What I make sure to take with me: dining reservation #s, my plan (which park what day), park info on EMH (in case we change our mind and I'm trying to hit or avoid an early magic hour park), my Disney Magical Express tags/info, flight info, resort reservation #.
I have always left little treats for my girls each day of our trip from a different character each day. On arrival, I leave new pjs (their favorite Disney character) and an autograph book I've made in advance. After settling in our room, I send my girls off with daddy to the pool. I conveniently have to go back to the room for sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. While my girls are out, I leave out the treats. It's such a surprise when they get back to the room.
I also leave little daily treats with tags every other morning. I've left little certificates for a Mickey ice cream bar, a certificate for a Mickey rice krispy treat. I've made some of the certificates myself and I've also gone to the Creative DISigns forum here on the DIS where there are wonderful designers that are creative and helpful that will make them for you. They are not "real" certificates. Just paper certificates I've printed on card stock. I've always distracted my girls when I paid for the purchase (ice cream bar, etc.) so they thought I really didn't have to pay for it. I've also left seashells from Ariel, bookmarks from Belle, princess chap stiick, certificates for Mickey ears, certificate for Christmas ornament, candy treats, certificate for ice cream, etc. I try to give them certificates for things I would have paid for anyway so that I'm not spending extra money (Mickey ice cream bar, treat at their favorite country pavilion in Epcot, etc.), or if I do buy something, I try to make it small like the chap stick. I leave each treat with a tag from one of the characters.
The little treats make it so special for my girls. It helps to get them awake and up in the mornings. They glow when seeing their treat, and it adds to the magic.
Ideas for older kids: nail polish, Hidden Mickey book, sunglasses.
Another thing I just thought of that I used for a little treat is light up glow sticks or bracelets from the Dollar Tree or Target. Great for taking to light shows so you don't have to splurge on the overly expensive toys they sell there, but your kids still have something to play with. We take extras and share with kids around us.
Have fun getting ready! Enjoy your trip!
