What did you bring but didn't use?

[ohMom]

things I didn't take and didn't need: extension cord, duct tape (it's true!)

things i'm soooo very glad I took :

- over-the-door organizer (fam of four -- used for hair items, meds, first aid kit items, contact items, shaving, etc - none of us packed a travel kit)
- highlighters for kids to mark their must-do activities on navigator
- one pair of black sandals for dinner every night!
- white pillowcases to leave at Guest Services to be autographed
- pre-addressed labels for postcards
- bonine
- bottled water

things I took and didn't need:

- two suits per person (cruised in Dec and kinda chilly)
- Tropical clothing (we didn't make it to the deck party!)
- too many dress clothes (we did Triton's and Palo's in same night)
- alarm clock
- too many baggies
- air freshener - good idea but our stewardess kept our stateroom immaculate

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

Originally posted by CRenze
Things I used and would definately pack again.....
extension cord (the outlets are close to the desk and if you have anything with a big plug it won't fit),

We had this problem,but forgot to bring the extension cord. I saw our IDA (our Stateroom host) and asked if they had an extra one on the ship, but instead of that he sent over maintanence and they flipped the outlet! It was the best thing. My hairdryer (yes, the ones they have stink) has that HUGE plug and it fit after they did this. So if you don't need the extension cord for anything other than that, just call maintainence and they will adjust the outlets for you. (my new tip )

 

[disneyholic family]

we didn't use about 80% of the clothes we brought....maybe 90%...

 

[sandygirl]

Ditto on the "too many" clothes.
Always take my own hairdryer or I would stand there all day trying to get my hair and DD's hair dry.

I'll do better next cruise.

Grumpy's Mom- I love your Christmas Cruise graphic in your signature!

 

[hawkrn]

I didn't take enough warm clothes! You don't plan on DCL and WDW being in the low 60's during the day and low 40's at night! I wore a sweatshirt for the 1st 2 days of the cruise. There was no need for duct tape (my xmas tree didn't even rock despite all the lights on it), clothes pins (I just hung them over the line-why pin?) . I wish I had brought a nail file (broke a nail right away and it drove me nuts) and chapstick. My lips were dry!

 

[Alex]

For encouragement on lighter packing remember a lot of the airlines have reduced suitcase weight limits to 50 pounds! It is NOT hard to get to 50 pounds.
It's a double pain, not only do you have to pay extra but you can't do curb side check in and have to stand in the regular check in lines.

 

[jgalecpa]

Just off the 12/20 Magic:


Took and didn't use:

Night lights (left light on in B/R and closed door.)

Shorts (when we went ashore, we just wore swim suits).

 

[d'Isigny]

The theme continues....

we also took too many clothes. I'd like to plan on next cruise with 1/2 (or less) of what we took. Also, I'll plan on mix - matching better - taking mostly neutral colors that can go from casual to dressy. I took items that could not be combined.

Again...too many shoes.
I'll only take 2...will get by with comfortable walking and boat shoes
DW....(with right hand in the air - i have a witness) will take 3...walking, dress and sandals.
DD's.....2....walking and casual/dress sandals.

We packed tropical clothes....but, purchased an outfit for everybody on the islands. That was fun...will buy again instead of packing next time.

I have a backpack dedicated to my 35mm/hi8 and digital camera - as much as I love photography...I *might* keep my 35mm gear at home and go digital. I should be able to get all in a fanny pack.

k

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

D'Isigny, we are hoping that by the time of our next cruise (note counter down there), Sony will have improved the technology on its new record-direct-to-DVD video camera, such that the stills it is able to print will be better than 1 mp. That would be well worth the money, as long as the quality is good. I unfortunately left my video camera in the Orlando airport last Saturday, and so far it has yet to turn up. While I am devastated to have lost the tapes, I now have the excuse....but will wait out the Sony improvements.

 

[RieannSG]

As already noted by my DH, we didn't use the night lights. We also did not need an entire bag of clothes pins. We used 2 to hold the curtains closed and the rest never left the bag. They were not needed on the clothes line. We only used one clear shoe holder--our DD's used one in their room for jewlery and makeup stuff.

I agree with the post about shoes. If you can plan your evening out fits to all wear the same shoes (or maybe 2 pair) then it's easier. I even had an evening bag, that matched the shoes I never used, that was not needed. It really is the old keep-it-simple philosophy! Next time I will bring less fancy clothes. The casual-dinner-out nights are really that. I had several outfits that could have passed for semiformal in most crowds and felt over dressed. I will think beach/resort dinner wear next time and make the formal and semiformal nights more specail that way. We also brought extra hangers and they came in very handy.

The extension cords were a must. The bathroom only takes shavers and none of us use electric shavers. I used the extension cord over by the desk for hair dryer (large plug) and a hot curler--DD used a curling iron.

I'm sure I'll think of more, so will post then.

 

[d'Isigny]

Hey Grumpy's Mom - sorry to hear about your camera gear being left at Orlando airport...my best - hopefully, it will be returned. Keep the faith...we left our 'entire camera gear' at Disneyland in Dec of 01....2-3k of Canon 35mm + Sony Hi8. Someone turned it in....DL mailed it back to us. When I offered my credit card to DL lost/found for mailing costs...they refused to take it.....*Pixie Dust* all over you for a simular outcome.

Yes, I saw the camcorder that records on DVD...felt as you, stills at 1mb could not be printed - too much grain. Felt as you, this would be worth waiting a little to see the technology improve. it'll be nice to watch what is shot on camcorder and download images that are worth printing.

Please - please...post when your camcorder and tape are returned to you. my best, K

 

[Verandah Man]

We didn't use our Bonine or Safe Sea, that's all I can think of that we didn't use.

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

D'Isigny - thanks for your kind words - I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Rieann -- Welcome aboard!!

Bonnie

 

[whytcrystal]

I brought too many shoes and too many semi-formal clothes. Next time I have also decided to leave the fins of the snorkel gear at home and take them offered at the excursions.

 

[Buckleybunch]

My goal is not to over pack. That will be very hard to do - as it's a bad habit..

It's good hearing what every one else has to say. When I go shopping for the cruise, I'll look for items that can be mix and matched. My dh is going to rent the tux.. ( thanks Alex for that suggestion).