After much internal debate, I decided to try out doing a TR for our next trip to WDW. I've been to the World a few times, but this will be my first time since I joined the DISboards. Bear with me, since I have never really done this before.
Our next trip is in 30 days
I have been planning this trip, since our last trip May 2007. The brief overview of our trip is April 29 to May 8, 2008. It will be me, DW, DS17, DS15, DWBFF, DM, DF. It was also going to include DB and DSiL, but they just backed out a few days ago (for a good reason - no hard feelings).
As you may have guessed from the title, I have a tendency to be the obsessive planner and a commando in the parks. This softened last year when DW and I bought into DVC. I took some solace in the fact that we would now be returning every year and maybe I didn't need to squeeze in "one more attraction."
Unfortunately, that hasn't changed my approach to trip planning. It's going to be DS17 and DS15's first trip to WDW, and my parents have not done a lot of things at WDW despite having been there a couple times. It actually amazes me how many times I talk to someone whose been here a couple of times and gives me a blank stare when I talk about an attraction that they've never heard of (or even Fastpass). My DM didn't have any idea about how ADR's worked and couldn't figure out why it took them 3 hours to get a table at Jiko's the last time they were there. It was then that I really realized I'm a commando planner as well.
So, with that in mind, I have been spending the last 6 months compiling a coil-bound guidebook for everyone. The guidebook includes our itinerary, general info on WDW concepts like Fastpass and EMH, a list of all discounts available to us (DVC, AP, DDE), resort information. It has a section for each park with a map, live entertainment schedules and a summary of all attractions and dining locations. Finally, I have a section with touring plans, pressed penny locations and hidden Mickeys. If that isn't enough, I have a pocket sized version to take with you to the park with schedules, touring plans, dining locations, etc. The main guide is about 70 pages (9" x 7") and the pocket version is about 50 pages (3.5" x 6").
Naturally, this means that I have put much effort into what we are doing on what day in order for everyone to get the most out of the trip. Last year, when we went, our friends who went with us joked about the fact that I didn't schedule the bathroom breaks in. I got much better last year at going with the flow and modifying on the fly. This year I have put more effort into planning breaks and "open" times where we can do whatever strikes us. I certainly enjoyed being spontaneous last year, but only in small doses. I hope to be a little more spontaneous this time. I have read about those who can go to WDW and simply take the first bus that arrives in the morning to whatever park it is going to. Maybe one day...in the distant future.
The reality of life that has hit me is that with 7 people, no schedule is going to survive. My goal is to keep on track as much as possible and then use the knowledge I have gained from planning to keep the spontaneous decisions on the best track possible (like not sleeping in and deciding to go to the morning EMH park at 11:00).
We shall see how it unfolds. NEXT UP: The Plan and the Players.
A couple of pics of the guidebook (1 - cover, 2 - General Info, 3 - MK map, 4 - EPCOT schedule, 5 - touring plans and attraction cheat sheet, 6 - pocket version)
Our next trip is in 30 days
I have been planning this trip, since our last trip May 2007. The brief overview of our trip is April 29 to May 8, 2008. It will be me, DW, DS17, DS15, DWBFF, DM, DF. It was also going to include DB and DSiL, but they just backed out a few days ago (for a good reason - no hard feelings).As you may have guessed from the title, I have a tendency to be the obsessive planner and a commando in the parks. This softened last year when DW and I bought into DVC. I took some solace in the fact that we would now be returning every year and maybe I didn't need to squeeze in "one more attraction."
Unfortunately, that hasn't changed my approach to trip planning. It's going to be DS17 and DS15's first trip to WDW, and my parents have not done a lot of things at WDW despite having been there a couple times. It actually amazes me how many times I talk to someone whose been here a couple of times and gives me a blank stare when I talk about an attraction that they've never heard of (or even Fastpass). My DM didn't have any idea about how ADR's worked and couldn't figure out why it took them 3 hours to get a table at Jiko's the last time they were there. It was then that I really realized I'm a commando planner as well.
So, with that in mind, I have been spending the last 6 months compiling a coil-bound guidebook for everyone. The guidebook includes our itinerary, general info on WDW concepts like Fastpass and EMH, a list of all discounts available to us (DVC, AP, DDE), resort information. It has a section for each park with a map, live entertainment schedules and a summary of all attractions and dining locations. Finally, I have a section with touring plans, pressed penny locations and hidden Mickeys. If that isn't enough, I have a pocket sized version to take with you to the park with schedules, touring plans, dining locations, etc. The main guide is about 70 pages (9" x 7") and the pocket version is about 50 pages (3.5" x 6").
Naturally, this means that I have put much effort into what we are doing on what day in order for everyone to get the most out of the trip. Last year, when we went, our friends who went with us joked about the fact that I didn't schedule the bathroom breaks in. I got much better last year at going with the flow and modifying on the fly. This year I have put more effort into planning breaks and "open" times where we can do whatever strikes us. I certainly enjoyed being spontaneous last year, but only in small doses. I hope to be a little more spontaneous this time. I have read about those who can go to WDW and simply take the first bus that arrives in the morning to whatever park it is going to. Maybe one day...in the distant future.
The reality of life that has hit me is that with 7 people, no schedule is going to survive. My goal is to keep on track as much as possible and then use the knowledge I have gained from planning to keep the spontaneous decisions on the best track possible (like not sleeping in and deciding to go to the morning EMH park at 11:00).
We shall see how it unfolds. NEXT UP: The Plan and the Players.
A couple of pics of the guidebook (1 - cover, 2 - General Info, 3 - MK map, 4 - EPCOT schedule, 5 - touring plans and attraction cheat sheet, 6 - pocket version)
I love the parks and most of their entertainment. I love reading Disney history, corporate culture and the approach to park design. Disney appeals to my need for attention to detail and to immerse myself in a total experience. This "freakishness" is tempered with reality. I understand they are a for-profit company and not here to do everything the exact way I want it. I try to evaluate each thing they do as to whether I personally like it or not, and you won't hear me say things like "Walt would not approve." No disrespect to those who would say that - it's just not how I evaluate their choices.
I am working on a similar one, but i don't think mine will look nearly as good as yours!!! What program did you use?
