Decided - virtually no advance planning of holiday this time

[Lizzybear]

I think as long as a method works for you and your group then it's the right way I've redone my planning spreadsheet recently as the WDW section was becoming a bit more regimented than I originally wanted (we're supposed to be taking a more chilled approach to WDW this time as we'll more than likely be doing loads in New York and Boston!) We do have plans for every day we're in Orlando including ADRs for all but one but since we'll be doing middle of the day breaks this time (something I intended to do last time but didn't and we both really felt it) i've split the day in half and only done a definite park plan for half of the day, the other half we'll decide the night before or on the day from TGM's green or yellow parks I've made a note each day of the evening entertainment that's on and have preferred nights to watch them but also alternatives in case we're too tired. Yes still quite regimented by most people's standards I imagine but quite free and easy for me! One thing i'll more than likely always plan fairly rigidly is meals... My bf is vegetarian so just eating where/when we feel hungry doesn't always work as a lot of places don't have much for him if anything. We've eaten at a lot of awesome places that i'd never have known about if we'd just decided when we got there

 

[Cyrano]

I had planned our first trip with an outline of EMH days and therefore probable parks to visit. I cancelled a number of ADR's while in WDW as it became clear that our plans would change.

Whatever works for the individual is the right way to plan or not for a holiday.
I am sure that for guests who have been a number of times it becomes easier

 

[amystevekai&bump]

I plan, plan and plan again until we go - thats the only way I can survive the 30 long months between my last trip in 2008 and my next one in 2010. Of course when I actually get there the plan goes straight out the window - but I'm sure gonna keep planning until I get on that plane.

(I actually think I might enjoy the planning more than the trip!!)

 

[irongirlof12]

I think if you are a 1st timer then a plan is a good idea -but, i plan everything, it is in my nature and i love to see my holiday mapped out (DH has even asked what time he is going to the loo!)

if you already know the parks then you can 'fly by the seat of your pants' and wing it. I secretly envy people that can do this

 

[scousemouse09]

I'm the planner in my family, but I only plan which theme park we're visiting on what day, and what direction we tackle the park in. Haven't done ADRs, but we're not fussed where we eat (OK, husband is, but he dooesn't plan!).

 

[UKDEB]

All I really need is a list of EMH's (to avoid) and the one or two meals or events we've pre-booked, but planning is half the fun for us. We're never slaves to an itinerary, though, and if we get up in the morning and feel like doing something different, the plan goes out the window. I hate having too much mapped out in advance and the DDP is my idea of hell. Despite the fact that we always have an itinerary, anyone who's read the reports of our most recent trip will testify that there's absolutely no stress or regimentation involved. Chillaxing is what we do best.

 

[wideeyes]

Were doing the same next year, going to do a bit of planning however plan to relax more and do what we feel at the time, more time at the hotel too.