I’ve done lots of Disney traveling over the years. In addition to the “normal” ways you might prepare for a trip, I’m sharing five things I always include in my routine:
1) At least two weeks before my trip, I get out any luggage I think I’ll be using and begin something I call a “staging area”. Basically, this becomes a centralized dumping ground as I begin to gather items for our vacation. By doing this I can slowly accumulate our packing needs as things come to mind. Eventually, I’ll turn this organized chaos into something resembling far too many suitcases…but hey, I’m admittedly not a light packer.
My current staging area. Be afraid! Be very afraid!
2) About a week before we’ll be leaving for our trip I begin checking the weather forecast for our destination city. Just a quick search online and I can get an idea if we will be heading for rain or shine…maybe both.
3) Money, money, money, money! I like to make sure I have some smaller bills for tips for valet parking and bellhops. I also make sure I have quarters and a collection of my shiniest pennies handy for the pressed penny machines located throughout the parks.
I keep pennies in this guy…I think he originally held a deck of Disney playing cards.
4) Speaking of money, a day or so before leaving I give my bank and any credit card companies a call to let them know we’re heading out of town. I’ve had my charges declined in the past because of suspected fraudulent activity. A quick call and merchants are happy to notate your account to prevent this from happening at an inopportune time…say while checking in to your hotel.
5) And last, but not least, right before leaving for our vacation I get our car washed and gather up my favorite Disney tunes for our road trip. If I’m flying and renting a vehicle, I’ll even toss a couple CDs in my carry on. It instantly turns my rental into a Disney-mobile!
One of my favorite souvenirs is a Disney CD!
And there you have it. What are some things you always do before a Disney trip? I’d love to hear from you on social media or email me at [email protected].