I feel so unprepared!

[bookworm2]

Hello

DH and I will be traveling w/ our 3yo DD to WDW the first week of June. We're staying at POP and have the Hopper and DDP. I am trying to be organized but I feel soooooooo unprepared!

Here's what I've done:

• Booked vacation package

• Booked flight

• Made ADR for Whispering Canyon Cafe, Hoop Dee Doo, Chef Mickey's, Hollywood & Vine breakfast

• Bought and read parts of the Unofficial Guide

• Figured out a tentative plan of which parks on which days

What else do I need to do? I feel very unprepared!!

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[krismom]

Breathe in breathe out..... you're doing better than most of the people who visit Disney! You seem to be off to a great start- ADR's set, basic itinerary, etc. You may want to start collecting stuff for the trip- it's less painful than doing it all at once! you know; plane ride treats, light up toys, autograph book, misting fans, snacks and water, light/cool outfits, Tinkerbelle treats, etc.If it's your child's first trip- I also got a few of the disney Sing along DVD's to prepare my kids for the size of the characters and what to expect.
Just remember, getting there is half the fun!
Enjoy!

 

[Perditamarie]

Yes..you are off to a great start. Here are some ideas:

* Pull out the camera and start practicing the quick draw. Have a supply of batteries, memory cards/film, etc. Ditto w/video recorder if you are bringing it.

* Read the ride descriptions in the UG so you know which ones are appropriate and which you will skip or baby swap.

* Preparing the Tinkerbell treats is a lot of fun and your dd will be dazzled.

* Read up on packing tips on the boards. I love to pack in ziplock bags...each bag has 1 outfit so it is easy to get ready quick. Also, pack a little of everyones stuff in each case so if one gets lost, no one person is out all of their clothes.

* If not done already, figure out your stroller strategy!! Many, many threads on this!

* Bring breakfast/snack items with you to save time and $$. We find it very convenient also.

* If you are at all crafty, it is a fun project to make an autograph book and you can either add pics when you return or scrapbook it to help combat trip-over-blues!

* Don't start second guessing your resort, dining & ticket choices!!

Watching the sing-a-longs is a great idea. Also the planning DVD if you have it. Happy planning!

 

[Minnie_me]

What are Tinkerbell treats?!??!

 

[bookworm2]

Great ideas - thanks!! I collected stuff for DD's easter basket for a few months and it really helped when the time came... I don't know why I didn't think of that for Disney!

 

[Perditamarie]

Tinkerbell treats are little surprises, like special Disney stuff (sparkly hair doo-dads, t-shirts, stuffed animals, etc) that's left overnight, or when the room is empty to surprise and delight children. It is also fun to sprinkle w/glitter or leave a teeny tiny note written in glitter by tinkerbell (just read about another poster making Tinkerbell footprints w/chapstick and glitter -- very cute). We have also received special invitations to character meals this way.

 

[bookworm2]

Thanks! Do you have any suggestions on breakfast items to pack?

P.S. How did you know I was second-guessing resort and restaurant choices??? LOL, glad to hear I'm not alone!!

 

[bookworm2]

I love the idea of Tinkerbell Treats!!! Do you put them out for your kids to find, or how does that work?

I love this board!!!!

 

[nettii]

I would leave the Tinkerbell Treats on the tablel aranged nice, maybe a lil bit of pixie dust (gliter) on the tabel!
For breakfast I like to do granola bars and dried fruit.

My suggestions are:
Relax and enoy!
go over what each park has to offer and make a must do list. Favorite shows rides ect.
And relax it will be amazing even if you dont have every thing planed perfect! Its Disney,enjoy and see it thru your dd eyes! Oh yeah bring a tiny packet of kleenex, you might cry!
Have an amazing trip Nettii

 

[Perditamarie]

I like to bring poptarts (special treat), Special K bars, granola bars, cereal, snacks like crackers, pretzels and fruit chews for the plane. They sell fruit in the food court (we always stock up on bananas) and I have read on the boards that you can use snack credits from the ddp to purchase a decent sized box of donuts for breakfast.

I like to carry some familiar snacks w/me at all times because it seems to take so long to find one when you need one (to avoid meltdown, for long lines, when restless in shows, etc). Some folks also ship items to themselves at the resorts. I like the idea of packing consumables in a suitcase that will be emptied to carry souvenirs home!

I also recommend bringing a cooler bag to the parks to have juice/water on hand for kids. Sometimes it is really difficult to find juice and it is handy to whip out a sippy cup precisely when needed!

The Pop has a great food court and is a fun resort w/a great kiddie pool. They also have swim vests that you can borrow so you don't need to bring any from home.