Do your homework!

[disneychic2]

I don't really think that "doing homework" is the same as planning every moment of your trip. To me it just means familiarizing yourself with each park to know what each one offers, get a feel for the layout, learn about parades, fireworks etc. for each park. If you don't want to plan meals with ADRs, that's fine. If you want to sleep in, that's fine. As long as you know what the outcome will be, it's all good. What the OP was talking about were people who were disappointed (the fast pass guy) that they didn't know about it sooner. That type of thing. My first trip to WDW in 1987, I got the Official and Unofficial guides, read them both and took notes, got a good visual image of the layout of the parks and even made color-coded index cards for each park with rides and show info on them. We didn't do commando, but we didn't stop in the middle of the walkway trying to figure the maps out either. I am a firm believer in to each his own. In most anything in life.

 

[JiminyGuyMaine]

I can't speak for everyone, but as long as you had a great time, I sure think your trip "counts"!

I personally am speaking about the folks who do not have a great time, some of which could have been helped by planning. If someone has their vacation "ruined" because they couldn't eat where they wanted (sad, anyway) then they should have done some planning. If the trip was ruined because all jr. wanted to do was ride SM and they pumped him up for it, only to find out he's too short, that could have been handled with planning. If Susie wanted to meet Cinderella and they wandered around the park in vain and missed the character meal or the meet & greet because they didn't know about it, that could have been helped with planning. That is my only beef with non-planners. If they don't get to see/do the things they really wanted, I feel bad for them, especially if it's the kids who missed out on what they wanted.

I agree......Some people "wing it" and some people "plan it"......as a certified "planner" myself, I have no issue with the folks who eschew that process and choose to just go with the flow. What I think the OP was getting at, though, was that if you do go that route, you can't get upset if the restaurant you want is unavailable, or you weren't aware of an event, etc.
I have friends who just pack up and head for WDW with nothing more than their hotel ressies and swimsuits.....they have a great time, but they know and accept that there will be trade-offs for this freedom. They eat wherever there is space, and accept whatever crowd level exists at the park they choose that day.
Personally, I don't plan our days down to the hour, I just decide a park schedule for the week, that gives me the ability to get my ADRs. I know and make decisions about any special events, and just note any "not to be missed" attractions or events. We can, and DO, change plans after we arrive, but when we do, we know what we're missing or passing up in order to revise those plans and do something else. In my view, this just lessens the likelihood of any remorse or regret about missing something after the fact.

 

[skater]

I like to plan obsessively, make all my adrs and then relax while I'm there. If we decide we don't want to eat at a certain restaurant, we cancel it. If we end up at a restaurant that will take a walk-up and it sounds better than our adr, we simply switch. Having adrs for most nights ensures that we'll have one of our preferred places to eat.

If you don't care where you'll eat, then its not a big deal. Everybody's different in what they want and need.

I also like to know the recommended days for each park ahead of time. It doesn't mean we won't change our minds once we're there, but I like to have a rough idea.

 

[kellyg403]

On our first trip in 2005, we went with our whole family..8 total! I found these boards and hopped on the planning train. I exhausted myself, my family and everyone who would listen for 5 minutes. While the trip itself was great we certainly had our moments. Bad ones at that.

I don't plan anything more than adr's now and get our Christmas party tickets but after that nada. We even have been known to change our dinner reservations that morning and look for an opening in a place would rather go. It suits our family to do that.

My sister and bil have been going since the 90's. We went together back in 2008 or so. I planned our meals and of course the party tickets. We had a blast. A couple weeks ago, my sister called and said that bil came home and asked her to call and see if we wanted to go again with them. Several co workers were making their dining reservations and he realized the 180 day mark for a trip was coming up! If you knew my bil, you would laugh! He was happy as a clam to have a place to eat every evening, and even happier to sit by the pool with the drinks delivered by Garden Grocer. So, while we do plan, not everything is planned out and is certainly negotiable.

In the end, rope drop, constant planning of every moment has to be stressful but like another said, I figure its what is suitable for your family. I am very glad we found the boards before our first trip, we would have been sorely disappointed to not be able to find a place to eat..especially my dh who ONLY goes for the FOOD!

Kelly

 

[Kona65]

Last night our DS called from the World. He and his family are currently there on vacation this week and next. While telling us about their day at MK, and how cute our DGS and DGD were at CP that morning with Tigger, he told us about two instances where park guests had not done their homework.

Yesterday at MK, our DS was getting FP’s for Buzz Lightyear. As he was leaving the FP machines, and a man came up to him and asked “What are those, and where could he buy them?”. My son answered that they were Fast Passes and they were free. He then had to explain to the man what the FP system was, and then how it worked. The man then told him that it was their first visit to Disney, and that it last day there and he had never known about what FP was.

On Wednesday, DS and his family ate lunch at the Sci Fi Café. After checking in and waiting to be called for their car, he observed several families approaching the check-in desk and inquiring about eating lunch there. One after another were told that there were no openings and that they had been booked for months in advance. Some accepted this, but several got very angry, yelling at the CM and wanted to talk to the manager right then. I’ve seen this same thing happen myself at Sci Fi, and other table service restaurants in the parks.

I just don’t get it. You spend big bucks to go to Disney, to have a good time, but come home disappointed about going the happiest place on earth. They probably will talk about how they had to wait in long lines for attractions or rides, and not being able to eat at any good places, and who’s fault is this? I’m sure they would say not their’s. Whether it’s first time visitors or veterans, always do your homework!

So what you are saying is that when its your first time at doing anything, you should know exactly what to do, and when to do it.

 

[Donalyn]

If you don't want to plan, that is fine as long as you understand what that actually means (like no table service restuarants) and don't go around blaming others and yelling at CMs because you didn't plan.

I've run into people who are taking the "once in a lifetime" trip to WDW who get there and still have no idea that there are 4 parks. Or the people pouring over the park maps arguing about what to do next and looking very lost. In most cases, I don't think those people are having fun.

Then again, if everyone did their homework and uber-planned, then it would be harder for the planners to get their ADRs and earlier morning touring.

 

[goofyernmost]

I think that the biggest flaw that we (nose in the air) gristled veterans of WDW have is that we fail to recognize that unless you have been it is just not possible to comprehend the size and complexity of the place.

People decide to go to WDW and have people tell them, it's a big place, plan some things, still, the mind is unable to process its importance because they cannot visualize it in reality.

The first time I went, fortunately for me, it was in 1983. It was just MK and EPCOT Ctr. had just opened up. There wasn't a lot of complexity involved. WDW had hotel rooms but no where near the number they have now. Consequently most guests stayed off site and ressies and park planning were not necessary. Those that walk in now for the first time are sometimes totally overwhelmed simply because there is no real way to imagine it until you actually get there.

As far as planning is concerned, a whole lot of people enjoy the planning part as much as the actual visit. As long as they put some flex, not only in the plan, but in the mind, all will go very nicely for them. For those that didn't get the memo...well, they have a much harder time, but mostly enjoy it anyway.

 

[maxiesmom]

Not once have we been turned away at a Disney restaurant either, so the idea that every meal needs to be planned 6 months ahead is flawed.

Then you either tour during the slower times of year, or have been lucky. I have heard many people being turned away, and been at the Magic Kingdom when they had the sign out stating no restaurant in the park was taking walk-ups. I'm not saying everyone needs to plan every meal. However, you simply cannot bank on being able to walk up to any restaurant at any time and being seated.

If your family is flexible, and not tied down to a certain meal time, and open to different kinds of food then not planning your meals may be the way to go. However, if you know you want to eat at Chef Mickey's, but don't want to bother making an ADR, you can't be too shocked if you are turned away.

 

[npcougar]

I have to admit planning and making ADR's is really enjoyable for me. The first trip we made I knew about FPs and ADRs but didn't know that some parks were better to visit on certain days than others. The last trip we took was almost perfect and the planning really paid off. I can't imagine trying to go without planning ahead. Good thing I like the planning. Wish I could plan myself a discount for Oct.

 

[Snow Shoe]

I am a planner of sorts. ADR’s and what park what day and that’s it for us. No touring plans used, or the need to have accomplished certain things by the time I leave Disney, to feel that the vacation was a success or not. This is how our family has done Disney for years now. It has evolved into this method for us by “experiencing Disney”. A Disney vacation is not your typical vacation like laying by a pool sunning, reading a book or looking at picturesque scenery. Not that here's anything wrong vacationing like that. But for a Disney vacation, you have to be actively involved, and not just walking.

I try to stay informed about what’s new, and the changes that are frequent at Disney because I’m interested in knowing what’s happening there. Disney has become our favorite vacation spot so much, we purchased DVC at Boardwalk in 1998. Disney has been and continues to be for us, a true vacation spot because it’s a place where we can go and forget about what’s happening in the outside world and become kid like again, even if it’s for just a short time! No cares, no problems, just pure fun.

I try to help/educate anybody that goes to Disney for their first visit, because it can be so over whelming for a first timer. Suggesting books to read, and these Disboards to read about others experiences and questions. Disney has changed drastically since our first visit in June of 1986 with just MK and Epcot parks. We were clueless about what to expect, do or what there was even there. No research was done, and the four of us totally winged it. We had a great time!! The boys still talk about how mom translated the french menu into Spanish for some ladies next to us, but we also realized that our next trip there, we had to know more about Disney. From then till now, Disney has changed so much from needing ADR’s, to crowd level charts to touring plans for people. There’s a wealth of information out there from many books, to Internet discussion forums for the Disney novice to expert. All I wanted to say was, before you go, learn something about your destination, and it might make your experience more enjoyable and time well spent.

Have a wonderful Disney day all.

 

[antsss]

I'm mostly a lurker here, but have learned sooooo much from everyone on these boards! My process is to plan plan plan and then be flexible enough to chuck the plan if necessary.

 

[jcwedit]

I plan like crazy, I use it as a way to "mentally" start my vacation early.

 

[crashbb]

On the other hand, I am trying to plan a trip out west and am very frustrated at the lack of planning I CAN do. Where's the Dis site for that????

You could try "tripadvisor.com" or "flyertalk.com". The latter is particularly helpful for airlines and hotel chains, but also has sub-forums for more touristy type questions. Fodors and Frommers also have their own (admittedly, sometimes very quiet) forums.

 

[teach22180]

I like to plan obsessively, make all my adrs and then relax while I'm there. If we decide we don't want to eat at a certain restaurant, we cancel it. If we end up at a restaurant that will take a walk-up and it sounds better than our adr, we simply switch.

I'm mostly a lurker here, but have learned sooooo much from everyone on these boards! My process is to plan plan plan and then be flexible enough to chuck the plan if necessary.

See, this is where I still have much to learn. Last trip, I was not having fun at Epcot, but it was my Food & Wine trip, and I was SUPPOSED to spend time at Epcot! I'm working on being flexible when my plan isn't working. However, I do enjoy the planning before hand; it makes the trip last longer.

I do agree with PP that I like to help people. My friend went a few years ago, but I didn't want to be too over the top or bossy, so I didn't give her much advice. She came back without knowing what fastpasses are. She and her family are going back this summer. I'm being a pain in the neck, but this trip she sure is going to know what fastpasses are and how to get her 6 year old in for the Jedi Training Academy since he will love it!

 

[eliza61]

I agree with your point in principle, but I don't think it always boils down to snobbery. There are times, and probably plenty at that, when it does. No denying it. But I find it saddening for those who come away disappointed realizing that they missed something on their dream trip, but not sure what it was and why. I just hate to see people miss out.

See that's me too. I hate to hear of people having a rotten time in Disney.

You know I think though we are to blame for a lot of that. For example these boards and forums. All they time we basically tell people exactly how the should be planning and enjoying their vacation and when it doesnt fit them, they walk away thinking "it must be me".

I was a perfect example of that. when I first started reading here every one and their mother and I mean everyone was telling me that if I didn't do ROPE DROP, I was doomed to never ride any rides, I would be waiting in lines forever and I wouldn't get every thing done. We still say that and we use that exact language. You know we do.
So of course I turn into the "clock nazi" forcing my family and kids to be at the parks 30 minutes before hand, even when they were crying that they didn't want to be there.

by the 3rd day my dh literally snatched my spreadsheet out of my hands and threatened to stay in the resort with the kids.

The next trip I realized my disney vacations are not about some imaginery quota we have here on the dis. If I don't get to ride TSM, it is still possible to have a magical time. I feel like the people here have some magical number that must be meet in order tohave a succesful vacation.

 

[eliza61]

I'm willing to bet that if a person came back and said they had a wonderful vacation but did not ride TSM, soarin, Test track or Pooh, every one here would turn around and say...

"You missed so much", thus making them feel like their now wonderful vacation was suddenly "less then" instead of simply saying "Glad you had a wonderful vacation"

I'd bet a paycheck we would do it.

One of my favorite memories at disney happened last year. I met a young mom at Epcot who was in front of the area by Mission space and test track. Her two daughters were splashing in the water spray and she was watching them, we chatted and she said they had been there about 75 mins because her girls where having such a marvelous time.

I honestly can't imagine anyone of these boards ever doing that. Sorry but I really can't imagine anyone here doing that. each and every one of us would have "hearded" our kids out of there becasue we could not or would not "waste" that amount of time. In our minds that is wasted time that could have been used on an attraction. I applaud that young mom for being able to realize not all magical moments need a time clock attached to it.

 

[DisneyMama27]

I plan this much for all the trips we take even it is somewhere nearby for the weekend. My husband just laughs at me and says ok let me see the clipboard of fun! I then hand him a typed out itinerary. I just like to plan trips! I did inform him however that this is the on trip that actually REQUIRES this type of planning. Others I just plan for fun.

I disagree about the REQUIRES. If it works for you, that's fine. But everyone is not required to plan their trip to this degree to have a great time, especially if it's not a first trip.

I like to plan for fun as well, but we've gotten much more relaxed about our Disney trips - we know we'll be back and don't have to do every thing every time! These days we usually make ADRs for a few meals ahead of time, but we like some spontaneity as well. We have gotten last minute tables at many places, but also been turned down - no biggie, since we didn't have a ressie. We've been to most of the TS places now, and with all our kids considered "adults" (but not eating like them), the DDP is not a good deal for our family. When we have used DDP, you bet I made ADRs!

I do agree with those who say do your homework We have had releatives join us who did and those who did not. Even the ones who did stuck to us like glue because it was overwhelming. Just reading about FastPasses does not prepare you for what to do when there is a huge mob in front of RNRC or just how important it is to get TSMM FP's ASAP! We were happy to enjoy the parks with our newbie family members, as it gave us the chance to tell them things we know as well as enjoy seeing their delight in it all! Other family members who did not do homework or want any advice were ones who complained that things didn't go as "planned," when the plans were really just expectations. :

For those of us lucky enough to have grown up with Disney or who began going before it was as overwhelming as it is now, we need to remember that there is no way for newbies to understand how much there is until they are there. Hopefully they at least learned a little of the "language" before entering the country!

 

[juliebug1997]

We get the DxDP so we make ADRs for every meal (well, most). I plan lunch to be at whatever park we want to go to that day. The night before, we talk about which two or three rides we want to do first and, after that, we wander around doing what sounds good until it's time for lunch. We use our FPs and then do another bit of wandering until it's time for dinner. Sometimes, we go back for a rest or a swim. So I plan the meals and I plan which parks but that's about the extent of it.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I have seen many that do not know all about Disney. They aren't big fans and therefore don't do their "homework" as you state it.. some just aren't into doing it. Or you have the big fan, who really hasn't gone much and doesn't know how. Face it, not every Disney fan goes on this site Not every one knows the ins and outs of discounts, fast pass, rope drop, etc....

I know when I have gone to give away my fast pass I know I won't be using, there have been guests that didn't know what they were. They clearly didn't read the guide that they can get in the front of the park

Not all know as much as those here.. and it is good that they don't.. think about it.. what would the crowds be like if they did

I am not a "planner" per-say. I do know what I want to do & when I want to go to Disney. I cannot plan where I want to eat & at what time that far ahead. I go tooooo often to even think about doing that all the time. I eat when I am hungry, not when the time slot tells me to.. If I am enjoying myself at one park, I am not going to stop because I have to "run" to another park because I have ADR's for a lunch/dinner... that isn't fun. I go to have fun, not run on a set schedule..

 

[crostorfer]

I think some planning is necessary to a degree if you want to get the most out of your vacation. I am often surprised at just how clueless some people are. There are still a percentage of people who think that "Harry Potter Land" is at Disney, and those who think it is it's own stand alone theme park. I think a large chunk of people showed up at Hollywood Studios last year expecting to be there for the WWoHP opening and kept asking Cast Members where it was.