I can't live without... This is the best.... (for your Disney trip)

[beaglette]

Ok, we just took the kids on a literal, 5-minute spur of the moment trip to Gatlinburg and stayed for a week.

I learned some really good (read: eternally frustrating) lessons for our upcoming Disney trip. One of them was "never do anything spur of the moment like that with 5 kids". You'd think I'd be old enough to know better.

So, tell me, what is something you can't live without on your trip? Or the BEST something or another. (I'm looking for... close your eyes fashion conscious people... the best fanny pack ever for our trip, seriously. Recommendations?)

I need to know what's the best. Let's live in Fantasyland and pretend that money is no object (ok, it really is but I just want to hear what you have to offer if money REALLY isn't an object.. ha ha ha!)

Details:

Whose going:

DH- 46 year old grumpy old troll who lives under the bridge (LOL, I'm kidding!)
ME- 37 year old kid rides every ride imagineable (that she can fit on..ha)
My mom- 65 year old kid, doesn't ride rides
DS-12 years old
DD- 12 years old
DD- 6 years old
DD- 2.5 years old (whew, got in right under the cut!)
DS- 1.5 years old

Accomodations:

14 nights at CBR, 2 rooms; may change to AKV, Kidami Village (is that the name, I've committed a mortal sin, I'm certain!) I'm just not sure I want to spend the extra money for a big refrigerator and washer and dryer; I mean, I can buy about 10 washer and dryers (good ones) for the price difference!

Dining Plan:

Deluxe dining, 3 sit-down meals per day (I think that's what it's called, right?)

Mode of transportation:

Driving (yes, we're nuts. 14 hours, probably 18 really)

Ok, so don't laugh. Yes, I know some about Disney, but I'm a newborn. And no, I don't have a handle on everything. I've been working too much to even read anything. I've just joined Mike's thingy today and will get to that tonight. I used to have one of those nifty planners years ago (the brown one with all the stuff in it) for planning our trip but, I got sick and we couldn't go so I threw it away... (another sin, I'm certain..ha)

Ok, lend a gal a hand!

3 weeks to go... help me out here.

 

[DVC Sadie]

The number one thing you need to have is patience. You are traveling with a large number and not everyone in your group will be able to go at the same pace. Your youngest children might need to return to the resort during the day for a nap (not all children do). Don't try to fit everything in one trip.

Don't forget sunscreen.

Have a wonderful time. Thats the best advice I can give.

 

[Perditamarie]

Wow!! Since time is so short, I will just say:

* Reconsider deluxe dining, especially if you don't have your advanced dining reservations made yet. It is a lot of time spent getting from point A to point B and a lot of time for young children to be in restaurants -- your whole vacation may be spent in a restaurant if you plan on 3 sit-downs a day. The regular dining plan could be fun with character meals, but if you can't get good times for your dining I don't think it would be worth it. The counter service option is great for a large group and you don't have to worry about being at a certain place at a certain time.

* Bring your own stroller(s) for your youngest 2, and even expect your 6 yo may need a ride from time to time.

Have a great time!

 

[momof1princess]

in your position, i would figure out what park i'm going to go to on what day and make dining reservations ASAP. with the size of your group, getting in spur-of-the-moment could prove very difficult. you could probably downsize to the regular meal plan-3 sit-down meals a day will cut a serious chunk of time out of your day. then 2 snacks and a mug...that's a LOT of food each day. we were at wdw for a week and rarely ate snacks. if we got one, it was usually a large coke for my husband. just throwing in my 2 cents. i usually plan all of our trips myself, so if i can help, just let me know.

 

[We_love_WDW]

Ok with only 3 weeks to go I would not get the deluxe dining - I would go with the regular dining plan and you still might not be able to get the reservations you want - they do fill up quickly. Any advice on dining just ask. As far as a bag I would look into the vera bradley hipster or minihipster - even though I love the disney drawstring backpack myself. I would stay at CBR but make sure you request a section that is close to the food court and pool or if you have a car I would request the newly renovated rooms. I stayed there and it was too spread out for me and too many bus stops, but that's my opinion. I like POFQ for a moderate hotel - the rooms are a little old, but the resort is nice and small and the pool is fun. Is this your first trip? You have a lot of planning to do. At least it should not be to crowded so you will not have to wait for rides, like we did this summer. I am the planner in our house - from days to which theme park when and what rides when and where to eat - so if you have any questions ask. Are you going to MNSSHP - it is a must!

 

[PiperPizzaz]

I agree on the dining. We can pack it away, let me tell you but, regular dining is plenty.

I always start with how many days we want to do of each park and go from there. I like to spread them out and if you cross reference that with the park hours it is usually pretty easy to figure out. Then you can decide on dining.

 

[beaglette]

I am giving you all a virtual hug. You're the best. Thanks for not making fun of me for not knowing my stuff!

It's my second visit there, first on-site. I knew even less than I know now for my first trip. (It's possible, I assure you. Ha.)

We watched part of the Disney Vacation Planner DVD that they sent us the other day and the kids went crazy. I told them that MAYBE MAYBE MAYBE we can go on Spring Break. My 1 year old squealed with excitement and pointed and babbled at the TV. He's so excited. Only y'all can understand this: watching his excitement as well as the other kidlets, made me cry. Thinking about it makes me cry. Am I crazy?

I have made some ressies but, based on the brief, brief look at Tour Guide Mikes program that I bought today, I think I need to change some and truly decide what days to go to which parks.

I am a complete planner, normally. I've just had some enormous projects to complete and I have not had a chance to do anything.

Is that Vera Bradley bag you mentioned a fanny pack? As ugly as they are, they are so convenient, particularly since, under normal circumstances, I already need two sets of hands..ha!

I am considering getting that GPS unit to attach to the younger 3. Is this nuts?

I am considering getting a pay as you go cell phone for the 12 year olds SOLELY for this trip only. They will never use it any other time. Good idea or not?

I considered backing off on the meals because it was stressing me out thinking of planning all of that. The difference in price for all of us, for the entire 14 days is $2,400.
That averages out to about $34 more per day, per person. I figured, worse case scenario, we eat at counter service or we walk up and try to get seated somewhere. I think I currently have 9 advance ressies for the following:

Crystal Palace
Tony's Town Square (before the MNSSHP)
50's Prime Time Cafe
Hoop Dee Doo Revue
Akershus
Marrakesh
Biergarten
Boma
Chef Mickey's

I couldn't get the Backyard BBQ And I certainly couldn't get CRT! I plan on booking some more, it's just that I had been on the phone far too long today and couldn't continue on-- had to get some work done!

I am considering, considering CONSIDERING an upgrade to AKV. It's the only 2 bedroom available right now. Any possible way to rent points from someone? If I did, I wouldn't get the dining free, right?

Thanks. Y'all are the best!

 

[PurpleSurfer]

I'm thinking basics here but when you asked what can't be lived without it's the right shoes and a stroller for the little ones.

If you have one person in your group that ends up not being able to walk you will all be sidelined to some extent.

 

[momof1princess]

I am giving you all a virtual hug. You're the best. Thanks for not making fun of me for not knowing my stuff!

It's my second visit there, first on-site. I knew even less than I know now for my first trip. (It's possible, I assure you. Ha.)

We watched part of the Disney Vacation Planner DVD that they sent us the other day and the kids went crazy. I told them that MAYBE MAYBE MAYBE we can go on Spring Break. My 1 year old squealed with excitement and pointed and babbled at the TV. He's so excited. Only y'all can understand this: watching his excitement as well as the other kidlets, made me cry. Thinking about it makes me cry. Am I crazy?

I have made some ressies but, based on the brief, brief look at Tour Guide Mikes program that I bought today, I think I need to change some and truly decide what days to go to which parks.

I am a complete planner, normally. I've just had some enormous projects to complete and I have not had a chance to do anything.

Is that Vera Bradley bag you mentioned a fanny pack? As ugly as they are, they are so convenient, particularly since, under normal circumstances, I already need two sets of hands..ha!

I am considering getting that GPS unit to attach to the younger 3. Is this nuts?

I am considering getting a pay as you go cell phone for the 12 year olds SOLELY for this trip only. They will never use it any other time. Good idea or not?

I considered backing off on the meals because it was stressing me out thinking of planning all of that. The difference in price for all of us, for the entire 14 days is $2,400.
That averages out to about $34 more per day, per person. I figured, worse case scenario, we eat at counter service or we walk up and try to get seated somewhere. I think I currently have 9 advance ressies for the following:

Crystal Palace
Tony's Town Square (before the MNSSHP)
50's Prime Time Cafe
Hoop Dee Doo Revue
Akershus
Marrakesh
Biergarten
Boma
Chef Mickey's

I couldn't get the Backyard BBQ And I certainly couldn't get CRT! I plan on booking some more, it's just that I had been on the phone far too long today and couldn't continue on-- had to get some work done!

I am considering, considering CONSIDERING an upgrade to AKV. It's the only 2 bedroom available right now. Any possible way to rent points from someone? If I did, I wouldn't get the dining free, right?

Thanks. Y'all are the best!

knowing what days you'll be in which parks will really help organize your dining reservations. you've picked some GREAT restaurants if the regular dining plan can same you some money, i'd downgrade and save the difference. the deluxe plan just looks like SO much food, i'd hate for you to spend all that money and not be able to get enough reservations. you could end up trekking all over whatever park you're in looking for a restaurant that could take your party on a walk-up. since you have tour guide mike, that should help a lot with planning your days. as far as a park bag, my DH carries a backpack (handy to stuff souvenirs and snacks in!) and i keep the camera and credit cards in a travelon hipster. DH just bought himself a new, awesome backpack with water bottle holders and extra pockets, he was so proud of it, ROFL.

 

[verygfy]

Let's start down the list:

The Vera Bradly is not a fanny pack, I personally use the Mickey drawstring bag and it is perfect but I only have 2 kids. What you might want to consider is getting packs for each of the 12 year olds and the 6 year old so that they can carry snacks and such for themselves and you don't have to lug everything.

The cellphone for the 12 year old on the trip is not crazy. We got one for our DS and he's 11 and I do allow him to go with his friends in the park by themselves. I know some parents are not thrilled with this idea, but at Disney I feel safe enough and we usually are not that far apart, but he can only do the tea cups so many times. I make him call me after each ride.


I agree with many of the other pp that the Deluxe is way too much for the 8 of you, figure for the 5 of us that usually go on a trip it is an hour and a half for each sit down meal, and usually about 20 minutes of traveling (I have never planned it to well to be right on top of the restaurant that we are going to eat at). So with that said you are planning on 6 hours per day just eating. I do recommend coordinating the restaurants with whichever park or plan you have for the day.

You can try to rent the DVC points, I usually pay about $10 a point and have occassionally paid about $8 a point. However I do usually rent about 3 to 7 months out before my trips. You can also see if there is availability at Tree House Villas, which is 3 bedroom but the points are equal to a 2 bedroom (the 3rd bedroom is a small room with bunkbeds). I like renting the DVC because after the pool with the wet clothes it makes life a little bit easier and have really grown fond of the balconies. Plus you can pack less clothes and there is a lot more room.

I have never attached a GPS to one of my children, are you nuts, no. I just have never done it so can't give any advice.

The other recommendations I will make is have a resort only day mixed in there. I am all for the commando style for our Disney trips, but the rest of the family can get worn out especially the little ones and a day dedicated to the pool and hotel is a real joy as well. They have games at the pools, my DS enjoys those. The other thing is we usually try to plan a night they are showing a movie to just relax and watch.

I hope this helps you a little bit, have a great trip.

 

[We_love_WDW]

If you rent points you will have to pay for dining and at this point it might be difficult to get a reservation with points there - you would have to price it out. Do you know the hoop dee do counts as 2 table services and I'm not sure if the younger ones will enjoy it. We love Donald's Safari Breakfast buffet at Animal Kingdom...it's really good. Whispering Canyon at Wilderness Lodge is really good and so is the Ohana Breakfast. The vera bradley crosses your body and hangs at the hip...there is a whole thread on this on here. Start with what park you want to do each day - I would avoid the EMH unless you plan on being there at rope drop. My 1 1/2 year old had a blast this summer - he loved the characters and Small world. He loved the character meals the most.

 

[Sgt Mickey]

bring spare batteries for camera becasue the ones at the park are very very pricey..says the person who learned the hard way becase she left the new batteries at home.

 

[DVC Sadie]

I don't think you will need a GPS system for your youngest but a cell phone for your 11 year old may be needed, only if you allow him to go off by himself.

The other thing you may need to remember to bring is ..... extra money. There is so much shopping (if you are into that sort of thing) and so little time. Don't forget to try the Mickey Bars!

 

[syncsk8mom]

We just got back Monday from a birthday/surprise trip for my SIL and niece. We had a total of 4 adults, 1 pre-teen and 1 toddler. I would really echo the same advise as the other ladies and down grade your dining package...besides the convience of CS it also is very convient if 1/2 your large group gets hungry before your other half...and believe me that happens all the time.

Sencondly, I would REALLY recommend that if you are going to pay for a 2 bedroom to stay at the Yatch and Beach club....couple of reasons...they have the hands down BEST POOL in the World, second reason, you can WALK right into the back part of Epcot very easily. They also do movies on the beach at night, the boardwalk has TONS of entertainment also. You are right in the heart of it all.....if Yatch/Beach Club is not available I would shot for the Boardwalk 2 bedroom villas....same great location, but you can't use the Yatch & Beach Club pool.

Another great recommendation for a large group....go to each area of the park, then swap, switch and flip your way through the various rides and attractions based on everyone's needs and desires....it will cut down on your walking.

Get a babysitter for the little ones if you are doing the Halloween Party....they will never make it. Disney has GREAT inroom sitters and we have used them twice....I HIGHLY recommend them. There is an older lady, can't think of her name right now that is sooo super woderful with my little one. My youngest has strong stranger anxiety, not only did Ella just have a BLAST with her sitter, but she even ate EVERY bit of her dinner....that was well worth the 75 bucks we paid!! LOL

Have a really great time, don't stress too much and buy a photo pass CD!!!

 

[fortheluvofpooh]

I am giving you all a virtual hug. You're the best. Thanks for not making fun of me for not knowing my stuff!

It's my second visit there, first on-site. I knew even less than I know now for my first trip. (It's possible, I assure you. Ha.)

We watched part of the Disney Vacation Planner DVD that they sent us the other day and the kids went crazy. I told them that MAYBE MAYBE MAYBE we can go on Spring Break. My 1 year old squealed with excitement and pointed and babbled at the TV. He's so excited. Only y'all can understand this: watching his excitement as well as the other kidlets, made me cry. Thinking about it makes me cry. Am I crazy?

I have made some ressies but, based on the brief, brief look at Tour Guide Mikes program that I bought today, I think I need to change some and truly decide what days to go to which parks.

I am a complete planner, normally. I've just had some enormous projects to complete and I have not had a chance to do anything.

Is that Vera Bradley bag you mentioned a fanny pack? As ugly as they are, they are so convenient, particularly since, under normal circumstances, I already need two sets of hands..ha!

I am considering getting that GPS unit to attach to the younger 3. Is this nuts?

I am considering getting a pay as you go cell phone for the 12 year olds SOLELY for this trip only. They will never use it any other time. Good idea or not?

I considered backing off on the meals because it was stressing me out thinking of planning all of that. The difference in price for all of us, for the entire 14 days is $2,400.
That averages out to about $34 more per day, per person. I figured, worse case scenario, we eat at counter service or we walk up and try to get seated somewhere. I think I currently have 9 advance ressies for the following:

Crystal Palace
Tony's Town Square (before the MNSSHP)
50's Prime Time Cafe
Hoop Dee Doo Revue
Akershus
Marrakesh
Biergarten
Boma
Chef Mickey's

I couldn't get the Backyard BBQ And I certainly couldn't get CRT! I plan on booking some more, it's just that I had been on the phone far too long today and couldn't continue on-- had to get some work done!

I am considering, considering CONSIDERING an upgrade to AKV. It's the only 2 bedroom available right now. Any possible way to rent points from someone? If I did, I wouldn't get the dining free, right?

Thanks. Y'all are the best!

Have you looked in to renting dvc points? Or can you switch over to OKW. It is a very roomy resort. We loved it there and it is less expensive that AKL.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Hi! Lots of good advice so far!!
Vera Bradley: I am gonna suggeest the Backpack! I have one and I love it! I took the Hipster last trip and it didn't work for me!! We have 3 kids and I just couldn't get enough in there!! If you are not bringing a diaper bag, I think you need the VB backpack and you dh needs one of those $10 backpacks from Wal-Mart! I got dh a backpack like that and this will be it's 4th disney trip. It's held up well!! Just know that every bag (camera bags included) will be checked at the Security Check entering each park!!! Have those bags out and unzipped upon entering! Usually, one of us go through the security with the bags, other parent takes kids through turnstile.. Just an FYI!!

Cell phones for kids: if you are planning on letting them be away from grown ups on this trip...definitely! Stroller...bring your own! The Disney ones have been revamped...bad idea!! they made them smaller and more expensive...hated them in Jan.

Rooms: did you check out the all star family suite? They sleep 6 and have 2 bathrooms...you might need 2 suites! But hey...4 bathrooms!!!!!!! Not sure how you are going to sleep 8 cheaply.....we have 5 and usually do a deluxe...plenty of room for us, but 8 would not work... I am not familiar with the moderate resorts, but I am assuming you could just get 2 adjoining rooms.

I second the good shoes rule!!!! Also,...do your kids exercise? I would start today taking them for a looooong walk each day...you all need to start getting prepared. Just walking from bus stops, turnstiles, to actual rides/events is a looooong way!! I am sure you know that, since you have been before, but you tend to forget how far it is from the monorail to ride #1. I do this each year with our kids....at least have them able to walk 2 miles without passing out!!!! Not the little two, but all the rest of your trip should start conditioning yourselves!!!!

Bring a pop-up hamper and your own laundry stuff....and lots of quarters for the machines.This is one of my favorite tips! Also, those cheap over the door shoe hangers from Walmart or Target....hang over a closet door and put all your small stuff in there. We use one for sunglasses, brushes, coins, chapstick, deoderant...whatever will fit...keeps some of the clutter to a minimum!!! Also, starting now...if you beging to get to the end of a product you use daily, put it in a travel box.For example, when we are close to the end of a toothpaste, or shampoo, or deoderant...just put it in the Disney box and pack it on your trip...use it up on vacation then throw it away....or, since you are this close to your trip, start buying those mini travel items a few at a time.....that can all add up if you buy it at once!! They even have tiny All and Tide detergents!!
ZIPLOCK BAGS!! Oh, how I love these!!! I put everything in them!!! I even bring extras to pack stuff for the return trip!! For each person, I use one for sox, underwear, and so on. That way, they aren't taking up too much space and it just keeps it minimal in the luggage. Also, for your younger kids, pack each day a complete outfit in one bag....makes your mornings easier.Since you are driving down, you can stop at a grocery store and get snacks, water bottles, whatever. We bring granola bars, peanut butter crackers...small apple juices....stuff like that for breakfast and eat it in the room...no time wasted getting the day on a roll. We usually do a counter service for lunch around 11, so we are not toooo hungry!
Sunscreen and bathing suits!! No matter what resort you stay at...those pools will entice your kids!!!!! Plan a day close to the end of your trip...let the kids swim and you get a book and go do laundry!!!! You are gonna need some down time.....and they are gonna want to swim, so that always works for us!!! Hubby swims with them and I launder If I am through before they are finished, I swim with them...unless it's cold!!! Ha!!! I don't like getting out in the cold air, no matter how much they heat that pool!!
Well, are you overwhelmed? Make lists!!! Start a packing list today, and do what you can ahead of time...it won't be so daunting! Also, I am on TGM (first time) and I have really enjoyed it...great touring advice...try to stick to some of it... but you have 5 kids, so don't feel like you are bound to it!!! You have good restaurants picked also!! I think you are going to have a wonderful trip!! OH! Don't forget your camera or cell phone charger!!!!!! We did that one year Major pain! Keep us posted!!!

 

[2binak]

We could not live without:

Our own snacks for everyone - much cheaper than WDW prices and you're not stopping every 15 mins to satisfy someone's need for a snack

Our own stroller - go with what your kids know and what is most comfortable to them

RayShade for stroller - provides extra protection from the sun

Bag attached to the back of stroller for quick access to frequently used items

Sippy Pal tether to keep sippy cups, bottles & toys attached to stroller & highchair

Disposable changing pads, bibs & table toppers

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I knew I would forget something important!!! SUNGLASSES for everyone! Even the little 2...my kids always wear their...of course, this is one more thing for mom to keep up with...but it's soooo worth it...that sun can be blinding!!!! If you can find it, those little straps that go on the legs would be perfect, they could just let them dangle when they aren't wearing them and you won't have to keep digging them out!!!
Also, we don't buy stuff in the parks everyday......I usually tell them we'll shop the Friday or Saturday before we leave. That way they can keep looking all week and they can know their $$range....my kids like this.....if they keep looking at the same toy all week, I know they really want it and aren't getting it just to get something! Good tip for me too!!!! Every year I think, I am not getting anything---then I get there & I'm overwhelmed with how much good stuff I HAVE to have!!!! Ha!!!!

 

[hoosiergirl7]

I definitely say bag the Deluxe Dining and just go for the standard dining. You'll be spending way more time getting from meal to meal than you think.

You've got 14 days at WDW. Enjoy the resort too. Find downtime for everyone. You'll enjoy the vacation even more.

Like others suggested, a backpack is a must as well as your own stroller and snacks. You can take them into the park.

You might consider renting DVC points to stay in a 1 or 2 bedroom villa. You'll have the fridge and the laundry services right there in your room. Plus you'll have space. A lot of times you can rent DVC points for less than staying in a regular room at a resort.

 

[snoopy5386]

I would absolutely downgrade your dining. You have made only 9 of 43 adrs (3 meals a day x 14 days) that you would need. You are going during free dining. You will not be able to walk in ANYWHERE. You will also never spend $2400 on "extra" food if you go with the regular plan.
Switching to DVC is up to you. You would have a hard time renting points on such short notice. Late September is "low points season" so chances are the resorts are booked. If you are doing any dining plan you don't really need the kitchen for anything, so it would be for the extra space and for the laundry. You'd also need to think about the sleeping arrangements - who will be on the sofa beds, etc.