Diabetic Mouseketeers Packing List

Here are some packing tips: (Sorry guys – the 1st few items pertain to Diabetic families – we have a few in the group)

• DOUBLE amount of testing strips, syringes, pump supplies, alcohol swabs, pens, lancets, EXTRA bottles of insulin (both types if you are on 2) – even if you are pumping, always bring an extra set of syringes and a bottle of the slower acting insulin (i.e. Lantus). You never know if you will experience pump failure. You may want to order a “vacation” pump.
• Glucogon
• Pumpers – don’t forget your caps for your port sites while swimming.
• Cool/ice/FRIO pack for your insulin if you are taking it into the parks with you. The some of the refrigerators in your room may have a TINY little spot along the top for an ice pack. We have used this spot for years when we get a frig that has one – it works great. If it does not have one, you can send your ice packs to bell hop and they will freeze them for you. You can grab them 1st thing in the morning on your way to the parks.
• 2 blood glucose meters
• Extra batteries for pumps and meters
• Flashlight for the midnight blood sugar check or download an app for your smart phone
• Fast acting sugar candy/glucose tablets. Bring things that will not melt or crush – i.e. smartees, skittles, starburst, Quick Sticks, glucose tabs, fruit snacks (not gushers or fruit rollups – these get too messy).
• Double the medical supplies
• If you shipped items to that resort prior to your arrival, check the tracking number to make sure it arrived.
• Calorie King book or app for those pesky carbs we have to count
• If you are driving – put a case of water in your car. If you are ordering from Garden Grocer or Whole Foods – order a case for your room.
  www.gardengrocer.com
  www.wholefoods.com
• *Don’t forget to pre-order your groceries if you need food for your room
  www.gardengrocer.com
  www.wholefoods.com
  Amazon
  Instacart
  www.wegoshop.com
• If traveling with large medical equipment, contact a local rental company. They may be able to deliver some equipment to your resort so that you don’t have to haul everything from home.
• Smart phone loaded with the MY DISNEY EXPERIENCE app
• CAMERA!!
• SUNGLASSES!!
• SUNSCREEN!!
• Stroller for small children (or big children like mine). Disney does offer rental strollers. A stroller is a personality saver and a blood sugar conserver. It realy helps your child to recover from a low blood sugar while your group keeps on moving forward to the next attraction. It also helps to preserve the blood sugar and protects from too many constant lows.
• Comfy shoes – you will be doing A LOT of walking – be comfortable! You will be walking a minimum of 10-15 miles a day!
• Bathing suits and a small amount of pool toys – don’t forget your goggles!
• Hoodie or light jacket in case it gets chilly at night (except during May – August)
• Ponchos for the afternoon pop up showers
• A small toy for young ones to play with while waiting in line (toy phone, toy camera, drawing pad, etc). Don’t bring their favorite toy just in case it gets lost.
• Travel letter from your endo/therapist/doctor/neurologist – this will not help you get the DAS (cast members are not allowed to read doctor’s notes anymore – violates privacy). It is just very important to travel with one in case of any emergency.
• Misting fans are great on the super hot days. You can find them pretty cheap Walmart or you can buy them at the parks.
• ****And most important – a BACKPACK to carry all of your “stuff” in. We have always traveled with a backpack into the parks. It will get searched upon entry to each park (this is standard procedure). They DO NOT care about what outside food you are bringing in with you. Bring in whatever you need to help your child have a good time at the parks. You have to take your backpack on the rides with you. Do not leave it with your stroller and none of the cast members will watch it for you. It will fit nicely between your feet on all rides. I usually stick my leg through the shoulder strap on the fast moving, jerky roller coasters (that is just for my own peace of mind).

Here is what you don’t need to pack (yes this is a much shorter list):

• Hairdryer
• Soap/shampoo/conditioner
• Sharps container – these are available for you from Mousekeeping – just ask
• Pool towels
• Laundry bags
• Pack-n-play
• Don’t worry if you forgot something. The gift shops at the resorts have a ton of personal items (lotion, sunscreen, razors, combs, brushes, pain medicine for the all aches and pains from walking, cold medicine, etc).

Fun stuff to bring:

• Pennies and quarters for the pressed penny machines
• Trading pins
• Autograph books and pens for signing. You can also have the characters sign baseballs, t-shirts, hats, anything you want. Your child can not be wearing a shirt as the character signs it – so just bring the shirt along with a Sharpie marker.
• Glow sticks/necklaces/bracelets for the night time parades and shows