Trip in less than 2 weeks - feeling very unprepared!

[bookworm2]

Hi everyone,

Our trip is coming up soon and I am starting to freak out! I was hoping you could help me figure out what I need to do before then

For background, DH and I are traveling with our 5yo dd and our 15mo ds. We're staying at the CBR and doing a DIS board stroller swap We've got the DDP, and I've made ADRs for all of our TS meals, and have DD scheduled for the CBR pirate cruise. I have our tentative touring plan created as well.

Here are some things I know I need to do:

• Call and request a pack n play for the room
• Print touring plan and all ADR info
• Call Disney with flight info
• Find the brilliant packing list I discovered on this board three years ago!
• Buy presents from "Tinkerbell"
• Order groceries from Garden Grocer

What else am I missing? I'd really appreciate any tips you all have! Thanks so much

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

It sounds like you'll be fine, just take notes, if you want, when you're there, on the stuff you want to do differently next time .

 

[mom2faith]

PM me your email and I will forwar you my pack list if you want

I leave in 4 weeks, so I know how you feel!!!

Amy

 

[mom2faith]

Oh. And here is more:

A list to do around the house:
- flush all toilets
- unplug appliances (some appliances)
- take out trash (have forgotten that one before - LOL)
- email a family member your itinerary for emergencies (flight number, hotel phone number etc)
- confirm who is watching the house

Print out the following:
- thank you cards for CM's who make your trip magical (PM me if you want ours - it is in Avery format)
- mousekeeping tip envies

A "to buy" list - make this when you review your pack list

Umm....that is all I am working on right now.

Amy

 

[LWatson]

Next week start setting aside clothes for the trip so that you arent stressing to find certain things the day or 2 b4 hand. I personally (and this is me being OCD about forgetting something) pack the week ahead of time, but start setting aside certain things way b4 hand so I dont lose them.

If you are checking your bags pack an small outfit per person in your carry on bag(s) and some sunscreen and maybe a swimsuit. That way if your bags are lost you still have more than the clothes on your back, and you have a swimsuit for the first day.

Do you have pets...if so have you gotten a pet sitter or a pet "daycare"/Kennel?

Have you set up a vacation stop on your mail/newspaper?

Prepay the bills (if able) that are due the week of your vacation.

Clean the house/car so you dont have to stress about it last min or when you get home. I know so many people here who have left w/o sweeping/mopping and coming home to you dont want to know.

 

[Peanut&Piglet'sMom]

We leave in 9 days for our drive down...11 until we are in WDW and I'm feeling the panic too!

I'm taking time tonight to go over my lists and see what Ineed to add and so on.

I've already started packing my kids suitcase and have our snack box all put together.

Good point about unplugging appliances, etc. before leaving. I just added that one to the list.

 

[cuppycake]

Don't forget turning off the main water valve in your house (if there isn't someone coming into the house to watch the pets or something).

A total fear of mine is a broken pipe while I'm away

 

[PrincessMom4]

Get your vehicle serviced (oil change, etc) if driving to WDW. Have any medications/prescription filled/ready to go if on medication.

 

[IheartAriel]

I know how you feel! We leave in 2 days and I'm still adding to the list! I'm 95% packed but it's the little things that I always forget like toys for the stroller, we have a 2.5 year old and a 1 yr old, getting a timer for the lights in the house, getting the dog to the vet, getting to the chiropractor, making sure the meds are all packed.......the list goes on and on.

If I don't have it done or packed by tonight it's too bad. I'll then take on the philosophy of if I don't have it now I'll just buy it! LOL.

 

[scoobndolliesmom]

I know what you mean, today I am starting list,list list! I hope you have a great trip!

 

[mom2faith]

Thought of another

Double check the park hours/show times on the Disney website. There are a lot of threads about extended hours and extra shows going on.

You can also double check your ADRs online even if you did not make them online. I have check all of ours. Just go to the Book a Dining Reservation section and look up and existing reservation.

I think that is all!!

Amy

 

[bookworm2]

These are such great suggestions. Thanks so much!

 

[Karenj2]

Me too! We leave in 9 days, and between being newly pregnant, having an aunt-in-law & a coworker die recently, and hosting 2 guests from Sweden for a week (they leave tomorrow), I haven't had an opportunity to think about Disney!

I desparately need to get some clothes that fit (the IVF procedure I went through made me bloated, so I look further along than I really am). Luckily we already have the pet sitter nailed, and the rest is easy to do (i.e., stop mail, etc.)

We're still trying to figure out how to get to the airport - we usually drive to DH's parent's house and have them drive us, but they're traveling too (not to WDW), so I think we'll have to do the econo lot.

I'm tired just thinking about it... I think I'll go crazy with preparing on Sunday. (We have a family picnic on Saturday.)

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

Get your vehicle serviced (oil change, etc) if driving to WDW.

Have your car serviced at least 2 weeks before leaving. We learned this the hard way when an improperly affixed oil valve cover popped loose in the way down to Disney one time. Somewhere in rural who knows where at 5 am. Not fun.

2 weeks will give any screw ups by the tire rotation/oil change guys to raise its ugly head while you're still local.

 

[PrincessMom4]

We learned the even harder way when our van leaked in Kissimmee, BUT we were able to get home....turns out our transmission was (well did) almost pooched! Now we have a newer transmission with a 6month warranty!

 

[Jdougherty]

Karenj2,

What about a car service to phl? and than have a friend or family pick you up? I've done the car service from PHL to Manahawkin NJ and yes it was 100.00 but that a 2 hr drive in traffic.