Just returned-things that helped the most

[kj2mom]

We just got back and there were several things that really helped make the trip more enjoyable;

- We loved our waterproof backpack, it was the perfect size for us and had the drink holders on both sides. http://www.amazon.com/Ultralight-Li...d=1436755575&sr=8-1&keywords=hikepro+backpack

- Brita water bottles, we froze one each night and put the other in the fridge so we started the day off with water but still had cold water through the morning. Once it started to get warm we asked for a free cup of water and refilled it. http://www.amazon.com/Brita-Filter-...8&qid=1436755748&sr=8-9&keywords=brita+bottle

- Ponchos from Amazon (better than dollar store), http://www.amazon.com/Wealers-displ...e=UTF8&qid=1436755859&sr=8-1&keywords=ponchos

-Took a screen grab of our schedule from MDE each night for the next day then made that my lock screen on my phone so we weren't killing the battery connecting each time we wanted to double check.

-Rope drop (or close to it) and get as much done in the morning then nice, cool, relaxing TS for lunch followed by 3 FP+ when the lines start backing up. We were there for 4th of July and never waited in any line for more than 20 minutes.

I am sure there were others but those are the ones that stick out the most after just returning. Thank you to everyone here who gave me these tips which made our trip that much more enjoyable.

 

[Kirk]

We loved our waterproof backpack, it was the perfect size for us and had the drink holders on both sides. http://www.amazon.com/Ultralight-Li...d=1436755575&sr=8-1&keywords=hikepro+backpack

Thanks, Daughter might like this. I use a big fanny pack.

- Brita water bottles, we froze one each night and put the other in the fridge so we started the day off with water but still had cold water through the morning. Once it started to get warm we asked for a free cup of water and refilled it. http://www.amazon.com/Brita-Filter-...8&qid=1436755748&sr=8-9&keywords=brita+bottle

This is helpful!

- Ponchos from Amazon (better than dollar store), http://www.amazon.com/Wealers-displ...e=UTF8&qid=1436755859&sr=8-1&keywords=ponchos

Yikes! Mickey Ponchos used to be only $5 at WDW! What are they now? I still have a few I bought years ago.

-Took a screen grab of our schedule from MDE each night for the next day then made that my lock screen on my phone so we weren't killing the battery connecting each time we wanted to double check.

I use a 3X extended battery that will last 2 days under normal use and carry one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BQ5KHJW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
That will quick charge two phone (devices) at a time.

 

[phillymummer]

- We loved our waterproof backpack, it was the perfect size for us and had the drink holders on both sides. http://www.amazon.com/Ultralight-Li...d=1436755575&sr=8-1&keywords=hikepro+backpack

-Took a screen grab of our schedule from MDE each night for the next day then made that my lock screen on my phone so we weren't killing the battery connecting each time we wanted to double check.

Thank you for the link to that bag! I have been thinking about getting a new bag. That one looks great!

Taking a screen shot of your schedule is brilliant! I still plan on carrying a piece of paper with all my info (yes, I am old school like that) but I might try that this trip.

 

[kj2mom]

I believe the ponchos were $8 but I wanted to use and toss, not carry them around when wet. I would have had to buy 3x8 so the amount I paid for the whole batch was still cheaper (we came home with a bunch).

I did have a charger that worked fine but loved the screen grab idea just for convenience. In terms of the battery, I went to Guest Relations at MK to get a map of a friend's brick and while there a bunch of people were dropping off their phones to be charged. I had no idea you could do that. I also noticed a charging station in the gift shop where you exit Space Mountain. If your family is riding and you are not, you could wait in the store and charge your phone. I never needed to charge but thought this was good info to have.

I really loved the bag because I could put the important things in the tiny pockets for easy access. It was for sure water proof (I accidentally set it down in a wet spot in AK and was nervous about the contents but everything inside was perfectly dry). It was not heavy to carry, it did not make our backs all sweaty (we saw people with sweat marks the shapes of backpacks) and had the drink holders for our Brita bottles (I brought a couple of coozies to put one in each side to put the bottles in).

 

[2MOdisneyfans]

Thank you for sharing. I did the screen shot when I went in April.

 

[Mom2Stitch]

Love the screen shot idea! And thank you for the link to the ponchos-will be getting some of those for our September trip.

 

[LoodlesNoodles]

Oh I hadn't thought of taking our Brita water bottles. Great idea!!

 

[awalker1015]

The screen shot idea is brilliant. I bring a battery pack to recharge but that is an excellent tip I will use next trip!!!!

 

[RamrodinTonight]

So obvious, yet I would not have thought of it. Brilliant!

-Took a screen grab of our schedule from MDE each night for the next day then made that my lock screen on my phone so we weren't killing the battery connecting each time we wanted to double check.

.

 

[kj2mom]

I stole all of the ideas from people here, thank you, but happy to spread the word. I found using a Safari and going to MDE itinerary gave me the most inclusive screen shot.

I brought some flavoring for the water but didn't need it with the Britas.

 

[MapleGirl]

That is a super cool backpack. Added it to my amazon wishlist!

 

[ForMyBoys]

-Rope drop (or close to it) and get as much done in the morning then nice, cool, relaxing TS for lunch followed by 3 FP+ when the lines start backing up. We were there for 4th of July and never waited in any line for more than 20 minutes.

Yes! This is what we do and it works perfectly

 

[MHofeners]

do I NEED ponchos? excuse my ignorance

 

[ForMyBoys]

do I NEED ponchos? excuse my ignorance

... well it rains a lot in Florida. A nice rain jacket and of course umbrellas work as well, My kids prefer to run around in ponchos

 

[Wdw1015]

Thanks for the link to the ponchos....I'll be getting some of those!

 

[MHofeners]

ha ha! True! Blonde moment - I was thinking this was more for getting wet on rides & whatnot... I guess I will be adding these to the packing list!

 

[AntJulie]

We just got back and there were several things that really helped make the trip more enjoyable;

- We loved our waterproof backpack, it was the perfect size for us and had the drink holders on both sides. http://www.amazon.com/Ultralight-Li...d=1436755575&sr=8-1&keywords=hikepro+backpack

- Brita water bottles, we froze one each night and put the other in the fridge so we started the day off with water but still had cold water through the morning. Once it started to get warm we asked for a free cup of water and refilled it. http://www.amazon.com/Brita-Filter-...8&qid=1436755748&sr=8-9&keywords=brita+bottle

- Ponchos from Amazon (better than dollar store), http://www.amazon.com/Wealers-displ...e=UTF8&qid=1436755859&sr=8-1&keywords=ponchos

-Took a screen grab of our schedule from MDE each night for the next day then made that my lock screen on my phone so we weren't killing the battery connecting each time we wanted to double check.

-Rope drop (or close to it) and get as much done in the morning then nice, cool, relaxing TS for lunch followed by 3 FP+ when the lines start backing up. We were there for 4th of July and never waited in any line for more than 20 minutes.

I am sure there were others but those are the ones that stick out the most after just returning. Thank you to everyone here who gave me these tips which made our trip that much more enjoyable.

Great information...thanks...bought backpack, ponchos and water bottles...used amazon rewards points and virtually got items for free!!

 

[kj2mom]

Glad to help anyone I can! I should have said the reason Amazon prevails here is because I saved up a bunch of gift cards I got from Viggle (free giftcards for watching tv). I did not pay out of pocket for anything I bought through Amazon. We needed ponchos a couple of days when the rain was torrential, one day it was sprinkling when we went on Kali so we decided to put them on just because we had them and could. It worked perfectly!

 

[kj2mom]

Great information...thanks...bought backpack, ponchos and water bottles...used amazon rewards points and virtually got items for free!!

I brought a coozie (medium size from Dunkin Donuts) for each drink holder pocket in the backpack to slide the Brita bottles in. It helped with the condensation of the bottle and kept the water cold for a fairly long time (as long as could be expected in almost 100 degree heat).

 

[fairy oma]

So obvious, yet I would not have thought of it. Brilliant!

What a great idea!