LEAVING in 18 Days ! WHAT SHOULD I BE DOING NOW???!!

[sebfigmin]

I make a list of what we need to pack as far as clothes, toiletries etc. I almost make another list of we'll take to the Parks so we don't forget anything. I also print the calendars showing the hours the parks will be open. I print our schedule of what parks we'll go to on what days. I also print the ride/attraction list that we made for each park. My Parents are going with us this time. We're going to purchase something for both of them & present it to them the night before we leave. I might also buy stickers to put on our clothes while we're there. I've been regressing back to my childhood which is something else I do to get ready to go to Walt Disney World.

 

[Westwingkath]

We are leaving in FOURTEEN DAYS (h'ray) and I've been trying get DH, DD and DS to tell me which shorts they want to wear. Guess what, I'm picking the t-shirts.

If you see a family of four, dark haired guy with a lot of curly hair and a beard, forgettable woman with straight brown hair, two lovely kids with Asian features, all dressed in bright orange Vietnam Culture Camp t-shirts, that's probably us. Yeah, just pretty likely us. Say hello Kathy Steve Margaret and Jack.

I'm making lists upon lists -- sorting through my Disney box okay boxes to figure out which things I'm putting in the Send box. I have this crazy idea that we might make it without checking bags. I hate checking bags. Standing at the carousel in the airport when I want to be getting my rental car... checking out the native beer selection at the native grocery store...and milk, yeah, milk, juice...cereal...there's a list for that too... somewhere...It's only five nights. We can check bags on the way home, who cares.

 

[MrsHeg]

We're leaving in 18 days also.

One thing on my list is to clean off my memory cards for the camera. Gotta have lots of space for new ones!

 

[bellenbuzz]

Treadmill.....Nah.....
Screaming, Okay I Can Handle That.....
Tolerance Building.......Now You're Talkin' !!

My Adrenaline is Always at Peak When On Vacation !!


I LOVE reading all this advice, keep it comin' !!
It is helping me alot !

 

[bdink921]

How about hitting the treadmill to build up your leg muscles. Then hit the chair to build up your sitting muscles. Scream alot now, so you don't get hoarse on the rides and then, well, then start working on your alcohol tolerence....

I love to start the day with a good laugh !!!

2 weeks from tomorrow we'll be there too!!!!! I haven't packed a thing yet, but I've thought about it--does that count?

 

[Josiah]

We are leaving in 12 days, and here's what we're doing now:

1. Tweak the touring plan a little each day. Watch the Disney website for updates. For example, they took the EMH off MGM one of the days we were going to be there, and put it on EPCOT. This will affect people in both parks on that day. Check this DAILY. Also, the official website shows Fantasmic once on the day that we're there, but I called, and the official switchboard says it will be shown twice!
2. Confirm all ressies.
3. Lay out clothes, snacks, autograph books, airplane time-killers, etc.
4. Walk, walk, walk. We take the two kids (9 & 6) on a 3.5 mile walk once a week, and we adults walk in between.
5. Watch the planning DVD again.
6. Paper chain. (Gotta have this!)
7. Arrange for carpet cleaning in our absence.
8. Update any necessary perscriptions
9. Mail in Disney postcards
10. Check the Disboards and podcasts for last minute tips, etc.
11. Check the weather updates @www.weather.com or whatever site you use.

These are the things at home. There's also a list of things at work, but we won't go into that!

We're going to have so much fun! It's our 6 year old dgd's first time! Second time for dgs, and he remembers lots of details from his first trip. Also looking forward to a little more sun than we get here in the PacNorthwest.

GrMammy

 

[liveforthemagic]

I'm lovin' this thread!

We leave on Saturday! As one who is just finally better from three weeks of bronchitis and a cold--put Vitamin C tablets on your Target list and start taking them today!

Don't forget to put Germ-X, hand wipes, whatever--on your list for Target as well.

We are also bringing a little blanket--rain proof on one side and fleece on the other--for evening activities. Might want to add that to the list.

Last night we laid all the clothes out for each day. The weather looks to be right in between cool and hot, so far each day I pick out one shirt. Then I pair that shirt with one pair of shorts, a pair of capris and a pair of long pants. That way, no matter what the weather does, we have the right outfit. Nothing worse than being chilly at MK! I also will bring an alternative pair of pants to the park in a backpack--so if it seems like its going to be hot, we'll wear shorts. But if the day never warms up, we'll be able to change into our capris.

Also last night my DD(8) made her "Mickey Mouse Plush to Pack" list. She has 10 Mickey Mice in all--the full size Mickey and Minnie, and then 8 of the little beanie size ones you get at the Disney store. They are all going--in her carry one bag--cause its not fair to go their house and not take them along. (her words--not mine). Anyway--the list is necessary to take role to make sure nobody gets left behind. Wonder where that child gets her organizational obsession from?

Once you know what all you are bringing, make sure you have enough bags to bring it in. Last time we went, we had to stop at Target on the way to the airport for an extra carry on bag--bad planning.

Also--get your Mousekeeping envelopes decorated, ready, filled and sealed and packed so you don't have to worry about making change.

We got our park tickets at the Disney Store and they recommend keeping the receipt in a separate piece of luggage. If you lose the actual ticket and present them with the receipt, they can help you out. So today I made several copies of the receipt and will pack one copy in each piece of luggage, carry on or check, just in case.

Go online to the airline you are flying (if flying) to check out the latest regulations for carry ons. You may need to add the ziploc bags to your Target list--and some 3 oz bottles of your favorite carry on toiletries.

 

[cabanafrau]

Definitely embed in your brain to consciously savor every moment. No matter how often we can go, we always wish it was more.

Don't waste a moment of the experience being disappointed you didn't get the view/upgrade/towel animal/etc./etc./etc. Keep in mind how grateful you are to be there & enjoy the magic!

 

[Redbudlover]

We are leaving in 12 days, and here's what we're doing now:

1. Tweak the touring plan a little each day. Watch the Disney website for updates. For example, they took the EMH off MGM one of the days we were going to be there, and put it on EPCOT. This will affect people in both parks on that day. Check this DAILY. Also, the official website shows Fantasmic once on the day that we're there, but I called, and the official switchboard says it will be shown twice!

THEY CHANGED EMH??? OMG Nooooo. My whole plan is based on - sorry have to run and check the website right now!!!

 

[Mulan'sMom]

I have seen this before about sending stuff to the resort, just what do people send ahead?
I was just curious.....

I sent two boxes ahead of us - I put food in one, thinking we might breakfast in our room to save some time -but we were on the dining plan, so we used our counter service meal for breakfast every morning. Anyway, I packed single-serve cereal and oatmeal boxes, single serve peanut butter and jelly packets, 2 coffee mugs, a sippy cup, snack stuff (chips, candy), juice boxes and instant coffee and tea bags. In the other box, I packed first-aid and personal hygiene stuff, including a first aid kit, moleskin, bandaids, wet wipes, hand sanitizing gel, anti-bacterial wipes for cleaning, extra batteries, a small shaker of Comet in case the tub was gross, a collapsible laundry hamper, travel-size laundry detergent and dryer sheets, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner. Needless to say, we had to ship most of it home again - but better safe than sorry. One thing I neglected to pack was Tampax (why, I don't know - my plumbing goes into overdrive as soon as I cross state lines) so I had to buy some at the resort for $4!!!!

 

[Josiah]

We are leaving in 12 days, and here's what we're doing now:

1. Tweak the touring plan a little each day. Watch the Disney website for updates. For example, they took the EMH off MGM one of the days we were going to be there, and put it on EPCOT. This will affect people in both parks on that day. Check this DAILY. Also, the official website shows Fantasmic once on the day that we're there, but I called, and the official switchboard says it will be shown twice!

THEY CHANGED EMH??? OMG Nooooo. My whole plan is based on - sorry have to run and check the website right now!!!

Ok, the change is that on Nov. 11, we were planning to go to MGM w/Saturday morning EMH. Yesterday, when I checked, the EMH was changed to Epcot for that day only. My speculation? Because of Super Soap Weekend, they will have a big crowd wanting to go to MGM already, and are hoping to spread people out a little bit. Epcot is currently scheduled EMH on Friday evening as well as the next morning. BTW: MGM is scheduled to open at 8 a.m. that day, just like it would have for EMH, but EVERYONE can come then. But don't tell anyone else, ok?

Also, since we've been watching the official website, hours have been extended at MK for the 11th, with a second parade added.

The lesson is to check it every day for your specifics.


Grmammy

 

[Disney4Drew]

We're leaving in 18 days also.

One thing on my list is to clean off my memory cards for the camera. Gotta have lots of space for new ones!

I just did this last night. Also, don't forget to take an extra set of batteries!

 

[tink70]

I sent two boxes ahead of us - I put food in one, thinking we might breakfast in our room to save some time -but we were on the dining plan, so we used our counter service meal for breakfast every morning. Anyway, I packed single-serve cereal and oatmeal boxes, single serve peanut butter and jelly packets, 2 coffee mugs, a sippy cup, snack stuff (chips, candy), juice boxes and instant coffee and tea bags. In the other box, I packed first-aid and personal hygiene stuff, including a first aid kit, moleskin, bandaids, wet wipes, hand sanitizing gel, anti-bacterial wipes for cleaning, extra batteries, a small shaker of Comet in case the tub was gross, a collapsible laundry hamper, travel-size laundry detergent and dryer sheets, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner. Needless to say, we had to ship most of it home again - but better safe than sorry. One thing I neglected to pack was Tampax (why, I don't know - my plumbing goes into overdrive as soon as I cross state lines) so I had to buy some at the resort for $4!!!!

Thanks, for clearing that up for me. Now I am wondering what I should send ahead!! Sounds like a good idea.

 

[tinkersmama]

Start taking nightly walks with everyone that is going, including kids. Wear the shoes that you will be wearing in the park. There is a lot of walking at Disney, and this will help you get started.

 

[Conan the Librarian]

Need Tips, Advice, Comments......
Leaving for WDW in 18 days. Is there anything specific I need to be doing right now ??!!!
I'm getting anxious!
ADR's are made, we are staying at POR.....
Guess I could start putting stuff in suitcases, huh??!!
After all the planning, I'm getting nervous that I forgot something !!

Let's see.... Packing now would be the tradition. YOu can never have everything packed too early.

Being too excited to sleep is the next step!