Newbie Packing Question

[JsMom2]

We are looking forward to our first DVC trip in December. I'm trying to figure out exactly what I want to take with us. We live overseas right now, but I don't mind bringing a lot of stuff on this initial visit, as I'm contemplating using Owners locker.

My specific questions are on the things that are provided on the first day, like coffee, detergent, shampoo etc. Is there enough there to last for the 4 days before the room is serviced, or is it more of a 1 night-until you can buy your own stuff thing?

Also, I notice that a lot of folks are bringing their own sheets. Is this a comfort thing, or are there problems with the sheets?

And what items do you recommend bringing along that I might not think of??

Thanks in advance!

 

[castleri]

There is enough coffee for one pot so you need to bring more if you are coffee drinkers plus filters which are the 12 cup basket type. I always bring extra shampoo also. If you plan on cooking you may want to bring salt and pepper or other spices you may use. There is one packet of Tide detergent so if you think you will do more than one load you may wish to bring more and also fabric softener sheets if you use those. The people who bring sheets seem to do so for two reasons - some prefer a higher thread count than the ones provided and there are sometimes problems keeping the ones provided tucked in well. Depending on what size unit and what resort you are staying at you could need king, queen or full size if you choose to bring some fitted ones. I also bring a mesh bag or pop up hamper to keep the dirty laundry all in one place in a closet until ready to wash it. There are plenty of supplies for dish washing, etc. and also plenty of trash bags.

 

[drusba]

If you have a rental car, there are grocery stores within 3 to 4 miles at which you can buy supplies.

If you do not have a car, you can buy supplies in the resort's general store. In fact with DVC, you can get an order sheet for things you want on-line at the DVC official site and fax it a few days beforehand and they will deliver it the first evening you are there. Disney's prices are significantly higher than going to a grocery store

You say you are from overseas but not where. The exhange rate today for the dollar in relation to almost any other currency is ridiculous in favor of those currencies. Thus, you should factor that in before buying a lot of stuff to bring with you because even at Disney's inflated prices you will likely pay less at Disney for whatever you need because you will be paying in dollars.

The sheets provided are fine.

 

[annhad4]

We just returned from AKV and the sheets were fine. My husband hated the tiny coffee cups and I just read another thread where someone made a great suggestion to buy paper coffee cups with lids available at the grocery store. Our new must bring is a water filter to cut down on the bottled water, the tap water at Disney just doesn't taste right. Bring a smile and have fun!

 

[JsMom2]

Thanks for sharing everyone!

 

[jdvm]

I think the big problem with the sheets is that (at least on the king sized beds) the bottom sheet isn't fitted. It's really a top sheet that is tucked in on all sides. We've been Old Key West Members since 1992 and I can tell you that if you or your partner tosses and turns it's frustrating to wake up and find all of the sheets have come untucked and are a big tangled mess.
John

 

[dianeschlicht]

I'm not sure I would bring a popup hamper all the way from over seas. At OKW there is a nice sized laundry basket to use, and if you are in one of the resorts that does not have the laundry basket, you can always use the plastic laundry bag hanging in the closet that is meant for sending laundry out.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

If you are staying in unit that has laundry then make yourself cut way back on the clothes you pack. Just bring your favorite clothes. Also, we now bring a canvas shoe organizer everywhere we stay. We hang it on the bathroom door and it becomes the place where all the little stuff is stored.

We put everything from lotions, shampoos, razors, first aid stuff, etc. in and really helps keep the clutter off the countertops. They are cheap and fold up to a small bundle.

Have a great trip

 

[JsMom2]

Thanks again! I'm sure a lot of folks are reading these tips.