I’m finally packing in earnest this week, and I can honestly say that the process gets easier with each trip. Case in point: before previous trips I might have panicked if I found myself with less than a week to do the actual “nuts-n-bolts” packing for a Disney vacation. But because I have done this so many times, and because I use a very detailed packing list, and finally because I keep some essential (and Disney-specific) items tucked away in our “Disney tub” between trips, the process is less daunting than it could be. Don’t get me wrong–we take a LOT of stuff and it’s still a lot of work. But I guess I’m a pro at it by now.

This week, instead of my usual “Thursday’s Tip,” I’ll be sharing a special “How I Pack” segment. I hope you’ll find it helpful. Then, after a final “Friday Photo” as we leave town, I’ll bid you adieu for a week. IF (and that’s a capital IF) I happen to squeeze in some time with free wifi (perhaps at the McDonald’s near the All-Star resorts!), I’ll try to drop by and report how the trip is going. And again, IF I find time between now and Friday, I’ll try to have a couple of posts scheduled through next week, so I don’t loose all my readers while I’m away for a week. But if the stars don’t align and this doesn’t happen, I promise to make up for it with loads of trip report posts when I return!

Look what we found at Target this past weekend:

We also saw a Rapunzel doll in our local Kroger store! Though the movie won’t be out until November 24, Tangled is making its mark on stores already. My girls were thrilled to see a new princess adorning the shelves of their favorite toy section. My oldest, especially, was entranced by this Rapunzel wig:

She’s planning to save the dimes she gets for feeding and taking out the puppy! (At $19.99, she’ll be saving for a while.) I hope to report back next week with some Disney Parks exclusive merchandise!

Trail’s End, the Ft. Wilderness eatery best known for its down-home buffet, will be switching it up for lunch, beginning today. Instead of its traditional buffet, they’ll be offering a lunch menu that includes many of their popular items: grilled pork chops, fried chicken and waffles, chili, and sauteed catfish. Wilderness S’mores and warm sticky buns are among the dessert offerings.

It is uncertain if this is a temporary change. But if you’re a fan of all-you-care-to eat, you’ll be glad to hear that breakfast and dinner will remain buffet meals.

Minnie has gone Hollywood…and she’s not alone. Six characters will be getting an old-Hollywood-glamour makeover for their meet-n-greets near the  Hat in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Minnie and her BFF Daisy will be draped in beautiful evening gowns, while Donald sports a fedora. Goofy is rumored to be donned in a tuxedo, while even Chip and Dale will join the evening wear revolution by wearing ties.

Tarps have already gone up to “gussy up” the meet-n-greet area around the giant hat, with a new film-themed backdrop. No word yet on when this Old Hollywood transition will be complete.

As promised, here is a pic of my daughter in her new Disney Princess eyeglasses. The frame style is “Belle”–fitting for a girl who recently made her theatrical debut in Beauty and the Beast! All of the Disney Princess frames were really cute, but we thought these really fit both her face and her personality. So far she’s enjoying her new look and seeing details that she hasn’t been able to see in quite some time!

Our trip is just over a week away, and I’m frantically packing and planning! One thing we’re going to make a point to do is head over the Disney’s Hollywood Studios before Star Tours closes for refurbishment on September 8.

Thinking about this reminded me of a great tip for little ones: if your child isn’t quite tall enough to ride Star Tours, ask the Cast Member at the entrance to the line if you can do a “Flight Check” instead. (If the parks are especially busy, know that this may not be an option.) A Flight Check is essentially the Star Tours ride without the motion. No, it isn’t quite as exciting, but at least your little one will get to ride instead of being entirely left out. This is also a great option if someone in your party gets motion sickness, as the simulator-style rides are particularly harsh in that respect.

We’ll be taking our “Last Tour to Endor” in just over a week!