AJ... Regarding pennies. Don't bring new shiny pennies! Bring pennies 1981 or earlier. Why you ask? in 1982 the US Mints greatly increased the zinc content in pennies (and lowered the copper to save cost). When you press a new penny there will be a silvery smear across the penny (the zinc) and make it harder to see the design. If you use a 1981 or older penny it will be (visually) all copper and a so much better finished product. Then you can polish them up at home. Coke works great for that. :)
Nick Pischel -Great tip Nick, I would of never thought of that, I'm going to start putting them aside.... I have a few steel pennies, I wonder how they would work out in the press ? Lol...
Bring your favorite pain medication. If you are not used to walking 10+ miles a day, your going to be really stiff in the morning. Taking an ibuprofen or something similar helps me get going in the morning.
At the Epcot health services they also offer free pain medication if you forgot any. Rather than paying for some, they will always give you free stuff there :)
James Phillips How about older people who age with degenerative joint desease. Some things are part of life. Pain meds help us spend time with our grandkids in a place they love to go. But so glad you have the universal answer for pain management.
Also, don't forget those travel bottles of Purell. True some restaurants and hotels might have them but you're in Orlando, Florida. Consider how many people will use those public dispensers. I'd be amazed if the public dispenser had any left!
When my family went to Disney we packed an extra suitcase filled with food and while we were on our trip we ate all the food, so then we had an extra bag to put all of our souvenirs and other things that we got at the parks.
When my daughter was younger we froze Capri Sun and juice drinks the night before and brought them into the parks or we would bring these little individual kool-aid mix packs that we would add to a cold bottle of water. Kind of like crystal light. She loved it and it saved me a lot if money.
OH! Bring hand sanitizer! I wash my hands a lot in general, but it's good to have back out. They always have portable ones at any drug store (or HEB for my fellow Texans lol).
Zodia195 definitely. I'll go one more and say get the small bottles then buy regular sized ones at the dollar store to refill them. It's all the same stuff anyway why pay more?
I ordered individual purell wipes from Amazon . Gets rid of some grime and doesn’t leave my hands sticky like a gel. Plus, the more I use during the day the less my bag weighs!
Walking in a line and touching the railing a lot? Hand sanitizer as soon as you remember, as you get on the ride or as you get off and before you touch your face. Keeps you from getting sick when someone else decided to come to the park when ill.
When you go to the parks, bring your magic band and your cell phone for taking pictures, and enjoy the fact that you can glide through the “no bags” entry and not have to haul a huge bag around all day!
A special scent to spray in your hotel room, so that you always have a smell to associate with that trip! I read this on a packing list somewhere and scoffed at first, but after my trip I regret not grabbing a small scent from Bath & Body Works and doing this! Scent memory is super powerful, and I'm for sure gonna try this next time!
I agree with scent memory. I have memory problems but I bought a lotso bear which helps remind me of the trip :-) so I associate strawberries with my trip
Please please don't walk around with it for the park. Perfume and strong scents can be deadly for a lot of people. I know a few people who can't be around perfume or air fresheners without going into anaphylaxis.
Lots of great tips. I purchased a large box of glow bracelets/necklaces. One late night on a very crowded bus I was able to hand several out to the other kids and it made everyone's return to the hotel just a little bit better.
We also packed a pop up hamper- it made it really easy to keep our dirty clothes contained. Along the same lines, I packed Tide Pods because we had to do laundry halfway through our trip.
Penelope Pitstop beware of using garbage bags for hampers. When my husband and I stayed at the Caribbean Beach Hotel, the maid threw away my dirty clothes ($300 worth!)... they thought it was garbage. I was credited $50 for the mistake but I still lost out for that error.
The things I'm always glad I take with me into the parks: 1. Load up your phone with a card, it can be a credit card or a gift card. But it sure does help going to the park with only your phone as a camera, your communication, your entertainment, your map and your wallet! Use it just about anywhere inside the Disney parks. Apple Pay and Android Pay works every time! In stores, at food locations,& most kiosks! 2. Pre Paid Visa Gift Cards for Shopping at Disney. It allows for everyone to second guess what souvenirs they want, and keeps you in a budget! Before the trip starts I make sure to give everyone in my party a $50 gift card along with a Disney style Hallmark card. "Congrats!" - "You're goin to Disney World, Here's hoping you find something to remember our trip by!" ~ Love Dad! 3. A Pack of Wet Wipes/ Hand-Sanitzer. Something sticky spills, or you didn't quite wash your hands right.. This feels self explanatory. 4. Portable USB Power Bank Charger, You might be surprised how much you need your phone while in the parks. Snapping pictures, using the "My Disney Experience App" Keeping in touch with people in your party and phone games. Trust me, you'll need to charge your phone. 5. Take a drawstring backpack for wet clothes or really anything you're gonna buy. Having a dedicated place for the things you are adding to your person is a must. Drawstring backpacks can be folded down when not in use and can accommodate just about anything. Find Official Disney gear for much less on amazon! 6. A pack of tissues, handkerchief, or a bandana. Some folks allergies are in for a real surprise in Florida! 7.ZipLock Bags with a zip top. Never under estimate how much you'll beed these. From storing those $14 snacks you didn't finish to keeping your earrings in a safe place. OF course even using it to splash proof something as well. WHEN IT COMES TO FIRST AID, Disney has got you covered. You don't have to pack headache meds or bandaids. every single park has a guests services area where you can sit down, cool off, get a cup of water, take some headache meds, or bandaids or allergy meds. They have a full first aid kit just in case anyone needs it. That being said, I still take a small amount of headache meds and allergy meds to take every morning before I go into the parks. I have visited the parks with only taking my MagicBand and my Phone. Everything else I could ever need is available in the parks. It makes getting into the parks a breeze and I never regret it. ONE LAST THING. I plan on $300 per person for four days every time we go. I know not everyone can do it, but I always recommend $300 worth of shopping allowance for extra snacks, souvenirs, experiences, etc. or any unplanned spending. I usually visit the parks for a minimum of 4 days and always end up using almost the full $300.
As a former cast member I ask to please not bring gum, I’m thinking of the cast members who have to clean up the gum. If you have to please be aware where you spit out the gum. I’m just saying there is a reason why they don’t sale gum in the parks and it’s because there are people who have spit out gum on the floor and that gum got stuck on peoples shoes. There have been cases where gum has been found under and on benches. If you don’t need it please don’t bring it into the parks.
MinecraftNinjagoAndStuff gum helps a lot when one eats a lot when they're bored. Gum have very little calories and no sugar normally but the flavor distracts from the hunger. I eat gum when I feel like eating but I know I shouldn't. But of course I know how to throw it away, I keep the wrapper and place the gum there when I'm done, and then throw them in the trash
Last trip to Disney we bought our 5 yr old and 7 yr old boys fanny packs. I know it sounds silly but it was great that they were able to carry their snacks and small toys in the park for the long wait in the lines. No getting out of line because “I’m hungry or I’m bored” for us. They were happy the whole time and occupied.
Fanny packs are a great idea for everyone. I don't know why you think it sounds silly. They are handy to keep everything needed at hand, no one has to lug any heavy bags, no danger of leaving it somewhere or stolen, etc.
That’s such a great idea. My older brother brought his and put it along his chest diagonally. It worked great. I brought a little bag that goes diagonally on me for snacks. Little bags are great!
Had mine and my first prepaid phone specifically fir this trip (flip phones had been invented but they werent prepaid) and I had butt dialed japan numbers so much when on rides that I ran out and we had to buy more minutes! I needed it for the park but it was a hassle in a fanny pack
We bought a lot that were sooooo bad. Like couldn't even be possibly real. We kept some and put them on our pin board and gave some to friends or threw away alot
I know! I keep seeing these comments from pin collectors saying not to purchase fake pins, because it makes it harder to tell which ones are real, and which ones are authentic. I'm like, really? There's some really pretty fake pins out there... I'm sure that artist took a lot of time and effort to make it, too. Sometimes fan art is very nice. It's more of a collector's job to learn to differentiate the difference between real and fake pins.
kateofthecity im pretty sure when they talk about “fake pin”, they mean the exact replica of pins that you could originally get from the disney stores, not the fan art pins that artists made.
@@Whimsy3692 Hello! Definitely NOT talking about fan art. Unfortunately, we are talking about very cheap knock-off pins made in China & sold illegally here in the US. Their quality is inferior to the real pins. Pin collectors commonly refer to them as scrappers, because when they first started to show up in the parks, it was obvious that they were probably imperfect pins discarded at the factories, or "scrapped", that somehow were allowed to be diverted from the garbage & made their way here to the States. Fan art, on the other hand, that someone has designed and paid to be manufactured, is usually wayyyyy too expensive to be sold for pennies on the dollar & dumped onto Cast Members' lanyards like the scrappers are.
I always bring sunscreen, hand sanitizer or wipes, and if not a change of clothes, a change of socks. I can handle wet clothes in the heat but I can’t handle walking around in wet socks! And for all my allergy prone peeps, during the Epcot flower and garden I made sure I brought allergy pills because I’m a normally stuffy person with the stuff in the air 😂 and yes on Tylenol or ibuprofen!
I recommend getting from your local post office those "priority mail" boxes (the ones where regardless of weight, if it fits in the box, they'll ship it). If you're traveling from a good distance (and aren't driving) you can mail souvenirs home. This is especially great if you need to mail something like a snow globe which aren't always welcome on planes. But it frees up space in your bag and you don't have to worry about necessarily having an extra suitcase/duffel bag just for souvenirs.
Great tip! Thank you I will definitely do this! I have had my fragile souvenirs sent home, and have purchased gifts for others that I mailed from the resorts at the cost of a couple hundred dollars! I wish I would have known this earlier. Lesson learned!
Oh! Body glide or any other anti-chafing cream! Even if you aren't a person who generally chafes, that stuff is so nice to know you have stashed in your bag. You can buy small purse sized ones (like, slightly larger than a lip balm) on Amazon or from sports stores. Chafing hurts like heck and can really take the fun out of your day and the next several days as well.
If you simply must have a stroller, bring it from home. It’s cheaper, more comfortable, and easier to spot. You can also outfit it with battery operated led strings, which makes it even easier to spot at night, as well as get many compliments. Anything that lights up at night is awesome. You know those light up shoes the kids wear? They have them in adult sizes. Every family member can easily spot us in a crowd. That also goes for ponchos. Bringing your own means that you can pick colors. While everyone is stuck wearing the same one Disney sells, my family is different, and can be easily found.
Bring MINTS! Not Gum! don't have people messing up the perfect plan Disney has set with the "no gum" policy. And I completely agree with the Ziplock bags. My family thought I was crazy when I packed mine... Then they used all of mine.
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I would also say don’t be afraid to use your umbrella as a sub shade during the day too! Extra protection, especially if you’re sensitive to the sun like me. Also, I don’t know if they have them commonly in the states but minty wet wipes feel AMAZING when you’re in the shade and trying to cool off. They probably have them on amazon.
Yes! I do not like being hot and sweaty. I always bring body wipes, travel-sized deodorant, travel-sized cologne, and a small plastic bottle filled with no-rinse shampoo. It's so wonderful and invigorating on a hot day to have a quick freshen up. A change of clothes, underwear and socks, and a second pair of shoes makes all the difference on a long day in the parks! Dirty, sweaty, and/or wet clothes get thrown in a large zip lock baggie. And I bring a couple of caps, sunglasses, and a travel umbrella for protection from the sun!
BRING A POWER STRIP! If you're like my family and have 4 cell phones, an Ipad, 2 power packs and a breathing machine to plug in, it definitely comes in handy!
As a pharmacist and a Disney World fanatic who has gotten ill at the parks (way too many times for my liking), keep an eye out on the time of year you are going to the parks! Even if you don't typically get colds or catch the flu when flu season comes around, you never know what can happen! I would bring a small bag of common OTC (over-the-counter) medications like Tylenol/Motrin, cough/cold medications, stuff to treat sore throats, or anything that you know helps you when you get sick! Disney has medications at the resorts but they are very limited and VERY pricey! Better to get them at home before your trip where it is cheaper. :)
Once when my son was still pretty young we went to WDW before Christmas, as we often did, but this time we knew we were expecting a cold front. We wore windbreakers during the day and packed a lightweight nylon backpack with sweaters, hats and gloves and put it in a rental locker at Epcot. While we were sitting and waiting for the Candlelight Processional and the temperature was dropping below 40 degrees, I ran and got the backpack while my husband and son waited and held my seat. When I returned, we whipped off our windbreakers, put on our sweaters, put the windbreakers back on over the sweaters and put on our hats and gloves. There was a family of four sitting behind us and the mother leaned forward and jokingly asked if I happened to have an extra pair of gloves she could borrow. I did and I lent them to her until the Processional was over. She was so grateful and we were happy to share. The funniest part, though, was that we live three hours drive from WDW in South Florida and brought warm clothing. They were from the Midwest U.S. and never considered that they might want warm clothes or even that it might be that cold in Orlando.
Amazing!!! I never thought of this and I need my fat/protein. I don't do oatmeal or my tea from the tip with the coffee maker because of the coffee taste (I hate coffee), but the eggs would work because of the shell. I order water and have it delivered so eggs will be added to my list. TY
n33oh The reason some people need gum is for the plane trip. The change in air pressure really hurts my daughter’s ears to the point that she is in extreme pain that lasts throughout the entire flight. Swallowing and trying to pop her ears does nothing. Only chewing gum seems to help, and it actually works quite well. We’re not gum chewers in our family. That’s really the only thing we use it for.
@@MCat360 I've found that starbursts work just as well, and for some reason, they help with motion sickness, too. And since they're water-soluble, they're less of a hassle to clean up if a partially chewed one gets dropped.
Uhh, there's a reason why gum is not sold in WDW... please leave it at home! But if you *must* bring it, please bring small ziplock bags which you can use to dispose of it properly.
Gum can be disposed of in a plain napkin, scrap of paper, or the original wrapper, into the trash can. It doesn't need to be tossed specifically in a plastic bag. 🙄
I know it's an app but get the app Heads Up! It was made by Ellen and is super great for standing in those long lines. Plus if you log in at the parks, you can get the Disney Parks pack which is full of fun Disney themed questions.
Fill one of those Ziploc bags you're bringing with Epsom salts. Soaking in the tub (or even just soaking your feet) will also make a world of difference! Then you have an empty bag at the end of the week for wet stuff.
Just a quick tip for anyone who keeps getting blisters, WEAR NYLON SOCKS. We walked 32 miles on an expedition and I wore those socks and I didn't get ANY blisters (I am very blister prone)
better yet, use Blister Block by Bandaid or Friction Defense by Gold Bond with your socks. Both can be found in drugstores, and it even enables me to wear sandals and pull ons without getting blisters. You can also use it to prevent chafing on your thighs or anywhere else it’s a problem. It’s amazing stuff, and I never travel without it! Another option is Body Glide, usually found in sports stores like Dicks.
Please don’t encourage people to buy pin lots on eBay. These are all fake and counterfeit and contribute to the further distribution of unofficial pins. It has really started to ruin the fun for real pin collectors and traders.
We used to be really bad about this. We started watching the official disney website and buying the starter packs that come with 4-8 pins when they go on sale for super cheap and trading those out. That way we know they're legit and we put some good pins out there instead of the family pins that every cast member is forced to carry
Really wish you guys would stop telling people to bring gum. Disney doesn't sell it for a reason and they have a deal with the airport for a reason. As someone who has personally stepped in gum at a water park with my barefeet I'd appreciate it to stay gum free.
Those of us who fly tend to need the gum for that part of the trip, so pack it there and leave it in your bag. (I can't chew it much since I got dentures) But Walt prohibited it for a reason.
Something that I have found very useful in our Disney trips is having a pop-up hamper. It makes everything so much more organized, especially if you are staying more than 5 days at WDW
We used to be really bad about buying grab bags of scrapper pins from amazon. But in recent years we look for the starter sets that come with 8 or so pins, when they go on sale on Disney's website that way we know we're trading legit pins. And so people can trade for good pins instead of the family pins that every cast member is plagued with XD
When I went to Disney with my school 2 years ago, I brought Ziploc bags, and my friends thought it was weird, and I showed them what they are for (to save food) and they thought it was very useful! Thanks, mom for making me bring them! They really helped me out! I had a snack that night and I didn't have to starve! I recommend doing this one!!
I have a suggestion, why don’t you make a special video for parents and another one for singles? I enjoy your work but I think that many of the singles don’t need parents recommendations, I mean I just wanna know what I need as a single and not to listening everything about parenthood :) Thanks 🙏
BeautifulDiva1913 You don’t think Disney is just for children, do you? Are you the one who brought their unhappy toddler to California Grill the night I was there?
Good tips! I also bring at least one sandwich type rubbermaid container to take my snacks in so they don't get smooched in my day pack, plus if my kid can't eat all his snack, which often happens then I have a nice sturdy container to put it away for later. Also, once I was talking with a somebody chaperoning a large group of teenagers staying at the hotel and she used that tape to put across the kids doors outside, that way when she was checking on them she could check out which ones were sneaking out later at night by seeing which door had the broken tape. Sneaky, but effective. :)
I always pack a decent sized plastic food container with (packed with underwear on the way out). This way, any leftover goodies won't work their way to the bottom of your bag and end up as a bag of crumbs. It's also good if you buy toiletries with a pop-up lid: the sturdy box round them stops them being squeezed and you won't then get home to a suitcase full of clothes covered in shampoo, for example.
Good tip! I like to carry those fold-up thin waterproof blankets, meant for camping, that are lightweight and fit in a tiny pouch that you can throw in your bag. They are great for sun protection and for sitting on while waiting to watch the parades or fireworks.
Bring advil or acetaminophen.!! Take some about an hr before u get there and more throughout the day. As someone with flat feet that has foot pain despite the inserts and such, it helps with pain. Also if u are someone that gets sinus headaches and migraines from weather changes the Florida constant barometric pressure changes from all the storms moving through will do u in. Sunscreen is important and dont forget your ears!! Everyone always forgets to put it on their ears. Skin cancer is very real.
Christina giangarra, there is a brand of flip flop called Vionic (Orthoheel) that has a built in arch support. They're kinda expensive but it's the only flipflop I wear and I can wear them all day at the parks--they're wonderful!
I also have flat feet. In addition to shoes with support, I’ve also heard it helps to not wear the same pair everyday. Last trip my feet were a little achy at the end of the day, but I noticed it felt better when I put on different shoes the next day.
As a fellow flat footer we need to find shoes that correct for over pronation. A google search should come up with good websites with suggestions. I’ve always been partial to ASICS but whatever fits best. I would never wear flippy flops to walk the parks, that’s masochistic. Sunscreen for sure.
For the pennies.. the mini M&M tubes hold quarters perfectly. With my neice and nephew we layed 2 quarters/1 penny.. had them all in order and ready to go
Towels are also extremely helpful during the summer months for parades! If you want to sit down and watch them, throw down your towels so the hot concrete doesn’t burn you!! They SAVED my family and I when I went to disney so long ago!
Hey AJ. Would you be able to do a video of the healthiest restaurants/meals in the parks? Trying to be a good girl and sticking to my diet loosing weight when I go! Thank you for posting all of these videos! They are the best!
I know it’s tempting but do not buy the eBay pin lots they are all fake. It is not fair for the guests who bought their pins from the park. Also, if cast members know they are fake they will not trade with you.
The best purchase I made for the trip, was actually IN Disney. For 30$ you can buy an external charger for your phone that works better than the cheap ones I had brought, comes with all the cords you need, AND can be swapped out throughout the parks for fresh ones. There are usually 4-5 kiosks in each park , located in gift stores, where you drop the dead one in, and it spits out another one free. They don't expire and you get to keep one forever apparently. We were there 7 days and between videos, pics, disney app, and trying to get fun Pokemon Go pokestops my phone was zipping through the battery like crazy I gave up on the cheap battery packs I'd brought on the first day, bought this and never worried again--plus it doesn't require any special charging port so you can take it home and use it whenever you want.
I do the ramen/oatmeal with coffee maker thing too. BUT! Some newer hotels (like the pet-friendly Loews' Sapphire Falls by Universal Studios) do NOT have coffee makers like this! Gasp! They have these fancy Keurig cup things instead. So make sure to also pack snacks that don't require water, like granola bars.
Bella_Iris just don’t put a pod in the machine and run the water through. I usually run the first batch of water and dump it to get the coffee taste out.
Don’t forget to bring SD cards for your digital cameras or video recorders! I brought a new camera and forgot to get the SD card and NO ONE carried them at ANY park! Luckily, I was able to use my phone for any videos then download them to Facebook. Just remember, bring your SD cards!
Dish soap and a small sponge! I always want to wash out my refillable mugs better than just rinsing. I even will buy a sponge before I go, cut it up into smaller pieces, get them wet and pour soap on them. Then let them dry and pack them, then you only have to bring a baggie of little sponges and they’re ready to go!
Some really great tips in this list! We also bring the ziplock bags as well as several other items on the list. Blue painters tape is also great for creating a birthday decorated room without messing up the walls. I will say that we used to take the super cheap, disposable ponchos to the parks; however, at $1 a piece, we've actually saved more now that we broke down and bought the Disney ones. They are so much better made, and if you rip one they will replace it. (I think it was $9/each). A recommendation to add to the list would be something bought from Amazon called Tri-Glide. It's a spray for your feet (and thighs) to help keep blisters at bay. Since using it, Dawn has never gotten a blister and Christina has gotten less of them. We're sure that other runner sprays will also work, but this is the one we can speak to. :)
Here is a tip. Disposable paper changing pad. So many people are using the changing tables for their babies. You put one down and then put your changing pad on top. They are usually a little bit larger than your changing pad so it keeps the surface cleaner. I am also that person that uses a Clorox wipe when I am done and I wipe my whole area down. I actually got a bunch of thank you’s from people waiting in line behind me when they saw me do that.
I always pack a very basic first aid kit with the Tylenol, Band-Aids etc. I forgot to bring extra hair ties with me last year and could not believe how expensive they were in the gift shop!
clmoss83 definitely on the hair ties!! Plus u break them or lose them, or kids see the stock of them on Expedition Everest (seriously why do ppl do that?!) and decide to add their own then need them....
Little addition: Bring hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and wet wipes! They come in so handy when you just had a meal or snack and don't have any restroom near you 😊 All of these tips are really useful! I took great advantage of them on my trip. I think I was quite good prepared for a first timer ☺️ Even as an adult I loved having my glowing Mickey ears which I brought from home for only 3€. Same goes for the ponchos, we saved a ton of money there! 🌧️ I also carried flip flops with me and changed shoes as it started raining 👟 When we wanted to go on water rides, I also took extra clothes. And zip lock bags of course! 🌊 Put my electronics in bags, but also our sunscreen bottle which tends to leak. And I always had a big bag with me to actually cover my whole backpack during the water rides. So worth it!
I always bring a mesh laundry bag for the bathroom. My kids are always leaving clothing behind at hotels and this is just an easy way to keep all dirty laundry in one place. It takes up zero room in a suitcase too!
I always wondered what people with enormous rucksacks had in them! My tiny little cross body bag has my sunglasses case, a poncho, a lip gloss & a comb! Even when we had a toddler in a pushchair all I had in my nappy bag (which hung on the handles of the pushchair so no carrying) was nappies, wipes & nappy sacks! Oh, we did have sunscreen in then too. The one thing we all find useful is to have a carabiner on our belt hooks to hang our baseball caps on when on fast rides or indoors. I would never carry a water bottle as like AJ says, you can get free water everywhere. Use a disposable cup that doesn’t need carrying all day or if you want to be more environmentally friendly use a water fountain. No need for spare clothes or towels for your kids either. They get wet in the Splash & play areas & in 1/2 hour they’re dry...it’s Florida! I wouldn’t bother with snacks either. The meals are so big we rarely eat between them & if we do we want an ice cream so you can’t put that in your bag all day. I love the DFB videos so apologies if this reads as me being snooty. It’s not meant to be. AJ & the gang are brilliant!
This is for traveling in general- bring twisty ties for your suitcases or anything with a zipper on it. Or you could spend the extra money and get tiny locks. With Twisty ties you connect the two sliders (the things that move along the zipper) together. So that way when you're not in your room, this is a good way to prevent others from going through your suitcases. Well with the twisty ties it's not 100% but it's suppose to help discourage those from doing it. My parents taught me this tip.
Zodia195 If you're willing to spend a little money, a flare gun. You slip one of those bad boys in your bag, then when they ask you if you have anything to declare, you say yes. They count as a firearm so you have to sign some paperwork, lock it with a TSA approved lock, and they track it like a man possessed as they don't want a firearm lost. That is a PR nightmare. Your stuff will not be molested, and you are guaranteed to not lose your luggage. Of course check the latest ordinances and rules to avoid legal issues.
Just a little tip. Florida weather is crazy. In the summer, it can rain anytime. If u go into the parks, bring a pair of good flip flops. You'll want to wear them on the rides that you get wet on. Plus if it rains your sneakers and socks won't be wet. If your like me, (in the parks for 12+ hrs) by the end of the night you'll want to change outta your sneakers and let your swollen feet get some air.
Another *great* tip! I know most people like wearing flip-flops or sandals, but I do not personally care for them. Instead of cheap water socks with no support, a good quality pair of boat shoes is fabulous on wet rides or wearing all day at the Disney water parks. The shoes are waterproof, have great support like tennis shoes, and will air out and dry quickly just like flip-flops. Don't forget to wear Band-Aid blister guards. With so much walking and standing in lines, taking care of your feet and a little bit of pampering is definitely a priority!
I LOVE the videos you've made, especially those with suggestions! I took my four year old son to Disneyland for his first of many visits thirty (!!! unbelievable!!) years ago. I love this particular video of yours because it reminds me of the things I packed, the "must haves", that were available in 1988. Friends & family thought I was neurotic and crazy to bring what I did; you have soothed my soul and reinforced that I WASN'T so nuts to bring the items I did. Someone else feels we should be prepared when we enter those parks with our kids; they're huge and can be exhausting! You & I are think and plan ahead people and even now I'm appreciated when people have tummy troubles, fevers & headaches, need bandaids or women's items, are gassy, feel a migraine starting or have chapped lips. I know people are laughing at this point. But every one of these items are available at a dollar-type store, in a blister pack or tiny tube. One pack of the generic items of Pepto, Excedrin, Tums, Gas X, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Immodium (for diaharrea) can and have saved me as well as family and friends from having to leave a park, or the beach or wherever, to return to the hotel. It's interventional first aid. Suddenly I'm no longer neurotic, but helpful! I throw everything in a zip top bag; hardly takes any space in a day bag, and is a lifesaver.
There is a sale right now on the Disney website until Monday July 16th that is 25% off with the codes on the website including many of the pins/pin packs so getting legit starter sets and mystery sets is a little less expensive right now!
Also, don’t forget to bring waterproof makeup! Because if you don’t, your makeup is going to get all runny. Especially on water rides and water parks! I recommend putting on a little coat on before any ride, just in case!
Bring plastic clothes pegs. If you stay at a Disney resort, clothes pegs are great for keeping the curtains closed and also to secure clothes when drying your bathing suits on the balcony. They are also good if you want a way to keep open chip packages closed. Bring extra sunglasses. My son always would leave his on a ride or at the table. Hats are absolutely essential during the summer months. Have lots of bandaids and carry them with you in the park. You never know when that blister might start. My biggest tip is to set an amount of money for each child. I would hold onto the money, but my kids could buy whatever they wanted. But I warned them, make sure you really want what you are buying! Once the money is spent, that’s it! This saves a lot of headaches as almost every ride you exit from leads to a store! This eliminated the whining and begging!
Please don't encourage the purchase of ebay pin lots! They are almost ALWAYS fake or scrapper pins! Lots like these mean many traders in the parks are fakes and the price of real pins have been slowly rising
Yes! This happened to me on our trip! And we had to get a kit at the hotel giftshop. Not the worst thing in the world but still would have been nice to already have one! Also, just make sure your glasses' arms are secure and tight so that way you're not struggling to fix your glasses on the fly in front of MK! haha :)
Also, I wear the strap on my reading glasses and just keep them on all the time. My sons all have regular glasses and will be getting straps for them too so if they ride a fast ride, etc, they won't fall off
I pack like 18 of each size ziploc. and various styles. I agree we always used almost all by the end. It's great for packing your park bag. Things are already categorized and spaced out..Putting children's spare clothes inside of them, diapers, wipes, etc.
Baby wipes! We are long past the days of using them for diapers, but they are so handy to clean up messy hands, faces, or even wipe down a table at counter service restaurants.
If they are selling bulk instead of single pins you can guarantee they are fakes. No real pin trader could possibly afford to be selling 100s of pins to lots of customers.
SimplyJohn not true at all. I’ve bought many many bulk purchases of Disney pins. I recently bought 50 pins (random) for five dollars. Great deal. It came instantly. Every pin was a real pin with a mickey back and the official Disney mark on the back of each pin, I check every one. I know SOME probably are a scam, but not all of them are.
Gretchxnn just because they have Mickey backs and the pin trading stamp on them doesn’t mean they are authentic. There are other ways to check if they are real, usually quality of the pattern on the back and the filling of enamel on the front. There are lots of ‘scrapper’ pins which are actually from the same factory as the real ones, but were meant to be binned as they are not up to standard. Most pins on eBay are scrappers.
Ava Cannon Not always true. It’s a Cast member rule that they can never turn down a trade from a kid. Some of these cast members have no idea how to spot a fake - and they’re not always policing the boards and albums to make sure that the pins there aren’t fakes. Good-hearted parents *frequently* make ignorance-based mistakes in situations like this all the time - just to make their kid happy (I’ve watched parents pick up Grand Theft Auto games for their 12 year old, for example). It’s going to be next to impossible at this point to shut down the scrapper market...but what AJ said in good hearted ignorance will convince some people to buy their pins from a place where they’re almost guaranteed to get ripped off.
I am a a big believer of taking zip lock bags, too! Besides bringing a second outfit and a second pair of shoes, I always like to bring a small package of body wipes to freshen up. They're like wet wipes but a bit larger. Convenient and disposable. Dry shampoo or a bit of no-rinse shampoo kept in a smaller bottle is wonderful, too! Small luxuries make such a difference on a long day at the parks!
Me and my girlfriend just got back from Disney World, and the best thing we brought to the parks was a backpack with a hydration pack. It’s a small insulated backpack that had a hydration bag that can hold up to 2 liters of water! Before leaving our hotel, we filled it up with ice and water, and during the hot summer days at the park, the backpack came in handy!
Hotel: - power strip and/or extension cord (to reach behind the bed where the outlet is and make multiple outlets easily available for all those chargers) - alarm clock - nightlight - bathing suit At the park: - sunscreen - battery pack for phone (Stopping to plug in your charger is a pain) - lightweight backpack - You can stuff them in your pocket, avoid the bag search line and stash jacket, etc. in it. - hat - floss (love those ribs, but!)
The things you have on your list are good all except the lightweight backpack. Not because it's not usefull it's the fact you say you should stuff it in your pocket to avoid bag search lines. This makes you sound really sketchy like you are trying to sneak things into the parks. Disney has bag checks for a reason, it's only to keep people safe and they wouldnt do it if it wasn't necessary. As a Disney lover who has been countless time I know the lines can be annoying and can slow your day right down but trying to skip them is really bad. If you don't have anything to hide and have packed light your bag search is only going to take a couple of minutes. To anyone else reading this I cannot stress enough how bad and sketchy trying to avoid bag searches is. Also you will probably be caught and then cast members will be suspicious of you. It's not a smart or good thing to do.
Moleskine's a solution for blisters. What you want is to prevent them. Non-cotton socks like runners use don't chafe when they get wet and keep rubbing to a minimum when dry.
Things to do during line waits!!! Cards, small travel games, electronics (with extra battery pack). My 12 year olds got super bored waiting in lines we couldn’t get Fastpass’ for and we SO wish we brought things to keep them busy. And tiny foldable camp chairs! You can buy tiny triangle seat camp chairs on amazon to pack in your park bag and that would have been nice when we didn’t want to sit on the ground during those 80 minute line waits.
Pinkpearlapple They are. AJ clearly did not do her homework on that one tip. The rest of the tips are pretty good, but I really hope that she corrects that one. It can be a very disappointing mistake if someone takes her advice.
Laura Smith not true at all. I’ve bought many many bulk purchases of Disney pins. I recently bought 50 pins (random) for five dollars. Great deal. It came instantly. Every pin was a real pin with a mickey back and the official Disney mark on the back of each pin, I check every one. I know SOME probably are a scam, but not all of them are. Literally AJ did do her research because these many, many successes in buying bulk of pins.
Gretchxnn You clearly must know what you’re doing and who you’re buying from, then. Please read the comments in the rest of this thread. You are *very* much in the minority, which is why AJ making a blanket recommendation like that is so dangerous. Someone who blindly goes on eBay looking to buy a cheap set of bulk pins is almost guaranteed to end up with a pile of scrappers.
Laura Smith that’s true. I took the risk once and just keep on buying from that trusted seller. They stopped selling and that was my last purchase. I do agree, that was a bold statement.
Gretchxnn When I first started thinking about pin trading, my initial instinct was to look at Amazon (I’m a Prime member so that’s my first instinct for almost any shopping purchase). After the obvious quality issues raised a red flag for me I started researching the scrapper issue...and my jaw dropped open at how *huge* the problem is. Being a trading neophyte I pretty much resolved to buy only from Disney directly until I have a better idea of what I’m doing. That’s why AJ’s casual recommendation for buying pins on eBay made me so mad. It’s like saying “why buy concert tickets from Ticketmaster when there are all those guys selling tickets outside of the stadium before the show?” Yeah, you might end up buying from the one honest scalper, but what are the odds?
Great tip! I always use Arm & Hammer glide together with medicated Gold Bond powder when visiting the parks. Nothing can ruin your trip like painful chafing.
Having just returned from my trip to Disney World I highly suggest that if you are bringing or buying a fan, you absolutely must have spare batteries or rechargeable batteries with a charger. My fan would run low or out completely after a day or two. For a 7 day trip in summer, it could have been disastrous. Many fans require a screwdriver to access the battery panel so look at what your pre-purchased fan needs and pack accordingly. I bought several different sizes of carabiners with me from tiny to large and used them all. I could clip my refillable popcorn bucket and drink bottle to my backpack, my magic band to my neck fan instead of wearing it on my sunburnt wrist (remember to put sunscreen under your band as well!) I used the smallest to clip both zippers on my backpack together to keep it secure while on my back. Some people say don't bother with bandaids and just go to first aid but let me tell you, you never need a band aid when you are near first aid. AK is the worst for getting back to first aid. I was 3 miles from it when I almost passed out from the heat. Imagine walking 3 miles with a grazed knee or cut. Pack your own mini first aid kit for sure!
I love all these videos. My family and I are avid Disneyland fans. Finally, we are going to Walt Disney World the summer of 2019. We are enjoying this channel and all the helpful hints. Most of all, your videos are getting us so excited. Thank you so much.
Yes great tip! I like bringing a travel power strip. We have also brought battery powered tea-light candles and battery powered string lights for a bit of ambience in our rooms at night.
I have found emergency blankets work a bit better than a poncho. We always have them with us as we are usually there for the marathon weekends. The mornings can be cool and work great for the unexpected rain shower.
Two carabiners/mommy hooks are amazing for hanging your bag or backpack on the stroller and keeps it from swinging around since you have two connect points. So helpful. Also, if you’re bringing a backpack, consider either using a dedicated hydration pack/Camelbak or just buy a hydration bladder insert to throw into your existing backpack. Very convenient and keeps your hands free.
Please edit the comment telling people to buy their pins off ebay, those lots are fake pins. Buying from Disney website, pin groups or the warehouse's in Orlando is the best way to get pins for trading.
Foot glide!!! Its like a deodorant stick u rub on your feet to prevent blisters. Used it for the first time yesterday at magic kingdom and it was awesome. (Body glide works well for chafing elsewhere as well). Amazon has that as well as an array of awesome cooling towels.
Great tips! Just got back and those cooling cloths were worth their weight in gold! I would suggest bringing hand wipes. They come in handy after the kids play with the games in the standby queue.
Your pans are what dreams are made of. Love the top tips! Don't have any kids, but if I ever do, will definitely put some of these things into practice. Thanks AJ!
AJ... Regarding pennies. Don't bring new shiny pennies! Bring pennies 1981 or earlier. Why you ask? in 1982 the US Mints greatly increased the zinc content in pennies (and lowered the copper to save cost). When you press a new penny there will be a silvery smear across the penny (the zinc) and make it harder to see the design. If you use a 1981 or older penny it will be (visually) all copper and a so much better finished product. Then you can polish them up at home. Coke works great for that. :)
Nick Pischel -Great tip Nick, I would of never thought of that, I'm going to start putting them aside.... I have a few steel pennies, I wonder how they would work out in the press ? Lol...
Ketchup is also good for cleaning pennies!
Ketchup work well too
The new shiny pennies don’t show all of the detail as well! The depth of the stamp looks much better on circulated pennies!
And don't forget to bring quarters to work the penny machines, although those are easier to get from the store cashiers!
Bring your favorite pain medication. If you are not used to walking 10+ miles a day, your going to be really stiff in the morning. Taking an ibuprofen or something similar helps me get going in the morning.
Agreed! I took Alieve everyday just as a preventative!
At the Epcot health services they also offer free pain medication if you forgot any. Rather than paying for some, they will always give you free stuff there :)
How about just being fitter and healthier, rather than rely on medication
James Phillips How about older people who age with degenerative joint desease. Some things are part of life. Pain meds help us spend time with our grandkids in a place they love to go. But so glad you have the universal answer for pain management.
For sure Patricia but don't generalise, I read your comments to mean everyone.
If you forget to bring your children, then it really doesn’t matter if you forget to bring most of the items on this list. 🙂
Jenny & Craig Adventures LMAO
Ha!!
I'm bringing my child, but she is 24, lol
@@klee8960 she can carry her own stuff lol
@@thatonedog819 and my stuff too, lol
I’d throw in some bandaids because my child gets so clumsy when she’s excited, we are no stranger to scraped knees and hands and elbows.
Katie Tye Another reason to have a handy bottle of Advil handy. :P
Yeah or a first aid kit
I always bring a first aid kit.. I am really clumsy and so are my kids I bring one everywhere
Also, don't forget those travel bottles of Purell. True some restaurants and hotels might have them but you're in Orlando, Florida. Consider how many people will use those public dispensers. I'd be amazed if the public dispenser had any left!
But you are a stranger to proper grammar.
When my family went to Disney we packed an extra suitcase filled with food and while we were on our trip we ate all the food, so then we had an extra bag to put all of our souvenirs and other things that we got at the parks.
When my daughter was younger we froze Capri Sun and juice drinks the night before and brought them into the parks or we would bring these little individual kool-aid mix packs that we would add to a cold bottle of water. Kind of like crystal light. She loved it and it saved me a lot if money.
Great idea!
AJ's voice is so pleasant
Sam Ostrowski my phone freaked out when I opened this video and it didn't play the sound and I thought this comment was a joke about it being silent 😂
I think she already been swooped off her feet by her Prince Charming
BUF20 welp i only said i liked her voice so i don't know what gave you that impression, but nice disney tie in
Right?! Its so soothing
Ikr
OH! Bring hand sanitizer! I wash my hands a lot in general, but it's good to have back out. They always have portable ones at any drug store (or HEB for my fellow Texans lol).
Zodia195 definitely. I'll go one more and say get the small bottles then buy regular sized ones at the dollar store to refill them. It's all the same stuff anyway why pay more?
I ordered individual purell wipes from Amazon . Gets rid of some grime and doesn’t leave my hands sticky like a gel. Plus, the more I use during the day the less my bag weighs!
Walking in a line and touching the railing a lot? Hand sanitizer as soon as you remember, as you get on the ride or as you get off and before you touch your face. Keeps you from getting sick when someone else decided to come to the park when ill.
ptpgrad exactly. Tens of thousands of people from all over the world touching it without cleaning. I make sure to clean kids hands with a drop after.
I wish I could take my HEB every where I travel to!
could you do a video like this for people going WITHOUT kids? cause only 4 of these were really all that helpful for me
When you go to the parks, bring your magic band and your cell phone for taking pictures, and enjoy the fact that you can glide through the “no bags” entry and not have to haul a huge bag around all day!
It's just my boyfriend and I in our little family, I'd love to hear about stuff that would be nice for adult groups and couples.
Just bring your unencumbered lives.
Khelvera I was just going to ask this!
Or with college aged kids! I did my stroller time!
A special scent to spray in your hotel room, so that you always have a smell to associate with that trip! I read this on a packing list somewhere and scoffed at first, but after my trip I regret not grabbing a small scent from Bath & Body Works and doing this! Scent memory is super powerful, and I'm for sure gonna try this next time!
What a wonderful idea!
That is a neat idea. Time to start working on an oil blend for the diffuser.
I agree with scent memory. I have memory problems but I bought a lotso bear which helps remind me of the trip :-) so I associate strawberries with my trip
I've never thought of this - but sounds like an interesting idea!
Please please don't walk around with it for the park. Perfume and strong scents can be deadly for a lot of people. I know a few people who can't be around perfume or air fresheners without going into anaphylaxis.
Lots of great tips. I purchased a large box of glow bracelets/necklaces. One late night on a very crowded bus I was able to hand several out to the other kids and it made everyone's return to the hotel just a little bit better.
Colleen Heath can you take glow sticks on a plane? They are so picky about plane items now...so i wasnt sure
Alyssa Walker I packed them in my checked bag and had no issues.
This is so sweet! People like you make the world a better place.
We also packed a pop up hamper- it made it really easy to keep our dirty clothes contained. Along the same lines, I packed Tide Pods because we had to do laundry halfway through our trip.
brenda lee simek I always do the same.
We each bring garbage bags to put dirty clothes in. Keeps the room neat and makes it easier to pack again.
Yes! Tide Pods in a ziploc bag!
brenda lee simek also a Tide pen for stains and spots.
Penelope Pitstop beware of using garbage bags for hampers. When my husband and I stayed at the Caribbean Beach Hotel, the maid threw away my dirty clothes ($300 worth!)... they thought it was garbage. I was credited $50 for the mistake but I still lost out for that error.
The things I'm always glad I take with me into the parks:
1. Load up your phone with a card, it can be a credit card or a gift card. But it sure does help going to the park with only your phone as a camera, your communication, your entertainment, your map and your wallet! Use it just about anywhere inside the Disney parks. Apple Pay and Android Pay works every time! In stores, at food locations,& most kiosks!
2. Pre Paid Visa Gift Cards for Shopping at Disney. It allows for everyone to second guess what souvenirs they want, and keeps you in a budget! Before the trip starts I make sure to give everyone in my party a $50 gift card along with a Disney style Hallmark card. "Congrats!" - "You're goin to Disney World, Here's hoping you find something to remember our trip by!" ~ Love Dad!
3. A Pack of Wet Wipes/ Hand-Sanitzer. Something sticky spills, or you didn't quite wash your hands right.. This feels self explanatory.
4. Portable USB Power Bank Charger, You might be surprised how much you need your phone while in the parks. Snapping pictures, using the "My Disney Experience App" Keeping in touch with people in your party and phone games. Trust me, you'll need to charge your phone.
5. Take a drawstring backpack for wet clothes or really anything you're gonna buy. Having a dedicated place for the things you are adding to your person is a must. Drawstring backpacks can be folded down when not in use and can accommodate just about anything. Find Official Disney gear for much less on amazon!
6. A pack of tissues, handkerchief, or a bandana. Some folks allergies are in for a real surprise in Florida!
7.ZipLock Bags with a zip top. Never under estimate how much you'll beed these. From storing those $14 snacks you didn't finish to keeping your earrings in a safe place. OF course even using it to splash proof something as well.
WHEN IT COMES TO FIRST AID, Disney has got you covered. You don't have to pack headache meds or bandaids. every single park has a guests services area where you can sit down, cool off, get a cup of water, take some headache meds, or bandaids or allergy meds. They have a full first aid kit just in case anyone needs it. That being said, I still take a small amount of headache meds and allergy meds to take every morning before I go into the parks.
I have visited the parks with only taking my MagicBand and my Phone. Everything else I could ever need is available in the parks. It makes getting into the parks a breeze and I never regret it.
ONE LAST THING.
I plan on $300 per person for four days every time we go.
I know not everyone can do it, but I always recommend $300 worth of shopping allowance for extra snacks, souvenirs, experiences, etc. or any unplanned spending. I usually visit the parks for a minimum of 4 days and always end up using almost the full $300.
As a former cast member I ask to please not bring gum, I’m thinking of the cast members who have to clean up the gum. If you have to please be aware where you spit out the gum. I’m just saying there is a reason why they don’t sale gum in the parks and it’s because there are people who have spit out gum on the floor and that gum got stuck on peoples shoes. There have been cases where gum has been found under and on benches. If you don’t need it please don’t bring it into the parks.
I’ve never “used” gum in my life. I have no idea why people go crazy over the stuff.
MinecraftNinjagoAndStuff gum helps a lot when one eats a lot when they're bored. Gum have very little calories and no sugar normally but the flavor distracts from the hunger. I eat gum when I feel like eating but I know I shouldn't. But of course I know how to throw it away, I keep the wrapper and place the gum there when I'm done, and then throw them in the trash
Bring mints! So much better and you don’t have to worry about a wrapper.
I don't understand why people don't throw it out like they should anything else
alondra acevedo don’t some mints come in a small plastic wrapper?
Last trip to Disney we bought our 5 yr old and 7 yr old boys fanny packs. I know it sounds silly but it was great that they were able to carry their snacks and small toys in the park for the long wait in the lines. No getting out of line because “I’m hungry or I’m bored” for us. They were happy the whole time and occupied.
Great Idea, throw in a couple of plastic solider men to keep them preoccupied in line. Awesome :)
Fanny packs are a great idea for everyone. I don't know why you think it sounds silly. They are handy to keep everything needed at hand, no one has to lug any heavy bags, no danger of leaving it somewhere or stolen, etc.
That’s such a great idea. My older brother brought his and put it along his chest diagonally. It worked great. I brought a little bag that goes diagonally on me for snacks. Little bags are great!
Had mine and my first prepaid phone specifically fir this trip (flip phones had been invented but they werent prepaid) and I had butt dialed japan numbers so much when on rides that I ran out and we had to buy more minutes! I needed it for the park but it was a hassle in a fanny pack
Make sure you are checking out the pins you purchase to make sure they are authentic and not junk pins if purchasing online.
We bought a lot that were sooooo bad. Like couldn't even be possibly real. We kept some and put them on our pin board and gave some to friends or threw away alot
I know! I keep seeing these comments from pin collectors saying not to purchase fake pins, because it makes it harder to tell which ones are real, and which ones are authentic.
I'm like, really? There's some really pretty fake pins out there... I'm sure that artist took a lot of time and effort to make it, too. Sometimes fan art is very nice.
It's more of a collector's job to learn to differentiate the difference between real and fake pins.
kateofthecity im pretty sure when they talk about “fake pin”, they mean the exact replica of pins that you could originally get from the disney stores, not the fan art pins that artists made.
@@Whimsy3692 Hello! Definitely NOT talking about fan art. Unfortunately, we are talking about very cheap knock-off pins made in China & sold illegally here in the US. Their quality is inferior to the real pins. Pin collectors commonly refer to them as scrappers, because when they first started to show up in the parks, it was obvious that they were probably imperfect pins discarded at the factories, or "scrapped", that somehow were allowed to be diverted from the garbage & made their way here to the States. Fan art, on the other hand, that someone has designed and paid to be manufactured, is usually wayyyyy too expensive to be sold for pennies on the dollar & dumped onto Cast Members' lanyards like the scrappers are.
kateofthecity yah, but if you’re wanting to trade it, it sucks for the other trader, wanting legit pins...
I always bring sunscreen, hand sanitizer or wipes, and if not a change of clothes, a change of socks. I can handle wet clothes in the heat but I can’t handle walking around in wet socks! And for all my allergy prone peeps, during the Epcot flower and garden I made sure I brought allergy pills because I’m a normally stuffy person with the stuff in the air 😂 and yes on Tylenol or ibuprofen!
Rayza Pineda Yesss! When I was in Epcot and Holly Wood studios my allergies were bothering me so bad
I really like how you narrate your videos. Your voice is actually soothing. And every time I watch one of your videos I want to go to Disney.
I recommend getting from your local post office those "priority mail" boxes (the ones where regardless of weight, if it fits in the box, they'll ship it). If you're traveling from a good distance (and aren't driving) you can mail souvenirs home. This is especially great if you need to mail something like a snow globe which aren't always welcome on planes. But it frees up space in your bag and you don't have to worry about necessarily having an extra suitcase/duffel bag just for souvenirs.
Great tip! Thank you I will definitely do this! I have had my fragile souvenirs sent home, and have purchased gifts for others that I mailed from the resorts at the cost of a couple hundred dollars! I wish I would have known this earlier. Lesson learned!
I have never been to Disney, but I will take all these tips and put them in my bag! 👧🏻
Yankee Countess I would ship my dirty clothes home ground rate so I could take my souvenirs home with me.
That's a good tip for any trip, not just Disney World.
I did this on my last trip. I mailed the packages out two days before we left and they were waiting for us when we got home.
Oh! Body glide or any other anti-chafing cream! Even if you aren't a person who generally chafes, that stuff is so nice to know you have stashed in your bag. You can buy small purse sized ones (like, slightly larger than a lip balm) on Amazon or from sports stores. Chafing hurts like heck and can really take the fun out of your day and the next several days as well.
Kirsten Bower I bring diaper rash ointment for adults and kids for chafing! Great comment!
Yes! This is always a must in my bag! Especially in the water parks or on wet rides.
Body glide is a must.
I always like to rub coconut oil into easily chafed areas the night before, cheep, and it doesn't need to be reapplied
Kirsten Bower I blistered and ended up at urgent care.
If you simply must have a stroller, bring it from home. It’s cheaper, more comfortable, and easier to spot. You can also outfit it with battery operated led strings, which makes it even easier to spot at night, as well as get many compliments. Anything that lights up at night is awesome. You know those light up shoes the kids wear? They have them in adult sizes. Every family member can easily spot us in a crowd. That also goes for ponchos. Bringing your own means that you can pick colors. While everyone is stuck wearing the same one Disney sells, my family is different, and can be easily found.
Bring MINTS! Not Gum! don't have people messing up the perfect plan Disney has set with the "no gum" policy.
And I completely agree with the Ziplock bags. My family thought I was crazy when I packed mine... Then they used all of mine.
so i can't use gum for a airplane
A power strip! We quickly learned that we need more outlets for charging all our devices, portable chargers, fans, etc. Love your videos!
That's way more useful than most of the crap in this video
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I would also say don’t be afraid to use your umbrella as a sub shade during the day too! Extra protection, especially if you’re sensitive to the sun like me.
Also, I don’t know if they have them commonly in the states but minty wet wipes feel AMAZING when you’re in the shade and trying to cool off. They probably have them on amazon.
Yes! I do not like being hot and sweaty. I always bring body wipes, travel-sized deodorant, travel-sized cologne, and a small plastic bottle filled with no-rinse shampoo. It's so wonderful and invigorating on a hot day to have a quick freshen up. A change of clothes, underwear and socks, and a second pair of shoes makes all the difference on a long day in the parks! Dirty, sweaty, and/or wet clothes get thrown in a large zip lock baggie. And I bring a couple of caps, sunglasses, and a travel umbrella for protection from the sun!
Is umbrella allowed in the parks or just the ponchos?
BRING A POWER STRIP! If you're like my family and have 4 cell phones, an Ipad, 2 power packs and a breathing machine to plug in, it definitely comes in handy!
As a pharmacist and a Disney World fanatic who has gotten ill at the parks (way too many times for my liking), keep an eye out on the time of year you are going to the parks! Even if you don't typically get colds or catch the flu when flu season comes around, you never know what can happen! I would bring a small bag of common OTC (over-the-counter) medications like Tylenol/Motrin, cough/cold medications, stuff to treat sore throats, or anything that you know helps you when you get sick! Disney has medications at the resorts but they are very limited and VERY pricey! Better to get them at home before your trip where it is cheaper. :)
Once when my son was still pretty young we went to WDW before Christmas, as we often did, but this time we knew we were expecting a cold front. We wore windbreakers during the day and packed a lightweight nylon backpack with sweaters, hats and gloves and put it in a rental locker at Epcot. While we were sitting and waiting for the Candlelight Processional and the temperature was dropping below 40 degrees, I ran and got the backpack while my husband and son waited and held my seat. When I returned, we whipped off our windbreakers, put on our sweaters, put the windbreakers back on over the sweaters and put on our hats and gloves. There was a family of four sitting behind us and the mother leaned forward and jokingly asked if I happened to have an extra pair of gloves she could borrow. I did and I lent them to her until the Processional was over. She was so grateful and we were happy to share. The funniest part, though, was that we live three hours drive from WDW in South Florida and brought warm clothing. They were from the Midwest U.S. and never considered that they might want warm clothes or even that it might be that cold in Orlando.
All our kids are grown now, late teens and early 20’s .... I still always always pack baby wipes and band aides! Thanks for the great video and tips!
I’m actually leaving tomorrow for Disney, so this reminded me to pack some last minute things!!
Alison Carneal have a great time 😄
Alison Carneal have fun!
Get a dozen eggs! Run them in the coffee pot (no coffee) for 15 minutes. Then, run them again for 15 minutes. Ta-Dah! Hard boiled eggs.
Amazing!!! I never thought of this and I need my fat/protein. I don't do oatmeal or my tea from the tip with the coffee maker because of the coffee taste (I hate coffee), but the eggs would work because of the shell. I order water and have it delivered so eggs will be added to my list. TY
Jennifer Payne just use the sink water. You’ll waste less money.
*Don't encourage people to bring gum, there's a reason why Disney doesn't sell it!*
n33oh what’s the reason? O_o
@@nadiajuarez4763 ik it's late, but the reason is because some people can step in gum if they're barefoot
Also imagine being someone who has to go through and clean up all the gum...
Probably not too fun.
n33oh The reason some people need gum is for the plane trip. The change in air pressure really hurts my daughter’s ears to the point that she is in extreme pain that lasts throughout the entire flight. Swallowing and trying to pop her ears does nothing. Only chewing gum seems to help, and it actually works quite well. We’re not gum chewers in our family. That’s really the only thing we use it for.
@@MCat360 I've found that starbursts work just as well, and for some reason, they help with motion sickness, too. And since they're water-soluble, they're less of a hassle to clean up if a partially chewed one gets dropped.
Uhh, there's a reason why gum is not sold in WDW... please leave it at home! But if you *must* bring it, please bring small ziplock bags which you can use to dispose of it properly.
Gum can be disposed of in a plain napkin, scrap of paper, or the original wrapper, into the trash can. It doesn't need to be tossed specifically in a plastic bag. 🙄
Agreed. Ziplock was only one suggestion.
Or bring peppermints
Or chewy candy like Hi-Chew or Starburst. Long time chewing, lasting flavor, not meant to be spat out.
so can't use it on a plane
I know it's an app but get the app Heads Up! It was made by Ellen and is super great for standing in those long lines. Plus if you log in at the parks, you can get the Disney Parks pack which is full of fun Disney themed questions.
Camryn Singsandreads Disney also has an app of interactive games in most waiting lines!
We did this while waiting in line at Toy Story mania. People probably thought we were crazy but it was so much fun.
It’s a great way to get to know your neighbors too! I played this while waiting at Flight of Passage and people around us were getting in on it too
Fill one of those Ziploc bags you're bringing with Epsom salts. Soaking in the tub (or even just soaking your feet) will also make a world of difference! Then you have an empty bag at the end of the week for wet stuff.
that is nice idea, especially the Epsom with the lavender scent.
Great tip!
Just a quick tip for anyone who keeps getting blisters, WEAR NYLON SOCKS. We walked 32 miles on an expedition and I wore those socks and I didn't get ANY blisters (I am very blister prone)
Can you get those at like Walmart or do you have to look someplace else?
better yet, use Blister Block by Bandaid or Friction Defense by Gold Bond with your socks. Both can be found in drugstores, and it even enables me to wear sandals and pull ons without getting blisters. You can also use it to prevent chafing on your thighs or anywhere else it’s a problem. It’s amazing stuff, and I never travel without it! Another option is Body Glide, usually found in sports stores like Dicks.
Zodia195 I don't know what it is in America but in the UK you can get the socks in Primark (a cheap clothing store) and at most sports stores.
I wear Feeture socks. These socks are great when I do my 5ks.
yfriendstar 1234 Sports stores carry thick hiking socks.
Please don’t encourage people to buy pin lots on eBay. These are all fake and counterfeit and contribute to the further distribution of unofficial pins. It has really started to ruin the fun for real pin collectors and traders.
I came down to say the same thing. I made the mistake of buying counterfeit pins from ebay before I knew they were all fake, and never again.
dawnwesty was just about to comment the same thing.
We used to be really bad about this. We started watching the official disney website and buying the starter packs that come with 4-8 pins when they go on sale for super cheap and trading those out. That way we know they're legit and we put some good pins out there instead of the family pins that every cast member is forced to carry
I agree with this comment! Please don’t ruin the fun for others :(
Yep, definitely agree with this comment!
Really wish you guys would stop telling people to bring gum. Disney doesn't sell it for a reason and they have a deal with the airport for a reason. As someone who has personally stepped in gum at a water park with my barefeet I'd appreciate it to stay gum free.
Vikki Pierson - it's better than stepping in dog crap
Ferg pretty freaking close in comparison though
Vikki Pierson Totally agree. I cringe at the thought.
Those of us who fly tend to need the gum for that part of the trip, so pack it there and leave it in your bag. (I can't chew it much since I got dentures) But Walt prohibited it for a reason.
Gum is fine if the person disposes it in the trash.
Something that I have found very useful in our Disney trips is having a pop-up hamper. It makes everything so much more organized, especially if you are staying more than 5 days at WDW
We used to be really bad about buying grab bags of scrapper pins from amazon. But in recent years we look for the starter sets that come with 8 or so pins, when they go on sale on Disney's website that way we know we're trading legit pins. And so people can trade for good pins instead of the family pins that every cast member is plagued with XD
When I went to Disney with my school 2 years ago, I brought Ziploc bags, and my friends thought it was weird, and I showed them what they are for (to save food) and they thought it was very useful! Thanks, mom for making me bring them! They really helped me out! I had a snack that night and I didn't have to starve! I recommend doing this one!!
I love bringing my Disney plushies. Because even though I'm an adult I like to cuddle my stuffed animals.
AJ: "bring some glow sticks"
Me: "does a lightsaber count?"
I have a suggestion, why don’t you make a special video for parents and another one for singles? I enjoy your work but I think that many of the singles don’t need parents recommendations, I mean I just wanna know what I need as a single and not to listening everything about parenthood :)
Thanks 🙏
TheSurys or people with adult kids!
Then watch some Vegas travel videos! This is Disney! Go away! 😜🤣
BeautifulDiva1913 You don’t think Disney is just for children, do you? Are you the one who brought their unhappy toddler to California Grill the night I was there?
Also, hate Vegas.
@@pinkmonorail3960 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Go awaaaaaaaaay!!!!
Good tips! I also bring at least one sandwich type rubbermaid container to take my snacks in so they don't get smooched in my day pack, plus if my kid can't eat all his snack, which often happens then I have a nice sturdy container to put it away for later. Also, once I was talking with a somebody chaperoning a large group of teenagers staying at the hotel and she used that tape to put across the kids doors outside, that way when she was checking on them she could check out which ones were sneaking out later at night by seeing which door had the broken tape. Sneaky, but effective. :)
I always pack a decent sized plastic food container with (packed with underwear on the way out). This way, any leftover goodies won't work their way to the bottom of your bag and end up as a bag of crumbs. It's also good if you buy toiletries with a pop-up lid: the sturdy box round them stops them being squeezed and you won't then get home to a suitcase full of clothes covered in shampoo, for example.
Also for the towels.... Makeshift blankets for kids who need something to nap with (or as extra sun protection)
Good tip! I like to carry those fold-up thin waterproof blankets, meant for camping, that are lightweight and fit in a tiny pouch that you can throw in your bag. They are great for sun protection and for sitting on while waiting to watch the parades or fireworks.
Bring advil or acetaminophen.!! Take some about an hr before u get there and more throughout the day. As someone with flat feet that has foot pain despite the inserts and such, it helps with pain. Also if u are someone that gets sinus headaches and migraines from weather changes the Florida constant barometric pressure changes from all the storms moving through will do u in. Sunscreen is important and dont forget your ears!! Everyone always forgets to put it on their ears. Skin cancer is very real.
Christina giangarra, there is a brand of flip flop called Vionic (Orthoheel) that has a built in arch support. They're kinda expensive but it's the only flipflop I wear and I can wear them all day at the parks--they're wonderful!
I also have flat feet. In addition to shoes with support, I’ve also heard it helps to not wear the same pair everyday. Last trip my feet were a little achy at the end of the day, but I noticed it felt better when I put on different shoes the next day.
As a fellow flat footer we need to find shoes that correct for over pronation. A google search should come up with good websites with suggestions. I’ve always been partial to ASICS but whatever fits best. I would never wear flippy flops to walk the parks, that’s masochistic. Sunscreen for sure.
If your going to use the brand name Advil then why didn't you use the brand name Tylenol? Advil = ibuprofen Tylenol = acetaminophen.
For little or big ones, the portable Kleenex or Cottonelle wipes.
I used body wipes too, to freshen up after a few hours. It also cools you off.
For the pennies.. the mini M&M tubes hold quarters perfectly. With my neice and nephew we layed 2 quarters/1 penny.. had them all in order and ready to go
Towels are also extremely helpful during the summer months for parades! If you want to sit down and watch them, throw down your towels so the hot concrete doesn’t burn you!! They SAVED my family and I when I went to disney so long ago!
Hey AJ. Would you be able to do a video of the healthiest restaurants/meals in the parks? Trying to be a good girl and sticking to my diet loosing weight when I go! Thank you for posting all of these videos! They are the best!
I know it’s tempting but do not buy the eBay pin lots they are all fake. It is not fair for the guests who bought their pins from the park. Also, if cast members know they are fake they will not trade with you.
The best purchase I made for the trip, was actually IN Disney. For 30$ you can buy an external charger for your phone that works better than the cheap ones I had brought, comes with all the cords you need, AND can be swapped out throughout the parks for fresh ones. There are usually 4-5 kiosks in each park , located in gift stores, where you drop the dead one in, and it spits out another one free. They don't expire and you get to keep one forever apparently. We were there 7 days and between videos, pics, disney app, and trying to get fun Pokemon Go pokestops my phone was zipping through the battery like crazy I gave up on the cheap battery packs I'd brought on the first day, bought this and never worried again--plus it doesn't require any special charging port so you can take it home and use it whenever you want.
Also use a small ziplock bag to keep receipts--you never know if you might need those later. Plus to keep an accurate eye on how much your spending.
I do the ramen/oatmeal with coffee maker thing too. BUT! Some newer hotels (like the pet-friendly Loews' Sapphire Falls by Universal Studios) do NOT have coffee makers like this! Gasp! They have these fancy Keurig cup things instead. So make sure to also pack snacks that don't require water, like granola bars.
Bella_Iris just don’t put a pod in the machine and run the water through. I usually run the first batch of water and dump it to get the coffee taste out.
I always manage to forget a small hair brush for after ride messy hair. The intention is always there, the follow through not so much.
Good tip! I always bring body wipes and a small bottle filled with no-rinse shampoo for a quick freshen up. Travel hair brush is a must!
Yes! There are even those super convenient compact folding brushes! I always carry one in my purse!
Don’t forget to bring SD cards for your digital cameras or video recorders! I brought a new camera and forgot to get the SD card and NO ONE carried them at ANY park! Luckily, I was able to use my phone for any videos then download them to Facebook. Just remember, bring your SD cards!
Dish soap and a small sponge! I always want to wash out my refillable mugs better than just rinsing. I even will buy a sponge before I go, cut it up into smaller pieces, get them wet and pour soap on them. Then let them dry and pack them, then you only have to bring a baggie of little sponges and they’re ready to go!
Some really great tips in this list! We also bring the ziplock bags as well as several other items on the list. Blue painters tape is also great for creating a birthday decorated room without messing up the walls. I will say that we used to take the super cheap, disposable ponchos to the parks; however, at $1 a piece, we've actually saved more now that we broke down and bought the Disney ones. They are so much better made, and if you rip one they will replace it. (I think it was $9/each).
A recommendation to add to the list would be something bought from Amazon called Tri-Glide. It's a spray for your feet (and thighs) to help keep blisters at bay. Since using it, Dawn has never gotten a blister and Christina has gotten less of them. We're sure that other runner sprays will also work, but this is the one we can speak to. :)
Remember snacks should be high protein and low in salt! Keeps you fuller for longer and doesn’t dry you out!
nah ill just snack on some chex mix instead
Here is a tip. Disposable paper changing pad. So many people are using the changing tables for their babies. You put one down and then put your changing pad on top. They are usually a little bit larger than your changing pad so it keeps the surface cleaner. I am also that person that uses a Clorox wipe when I am done and I wipe my whole area down. I actually got a bunch of thank you’s from people waiting in line behind me when they saw me do that.
BRING HAIRBANDS!!! We forgot ours and my mom made me use one she found on the ground 😭😷
PhiaGirl nooooooooooo omg
Oh man.....😳😬
That's a health hazard
😂 I’m so sorry
Chelsea Lopez I mean that’s gross... but it’s in your hair not your mouth, also how do you forget hair ties??
I always pack a very basic first aid kit with the Tylenol, Band-Aids etc. I forgot to bring extra hair ties with me last year and could not believe how expensive they were in the gift shop!
clmoss83 definitely on the hair ties!! Plus u break them or lose them, or kids see the stock of them on Expedition Everest (seriously why do ppl do that?!) and decide to add their own then need them....
Little addition: Bring hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and wet wipes! They come in so handy when you just had a meal or snack and don't have any restroom near you 😊
All of these tips are really useful! I took great advantage of them on my trip. I think I was quite good prepared for a first timer ☺️ Even as an adult I loved having my glowing Mickey ears which I brought from home for only 3€. Same goes for the ponchos, we saved a ton of money there! 🌧️ I also carried flip flops with me and changed shoes as it started raining 👟 When we wanted to go on water rides, I also took extra clothes. And zip lock bags of course! 🌊 Put my electronics in bags, but also our sunscreen bottle which tends to leak. And I always had a big bag with me to actually cover my whole backpack during the water rides. So worth it!
I always bring a mesh laundry bag for the bathroom. My kids are always leaving clothing behind at hotels and this is just an easy way to keep all dirty laundry in one place. It takes up zero room in a suitcase too!
I always wondered what people with enormous rucksacks had in them! My tiny little cross body bag has my sunglasses case, a poncho, a lip gloss & a comb! Even when we had a toddler in a pushchair all I had in my nappy bag (which hung on the handles of the pushchair so no carrying) was nappies, wipes & nappy sacks! Oh, we did have sunscreen in then too. The one thing we all find useful is to have a carabiner on our belt hooks to hang our baseball caps on when on fast rides or indoors. I would never carry a water bottle as like AJ says, you can get free water everywhere. Use a disposable cup that doesn’t need carrying all day or if you want to be more environmentally friendly use a water fountain. No need for spare clothes or towels for your kids either. They get wet in the Splash & play areas & in 1/2 hour they’re dry...it’s Florida! I wouldn’t bother with snacks either. The meals are so big we rarely eat between them & if we do we want an ice cream so you can’t put that in your bag all day. I love the DFB videos so apologies if this reads as me being snooty. It’s not meant to be. AJ & the gang are brilliant!
This is for traveling in general- bring twisty ties for your suitcases or anything with a zipper on it. Or you could spend the extra money and get tiny locks. With Twisty ties you connect the two sliders (the things that move along the zipper) together. So that way when you're not in your room, this is a good way to prevent others from going through your suitcases. Well with the twisty ties it's not 100% but it's suppose to help discourage those from doing it. My parents taught me this tip.
Zodia195 great idea,!
Zodia195 If you're willing to spend a little money, a flare gun. You slip one of those bad boys in your bag, then when they ask you if you have anything to declare, you say yes. They count as a firearm so you have to sign some paperwork, lock it with a TSA approved lock, and they track it like a man possessed as they don't want a firearm lost. That is a PR nightmare. Your stuff will not be molested, and you are guaranteed to not lose your luggage. Of course check the latest ordinances and rules to avoid legal issues.
Just a little tip. Florida weather is crazy. In the summer, it can rain anytime. If u go into the parks, bring a pair of good flip flops. You'll want to wear them on the rides that you get wet on. Plus if it rains your sneakers and socks won't be wet. If your like me, (in the parks for 12+ hrs) by the end of the night you'll want to change outta your sneakers and let your swollen feet get some air.
Another *great* tip! I know most people like wearing flip-flops or sandals, but I do not personally care for them. Instead of cheap water socks with no support, a good quality pair of boat shoes is fabulous on wet rides or wearing all day at the Disney water parks. The shoes are waterproof, have great support like tennis shoes, and will air out and dry quickly just like flip-flops. Don't forget to wear Band-Aid blister guards. With so much walking and standing in lines, taking care of your feet and a little bit of pampering is definitely a priority!
I LOVE the videos you've made, especially those with suggestions!
I took my four year old son to Disneyland for his first of many visits thirty (!!! unbelievable!!) years ago. I love this particular video of yours because it reminds me of the things I packed, the "must haves", that were available in 1988. Friends & family thought I was neurotic and crazy to bring what I did; you have soothed my soul and reinforced that I WASN'T so nuts to bring the items I did. Someone else feels we should be prepared when we enter those parks with our kids; they're huge and can be exhausting! You & I are think and plan ahead people and even now I'm appreciated when people have tummy troubles, fevers & headaches, need bandaids or women's items, are gassy, feel a migraine starting or have chapped lips. I know people are laughing at this point. But every one of these items are available at a dollar-type store, in a blister pack or tiny tube. One pack of the generic items of Pepto, Excedrin, Tums, Gas X, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Immodium (for diaharrea) can and have saved me as well as family and friends from having to leave a park, or the beach or wherever, to return to the hotel. It's interventional first aid. Suddenly I'm no longer neurotic, but helpful! I throw everything in a zip top bag; hardly takes any space in a day bag, and is a lifesaver.
There is a sale right now on the Disney website until Monday July 16th that is 25% off with the codes on the website including many of the pins/pin packs so getting legit starter sets and mystery sets is a little less expensive right now!
Also, don’t forget to bring waterproof makeup! Because if you don’t, your makeup is going to get all runny.
Especially on water rides and water parks! I recommend putting on a little coat on before any ride, just in case!
i don't wear makeup
All your uploads lately have been so helpful in planning my trip coming up
Bring plastic clothes pegs. If you stay at a Disney resort, clothes pegs are great for keeping the curtains closed and also to secure clothes when drying your bathing suits on the balcony. They are also good if you want a way to keep open chip packages closed. Bring extra sunglasses. My son always would leave his on a ride or at the table. Hats are absolutely essential during the summer months. Have lots of bandaids and carry them with you in the park. You never know when that blister might start. My biggest tip is to set an amount of money for each child. I would hold onto the money, but my kids could buy whatever they wanted. But I warned them, make sure you really want what you are buying! Once the money is spent, that’s it! This saves a lot of headaches as almost every ride you exit from leads to a store! This eliminated the whining and begging!
I bring my CamelBak filled with mostly ice and a bit of water. It keeps my back cool and plenty of water to drink.
Please don't encourage the purchase of ebay pin lots! They are almost ALWAYS fake or scrapper pins! Lots like these mean many traders in the parks are fakes and the price of real pins have been slowly rising
tell that to other people who tell that hack and you people only attack AJ for it?
An eye glass repair kit in case a lens falls out.
Yes! This happened to me on our trip! And we had to get a kit at the hotel giftshop. Not the worst thing in the world but still would have been nice to already have one! Also, just make sure your glasses' arms are secure and tight so that way you're not struggling to fix your glasses on the fly in front of MK! haha :)
Also, I wear the strap on my reading glasses and just keep them on all the time. My sons all have regular glasses and will be getting straps for them too so if they ride a fast ride, etc, they won't fall off
todd2935 Genius. Totally agree. I hope everyone sees this. Happened to us and it was madness.
I have a spare set of glasses. If other people do, and they should for emergencies, they should bring those as well.
they have them in the first aid area
I pack like 18 of each size ziploc. and various styles. I agree we always used almost all by the end.
It's great for packing your park bag. Things are already categorized and spaced out..Putting children's spare clothes inside of them, diapers, wipes, etc.
Baby wipes! We are long past the days of using them for diapers, but they are so handy to clean up messy hands, faces, or even wipe down a table at counter service restaurants.
Please never buy bulk pin lots on EBay!!! They’re all fake pins and putting those in the park are never good!!
If they are selling bulk instead of single pins you can guarantee they are fakes. No real pin trader could possibly afford to be selling 100s of pins to lots of customers.
SimplyJohn not true at all. I’ve bought many many bulk purchases of Disney pins. I recently bought 50 pins (random) for five dollars. Great deal. It came instantly. Every pin was a real pin with a mickey back and the official Disney mark on the back of each pin, I check every one. I know SOME probably are a scam, but not all of them are.
Gretchxnn just because they have Mickey backs and the pin trading stamp on them doesn’t mean they are authentic. There are other ways to check if they are real, usually quality of the pattern on the back and the filling of enamel on the front. There are lots of ‘scrapper’ pins which are actually from the same factory as the real ones, but were meant to be binned as they are not up to standard. Most pins on eBay are scrappers.
they wont even accept them. those cast members are professionals at identifying fake pins.
Ava Cannon Not always true. It’s a Cast member rule that they can never turn down a trade from a kid. Some of these cast members have no idea how to spot a fake - and they’re not always policing the boards and albums to make sure that the pins there aren’t fakes. Good-hearted parents *frequently* make ignorance-based mistakes in situations like this all the time - just to make their kid happy (I’ve watched parents pick up Grand Theft Auto games for their 12 year old, for example). It’s going to be next to impossible at this point to shut down the scrapper market...but what AJ said in good hearted ignorance will convince some people to buy their pins from a place where they’re almost guaranteed to get ripped off.
Recommendation for a video - By looking at the menu's how do you know what qualifies for a Table service vs quick service vs snack ???
I am a a big believer of taking zip lock bags, too! Besides bringing a second outfit and a second pair of shoes, I always like to bring a small package of body wipes to freshen up. They're like wet wipes but a bit larger. Convenient and disposable. Dry shampoo or a bit of no-rinse shampoo kept in a smaller bottle is wonderful, too! Small luxuries make such a difference on a long day at the parks!
Me and my girlfriend just got back from Disney World, and the best thing we brought to the parks was a backpack with a hydration pack. It’s a small insulated backpack that had a hydration bag that can hold up to 2 liters of water! Before leaving our hotel, we filled it up with ice and water, and during the hot summer days at the park, the backpack came in handy!
Hotel:
- power strip and/or extension cord (to reach behind the bed where the outlet is and make multiple outlets easily available for all those chargers)
- alarm clock
- nightlight
- bathing suit
At the park:
- sunscreen
- battery pack for phone (Stopping to plug in your charger is a pain)
- lightweight backpack - You can stuff them in your pocket, avoid the bag search line and stash jacket, etc. in it.
- hat
- floss (love those ribs, but!)
The things you have on your list are good all except the lightweight backpack. Not because it's not usefull it's the fact you say you should stuff it in your pocket to avoid bag search lines. This makes you sound really sketchy like you are trying to sneak things into the parks. Disney has bag checks for a reason, it's only to keep people safe and they wouldnt do it if it wasn't necessary. As a Disney lover who has been countless time I know the lines can be annoying and can slow your day right down but trying to skip them is really bad. If you don't have anything to hide and have packed light your bag search is only going to take a couple of minutes. To anyone else reading this I cannot stress enough how bad and sketchy trying to avoid bag searches is. Also you will probably be caught and then cast members will be suspicious of you. It's not a smart or good thing to do.
I got almost nothing out of this. I’m single and go the the park with friends. There are no kids.
Ok? she makes these videos for a certain audience I’m sorry if you aren’t in the demographic she is trying to reach
Moleskine's a solution for blisters. What you want is to prevent them. Non-cotton socks like runners use don't chafe when they get wet and keep rubbing to a minimum when dry.
Things to do during line waits!!! Cards, small travel games, electronics (with extra battery pack). My 12 year olds got super bored waiting in lines we couldn’t get Fastpass’ for and we SO wish we brought things to keep them busy. And tiny foldable camp chairs! You can buy tiny triangle seat camp chairs on amazon to pack in your park bag and that would have been nice when we didn’t want to sit on the ground during those 80 minute line waits.
But.....but the bulk lot pins are scrapers!! They're fakes!
Pinkpearlapple They are. AJ clearly did not do her homework on that one tip. The rest of the tips are pretty good, but I really hope that she corrects that one. It can be a very disappointing mistake if someone takes her advice.
Laura Smith not true at all. I’ve bought many many bulk purchases of Disney pins. I recently bought 50 pins (random) for five dollars. Great deal. It came instantly. Every pin was a real pin with a mickey back and the official Disney mark on the back of each pin, I check every one. I know SOME probably are a scam, but not all of them are. Literally AJ did do her research because these many, many successes in buying bulk of pins.
Gretchxnn You clearly must know what you’re doing and who you’re buying from, then. Please read the comments in the rest of this thread. You are *very* much in the minority, which is why AJ making a blanket recommendation like that is so dangerous. Someone who blindly goes on eBay looking to buy a cheap set of bulk pins is almost guaranteed to end up with a pile of scrappers.
Laura Smith that’s true. I took the risk once and just keep on buying from that trusted seller. They stopped selling and that was my last purchase. I do agree, that was a bold statement.
Gretchxnn When I first started thinking about pin trading, my initial instinct was to look at Amazon (I’m a Prime member so that’s my first instinct for almost any shopping purchase). After the obvious quality issues raised a red flag for me I started researching the scrapper issue...and my jaw dropped open at how *huge* the problem is. Being a trading neophyte I pretty much resolved to buy only from Disney directly until I have a better idea of what I’m doing. That’s why AJ’s casual recommendation for buying pins on eBay made me so mad. It’s like saying “why buy concert tickets from Ticketmaster when there are all those guys selling tickets outside of the stadium before the show?” Yeah, you might end up buying from the one honest scalper, but what are the odds?
A nightlight !! My girls’ needed one when they were little.
Totally fabulous job, AJ! You hit all the tips I always give others, and many more too!! BRAVO!!
This was super helpful !! Baby wipes , even if you don’t have a kid or baby but wipes always come in handy for spills , sticky hands etc x
I’m going to Disney world in a week and these last couple of videos have been super helpful!
R2 B2 Have a safe, amazing trip!
Travel sized Gold Bond powder is always in my purse for Disney because chub rub is a real thing and this saves legs!
Alexandra Gill Anti-Monkey-Butt powder is better than Gold Bond. Though can get it on Amazon. I hate Chub-rub!!!
I've been living off the wonder that is body glide (friend and companion to my beloved foot glide).
Lol chub-rub 😂😂❤
just bought some@ Ace Hardware
Great tip! I always use Arm & Hammer glide together with medicated Gold Bond powder when visiting the parks. Nothing can ruin your trip like painful chafing.
Having just returned from my trip to Disney World I highly suggest that if you are bringing or buying a fan, you absolutely must have spare batteries or rechargeable batteries with a charger. My fan would run low or out completely after a day or two. For a 7 day trip in summer, it could have been disastrous. Many fans require a screwdriver to access the battery panel so look at what your pre-purchased fan needs and pack accordingly.
I bought several different sizes of carabiners with me from tiny to large and used them all. I could clip my refillable popcorn bucket and drink bottle to my backpack, my magic band to my neck fan instead of wearing it on my sunburnt wrist (remember to put sunscreen under your band as well!) I used the smallest to clip both zippers on my backpack together to keep it secure while on my back.
Some people say don't bother with bandaids and just go to first aid but let me tell you, you never need a band aid when you are near first aid. AK is the worst for getting back to first aid. I was 3 miles from it when I almost passed out from the heat. Imagine walking 3 miles with a grazed knee or cut. Pack your own mini first aid kit for sure!
I love all these videos. My family and I are avid Disneyland fans. Finally, we are going to Walt Disney World the summer of 2019. We are enjoying this channel and all the helpful hints. Most of all, your videos are getting us so excited. Thank you so much.
Bring a couple of extension cords you will always use them. Also night lights for your room
Yes great tip! I like bringing a travel power strip. We have also brought battery powered tea-light candles and battery powered string lights for a bit of ambience in our rooms at night.
Jeff Guice mood lighting with the candles great idea lol
A Sharpe pin and a note book for autographs thay are supper pricey at the parks
I have found emergency blankets work a bit better than a poncho. We always have them with us as we are usually there for the marathon weekends. The mornings can be cool and work great for the unexpected rain shower.
Two carabiners/mommy hooks are amazing for hanging your bag or backpack on the stroller and keeps it from swinging around since you have two connect points. So helpful. Also, if you’re bringing a backpack, consider either using a dedicated hydration pack/Camelbak or just buy a hydration bladder insert to throw into your existing backpack. Very convenient and keeps your hands free.
Please edit the comment telling people to buy their pins off ebay, those lots are fake pins. Buying from Disney website, pin groups or the warehouse's in Orlando is the best way to get pins for trading.
Foot glide!!! Its like a deodorant stick u rub on your feet to prevent blisters. Used it for the first time yesterday at magic kingdom and it was awesome. (Body glide works well for chafing elsewhere as well). Amazon has that as well as an array of awesome cooling towels.
you can also use regular stick deodorant for this!
Great tips! Just got back and those cooling cloths were worth their weight in gold! I would suggest bringing hand wipes. They come in handy after the kids play with the games in the standby queue.
Your pans are what dreams are made of. Love the top tips! Don't have any kids, but if I ever do, will definitely put some of these things into practice. Thanks AJ!