makeup / skincare / tanning?
I used to have to go to Yuma Proving Grounds in AZ for testing, and we'd be out in the desert all day. One guy that worked there took pity on my fair Irish skin and gave me some great advice which kept me from ever getting sunburned when down there. Put on your sunscreen in your room, at least 30 minutes before you go out in the sun so it has time to really sink in, and put it on while you're naked. Put it ALL OVER, not just exposed areas. Really slather it on. This is your "base coat" that will carry you all day, although you'll have to reapply to exposed areas periodically. If you swim, start from scratch after.
I really try to never tan. I used to get a pretty tan like a natural blond, but now that I'm older I'm all splotchy and it never looks nice anyway. And my mom has had recently had some cancerous spots removed on her face. I'm thinking about trying a tanning cream before we go though, so I'm not ridiculously pale.
How do you choose clothing to wear / shoes?
Comfortable and cute! In summer, light t's and shorts or capris. In winter, jeans or capris. For shoes, I swore by
Teva Westwater Mary Jane shoes for two trips. Super cute and very comfortable, plus open and cool but covered toes. But I gained some weight and the toe piece now kind of cuts into my foot, I am wide across the toe. I also love my
Teva Raptor Breathe lightweight mesh hiking/walking shoes, which I'll probably use for upcoming summer trip. Much lighter and cooler than regular tennies and dry quickly. Sadly, I can't find these anywhere but ebay nowadays. I'll alternate with my comfortable flip flops later in the day - I've got
Speedos and Crocs that I really like. I look for the thick molded soles.
What are your tips for dealing with the heat?
Usually we go when it's cooler weather. But I've been July and Sept, and this year going in August. I do all the things already mentioned, drinking lots, get out of the sun as much as possible, deodorant stick everywhere, etc. My big tip is acclimating as much as possible before you go. We are having a really hot spring on the mid-Atlantic coast and have had several days in the upper 90's already, so I'm walking lots in the heat (doing 3 miles/day now, will work up to 5 or 6 by August). Also, we don't have AC in our old house, so we are pretty used to the heat and humidity.
How do you deal with the men folk / children / even other women!
My trips are usually me and my 2 younger kids. We get along fine and just make sure everyone gets to do their most important things (even me!). We also leave hubby at home! He hates Disney and would just be miserable and make us miserable, so this is our mom and kid thing. Our family vacations are camping/State Parks/hiking or boating, which he loves.
How do you plan for your trip?
I never have planned a trip more than 4 or so months out. Good thing because after I've decided, I spend ridiculous amounts of time on the Dis getting everything planned. As I mentioned before, I make sure I plan time for everyone's favorite stuff. We stay somewhere different each time.
How do you save money on your vacation?
Our flights from Baltimore on SW are pretty cheap. We've done a timeshare exchange through II or one of their getaways and have stayed some very nice places. We love all that room! Or I'll get a pin and stay onsite. I sign the kids up for Disney Y.E.S. classes individual enrollment if available and get my tickets through them, which is a big savings and the only way I ever splurge for park hoppers. We are not big eaters (except for teenage DS lately), so we don't get the dining plan, as I find OOP is cheaper for us. We usually have a light breakfast in the room (stuff I've packed or got from the grocery), one big meal during the day (often lunch), and snack or CS for the other meal. We often split meals. We drink water and don't buy water bottles as free ice water is available all over. The kids save their own spending money.
what are your strategies for the parks / what rides / shows / parades?
My biggest strategy is not to kill ourselves trying to see everything. There will always be a next time and as long as we hit our faves, we are happy. Rope drop to close would kill us, and we wouldn't enjoy it nearly as much. My kids love the down time as much as the park time, I think. We do two early park days, then sleep in and take it easy on the third day (for longer trips). The third day we might swim, DTD, water park for a while, or just explore. But the big thing is DS gets to sleep as late as he wants! And now he's old enough that if DD and I don't want to wait around for him, we can just leave him behind.
why do you take your magical vacation? Disney World is very nostalgic for me, and I love how I feel like a kid again while I'm there. It's a special time for me to connect with my kids, who won't be kids much longer.
A PP was asking about foot care earlier. I have terrible calluses (or "talons" as MIL calls them), and sometimes get cracks, which could really ruin a trip. I have a
Ped Egg and a
lava rock I try to use one every night before I go to bed, then lotion. I love
Avon's Foot Works Therapeutic Cracked Heel Relief Cream, even use it if I am not cracked, and the price is very reasonable. I've used it on my hands before too, in the winter when they were cracking and very dry. A lady that gave me a pedicure recently told me to wear leather flip flops and stay away from rubber and plastic as they are very drying. Haven't tested that tip out though. I love the inflatable foot bath idea and am going to order one to take along next time.
Thanks for everyones contributions! I have loved reading through these wonderful tips!
We'll be visiting Disney in Nov and we're flying this time. My mom hasn't flown in 5 years. The last time she flew, she fit in the plane seats and was able to buckle the seat belts (even on the small commuter plane). But, she's had several major surgeries since then and has gained alot of weight. 
