Post your best organizational, space saving and trip making secrets here!!

[house_of_princesses]

Not specifically Disney related, but good for any day of the year...

Make sure you have one or two 'ICE' numbers (in case of emergency) stored in your cell phone. Those numbers may change for the duration of your trip, but always good to have.

I buy discounted paper plates, fruit snacks, etc... anything w/ a WDW theme and bring them to the resort. When my dds need a snack, I keep the magic going w/ my little stash. I also use them at home when we need a little pd!

Another poster asked where you can find menus, show times, etc prior to leaving home. Perhaps I missed it, but I haven't seen an answer. Anyone?

 

[cynderella]

Another poster asked where you can find menus, show times, etc prior to leaving home. Perhaps I missed it, but I haven't seen an answer. Anyone?

Menus: http://allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm

Show times: http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/

Hope that helps!

 

[smellyann]

I love this thread!! Got lots of great tips stored. MAN, can it PLEASE be October now?!!!

 

[merekc]

1. The leash for kids is great. I've seen them at Walmart and Babies R Us. I prefer the one with a harness around your child's chest and then you connect the strap to the harness. I think there is a greater chance of hurting your child using the leash that is connected only at the wrist.

2. When traveling, I take both dish detergent and baby wash disposable pads. You just get them wet and the soap is already in them. You don't have to worry about leaking bottles. I also cut these pads up into smaller pieces and they still work fine.

 

[house_of_princesses]

I'm not in the diaper bag stage any longer, so this slipped my mind...

They now sell disposable bibs as well as place mats. The bibs are made by Bounty, I believe, and can be found in the paper aisle. The mats are thin sheets of plastic w/ two light adhesive strips to secure it to the table. Great for little ones who like to eat from the table instead of the plate!

 

[Dina]

This isn't really an organizational tip, but...

Before we leave, I go to Bath and Body and pick one scent. I get the antibacterial hand soap, shower gel, body/hand lotion, antibacterial hand gel (like a scented purell) and bubble bath. I like the pump of hand soap for the hotel room and we like the shower gel (and I use the lotion). The bubble bath is for when I get home, since that scent will now remind me of our trip--- its a nice little pick me up until we go on our next trip. A few times a year they have a sale, so sometimes I get all the stuff then, and save it for our trip.

I also pick up a bottle of the foaming hand soap for the kids--they like that.

 

[java]

Sippy cups..... this one is for the germaphobes like me!! - Walmart and target sell inexpensive "disposable" sippy cups- They come 5 or 6 to a pack and what we do is use one a day- rinse it throughout the day and then toss it at the end of the day.
I also pack mini snack mixes for my kids(ziplocs with cheerios, Kix, pretzels, rice crispies, m&m's if it isn't too hot...mini marshmallows whatever they are really into at the time- for some reason- picking each item out of the bag is more fun than just a bag full of cheerios) also easy to grab and go each morning.
Bring batteries!!
My kids actually liked the glow in the dark tattoos that I found at Target.(Disney wasn't selling anything like that at the time so I didn't have to worry about having the "cheap" thing...)
For those with several children- a good reasonably priced snack are the lolllipop bundles they sell(the pops in the shape of Winnie the pooh in a group of about 8 for under $3) They kept my group happy while waiting for a parade.
I use the ziplocs to pack the little guys clothes- but I also use them to pack everyone's socks and underwear. No digging through the luggage for my dd(8) purple socks "you know the ones with the hearts on them Mom"
So what do you put in the over the door hanger? I love the idea I just don't know if we have enough stuff to put in there?- no curling irons ect for us- we are low maintenance family

 

[minniewannabe]

If you are driving there like we did, bring a milk crate that you can turn upside down and use as a step stool in front of the bathroom sink. We stayed at a Marriott and it was tough to wash my 5 and 2 year old's hands/teeth at the high sink w/ no step stool. I finally went to the front desk & asked for one, but they didn't have any. I asked the guy to see if he could find a milk crate from the "Market Place" inside Marriot. He came back with one and it worked out perfectly.

Maybe the disney properties come with step stools in the rooms? I don't know b/c I've never stayed on site.

Also, I brought the over the door hanger for shoes and loved it. The best idea ever. My husband never had to ask me where anything was b/c you could see it hanging on the door and the vanity stayed clutter free. The collapsable hamper was great too.

I also bring night lights for the kids.

 

[thelionqueen]

This isn't really an organizational tip, but...

Before we leave, I go to Bath and Body and pick one scent. I get the antibacterial hand soap, shower gel, body/hand lotion, antibacterial hand gel (like a scented purell) and bubble bath. I like the pump of hand soap for the hotel room and we like the shower gel (and I use the lotion). The bubble bath is for when I get home, since that scent will now remind me of our trip--- its a nice little pick me up until we go on our next trip. A few times a year they have a sale, so sometimes I get all the stuff then, and save it for our trip.

I also pick up a bottle of the foaming hand soap for the kids--they like that.

Great idea! I love Pearberry from B&BW and was going to go get some this week for our trip starting Sunday. I don't usually get the bubble bath, so maybe another product that will remind me of the trip. Love it!!

 

[gracer9977]

So many great ideas on here but my DD11 months wants to play so I need to come back later. Thanks for the ideas. Can't wait to go on our trip in October!!

 

[gracer9977]

So many great ideas but my DD11 Months wants to play so I need to come back and read the rrest later. Thanks a bunch for all the information that I can use for our trip October 2006

 

[TerBear4]

I've been reading this thread ALL WEEK! Thanks for all the great ideas. Now that school is over I'm putting together a large bag/box of all the necessities. Went to Walmart, Kmart and the Dollar Tree today and found almost everything but:
1. Palmolive wipes
2. cheap toothbrush holder
3. Tide tablets or small travel detergent

Also, for those of you who have used the over the door shoe holder, do you use the huge 11 compartment holder (I think it holds 22 shoes)? This is the one I saw at Walmart today, but wasn't sure as it seemed quite large.

I'm thinking I now need a trip to Target, but it's not really close and the kids were exhausted today I did pick up the DVD High School Musical to sort of bribe them thru the shopping!!!

thanks again for all the great ideas!!

 

[wicked_maleficent]

Subscribing...this thread is awesome!

 

[thelionqueen]

I've been reading this thread ALL WEEK! Thanks for all the great ideas. Now that school is over I'm putting together a large bag/box of all the necessities. Went to Walmart, Kmart and the Dollar Tree today and found almost everything but:
1. Palmolive wipes
2. cheap toothbrush holder
3. Tide tablets or small travel detergent

Also, for those of you who have used the over the door shoe holder, do you use the huge 11 compartment holder (I think it holds 22 shoes)? This is the one I saw at Walmart today, but wasn't sure as it seemed quite large.

I'm thinking I now need a trip to Target, but it's not really close and the kids were exhausted today I did pick up the DVD High School Musical to sort of bribe them thru the shopping!!!

thanks again for all the great ideas!!

I would get the size that best fits your needs. If you have a lot of stuff for kids, etc. I would probably get the biggest that would fit, if not, just get a smaller one. I know, not much help, but I tried.

I also ran all over the place today for final preparation stuff. Thanks for the great tips!!!

 

[minniewannabe]

I've been reading this thread ALL WEEK! Thanks for all the great ideas. Now that school is over I'm putting together a large bag/box of all the necessities. Went to Walmart, Kmart and the Dollar Tree today and found almost everything but:
1. Palmolive wipes
2. cheap toothbrush holder
3. Tide tablets or small travel detergent

Also, for those of you who have used the over the door shoe holder, do you use the huge 11 compartment holder (I think it holds 22 shoes)? This is the one I saw at Walmart today, but wasn't sure as it seemed quite large.

I'm thinking I now need a trip to Target, but it's not really close and the kids were exhausted today I did pick up the DVD High School Musical to sort of bribe them thru the shopping!!!

thanks again for all the great ideas!!

I would get the large compartment holder. I filled mine with only 2 slots to spare. Here is what I put in mine last week: the upper rows held a pair of scissors (I always need them on a trip for something), my vitamins, zyrtec, flonase, the kids vitamins, nail clippers/nail file/polish, tweezerman tweezers, shaving cream & razor. The lower compartments held my kids toothbrushes resting inside the lower half of the toothbrush holder w/ the cap off next to it (I am talking about the travel tube that holds toothbrushes available at Target/Walmart for .99). Every thing else in the middle: hair brushes/combs in one, shampoo & conditioner, hair gel & root lifter (i'm from the south), big Lubriderm lotion, Zeasorb foot powder (your feet will never get sweaty at the park w/ this powder, available at Walgreens for $9.87 but it works), Neutrogena eye cream & facial moisterizer w/ 15 spf & chapstick, self tanning lotion for my super white legs, deoderant, ponytail holders & barrets, sleeping mask. I'm sure I had more stuff in there, but this is what I just thought of.

Besides, when you are done with your trip the compartments have so many other uses. I have a big one hanging inside my coat closet that holds all the scarves, mittens, gloves & hats for winter time. I even keep our spare keys in the top compartments. I have another that hangs on the back of my 2 year old's closet door. I put all his little socks in there and can clearly see when it's time to do laundry. If you have a girl you can use it to hold their hair accessories & jewelry, or barbie dolls. It's good for art supplies too.

Don't shop all over town for travel size detergent. Just put some powder detergent inside a ziploc bag or a left over butter tub (like country crock). I'd also add a zippered lingerie bag to the laundry list. I've always used a big one to hold my kids socks together in the washing machine & dryer. It keeps them from disapearing in my house. But more importantly, a sock won't get lost in the big dryers at the resorts.

I've also heard they discontinued the Pamolive wipes. You can call the company to find out which stores still have them to save you some time.

 

[english rose 47]

I found micro mini umbellas at Walmart $8.95 but they are full size I found the big ziploc at Target and plan to use them. Also camp towels at Walmart.

 

[mommy*RN]

I've been reading this thread ALL WEEK! Thanks for all the great ideas. Now that school is over I'm putting together a large bag/box of all the necessities. Went to Walmart, Kmart and the Dollar Tree today and found almost everything but:
1. Palmolive wipes
2. cheap toothbrush holder
3. Tide tablets or small travel detergent

Hi!
Just wanted to let you know they no longer make the Palmolive wipes...I emailed the company when I couldn't find them at 3+ stores...the company didn't have any they would sell to me either. I saw some places still have them online so I may purchase them that way as they were a life saver to me on our last trip.

If you are interested in liquid detergent I found 4 load bottles of Tide in the travel size item section of Target for $0.99. I also found a cool toothbrush for my DS and DD that has a little suction cup on one end so it can stand on its own w/o a holder. Those were $0.99 too and also in the same section. I did buy the liquid Tide, but I think I may take powder with me instead. I just worry about leaking, and even putting it in a ziploc I am afraid of a mess...I usually use powder at home so it won't be a hassel. Plus I like detergent with bleach added and the Tide at Target is just regualr old Tide. If you need them, Target also has rain ponchos in their $1 section (at our Target it is right when you walk in!). They are colorful (red, blue, green and yellow) and for kids 45-100 lbs. I bought 2 for DS...but I may buy more just in case they get ripped or nasty. For a buck you can't go wrong!

Okay, enuf droning on about myself! Best of luck searching for all your stuff! Thanks for all the GREAT ideas!

 

[Keggy]

We bought a little 20 questions game - I know Target has it. It is a small hand held game that is great for keeping your entire party busy in line. We used it at a trip to Disneyland last year and already have it packed for our WDW trip this year.

Kelly

 

[TerBear4]

LionQueen..........HAVE A GREAT TRIP!!!!!!

 

[TerBear4]

Don't shop all over town for travel size detergent. Just put some powder detergent inside a ziploc bag or a left over butter tub (like country crock). I'd also add a zippered lingerie bag to the laundry list. I've always used a big one to hold my kids socks together in the washing machine & dryer. It keeps them from disapearing in my house. But more importantly, a sock won't get lost in the big dryers at the resorts.

GREAT IDEAS!! I will take one more look at Target for some travel sizes, and then I think the little containers (we get lunch meat at the grocery store in glad containers and have tons left over) will do the trick. I like the lingerie bag idea. I have one put away I think I'll pull it out and pack it.

Thanks for the tips on what to put in the shoe organizer. Had not really thought of all those things.

LOVE this board!!!