Guidebooks

While planning for your vacation, you might consider getting a Disney World guidebook. It help you become familiar with the newest attractions. These are a few of our favorite guidebooks for different destinations.

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando

If we’re planning to send you to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, be sure to check out The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando.

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The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line

If you are sailing the Seven Seas you will need this handy guide – The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line

The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland

If your vacation takes you back to where it all started, then
The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland​ is​ your map to Magic.

Staying Connected

With the My Disney Experience app, Genie+, taking candid photos, and tagging #purplemartinvacations on social media you will be  using your phone a lot while at the parks. Instead of bringing your charger and finding a place to plug in, I recommend a portable charger to stay fully charged.
This charger is the newer, lighter version of what I use. Funny thing is now that I have it, I find I use fairly often – for days at the museum, or even work conferences. Dont forget the cables; these are fast charging type.

Portable Charger

USB Type C (3.0) cable

Lightning Cable

I highly recommend using a waterproof phone pouch for beach vacations and cruises. They are also handy for theme parks (think water rides or the daily afternoon rain shower) and water parks. I have used this pouch to take video while snorkeling underwater!  Just follow the testing instructions to ensure it’s water tight. 

Waterproof Phone Pouch

Snacks, Sunscreen and Staying cool

There are a couple of options for having food supplies delivered to your hotel.

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OPTION 1: If you only need dry goods then ​use Amazon Prime to ship items directly to your hotel. ​You can order bottled water, cereal, granola bars​, etc.​ You can ​​pick up a Half Gallon of milk at the Resort’s store on site. All boxes received by Disney will incur a fee (see below). Confirm delivery estimates; ideally your box should arrive 2 days before you do.

OPTION 2: Amazon Fresh offers full grocery delivery services utilizing either Amazon stores or Whole Foods (be sure to make your selections from ONE of the providers to avoid having multiple orders). You can get fresh foods, refrigerated groceries and adult beverages in addition to your bottled water, etc. You will have to meet your delivery driver at the hotel lobby to accept your order.

OPTION 3:  Instacart shops for you at a local grocery store. Publix is a great grocery store to choose for Instacart to shop for you. Again, you can get fresh foods, refrigerated groceries and adult beverages in addition to your bottled water, etc. You will have to meet your delivery driver at the hotel lobby to accept your order.

Here are some suggested items to ship to your hotel.

​Note – Disney​​ hotels charge a $6 per box fee for items delivered to the resort.​​ No Charge if you meet your delivery person.

The box should be addressed this way (be sure to use the name that is first on your hotel reservation):

  • LEAD GUEST NAME: guest arriving XX/XX/XX
  • Disney’s Hotel Name
  • Hotel Address
  • Hotel City, FL XXXXX
  • United States
  • Phone: Your Cell Phone Number

You can find the hotel address in your My Disney Experience account. Click My Plans, then click on hotel name.

Here are some suggested items to ship to your hotel.

2-3 cases of water (more for May-Oct trips). ​If you need a little flavor, our family uses True Lemonade mix in sticks.

Bottled Water

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True Lemonade Mix

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My family likes a light breakfast in our room while everyone is taking turns getting ready. Here is a list of Breakfast Items you might want to ship to the hotel.
1-2 Boxes of Cereal you might want to ship to the hotel ​​(pick up a Half Gallon of milk at the Resort store​)​​. Don’t forget the bowls – you can grab some spoons from the resort quick serve location.

Cereal Cups

Cereal Bars and Granola Bars are perfect for quick breakfast or snack. ​We also really like Belvita Breakfast Biscuits for an on the go breakfast too.

Belvita Breakfast Biscuits

Applesauce Pouch

It’s nice to have something healthy that can be thrown into your park backpack and not get crumbly.
​Ship your Sunscreen​ so you don’t have to worry about TSA limits or messes​ in your suitcase. Purchase more than one as you will need to reapply often. ​Purchase a smaller tube or spray for the park backpack. This stick is my favorite for faces ​​​and ​don’t forget​ the Lips!​

Sunscreen

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Face stick

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Lip balm

Misting fans

I really love these little handheld misters. Some people use the bigger ones with battery operated fans but, I find those to be bulky to carry around and don’t do a significantly better job than these. You can just fill from your water bottle, a fountain or bathroom as needed. Carry them in a ziplock bag in case they leak.

Rain Ponchos

Florida is known for the afternoon rain shower. Like clockwork, you can expect a daily 20 minute rain show, particularly during the summer months. Bring a package of disposable rain ponchos with you and avoid overpaying for branded ones. These are thin, 1-2 use ponchos. They take up very little room, even when carrying for an entire family.

​Another consideration during the afternoon rain shower is your feet. Think about wearing shoes that will dry quickly & won’t cause blisters.   These Keen sandals are my family’s favorites. They offer great foot support, are waterproof and will last for several trips! If wearing gym shoes, pack an extra pair of socks in your day bag.

KEEN Women's Whisper Sandal

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KEEN Men's Newport H2 Sandal

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Keen Unisex Kid's Newport H2 Sandal

Last but not least, I now make everyone in my family use a mini backpack. You’ll be carrying sunscreen, bottles of water, mobile charger, rain ponchos, mini first aid kit and your regular stuff – it’s helpful when 1 person doesn’t have to carry everything. My fav is the Vera Bradley Small Backpack because of padded shoulder straps and cotton backpack doesn’t make your back insanely sweaty. The Travelon Anti-Theft Backpack is perfect for other trips too – it’s locking zippers and slash proof body & straps make it my travel must have.

Vera Bradley Small Backpack

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Travelon Anti-Theft Backpack

*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small referral fee.