No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems: A Tremendously Tropical PTR

[Villainess]

It's always interesting traveling with extended family. Our trips are always myself, the kids and my parents. DSis and DBIL usually come but get their own room, fly seperately and sometimes arrive and leave on different days. Their touring and likes vs. mine is very different. Last year, we brought my grandparents (1 in an ECV, the other who was stubborn but wouldn't get one) - they hadn't gone in 7 years and DSis was pregnant. Stubborness + hormones = WHOA! It was interesting, to say the least, but in the end DD and DS will remember everyone going to Disney together and they still talk about all the fun we had.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I totally know what you mean about traveling with family. As you know, my parents came along this trip. I warned them ahead of time that I had planned this vacation out and I was not willing to change or leave early. It had been 2 years since I had gone on one and they had just come back from one a few weeks ago. Plus they went on one the year before.
I knew my Mom would pretty much go with the flow, but I also knew my Dad was stubborn. They all agreed and said we could split up, which was fine by me. But when it came down to it, my Dad was a little stubborn about things, and we would seperate for my sanity. But our Epcot day he did NOT want to go early nor stay late. I told them that I would be going early (and it rained that day, so we eneded up going later than I wanted to) but if they wanted to leave early they would either have to take a taxi back or drive back and pick me up after park closing. They ended up staying, but Dad complained about dumb stuff. He also didn't want to walk back into the world showcase because it was too much walking. Mom did get him back as far as France though.

It definitely takes patience to share a trip with others outside of your household. And I think sometimes, no matter how old you get, your parents still see themselves as your guardian, if you know what I mean. I know my parents can be that way. I am 3? years old and they still think they need to tell me what to do from time to time. We do usually go to the beach with them every year for a couple of days though and it always turns out fine. I'm glad I have that time with them and I know one day, when they are gone, I will be so glad that we took those trips. I don't think I could handle a week long trip like you did though. Two or three days once a year is enough for me. But I bet one day you'll be glad that you got to go with them to WDW, especially that Claire got to experience it with them.

It's always interesting traveling with extended family. Our trips are always myself, the kids and my parents. DSis and DBIL usually come but get their own room, fly seperately and sometimes arrive and leave on different days. Their touring and likes vs. mine is very different. Last year, we brought my grandparents (1 in an ECV, the other who was stubborn but wouldn't get one) - they hadn't gone in 7 years and DSis was pregnant. Stubborness + hormones = WHOA! It was interesting, to say the least, but in the end DD and DS will remember everyone going to Disney together and they still talk about all the fun we had.

I really don't know how you do trips with that large of a group. I can't imagine trying to make plans with that many people involved. You must be very organized! But I think it is great that you have family that you can do that with. It just isn't an option for me.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Guess whaaaaaaat?

Yep! Terrence came again! I love that guy!

DD and I desperately needed new shoes for this trip. We only wear flip flops to the parks, but they have to be good quality ones with support. I’ve always worn Crocs Capris and LOVE them, so I decided to order a pair for DD as well.

They don’t make Capris in kid’s sizes, so I had to order the equivalent of her size in women’s. I did some reading online and found out that you can add 2 sizes to kid's shoes to find out what size you need in women's. She wears a youth 3 so I ordered a women’s 5 and they fit perfectly.

I also ordered her a pair of Tevas (Mush) because I have read so many good things about them.

Jackie and Sheree both have posted that they like them so I’m giving them a try. I ordered a brown pair for myself too, but Terence brought the wrong color, so I’ll have to send those back. I’ll forgive him though, nobody’s perfect.

I’m hoping that since we have two pairs of flip flops to rotate with during the trip, we won’t have too many foot problems.

I bought this pair of Yellow Box shoes to go with this dress for DD that she will be wearing to dinner one night during the cruise. The shoes and the dress both came from Belk. I got that dress on sale after Easter (and used a coupon) and got it for $9!

I always take a few costumes for DD to wear while we are at the parks too. I’ve never had much luck getting her to wear them though. She’ll put them on just long enough for a picture or two and then she wants it off! She says they are too itchy.

Well we went to the Disney Store a month or so ago and I found something new that I think will work very well! They had what they call “deluxe night gowns”. I would have never known they were gowns if I hadn’t read the sign. They look just like costumes to me, except there is none of that itchy fabric on them. They are mostly made of a satiny fabric that is very light and cool. I think it will be perfect for the trip. DD chose to get Rapunzel, but they had many others. The Cinderella wedding dress was REALLY pretty too!

I also found a few more things at Walmart. Our stores here have all their girl’s Disney clothes on clearance. I got several things for DD to wear to the parks. I’m only going to show this one outfit for now. I’ve got to find bottoms for the other shirts I got. Then, I’ll post them as complete outfits.

DD is in love with that sparkly skirt!

I also got this T for me.

I got this fanny pack for DH to wear in the parks (also from WM…$5).

He wasn’t thrilled about it. His exact words were, “That is so 80’s!” I just said, "Sorry, practicality trumps fashion at WDW!" We are taking a backpack too for days that we may need jackets. I just don’t want to lug the backpack around unless we have to. I think I can fit all the essentials into the belt bag and just use that most days. I can hardly believe that I am going to be bagless and stroller free on this trip!! How liberating!

Ok, I think I will stop here for now, even though I have more stuff to share. I’m going to work on getting DD’s outfits together so I can see what I have, and what I still need. I’ll post pics of all that later, plus a BIG prize that I got for my birthday that I am really excited about using on the cruise!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I love, adore, love, adore, love, adore my Teva Mush. I seriously do. They are the most comfortable things EVER. I wear mine all summer. In fact, I started a shopping list for my January trip and I have one thing on the list...a new pair of Teva Mush.

The nightgown/dress is super cute, I would have never thought that it was a nightgown.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I love, adore, love, adore, love, adore my Teva Mush. I seriously do. They are the most comfortable things EVER. I wear mine all summer. In fact, I started a shopping list for my January trip and I have one thing on the list...a new pair of Teva Mush.

The nightgown/dress is super cute, I would have never thought that it was a nightgown.

So I'm a little confused... do you like Teva Mush?

I am glad to hear that they are comfortable. I've read lots of good reviews for them and they are very popular here on the DIS. I'm hoping we love them as much as everyone else does.

You are doing good to only need to buy one thing for your trip! That's awesome! I haven't bought much stuff for the last two trips either, but it seems like everything we have been wearing/using for the last several years all needs replacing at once. DD outgrows everything so fast that she needs new things all the time, and I have worn the same Crocs for 4 years! They actually have NO tread left on the bottom! So I guess all this shopping isn't just for the trip, but things we needed anyway. Either way, it's fun!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I was just at Famous Footwear over the weekend and was "this close" to buying another pair of mush - they were only like $15! Not sure what held me back! Oh, yeah, that pesky financially responsible brain. Although my straps on mine are a bit stretched from all the times my kids step on the back of my shoes!

 

[Lady Lallie]

So I'm a little confused... do you like Teva Mush?

I am glad to hear that they are comfortable. I've read lots of good reviews for them and they are very popular here on the DIS. I'm hoping we love them as much as everyone else does.

You are doing good to only need to buy one thing for your trip! That's awesome! I haven't bought much stuff for the last two trips either, but it seems like everything we have been wearing/using for the last several years all needs replacing at once. DD outgrows everything so fast that she needs new things all the time, and I have worn the same Crocs for 4 years! They actually have NO tread left on the bottom! So I guess all this shopping isn't just for the trip, but things we needed anyway. Either way, it's fun!

Yes...yes I do. I love Teva Mush.

I should have clarified...I have only one thing...so far. I'm sure it will grow but I'm trying to keep my list at a minimum and not buy things until the trip gets closer.

Yes, I think you needed new crocs for sure, no tread is DANGEROUS. Just ask my husband, he wiped out in a parking lot once because the tread on his was so worn.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

YAY Terence came!! And you know how I LOVE new shoes!! They are all very cute. I love your DD's dress and costume and sparkly skirt too!

Love your Tink shirt!

My DH has that same exact fanny pack. And he hates it. He used to wear it on our May trips when it was hot and we didn't need the backpack for jackets. So he's mostly carried the backpack on the last few trips -- January and November. He's going to be mad when I break out the fanny pack for him this time!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I still haven't tried the Teva Mush flip flops, but I have several pair of Yellow Box and I LOVE them, so comfy!

The deluxe night gown is really cute, I never would have guessed that it was sleepware! Perfect solution to the itchy costumes

Don would never wear a fanny pack, he's fine with schlepping around the backpack though, so I don't really care.

 

[Charleston Princess]

We do love our Teva Mushes -- every one of us has a pair now.

 

[Happy Elf]

The Crocs are cute! I've never tried the others so I hope you like them.

The nightgown is adorable and I wouldn't have guessed it was a nightgown either.

The princess outfit from Walmart is adorable....I'll have to check ours. I haven't been looking because Hannah doesn't really need any new clothes...

 

[sjs314]

Learned something new about shoe sizes today

Love the outfits you found for DD, I would never know they were nities had you not told us.

DD new shoes are cute especially the pair you bought to go with the dress for dinner on the cruise.

I love tink so yes I love your new tee shirt. Sorry you have to return your shoes cause they sent the wrong color.

DH carries nothing to the parks other than his wallet , I am the one with the fanny pak............DH would never wear one, I can hear him moaning now if I bought him one.

 

[stace208]

Loving all the purchases!!

I have a pair of Teva Mush and several pairs of Yellow Box (including a sparkly pair just like your DD's) Have to admit that the yellow box are my faves over the Teva's. Be careful though...when it rains they are very slippery-not the bottoms but in terms of your feet staying on them. My family just about left me behind running to the monorail because I couldn't keep up! Can't beat them for comfort though!

I sure wish Ellie would still wear princess stuff. She was never all that into it and now no way! Growing up on me...

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I was just at Famous Footwear over the weekend and was "this close" to buying another pair of mush - they were only like $15! Not sure what held me back! Oh, yeah, that pesky financially responsible brain. Although my straps on mine are a bit stretched from all the times my kids step on the back of my shoes!

$15 and you passed them up! What in the world! I know what you mean though. $15 here, $10 there... it all adds up. I am very frugal and rarely buy anything for myself. The large majority of what I have bought for the trip was stuff we needed anyway. I'm just so tight when it comes to my money, but the way things are these days, you have to be.

Yes...yes I do. I love Teva Mush.

I should have clarified...I have only one thing...so far. I'm sure it will grow but I'm trying to keep my list at a minimum and not buy things until the trip gets closer.

Yes, I think you needed new crocs for sure, no tread is DANGEROUS. Just ask my husband, he wiped out in a parking lot once because the tread on his was so worn.

Oh ok! I am very frugal and even I have have more than one thing on my list!

I have had those kind of wipeouts several times already! We got caught in a rain shower the other day and I had to take them off so I could run! Not good!

YAY Terence came!! And you know how I LOVE new shoes!! They are all very cute. I love your DD's dress and costume and sparkly skirt too!

Love your Tink shirt!

My DH has that same exact fanny pack. And he hates it. He used to wear it on our May trips when it was hot and we didn't need the backpack for jackets. So he's mostly carried the backpack on the last few trips -- January and November. He's going to be mad when I break out the fanny pack for him this time!

Thanks! We did have a lot of shoes in this update! And there's more to come!

What is it with the fanny pack? No it isn't the prettiest thing, but it is so practical for WDW. I guess I will leave it up to him, but I'd rather wear a fanny pack that haul a backpack!

I still haven't tried the Teva Mush flip flops, but I have several pair of Yellow Box and I LOVE them, so comfy!

The deluxe night gown is really cute, I never would have guessed that it was sleepware! Perfect solution to the itchy costumes

Don would never wear a fanny pack, he's fine with schlepping around the backpack though, so I don't really care.

I'll let you know how we like the Tevas when we get back.

I'm glad everyone has agreed with me on the nightgown. It sure doesn't look like a gown to me, but I would hate to embarrass my child by letting her wear it and some knuckle head kid say something to her about it.

Oh my DH is not happy about the fanny pack. I think I'll just let him decide what he wants to use since he is the pack llama. Your right, it really shouldn't matter to me since he is hauling it either way.

We do love our Teva Mushes -- every one of us has a pair now.

Well I am taking your word for it and giving them a try. If they hurt my feet, I'm going to blame you and Sheree!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

The Crocs are cute! I've never tried the others so I hope you like them.

The nightgown is adorable and I wouldn't have guessed it was a nightgown either.

The princess outfit from Walmart is adorable....I'll have to check ours. I haven't been looking because Hannah doesn't really need any new clothes...

I hope we like the Tevas too. The Yellow Box are just for our cruise dinner, so it doesn't matter too much on those. She has worn them to church several times already though and she likes them.

Our WM had almost all their Disney outfits marked down to $5. My DD really didn't need anything else for this summer either, so since we aren't going to WDW until the end of October, I got them in the next size up. They are a little big now, but by our trip they should fit pretty good and she should be able to wear them next summer too.

Learned something new about shoe sizes today

Love the outfits you found for DD, I would never know they were nities had you not told us.

DD new shoes are cute especially the pair you bought to go with the dress for dinner on the cruise.

I love tink so yes I love your new tee shirt. Sorry you have to return your shoes cause they sent the wrong color.

DH carries nothing to the parks other than his wallet , I am the one with the fanny pak............DH would never wear one, I can hear him moaning now if I bought him one.

Thanks!

I actually went back and looked at my order ticket and I ordered the wrong color! Sometimes I am a complete moron! I guess I owe Terence an apology!

Another fanny pack hating DH! I don't get it??? I wouldn't ask him to wear it everyday, but it works so well at a theme park. Oh well. I'll leave that up to him to decide what he carries.

Loving all the purchases!!

I have a pair of Teva Mush and several pairs of Yellow Box (including a sparkly pair just like your DD's) Have to admit that the yellow box are my faves over the Teva's. Be careful though...when it rains they are very slippery-not the bottoms but in terms of your feet staying on them. My family just about left me behind running to the monorail because I couldn't keep up! Can't beat them for comfort though!

I sure wish Ellie would still wear princess stuff. She was never all that into it and now no way! Growing up on me...

I hope the Tevas work out for us. We are going to go ahead and start wearing them to make sure they will work.

Thanks for the heads up on the YB shoes. I don't want any busted fannies!

Don't feel bad about Ellie. My DD won't wear any princess clothes to school or anywhere else, but she does like to wear it at the parks. I only bought her that one princess outfit because of that. She will wear Minnie Mouse stuff everywhere though, so most of what I bought has her on it. Not sure what the difference is between princesses and Minnie to her. But you know it is the other kids picking on her that makes her not want to wear it. If it wasn't for them calling it "baby stuff" I am certain she would still like it. Kids just try to grow up too fast!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Great purchases! Love the princess gown and pink outfit! That blue dress is super cute too!
I like your Tink t-shirt. It's a really pretty color!!! (I like pink!)

Fanny pack - my DH would sooner die. He will carry the backpack if we bring it. It's usually holding a camera, maybe a water bottle or jacket if needed. All he carries is stuff in his pockets normally. I will often carry a small purse - I got a D&B purse that is perfect for the parks and for shopping etc. Fits my phone, bandaids, money, cards, chapstick and stuff like that. That's all I need! I borrowed a larger bag from my friend once and it would hold a journal, water bottle etc too, but I just found it all unnecessary stuff most of the time. I have gone "bagless" once or twice too. It is LIBERATING!!!

Gosh, I sure hope you like the Tevas!!! I'd hate to be responsible for bad footwear advice that ruins your vacation! I was a big skeptic too - especially b/c I'm not a flip flop wearer otherwise, but boy those were good! I even have a higher heel/thicker platform type with criss cross straps. Can't think of the name...

I will probably be back at FF buying those Tevas before the week is over...

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Great purchases! Love the princess gown and pink outfit! That blue dress is super cute too!
I like your Tink t-shirt. It's a really pretty color!!! (I like pink!)

Thanks! I've never worn any Disney clothes on our trips but I thought that Tink shirt was cute and it was only a few dollars b/c it was marked down. I wish they would have had a matching one for DD though.

Fanny pack - my DH would sooner die. He will carry the backpack if we bring it. It's usually holding a camera, maybe a water bottle or jacket if needed. All he carries is stuff in his pockets normally. I will often carry a small purse - I got a D&B purse that is perfect for the parks and for shopping etc. Fits my phone, bandaids, money, cards, chapstick and stuff like that. That's all I need! I borrowed a larger bag from my friend once and it would hold a journal, water bottle etc too, but I just found it all unnecessary stuff most of the time. I have gone "bagless" once or twice too. It is LIBERATING!!!

Another fanny pack hater! I sure won't be telling my DH that all of your husbands hate the FP too or I KNOW he'll never use it! I seriously considered getting a bag for myself, but I decided not to because I want to be be completely bagless. I have to carry around the camera (which is not small) and whatever I need to go with that, plus a lanyard with my ID, KTTW card, & PP card. By the time I have all that hanging around my neck, I just didn't want to add anything else. I may change my mind though. We might just stick with the backpack if DH whines too much about the FP.

Gosh, I sure hope you like the Tevas!!! I'd hate to be responsible for bad footwear advice that ruins your vacation! I was a big skeptic too - especially b/c I'm not a flip flop wearer otherwise, but boy those were good! I even have a higher heel/thicker platform type with criss cross straps. Can't think of the name...

Well please don't feel like the weight of my vacation is on your shoulders! I'll know by the time we go if the Tevas are going to work for us. We are wearing them now to make sure they will be ok. And we will have the Crocs if they start hurting our feet. We will be fine either way.

I will probably be back at FF buying those Tevas before the week is over...

I don't think I could pass them up for that price, especially if I really needed a new pair.

replies in blue

 

[stace208]

Don't feel bad about Ellie. My DD won't wear any princess clothes to school or anywhere else, but she does like to wear it at the parks. I only bought her that one princess outfit because of that. She will wear Minnie Mouse stuff everywhere though, so most of what I bought has her on it. Not sure what the difference is between princesses and Minnie to her. But you know it is the other kids picking on her that makes her not want to wear it. If it wasn't for them calling it "baby stuff" I am certain she would still like it. Kids just try to grow up too fast!

Oh, Ellie will wear Disney clothes every day of the week, just not princessy stuff. Or, get her in a skirt??? Ha! She's just not a frilly girl by any means. She enjoys meeting the princesses but was never very keen on "wearing" them. Doesn't play with Barbies or dolls either. Loves the Fairies though...which seems to be the same, but what do I know???

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Oh, Ellie will wear Disney clothes every day of the week, just not princessy stuff. Or, get her in a skirt??? Ha! She's just not a frilly girl by any means. She enjoys meeting the princesses but was never very keen on "wearing" them. Doesn't play with Barbies or dolls either. Loves the Fairies though...which seems to be the same, but what do I know???

Oh, I gotcha. Some girls aren't into the real girly things. My DD is sort of a combo girl. She likes all the really prissy stuff and she like to catch bugs and play soccer too! But girls can be hard to figure out. I agree with you that the fairies seem about the same as the princesses, but that is NOT the case. I keep 3 little girls, all the same age as DD, and they all like the fairies, but won't have anything to do with the princesses. They always say those are for babies??? I don't get it?? But I really think that is the only reason that DD won't wear clothes with princesses on them around home, b/c I know she stills likes them. She loves to play with her Cinderella doll and we watch the movies all the time. Sigh..... peer pressure at 7. What in the world will it be like at 17!

 

[MeMom]

Little girlie looks sweet in her red, white, and blue.

I like the new room.

I used to favor driving, but I have gotten way spoiled to flying now. We get ready at home, we're there in less than two hours, and we're ready to roll without having to get all fixed up again. When we drive, I'm a rumpled mess in 10 1/2 hours and have to redo my hair and everything. We're flying in October and December, and I am very glad.