My number one item when I am traveling anywhere warm are my wonderful Teva Sandals. Not only are they waterproof and dry within minutes, but they are hiking sandals with shock absorption!!!! When I wear my wonderfulTeva Sandals, my back can never feel better no matter how long I’m standing in line or how much walking I am doing and I suffer with degenerative disc disease. Let me say that they are much more comfortable and supportive than sneakers – even when they aren’t broken in yet!
I use this where the backpack that I carry all day, lays on my arms – so when wearing tank tops, the backpack doesn’t rub and hurt my arms! I also use this when I am wearing short shorts where my thighs touch. (I was never a skinny person, so after having children I am more on the heavier side) This way I don’t have to worry about my thighs chafing each other. I have also used it where I had brought a super old, worn out pair of Teva’s on a super HOT vacation to Hershey park, and there was something that was rubbing my foot, and it instantly stopped any blister from being formed. You can literally use this stuff on anything that may cause discomfort! It’s clear and has no smell, so you don’t even notice you have it on. I even put it on my son’s neck to stop any irritation from a tag.
3) Easy Hair Extensions
Now, when we pay extra money for thatfantastic memory maker we want to make sure we look fabulous in every professional shot taken. I finally came to the realization that as I age, my hair is only getting thinner and it just doesn’t look as nice as it used to. Hair can really make or break how you feel about yourself in a picture. I found a few types of extensions that I brought to Disney and it worked rather well. When going in such extreme heat, it works even better putting my hair up. The first hair extension that I have brought is a clip on – the claw simply clips onto your ponytail – so easy! It gave me long luxurious curls and went totally unnoticeable. (Notice my Teva Sandals in the pictures below.)
This year’s Disney trip 2017 I ordered these clip-in 20″, curly Synthetic 7 piece hair extensions. These are awesome because they come so curly, but the curl does stick strong, even after washing. The only problem I found was in the heat of August, they felt so unbelievably heavy in my hair…. compared to the claw clip-in from the pictures above, where it did feel slightly heavy (not going to lie) but these were definitely heavier.
I also bought this newer product calledSecret Extensions – Hair Extensions by Daisy Fuentesand it is a great product to add a little bit of volume to your hair. However it is not good for putting back when you are hot and sweaty. You basically have to leave it down.
4) Dove Deordorant
Next on the list isDove Deodorant. When you are in Disney World in long lines and perspiring, you really want good protection. I also like to use Dove Deodorant as another chafing & prevention. I usually roll it all over my back to prevent excessive sweating, as well as on my inner thighs before I apply the Monistat Chafing Relief Gel, and on the back of the upper parts of my thighs where I sit and shorts rub the thighs – especially when I’m wearing short shorts. I roll it on the sides of my stomach, and the front of my stomach and under where my bra sits – this way it prevents a lot of extra sweating and I don’t have to worry about any foul smells. Sometimes I purchase a separate Dove Deodorant to use on my feet.
5) Makeup – this is for the gals that love and enjoy makeup. (If you don’t, then don’t bother wasting your time reading this tip!)
Then after I apply the foundation and let it sit for a few minutes I like to use a setting powder called Dermablend Loose Setting Powderand this way I know it’s not going anywhere.
Following, I like to dab some Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation over the rest of my face before applying some blush or bronzer. I always use both a non-waterproof mascara mixed with a waterproof mascara and my recent favorite mascara to use ever is Two Faced Better Than Sex Mascaraand you MUST use the waterproof over all, as your last few swipes to ensure that its not coming off – you never know when you will get a splash going down the big hill on Splash Mountain or maybe you try the Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom?!! Freshly, I have found this amazingly easy lash-extender called Divaderm Lash Extender in a bottle – you simply brush it on in between coats of mascara! I personally LOVE the look of false eyelashes but who has time or wants to sit and play with them?! This is just an easy way of getting thick gorgeous lashes. Make sure you start out with a coat or two, and then after you apply finish up with a few coats of waterproof.
After my lashes dry, I use a color stay liquid eyeliner on the lids of my eyes – Mac has a great one called Mac Liquid Last – I have been on water slides and have had buckets of water dumped on my head and this did NOT run one bit LOL!!! Revlon has a great Color Stay liner . I usually like to choose brown when it comes to eyeliners.
6) Wet Brush
What a great discovery! The Wet Brush– good for any hair type to detangle hair after the shower. The Wet Brush makes combing through knots so much quicker when trying to leave the hotel to head to the parks. With all the wear and tear on my poor hair, it sometimes really needs help with those pesky knots.
This Diz Lover’s desired way to clean my face at night is withsimple organic coconut oil this way my face is never dried out. I simply apply coconut oil and take a wet warm cloth and scrub. When I feel like I need a deeper clean, I turn toPonds Cold Cream.
Wow! You have not felt a lightweight backpack until you have felt this! Super light backpack on your back. It only made it through 1 short beach vacation, 1 short Hershey Park Vacation and then a 11 day Disney Vacation before it went in the garbage. I believe it would have lasted longer had I not been carrying around my children’s IPads in my pack.It’s called a Venture Pal Lightweight Packable Durable Travel Hiking Backpack.Its probably the best $15 I have ever spent on a backpack!
11) Neck Fan
One thing we discovered this past 2017 Disney Vacation was that the kids, and my husband and I enjoyedMini Neck Fans,much more than carrying around the big spray fans that you can purchase inside the parks. I originally purchased my mini neck fan in the travel section of Harmon Cosmetics but the highlighted link is to one on Amazon.com. They don’t take up much space at all – unlike the big spray fans. We also enjoyedmini cooling neck towelsas opposed to the normal sized cooling towels. The less you have to lug around – the happier everyone is! Besides, I have learned you can walk up to any quick service station and ask for 2 cups of ice, or ice water when you’re hot!
12) Alarm Clock / Nightlight
I always use my IPhone as an Alarm Clock, but if you need, don’t forget to pack one! When we fly to Disney and luggage is limited, I usually pack a few small flashlights that I use as nightlights. They seem to do the trick. When we drive I can snag some of my kids battery operated candles that we use as nightlights for them.
13) Meds
Lastly, I ALWAYS make sure to pack all sorts of medicines! The last thing you want to do is become ill while at Disney World! Always, always, always make sure you have your allergy meds as well as Benedryl! You never know what sort of itchy bite you may get, or what allergic reaction you could possibly have (even though we hope that never happens).
In my backpack that I always carry inside parks (or wherever we are vacationing) contains:
*Sweatshirts – sometimes you freeze when walking into air conditioning after sweating all day and sometimes it cools off at night – you just never know!
*Lolipops (not just for children but I have a diabetic husband so we have to keep Gluclose Tablets as well)
*Phone Charger – I have had an My Charge from Amazon.com for 5 years now and it still works! Here is the latest version on Amazon.com. I paid $60 back then and incredibly it STILL works great! My only complaint is that its a little heavy but its usable!
We usually start taking extra-strength Probiotics a week to 2 weeks prior to ANY vacation and then make sure we bring extra-strength Probiotics during our vacation. The brand we use isCulturelle Extra Strength Digestive Health.
For EVERY vacation I also make sure we have a lot of WetOnes antibacterial hand wipeson hand, as well as hand sanitizer. I try to sanitize after each ride and wash hands as soon as we enter a restaurant. I also like to use Essential Oils as an immune booster while there too – like Theives and Frankincense by Young Living. Peppermint can help any congestion or motion sickness, and can be used as an anti-viral as well.
Also, don’t forget to pack your typical Motrin / Tylenol – and remember meds for any sort of stomach upset, like Tums, Pepto etc. We usechildren’s Dramamineas we travel to and from our destination.
I like to bring a lot of baby wipes to clean up throughout the day as well.
Lollipops can be a great way to pass the time while waiting on lines for rides! We also love to play Disney Trivia with each other (if you run out of ideas there is an app for that which is easy to use on your phone).
I shouldn’t have to mention this one but….. Sunscreen! Pack your sunscreen and sunglasses. Who wants to get stuck without those essentials?
During this past August 2017 Disney World Vacation, we decided to try out the Star Wars Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios. We thought since the dessert party is entirely Star Wars themed, (which my husband and 2 children absolutely love) and since it gives you preferential viewing of the Star Wars Fireworks show, how could we not try it?!
This Star Wars Dessert Party starts off where you pick up your VIP Star Wars themed lanyard outside Launch Bay – that proves you have paid to be at the party and is your “ticket”. This event is not included in any Disney dining plan and is an extra ticketed event, in addition to your park ticket. The price is $69.00 per adult (age 10 and over) and $39.00 per child (age 3 to 9); tax and gratuity are included. Beginning October 1, the price will change to $79.00 per adult (age 10 and over) and $45.00 for child (age 3 to 9); tax and gratuity are included.
As you enter into Star Wars launch bay – we arrived about 20 minutes early – tables are limited on a first come, first serve basis and there are NO CHAIRS. We wanted to make sure we could grab a table for the deserts.
As soon as they opened the gates waiters were serving 2 types of specialty Star Wars themed cocktails – and yes alcohol is included in your ticket!
We found a table and went straight to the buffet whilst Storm Troopers paraded the area.
Star Wars Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios
Star Wars Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios
All sorts of Star Wars themed goodies and sweets with some fruit and cheeses – the buffet is loaded and amazing!
Never a long line at the bar you can find Star Wars themed cocktails such as Galactic Punch, Cosmic Citrus Twist, Light Speed Margarita and Swamp Milk; you can also request other cocktails and beverages as well.
As you look down the buffet desert table at all of the mouthwatering extravagances, you will find the Freeze Fried Nutella Truffle and with it, you can choose chocolate or raspberry sauce (I chose both!) which is to die for.
After you have eaten a few goodies you can line up for a meet and greet with Chewbacca or Kylo Ren – which are in their normal meeting locations inside Launch Bay – **definitely a plus** – it’s a MUCH SHORTER line and waiting time than normal. We were a little disappointed there was no Darth Vader or any other character besides Storm Troopers promenading the party.
Since my husband is a diabetic, I called Disney beforehand to see what they could provide that would be sugar-free. The chef was nice enough to create this great box full of sugar-free / vegan / nut-free deserts for him to enjoy! Any allergies or requests just call in advance and they will make notes!
Star Wars Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios
Star Wars Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios
Star Wars Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios
After about an hour, we were called to line up for the Fireworks show with Disney’s state-of-the-art projection effects, dynamic lighting, lasers and pyrotechnics. As we proceeded outside, there were cast members handing out water bottles for each person in your party as well as Star Wars Memorabilia – which was very nice. It was wonderful being escorted to our perfecting viewing area right before the show started, instead of finding your perfect spot an hour before the show starts to hold your place!
We are so glad we experienced the Star Wars Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios and all of its splendor. If you are looking for a great view of the show without having to sit holding your spot for a significant amount of time, then it is definitely something to look into!
Would we go again?? Probably not – it is quite a bit of extra money to spend and for the expense, it feels like dinner should be included. It definitely lacks some character involvement throughout the party. But overall we had a blast and happy to have had the experience!