Packing a changing bag for Disney shouldn't be another one of those dreaded, stressful tasks on your to-do list before you leave. With planning and organisation, you can pack all the essentials for a fun-filled successful day at the parks. We've visited Disneyland Paris a few times now during various seasons and I think we've now perfected packing the essentials. One season that requires more items to pack than usual is winter and that's due to the cold weather.
2) Re-fillable Water Bottle
This is the ultimate essential no matter what time of year you visit Disney. All of the parks have water fountains so you can fill up your bottle all day for free.
4) Snacks
Taking plenty of snacks in your bag can not only save you money but I also call them boredom busters whilst queuing. I usually take things like crisps, popcorn, babybells, raisons, rice cakes etc. Whenever the kids are getting bored in the queues I either whip out a snack or we play a game.
5) Ponchos
After being caught out one year with heavy rain, I now always pack ponchos. We did buy ours from Disney so we take those with us but you can buy cheap ones in places like Tiger before you go.
Here's what we pack in our changing bag for winter:
1) A large but Comfortable Changing Bag*
I've tried various bags whilst at Disney and I've finally settled on taking a backpack by Fact + Fiction. The main reason why I love it, is simply how comfortable it is to wear. Even with the amount of items I pack in it, it never feels to heavy on my shoulders. It has multiple compartments which is great for storing/hiding things in a safe place. It's also water resistant inside and out so it's great for wet rides, rainy weather and spillages.
2) Re-fillable Water Bottle
This is the ultimate essential no matter what time of year you visit Disney. All of the parks have water fountains so you can fill up your bottle all day for free.
3) Blanket*
The nights can get very cold and if your children are in a stroller they become even colder because they aren't moving. I always try and take a couple of blankets but as you can imagine they take up a lot of room in a bag. The blanket we have been using on our last few visits to Disney has been our Aden and Anais Winnie the Pooh blanket. It's a fab size for tucking around the girls whilst they are in the stroller. You can also pop it on the floor if you are sat waiting for any parades. It's made of 4 layers of 100% cotton muslin so it's nice and soft.
4) Snacks
Taking plenty of snacks in your bag can not only save you money but I also call them boredom busters whilst queuing. I usually take things like crisps, popcorn, babybells, raisons, rice cakes etc. Whenever the kids are getting bored in the queues I either whip out a snack or we play a game.
5) Ponchos
After being caught out one year with heavy rain, I now always pack ponchos. We did buy ours from Disney so we take those with us but you can buy cheap ones in places like Tiger before you go.
6) Extra Layers/Clothes
I've been caught out a few times when we haven't managed to get the children to the toilet on time. Yep this can definitely happen. I think they get so distracted through excitement that they forget to say when they need to go until it's too late. I now always pack a spare outfit for these mishaps and also for any unwanted puddle jumping.
The evenings get very cold so I always pop in a few extra layers such as vests, tees and hoodies.
I've been caught out a few times when we haven't managed to get the children to the toilet on time. Yep this can definitely happen. I think they get so distracted through excitement that they forget to say when they need to go until it's too late. I now always pack a spare outfit for these mishaps and also for any unwanted puddle jumping.
The evenings get very cold so I always pop in a few extra layers such as vests, tees and hoodies.
7) Glow-Sticks
Glow sticks are great for 2 reasons. First up they serve as great stroller locaters in the dark. If you are hiring a stroller from the parks they all look the same. If you decorate them with some cheap glow sticks you'l instantly spot yours in the dark.
By night there are lots of light up things for sale which usually cost a lot of money. Get some glow-sticks out and make them into shapes for your kids.
Glow sticks are great for 2 reasons. First up they serve as great stroller locaters in the dark. If you are hiring a stroller from the parks they all look the same. If you decorate them with some cheap glow sticks you'l instantly spot yours in the dark.
By night there are lots of light up things for sale which usually cost a lot of money. Get some glow-sticks out and make them into shapes for your kids.
8) Nappy, Wipes, Nappy Bags
Kind of an obvious one but make sure you have enough nappies and wipes.
9) Muslins*
I always take a couple of muslins as they are handy for lots of things. I usually use them to place over the changing mat areas when I'm changing my little one's nappy.
The Muslins I love are from Aden and Anais. They have adorable Disney patterns available and they wash very well.
I always take a couple of muslins as they are handy for lots of things. I usually use them to place over the changing mat areas when I'm changing my little one's nappy.
The Muslins I love are from Aden and Anais. They have adorable Disney patterns available and they wash very well.
10) Wallet, Tickets, Camera, Spare Camera Battery, Phone, Power Bank and Cable
These are fairly obvious items but sometimes when we're busy we do forget these things. Camera and phone batteries can run out quickly so I always pack a plug and power bank. I'd also advise you hide these items in your bag for safe keeping.
These are fairly obvious items but sometimes when we're busy we do forget these things. Camera and phone batteries can run out quickly so I always pack a plug and power bank. I'd also advise you hide these items in your bag for safe keeping.
11) Lip Balm
The wind and chill can cause sore, chapped lips so we regularly use lip balm to keep them moist and soft.
The wind and chill can cause sore, chapped lips so we regularly use lip balm to keep them moist and soft.
12) Hand Warmers
Hand warmers are great for using when you're standing around waiting in a queue or when you're waiting for the fireworks at night. It can honestly get really cold.
Hand warmers are great for using when you're standing around waiting in a queue or when you're waiting for the fireworks at night. It can honestly get really cold.
13) Wet Bag*
I always take a wet bag with me for multiple uses. If one of the girls' end up getting their clothes wet or dirtying them I can pack them away in those. I also use them for storing snacks and for using to carry my valuables when it's raining or when on a ride. I use the Disney themed bags from Bumkins. Their patterns are super cute.
I always take a wet bag with me for multiple uses. If one of the girls' end up getting their clothes wet or dirtying them I can pack them away in those. I also use them for storing snacks and for using to carry my valuables when it's raining or when on a ride. I use the Disney themed bags from Bumkins. Their patterns are super cute.
14) Autograph Book and Pen
The last thing you want after waiting in a queue to meet a character, is to get to the front and realise you don't have an autograph book and pen. You can either get these before you arrive at Disney or at the parks themselves.
15) Mouse Ears
Last but not least, you can't go to Disney without Mouse Ears.
What do you pack in a winter theme park changing bag?
*Items maked with an asterisk were gifted to me. All views and opinions are my own*
The last thing you want after waiting in a queue to meet a character, is to get to the front and realise you don't have an autograph book and pen. You can either get these before you arrive at Disney or at the parks themselves.
15) Mouse Ears
Last but not least, you can't go to Disney without Mouse Ears.
What do you pack in a winter theme park changing bag?
*Items maked with an asterisk were gifted to me. All views and opinions are my own*
10 comments
As annual pass holders at Disneyland Paris, we quite often don't book a package break which includes meals. We tend to just book a hotel and sort out food when we are there. We are entitled to extra magic hours at the park which is early in the morning and therefore we like to try and have a quick breakfast to be able to take full advantage of the short ride queues etc.
The Earl of Sandwich at Disneyland Paris is a hidden gem and is located in the Disney Village next to the lake. We have previously eaten lunch there and we were big fans of the dining experience when we were in Walt Disney World last year. We didn't even realise they served breakfast so when we were asked if we would like to come and try their offerings, we couldn't resist.
We arrived for breakfast at 9am and it was quiet which was nice. There were no long queues and there were plenty of tables.
Breakfast is served everyday until 11am and is freshly prepared and made straight after you place your order. You are given a buzzer to take to your table to alert you when your food is ready to collect. We had about a 5 minute wait for ours. All ingredients are high quality and the bread is baked in house using a secret recipe.
The restaurant itself is large, covering 2 floors. Upstairs also offers indoor and outdoor dining with one of the best views in Disney Village.
You can get a French breakfast, American breakfast or an English breakfast, all at very reasonable prices.
Important to note is that The Earl of Sandwich is the only restaurant offering an English breakfast. For 9.95 euros you can have eggs, bacon, sausage, baked beans, toast and a hot drink. It is served in a box if you wish to take it away to eat.
There are also muffins, cookies, fruit and soft drinks to choose from if you would prefer something lighter.
The kids chose to share an English breakfast and they also chose fruit and a cookie. They absolutely loved it especially our youngest. She likes to eat a bit of everything so an English breakfast is a perfect choice. There wasn't an option for a kids sized breakfast which is something I would like to see them introduce. It was too big for them to eat for themselves so a child sized portion would have been ideal.
My husband and I chose an American breakfast which came with a hot drink. This costs just 6.95 euros. We had a ham and egg sandwich and a bacon and egg sandwich. We both really enjoyed these. My 15 year old cousin also had the American breakfast and he said it was filling. My hubby particularly enjoyed his coffee. If you've been to Disneyland Paris then you may have tasted the coffee in the park and realised it is not very nice to say the least. He was delighted to finally have a good, tasting coffee.
Overall, we really enjoyed our breakfast. It was fresh, tasty and certainly filled us all up until lunchtime. The menu has something suitable for all the family. We found it fantastic value for money. If you haven't got a meal package as part of your Disneyland Paris holiday then the Earl of Sandwich is perfect. It's quick and you can either eat in or grab it to go to enjoy on your walk to the park. We will definitely be returning on our next visit.
*We were invited to the Earl of Sandwich in return for this blog post. All thoughts, opinions and words are my own*
The Earl of Sandwich at Disneyland Paris is a hidden gem and is located in the Disney Village next to the lake. We have previously eaten lunch there and we were big fans of the dining experience when we were in Walt Disney World last year. We didn't even realise they served breakfast so when we were asked if we would like to come and try their offerings, we couldn't resist.
We arrived for breakfast at 9am and it was quiet which was nice. There were no long queues and there were plenty of tables.
Breakfast is served everyday until 11am and is freshly prepared and made straight after you place your order. You are given a buzzer to take to your table to alert you when your food is ready to collect. We had about a 5 minute wait for ours. All ingredients are high quality and the bread is baked in house using a secret recipe.
The restaurant itself is large, covering 2 floors. Upstairs also offers indoor and outdoor dining with one of the best views in Disney Village.
You can get a French breakfast, American breakfast or an English breakfast, all at very reasonable prices.
Important to note is that The Earl of Sandwich is the only restaurant offering an English breakfast. For 9.95 euros you can have eggs, bacon, sausage, baked beans, toast and a hot drink. It is served in a box if you wish to take it away to eat.
There are also muffins, cookies, fruit and soft drinks to choose from if you would prefer something lighter.
The kids chose to share an English breakfast and they also chose fruit and a cookie. They absolutely loved it especially our youngest. She likes to eat a bit of everything so an English breakfast is a perfect choice. There wasn't an option for a kids sized breakfast which is something I would like to see them introduce. It was too big for them to eat for themselves so a child sized portion would have been ideal.
My husband and I chose an American breakfast which came with a hot drink. This costs just 6.95 euros. We had a ham and egg sandwich and a bacon and egg sandwich. We both really enjoyed these. My 15 year old cousin also had the American breakfast and he said it was filling. My hubby particularly enjoyed his coffee. If you've been to Disneyland Paris then you may have tasted the coffee in the park and realised it is not very nice to say the least. He was delighted to finally have a good, tasting coffee.
Overall, we really enjoyed our breakfast. It was fresh, tasty and certainly filled us all up until lunchtime. The menu has something suitable for all the family. We found it fantastic value for money. If you haven't got a meal package as part of your Disneyland Paris holiday then the Earl of Sandwich is perfect. It's quick and you can either eat in or grab it to go to enjoy on your walk to the park. We will definitely be returning on our next visit.
*We were invited to the Earl of Sandwich in return for this blog post. All thoughts, opinions and words are my own*
Over the last few years Disney has exploded onto the fashion scene for adults which is great news for us grown up mouseketeers. Disney clothing seems to have become a fashion trend in its own right with not only the high street but luxury designers embracing all things Disney.
As you probably know I am a huge Disney fashion fan. I've been wearing Disney inspired clothes with pride for years. I am a sucker for it all. With so many places now stocking Disney clothes it can sometimes been mind blowing so here are my favourite places to shop for them:
1) Primark
Primark is the first shop that springs to mind when I think of Disney clothes (especially for sleepwear but that will be in a separate blog post). They have such a wide selection which is all so reasonably priced. I bought most of my clothes there for our trip to Disney World earlier this year. They had plenty of shorts and tees to choose from and now winter is here they have a lot of knitwear. I even bought Disney shoes there for less than £10. Such a bargain and they are really comfortable.
2) Cath Kidston
One of my favourite places to buy Disney clothes is Cath Kidston. Cath Kidston has always been one of my favourite brands so when they announced collaborations with Disney I was ecstatic. The quality is always great. I've worn my 101 Dalmatians dress so many times and it hasn't faded or shrunk. I've bought something from every range so far and I can't wait to see what the next one is.
3) Uniqlo
I was first introduced to the Disney clothing by Uniqlo on our trip to Florida earlier this year. I popped into their store in Disney Springs and instantly fell in love. The prices are fab and they had a great range of Disney tee's for men and woman. Hubby bought a lovely Mickey Mouse Polo shirt and I bought plenty of t-shirts.
4) The Disney Store
The Disney Store doesn't have a huge range of adult clothes but when they do they are usually pretty special. I always adore their Christmas jumpers (i've got my eye on the ones they currently have in stock). You can also usually get some twinning outfits with your children if you are into that (we love it).
5) Truffle Shuffle
Truffle Shuffle is an online store with an amazing range of Disney clothing for adults. Their vests and tee's are super adorable. I could spend a fortune on there.
6) Disney Parks
Buying clothes from any of the Disney Parks themselves usually means they are more unique as quite often you can only purchase them at the parks. I bought a great casual tee (as shown in the pic below) from one of the clothing stores at Disney Springs.
7) Independent Sellers
For something truly unique, special and more personal then get some clothes from independent sellers and online stores. Etsy and instagram have an array of retailers you can choose from.
I was able to design the jumper that i'm wearing below which was from Rock on Ruby. It features all my favourite Disney princesses. I got it in 2014 and I still wear it now and take it on every Disney trip. I always get lots of people asking where I got it from.
Where are you favourite places to shop for adult Disney clothes?
As you probably know I am a huge Disney fashion fan. I've been wearing Disney inspired clothes with pride for years. I am a sucker for it all. With so many places now stocking Disney clothes it can sometimes been mind blowing so here are my favourite places to shop for them:
1) Primark
Primark is the first shop that springs to mind when I think of Disney clothes (especially for sleepwear but that will be in a separate blog post). They have such a wide selection which is all so reasonably priced. I bought most of my clothes there for our trip to Disney World earlier this year. They had plenty of shorts and tees to choose from and now winter is here they have a lot of knitwear. I even bought Disney shoes there for less than £10. Such a bargain and they are really comfortable.
2) Cath Kidston
One of my favourite places to buy Disney clothes is Cath Kidston. Cath Kidston has always been one of my favourite brands so when they announced collaborations with Disney I was ecstatic. The quality is always great. I've worn my 101 Dalmatians dress so many times and it hasn't faded or shrunk. I've bought something from every range so far and I can't wait to see what the next one is.
3) Uniqlo
I was first introduced to the Disney clothing by Uniqlo on our trip to Florida earlier this year. I popped into their store in Disney Springs and instantly fell in love. The prices are fab and they had a great range of Disney tee's for men and woman. Hubby bought a lovely Mickey Mouse Polo shirt and I bought plenty of t-shirts.
4) The Disney Store
The Disney Store doesn't have a huge range of adult clothes but when they do they are usually pretty special. I always adore their Christmas jumpers (i've got my eye on the ones they currently have in stock). You can also usually get some twinning outfits with your children if you are into that (we love it).
5) Truffle Shuffle
Truffle Shuffle is an online store with an amazing range of Disney clothing for adults. Their vests and tee's are super adorable. I could spend a fortune on there.
6) Disney Parks
Buying clothes from any of the Disney Parks themselves usually means they are more unique as quite often you can only purchase them at the parks. I bought a great casual tee (as shown in the pic below) from one of the clothing stores at Disney Springs.
7) Independent Sellers
For something truly unique, special and more personal then get some clothes from independent sellers and online stores. Etsy and instagram have an array of retailers you can choose from.
I was able to design the jumper that i'm wearing below which was from Rock on Ruby. It features all my favourite Disney princesses. I got it in 2014 and I still wear it now and take it on every Disney trip. I always get lots of people asking where I got it from.
Where are you favourite places to shop for adult Disney clothes?
Hi I am Faye from www.glossytots.co.uk.
Having been to Disney twice in the last 18 months several people ask me what restaurants I recommend in Disney. Simple answer is all of them.
The issue is you can’t go to all of them! even if your minted there isn’t physically time- obviously unless you you went for a year!!!
As a result I have put together a guide of my favourite restaurants to eat in Disney world. All of which are perfect for all budgets. My other bit of advice is to book as soon as the booking opens on your app (6 months prior) because they get booked up pretty sharpish!!
Others
Other restaurants I would say are great places to go to for food include-
Disney Springs- House of Blues-If you want great steak, fab cocktails and some live music this is the place for you! perfect for any date night if your lucky enough to have babysitters on hand.
Grand Floridian Hotel – 1900 Park Fair- If you want dinner with Prince Charming and Cinderella this is the place to be! There is no where else you can meet Charming unless there is a event on! If you are lucky enough the ugly sisters will be there!
Disney Polynesian Resort- Ohana’s Best Friends Breakfast- Again if meeting characters is high on your list this is breakfast with Lilo and Stictch! Again you cant meet this dynamic duo anywhere else. It even includes a Hawaiian themed party!
Faye Jones
Having been to Disney twice in the last 18 months several people ask me what restaurants I recommend in Disney. Simple answer is all of them.
The issue is you can’t go to all of them! even if your minted there isn’t physically time- obviously unless you you went for a year!!!
As a result I have put together a guide of my favourite restaurants to eat in Disney world. All of which are perfect for all budgets. My other bit of advice is to book as soon as the booking opens on your app (6 months prior) because they get booked up pretty sharpish!!
Magic Kingdom
Budget- Plaza Ice cream Parlour- Yes I know not technically a restaurant but its a holiday… you can eat ice cream for lunch its acceptable! If you go here get the ‘Kitchen Sink’ you can get an actual sink filled with ice cream and get to keep the sink afterwards! bonus! (note its not a real sink!!!)
Average- Be Our Guest- Want to meet Beast from Beauty and the Beast?! this is your only chance unless its Halloween! If you have dinner at be our guest you can have some pretty delicious food and meet Beast after your meal! Perfect!!! This needs to be pre booked well in advance.
High End- Cinderella’s Royal Table- This is every child’s dream- not only do you get to dine with a selection of princesses but you also get to eat in castle! what more could you want. Well it gets better… delicious food… wands for the kids… and a take home table mat that can be signed by the princesses as a keepsake! A night to remember but this needs to be pre booked well in advance and paid over the phone prior.
Hollywood Studios
Budget- There isn’t one that sticks out for Hollywood studios- most places are great to pick up a snack. Ensure you look on the ‘Disney Experience’ app to find the 1 $ restaurants.
Average-Mama Melrose Ristorante- I would suggest doing lunch on the ‘Dining experience’. This gives you a ticket so you are able to go to Fantasmic. (An amazing show on water that is a nightmare to see if you don’t get a dining package or queue for an hour!!)
High End- Hollywood and Vine-If your little ones are into Disney junior this is the place for you! in a 1950’s style diner you can have buffet food with all their favourite characters. Doc Mcstuffins, Handy Manny, Sofia the first and Minnie! what more could you want?! I hear you… dancing and a party with a chocolate fountain… its ok its got that too!!
Animal Kingdom
Budget- Kusafiri Coffee shop and bakery-Perfect for a quick snack and some fab little treats from the Bakery!
Average- Rainforest Café- If your little ones love animals and a jungle theme then this is the place to go. You can have thunderstorms during your dinner (no rain thankfully!) the noise of animals and fish tanks. Perfect to keep the little ones entertained.
High End- Tuskers House- This is one of my favourites!! Breakfast is the best as you can book before the park opens enabling you to be a the front of any queue you fancy straight after. Breakfast is buffet style in a traditional African setting. You are also joined by Disney favourites- Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald and Daisy all in their safari outfits!
Epcot
Budget-Any of the stalls or shops in any country! France and the Delicatessen is a big thumbs up from me!
Average- Coral Reef Restaurant- Book an early lunch and get an aquarium view seat! spot the fish from your seat and handy fish spotting guide!
High End- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall- This is another chance to have a princess party and meet all of your favourite princesses whilst eating some delicious dinner and even some fancy cocktails! This is also your only chance to see Belle in her yellow ball gown! A Highlight for me!!
Others
Other restaurants I would say are great places to go to for food include-
Disney Springs- House of Blues-If you want great steak, fab cocktails and some live music this is the place for you! perfect for any date night if your lucky enough to have babysitters on hand.
Grand Floridian Hotel – 1900 Park Fair- If you want dinner with Prince Charming and Cinderella this is the place to be! There is no where else you can meet Charming unless there is a event on! If you are lucky enough the ugly sisters will be there!
Disney Polynesian Resort- Ohana’s Best Friends Breakfast- Again if meeting characters is high on your list this is breakfast with Lilo and Stictch! Again you cant meet this dynamic duo anywhere else. It even includes a Hawaiian themed party!
Faye Jones
As you know we are a huge Disney loving family so today I am excited to share with you a guest post written by Jade who blogs at http://www.mummieswaiting.com. Her and her family are also big Disney fans and here she shares with you some tips for planning a trip to Disneyland Paris.
It's only been 4 months since we last visited Disneyland Paris and already I am starting to miss it like crazy. Disneyland Paris is a magical world where the rubbish in life just disapears, it's full of magic, fairy tale and adventure and sitting here right now I can feel the excitement for our next trip racing through us!
As big lovers of both Disney and Christmas I can not wait for our trip in December this year. For the first time, the girls actually have no idea that we are going and the plan is to not tell them and let them work it out once we arrive. I'm so excited to walk through those gates and see the MASSIVE Christmas tree. (I can hardly type!)
As always I like to start planning early, if you are going to do Disney then in my opinion it's best to plan, plan, plan. So I thought I would share with you how I plan, in hopes that it would help you too.
1. Write a list of days and park times for when you are there. Full or half it doens't matter just jot them down.
2. If you are staying on site or have the right type of annual pass, add the Extra Magic hours. It's extra time in the park with less guests, your likely to get more done and see more characters.
3. Write a list of where you would like to eat and jot down the parade and show times. Make sure that you include enough places to full your whole meal plan if you have one.
4. Create a table.
days x 5 usually works well. Days across the top and the 5 down are (Breastfast, Lunch, Dinner, Special (this is Parade time, Fireworks time, Character breakfast time, meet and greet you want to make etc.) and then Clothing.
5. Fill out all the boxes but leaving clothing to last. You can use the table to work out what to wear each day. So if we have a character breakfast, the girls will wear Minnie Mouse dress up, Princess Dining they will wear princess dresses, Extra magic hours we will have an outfit with layers because it will be cool and then warm up.
6. Ring the reservation line and book anything you have planned.
7. Pop on some Disney tunes, relax and enjoy, you have planned and your trip is going to be so much easier!
Thank you Jade for sharing those fab tips. You can keep up to date with Jade and her blog on the following social media.
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