Wow--I've so many mistakes, er "learning experiences" over the years. Most of them fall into the category of focusing more on the WHAT of the trip instead of the WHO and the WHY.
I'm a trip planner. I love it, one of the best things about a trip. I scour the discussion boards, memorize guide books, compare notes with other Disney (and DIS) veterans. Planning allow me to build my own little Fantasyland, the utopian promise of the trip found in my itinerary and ADRs organized on my Excel sheet. And in the past I've loved the challenge of being the tour-guide commando. Whether traveling solo or in a large group of friends and family, I've thrived on planning and executing the completist vacation.
With all that planning, with all those attractions that got checked off my master list, I could crow success! And on those trips we had a good time, I can't deny that. I've converted more than one person from Disney-neutral to AP holder.
BUT...as I've gotten older, I realized I was focused on "doing" WDW rather than "being" at WDW. I was focused on conquering Disney model rather than on experiencing Disney. And more importantly, experiencing Disney with whomever I'm vacationing. So, in part thanks to the calming influence of my DH, I'm increasingly interesed not just in making new Disney memories but in making new Disney-specific memories, ones which reflect who I'm with and why I'm there. And generally I'm there with loved ones, on vacation, with the intention of relaxing in an escapist, fantastical environment that somehow encourages people to smile and laugh more.
So while I'm still a planner, I find myself repeating the mantra, "This isn't the only jelly donut you'll ever eat." It's a little catchphrase DH and I created, to remind ourselves to focus on quality over quantity. We don't need to exhaust ourselves by experiencing everything on a trip because then we'll appreciate everything less. We can skip some things, because they'll always be another opportunity, another jelly donut. (It took me a long time to get to this point because for a long time I was convinced each trip would be the last time, for various reasons.) And it reminds us that we don't always want a jelly donut, at least not every day, that there is a joy in our everyday, regular lives--in how the two complement each other. [Okay, maybe I DO want a jelly donut every day, but I don't think my waistline or wallet would appreciate my indulgence.]
So, as a result of our "jelly donut" mantra, we:
*Rush around less. We plan a longer vacation, if possible, or shorten our list of must-see rides and attractions. We plan leisurely meals and naps. (The older I get, the more I appreciate nap-time and I beleive adult America needs to support worktime naps!) All this helps us be more in the moment, if you will.
*Listen to each other's needs, and those of our occasional travel companions, more. It doesn't matter if I'm still feeling like I could "squeeze" in one more ride if DH's energy is flagging. And he pays attention to my "unscheduled" need to duck into air conditioning.
*Stay on-World, even if that means we have to spend less time at the World. For us, the atmosphere really does make a difference.
*Focus on "stuff" less. This means less packing, less souvenirs, less purchasing on pre-trip necessities. Focus on "memories" more. This means more photo opportunities, more tours, more conversations with CMs and guests. We'll buy small souvenirs, but don't make shopping part of our vacation schedule.
*Speaking of schedules, more unscheduled time. Oh, I've got plans and I think most of us would agree that visiting Disney requires some planning. But now I'm much less likely to say, "We HAVE to be there 30 minute before opening" or "A day away from the parks? Are you crazy?" Some of our best times at Disney have been a few hours by the pool with a good book or an evening stroll around the resort. And we're much more likely to abandon my plans spontaneously.
*Spend more alone time or spend time away from the entire group. It makes me a happier, saner person. The same for DH. Time alone allows me to experience my private Disney, the reason I'm attracted to it in the first place. And it allows me to be my alone me, not the couple, family, or friends me.
Of course, I don't think you could have convinced me of the value of the "jelly donut" approach for my first trip. Disney was all new, all sensory overload, all about the WHAT. The WHO and the WHY seemed obvious. It was only after a few trips that I settled into Disney as my homeplace. But that's another joy in Disney. As I've visited the parks more, I've changed and the Disney vacation experience has changed with me.
). We adjusted in the middle of our trip and started timing it so we'd arrive right at rope drop, and that was plenty early enough--we still walked on to most attractions during the first couple of hours.
Of course when they scanned our tickets, they informed us of the problem. I showed them my itinerary book (yes, I'm anal about planning and create little itinerary books) that showed my reservation time and number. However, they were great about it, and set up chairs for us in a walkway segment between the upper and lower decks (actually was an excellent place to watch from) and the chairs were more comfortable and spacious than the normal seats. 
and too much work! 
Sounds a bit sneeky and/or selfish? Perhaps, but for the first time in a few years we really want to just go and have fun OUR WAY! 
