When Technology meets Obsessive Planning: Am I alone?

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Last year before our first WDW trip, I bought a huge, laminated 'calender' for the wall with dry-erase markers in rainbow colors to plan our days. I updated the dumb thing every day for months as our plans changed and took shape. This year I started an excel spreadsheet with pages that cover every possible aspect of our vacation. The first page is our itinerary; divided by the half hour and separated into days, color-coded by activity with all park opening/closing times highlighted. The second page was an analysis of our likely eating habits and the costs associated therewith. I ran figures for paying out of pocket and using the dining plan by using the menus on allearsnet. Counter service and snack items were totaled and 6.5% tax was automatically added. Table service meals were totaled and tax and 18% tip were added. My kids were pretty insistent about the restaurants they'd like to patronize again (Chef Mickey's, Sci-fi, Le Cellier and O'hana). No big surprise, the Dining plan saves us a couple of hundred dollars. On page three, I listed all our other expenses and the likely cost; sunscreen in huge amounts, towels, refillable mugs, case of water bottles, etc. On page four, I made a chart of pertinent phone numbers and reservations codes, car rental reservation, airline flight numbers, seat assigments.

My kids roll their eyes when they look at my computer screen and see the spreadsheet open.

Tell me I am not the only one... :thumbsup2

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

"You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
When the road looks rough ahead
And you're miles and miles
From your nice warm bed
Just remember what your old pal said
Boy, you've got a friend in me"



um, yeah, i've got that spreadsheet too, hubby thinks I'm nuts!!!

[txtxyeha]

Outlook is my choice of mediums to fuel the planning obsession. Task list has 60+ things to do. Calendar has 40+ entries. All a click away on my Blackberry.

[MSDISNEYFAN]

I have a notebook with color coded tabs for all info... Have multiple itenteraries waiting for that final decision...

[porterr]

I also have my spreadsheet going. I'm trying to cram it all (itinerary, park hours, telephone #s, confirmation #'s, priority seating times/ADR?, things to buy, things to do, budget) on 1 page. I'm afraid as our trip approaches - November 28, 2006 :cool1: I'll need to branch out to additional pages.
Planning IS part of the fun! It keeps me in my happy place too.

[marlynnp]

roflmao!

I have that sickness too! :banana:

I just finished working on my dining cost analysis and will also be adding the DDE. I have the office software for my PDA and I transfer my spreadsheets and itinerary, conf #'s, etc to that and take it with me at all times. I also have the WDW To Go Guide installed on it.

[gianna2006]

Boy, do I have to come up to speed!!! I've done all that on paper!!! The worst part is if it looks messy - I redo the whole thing!! :confused3

7/90 off-site
9/96 off-site
7/99 off-site
7/2000 off-site
4/01 off-site
5/04 off-site
5/06 finally going DIS all the way at OKW/SSR!! :banana: :hourglass :banana: :hourglass

me :tink: DH :sulley: DS(7) pirate: DD(3) princess:

[angelsmom920]

;) Phew! I thought I was alone!! My family thinks I am insane, but I have a three ring binder with separate tabs, a notebook, and excel spreadsheet and the guidebook tabbed! I keep the with in case I ever have any down time to edit stuff! I just wonder how people went to Disney before the internet?! :rotfl2:

[WillCAD]

I have a folder under My Documents for each trip.

In this folder I put PDF files of each ressie I make (air, car, hotel), and I keep a text file as a journal of when I made a ressie, what rate I got, what the confirmation number is, and the times.

I have never been one to keep a schedule of my trip. I never make ADRs (unless I'm planning a meet or a special event), and I never decide in advance what park will be on what day except at MouseFest, where the meet schedule dictates the park days.

Last year for MouseFest I did make up a daily itinerary so that I would be able to attend all fo the meets I wanted without forgetting any or overlapping, and it helped me a lot. I transfered the schedule to the notepad I carry for making trip notes, and I was able to attend all of the meets I wanted, and even a few extras.

But on a regular trip, forget that scheduling stuff - I go where I want, when I want, and eat wherever I get the urge when I'm hungry.

[HeatherMo]

We have friends who recently said, "Maybe we'll join you in WDW this summer." I thought, "We'll have to plan a trip with you for next year- because this year's schedule is already too full!" I said, "well we can meet up anywhere because our days and eating places are all scheduled." - They thought I was kidding (WDW newbies) :rotfl2:

[deana s]

you all are my idols!!! I wish I knew how to use excel or outlook....I have scraps of paper everywhere and files saved on the computer. Trying to organize it into a notebook. That would be so cool to have it all on the computer!! Obsession is fun. :banana:

[kimbac3]

Boy, do I have to come up to speed!!! I've done all that on paper!!! The worst part is if it looks messy - I redo the whole thing!! :confused3

Ok I sooo do this too!!! I even write the menus on paper that will fit into my passporter. It's a sickness...a really, really fun sickness!!!
I just got a new computer..it has excel....guess where I'm going to play!!!
Kimba

[JulieNMM]

I have everything in MS Word files. Never thought to use Excel. DH thinks I'm weird for making dinner reservations!!! He thinks I'm over planning this. I think he'll appreciate it when everything goes smoothly.

For example, we're staying at the Doubletree Suites in DTD and have a rental car so I have printed out driving directions from here to there, based on where we are and where we're going, plus printed out directions using WDW transportation since he will be in a conference and I will have a car.

I'm also making a list of all the "tips" I read about, such as where's the best place to find the characters, what to pack, etc.

I also did this for my wedding and I have to say, the wedding went very smoothly, nothing went wrong, and it was a great day!!! Hoping for the same thing for this trip!!!

JULIE
Going to WDW 4/1-4/8/2006 :cool1:
First trip with DD4 princess: and DS6 pirate: (only my second trip ever!)

[dawnball]

Let see.. I have a spreadsheet to track estimated and actual expenses. I have a set of Pages (part of iwork for the mac - it's a cross between a page layout tool and a word process) projects (one for each park, plus an overview) that are single 8.5x11 sheets (duplexed) with an annotated passporter map on one side, and on the other side: a color coded chart (with best/worst days, hours, parades, ADRs (and who specifically requested that ADR), and flight times), a best times for each attraction chart, a set of pre-planned meeting places, a list of places to stop for quiet time for the kids, a list of places that each picky eater can find something to eat (and what that something is), a list of things that each person has identified as "can't miss", and a spot to note where we parked.

I need to add to that page the best places to eat with our allergies. Oh, and everyone's cell numbers

Those will be printed on color coded paper (a color for each park, to match the 4x6 cards that we used on the last trip which will mostly carryover) and possible laminated - although I suspect I'll just go with multiple copies - and each sub-group will get a copy.

Then I have a master sheet for me that includes all the ADRs with conf numbers, hours for all the parks, food notes for all the parks, everyone's travel info, and mmy private scheming info that other people don't need to worry about.

I have a file box that contains... photocopies of all our tickets, extra copies of flight confirmations for people who are flying, driving directions for people who are driving, every piece of correspondence related to the condo we're renting, printed driving directions to and from the places we're likely to go (including some loop routes), note cards with itinerary plans, grocery shopping lists, road maps, area maps, AAA books, and more stuff that I can't remember now. All carefully divided into hanging folders with subfolders and printed tabs to make finding things easy.

And, if it's anything like last year - I could get away with a few google maps and a list of ADRs with confirmation numbers - but I have fun with the rest.

[deana s]

WHooooooooooooo! That is amazing!!!

[Karenj2]

My extended family thinks I'm nuts, too! I'm trying to get a "family reunion" together, with DH's family and my family in 2007, so I actually made a web-based survey for them to answer (w/ questions about when, how long, where they want to stay, what types of foods they like, etc.) Most of them have humored me and filled it out - I'm about to send reminder notes to those that haven't! :)

And once we get the basics figured out, I WILL be doing all of the above - Excel Spreadsheets, Outlook, etc!

[WillCAD]

The people who make fun of obsessive planners are always the first ones to complain loudly if something goes wrong because of poor planning.

The people who make fun of those of us who are organized are always the first ones to make fun of somebody for being dis-organized and losing important stuff like plane ressies.

I leave nothing to chance when it comes to flying 900 miles away from home. There is no way I'm ever sleeping in an airport!

[disneyfan2006]

Can I have a copy of your spreadsheet? I have always wanted to make on for my trips but I can't figure it out. :confused3 :confused3 Please email it to me so I can put my information in. I leave tomorrow and would love to have this! Please! :wave2: :wave2: :cheer2: :bounce:

cindybearc@aol.com Thanks!!

[blujaymama]

Hi everyone, my name is Robin and I am a Disney Vacation Organization-aholic. :rotfl2:
I do just about everything you all do for organization in Excel. Then before leaving for the trip I like to use a cut down Oxford three prong plastic folder with pockets into a 5x8 size. Iprint out all of my lists (park schedules with parades/entertainment and EMHs; WDW phone numbers, a sheet with all of our priority seating info), One pocket is for airline print out confirmations and the other is for park maps and room confirmation print outs. I also cut down a plastic sheet for trading cards so I have four trading card size pockets. These hold our park passes, room keys, fast passes and pressed pennies. I put a small piece of adhesive velcro on the tops of these so the contents don't fall out. I also printed out Journal pages and Daily Highlight pages from themouseforless.com and put those in there too (first time trying this). Some think I am obsessive, but I know it is just good organization! and it is fun to get myself all psyched up before a trip!

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I sent you the spreadsheet. I'm at work, but being the obsessive planner I am, I email it back and forth from the house each day so I can update it at work, too!

Have a great trip!

:thumbsup2

[OverplanninJess]

You are absolutely NOT alone. We're going in may and I've also made spreadsheets for every day (also divided into 1/2 hours) as well as a list of all park houres, ADR conf #'s and important phone numbers-I also printed out the addresses of people we want to send postcards to on sticky labels...plus (since I love to scrapbook) I decorated a folder to put it all in when it's all tweaked and ready to go! My DBF thinks I have OCD or something! :rotfl:

[goofy4wdw2]

Ooh--could you email the spreadsheet to me, too??

hollyberrywdw@comcast.net

[goofy4wdw2]

Ooh--could you email the spreadsheet to me, too?? Thank you!!!

hollyberrywdw@comcast.net

[Jailen's Gma]

ExPirateShopGirl
Can you email me a copy, also? Thank you.

ms_mary_m@yahoo.com

[fancythemouse]

me too! please!

fancy_the_mouse@yahoo.com

thanks!

[Jules224]

Me too please, hope you don't mind, but i have bits of paper everywhere and would love to have a look. :sunny:
juliacalvert@blueyonder.co.uk

[momginger]

ExPirateShopGirl, You've got something started for all of us planaholics(going to WDW May17-24)! I don't have a clue about spreadsheets! Could you email me a copy so maybe I could try to get it figured out? Thanks in advance!

Ginger

[Boundin]

Oh Me Too Me Too ! You have alot more stuff on your spreadsheet than I. Could use the the great planning advice!

ssimons@hctc.net

[Jailen's Gma]

Thanks, ExPirateShopGirl.
I received my spreadsheets. You have done a great job.

Mary

[mouseaddicts]

Yes, we confess - we are BOTH OCD about planning our WDW trips! It's the only way to maximize those dollars spent & minimize wait time! ALL our friends come to us with help planning.

But .... I now admit I feel like a rookie!!! I've never thought of doing an Excel spreadsheet (as much of computer geeks as we are!!!). Would you mind terribly sharing with me via email? lbharwood@yahoo

I've done everything longhand. I have a plastic folder with velcro closure that still has last year's information and is currently being updated for this year. We have print-outs of menus, etc. to plan meals. I have a chart for EMHs, etc.

I'd also love to know about the planner one member referenced for his PDA. I just got a Pocket PC & have a lot of info saved in my caldendar, etc., but would love more!

Thanks to all ........

[JDietz40]

I used to have a 1.5" binder with all of the info for Disney trips. DW thought I was crazy. When we drove down I even had a list of all the radio stations that were along our route so we didn't have to search the dial looking for what we wanted.(When there wasn't a Disney CD playing) I also had a list from a website I found that listed all the spped traps along the way. :rotfl:
I have not needed that info since we have flown the last couple of trips but I still have all the other info I might need stored on my laptop that we now carry.

John

[kimbac3]

Ok, went to try it... :confused3 ...took the tutorial...now I have an awesome speadsheet going. The whole time I'm working on it I'm like "This is so awesome!!" I have tons of other ideas that I can use excel for. I love that I can use the same colors on the spreadsheet as the highlighters I used on my notes. It's really too fun.....ok, I'm a Disney Planning geek....but I love it :cool1:

Kimba

[Jules224]

Help!!! :confused3
I am no computer whizz and am really struggling with Excel :badpc: , could anybody please e-mail a copy of there spread sheet so i can try and see how to do it. :wave:
juliacalvert@blueyonder.co.uk

[lidec]

could I have a copy too. lidec@aol.com

[ExPirateShopGirl]

ExPirateShopGirl, You've got something started for all of us planaholics(going to WDW May17-24)! I don't have a clue about spreadsheets! Could you email me a copy so maybe I could try to get it figured out? Thanks in advance!

Ginger


I need your email address! :)

[Freddie Beach Shelly]

ooooh ooooh oooooh...me too, please! :Pinkbounc

shelly.theriault@gnb.ca


Thanks!

[jimmiej]

To the OP:

I've been doing the spreadsheet thing for years. You're not alone. :wave2:

[jodustoby]

Can you email me your spreadsheet too? I am a spreadsheet/binder organizing freak, too. I have created a binder and started a ocuple of spreadsheets for comparing prices of Disney World tickets. Would love any help!!
Thanks!

jodustoby@verizon.net

[Chattins]

Well, if you're passing along your itinerary speadsheet please send it to me. I may have a good reason to buy a PDA finally.

Planning this trip for the 1st time is overwhelming. I have printed out information and have in a folder with dividers, etc. I can't imagine flipping thru all my printouts during vacation.

Any ideas or organization would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Linda

[Acorn Clubbers]

Another request for your excel spreadsheet - would you please email it to me?

jdsk4@juno.com

Thank you sooooo much!

[marlynnp]

...I'd also love to know about the planner one member referenced for his PDA. I just got a Pocket PC & have a lot of info saved in my caldendar, etc., but would love more!

Thanks to all ........

It's her PDA :smooth: I'm a girl geek, lol

Check out this info on Deb Wills site. http://allearsnet.com/din/palmshop.htm
It's $8.00 to get the park guides and restaurant menus.

I also have DataViz software on my PDA that allows me to import/export word and excel files.

[626ish]

Definately not the only one - DBF has given up trying to help me plan (since the next trip will be his first one) and has settled on making a spreadsheet for our budget. I'm seriously challenged when it comes to handling cash o_0

I haven't planned out the whole half-hour thing (don't want to be too millitant, ya know), but I have decided which parks we're going to on which days (EMH) and where we'll probably eat so that we can total up our $ spent there.

Disney on a budget is the only way we lowly college students can make it, and the spreadsheet helps a lot.

[T. Lynn]

Outlook is my choice of mediums to fuel the planning obsession. Task list has 60+ things to do. Calendar has 40+ entries. All a click away on my Blackberry.


For Outlook, what kind of things do you put on your task list and in your calendar?

For the calendar, do you schedule things as appointments?

I just put office 2003 on my computer so it's still kinda new to me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[deana s]

ExPirateShopGirl. I just PMed you...do you mind sending me the spreadsheet as well? TIA! :wave2:

dne1196@aol.com

[Canbarker]

I use the day planner on DisneyWorld site as that is where we booked our reservation. I can add the confirmation #'s look at maps all at the same time.

[Chris Kringle]

I have the same obsession. I don't have a spreadsheet, but I've created my own itineraries in Word and Publisher complete with photos of all the rides that we are going to go on, resorts we are staying at, and restaurants we'll be eating in. I own two Disney Planning Books (Birnbaum & Rita Aero). Everytime I go to the library I try to find a new Disney Planning book, but now there aren't any left that I haven't read. Yesterday, I took out a book about Walt Disney and how he designed & developed the Magic Kingdom. I have visitied every website and keep them all on my favorites list, visiting them regularly looking for new tips and information. My husband keeps asking me what I am going to do after we get back. He is concerned about my "withdrawal." :confused3

When we came back from our trip two years ago, I made a scrapbook and that helped. But within a few months I was starting to plan the next trip already (utilizing the lessons learned in the previous trip). Is this obsession going to continue? Do you ever get enough of the Magic?

[626ish]

Do you ever get enough of the Magic?


Absolutely not!! :rotfl:

[jenelope]

I've never been a fan of Excel. I'm a technical writer by trade, so I stick to the word processing programs. Last year, I made up a Word doc that had a series of tables in it. The first table was a day by day itinerary with special events (tours, fireworks, etc.), reservation numbers, and ADRs. The next table was modeled on the first, but it was my clothing planning table. Then I had my actual packing lists and shopping list set up in even more tables. I also had a meal-by-meal food budget breakdown. By the time I was done, it was a ten page document. Yep. It was crazy. On the other hand, I forgot nothing on that vacation and since I was constantly modifying the document, I stayed in my happy, vacation planning mood until departure.

It still doesn't beat the cool little booklet I made back in 1999 that contained a distillation of all of my important information, but was only the size of a credit card. I wish I still had that file.

Hi, my name is jenelope and I'm an obsessive WDW planner.

[mouseaddicts]

Well, I have now created our 7-day "itenerary" - broken down into 1/2 hour increments, color coded with park opening/closing times, EMHs, ADRs and special events (parades, fireworks, etc.) - in Excel along with a dining worksheet with budgets for each meal, each day and an overall trip budget!

Yeah, my oldest DD just stares at it with wide eyes!

DH & I just keep going over & over & over our dining schedule. We're not 100% satisfied with our choices (CS & TS) just yet, but we'll get there before the BIG DAY!

The planning truly is 1/2 the fun for us! And, when we return, I will make (yet another) scrapbook of our trip. It's cyclical ....... we plan, we go, we document ...... we plan, we go, we document ........ :thumbsup2

[WillCAD]

Well, I have now created our 7-day "itenerary" - broken down into 1/2 hour increments, color coded with park opening/closing times, EMHs, ADRs and special events (parades, fireworks, etc.) - in Excel along with a dining worksheet with budgets for each meal, each day and an overall trip budget!

Yeah, my oldest DD just stares at it with wide eyes!

DH & I just keep going over & over & over our dining schedule. We're not 100% satisfied with our choices (CS & TS) just yet, but we'll get there before the BIG DAY!

The planning truly is 1/2 the fun for us! And, when we return, I will make (yet another) scrapbook of our trip. It's cyclical ....... we plan, we go, we document ...... we plan, we go, we document ........ :thumbsup2

Um... do you really think you'll be able to keep to a schedule that tight? I mean, stuff happens - suppose the lines are longer than you expect? Suppose the FastPass machines break down and you have to do standby lines all day? Rides break down, crowds shift, conventions come into the parks... trying to keep to a schedule that tight is a recipe for frustration, not vacation.

I usually don't plan my days at all, but on my MouseFest trips I do; I lay out my day in blocks of about 2 hours, which gives me plenty of wiggle room in case I suddenly decide that I want to do something other than what's on the schedule.

[terryfromhawaii]

Can you email me a copy of your excel spreadsheet?

huangj001@hawaii.rr.com

[mouseaddicts]

LOL Will ......... it's not THAT bad! We don't have each ride individually scheduled. We schedule the "Lands" in the park & allow "wiggle room" for ride lines, etc. There are a number of contingencies allowed within the schedule. BUT .... we DO have a "game plan" for each day with ADRs, fireworks, parades, park hours, etc. We did this last year too & it worked out really well. We weren't wandering around the parks going "okay, what do we do next?"

When you're a "Party of Five", it's better to have a plan! We went without one in 2002 & didn't really get to do much.

Oh yeah, did I mention that we schedule rest time right in the middle of the day to get us out of the parks during the hottest/most crowded times? Using our schedule last year - we actually took in 22 attractions in MK on July 4th (the day they CLOSED the park to the public b/c of attendance)! Yep, twenty-two - I'm not lying! It was awesome!!! The ride line fairy was definitely on our side!!! :rotfl:

[krn]

:grouphug: Can you please send the speradsheet to me also? Thanks so much in advance we leave in 9 days and I am new to this forum.
Krn@bellsouth.net :cheer2: :cheer2:

[Thinktinknpixiedust]

Wow!! I am impressed. We thought that we were pretty good on getting thru those lines, but you... wow!! :worship: How did you do it???

Oh, and I thought that I had the whole planning thing down with the binders, highlighter, and all. Wow has my head been stuck in the sand... I haven't a clue how to use a spreadsheet but if I knew I would be using that too!! (Um... may I please have a copy of someone's spreadsheet?? :rolleyes: sburton1@rochester.rr.com) :thanks:

Planning :surfweb: really really really is half of the fun. I think that I would feel a little jipped if I missed out on the planning stages and my DH sprung a surprise trip on me.. (seriously no complaining at all... but you understand... he wouldn't do that anyhow... he knows how much i love my planning :love: )

My name is Jessica and I am a WDW planaholic... :wave2: LOL Will ......... it's not THAT bad! We don't have each ride individually scheduled. We schedule the "Lands" in the park & allow "wiggle room" for ride lines, etc. There are a number of contingencies allowed within the schedule. BUT .... we DO have a "game plan" for each day with ADRs, fireworks, parades, park hours, etc. We did this last year too & it worked out really well. We weren't wandering around the parks going "okay, what do we do next?"

When you're a "Party of Five", it's better to have a plan! We went without one in 2002 & didn't really get to do much.

Oh yeah, did I mention that we schedule rest time right in the middle of the day to get us out of the parks during the hottest/most crowded times? Using our schedule last year - we actually took in 22 attractions in MK on July 4th (the day they CLOSED the park to the public b/c of attendance)! Yep, twenty-two - I'm not lying! It was awesome!!! The ride line fairy was definitely on our side!!! :rotfl:

[SnwflkCts]

Wow ... I am proud to meet all you over-planners. My DH thought I was just nuts. I stopped sharing all my over-planning tips ... but he benefited from them. Used all the technology available! I managed to get our daily schedule (ADRs, not-to miss rides, count of meals-DDP) small enough to fit in my plastic holder that I wore on a lanyard. (I printed the stuff on card stock). I looked at every menu ever printed .... read all the strategy and hints at the DIS boards ... but kept in mind sometimes plans may change. Just throwing that in. You ALWAYS benefit from planning but allow a little wiggle room.

Plus, for me, planning is almost as much fun as the trip itself. I am definately a happy anticipator (did I just make up that word?). Love this thread and planners, UNITE! :love:

[Thekidsmom]

Can I have a copy of the excell spreadsheet too? Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
tgiflick@aol.com

[mouseaddicts]

Well .. to answer your question about the 22 attractions on July 4th ..... we started in Tomorrowland & hit Buzz Lightyear twice with no wait whatsoever. We also hit Indy Speedway & the Teacups early - before the lines hit since they don't have FP. We even took a break mid-day to avoid the heat/crowds. I have a whole list of what we did that day & in what order @ home ........ like I said, the ride fairy was with us!!!

I'm sending out my spreadsheet to the 3 who requested it today. I updated it earlier, so you've got my most up-to-date info now! :rotfl:

We do have some flexibility, but we keep a general idea of what we're doing & when on a "schedule" so we don't just wander around aimlessly .........

We tidied up our dining schdule yesterday, so I'm really happy about that! DH even bought me a new 3 ring binder with zip closer, extra pockets, zippers and stuff yesterday to keep everything in! :teeth: He's like "I think planning the trip is your hobby!" :rotfl: Yup, he has me pegged! :thumbsup2

[porterr]

Pleeaase, can I also get a copy of your Spreadsheet. I'm a rookie at it and would love to see your "set-up".
Thank you!
email: roxanne.porter@dsbn.edu.on.ca

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I just sent a batch of spreadsheets out! If I missed you, let me know! We were busy in NYC over the past week having a fabulous time. Got to see Disney's Tarzan on Broadway. Amazing stunts and flying sequences. It opens in May and we were lucky to get tickets to a preview showing with our Disney Visa.

Now I can concentrate on our May trip to WDW! Yay!

[maxipuppi]

ExPirateShopGirl

Could you please email me a copy of the spreadsheet too? I'd really appreciate it - and thanks in advance!

maxipuppi@nyc.rr.com

[JPN4265]

Last year before our first WDW trip, I bought a huge, laminated 'calender' for the wall with dry-erase markers in rainbow colors to plan our days. I updated the dumb thing every day for months as our plans changed and took shape. This year I started an excel spreadsheet with pages that cover every possible aspect of our vacation. The first page is our itinerary; divided by the half hour and separated into days, color-coded by activity with all park opening/closing times highlighted. The second page was an analysis of our likely eating habits and the costs associated therewith. I ran figures for paying out of pocket and using the dining plan by using the menus on allearsnet. Counter service and snack items were totaled and 6.5% tax was automatically added. Table service meals were totaled and tax and 18% tip were added. My kids were pretty insistent about the restaurants they'd like to patronize again (Chef Mickey's, Sci-fi, Le Cellier and O'hana). No big surprise, the Dining plan saves us a couple of hundred dollars. On page three, I listed all our other expenses and the likely cost; sunscreen in huge amounts, towels, refillable mugs, case of water bottles, etc. On page four, I made a chart of pertinent phone numbers and reservations codes, car rental reservation, airline flight numbers, seat assigments.

My kids roll their eyes when they look at my computer screen and see the spreadsheet open.

Tell me I am not the only one... :thumbsup2

You are not alone. We enjoy doing this type of planning also. We consider it all part of the experience. :cheer2:

[OhMari]

I am goin April 3-12, 2007 if someone is going at that same time, can someone just send me their stuff. LOL! Just kidding. I am looking so forward to be obsessive about the planning. We commandoed the 1st time we went, the 2nd time I was laid back and didn't do to much and mainly did things that we missed the 1st time. This trip I want to do the resturants, night shows, a wishes cruise, etc. As soon as I get our plane tickets, I can start.

[Angiepea]

But itsnt the planning part of the visit....I mean we (live in UK) arent going until summer 2008, and I have started the planning process already....so with the scrapbooking the holiday after, my holiday can last upto 3 years :cool1:
Angie

[Dizneydaz]

I LOVE the planning part! :cool1: And no, my mom (she's gone on every trip) doesn't understand and says "I'm sick". But she does enjoy the fruits of my labor. I don't overplan everything and I have made many ADR (or PS then) that I didn't keep but with the Dining Plan (Sept. will be the third time we've used it) I have made an ADR for each day/night-and I know some of them will change.

Of course, my mom doesn't complain when my (obsession?-no!, well maybe) saves her time and money. I found www.allearsnet.com before our first trip in 1998 and what a livesaver! I hadn't been in to the world in over 15 years. Also, these boards have been extremely helpful. I read about Crocs before our trip in Sept. 05 and now I wear them (actually I like the Payless version better) almost everyday. My feet and my mom's feet, are very grateful. Now if I hadn't been a big planner, I wouldn't have heard about Crocs (or Airwalks) would I? Also, my (over)planning allows us to get the BEST rate on a rental vehicle.

That being said, I enjoy the planning, but I do not overschedule our days, and our plans are flexible-you never know when you'll be walking out the door to TL and it's pouring-oh no-change of plans (happened last Sept.)

[bush]

Wow!! I feel like I'm behind at the moment! I would love to see someone's spreadsheet!! devpr@fortbendwomenscenter.org. Thank you so much!!! :Pinkbounc

[maliboomer]

I'm a bit compulsive, but not '2017 hours - Progress to IllumiNations viewing location bypassing McDonalds temptation'.
Once I got the hang of Excel it really helps break down the days.