I love, love, love this thread! So many great ideas for my last trip, and I'm re-reading it again for my next trip. Things I definitely recommend:
- Brita water bottles. I bought a 3-pack with extra filters at BJ's. No funky Florida water and no bulky disposable water bottles to ship/drag through the parks
- Something I haven't tried yet: I saw someone on another website recommend one of those giant carabiners/"Mommy clips" to carry water bottles on the stroller handle. I don't have enough cup holders for everyone, so this is a great idea.
- Definitely get a swimmer's towel. I ordered a cheap one from
Amazon and it was great for drying off wet ride seats after cloudbursts.
- IKEA zip-top bags for packing adult outfits. They come in 3 quart size (bigger than you can get at Target) and help me make sure I bring enough socks/underwear for the whole trip.
- A cheap cookie sheet from Dollar Tree is a great lap tray for preschoolers in the car or on the plane. DS used his to play with his toy cars and to eat snacks.
- A bath mat from Dollar Tree, just in case the bathtub at the hotel is not non-skid. Many hotels I've stayed in don't have them available due to sanitation issues.
- The 15/$1 glow sticks from Target are great. DS loved them, other kids were jealous and we left them by his bedside at night as a gentle night light. Dollar Tree also sells cute glow wands; he has had swords and skulls, but there are also hearts and stars.
- Our Keurig, K-cups and disposable coffee mugs from Dollar Tree. I am never sure about the cleanliness of in-room coffee makers and I need a cup right when I wake up. Definitely a money-saver as well.