Vacation Tips for Women! :)

[sheldonsmom]

Has anyone tried the new Suave Dry Shampoo?

I just bought this, and despite the very cheap price, I think it works GREAT! I have also used just plain baby powder (I have light brown/dark blond hair) and that works fine for me as well!

 

[Sorilla]

I just bought this, and despite the very cheap price, I think it works GREAT! I have also used just plain baby powder (I have light brown/dark blond hair) and that works fine for me as well!

How exactly do you use a baby powder?

 

[crcurton]

So, I have lupus and can't take bc or hormones so skipping a period is not a possibility for me. For anyone else who can't avoid AF or who isn't comfortable trying to I have some helpful AF at Disney hints.

1. Always thin pads. I have a heavy period and these really work and are easier to carry in your park bag.
2. A ziplock baggy of flushable wipes to help you feel clean.
3. I try to plan my wet rides for the end of the day or just before going back for my afternoon break so that I can either put a tampon in or know I wont be soggy for long.
4. Finally, I am a nurse and can tell you that studies have shown if you take 800 mg of ibuprofen, which is 4 over the counter tablets, every 8 hours during your period you will have a lighter period (and it takes care of cramps too). I have a really heavy period and I don't like taking this much ibuprofen on a regular basis but will do it while I am at Disney to lighten things up.

It is less than a month until my next Disney trip and it looks like Aunt Flo will be going with me I definately didn't intend to invite her!!

Thank-you for backing me on the#4! I've been doing this for years, and ppl think I'm nuts! I've even asked a gyno. about it and they didn't seem to know what I was talking about. BTW he's no longer my ob-gyn. It does work! I never take ibruprophen on an empty stomach.

 

[MC0810]

im cracking up over here about the dry shampoo, i thought i was the only one who used baby powder, my hubby makes fun of me lol.

 

[kungaloosh22]

im cracking up over here about the dry shampoo, i thought i was the only one who used baby powder, my hubby makes fun of me lol.

Yeah, I've been using baby powder as dry shampoo for decades. I guess the spray versions are more convenient, but it's hard for me to justify the expense when baby powder absorbs the oils just fine.

 

[ysprincess]

Anyone have any great mascara rec's? I know it's probably scattered throughout the thread, but the ones that everyone suggested I've already tried and I haven't found one that really stands against the scortching July weather. I didn't wear much mascara during my last trip and would really like too. I was afraid it would drip down my face for pictures.

I swear by MAC. I pretty much use their whole product line. Something for everything. I highly recommend MAC Opulash. The stuff lasts forever and it's very dark black (it only comes in one color) and very very volumizing, which are two musts for my me - I love the big lash look. I know it also stands up perfectly to Disney, all day wear, even in the dead of summer - I live in Florida, and I wear it daily!

 

[ysprincess]

So I've gone through 54 pages of posts, and loved the tips and advice, so now I feel like I should answer the questions!

Makeup / Skincare / Tanning?
I am a Make-Up Girl. I wear it all the time. Seriously, all the time. My biggest tip for the heat, I live in Florida, and summer pretty much lasts FOREVER, is to layer, and to pick a good product (one that works with YOUR skin). I personally love MAC. I start with a moisturizer with SPF, Suntan Lotion, Primer (for lids & face), Mascara, Eyeliner (gel), Eyeshadow, Foundation/Concealer, Blush, and a good setting powder. I carry a couple essentials with me in the park for any necessary touch ups! For skin care, I wash morning and evening with Cetaphil, and remove my makeup at night (before washing!) with a makeup remover wipe. I moisturize before bed, and then start again the next day!!!

No tanning for me! I'm pretty fair, and I SLATHER on the sunscreen!

How do you choose clothing to wear / shoes?
I try to be comfortable in the parks. For the summer, I usually go with capri pants or "gym" capris, with a tank. For the winter, I usually stick with jeans, a sweater/long sleeves, and a scarf. I go with Reef Flip Flops, since they have arch support, or a pair of Croc Flats in the winter. So comfy!

What are your *essentials* when packing for WDW?
PONCHOS! Gotta love those daily summer showers! Ponchos, sunscreen, a small portable fan, hairbrush, chapstick, and ibuprofen, and my Camelbak.

How do you manage your hair? ( that florida humidity and heat is so unforgiving! Speaking of...)
So I live in Florida, and fight the humidity all the time. I have straight/wavy hair, that is very thick. I use the AVEDA Straightening Line, it's a glossing straighter and a style product. I dry it, with my hairdryer from home, and then use a concentrator and hit my hair in sections to keep it straight. I finish with a smoothing oil (AVEDA) and hairspray (Ellnet). I use an InStyler to fix anything for dinner ressies!

What are your tips for dealing with the heat?
Cool clothes, nothing too heavy. I stick with layers so I can remove something if gets too warm. I also carry a small portable fan, always keep my Camelbak filled, and duck into stores for some quick time with the AC.

How do you deal when "that time of the month" suprises you on your vacation!?
Thankfully I haven't been suprised, I am a slave to the BC, but I usually pack tampons and thin pads with wipes.

How do you deal with the men folk / children / even other women!
So far, its just me and DisneyFiance, but I always try and make some time to do what he wants to do! He doesn't go to Disney as much as I do, so I always have to remember to slow down through the parks with him and take the time to do what he wants to do! Good thing we like the same stuff!

How do you plan for your trip?
ADRs & Event Research! Oh, and now I can add hanging around the DIS!

How do you save money on your vacation?
I look for AP Deals and Florida Resident Deals, and try to limit my souvenirs to things that I have to have!

What are your strategies for the parks / what rides / shows / parades?
EMH & Fastpass. I also plan my park days to match my ADRs!

Your strategies for the bus lines and transportation?
I personally drive. I live a couple hours away, and I find it much faster than bus service!

What resorts do you choose and why?
I go for the hotel with the best deal. It all depends on availability and discounts! I usually end up staying at the Value Resorts, and have always had a great time at them. I've stayed at a lot of places in the World, and I've had a great time at all the Resorts I've stayed at! I do have to say, I LOVE the Cabins at FW!

Why do you take your magical vacation?
I love being at WDW! It makes you feel like "real world" is so far away!!

 

[disneydreamgirl]

I just saw the post a few prior to mine about baby powder for dry shampoo - I've never tried it and wondered with dark brown hair if it wouldn't work so well. Just fell on this thread and did not read the many, many pages it contains. Thoughts? Experiences?

 

[nkereina]

I just saw the post a few prior to mine about baby powder for dry shampoo - I've never tried it and wondered with dark brown hair if it wouldn't work so well. Just fell on this thread and did not read the many, many pages it contains. Thoughts? Experiences?

I have black hair and it works fine. Just put a little in your hand and run it through your bangs and the roots of your hair and then take a fine tooth comb and comb it out and there's no whiteness left behind. Powder dry shampoos are white too so you have to do the same thing. The difference is that baby powder makes my hair have static cling so i have to use static guard or run a dryer sheet through my hair too.

 

[my3princes]

I just saw the post a few prior to mine about baby powder for dry shampoo - I've never tried it and wondered with dark brown hair if it wouldn't work so well. Just fell on this thread and did not read the many, many pages it contains. Thoughts? Experiences?

You really need to read the entire thread. There are so many topics covered and fabulous tips. It will take time and you'll need a notebook ready.

 

[disneydreamgirl]

You really need to read the entire thread. There are so many topics covered and fabulous tips. It will take time and you'll need a notebook ready.

I will do that soon to prepare for our trip this fall! Can't wait!!!

 

[hsmamato2]

I just saw the post a few prior to mine about baby powder for dry shampoo - I've never tried it and wondered with dark brown hair if it wouldn't work so well. Just fell on this thread and did not read the many, many pages it contains. Thoughts? Experiences?

I use it the night before I know I'll need it,usually..... like if I'm heading to bed,and know I *could* wash it,or not,I get a little more in between time for washings by just sprinkling some around hairline, I have dark hair,and by morning,it has done it's work,no 'greasy' look and no white residue left either
-in a hurry,I use a TINY bit under hairline,and comb carefully- I have such oil problems, and I'm trying to wash it less than twice a day (seriously)
I've also used the tresemme dry shampoo,which is easier...

 

[Belle83]

Has anyone even dared wearing sandals to the parks, and if so would you do it again? Merrell makes some cute ones that I'd like to wear when we go to Magic Kingdom w/ a sun dress. (I hate shorts, so if it's hot I'll go for a casual dress...).

 

[my3princes]

Has anyone even dared wearing sandals to the parks, and if so would you do it again? Merrell makes some cute ones that I'd like to wear when we go to Magic Kingdom w/ a sun dress. (I hate shorts, so if it's hot I'll go for a casual dress...).

I've worn sandals tons of times. Sport sandals, croc sandals and even dressy flat sandals. My feet are much happier breathing than they are trapped in hot shoes.

 

[Meshell2002]

So, I have lupus and can't take bc or hormones so skipping a period is not a possibility for me. For anyone else who can't avoid AF or who isn't comfortable trying to I have some helpful AF at Disney hints.

1. Always thin pads. I have a heavy period and these really work and are easier to carry in your park bag.
2. A ziplock baggy of flushable wipes to help you feel clean.
3. I try to plan my wet rides for the end of the day or just before going back for my afternoon break so that I can either put a tampon in or know I wont be soggy for long.
4. Finally, I am a nurse and can tell you that studies have shown if you take 800 mg of ibuprofen, which is 4 over the counter tablets, every 8 hours during your period you will have a lighter period (and it takes care of cramps too). I have a really heavy period and I don't like taking this much ibuprofen on a regular basis but will do it while I am at Disney to lighten things up.

It is less than a month until my next Disney trip and it looks like Aunt Flo will be going with me I definately didn't intend to invite her!!

For anyone that hasn't heard of it....the menstrual cup is great for traveling. I've used one for over a year and woud never go back to tampons. They aren't popular in the US, but in Europe they are. In the US there only 2 brands that are easy to find the Diva cup and the Keeper. Lunette is another company that is working on a presence in north america. It takes some time to learn how to use but it is very effective, and only has to be emptied every 12 hrs. Also some believe that the chemicals in tampons make your AF heavier, mine has lightened from 10 days to 4 just by switching. If you've ever wondered what else is out there....that's it.

Ibuprofen does help! I used to use that too, before I got the cup.

 

[nkereina]

For anyone that hasn't heard of it....the menstrual cup is great for traveling. I've used one for over a year and woud never go back to tampons. They aren't popular in the US, but in Europe they are. In the US there only 2 brands that are easy to find the Diva cup and the Keeper. Lunette is another company that is working on a presence in north america. It takes some time to learn how to use but it is very effective, and only has to be emptied every 12 hrs. Also some believe that the chemicals in tampons make your AF heavier, mine has lightened from 10 days to 4 just by switching. If you've ever wondered what else is out there....that's it.

Ibuprofen does help! I used to use that too, before I got the cup.

Thanks for sharing this... I'm going to look into it! I had never heard of it. Does it feel like a tampon in terms of comfort? I googled it and many of the cons I've seen says it's messy to take in and out, I'd presume because it doesn't absorb just collects. Do you find that too? Do you need to buy a new one every month or is it reusable?

 

[Catira]

I swear by MAC. I pretty much use their whole product line. Something for everything. I highly recommend MAC Opulash. The stuff lasts forever and it's very dark black (it only comes in one color) and very very volumizing, which are two musts for my me - I love the big lash look. I know it also stands up perfectly to Disney, all day wear, even in the dead of summer - I live in Florida, and I wear it daily!

I'm also a big MAC fan what eyeliner do you use? The only item I don't use from MAC is the mascara.. I'll have to check out the OPULASH you mentioned.

 

[melissac]

I, too, swear by Monistat's Chafing Relief Powder Gel... its great! I used to just use baby powder on my thighs but this stuff lasts longer!

Another use is after your face cream drys and before you put on your make-up this can be used as a barrier. I know it sounds crazy but my friend told me about this and it works amazing. Keeps your make-up smooth and not against your face. It is similar to what movie stars put on before thier make-up but for a fraction of the price. Try it and you will be amazed. You just need a little bit and it works much better with powder foundation. I've had more compliaments about my make-up since using. Not for hot WD days but any other time great.

 

[nkereina]

I'm also a big MAC fan what eyeliner do you use? The only item I don't use from MAC is the mascara.. I'll have to check out the OPULASH you mentioned.

I use a variety of makeup lines but the MAC eye kohl in smolder is my favorite eye liner I've ever used. I wear it on my lower water line only (liquid on top) and it is the one that stays on the longest without a log of smudging.

 

[ysprincess]

I'm also a big MAC fan what eyeliner do you use? The only item I don't use from MAC is the mascara.. I'll have to check out the OPULASH you mentioned.

Yay for MAC!
I use the Fluidline in Blacktrack. I've never had any problems with smudging or anything in the parks. All day wear!!!
What do you use?