Am I vacationing wrong? Lol

[Accident]

I think the one advantage to "leisurely approach" is more spontaneous visits. We can go a day after we book and be happy (of course discounts can be tricky but lately there's some last second decent ones). There's also tricks to taking over someone who canceled their flights tickets with minimal cost to get there.

 

[ginny_lynn]

No, I look at these minute to minute break down plans and cringe. I hate when my work calendar looks like that, I do not want it on vacation! We do rope drop, but when we go the parks open at 9am, and being from Nova Scotia that is 10 am to our internal clocks....we get up by 7am (6am eastern) most days at home so we are up in plenty of time for rope drop without an alarm. We know where we are headed first, or a general area of the park and go from there. My son likes saying I want to ride Splash and being able to go (though he will not wait in a long line, he'll just pick something else) He would hate if I was like no, that is at 4:15, right now we must do Winnie the Pooh. I book our FP+, but we often skip them if lines are short, or use the app to move them around if that's not where we are or want to be.

We have only ever traveled during lower periods though (end of August, September and mid November)

 

[PrincessNelly]

Nope! We were super leisurely our first 2 trips but then decided to mix it up.
We always sleep in on MK days & take advantage of night emh! We are planning to stay in MK til 2 am (arriving around 5:30pm) on our upcoming trip!
We also don't arrive at HS until about 3pm & stay til closing.
Epcot is the only park we take advantage of morning emh hours.
We do AK early just so we can have the rest of the day to relax but I'm hoping to enjoy it at night one day, I hear its even prettier at night!
We always have 2 days that we just relax, hit the pool, or water parks too.
We never park hop either, too much trouble for us! lol

 

[Lisaloo]

Yes

 

[AlixaLock]

No! I'm a serious planner, but I've done disney every which way for lots of different reasons and ALWAYS had a blast! I love the DIS, and basically couldn't live without it ;-) but the one bad by-product of these boards is that I think some people leave with the impression that there is a "right" way and a "wrong" way to vacation at WDW and that is so not true!

 

[Ava]

We do rope drop (or close to it) mostly because we have a toddler who needs to go back to the room to nap after lunch. That takes 3-4 hours out of our touring time each day, so being there for rope drop and taking advantage of the shorter waits at that time allows us to get more done. Once my kids are older we'll probably shift to sleeping later and staying later in the parks, but for now the early mornings work for us.

As far as minute-by-minute plans... I'm trying personalized Touring Plans for the first time this trip. I'm the planner for our group of 6, and its less stressful to me to have a plan in advance. I'm sure we won't strictly adhere to them but I much prefer having a plan than not.

 

[dae3dae3]

In comparison to some here I guess I would be considered a newbie- but I have been 10+ times, 5 of those pretty consistently over the past 6 years.

That being said I keep reading others plans and questions and everyone being there at RD and so on and I begin to question if I've been doing this Disney thing wrong this whole time. I have two little ones. My dh, myself, and my kids are definitely more the type to burn the midnight oil than to rise at the crack of dawn. We have never been at a park for RD and even have a breakfast reservation at our hotel the first day at 9:20! ( I can hear the collective gasps from all you early birds out there!) Other than parades, FPs, and firework shows I can't imagine being so regimented.

So am I the only one to take more of a leisurely approach to Disney? We have never not gotten to do something or had a bad time because of it so I guess there's no wrong way to go about it. But it got me wondering if I was the only odd ball there lol

-Kristen

Yes, your plan is bad and you should feel bad!

(that was a joke btw)

I've often wondered if the people that completely go commando to get on as many rides as possible even notice all the cool things and atmosphere at Disney. We go every few years but still like to have time to just kind of hang out and wing it. I have all my fast passes and some ADR and a loose mental plan of what I want to hit and the best times to try to do it but we still take time to stop and watch the musical groups or outdoor shows if we come upon them. Sometimes it is fun to just sit and enjoy the atmosphere.

 

[supersnoop]

So am I the only one to take more of a leisurely approach to Disney? We have never not gotten to do something or had a bad time because of it so I guess there's no wrong way to go about it. But it got me wondering if I was the only odd ball there lol

The reason so many people are successful with the RD and mid-day break plan is because the vast majority of people tour the same way you do. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the busiest time, with the longest lines and highest crowd levels. If you enjoy yourself, then there's nothing to do differently. If you're willing to rework your schedule for lower crowds and shorter lines, then there is that possibility. But that's not to say either way is "right" or "wrong."

 

[woodynjessiesmomma]

I've often wondered if the people that completely go commando to get on as many rides as possible even notice all the cool things and atmosphere at Disney.

I just love being at Disney! The rides are a bonus to me. On our first family trip in 2012, my aunt knew about FP and to grab it for PP, Buzz, and TSM, but other than that we just winged it. We had a wonderful time casually exploring and due to young kids we missed a lot of rides but we had a great visit. We missed all the night shows except Illuminations because we did go back to BWV that day for a nap, otherwise we were out by 3-5pm every evening and enjoyed our room and swimming. No ARDs before arriving. Scheduled Pirates League from our room.
When just my immediate family did DL in 2013, I over planned. And I messed up by getting confused over what things were scheduled what days and times. I made us miss the Aladdin show which was huge to me. I was stressed out after that trip. I think my problem was I discovered this and another Disney board between the trips and learned about all the cool things I couldn't miss.
Now planning our trip this fall I'm trying to balance taking advantage of what I learn here but not to the point of being overwhelmed. Last week after picking FPs I was about to lose it and cancel everything, but I've decided to have a plan but be flexible. I want to enjoy finally being back at Disney!

 

[kmdrago1783]

In comparison to some here I guess I would be considered a newbie- but I have been 10+ times, 5 of those pretty consistently over the past 6 years.

That being said I keep reading others plans and questions and everyone being there at RD and so on and I begin to question if I've been doing this Disney thing wrong this whole time. I have two little ones. My dh, myself, and my kids are definitely more the type to burn the midnight oil than to rise at the crack of dawn. We have never been at a park for RD and even have a breakfast reservation at our hotel the first day at 9:20! ( I can hear the collective gasps from all you early birds out there!) Other than parades, FPs, and firework shows I can't imagine being so regimented.

So am I the only one to take more of a leisurely approach to Disney? We have never not gotten to do something or had a bad time because of it so I guess there's no wrong way to go about it. But it got me wondering if I was the only odd ball there lol

-Kristen

I posted a critique my thread post the other day and a lot of posters think in crazy for scheduling late breakfast adrs (and by late I mean 9ish).

The last time we went to wdw we were there for rope drop almost every morning and this time we want to take it easy and actually relax a little. Looks like we're on the same page.

 

[grimley1968]

In comparison to some here I guess I would be considered a newbie- but I have been 10+ times, 5 of those pretty consistently over the past 6 years.

That being said I keep reading others plans and questions and everyone being there at RD and so on and I begin to question if I've been doing this Disney thing wrong this whole time. I have two little ones. My dh, myself, and my kids are definitely more the type to burn the midnight oil than to rise at the crack of dawn. We have never been at a park for RD and even have a breakfast reservation at our hotel the first day at 9:20! ( I can hear the collective gasps from all you early birds out there!) Other than parades, FPs, and firework shows I can't imagine being so regimented.

So am I the only one to take more of a leisurely approach to Disney? We have never not gotten to do something or had a bad time because of it so I guess there's no wrong way to go about it. But it got me wondering if I was the only odd ball there lol

-Kristen

I guess there is a sliding scale to the word "regimented." Parades, FP's, firework shows and one ADR for breakfast = 6 appointments in a single day. It may seem leisurely to you (and it is compared to many of the plans I read on here where people ADR just about every meal), but that still seems regimented to me.

 

[gavsgirl]

We aren't scheduled to go back until December of this year. We were just there September of 14. We had 1 ADR prior to getting there, all our other reservations we just kind of winged it. If we were in the park, we caught the parade and/or fireworks. If not, my kids were happy with seeing the fireworks from the hotel (we are lucky enough to stay on property, on the monorail line most times we go). We just love the Disney atmosphere. I jokingly ask my kids all the time "You've been before, why the heck would you want to go back" and my kids still answer "because it's the only place magic is so real!" (usually followed by a duh!) - and I love that they are still young enough to think that. I don't want to turn their vacation into another structured, rule filled week. We know what we like, we see what we see. I'm looking forward to the MVMCP and seeing the parks all decorated for Christmas but beyond that - we are just happy to be there and be immersed in all that Disney has to offer. We have gotten lucky in the past with our trips being able to wait last minute and still get into all our dining wants. This time I'm actually way ahead of the game and have scheduled 2 (yes, 2!) whole ADR's and the MVMCP lol Thats unheard of in our book lol

Like I said, more power to the planners out there who know that they can be at a character breakfast, RD, and on the 7DMT all before 10am lol I just could never be that regimented. But seeing everyones plans it makes me wonder if I could/should be. But then I'm reminded of just how cranky my kids (and myself included) would probably be to be in such a rush. I was just curious what the ratio was between the regimented pre-planner to the leisurely Disney tourist. Perhaps I should have included a poll

In the end, my kids are happy, we are happy, and we always come home with happy memories of all the things that we were lucky enough-despite our non-planning habits - to accomplish. And every time I get home I start thinking about going back again. Ha, so maybe I am a pre-planner! lol

 

[Planogirl]

Everyone has different priorities but we go to WDW to enjoy the parks. We can go to nice resorts and eat out and do many of the other things such as waterparks and mini-golf in many places. To us what makes WDW different is the parks. Without the parks I for one would probably go elsewhere.

However we are not really commando. We'll try to hit a few rope drops but we take breaks and spend time just leisurely exploring. But it's still all about the parks.

 

[Ambear]

Like I said, more power to the planners out there who know that they can be at a character breakfast, RD, and on the 7DMT all before 10am lol I just could never be that regimented. But seeing everyones plans it makes me wonder if I could/should be. But then I'm reminded of just how cranky my kids (and myself included) would probably be to be in such a rush. I was just curious what the ratio was between the regimented pre-planner to the leisurely Disney tourist. Perhaps I should have included a poll

I just don't get why it matters... especially the above quote is strange to me... it's like saying, "all my friends have sports cars and even though I'm happy with my non-sports car and it works well for me, maybe I should get one because they like them and it works well for them." Maybe that's just me though lol.

Anyway if you're happy and you know this way works for you... keep doing it...

 

[smiths02]

On our trip last month, I figured out that my oldest doesn't enjoy any of the thrill rides (not even the mountains he used to like), and DH and I don't like riding alone.
We will do an adult trip in Feb and ride the thrill rides together. Then our next trip in June, we can be more relaxed. We will still do rope drop mainly to beat the heat, but it won't matter. Even in June crowds, some "rides" were easy to get on. We could have done the teacups over and over in the middle of the day. And my kids would have been happy.
My two year olds didn't even realize Disneyworld had rides until a few weeks before they went. They just loved staying in a hotel and meeting Mickey Mouse.

I think this is a benefit to a trip not being "once in a lifetime."

 

[tinkerbella16]

There is no right or wrong way. What ever works for you and your family, keep doing! Different strokes for different folks!

I am a very early riser, even in wdw.. I wake up before 4am for work everyday so waking up at 5am in Disney is sleeping in a little bit for me lol. I like having an early breakfast- between 6:30-7:30am at the latest. And getting to the parks before its scheduled opening time. I always take breaks each day.. since we park hop and tend to go to a different park at night until closing, these breaks really do refuel and refresh us for the evenings so we aren't dragging as the night goes on. I like spending that midday break at the resort and using the time to relax, swim, walk around or nap if I'm that tired. That is just what works for us and has been that way for years.

Don't change anything you do because others do it.. Enjoy it!

 

[Aurora0427]

We plan around our ADRs and FP+. We really try and rope drop bc our 4 year old is up anyway and doesn't nap. She can do a few late nights, but not 8 straight. My husband likes to spend every day at the parks. This trip I've planned 2 full days of no parks. He doesn't see the point- we have pools at home blah blah blah, but I'll be 6.5 months pregnant and I'm going to need the resort days. Plus our daughter will love the beach pool and Alice & Wonderland Splash pad at the GF. We are spending all of this money to stay at this gorgeous resort. We are going to enjoy it. Husband is just going to have to deal!

 

[Robo]

We plan around our ADRs and FP+. We really try and rope drop bc our 4 year old is up anyway and doesn't nap. She can do a few late nights, but not 8 straight. My husband likes to spend every day at the parks. This trip I've planned 2 full days of no parks. He doesn't see the point- we have pools at home blah blah blah, but I'll be 6.5 months pregnant and I'm going to need the resort days. Plus our daughter will love the beach pool and Alice & Wonderland Splash pad at the GF. We are spending all of this money to stay at this gorgeous resort. We are going to enjoy it. Husband is just going to have to deal!

So, HE is vacationing wrong.

 

[Aurora0427]

So, HE is vacationing wrong.

EXACTLY.

We have done so many commando style Disney trips. I want to stop and smell the roses a bit this next trip. Before I have an infant again. And then a toddler. Gulp.

 

[YawningDodo]

No, I look at these minute to minute break down plans and cringe. I hate when my work calendar looks like that, I do not want it on vacation! We do rope drop, but when we go the parks open at 9am, and being from Nova Scotia that is 10 am to our internal clocks....we get up by 7am (6am eastern) most days at home so we are up in plenty of time for rope drop without an alarm. We know where we are headed first, or a general area of the park and go from there. My son likes saying I want to ride Splash and being able to go (though he will not wait in a long line, he'll just pick something else) He would hate if I was like no, that is at 4:15, right now we must do Winnie the Pooh. I book our FP+, but we often skip them if lines are short, or use the app to move them around if that's not where we are or want to be.

We have only ever traveled during lower periods though (end of August, September and mid November)

Yessss. I got the Unofficial Guide for our upcoming trip to get caught up on the new stuff and get a better grasp on our dining options, and it drove me nuts how often the author kept going on about how if you didn't follow the touring plans you were doomed to wait in line two hours for every ride. Posted a review on Amazon to that same effect and got another reviewer telling me how the author was totally right and I could get more done in one hour of following a plan than a whole day of winging it (and again, strongly implying that I'm going to be doomed to wait in two hour lines). It almost had me doubting myself now that I had multiple people telling me off for not planning my day ride-by-ride, except....

I just don't get why it matters... especially the above quote is strange to me... it's like saying, "all my friends have sports cars and even though I'm happy with my non-sports car and it works well for me, maybe I should get one because they like them and it works well for them." Maybe that's just me though lol.

Anyway if you're happy and you know this way works for you... keep doing it...

This is far from my first rodeo. I've never used a touring plan before, but I've still always managed to avoid the dreaded Two Hour Line (by dint of, you know, choosing another ride if the one I was going for turns out to be in the midst of its peak traffic). I'm sure there are people for whom scheduling things to that degree works great, but if the very thought of writing a schedule for all the attractions I plan to hit throughout the day gives me the heebie-jeebies, that's probably a sign that I wouldn't much enjoy actually touring that way. And that's fine. Different strokes. I almost feel like I've over-planned by scheduling three FP+ per day as well as two ADrs across the whole trip, but people are right, it's a sliding scale...and you can always blow off your FP+.