Packing Tip

If your flying or driving the amount of stuff you need to pack plays a big part in your planning.

A couple tips to help make it easier:

• Disney allows you to receive packages as a guest (I think up to two weeks) before you arrive.  So ship it early enough so you can verify it made it before you leave.
• If you have nesting suitcases consider packing the smaller one with your stuff then putting it in the larger suitcase then when you buy stuff you have a suitcase for stuff to be packed in.
• If you ship stuff to Disney have the return labels created when you ship the items then all you have to do is pack the boxes and place your return label on the box and your ready to give them to the front desk for them to arrange pickup.
• Also if you planning on using groceries while there look into grocery delivery, I have not used this service but have read about it.
• If your really concerned about having enough clothing be sure to bring some laundry care items with you, a collapsible hamper or laundry bag and some detergent singles (love the idea of the tide nuggets) are an easy way to be prepared if you end up "using" up all your clothes and need to do laundry.

Hope that gives you some ideas!

Time at your hotel and transportation

When picking a place to stay I figure you might want to take a minute and realize a few things.

Your going to visit Disney and not necessary the hotel, although the hotels can be very nice and have wonderful places and pools.

Things you will be doing at your hotel:

• Sleeping
• Showering
• Eating (probably just something quick between other plans)
• Trip to the pool 
• Spending the rest of your meal credit before you leave on snacks (if they let you do that)
• Using the transportation to Disney

My suggestion is find a room you will be happy to go to bed in and get ready for Disney in, but other than that don't worry about it.  I think that I have only spent one afternoon at the pool during each trip and always end up eating one meal at the hotel (usually in a hurry or just very tired and hungry).  The big thing is transportation to and from the parks.

I love the Disney bus system it has always been great, I will warn you if  you are going to a water park or Downtown Disney those are some of its weak points or if you are going from a hotel to hotel.  When going from hotel to another try and plan ahead to utilized the monorail system.  I like to go to Chef Mickey so I plan to go to Magic Kingdom and take the monorail back to the Contemporary.  Also be aware of when you can take a boat or ferry (like between Epcot and Hollywood Studios, or between Magic Kingdom and the ticketing center).  The variety in your transport can make the time spend in transportation more fun than just a bus ride.  Also plan your day so you are going to be a the park well before your dinning reservation so you are not stressed out on the bus ride and trying to run into the park.  This is your vacation to be sure to plan ahead so you can relax while your there.

My next trip is the first time I will be taking advantage of dining before a park opens I hope to have breakfast at Crystal Palace and the Castle before park opens and take advantage of some great photos and some wonderfully short lines in the new fantasy land.

Anyway realize that the hotel wont be the biggest part of your vacation so don't get carried away and let it become the biggest part of your budget.

Disney Hotel Mousekeeping

On my last trip to Disney my nephew asked housekeeping for a certain animal shaped towel.  I don't remember what it was just that he left a note along with his mousekeeping tip and later that day he got his requested animal, the mousekeeper had to get help from another mousekeeper as she did not know how to make it but the point is she went out of her way to make his request happen.

I found a picture of an Eeyore towel posted on pintrest and plan to make a request as well.  I figure I will make my mousekeeping envelopes have a place for request, whether for Eeyore towels or to set the temp something I prefer.  I am always cold so I pretty much turned off the air on my first trip however I would come back in the afternoon to an icebox (I am sure she thought she was doing me a favor) so I figure I may make a note on the envelope.

WDWPrepSchool.com has awesome envelopes that you can print as is if  you are not overly creative or limited with time.  Click her to check them out.

Disney for Couples

I have been doing some research on Disney for couples and here are some of the things I have found out:

• If your celebrating something be sure the Cast Member are aware
• I will be making some matching shirts as well to make it more fun
• Pop Century Seems to be the value resort to try out
• If you like to stay out late you can probably beat most of the kiddy crowd (especially for firework shows try and hit the second show if there is one)
• If you can get up really early you can probably beat most of the kiddy crowd in the morning
• I plan to have an early breakfast at Crystal Palace and the Castle during our stay (before the park opens) that should really give us a head start
• Be prepared to spend money for the adult activities (or avoid them and just enjoy the parks)
• Horseback riding
• Carriage rides
• Golf
• Spas
• Boating and other water sports
• Remember it is a vacation so be sure to schedule some down time either afternoon nap or pool time reading a book
• If you driving utilize your car as you get free parking if you do stay in the park
• I only recommend driving if your doing something at another resort as the buses to and from the parks are great but not so much from resort to resort.
• Also drive if your going to downtown Disney definitely worth it as that is always the longest trip and the longest wait to get back on the bus.
• I am thinking about watching the fireworks from the beach at the Polynesian so I will definitely drive that night as well.
• If you are driving to Disney (more than just a couple hours like us 16 hours) plan to have some stuff in the car to keep you entertained
• Audio Books - Check out Cracker Barrel 
• Discussion lists for your trip
• All you device chargers 
• Snacks
• Cooler
• Music Playlists ready to use
• Maps

I have had trouble finding things specifically for adults that don't involve alcohol so that is part of my research mission is to fine ways non-drinking adults can find things to do as a couple.  So if you have anything to add to please comment below.

My favorite Park

Most sites I have read disregard Hollywood studios as a minor park. However it has always been my favorite. I love muppets 3D show and just enjoy the feel of that park. When my daughter was 5 she loved the honey I shrunk the kids play area and anytime I asked what she would like to do that was her response no matter the park we where in.

I am looking forward to seeing the car show, Indiana Jones stunt show, rocken rollar coaster, star wars, and toy story mania. All things that I missed either due to my daughters age or the hectic nature our my last trip (due to crowds and lack of group planning). 

I also love the food at sci fi drive in and 50s prime time diner.

For my next trip it is the first place we will go.