WDW Commando Club

[Disney Commando]

count me in!

You have been added you are member#43 Tell us a little about yourself

I am the big planner in the family while my husband goes along for the ride as long as he can before trying to sabotage my commando style. He likes his sleep.

I'm not really a morning person especially on vacation but we are talking Disney here so I try to get the gang ready and out for rope drop. We usually end up just a little past rope drop, but still are able to get stuff done before the crowds.

We went the week before Easter and it was insanely busy!!! I never want to go during a busy time like that again. But super early and super late was great in the parks! We had no choice but to break midday, the crowds were terrible! We were still able to do everything we wanted during that week with a little planning.

And don't forget to throw out plans when needed. I had this great plan for us at MK one night but my boys saw the dance party going on and we ended up spending most of the night there. It was a blast even though it wasn't part of the schedule at all!

You are member #44 The kids come 1st, a happy kid(s)A happy trip. My DW & DS (next month will be 5 this is his 5th trip) along with her extended family. Every night since he has been there he has been very sad sad when I talk to him he wants me there, he dosn't want to go to the hotel , it's not Herbies (Allstar movies) it's not good. When we were there in Nov. Not planned but he went on GMTT 13 times and BCRR 6 times.
Being flexible is a great thing since IMO if kids are involved they are the ones to please

Didn't read the whole thing yet but I like this thread.

My name is Missesdisney and I am a Disney Commando!

So is my whole family including my 9 year old son who has Disney in his blood.

I look forward to reading this thread and contributing when I am not half asleep!

You are member #45 You are like my family read above my DS iS will be 5 next month and has already taken on my commando ways

My sister is the commando and I am along for the ride. She's been working and reworking her spreadsheet for 6 weeks now. (We arrive on the 23rd of this month!)

Question:
What shoes should I bring?! I'm bring a pair of gym shoes for sure but I'd like other recommendations.

Thanks!!

You are member #46 I wear what is comfortable even if they are kinda crappy lookin' Dw always gets me a new pair of sneaks before we go, but they are not broken in yet so during the day they would bother me big time, IMO being comfortable is mor important than what they look like (don't have many shoe shot pics in the ole' family alblum)

 

[scottishduffy]

I would be the commando within my group, so I am in!

The trick is going commando, but still making it feel spontaneous to those in your group not of the 'commando' mindset. My group (DH, Best friend K, Friend J) had complained of things feeling too planned. So I lightened way up....made no plans... then they complained of having no structure.

So now they agree I should make plans, but not inform anyone of the plans. That way our day feels spontaneous even if it isn't entirely so.

Longest day ever in parks: 8:00 KTTK tour ending with EMH in the MK until 1:00 am.

Craziest day: All 4 parks in one day... hitting an early EMH and an evening EMH. I don't think I could ever do that again though.

Craziest planning ever: Figured out where and what time dream FP's were most commonly distributed. Placed my party in that location at that time and we won dream FP's! They count this both as the most brilliant and the stupidest thing I've ever done.

Strategy: Rope drop followed by big rides all morning until lunch. Afternoon of airconditioned shows and slow rides to relax. Maybe just some people watching. Pick up more rides and parades in late afternoon and evening. Perhaps after park close head out to have a couple cocktails before turning in for the night.

So far we have have had great trips together! I try to be nice and take everyone's tolerances into account when planning. Obviously days for just DH and I are much different than days when we drag our 2 yr old niece around.

 

[Disney Commando]

I would be the commando within my group, so I am in!

The trick is going commando, but still making it feel spontaneous to those in your group not of the 'commando' mindset. My group (DH, Best friend K, Friend J) had complained of things feeling too planned. So I lightened way up....made no plans... then they complained of having no structure.

So now they agree I should make plans, but not inform anyone of the plans. That way our day feels spontaneous even if it isn't entirely so.

Longest day ever in parks: 8:00 KTTK tour ending with EMH in the MK until 1:00 am.

Craziest day: All 4 parks in one day... hitting an early EMH and an evening EMH. I don't think I could ever do that again though.

Craziest planning ever: Figured out where and what time dream FP's were most commonly distributed. Placed my party in that location at that time and we won dream FP's! They count this both as the most brilliant and the stupidest thing I've ever done.

Strategy: Rope drop followed by big rides all morning until lunch. Afternoon of airconditioned shows and slow rides to relax. Maybe just some people watching. Pick up more rides and parades in late afternoon and evening. Perhaps after park close head out to have a couple cocktails before turning in for the night.

So far we have have had great trips together! I try to be nice and take everyone's tolerances into account when planning. Obviously days for just DH and I are much different than days when we drag our 2 yr old niece around.

You are member #47. Please let us know more about the dream FP's, what exactly are they and how do you get them. Sounds like something alot of us would like to get in on

 

[disneyjunkie]

Question:
What shoes should I bring?! I'm bring a pair of gym shoes for sure but I'd like other recommendations.

Thanks!!

I bring a variety of shoes.

Sneakers for early morning/afternoon touring

comfortable flip flops( for me that means they must have an arch) to change into when/if my feet get hot

cute sandals to match dresses/skirts for dinner ADRs.

Don't forget water shoes for water parks/pools

 

[missesdisney]

I bring a variety of shoes.

comfortable flip flops( for me that means they must have an arch) to change into when/if my feet get hot

First - love the pic in your signature!

What kind of flip flops with an arch do you usually wear? It's a never ending search for me

 

[3smithboys]

What kind of flip flops with an arch do you usually wear? It's a never ending search for me

I know you weren't asking me, so I hope you don't mind if I jump in....

I like the Crocs Capri style flip flops, and I just bought a pair of Sketchers Tone Ups Flip Flops, and they are really comfy. Both offer good support.

 

[scottishduffy]

You are member #47. Please let us know more about the dream FP's, what exactly are they and how do you get them. Sounds like something alot of us would like to get in on

The Dream FP's were part of the "Year of a Million Dreams" promotion about 2 yrs ago. If you won one, you automatically had FP's for all the major rides in that park. They no longer are around as it was just part of that short promotion.

I basically just read the threads of people who had won and found out most people won them early in the morning (before 10:00 am). I also found out alot of people won them on The Great Movie Ride. So I arranged for my group to ride that ride early one morning, and by sheer dumb luck we ended up winning some! That is one of our funnier Disney moments, they still can't believe it worked.

 

[Disney Commando]

The Dream FP's were part of the "Year of a Million Dreams" promotion about 2 yrs ago. If you won one, you automatically had FP's for all the major rides in that park. They no longer are around as it was just part of that short promotion.

I basically just read the threads of people who had won and found out most people won them early in the morning (before 10:00 am). I also found out alot of people won them on The Great Movie Ride. So I arranged for my group to ride that ride early one morning, and by sheer dumb luck we ended up winning some! That is one of our funnier Disney moments, they still can't believe it worked.

Too bad they still don't do it. But getting one of those dream FP's is like a commando dream come true, the time you can save to do something else IMO that was a awesome score

 

[islandbabe]

Please add me to the list. I think there is no problem in life that can't be solved by a good Excel spreadsheet. My husband doesn't even know what an Excel spreadsheet is. Oh, opposites really do attract!

 

[Disney Commando]

Please add me to the list. I think there is no problem in life that can't be solved by a good Excel spreadsheet. My husband doesn't even know what an Excel spreadsheet is. Oh, opposites really do attract!

You are member #48 In time he will want to follow in your footsteps, he just dosn't know it yet

 

[mnlibzi]

My dad is the "Commando Tourist" of the family and would have us up by 8:00am and have us at the park at opening time. As annoying as it was it let us get on some rides that we wouldn't have gone on. So it can be good or a bad thing.

 

[tink_86]

I have to be a Disney Commando. We're goin for 3 days in August and trying to fit in all 4 parks. It's my DBF first trip so I want to hit all the good stuff so he'll want to go back with me in the future! I've been checking out the Disboards and planning and replanning for 3 months now. I can't wait until August to put my plan to work!!

 

[AJRitz]

I guess I'm best characterized as a Commando Touring Planner-in-Training

This October will be my family's (and my) first-ever trip to Disney World. I plan obsessively. I had our trip booked by early February (shortly after I received the PIN offer in an Email). Airline reservations by the end of March. I'd begun my research shortly after New Year's.

I've got a detailed spreadsheet with macro and micro views of our plans on separate sheets. I have detailed attraction-by-attraction touring plans that are continually being tweaked and refined as I learn more. We've got dining reservations all squared away.

The only things that keep me from being a true commando are:
1. DS3 (aka Squeaker). He's pretty much going to be "along for the ride" this trip. At the moment, he eyes all costumed characters suspiciously and refuses to approach them. He also dislikes just about all amusement park rides. I'm hoping he warms to the ride stuff a bit when he can ride together with both my wife and I, but I'm not counting on it. He's also an unholy terror if he gets overtired, so we've got breaks scheduled in. (DD7 (aka The Bug) on the other hand is a thrill ride junkie who will happily ride things that are just too much for me).
2. I don't really know what I'm doing just yet. I can collect all the secondhand information in existence, and it's still not the same as planning based on personal experience.

To me, the key to being a vacation commando is to plan and prepare in excruciating detail - so much so that when the circumstances require a change in plans, you can smoothly and easily adjust. DW tolerates my planning because she knows that, in the end, it allows us to maximize the positive experiences. Breaks get used as actual rest when needed, instead of wasting time with fidgeting kids while we figure out what's next.

 

[dvczerfs]

COMMMANDOOOOOOO!!! im in buddy!!!! i would of been here sooner but i was on the phone with guest services!!( your call will be answered in ......... 17 min.)

 

[perfectparanoia]

I am totally a commando! In terms of planning, anyway. I must know what I am doing in what order everyday. I must arrive at rope drop.

What people don't understand is it actually helps me to relax on vacation. I am going to be in charge anyway. If I have everything all ready in advance I get to relax and just follow my plans like the rest of the group.

(It also means we won't miss anything.)

Not that the best plans don't go astray. One of our best days we went to DHS for morning EMH and rode TSMM, ToT and RnRC but then we decided we were tired. I asked if we could 'stop by' Magic Kingdom to go on the Jungle Cruise. We then proceeded to do that, Pirates, Splash, Haunted Mansion and Philharmagic (we would have done Space Mountain but this was during the refurb). Having gained great energy from this we headed over to AK to go on Kilimanjaro Safaris 'on our way to' Jiko for dinner (at 5pm). We also went on Everest (and then Kilimanjaro Safaris again). After dinner, we had planned to do evening EMH at Epcot. I thought for sure we would get on the bus and poop out (especially after the wine we had with dinner) but off we went and rode Mission:SPACE, Soarin', Imagination and Spaceship Earth. We did all our favourites at all four parks in one day!

All this and we did it with Disney Transportation!

We were really tired at the end of it all but it was the best day ever!

 

[Lorilais_mommie]

Confessions of a commando...
I'm going to admit it once & for all...

I am a COMMANDO!!
My DH thinks i need help... like a 12 step program
I have everything planned for our next trip...
We are talking...
I had to put time in my touring plans for a bathroom break!
( which DH had reminded me that not everyone has a steal bladder, when he noticed i had us running for one ride to other!)

part of mine planning to to have maps out so i can see how our walking paths will be maped out!
Also make sure to have a disney box! fill it with things you will need for your next trip that your not using .. Ex. Ponchos! , pins, and little toys for the are plane...

 

[Disney Commando]

My dad is the "Commando Tourist" of the family and would have us up by 8:00am and have us at the park at opening time. As annoying as it was it let us get on some rides that we wouldn't have gone on. So it can be good or a bad thing.

You are member #48. Maybe next trip you can teach your Dad a few tricks

I have to be a Disney Commando. We're goin for 3 days in August and trying to fit in all 4 parks. It's my DBF first trip so I want to hit all the good stuff so he'll want to go back with me in the future! I've been checking out the Disboards and planning and replanning for 3 months now. I can't wait until August to put my plan to work!!

You are member #50. I'm sure he will have a blast and want to go back soon. As far as 4 parks 3 days, Yes it can be done

I guess I'm best characterized as a Commando Touring Planner-in-Training

This October will be my family's (and my) first-ever trip to Disney World. I plan obsessively. I had our trip booked by early February (shortly after I received the PIN offer in an Email). Airline reservations by the end of March. I'd begun my research shortly after New Year's.

I've got a detailed spreadsheet with macro and micro views of our plans on separate sheets. I have detailed attraction-by-attraction touring plans that are continually being tweaked and refined as I learn more. We've got dining reservations all squared away.

The only things that keep me from being a true commando are:
1. DS3 (aka Squeaker). He's pretty much going to be "along for the ride" this trip. At the moment, he eyes all costumed characters suspiciously and refuses to approach them. He also dislikes just about all amusement park rides. I'm hoping he warms to the ride stuff a bit when he can ride together with both my wife and I, but I'm not counting on it. He's also an unholy terror if he gets overtired, so we've got breaks scheduled in. (DD7 (aka The Bug) on the other hand is a thrill ride junkie who will happily ride things that are just too much for me).
2. I don't really know what I'm doing just yet. I can collect all the secondhand information in existence, and it's still not the same as planning based on personal experience.

To me, the key to being a vacation commando is to plan and prepare in excruciating detail - so much so that when the circumstances require a change in plans, you can smoothly and easily adjust. DW tolerates my planning because she knows that, in the end, it allows us to maximize the positive experiences. Breaks get used as actual rest when needed, instead of wasting time with fidgeting kids while we figure out what's next.

You are member#51. I know AJ a fellow memberof The Dis Dads Club so I can tell you AJ does his homework and does it well He is also the creator of The DisDads Clubhouse

COMMMANDOOOOOOO!!! im in buddy!!!! i would of been here sooner but i was on the phone with guest services!!( your call will be answered in ......... 17 min.)

You are member #52. I also know dvczerfs, a fellow Dis Dad Club member. Knows alot of great WDW tricks, I have learned alot from him, He is a few days shy of spending 1 full year of his life at WDW

 

[Disney Commando]

I am totally a commando! In terms of planning, anyway. I must know what I am doing in what order everyday. I must arrive at rope drop.

What people don't understand is it actually helps me to relax on vacation. I am going to be in charge anyway. If I have everything all ready in advance I get to relax and just follow my plans like the rest of the group.

(It also means we won't miss anything.)

Not that the best plans don't go astray. One of our best days we went to DHS for morning EMH and rode TSMM, ToT and RnRC but then we decided we were tired. I asked if we could 'stop by' Magic Kingdom to go on the Jungle Cruise. We then proceeded to do that, Pirates, Splash, Haunted Mansion and Philharmagic (we would have done Space Mountain but this was during the refurb). Having gained great energy from this we headed over to AK to go on Kilimanjaro Safaris 'on our way to' Jiko for dinner (at 5pm). We also went on Everest (and then Kilimanjaro Safaris again). After dinner, we had planned to do evening EMH at Epcot. I thought for sure we would get on the bus and poop out (especially after the wine we had with dinner) but off we went and rode Mission:SPACE, Soarin', Imagination and Spaceship Earth. We did all our favourites at all four parks in one day!

All this and we did it with Disney Transportation!

We were really tired at the end of it all but it was the best day ever!

You are member #53. I agree that having a plan will make you more relaxed while there I have seen families with the deer in headlights look, no clue on what to do next

Confessions of a commando...
I'm going to admit it once & for all...

I am a COMMANDO!!
My DH thinks i need help... like a 12 step program
I have everything planned for our next trip...
We are talking...
I had to put time in my touring plans for a bathroom break!
( which DH had reminded me that not everyone has a steal bladder, when he noticed i had us running for one ride to other!)

part of mine planning to to have maps out so i can see how our walking paths will be maped out!
Also make sure to have a disney box! fill it with things you will need for your next trip that your not using .. Ex. Ponchos! , pins, and little toys for the are plane...

You are member #54. Your DH sounds like my DW She yells at me all the time for being on the Boards, but it seems funny that when we are at WDW, I don't hear anything about all the time I spent planning anymore

 

[dvczerfs]

52 members!!! congrat commando!!

 

[Disney Commando]

Pretty much no matter what week you book something is going on in at least 1 Park, It could be a Holiday, F & W Feast, Jersey Week, Pop Warner, Right now its what someone on another tread referd to as The Billions Of Brazilians (DW & DS are there now and have confirmed this)

You can check some boards on crowd levels, but it is really just a guess, since you really have no way to tell what park everyone will be at, what time, location in the park etc. All factors can lead to unexpected crowds and turn into a commando nightmare

If you come across unexpected crowds, How do you deal with it