Where to buy cooler and straps before trip . . .

[briarbud]

Where do you buy your collapsible cooler for the hotel room before your trip? What size, brand and price? I'm worried about being able to find a styrofoam one at Publix or Albertson's during my town car grocery stop since I don't know what store we'll stop at. Also, where can I buy a water bottle strap before going down?

Thanks!

 

[Twende]

I too am looking for advice on the folding coolers. It sounds good but I am not sure what size to get.

But I know how we handled the water bottle strap. We took a round black rubber ring, called an "O" ring, and slipped it over the neck of the water bottle. Then I attached a key chain ring to that, the kind that are round and you slip the keys around the slot between the layers until it falls into the center of the ring. To that I attacked a beaner and then attached the beaner to either my fanny pack, my back pack or even my belt loop.

Anytime I wanted a drink all I had to do was unclip the beaner and I had water. It worked very well and I refilled the same bottle for four days before it had to be thrown away. I think the pressure changes in Mission Space got to it and after the ride the bottle was all sucked in!

 

[AspiringCindy]

www.giftsofalifetime.com have the water bottle straps !
Just check under Disney personal shopper!

 

[bobcat]

Target has had a good selection of collabsable coolers in the past. That's where I found mine a couple of years ago. Also check in the lunch box section since they sell them there as well. I have seen them from a large lunch box size to much larger. I have one that holds a 1/2 gallon of milk so it is taller but not very wide.

I would just wait to get the water bottle strap when you get to WDW. They are $3 and can be found at any drink cart. Each park has a different strap and we each have a different one.

 

[whozit]

I bought one at the local Sports Authority store (this was about 3 years ago), the brand name was "California Innovations" and it said it would hold 24 cans of soda plus ice (they were also available in 12 can, 36 can and 48 can sizes). I think more stores carry them now, I'd check Target, Walmart and camping gear stores. I did a search on the net and found the following web address, this shows a wide variety of sizes:

http://store.ca-innovations.com/merchant.ihtml?id=2&step=2

FYI, using the 24 can size, we were able to fit 2 half gallon cartons of milk, one half gallon carton of orange juice, a block of cheese, 10 (8 oz) containers of yogurt, a few juice boxes and ziplocs full of ice.

 

[Twende]

Thanks for the information on your experience. I think we are going to try one of those coolers on our next trip. I just need a way to keep some basic breakfast things cold. I think I will have room for it in a suitcase.

Are there places on Disney property to buy gallons of milk, cheeses and OJ? Or do I have to find a grocery store off site. I wa thinking I had heard the campgrounds had a store. What are the prices like there?

 

[whozit]

I know you can buy half gallons and quarts of milk at the resort gift shops (gallons may also be available). I don't know the prices, but I know they are INFLATED. We stopped at a grocery store on our way to the resort for perishables (the non-perishables, we shipped them ahead by UPS or FedEx, and that box was at the resort when we checked in). One reason I went with half gallons instead of gallons was that I thought it would give me some flexibility in packing the cooler (and maybe get more ice around the milk). Also, once the 1st half gallon was used, the space opened up could be used to pack more ice in the cooler (or add more juice boxes) to the cooler.

 

[WDW_DV]

Here's another vote of confidence for the California Innovations collapsible coolers. Used one last summer for a week and it was nice to have juice and milk in the room. Also, cream cheese for bagels. Helps out a bunch with the budget!

Have a great trip!

PS, ours came from WalMart.

 

[Princess'Mom2]

I got our collapsible cooler at COSTCO last summer, but the other night I was in there and noticed they have them there again -- two different sizes. They are Great!

 

[wbk]

We bought our collapsable cooler at WalMart. Pack it in a two gallon zip-lock bag. The moisture will be contained for the trip home. Just remember, though, when you are finished with the cooler and return home, to dry it completely. Otherwise, mold and mildew will cause you to dispose of it and buy a new one.

 

[rcdisneyfam]

www.lakeside.com was where I just purchased a 24 can collapsable cooler for $6.95. It is very nice and will be bringing it on our August trip for WDW and DCL. They also have those mesh foldable laundry bags 3 for 6.99. They are great too for dirty clothes. They fold up to about 6" x 6" into a pocket built into the mesh container. I also have a 18 can collapsable cooler from california innoventions that I bought at an Eckerd Drug Store too. Never can have too many coolers!!

 

[pampam]

I've seen water bottle straps at a dollar store.