Vacation Tips for Women (Part 2)

[RoyalPrincess]

This thread is dedicated to the women travelers to Disney! ​

Here is part 2 of this thread. Having a part 2 will make it easier to post new tips and ideas (and much easier to "sift" through than 50+ pages )


Here you can share your best tips with the women on Dis! The topics are endless!


Here are just a few important topics:

makeup / skincare / tanning?

How do you choose clothing to wear / shoes?

What are your *essentials* when packing for WDW?

How do you manage your hair? ( that florida humidity and heat is so unforgiving! Speaking of...)

What are your tips for dealing with the heat?

How do you deal when "that time of the month" suprises you on your vacation!?

How do you deal with the men folk / children / even other women!

How do you plan for your trip?

How do you save money on your vacation?

what are your strategies for the parks / what rides / shows / parades?

your strategies for the bus lines and transportation?

What resorts do you choose and why?

Why do you take your magical vacation? ​

​

These are just a few topics. Come and share your best advice with the women of Dis, we'll thank you for it! I'm sure there are plenty of girls who have great tips, and of course, some great stories!

 

[SLP958]

I go in the winter! Sweaty make up, crazy hair all avoided.

 

[CarlaLovesDisney]

Where was this thread during my planning?? I love it!

 

[SulleysMonkey]

I go in the winter! Sweaty make up, crazy hair all avoided.

I'm going in the winter this year too. Does anyone have tips that deal when traveling during the winter(we're going in early december)?

 

[justlook3]

I haven't been to WDW in years and have quite a bit of time to go, but I've recently discovered theBalm cosmetics. I've given them a test run here in Texas where temps are already in the 90s (and it's been unusually humid for our area). They are pricey but they stay on all day and are weightless and don't itch.
Also import for travel, most of them are multipurpose and powders.
I use BalmShelter which is a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen. Then I use Sexy Mama which is a translucent powder (I have oily skin), Bahama Mama a bronzer that also works for contouring and as eyeshadow and Hot Mama which is a blush/eyeshadow. They bought mine at Kohl's where they sell the powers as a set. I use Hot Mama and Bahama Mama as eyeshadow and they stay all day. I have trouble even in winter with eyeshadows creasing but not these. They are a subtle look but I think perfect for summer.
Hope this helps someone!

 

[SLP958]

I'm going in the winter this year too. Does anyone have tips that deal when traveling during the winter(we're going in early december)?

We usuall go in Jan/Feb. The weather can range from 50's to 70's. We usually do long pants, short sleeves with a jacket for early mornings and evenings.

We also carry those cheap plastic ponchos in case of rain showers.

To us the winter months are perfect for Disney trips.

The only possible downside is the water rides are closed and there are more attractions being refurbished during these months.

 

[lylone]

We have been the past 3 years the first week of December and the days are warm enough to get in the pool but cool in the evenings for a light jacket.
Makeup? Really? It all seems to wear off during the day. I just get pictures taken early in the morning when it is cooler and then at night after a trip back to the resort for a nap and freshen up. We always take blister band aids and use them often. Bring some gold bond to powder for under the "girls" because even tho it is cooler it is still humid. And extra bras, panties and socks as you can never have enough and usually I take two showers a day. Also bring two types of shoes. I bring sneakers and crocs.
We always bring one pair of jeans and long sleeved shirt but have never used them. I always carry a hoodie for the airport which always seems to be freezing!
And don't carry too much in the parks. Lugging a purse or backpack to me gets so old! I like my tiny crossbody bag.

 

[lylone]

We have been the past 3 years the first week of December and the days are warm enough to get in the pool but cool in the evenings for a light jacket.
Makeup? Really? It all seems to wear off during the day. I just get pictures taken early in the morning when it is cooler and then at night after a trip back to the resort for a nap and freshen up. We always take blister band aids and use them often. Bring some gold bond to powder for under the "girls" because even tho it is cooler it is still humid. And extra bras, panties and socks as you can never have enough and usually I take two showers a day. Also bring two types of shoes. I bring sneakers and crocs.
We always bring one pair of jeans and long sleeved shirt but have never used them. I always carry a hoodie for the airport which always seems to be freezing!
And don't carry too much in the parks. Lugging a purse or backpack to me gets so old! I like my tiny crossbody bag.
Bring your own hair shampoo and conditioner and styling products. And some feminine hygiene products even if IT is not coming. Trust me...what they have in the shops won't be what u like!!

 

[elizmeyers]

I live in New Orleans, so I'm used to the heat, humidity and sweating! When I go to Disney, I pack like the dickens. I wear cute dresses and wear comfortable sandals. I find the BOC brand sandals to be stylish AND comfortable. Last Disney vacation, I used Dr. Scholl's inserts (the 3/4 size) everyday and my feet were happy!
In terms of styling hair... I recommend hats, so problem solved! I wear messy buns to keep the hair from my neck. I do wear makeup to the parks. In fact, I carry a small makeup bag inside my purse. That way, throughout the day I can reapply (or at least before dinner). I also always have extra deodorant as well as an anti-chafe cream. Seriously. I have tubby legs and wear skirts. After a day of walking... Ouch!
I just started using a cosmetic brand of sunscreen called LaRoche Posay. It glides on like butter and is not as heavy as sport sunscreens. It is expensive at $25 a bottle but worth a try. I order it from Amazon.
I could go on and on about my vanity and packing for Disney (ha!) I do carry a purse or bag in the parks with everything I'll need for the day and I have a rule that I will not carry any of the DH's items! If he buys something, he has to carry it himself. Otherwise, my bag will get too heavy.

 

[Caelan Van Kanne]

Hi, I appreciate all the suggestions here with regards to vacation. Thanks for sharing!

 

[DisneyJillian18]

I live in New Orleans, so I'm used to the heat, humidity and sweating! When I go to Disney, I pack like the dickens. I wear cute dresses and wear comfortable sandals. I find the BOC brand sandals to be stylish AND comfortable. Last Disney vacation, I used Dr. Scholl's inserts (the 3/4 size) everyday and my feet were happy!
In terms of styling hair... I recommend hats, so problem solved! I wear messy buns to keep the hair from my neck. I do wear makeup to the parks. In fact, I carry a small makeup bag inside my purse. That way, throughout the day I can reapply (or at least before dinner). I also always have extra deodorant as well as an anti-chafe cream. Seriously. I have tubby legs and wear skirts. After a day of walking... Ouch!
I just started using a cosmetic brand of sunscreen called LaRoche Posay. It glides on like butter and is not as heavy as sport sunscreens. It is expensive at $25 a bottle but worth a try. I order it from Amazon.
I could go on and on about my vanity and packing for Disney (ha!) I do carry a purse or bag in the parks with everything I'll need for the day and I have a rule that I will not carry any of the DH's items! If he buys something, he has to carry it himself. Otherwise, my bag will get too heavy.

A fellow Louisiana girl right here, who also dresses to the nine at Disney! If I'm going to pay $150 for my photos, I want to look good in them!

 

[Svhadden]

New Orleans area also .

We go the week of Labor Day, so quite hot, but if we can survive the heat/humidity of SE La, we can survive anywhere, ha!

We carry a Camelbak into the parks, so essentials go in there (sunblock-tons, ponchos, super-small first aid kit because someone always needs a bandaid, a couple of gallon sized ziplocks, sunglasses etc). We love the Camelbak because it means cool water is always on hand. We bring 2 cases of water with us, and load up the fridge in the resort room. Every morning we fill up the backpack, and usually refill at the restaurant at lunch time. Keeps us drinking throughout the day.

I have to say my FAVE FAVE FAVE tip ever came from this thread years ago. Two words for ya, ladies. DIVA. CUP. Changed my life, for reals.

Nothing, absolutely nothing is worse than an unexpected (or even an expected) visit from your period while on vacay. When I switched to a cup, it's was like getting paroled from my period . I don't even know it's there, and I can rock on for 12 hrs without giving it a thought. Best vacation period tip ever.

 

[elizmeyers]

New Orleans area also . We go the week of Labor Day, so quite hot, but if we can survive the heat/humidity of SE La, we can survive anywhere, ha! We carry a Camelbak into the parks, so essentials go in there (sunblock-tons, ponchos, super-small first aid kit because someone always needs a bandaid, a couple of gallon sized ziplocks, sunglasses etc). We love the Camelbak because it means cool water is always on hand. We bring 2 cases of water with us, and load up the fridge in the resort room. Every morning we fill up the backpack, and usually refill at the restaurant at lunch time. Keeps us drinking throughout the day. I have to say my FAVE FAVE FAVE tip ever came from this thread years ago. Two words for ya, ladies. DIVA. CUP. Changed my life, for reals. Nothing, absolutely nothing is worse than an unexpected (or even an expected) visit from your period while on vacay. When I switched to a cup, it's was like getting paroled from my period . I don't even know it's there, and I can rock on for 12 hrs without giving it a thought. Best vacation period tip ever.

Hello my Louisiana Gals! We make the (eek!) 10 hour drive, so I pack everything! Yes, water is so important, especially after drinking avocado margaritas at Casa De Tequila!

I just looked up diva cup. Who knew? You learn something new every day. I may have to try diva cup....


I also forgot to mention hand fans. I carry an accordion hand fan with me wherever I go. It's nice to get some air (even if I'm recirculating hot air) in the hot Florida sun. I order mine off Amazon for less than $5 each.

 

[hsmamato2]

I will add to the new thread.... Diva Cup. It's impossible to describe how much I need this..... esp. at my mid life pre menopausal stage when nothing is ever on schedule anymore. And it's hot. And you just need a backup b/c you're too busy to stop and think. I travel a lot,like every month or so I'm somewhere else,and I can't live without it.

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

I read through the old thread over the last couple days, WOW-learned a LOT!

makeup / skincare / tanning?

Definitely will do spray tan before going-tan fat is better than white fat...

Makeup-just minimal, but I don't wear a lot in my non vacation life either...Clinique moisturizer and waterproof mascara, Avon Glittersticks waterproof eye liner, Baby Lips tinted chapstick, and I'm good to go


How do you choose clothing to wear / shoes?

Clothing-pretty much everything is moisture wicking...I love the skirted knee length/mid thigh length leggings (Altheta and Old Navy have them) paired with a razorback moisture wicking tank and sports bra. Then I wear either Teva Mush, Chacos, or Croc flips. I also have several thin tank dresses from Old Navy that I wear moisture wicking bike shorts underneath for coverage with the same shoes.

Hanes makes a moisture wicking panty (XTemp) that are necessary if going in the summer and wearing moisture wicking clothes...nothing worse than everything being dry except your underwear!

What are your *essentials* when packing for WDW?

Moisture wicking clothes, several kinds of shoes (listed above), portable small misting fan (WalMart-$6), bandana (to wipe sweaty face, benches, etc), PocketBac antibacterial from BBW with the clip holder on the outside of my Vera Bradley Little Hipster, small medicine cabinet (Immodium, Colace, ibuprofen, Excedrin, Tylenol, Benadryl, Epi pen-peanut allergy, strong cold meds, band aids, Neosporin spray), portable phone charger, new BBW scent, spray sunscreen, two sets of swimwear for each person (rarely dries overnight with the humidity), Skin So Soft bug spray, and camera!

How do you manage your hair? ( that florida humidity and heat is so unforgiving! Speaking of...)

I have thin, straight hair...am pondering a new style...this hair will not make it in the humidity! About 4 years ago, I had a loose, spiral perm that I got tons of compliments on. Thinking about doing that again, but fear the "1990 bad perm" thing many used to have...

What are your tips for dealing with the heat?

Hydrate, take breaks, rope drop/afternoon break/later evenings, but honestly, the best thing is preparing. We live next to a school with a great track and walk as a family 4-5 times a week. We're up to 2 miles...have 10 months to get to 8...I think us being used to walking and being in the heat will help.

How do you deal when "that time of the month" suprises you on your vacation!?

Hasn't happened yet...but I'll be prepared with tampons, Excedrin, ibuprofen, and be sure to stay hydrated and eat extra protein.

How do you deal with the men folk / children / even other women!

Try to realize that they are stressed too and make sure they all get to do something each day that they want to do.

How do you plan for your trip?

Hours and hours on the Dis!

How do you save money on your vacation?

We do the pay extra each month on utilities thing so that we don't have to pay those the month we go on vacation. Plus, the month before vacation, we eat all the stuff in the freezer and pantry to not have a grocery/eating out bill that month. There are some weird nights of random things, but it's kinda fun. We make a game out of it. I would highly recommend having a friend pick up some essentials (milk, bread, sandwich meat, fresh fruit, etc) and deliver the day before you come home so you don't have to grocery shop as soon as you get home. Also, that person can turn down your AC that has probably been up while you've been away so your house isn't sweltering when you get home!

what are your strategies for the parks / what rides / shows / parades?

I usually pick a touring plan and stick with that. Of course, things change, potty breaks are needed and weather happens...We go for 10-12 days so we can relax a little as we know there is more than one day in each park

your strategies for the bus lines and transportation?

We stay on a monorail resort and just allow plenty of time for the rest

What resorts do you choose and why?

CR...monorail....

Why do you take your magical vacation?

Because I have a 5 year old Princess who is princess obsessed!

 

[MinnieMermaid85]

Have to agree with the Diva Cup mention, although any brand of menstrual cup would work. It can often go 8-12 hours before needing cleared so it would help prevent too many stops during the day. I changed to using it over a year ago and wouldn't go back! So much easier than tampons or pads.

 

[tinktinktink]

Have to agree with the Diva Cup mention, although any brand of menstrual cup would work. It can often go 8-12 hours before needing cleared so it would help prevent too many stops during the day. I changed to using it over a year ago and wouldn't go back! So much easier than tampons or pads.

If you're using the restroom anyway how is this easier? I'm curious.

 

[MinnieMermaid85]

If you're using the restroom anyway how is this easier? I'm curious.

Well, for me, it is easier to know that you don't have to run the risk of leakage. I've had that moment happen when I have to rush to bathroom since a tampon didn't last as long as expected. Never fun, but only made worse with the restroom lines at parks.

 

[Stephaniesue]

When I go to the parks I like to keep things simple.

Makeup: I use the powder mineral type foundation, eye shadow, and waterproof mascara.

Hair: On our last trip my hair was short, I just wore a hat. This time my hair is long, so we will see what happens. I will bring a hat just in case I want one, hair will probably go in a pony tail, or two low pigtails to keep it out of the way. I usually put some no frizz style product in my hair before we leave, but generally I hit the parks with wet hair. It dries fast! I like John Frieda products for this.

Sunblock: My whole family uses the baby sunblock. A friend told me her dad is a landscaper and that is all he uses, so we stick with that. I carry a spray bottle in my bag and we re-apply often in the parks. We have 2 gingers among us .

Clothes: I'm pooh size so I opt for longer shorts or capri pants. I like the "athletic" type ones that aren't super baggy, but not tight either. I wear a regular bra (I hate sports bras). I usually stick with a thin tshirt. I normally layer a tank under but depending on the time of year I may or may not do so in the parks.

Shoes: I'm a flip flopper at heart. I like Nike memory foam flip flops. I will also be bringing my Go Walks with me this trip, just in case.

Time of the month: I had a hysterectomy this past April, so I won't need to worry about this YAY! However, DD is 11 and has shown signs this could be happening, so I will bring supplies for her just in case.

Dealing with the heat: We drink lots of water, and take breaks. CS restaurants will give you free ice water so you don't have to carry a bottle of water everywhere you go.


Park strategy: I will have a spreadsheet with ADR info, FP+ info and a general idea of where we should start and how to make our way through the parks. I have planned out what park on what day and we will not change that (no hoppers this time).

Resort: We have only stayed at the Value resorts, ASMu to be exact. I like to save money, so this is where we do it. We are not in the rooms much so they are perfect for our needs. We don't go to Disney often (this is our second trip) so we cram as much as we can into each visit.

How do I deal with other people? I don't really remember. We went last September and the crowds weren't bad at all. I didn't really encounter anyone that was really rude. I try to remember we came to spend time as a family.

Waiting in lines: I'm assuming this has to do with the kids? I don't bring activities for them to do in the lines. They have been so excited to take everything in that the lines weren't a problem. We talk about what we are going to do next.

My must haves for the trip are:
Sunblock, lots of it
Gum
moleskin
bandaids
chap stick
melt proof snacks, dried fruit, crackers, ect
zip lock baggies in several sizes for wet rides
Tylenol\ibuprofen

Our trip coming up in October is a "We survived trip". My husband just graduated from college at the end of June. He was in school for almost 2 years, he went over the summer too. Which meant no vacations for us due to his schedule. We promised the kids if we made it through we will go to Disney, so here we are. He graduated with Highest honors in his graduating class! Not too bad for a guy with a more than full time job, and a family. We are also heading to the beach for 5 days after Disney to relax. I can't wait!!

 

[momofboyz3]

this is such a cute thread

~ I have long, curly, frizzy hair! Day before I get it blown out straight... So @ least for travel day, arrival evening & day 1 my hair is frizz free & looking nice. Day 2 I slick it back into a ponytail. That night I have to wash it for the next 6 days it's in a messy bun on top of my head or in a slick back bun.
~ I always use a self tan, and will before the trip.
MY FAVORITE TIP: hand sanitizer... NOT just any hand sanitizer but the CUTE mini ones from bath & body works! They have tons of fragrances & I go with the fruity ones (since it's not strong) I use this of course on my hands but also behind my neck, wrist & even arms. Very refreshing!!!!!!!!
~ I'm a huge FRAGRANCE person BUT not at WDW instead I will bring a fragrance mist (I've used pink chiffon & citrus coconut from Bbw)

MAKE-UP: lipgloss, Bronzer, maybe mascara... That's it!!!
Neutrogena makeup remover pads are a blessing!!!