Packing for first trip...got ???

[5infam]

In packing for our first trip, my DW and I are not sure about a couple of things. We will be there for 9 days and will have our 3 kids as well, ages 13, 4 and 2. Here are our questions:

1. Coffee Maker - What kind of filters do they use, or do they supply you with enough and we just bring the coffee?

2. We are staying at the Boardwalk, do they have the VCR/DVD combo players? Also, do they rent movies? If so, how much are they and is there good availability? I don't want to drag along our Disney DVD collection if I don't have to.

3. Napkins and/or paper towels and facial tissue (kleenex). With 3 kids, we go through a lot of these paper products. Is there enough, or do they charge you for more?

4. Bedding for Crib/Pack-n Play (we requested an actual crib when we made our reservations, but I don't really know what we are going to end up with), what do they give you, if any?

Finally, any other advice for a first time DVC family would be greatly appreciated, as we have never stayed at a DVC resort before. We have rented a van service that will be making a grocery stop on our way to the Boardwalk, so it will be easy for me to pick things up at the store for the week. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!!

 

[Doug Wolfe]

I can help you with a few things. Bring coffee and filters, they will just provide you with a starter pack.

You should pack a suit case with non-perishable items like coffee and extra laundry detergent. Also, other items like kids snacks, crackers, etc.

Use the suit case when you return home for the stuff you buy!

 

[5infam]

Thanks Doug Wolfe!!

Are the filters you bring the cone kind or the round kind?

 

[msdis]

Yes, bring coffee and filters(Mr coffee kind-basket style). We bring 1-2 suitcases with supplies depending if we have a car or not. I like the laundry tablets, they pack well. As far as paper products those are supplied. There is usually 1 roll of paper towels on the roll and 1 under the sink on the shelf. Tissues are in the dispenser and if you run out you can call for more. On full housekeeping days they will restock everything and on T&T sometimes they catch those things, if not call. As far as a crib, it is just the pack and play. I once saw a family that had brought their own but that obviously won't work unless you are driving. I do believe there are DVD players in all BWV 1br+ rooms now. There is no charge for rentals for members. The selection was very good the last time we borrowed at BCV but you probably won't find the newest releases. There are however LOTS of Disney movies, go figure.

Just realized you did not indicate what size unit you are in. There are many differences in what people will suggest depending on studio or 1br+. I'll come back with more once I know.

 

[Doug Wolfe]

I think they are round. If I am wrong someone will correct me.

Call ahead to MS on the DVD/Video question. BCV used to be the only one with DVD, but I think they may have converted some of the other resorts.

 

[zulaya]

I don't think regular cribs are even available. Just Pack N Play. The filters are the round kind, but you only get a starter pack of that and coffee. If you are staying for any length of time, bring extras with you.

Supposedly they are converting to DVD, but I don't know if BWV has been done yet. In any case, there are not combo players - it's going to be DVD OR VCR. Call the resort and ask what they have.

 

[disynut]

The Pack-N-Plays are what are already in the rooms, but it seems like I remember reading that some of the resorts had actual cribs you could request(I guess maybe the DVC's that are a part of a "regular" hotel would have those?). The Pack-N-Plays do have a sheet with them(cute little Mickey's on 'em)--but I'm kind of weird about wondering if they really wash them every time so I brought my own.

Have a great time!

Jen

 

[mom2alix]

We just bought the coffe that came already in the filter for our last trip since it was easiest to pack. I ttok enough out of the cannister for the number of days and put in a ziplock. It was so much easier than having extra filters that wouldn't fit my home machine, etc.

We had enough paper products for our stay, and the did replenish when we had T & T day.

I thought the free movie rentals were great for the kids, although we loved just watching the resort TV too!

We had one Mickey print sheet with the pack N play and I brought an extra from home just in case, which we never used. (Like Jen, I'm a little paranoid and ran the Mickey sheet through the wash before I let DD sleep on it.)

One thing I would add to a packing list in the future is an extra suitcase, since we were travelling with my MIL, DD ended up with so mush stuff that we had to buy an extra bag to bring everything home. I think next time I'll pack an extra duffle bag in the other luggage. With 3 children I could see how this might be a good idea for you too!

Hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[Disney Doll]

I pack fabric softener sheets,an extra non-stick fry pan, ziploc bags, tea,sugar(packets), coffee, filters(the paper ones...they fit into either cone or round flat), someone suggested the coffee already in the filter which is a good idea if you're not fussy coffee drinkers. DH likes to have Starbucks as a treat on vacation, so it's paper filters for us!

At the store, I buy butter, milk, eggs, english muffins, ham, cheese(we use this stuff to make breakfast sandwiches), soda, beer, fresh fruit(cut it up and make a fruit salad for breakfast or snacking), room deodorizer spray, laundry soap,cheese, crackers, bottled water,cookies,chips & dip.

We do not do big meals in our room...only breakfast and snacks. Other who do more cooking may have more suggestions.

 

[twinmomplus2new]

I just read today that Starbucks is now selling travel packs, It is a filter with the coffee already in it so you just grab and go with it. You can order it online or purchase at most stores. ( I think It said they come in packs of 8) I think its a great idea and plan to buy them for our next trip.

 

[DebbieB]

BWV does have the combo DVD/VCR's we had a new one in our 1 bedroom in December. I don't understand why they didn't put the combos in all the DVC resorts.

We always bring extra bars of soap, one for the extra bathroom sink and one for the kitchen sink. Foil and ziploc bags. They provide tissue but it's not a good quality, we bring some Kleenex. No napkins, we just use the paper towels.

 

[BriarRose59]

I second the idea of the laundry tabs. I bring those when we visit, plus dryer sheets and shout wipes. The shout wipes are because invariably one of us gets chocolate or some other food stain on our clothes (or chocolate) that laundry detergent even with all fabric bleach just won't get out (but mostly chocolate). If you take cream in your coffee, there is only enough for your first morning in the room, be sure to pick up whatever it is you like in your coffee.

Have fun!

 

[5infam]

Thank you all for such great responses!!! There are several things here we didn't think of.

MSDIS - We are staying in a 1BDR - standard view (don't think the view matters, but thought I would include just in case).

If anyone has any other suggestions, please feel free to add them. I already made a store run, but with all of the great responses, it looks like I am going back for more!!!!

 

[DebbieB]

We stayed in a standard 1 bedroom in December that was much larger than most, it was on the corner above the pond. It was room 3123. 4123 would be the same. 2123 also, but it is smoking. It is a long way from the elevators though but there are steps across from the room. That might be difficult though with a stroller.

 

[msdis]

You will love the 1br. It is fully equipped so you can cook anything you want. Other than groceries, you will be all set. We are usually in a studio and I could have shared some studio "camping" tips we use. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[joepoe]

Originally posted by twinmomplus2new
I just read today that Starbucks is now selling travel packs, It is a filter with the coffee already in it so you just grab and go with it. You can order it online or purchase at most stores. ( I think It said they come in packs of 8) I think its a great idea and plan to buy them for our next trip.

I just bought them for our upcoming trip. A pack of 6 was about 7 dollars. No bargain, but certainly more convenient than schlepping a bag of coffee and a bunch of filters and measuring out coffee each day. Heck, I'm on vacation!

 

[WDWMom]

Ziplock bags are a must. There is very little to put food you have chopped or is left over and you still want to eat.

 

[shelbyjosh]

We also take seasonings. I like cinnamon (for French toast) and a garlic/pepper blend for potatoes. I usually pack Bounce sheets in a ziploc. I have a vacuum sealer, so I make about 8 little packs of Tide. They travel nicely. This trip I did bring a box of those Folger ready packs. Just enough for our 11 day trip!! I can't think of anything else right now.