Laundry Question - Single parents how...

[MelodyMack]

My DD4 and I will be going to WDW for a five day trip in August as a "bonding girls rule boys drool" kind of trip. We will be staying at the ASMovies, and for the first time, my hubby won't be there to back me up when laundry calls.

This is the first time we'll be staying on property, and I know they have coin operated laundry facilities...my question is do you have to stay with your clothes the entire time they're in the washer? I don't think my DD would like to hang out in the laundry room, so is it possible for me to start a load, hit the pool with her for 45 minutes, then we both go and change it out, etc...? Or should I be concerned that my Target gear will get stolen so close to the happiest place on Earth? Opinions? Suggestions?

How do you single parents do it?
TIA-
Mel

 

[*Fantasia*]

I have seen parents leave their clothes in the washer/dryer while they sunbathe or go swim with their children. I very much doubt anyone would steal anyone's clothes. But I would time it, so when it is done, you're right there ready to put it in the dryer and again, as soon as it's done, you can grab it and take it.

 

[daisylove]

Same situation with me except DDis 6. Going in June and I have been wondering about this as well.

 

[safetymom]

I put the laundry in and go back when it is done. I sit by the pool until the clothes are done.

 

[Tay N Evie's Mom]

My DD (now 7) always likes to go with me to the laundry room. We usually take some type of card game like go fish or uno and some snacks.

 

[chyam]

If I am not mistaken......the laundry at ASMovies as well as the other AS resorts is right next to the pool, so it is very convenient just to put them in and go out by the pool til they are done. I have never had a problem with people stealing clothes out of the machines there.

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

I left my laundry at Pop, CBR, and CSR without problems. DH, or I, always do laundry without the other.

Since the laundry is right by the pool, we just pick chairs close to the entrance. Kids only go in while loading, unloading, and folding. Now that they are a little older, I let them sit in the chairs by the pool, and not go into the laundry room at all. They just aren't allowed to swim.

 

[worm761]

i have never had a problem. just threw them in then went back to check on them after a while. the only thing i had come up missing was ONE sock! the first trip i used the laundry facilities at the main pool and people were emptying out washers. not to steal the clothes but just to get at the washers. the last time i got wiser. i used the laundry at the quite pool around dinner time. i was the only one using it. so it may be worth it to use that one. hope you and your daughter have a great girls only vacation!!!

 

[Ambassador]

The soap and softener dispensers are expensive, which may not surprise you. Often times, we leave extra detergent and sheets for other DIS members. Also, it is a courtesy to time your machines, and promptly remove your garments.

 

[SteinsLaFemme]

Since you are going for 5 days, I would suggest packing 5 days of clothes and not doing any laundry while you're there. After all, you are on vacation. I rather do my do my laundry at home than do it during my precious vacation time.

I'm sure you'll have a great time (even if you do your laundry!).

 

[noopy]

As a single parent, I have taken my dd7 twice, and I just take enough clothing to last the entire trip. We went for 7 nights in April, and we did fine. I roll our clothes like Tootsie rolls when I pack (I read somewhere to do this), and I can get it all in one large suitcase. I pack lots of neutral colored shorts, like khaki, so she can wear them twice if they stay clean. I also take Shout wipes in the little single packages to help remove any spills or light dirt. They work great! Wipe clean with a damp washcloth after treating, let dry overnight, and you're good to go!

 

[DisneyFans4]

I always do my laundry at WDW and have never had a problem but I have a few suggestions:
Make sure you are there to get your laundry when it's done from either the washer or the dryer becaUse I've seen where people don't come back and they need either machine and some guests can get very irate and will actually wait only so long and then take the clothes out and put them on the tables so they can use the machine;
Bring your own detergent and softener from home because the machines are expensive and the small pouch is not enough. I buy the tablet detergents because they are lightweight and easy to pack and I put my softener in my carryon bag in case it spills. It saves alot of $$$$$

 

[jamal]

Do I need to take quarters for laundry or can I get change or do the machines take $1 bills (or Disney Dollars LOL)? Where is the CR laundry located? Thanks, Jamal

 

[DisneyFans4]

The machines only take quarters. There are change machines in the laundry room or you can go to the front desk and get a roll because sometimes the machines don't work.

 

[PatsGirl]

Why not plan not to use the laundry? I know I can pack one carry-on, 21", with enough clothes for myself and one daugher for five days. You can both carry-on another large bag for souvies or breakfast snacks, etc. Are you really sure you need to be doing laundry for a 5-day trip? If you absolutely have to, I've vacationed for 15 years with my children and any trips more than a week I've had to do one load of whites/lights, which I leave for the hour it takes to wash and then the hour it takes to dry. Of course, that one load couldn't be worth more than $50 or so and my time, especially on vacation!! is worth much more than that. Never had a problem except being late back to put in dryer, please don't flame me I always intend to get back, and find my clothes on top of a dryer (actually, one of maybe three times this has happened, sometimes paid and put them in the dryer for me).