Do you plan for other trips like you plan for Disney?

[justgrace]

Maybe that's insane to you but to me it's how I keep calm. I'd go insane if I even thought about attempting your way.

Good that it works for you! Different touring styles for different people.

 

[OneThree]

I do all this detailed planning but it comes to naught because I can't get everyone out of bed.

Yep. Then when I get them out of bed they move at a glacial pace. Its not my fault I'm former military and can be out of bed, dressed and had breakfast all in a span of 15 minutes.

 

[avalon451]

I plan more for DL, and my family makes fun of me for it, but when we're there, they're sure happy to have me around. My DD said I'm like a walking guidebook.
The first couple of times, I made very detailed touring plans for each day. Guess what? Oldest DD got very sick, and those plans got mostly shot all to heck while DH and I switched off hotel duty with her. When she and I went as a "do-over" a few months later, I also had detailed plans, but the mindset that it's ok to roll with it. That attitude works great for me. Have a plan, detailed if you want, but accept that you WILL go off plan at some point, and that's ok. That way, you're never standing around with the map asking, "Whaddya wanna do?" "I dunno, whadda YOU wanna do?"

Solo trip, I didn't plan much aside from a few dining reservations, and deciding which park to start in each day. This next one, I think I'm going to have a touring plan, but again, be quite ready and willing to roll with the punches. It's not as necessary for me to have it all planned out since you can no longer collect FPs and use them past their window.

When we went to the UK for 3 weeks in 2014, I planned and researched very carefully for B&B's, where we wanted to visit and for how long at each stop, and a few major activities. Beyond that, it was all exploring, and it was wonderful! We're going to Maui in August, and aside from the condo and the rental car, the only thing I'm going to reserve is a luau night. Relaxation!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

When my kids were younger we went camping a lot. I always did a spreadsheet of our activities and what we'd eat for our meals. It was funny to see their reactions when I stopped doing that.

I always plant out an itinerary if I'm going anywhere for a week or so. I do a calendar on PowerPoint, and fill it in as we make our plans. Here's the one for this December. I also have a spreadsheet on Excel with costs.

 

[crystal1313]

Before children, I never really planned anything! LOL. Just packed and went. After kids, and especially taking them an infants and toddlers to the parks, I planned much more (more logistic wise, what to bring to the parks, where the baby centers are, what snacks to bring, etc). But we have been lucky enough to go quite often and I feel I really don't need to plan anymore. I for sure do not plan what we are doing every step of the way. We have general plans, like grabbing a fastpass for RSR, or Space, then hitting other attractions we enjoy throughout the day. Sometimes we change what we were headed to because the kids want to do something else, and that is totally fine with us! =)

We are going to Aulani in July and I have been in planning mode for that. We actually don't plan on doing a whole lot while we are there, but having never been, I am trying to learn the lay of the land, and any tips and tricks. It's enjoyable to me and I like learning all there is to offer. Will we actually do all these things at the resort? I have no clue, but like to know our options!

 

[beachdreamr1229]

Yes. I am a Disney planner no matter where we go. We recently took a week-long trip to Legoland and next week we are going on a trip to the Monterey bay area. Each trip is mapped out. I think it's the Disney fantatic in me requiring everything to be outlined and planned.

 

[mich311e]

I wish other trips were as easy to plan (for me) as Disneyland is. I am currently looking into an Oregon/Washington trip and I know nothing about it. I also want to go to Arizona/Las Vegas and again, no clue where to start.

I'm trying to plan Oregon/Washington, too. Since we live in Phoenix driving to Disneyland is easy, and it's easy to plan our time. Flying somewhere, renting cars, determining what sights to see, where to stay, etc. That's overwhelming!