So, as I said in an earlier post, I have spent about two years obsessing and planning for this, our first trip as a family to Disneyland!
Since my husband and I are both public school teachers, we don't get to take advantage of all of the "best times to go" advice-- so we are going in June and we are going to roll with the punches with regard to all of the crowds.
The bonus to us going in June... the first day in the park will be my daughter's 6th birthday and the last day in the park will be my 37th birthday! *awesome*
Since I have had plenty of time to research for this trip, I have also had plenty of time to slowly collect some (or a lot) of items to add to the magic of this adventure. So with FOUR WEEKS left before we hit the road and meet Mickey, let me share most of my ideas (and collected items) with you!
In no particular obvious order, I present...
I got two reusable bags from the Disney Store (it was buy one get one free- sweet!). Since they added the Frozen themed activities to the park, it's a perfect fit! My current reusable bags from our Hawaii trip in 2012 are on their last legs, so I plan on buying a few more of these Disney bags during our trip. I really do use them all the time during my grocery shopping trips.
My daughter LOVES anything to do with arts and crafts. She is constantly creating. So some of the items will be given to her for the road trip (both ahead of time and as little "on the way" treats) and in her Tinkerbell bags (more on that soon!).
I think she will get a kick out of the window crayons for the car ride and our condo windows! I always head to Wal-Mart for these type of items. They have the best selection and the best prices!
These were a great find at the Dollar Store! We are going to Disneyland and California Adventures, so I figured these would be fun to put in her Tinkerbell Gifts (wait for it... wait for it...)!
Note: If you are going to slowly collect cheap items for your family trip, I recommend hitting the Dollar Store, Wal-Mart, and Target (among your other favorite stores) more than once and during different seasons if possible. I have two Dollar Stores in my city (one is MUCH bigger than the other) and they both provide different items that rock!
Below are some more of my Dollar Store finds! I have zip-loc baggies with both a Cars theme and a Princess theme. There is a Minnie nightlight (more for fun that out of necessity), a Minnie pen with flashlight for dark waiting lines, packages of tissues in Mickey and Princess themes, glow wands, glow bracelets, and Disney themed wash cloths! Again, these will appear in a variety of ways throughout the trip.
A lot of Pinterest pins suggest a cheap cookie sheet to be used for a variety of activities during a road trip. While at Wal-Mart, on the same aisle I found the cookie sheet for less than $4 and the alphabet magnets for less than $1.
My daughter is already becoming an excellent reader, so I'm sure she'll have a blast creating phrases and "writing" messages throughout our 15 hour (one way!) road trip. Plus she can use the tray as a hard surface to color/write on.
While perusing the book section at Wal-Mart, I found these two magazines! So cute! She will love feeling like a grown-up. A quick glance through them showed a lot of activities and some great reads.
I'll spread these out and give one one the trip down and one on the trip back.
I mentioned my daughter loves to write and create, right? I was thinking of using the composition book as a pass-back-and-forth book. I would write a note to her and ask a question or two... then she could write back (and or draw pictures, etc.). My thought was I would give this to her on the first day of summer and we would write in it all summer long.
The pink, sparkly, folder is for collecting her art work. I'm a little OCD (okay A LOT!) and I can't stand random papers strewn about, and on a road trip it would bother me even more! Plus the folder will help keep her work from getting damaged or wrinkled. *grin*
Fun find over Winter break-- word search puzzle books! Both Frozen and Sophia are Disney creations. I have tried to collect only things "Disney"!
These were some finds from a variety of stores (Target, Staples, World Market, and Party Mart)- crazy!
The Sharpies are specifically retractable sharpies. Many blogs have commented that the characters even said "Thank You" for having larger pens to write with (I was hoping to find fatter pens, but after checking four different stores, no such luck). I have a super fat sharpie that I will take with me and we'll see how it goes... Bonus with the retractable, no losing the cap!
A themed Pez dispenser- fun! Pop Rocks- awesome! And the #6 candle to celebrate my Princess' birthday!
I grabbed the batteries today (and put them with all the Disney stuff) so that I wouldn't forget them (or forget to get them).
We can never go wrong with Band-aids! Cassidy doesn't get hurt much, but like most kids her age... a band-aid will fix anything. So even though I have no plans for these band-aids to be used during our trip, it's a fun addition to her treats (and will easily find their way back to our home).
I allow myself to wander through Bed, Bath, and Beyond at least once a season. Today, this was my find! They look super cool, right?!
I was picturing how nice it would be to have these in our park bag filled with some snacks, a sandwich, etc., and then collapse them down to about the width of two DVD's.
And whether or not it is a total bust (leave them at the condo on day 2-- no biggy!), they will come in handy in September when the new school year begins! Win-win!
OCD at its best! I got the three different size baggies (gallon, sandwich, and snack) and packed them with the Disney stuff so I wouldn't use them for other stuff (and I would remember to bring them with me-- otherwise I can see myself needing some while I am organizing in LA while they are sitting in my pantry in Salem!!).
I also got a three pack of generic Clorox wipes. They are small containers, but I'll probably take two and whatever I don't use I'll leave at the condo as a freebie for the next occupant.
Note: I've stayed in a handful of condos over the years (most of them through World Mark because my in-laws have a membership with them). Every time, the "checking out" rules say to dispose of everything, yada yada yada. But the condo (through www.vrbo.com) we are staying at for this epic adventure BOASTS about all of the extras. They talk about spices and other "stuff" that are available PLUS whatever was left behind from previous occupants (like extra paper towels, toys, etc.). Love it!
The Tinkerbell gifts...
*drum roll please*
The Mickey and Minnie gift bags (above) and the Tinkerbell and Princess gift bags (below) are for my daughter's TINKERBELL GIFTS!!! I'm very excited about this part! (idea first seen here).
Each night, before we head to the parks, I will place a gift bag (with treats inside of course!) in her bedroom after she has fallen asleep (I'm thinking on her door maybe?) similar to the Tooth Fairy process. There will also be glitter (pixie dust!!!) involved too!
The first Tinkerbell Gift will include a poem (borrowed and adapted from mommyrulesx3 on her thread):
This is your Family's Magical Time
to get gifts from the fairy-kind.
To Be Fair When I Spread My Pixie Dust
I can only Ever visit each family Once
...Fairies are in high demand,
Across DisneyWorld and DisneyLand...
Each morning of this trip that you are here,
I will leave you a small bit of cheer.
I hope my tokens make your year.
To get these one-time gifts from me,
You must follow Tink's Rule of Three
1) Treat family (and others) kindly
2) Take turns with one another and use time wisely
3) Try hard not to argue and fight, love each other with all your might
These are my fairy rules for you.
Try your best to stay true.
Your friend,TinkerBell
I will adjust appropriately. Isn't it adorable?!!! After the first day, I'll just write a short note saying hi, hope you are having fun, etc. *excited*
Light up badges! These were $1 each at Wal-Mart and Target! These will be so great when we are at the parks after the sun goes down! And I got the princess castle light up wirly-twirly gadget from Walgreens (during their after Christmas 60% off sale-- so I think it was $1.29!).
No $25 Disney light up toys for this family!!!
There is a princess book for bedtime reading in the picture too.
Bubbles! Bubbles! Bubbles!
I have already purchased two party packs of bubbles (8 small bottles of bubbles), so this will be a great addition. I'm planning to put this in a gallon size zip-loc bag and place it in our park backpack to entertain us (and those around us?) while waiting in long longs!
Like most kids, my daughter loves bubbles (and she loves making others happy), so this is a well spent $2.47!
This was a fun find-- a mini clipboard (below). I had the idea a few months ago to buy postcards as soon as we get inside the park and use our wait time in line to write to friends and family!
When I saw this, on the office supplies aisle, I knew this would be a perfect addition to our park backpack! I'll put this, along with the Disneyland postcards, in a gallon zip-loc bag (to keep it dry on wet rides). This will come in handy when my daughter needs a flat surface to write nicely. *patting myself on the back*
Below are two Dollar Store finds- Connect Four (travel size- great for restaurants!) and a chocolate treat (Frozen theme!).
The Jelly Belly's were actually stocking stuffers from Christmas! haha! But I snagged them as I was reorganizing (OCD) all her stuffer items and hid them.
The M&M containers are empty. Rude right?! Nope... I'm going to use these for my two-quarters-one-penny combo for pressed pennies! I have some left over contact paper (at school) that I will cover the Easter theme with so it looks professional.
Note: There is a Pinterest pin showing a method to clean the pennies (and quarters) prior to pressing (which makes total sense- I want them pretty!). I plan to do that the week before we go (a task I will do with my daughter).
There is also a variety of pins with ideas of ways to use the pressed pennies for projects (jewelry, in a book, etc.).
I was at our local auto parts store getting a replacement part for my old car (I just bought a new-to-me car that we are driving down to Disneyland in-- so stoked!) and I noticed Cars themed matchbox cars on an end display!
My daughter LOVES matchbox cars!!! So I bought one to remind me to go back and get the other two or three they have before the trip (helps spread out the costs of all of these trinkets)-- they are about $5-$7 each, but she really does play with them!!
In the middle is our Mickey lanyard. After reading tons of blogs over the two years, I chose one that has a clear side (on the back), zips closed (big deal!), and is Disney themed (I have a couple University of Oregon lanyards-- GO DUCKS!!!) but decided to go all out with the Disney theme!
On the far right (this is an eclectic picture!) is a pocket blanket. Again, based on a recommendation from a blog, I found this on www.amazon.com. It folds up tiny (as you can see) and is water proof. I figure this will be awesome for sitting and watching the parades!! And after our Disney trip (is there life after Disneyland?!?!) I can stow it in my car and use it for picnics, beach trips, sports games, and so on!
And now the Gotta Have stuff!
I found these ponchos at our local Winco (grocery store) for 88 cents! I was shocked and thrilled, so I snagged eight! I'm sure we won't use one a day (and I can use the scissors that I will have in my bag to trim one for my daughter if it is too long for her).
Almost every blog I read suggested to bring a personal fan (most recommended the kind that sprays water--but I don't want the extra weight or potential mess). I found this one last summer and snagged it-- I think it was less than $2.
I bought some shoe inserts, I figured this might help add to the comfort of the miles and miles I plan on putting on my Nike tennis shoes (I am bringing at least three pairs to rotate between, but seriously... it's not like these inserts take up lots of room or weight!).
I also included moleskin (this is where the scissors will come handy!), band-aid blister aids, and Gold Bond friction stick. I would rather have these items and not need them, then have to buy them in California (tourist city + taxes = expensive!) or worse, in the park!
I have fallen in love with the Neo-To-Go spray! It's about $6 (yuck!) but super easy to use (you don't have to touch the wound- just spray) and it doesn't take up much room at all!
I have a travel size Dramamine (it has 4 tablets) just in case (road trip, Disney rides, who knows!?) and Jr Strength generic ibuprofen for Cassidy. They are chew-able! So if she gets a headache we are covered!
And from the Dollar Store (again!) I found a cute Strawberry Shortcake toothbrush that comes with a plastic toiletries bag. I also snagged a Crayola toothbrush that lights up. I'll let her choose which one she wants to travel with and we'll save the other for another trip. And let's not forget fun and colorful individual flossers!
Hygiene is important, even at the Happiest Place on Earth!
I grabbed some pop up hampers (one for us and one for Cassidy) because I can NOT stand piles of laundry in a beautiful condo (usually I create a dirty pile in the closet and close the door, but this was a no-brainer!). Since we are in a condo, we can do laundry easily... but this is another layer of keeping things nice and neat!
And we can't forget sun protection!!! I'm a red head, but I am fortunate in that I actually tan pretty well. But inevitably I get burned first. That being said, Coppertone Sport is my all time favorite sunscreen! It works amazingly, it smells awesome, and I can sweat without it running into my eyes!
I recently saw an ad for the Coppertone Clearly Sheer (claiming that it isn't oily, etc.) so I am going to try that out (specifically for my face). And the Coppertone Kids is for Cassidy- duh! I use spray if I am putting a second coat on, but I prefer to start with the lotion. But for Cassidy, we spray her down really good and then reapply as necessary.
Have no fear, the after-sun Aloe is in the fridge and will be packed.
And chapstick with SPF-- yes please!!! I'm going to let Cassidy choose which one she wants-- we will not share.
There is also brand new pair of Tinkerbell sunglasses for Cassidy that didn't make it into the picture.
I thought this would be a great day-before-we-go gift, with some cute note about getting up early (or on time?!) to get on the road!
I purposely chose NOT to get a digital clock for three reasons; 1) This one was cute and had Anna and Elsa!, 2) She just started learning how to read an analog clock and I want to give her every chance I can to practice her new skill, and 3) I can't stand that my teenage students can't read the analog clock in my classroom, claiming they can only read a digital (uuuugggghhh!!!)!
Clothes and stuff!!! I did not buy these all at the same time. I collected these over a few different trips to the Disney Store at an outlet mall less than an hour away. And actually, the black LOVE t-shirt came from Target (and was only $5!). The socks were in a Target bin ($2 maybe?). The silver sparkly fake crocs are from Wal-Mart if I remember correctly...
The Anna & Elsa water bottle was a Target find as was the Mickey themed hand soap! I figured I would leave it closed until we got to our destination condo. If our condo (which is Disney themed!) already has Disney soap in Cassidy's bathroom, I'll keep it and use it when we get back to keep the magic alive a little longer!
And in case she needs help having sweet dreams, new pajamas! A Frozen pair and a Minnie pair. These will actually be perfect in our air conditioned condo!
These are all of the pictures...
I also have two beach towels from the Disney Store (I bought them on the website because they were on sale for $10 each and I haven't bought beach towels in about five years).
We got a great deal during a swimwear sale at the Disney Store (though they didn't have her size, so they ordered it and it was delivered free of s/h) on the cutest Frozen bikini. It wasn't a surprise, so those are with her other swimsuits.
On her birthday, she will unwrap the Anna dress (the one she wears in the Fever Short-- it's so cute) that I got for a STEAL on Ebay (new, with tags!). I'll give her the Frozen pail (that also has the Spring motif) and some other little Frozen trinkets to stay on theme.
I haven't created her autograph book yet (but it is in the design stages... and it will be epic). *** UPDATE: The autograph book (and more) have been created! Take a look here!
I also have a killer packing list that I am constantly updating/editing (including a grocery shopping list for when we get to our destination). I'm a little excited...
