Is there such a thing as too much preparation?

[NancyDVC]

Is there such a thing as too much preparation?

We are scheduled for the 9/11 Magic. I have been reading and posting on this board since last summer. I have encouraged my best friend to go to this board for information for some time. Lately she has been lurking daily. She refers to things that she has read and all the best tips.
Today I got a call at work and she asked if I could stop at the luggage outlet on my way to her house tonight because she needs a bigger suitcase. Now for the past 3 years I have been encouraging her to get a bigger bag but she insisted that it is plenty big enough when we go to WDW. Lots of room for clothes, etc. and besides we stay at DVC resorts and she can do wash.

She said that she has no room for clothes in her bag. I went to the luggage outlet and I found several bags in larger sizes but could not decide which one to get. (It is tough to pick out these things for other people.)
When I got here she asked me to look at the bag because there is no room for clothes. I looked at the neatly packed bag and she has everything form the best tips list-duct tape, baggies-different sizes, water bottle, hairdryer, night light, soft cooler (small one), marker, clothes pins, etc., etc., etc. And she was right except for a few pieces of underwear (in plastic bags of course) there is absolutely no room for clothes!!!!!!!!!
So can a DISboard novice overprepare because of what she has read here?
Can we ship the clothes to FLA? Aand carry the 'essentials' in the suitcase?
I think that we will be off to the outlets tomorrow to get a larger suitcase. (And that is a trip that requires a ferry-she lives on an island.) This trip is getting more interesting everyday and we haven't even left yet!

 

[goingbacksoon]

I'm not exactly a DIS novice, but here's my take...

Some of that stuff really is useful, but some of it could be probably be done without. The way I see it, the more you take, the more you have to bring back. Many of those things like duct tape, clothes pins, etc can either be taken care of by your stateroom hostess or guest services. You'd be surprised at what they have back there... Gf's shoe broke and they were quick to the rescue with krazy glue when we asked.

The real hassle for that stuff comes the day before debarkation, when you have to pack it all up and have it outside by 11PM, and having all that other stuff just muddles up the situation even more. In my experience, the most useful thing we bought for travelling was small bottles for shampoo, lotion, hair gel, etc. It really kept weight and clutter down. A quarter a pop from the plastic store.

So yes, you can overprepare, but for some it is their security blanket and/or their nature. As long as you're okay hauling it around with you, then really no problems.

 

[crisi]

We dragged none of that stuff. The only thing I missed and will be sure to pack next time was having a small light up alarm clock.

 

[Cuzisayso2]

We went on a 3 day back in May and I took none of that with me. And we didn't miss it. I bought the safe sea sunscreen...didn't use it, didn't bring baggies, and didn't need them. Had no need for duct tape of clothes pins either. I guess it's just all in your personal preference. There are a couple things that were needed, either a hanging toiletry kit OR the over the door shoe holder(great tip), a light up alarm clock(those rooms are dark), and a power strip for extra electrical outlets. There aren't many in the room and they aren't easily accessible and if you have items that need to be charged (camcorder, digital camera, gameboy, cell phones, etc) you will need it.

Just remember to not overplan to the point that you take the fun of discovering, the mystery of a new experience out of your cruise. I had planned so hard for so long, that I missed out on the joy of the new experience.

Best wishes and enjoy your cruise!

 

[DVC from NJ]

I agree, that most of the time we way, way overpack. Many of the clothes I packed came back without getting any wear at all! I didn't bring an extention cord, clothes pins, an over-the-door shoe holder--and didn't miss any of them! I did bring a light up alarm clock--and very glad I did. You need to wake up early, ( if you have kids) and want to have breakfast before disembarking the ship at ports. Also a night light, 'cause it does get dark in the room and my children would have been afraid without it. Dress is very casual during the day--bathing suits with coverups really. In the evening Parrot Cay & Animators are casual too. Triton is a little dressy. And Palo is the dressiest. You could wear the same dress to Triton as Palos. One word of advice----bring comfortable clothes, nothing tight---you do get a lot of food!!!

 

[kcashner]

Most of that stuff is totally not needed. After 10 cruises on the Magic, I still overpack. I really should pack, then take out half of the clothes.

The only items from the lists that I really like are the over the door shoe thing and a couple of clothespins. I used to slip the bathing suits over the line, but really do like being able to hang them. I'm talking like 4 clothes pins, not a package. No duct tape, hair dryer, etc. Yes, I know the dryers on board are a little odd, but they do work and it isn't worth hauling mine!

We usually end up with one suitcase each (which amazes the porters!) Then I have a totally collapsible one that I slip in to use for dirty laundry on the return.

 

[WisconsinDisneyGirl]

I am an extreme planner. Always have been. I get it from my mom. Our cruise was supposed to depart today, but it did not. I did not have a plan B. Never even gave it a thought. Not until last Sat. when I learned about Francis. All week long I changed plans over and over again. I had plan B- F and they still would not work. Next time I plan a big vacation I will have a very detailed plan B in the works. So now we are sailing on the Sept. 12 Wonder and doing the WDW first. No problem and no big deal. ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN B!!!!

 

[Ginny]

NancyDVC =

I am an obsessive packer and planner...................and, from my perspective, you can easily overpack and overplan from reading all the wonderful advice on this board.

On our first cruise in 1999, I was so stressed about making the "right" ressies and everything going perfectly, that I almost forgot to live in the moment - I would have missed all the memories. The concierge found me a bit teary-eyed and she was so sweet and helped me get everything back in perspective. Its a cruise, not a contest! So, I have relaxed a great deal and cut my packing in half.

From my experience in 5 cruises, the only items I really have to bring are:

** an extension cord because the outlet for the hair dryer and curling iron is not convenient for me.
**zip-loc bags (my own personal addiction)
**water-proof KTTW holder (the double sized one for KTTW and pocket Kleenex)
**My Excel spreadsheet schedule (so I don't have to remember stuff in my head)
**A light up alarm clock
**Plug-in night light

Everyone has there own "show-stoppers." And, it may take a cruise to figure out what yours are. For me, I have never brought a cooler, power strip, duct tape, special cremes (besides basic sunscreen) to fend off bugs or other things that other DIS'ers swear by. And, never needed or missed them. But, try to get between me and my zip-locs and its war.

I would recommend getting the bigger suitcase even if she doesn't cut back on her "have to bring with her" items. Then, she'll have more room to bring home new purchases. That makes perfect sense to me!!

Have a truly wonderful cruise and just relax and enjoy!!

 

[QueenTrident]

When we went, I obsessively made lists and more lists of what to bring. Then, DH brought be back to reality. Besides an over-the-door toiletry kit, I brought none of the things you listed and never needed or missed them. Next time, I'll bring even less clothes - we spent all the time in bathing suits and sweat shorts, so I had way to many short sets and dinner outfits. I would bring a slight larger bag with me, so I will have an easier time to bring back my purchases. I ended up leaving a few things in the state room (freebie stuff that I had gotten).

 

[DVC from NJ]

I agree, bring an extra bag with you for the purchases. My husband came home with more than me!!!