep someone from taking it too far because the wheels won't roll easily. Never once used it. I felt bad that a CM would have to drag it to a new space. I still check that stupid lock when we go to Orlando. Even now, when the stroller has been through baggage claim after baggage claim and is on its last legs, I'll probably toss it in the suitcase, where it will remain until I get home.

 

[MrsHull]

T

How was the Nautilus? We're staying at the Poly and I think we'll go to trader Sam's once - or go to the patio, I can't remember what it's called. I'd say my husband will think I'm nuts for spending that much on a drink, but he thinks I'm nuts anyway.

We've used the dollar store ponchos and done okay with them. We've really lucked out with the weather, though. But every trip, I consider getting the Disney ones. And it's because of the Dis, I know.

Stroller lock. I got one because of one too many threads about a stroller getting swiped. It does lock the wheels completely, so a CM could still move the stroller. It would just keep someone from taking it too far because the wheels won't roll easily. Never once used it. I felt bad that a CM would have to drag it to a new space. I still check that stupid lock when we go to Orlando. Even now, when the stroller has been through baggage claim after baggage claim and is on its last legs, I'll probably toss it in the suitcase, where it will remain until I get home.[/QUO



The Nauilus itself was fine. Nothing spectacular. But having the glass on display in my home was worth every penny. We were, however, staying at the Poly and I have fun memories of the MK ride that made that a worthwhile souvenir for me. As far as drinks go, I prefer the Mai tai.

Go to the inside of Trader SAMs if you get there at any time other than immediately pre-wishes. And sit on a stool.

 

[Haygar2]

So funny! This is a fun thread.

Here's my list of stuff I never would have bought without getting the "ideas" from DIS:

Frog Togs (total waste of money, hardly ever used them)
Vera Bradley bags (don't use them at Disney at all, but love them for home)
Sketcher Go Walks (love!! I have 4 pair now and wear them all the time at home and at Disney)
Packing Cubes (love these as well because I am uber organized, but pretty sure life would not have ended had I never gotten them)
Body Glide (this stuff is awesome for the feet)
Sparkle Skorts (so freaking cute, but oh the money out the door. I do really love them and wear skorts almost exclusively at Disney instead of shorts, but they don't get much use after vacation is over)

I had to look up Sparkle Skorts to see what I was missing. Obviously the point of this thread. You are the second person to mention wearing skorts during vacation. So, while I am reading this thread, I have multiple tabs open looking for skorts. Because I need several pair. I really don't want to do laundry while I am on vacation.