Our biggest WDW vacation yet (but with the littlest guests)- A May PTR! TR LINK 5/20!

[Mollydolly334]

They are SO sweet!

We decided to add 5 days at Disneyland before Aulani next summer and I am really looking forward to experiencing it for the first time.

Dapper Day looks amazing! The next WDW Dapper day falls during my and Caroline's December trip and I cannot wait!

Compromise is always the key.

A mediterranean cruise would be lovely!

I always go home to PEI every summer to my cottage. Then I have a LONG list of where I want to go; Japan, Ireland, Austria, Iceland, Peru, Hawaii (next summer!!), an Atlantic Crossing on the Queen Mary, The Hebrides In northern Scotland, Greece and so on.

Location is everything at CBR. I was in Martinique which was amazing. I would happily do Aruba as it's so close to Riviera.

Love this!

Cute!

I need this one!!

I have this in the lighter blue pattern from two years ago. It's such a great dress and super comfortable!

Adorbs!!

The outfits are all so sweet!

Perfect description!

Yum!

I need to try this!

I love this drink!

Disneyland before Aulani sounds like the absolute PERFECT trip!! So sorry you had to postpone, but it sounds like it was the right call and you'll REALLY be able to enjoy it more! Japan is also on my bucket list!!

It was funny; I almost bought the Lilly dress in the light blue color as well, but I had to show some restraint It's so light and breezy and will be perfect for the parks!

I am not a drinker, but I would love to try all of those drinks you shared! Some of the combinations sound heavenly. I just choose to eat my calories instead! I have never tried Ube but now I am on a mission to find it. Must go to Hawaii!

My recent favorite thing is to get hot cocoa when it is a bit chilly (rare, but it was in CA and in December at WDW) because I think they put crack in it. No really, it just hits the spot. We aren't coffee drinkers, so maybe this is what the Geoffrey's lovers think about the coffee in the park? We had never been when I wanted a hot drink so this is just new information for me.

I am the same way with drinking my calories DIET COKE FOR LIFE!!

Love your blurb about the hot chocolate; way back when Mom and I first started going to Disney together, we got refillable mugs (which we had never done before since we had never done the dining plan). It became our own little post-park ritual to fill up our mugs with hot chocolate and watch a Lifetime movie in the room before bed. So, hot chocolate always reminds me of WDW

This is definitely a slam dunk! I love the peanut butter cold brew and can't go to Gideon's without getting one. So delicious.

Sooo excited to try it! I'm hoping to grab one on our very first day to combat the early morning and travel day!!

ALL the drinks!! MMMMMM. My favorite place to drink a Disney cocktail is the Tune-In Lounge at 50's Primetime. I love Dad's Electric Lemonade. You know, if it's blue and has a glow cube, i am all in!

That sounds like my kind of drink too!! I also love the PB&J milkshake from Tune-In Lounge, although I think you actually need to go into 50's PT now to order it!!

Yes, I agree! That would’ve been so fun! Maybe someday…



I drink alcohol so rarely now, but this sounds delicious. I love mojitos! Plus, staying at the Poly I have to get at least one drink from Trader Sam’s.



This sounds so good - I’ve never heard of it!

What are you doing to me with all these snack and drinks?! My must-try list keeps growing!

As for my favorite drinks, POG juice and the Peanut Butter and Jelly milkshake from 50’s Prime Time are both must-dos. I also love the Grey Goose citron lemon slush France as I’m a huge lemon/citrus fan. I also love the Pina Colava!

New “must-try” drinks for me include the Night Blossom in Pandora and the Cold Brew Black Caf in Galaxy’s Edge. I may also try the Adventureland Colada during our dinner at Skipper Canteen.

If you love mojitos, you must try the Mosquito Mojito!!!! I promise, you will not be disappointed- it's my favorite mojito ever (and I've had A LOT ). You can get one from the Tiki Terrace at the Poly too if it's too hard to get into Trader Sam's!

I've tried and loved all of your favorite drinks The Night Blossom is great- it reminds me a lot of the Violet Lemonade at F&G!!

yeah!!! We are actually looking to take our first cruise. Andy really wants to give it a try, so it might be our next spring break trip! We will see! I looked this morning and there is a 4 night cruise the week the girls will more than likely have off! So, we will see!!!!


I normally hate the princess security shirts, but having it on her twin brother is adorable!


Also adorable!!!


And these!!! Amazing!!! So cute!


I love this picture!!! So cute!


So, I applied to work there once! They had an opening for a project manager and I that is what I do. I was like I am PERFECT for this job! Didn't even get a response from them.... ;( Molly leaving there also makes me wonder about how that place is run a little. But I agree the idea of working for disney food blog would be a dream!


Me either. I am too old to be hung over!!! Tispy yes.... but def not full on drunk. I need to go find your Aluni trip report!

Ooooo definitely let me know if you end up booking the cruise!! That will be a fun new experience for you guys!

That is SO interesting about DFB. Their loss!!!!! I love watching Molly and Mammoth Club; Jake and I loved watching her staycations of CSR, POFQ, and CBR. I've definitely heard all of the gossip about how her channel is pulling in a lot of the views since leaving AllEars

 

[Mollydolly334]

Molly’s Must-Do Disney (Stop and Smell the Roses)!


Happy Saturday, DISfriends! Hope you guys are having a great weekend so far. It’s a BEAUTIFUL day in Milwaukee- 75 degrees and sunny! Definitely getting us pumped for some Florida weather

I did have to go into work for a little bit today (booo), but I’m happy to do it since that means that I’m that much closer to vacation! These next couple weekends are going to be full of packing, laundry, and various errands. After work this morning, I crossed one thing off my pre-trip to-do list; get my hair done!

Here’s the before:





(Yes, we do have a Mickey Christmas wreath on our door. Yes, it’s almost May. Don’t judge us ).

The during



And here’s the after! Much better!









It was funny; the girl who does my hair is going to WDW later this summer, so we chatted a lot about Disney. I was asking her where she’s staying, their park plans, etc. and she answered. “I literally have no idea. I think the hotel has the monorail going through it? My family makes all of the plans and I just show up.”



I told her, “You’re giving me SO much anxiety right now.” . If only she knew that I had an entire blog dedicated to planning for one Disney vacation!!

On this episode of “Molly’s Must-Do Disney,” we’re slowing it down a bit. As I’ve been going to Disney more often, I’ve really refrained from the “beat the parks into the ground, sleep is for the weak” strategy and leaned into the “stop and smell the roses” strategy Especially with an 11-day trip ahead of me, I’m going to really try to move slower this time around and try to just soak in the little moments. Here are some ideas that I have on my list that don’t involve jumping from ride-to-ride!

Pool Time



All three of our resorts this trip look like they have AWESOME pools (and hot tubs too)! So, we will definitely be checking out the pools (and pool bars ) at CSR, POFQ, and CBR. I also love doing the hot tubs, especially after a long day at the parks. It feels heavenly on your sore muscles!

Early Morning Walks at the Resort



On my last trip to WDW in July, I really tried to wake up early every morning and seize the day. I was up by 6:45-7:00 AM most days, which for me, is EARLY! But let me tell you, it was a GAME CHANGER. I was more relaxed, was able to get up at a leisurely pace, and really felt like I got so much more time out of my day. My mom is a natural early-riser, and with our extra time, we would walk the resort in the morning. It seems counter-intuitive (let’s exhaust ourselves by walking before a full day of marathon-walking at a park ), but it really started our morning on such a high note. The weather was cooler due to the early hour and it allowed us to explore the beautiful resorts! I will really try to implement this during our May trip as well!

Liberty Square Riverboat



Every time we pass this by, my mom always jokes, “Let’s do that ride!” My commando-park self is always like, “Nooo! We have better things to see!” But, this year, I want to try to get on this, just to say I tried it It looks so beautiful and stately! Might be nice too if we need an indoor break.

Dahlia Lounge



Jake and I are planning on checking this lounge out at least one of the nights during our stay at CSR. This lounge looks BEAUTIFUL and has a great view of the whole property! I’m not a wine drinker, but the cheese board and fun mocktails are calling my name

Surrey Bikes



My family and I did this on our trip way back in 2005 when I was 10 years old, and it was such a fun activity! I have great memories of us zooming around the Boardwalk and waving to people They also have this available at POFQ/POR, OKW, and SSR. It’s definitely a fun way to check out the hotels! Which brings me to my next idea…

Resort-Hop



The only WDW hotels that I have never visited are CSR (which will be checked off this trip obviously), and SSR. I’m really hoping to at least peek at SSR this trip- maybe when we’re staying at POFQ because it’s so close? I’m also excited to have a closer look at AoA with the fam Even though we aren’t staying there that night, my name is on their hotel reservation, so we can enjoy the pool and amenities with them on their arrival day.

Main Street USA- "Center Street"



This little nook off of Main Street USA at MK always looks so cute and inviting! I’m really hoping to look at this closer on our trip. Maybe get an ice cream/drink and just sit to take it all in?? Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think you can also get your silhouette done at this location in the park. I really want to do this for Jake and I now that we’re married; I think it would make such a cool decoration in our apartment!



Scat Cat Club Lounge



This is another lounge that I’m dying to try when we stay at POFQ! I love the fact that they have live music playing. I’m a big fan of southern food and music (Charleston/HHI, SC and Savannah, GA are some of my absolute favorite places to travel), and I feel like the vibes would be incredible here.

Carriage Ride



Another great option we could do when staying at POFQ!! This sounds so romantic . Maybe Jake and I can sneak away from the chaos for a little date

Explore the Boardwalk



The Boardwalk is one of my absolute favorite areas at Disney World. It’s very nostalgic to me, since we stayed in this area a couple times growing up and visited at least once a trip (my dad loved eating at the old ESPN Zone restaurant!). I always make sure to spend some time in this area, regardless if we’re staying over there or not. Grabbing a treat from Boardwalk Ice Cream/Boardwalk Deli and strolling the shops while enjoying the Boardwalk view is my personal heaven!

What’s your favorite way to relax and unwind while at WDW?



​

 

[alohamom]

“I literally have no idea. I think the hotel has the monorail going through it? My family makes all of the plans and I just show up.”

Oh my gosh, I would be internally screaming too LOL
You hair looks fantastic btw, it has such lovely diamension.

 

[cindianne320]

We did have a great, quick trip to Milwaukee! Unfortunately, we weren't able to do much other than the concert, due to my husband's work schedule. But we enjoyed our hotel, walking to a bar shuttling people to the field, the concert itself, and the people we met!
I love all your drink choices. While I do love (fruity) beer, I love fruity cocktails more, especially at Disney.

I also love your hair! So fun to get a fresh cut for vacation.
You're so close!!

 

[Newsies]

I also love doing the hot tubs, especially after a long day at the parks. It feels heavenly on your sore muscles!

YES! The best way to spend an evening at Disney: in the hot tubs. Feels soooo good after a long day of walking.

It seems counter-intuitive (let’s exhaust ourselves by walking before a full day of marathon-walking at a park ), but it really started our morning on such a high note. The weather was cooler due to the early hour and it allowed us to explore the beautiful resorts! I will really try to implement this during our May trip as well!

Love this idea!

This little nook off of Main Street USA at MK always looks so cute and inviting!

I love this little nook -- I have a very fond memory of walking and talking with Bea Star here. Just a good ol' life chat during my November 18 trip. I miss the citizens of main street so much!

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think you can also get your silhouette done at this location in the park. I really want to do this for Jake and I now that we’re married; I think it would make such a cool decoration in our apartment!

Yes, this is where one of the silhouette artists are! Such a cute idea!

What’s your favorite way to relax and unwind while at WDW?

Still figuring that out I think I'm boring and it involves eating a cupcake in my hotel room, wet hair all wrapped up in a towel after a much-needed shower at the end of a long day!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

I was asking her where she’s staying, their park plans, etc. and she answered. “I literally have no idea. I think the hotel has the monorail going through it? My family makes all of the plans and I just show up.”

To be fair, I’m less detailed for other vacations than I am for Disney World… but she didn’t even know the name of her resort?! I have anxiety along with you!

Every time we pass this by, my mom always jokes, “Let’s do that ride!” My commando-park self is always like, “Nooo! We have better things to see!” But, this year, I want to try to get on this, just to say I tried it

I feel the same way about the riverboat! I rode it years ago when I was a young child but have never taken the time as an adult. It does look relaxing though (and I’ve read it’s a great attraction for young children to take a nap!).

This little nook off of Main Street USA at MK always looks so cute and inviting! I’m really hoping to look at this closer on our trip.

It is such a cute section of Main Street! I’ve wandered in there a few times, but remember it most from my Keys to the Kingdom Tour back in 2015. Our tour guide brought us to that street so we could watch people flood in past us for park opening - this was back when they held people out front until the Welcome Show was over. It was hilarious to see hundreds of people in a huge hoard rush past!

Our tour guide said this view was most amusing when the original Elsa and Anna meet started at MK - he said he practically saw kids go horizontal with their parents pulling them along at a near-run.

What’s your favorite way to relax and unwind while at WDW?

I did the best job relaxing on my last trip when I took a lot more afternoon breaks by the pool. It was nice to sit with a soda and a book for an hour - it was very reviving after a long morning (and made the evening much easier).

As you know, I also love dining reservations as a chance to sit down in the air conditioning.

Finally, I love taking 15-20 minutes buying a snack and actually sitting down to eat and enjoy it. It’s fun to people-watch and take a moment to soak in the atmosphere. I still remember doing this while eating popcorn in Dinoland almost 10 years ago - it was so nice!

 

[KathyM2]

Peanut Butter Cold Brew- Gideon’s Bakehouse (DS). “Smooth Oat Milk Cold Brew with a Unique Dark-Roasted Peanut Blend from our favorite Georgia Peanut Farm. Sweetened with Maple Syrup!”

I had no idea there was maple syrup in this - I don't usually like maple syrup...but this cold brew was the best thing I've ever had lol. I wish it wasn't such a process to get one!

“I literally have no idea. I think the hotel has the monorail going through it? My family makes all of the plans and I just show up.”

Wow...she has no idea how much work is going into it - by someone else obviously lol..I hope she appreciates it!! That said...sometimes I think it would be fun to just show up lol....but then I'd be annoyed if I didn't get to do things because of poor planning lol

 

[piglet1979]

I love your hair.

When you are staying at POFQ you should be able to use the pool at POR. When we stayed at POR (before Covid) you were able to go to both. We did like the pool at POR better.

I haven't figured out how to relax yet at Disney. I do get better with each trip. Not because I want to but because my husband needs to and really my body tells me I need to. I just don't want to listen. I am always at the park for the early hours and then around 11 we head back to the pool. I am not one that likes swimming so I just jump in to cool off and then sleep in a chair for a little bit. Then we go back around dinner time. This last trip we also just slowed down in the parks. DH was not about to run to rides. We are so opposite when it comes to park touring. We did a lot of people watching this trip and sitting on benches. I do want to go on the river boat too. It was one my to do list the last trip but it didn't happen. We decided to find a close bench and chill until the kids marched though MK. It was less walking and we were tired.

 

[ambula603]

Your hair is SO CUTE! I love that length, I need to go that short with mine.

We love to resort hop, but it is hard to fit it in. But your length of trip will be perfect to have those leisurely boat rides, morning strolls, evening drinks, etc. You are going to have such a lovely mix.

Once, we went horseback riding at Fort Wilderness. It was a fun memory! I know you can go out there and see the horses in their beautiful stables. The kids may like that someday. We actually did the surrey bikes at SSR and it resulted in some grunting, some coaching, a little bit of yelling "Amber, stop lolly-gagging", and some good laughs. To be fair, Scarlett couldn't reach the pedals so she was just along for the ride! 0/10 since she did not contribute!

We have never tried the putt-putt but Jason wants to.

I always want to do more than I have planned but the exhaustion is REAL. In the end, I have to give up the hopes and dreams of doing the minor stuff because my family still loves all the major stuff!

 

[missjackiemcg]

I told her, “You’re giving me SO much anxiety right now.”

OMG, me too!! I literally CANNOT!

This little nook off of Main Street USA at MK always looks so cute and inviting!

LOVE this idea. Center Street is the perfect tucked away little spot to relax. You can hear the upstairs voice lessons if it's quiet!

 

[Mollydolly334]

Oh my gosh, I would be internally screaming too LOL
You hair looks fantastic btw, it has such lovely diamension.

LOL, right?? I couldn't believe it! I cannot relinquish control like that, especially when it comes to Disney!!

Thank you!! She really does a great job!

We did have a great, quick trip to Milwaukee! Unfortunately, we weren't able to do much other than the concert, due to my husband's work schedule. But we enjoyed our hotel, walking to a bar shuttling people to the field, the concert itself, and the people we met!
I love all your drink choices. While I do love (fruity) beer, I love fruity cocktails more, especially at Disney.

I also love your hair! So fun to get a fresh cut for vacation.
You're so close!!

That's great! I'm so glad you had a fun (albeit quick) trip!

Thank you so much!! Getting a hair cut is always exciting because it means I usually have a fun trip/event coming up soon

YES! The best way to spend an evening at Disney: in the hot tubs. Feels soooo good after a long day of walking.



Love this idea!



I love this little nook -- I have a very fond memory of walking and talking with Bea Star here. Just a good ol' life chat during my November 18 trip. I miss the citizens of main street so much!



Yes, this is where one of the silhouette artists are! Such a cute idea!



Still figuring that out I think I'm boring and it involves eating a cupcake in my hotel room, wet hair all wrapped up in a towel after a much-needed shower at the end of a long day!

Awww, I never got a chance to interact with the Citizens of Main Street! Sounds like an adorable memory.

NOTHING is better than a fresh shower, laying in bed, and listening to Disney Hype Channel/WDW Today after a fun day at the parks

To be fair, I’m less detailed for other vacations than I am for Disney World… but she didn’t even know the name of her resort?! I have anxiety along with you!



I feel the same way about the riverboat! I rode it years ago when I was a young child but have never taken the time as an adult. It does look relaxing though (and I’ve read it’s a great attraction for young children to take a nap!).



It is such a cute section of Main Street! I’ve wandered in there a few times, but remember it most from my Keys to the Kingdom Tour back in 2015. Our tour guide brought us to that street so we could watch people flood in past us for park opening - this was back when they held people out front until the Welcome Show was over. It was hilarious to see hundreds of people in a huge hoard rush past!

Our tour guide said this view was most amusing when the original Elsa and Anna meet started at MK - he said he practically saw kids go horizontal with their parents pulling them along at a near-run.



I did the best job relaxing on my last trip when I took a lot more afternoon breaks by the pool. It was nice to sit with a soda and a book for an hour - it was very reviving after a long morning (and made the evening much easier).

As you know, I also love dining reservations as a chance to sit down in the air conditioning.

Finally, I love taking 15-20 minutes buying a snack and actually sitting down to eat and enjoy it. It’s fun to people-watch and take a moment to soak in the atmosphere. I still remember doing this while eating popcorn in Dinoland almost 10 years ago - it was so nice!

I used to be more go-with-the-flow for trip planning, but Disney has ruined me Now, I find myself researching and spreadsheet-ing like crazy for every trip we go on!! I feel like it's definitely FOMO-induced... I just want to do and see ALL of the fun things!

I'm becoming more of a fan of pool breaks- especially since the Disney resorts have such great pools! And YES- even if you don't eat much, the TS restaurants are such a nice way to relax and beat the heat (they always have great theming as well)!

Back on our 2016 trip, my mom and I decided to get Dole Whips and people-watch on Main Street one afternoon. It was a MNSSHP night, so we watched all of the people come in with their crazy costumes. It was towards the end of the trip, so we just talked all about our lovely vacation and commented on the costumes we saw. It was one of my absolute favorite memories I'm hoping I can re-create a moment like this on this trip!

I had no idea there was maple syrup in this - I don't usually like maple syrup...but this cold brew was the best thing I've ever had lol. I wish it wasn't such a process to get one!

Wow...she has no idea how much work is going into it - by someone else obviously lol..I hope she appreciates it!! That said...sometimes I think it would be fun to just show up lol....but then I'd be annoyed if I didn't get to do things because of poor planning lol

You guys are making me SO excited to try this cold brew!! I'm pretty sure it'll be the first thing I do as soon as I get onto WDW property

I totally agree- I think it would be SO fun to let everyone do the planning and be surprised for one trip. The May 2019 Epic Trip was kind of like that; I really just let the ladies plan everything for us and it turned out SO amazing! I did feel some stress off of me which was nice! But that was also the trip that I started using a spreadsheet to keep track of plans, and I never turned back

I love your hair.

When you are staying at POFQ you should be able to use the pool at POR. When we stayed at POR (before Covid) you were able to go to both. We did like the pool at POR better.

I haven't figured out how to relax yet at Disney. I do get better with each trip. Not because I want to but because my husband needs to and really my body tells me I need to. I just don't want to listen. I am always at the park for the early hours and then around 11 we head back to the pool. I am not one that likes swimming so I just jump in to cool off and then sleep in a chair for a little bit. Then we go back around dinner time. This last trip we also just slowed down in the parks. DH was not about to run to rides. We are so opposite when it comes to park touring. We did a lot of people watching this trip and sitting on benches. I do want to go on the river boat too. It was one my to do list the last trip but it didn't happen. We decided to find a close bench and chill until the kids marched though MK. It was less walking and we were tired.

Great tip!! I do remember when we stayed at POR way back in 2000, we used the pool at POFQ. But the pool at POR does look more adult! It would be fun to walk around and check out the resort too.

I definitely had to "train" myself to relax at Disney. It definitely gets easier the more trips I go on; now, I don't feel the need to ride ALL of the rides (especially since I've rode all of them so many times). But, when I first started to go to WDW as an adult, I had NO concept of relaxing!

Your hair is SO CUTE! I love that length, I need to go that short with mine.

We love to resort hop, but it is hard to fit it in. But your length of trip will be perfect to have those leisurely boat rides, morning strolls, evening drinks, etc. You are going to have such a lovely mix.

Once, we went horseback riding at Fort Wilderness. It was a fun memory! I know you can go out there and see the horses in their beautiful stables. The kids may like that someday. We actually did the surrey bikes at SSR and it resulted in some grunting, some coaching, a little bit of yelling "Amber, stop lolly-gagging", and some good laughs. To be fair, Scarlett couldn't reach the pedals so she was just along for the ride! 0/10 since she did not contribute!

We have never tried the putt-putt but Jason wants to.

I always want to do more than I have planned but the exhaustion is REAL. In the end, I have to give up the hopes and dreams of doing the minor stuff because my family still loves all the major stuff!

Thank you so much!! This is my favorite length; I feel just so much more like "myself" with a shorter haircut for some reason!

Ahhh, mini-golf is also such a great idea! I didn't even think of that- definitely adding it to the list!!

I totally get the FOMO; I have all of these grand plans before the trip, but once we're there, I feel like my priorities totally shift! In the end, it'll still be a great trip

OMG, me too!! I literally CANNOT!

LOVE this idea. Center Street is the perfect tucked away little spot to relax. You can hear the upstairs voice lessons if it's quiet!

I was just laughing and shaking my head so much! I told her, "You are the definition of a Passenger Princess."

I really want to try to hear the voice lessons! That is such a cute little touch.

 

[kclark9830]

Your trip plans sound great! Taking little ones can be so much fun (though a little stressful ). I am about halfway through your ptr, so I'm sure I'll have more to say!!!

 

[Mollydolly334]

Your trip plans sound great! Taking little ones can be so much fun (though a little stressful ). I am about halfway through your ptr, so I'm sure I'll have more to say!!!

We are trying to have low-ish expectations for how much they tolerate... that way, we'll be pleasantly surprised when they're angel children the entire time with no meltdowns!! Thank you so much for following along!!

 

[Mollydolly334]

Molly’s Must-Do Disney (What’s in my Park Bag)?


I can’t believe our WDW trip is 7 DAYS AWAY!!! Exactly one week from now, Jake and I will be landing in Orlando and headed off to CSR to begin our vacation fun It’s always so hard; I just get so eager for the time to pass and for the trip to come as quick as possible. But, I always love this anticipatory excitement before a trip too and really try to cherish this time!

For this post, I’m going to do a “What’s in my park bag?” post! This kind of reminds me of those features in US Weekly Magazine where you could look inside someone’s purse and see what they carry around. Those were always so weirdly fascinating to me… like, “Jennifer Aniston eats Clif Bars too!”



When I first started going to Disney, it was always my mom who was the bag-holder (I think most other moms can relate ). However, once I started going to the parks as a young adult, I really enjoyed having my own bag of stuff to use around the parks. I used to just take a fanny pack, but I realized that I needed more space for snacks/water, sweaters, and other gadgets like phone chargers, etc. Back in 2019, I took the plunge and bought this beauty. She has been my park bag ever since…



It was funny; I remember feeling very guilty at the time because this backpack cost over $100. So cute and naive Now, I don’t even think twice about spending that much money on Disney-related merch This bag has been SO worth the money and is the perfect size for all of my stuff while hanging at WDW.

At any given time, these items are usually in my park bag…

Body Glide



I managed to get away with not needing this stuff until a few years ago. On our trip in August/September 2019, I experienced inner-thigh chafing for the first time, and it was AWFUL!! I definitely notice that it is way worse during the summer months; on our last trip in July, it was almost unbearable some days! This stuff definitely keeps the irritation at bay during those hot, sweaty days.

Tums



Tell me you have stomach issues without telling me you have stomach issues . Heartburn is an unfortunate side effect of all of the yummy food and drinks during Disney trips, so these provide some relief during those moments.

I will say though- I started taking a daily probiotic last week and that has REALLY helped my stomach discomfort overall! Not sure if it's a placebo effect, but my stomach is feeling a lot calmer. I’m really hoping that helps me feel my best on the trip.

Ziploc Bags



Back when Splash Mountain was open (RIP ), they would hand out these adorable themed Ziploc bags to keep your phone dry. Well, the design was so adorable, that I would often grab huge handfuls of them at a time and hoard them in my park bag . Once I had them in my bag, I realized how helpful it was to have these around! I use them to keep leftover snacks enclosed (I feel like these would be perfect for Gideon’s cookies!), keep my phone dry on water rides, etc. These have definitely come in clutch!

Liquid IV


I discovered the beauty of Liquid IV during Jake and I’s first Hawaii trip; we decided to hike Diamond Head during our first full day, and I was WILDLY dehydrated from the plane ride. My legs were cramping and seizing like you wouldn’t believe!

Chugging at least one packet of this stuff per day really helped me feel better for the rest of the trip. It tastes good, keeps you hydrated, and also gives you a nice boost of energy (it doesn’t have caffeine, but I guess the B vitamins in it act as “natural caffeine”). I use this on almost all vacations and it's definitely made a difference in my energy and hydration. My favorite flavors are Golden Cherry and Watermelon!

Ponchos



We always stock up on cheap, dollar-store ponchos before a trip. We made the mistake of forgetting ponchos once and having to shell out $$$ for the fancy Disney ones- never again!! It’s really nice to just use the cheapy ones, because you can just toss it in the garbage at the end of the day.

Advil



This stuff is my family’s holy water, haha. Have a headache? Take some Advil! Have PMS cramps? Take some Advil! Feeling annoyed from too much family time? Take some Advil! .

Hand Sanitizer



I feel like this is self-explanatory . Disney is fun but GROSS! This wall in particular always gives me the shivers…



SO MANY GERMS!

Extra Pair of Socks

It always feels good to slip on a clean, dry pair of socks if it gets rainy or your feet get sweaty during the day! My current favorite socks are Bombas. My mom got these socks for all of us as a Christmas present a couple years ago; she power-walks outside almost every day and swears by them! They are compression socks that wick moisture really nicely and keep your feet dry.

Last trip, I got a bit of “Disney Rash” on my shins when I wore longer socks that went over my ankle. But, the rash went away when I switched to only wearing sandals or Bombas socks! I also always try to wear these compression socks on planes to keep the blood flowing in my legs.

Hard Candies



Sucking on hard candies really helps with ear pressure during plane rides, and I prefer this method to chewing gum! I also like having hard candies on hand when stomach pain/heartburn occurs; it gives me something else to focus on and really helps nausea.

Mickey Straws



I really don’t like the texture of the paper straws that Disney uses (I mean, definitely a plus for the environment, but they just feel GROSS!). I always hoard some Mickey straws from previous trips, rinse them out, and use these when I’m grabbing a beverage at WDW! Pro tip- they also have plastic straws at certain places at Disney Springs, so sometimes I’ll grab a handful from somewhere like Wetzel’s Pretzels and keep them in my bag (shhhh, don’t tell!). Don't worry, I'm a good kid and never use non-paper straws at Animal Kingdom

Fuel Rod



I’m saving the best for last- this is the #1 most important item in my park bag!!! I have been using Fuel Rods since about 2018, and they remain my favorite method for keeping my phone charged! My phone always dies super quickly at WDW between constantly working the MDE app and taking photos, but this helps keep it charged. It’s really easy to find stations all around the parks and resorts, and it’s overall a super convenient option, since you don’t have to worry about charging your actual charger and can just get a quick fix when you’re in the park!

Anything missing from my list that’s your lifesaver while in the parks??



​

 

[cindianne320]

Great list of must-haves! Mine looks very similar!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

As of today, just SIX DAYS?! Eek, that’s so exciting!!!

I love your overview of your park bag! I have a very similar lineup but also throw in a hair band, comb, and some contact solution. This year I’m going to add a mini Mickey fan to try and combat the heat.

I still haven’t decided whether to use fuel rods or buy a lightweight portable charger. The fuel rods are great for Disney World but I wonder if I’d get more use out of a portable charger on other trips? I need to decide and order something soon!

 

[Mollydolly334]

Great list of must-haves! Mine looks very similar!

With 3 trips in one year, I bet you have it down to a science!

As of today, just SIX DAYS?! Eek, that’s so exciting!!!

I love your overview of your park bag! I have a very similar lineup but also throw in a hair band, comb, and some contact solution. This year I’m going to add a mini Mickey fan to try and combat the heat.

I still haven’t decided whether to use fuel rods or buy a lightweight portable charger. The fuel rods are great for Disney World but I wonder if I’d get more use out of a portable charger on other trips? I need to decide and order something soon!

I CANNOT believe it’s coming so soon!! Got the bulk of my packing done yesterday and did our last-minute shopping stuff… getting a new phone today and then, all we have to do is work and wait!! Your countdown is coming up SO quickly too!! I bet Molly is so excited

I personally love the convenience of the fuel rods because you never have to worry about remembering to charge them!! But- I’m sure you could find some more practical options for portable chargers

 

[Mollydolly334]

Haley’s Must-Do Disney- WDW with Toddlers and Babies!


I’m bringing in a special guest for our last episode of “Must-Do Disney”- my big sister, Haley!



This post is all about preparing for Disney with young children!!

While this is our first time vacationing at Disney World with itty-bitties, Haley is no stranger to traveling with toddlers and babies. Haley and Ryan have traveled with the twins all over the country; from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina…



To San Diego, California...



To Dallas, Texas…



To Naples, Florida…



To South Haven, Michigan!



That all being said, we’re all a bit *cautiously optimistic* for this trip, since it will be the first time traveling with all 3 kids. Here are some essentials that Haley is planning on bringing to make the trip go as smoothly as possible!

Portable Potty Seat



The twins are newly potty trained, so this will be necessary for the public bathrooms! The weekend that Haley started potty training Evie and Ollie was also conveniently the weekend that Ethan decided to arrive (2 weeks early) . Luckily, this didn’t deter them at all; both kids caught on super quickly and they’ve been doing great ever since!

Tush Baby



Haley bought this well-reviewed contraption for carrying the kids in the parks (when not in the stroller) and is curious to try this out! She was able to show this to me the other day when I visited. It’s pretty cool- kind of like an oversized fanny pack with a giant seat that the twins can sit on. Then, it also has a place where you can clip a baby sling for Ethan!

Inflatable Bed Bumpers



This will be the twin’s first time sleeping in big-kid beds, so Haley bought these bed bumpers to make sure they don’t fall out of bed. I think they’ll be so excited to sleep in a real bed; they’ve become master escape-artists and can get out of their cribs at home lickety-split (it reminds me so much of the TV show The Rugrats )

Post-It Notes



Evie in particular gets scared and REALLY does not enjoy the sudden sound of automatic flushers/hand dryers in public bathrooms. However, I remember reading in past TRs that sticking Post-It Notes onto the sensors helps block the automatic function, so we’re anxious to see if this will work!

Bracelets with Identifying Information and AirTags



We’re a little paranoid . Although WDW is one of the safest places in the world, you can never be too careful with two 2-year-olds who love to run and explore!

Stroller Fans and Cooling Towels



We’ve used these cooling towels many times in the past, and they are really helpful. Stroller fans are also always a must for those hot Orlando days; I actually have one for myself that I clip to the treadmill during the summer (my apartment’s gym doesn’t have AC and it’s horrendous sometimes).

Entertainment Holders for Strollers and Portable Chargers



Haley and Ryan are usually pretty strict on iPad/screen usage at home, but ALL bets are off on vacation! Evie loves watching episodes of “Sofia The First” or any Disney Princess movie, and Ollie likes any videos involving the Pixar Cars, so this will come in handy when they’re starting to get tired or waits are getting long. Plus, the kids have a tendency to just chuck things aside when they’re done with them, so we definitely don’t want any device casualties on this trip!

Carabiner Clips (For Water Bottles on Strollers)



See note above about “chucking things” They need industrial-strength water bottles for this very reason; I’m pretty sure they get thrown 10x a day.

Snack Tins/Reusable Snack Bags



This will be helpful for snacks/meals that the twins don’t finish! Leftover chicken nuggets and fries from a QS can come a long way when the hangries hit!

Wet/Dry Bags for Clothes and Shoes



Since the twins are still pretty new at potty training (and also will probably be excited because DISNEY ), there may be some accidents. These will also be helpful with keeping things separate and dry during our pool days, or if the kids want to play in the water fountains/splash pads around the parks!

Stain Removal Spray



Kids are MESSY. Especially when they are eating Mickey Bars . Hey, I’ll probably have to borrow this at some point myself!!

Stroller Handles



The twins LOVE to be independent, and I anticipate some protest with riding in the stroller all the time. This will still allow them to be free and walk at times, but also give them something to hold onto and keep them by the group if they get tired of holding hands. Haley and the twins tried these out on a walk last week, and they LOVED them!! My mom said that they felt so grown-up, and that they stayed by the stroller no problem!



This crew is ready to conquer the Disney parks (Notice how Mater and Rapunzel are hitching a ride in the stroller? )

So! Quite the long list! Haley is Miss Type-A and organized to a tee, so I’m not surprised that she has thought of every possible gadget under the sun It will be well worth it; our main priority is keeping the kids occupied and comfortable throughout the trip (while having a blast of course)! I will be sure to report on what worked for us in my TR!



​

 

[SimplyGoofy]

Haley did a great job - I have a very similar lineup!

I hadn’t thought of individual carabiner clips for our water bottles! I may need to steal that one. The snack container is also SUPER cute!

Also, good for you on your packing progress! I’m an excellent last-minute packer, but I’ve gotten better over the years as last-minute things give my husband anxiety.

And yes, Molly is SO excited! Just a few weeks to go!

 

[suse66]

When I first started going to Disney, it was always my mom who was the bag-holder (I think most other moms can relate ). However, once I started going to the parks as a young adult, I really enjoyed having my own bag of stuff to use around the parks. I used to just take a fanny pack, but I realized that I needed more space for snacks/water, sweaters, and other gadgets like phone chargers, etc. Back in 2019, I took the plunge and bought this beauty. She has been my park bag ever since…

Cute bag! I have a VERY well loved D&B sketch backpack that has been my park bag since 2015.

It was funny; I remember feeling very guilty at the time because this backpack cost over $100. So cute and naive Now, I don’t even think twice about spending that much money on Disney-related merch This bag has been SO worth the money and is the perfect size for all of my stuff while hanging at WDW.

Haha, same!!! My 2009 Disney self would be shocked at what I happily spend in 2024!

Chugging at least one packet of this stuff per day really helped me feel better for the rest of the trip. It tastes good, keeps you hydrated, and also gives you a nice boost of energy (it doesn’t have caffeine, but I guess the B vitamins in it act as “natural caffeine”). I use this on almost all vacations and it's definitely made a difference in my energy and hydration. My favorite flavors are Golden Cherry and Watermelon!

I really like the electrolyte tablets too. We buy the Nuun ones here as well as Hydralyte. They make such a difference!

I’m saving the best for last- this is the #1 most important item in my park bag!!! I have been using Fuel Rods since about 2018, and they remain my favorite method for keeping my phone charged! My phone always dies super quickly at WDW between constantly working the MDE app and taking photos, but this helps keep it charged. It’s really easy to find stations all around the parks and resorts, and it’s overall a super convenient option, since you don’t have to worry about charging your actual charger and can just get a quick fix when you’re in the park!

Good idea! I usually have a power bank with me but I do have to remember to keep it charged as well.