I read about a small theme park about three hours from my house last year that was very kid-friendly, had lots of water rides, and pretty good food. Their pitch was, “We have it all here. Get in the car and go!” They sold swim diapers, towels, sun screen, and even baby food. Brilliant! If you are living in a world in which a family member’s developmental needs mean that YOU have to carry a LOT of stuff, this message might as well have been written in blinking lights.
Having spent a week making a list for a trip, I’ve come down to a few must haves, and few nice to haves, for week in Orlando.
- Three kinds of shoes: Sneakers, Crocs or flats, and flip flops. Think: walking, hopping to a restaurant, and pool.
- Three bathing suits: One you like, one for when the one you like is wet, and one in case there is an incident of any kind to either of the others.
- One semi-nice outfit, such as a golf shirt for boys or men, and a sundress for women. This is the one where someone will say, “you all look nice in this picture.”
- Five or more pairs of shorts. For athletic kids, think of shorts appropriate for soccer game. They wick away water after Splash Mountain, breathe in the heat, and wash well in a hotel sink.
- Two pair of nicer shorts, a plain skirt that looks like shorts, or capri pants. A solid color will off set the inevitable glare of your theme park shirt.
- Five tee shirts, in solid colors, or with your favorite characters. Tip: Bringing shirts purchased for $5 will save you from the $25 impulse buy (times the number of people in your group) because the voice that says, “I need another shirt for Thursday, anyway” is silenced.
- Twice as many socks as you think you need.
- Twice as many undergarments as you think you need.
- One outfit to exercise in, because knowing you can feels like you will! Most resorts map running routes for guests by mileage. For example, there is a .7 mile trail, and a 1 mile trail on the Port Orleans resort map. Deluxe resorts, as well as Coronado Springs, have fitness centers.
- A new toothbrush, and accessories, for each member of the family. Soap and shampoo will be provided, but it may not be what your family members are used to.
- Hairbrushes, but not irons or hair dryers.
- Bandages, fever-reducing medication, anti-histamines, and a thermometer.
- Security items, like blankets, favorite bed time stories, or dolls/action figures.
- Wipes, wipes, and wipes. Think, “sticky cotton candy.”
- Rain gear.
Fun things to include:
- Pins to trade
- Gifts to leave on your child’s pillow from Mickey/Tinkerbell
- Pennies and quarters in a 1:2 ratio for penny pressing machines.
- Rainy day kit, just in case (coloring books with “the right” crayons, legos, a puzzle or two). This is great if one person naps and the other does not. That person could be Grandpa, but something quiet to do might help everyone.
- Autograph book and a Sharpie or wide pen.
