HELP! Calling all DIS planners...

[Tinkaroo]

What would you include in a binder for someone touring with you at WDW?

My parents and in-laws are going to join DH and I for our last 3 days at the World. Both have been numerous times before, but this is their first time to stay on-site, and plus we have several things planned - including that they will be surprising my DH as part of his b-day celebration, so I can't hold their hands while traveling, etc.

So, my plan was to send both sets of parents a binder with information, and some things to put them in the "Disney mood." I'm hoping to get the bulk of it ready this weekend, so once DH leaves town on Monday, I can assemble and get in the mail!

Here's what I have so far:

Intro:
Fun Facts/Trivia
CD with classic Disney songs, park music, etc.

Planning:
Important Phone #'s (CRO, our TA, resorts, etc.)
Packing List
Park Hours/EMH for time period
Park Maps
Tips (any recommendations?)

Your Resort:
Info. on their resort (including map of property) from Passporter and AllEars
Info. on our resort (where located, phone #, etc.)

Restaurants:
Maybe some sample menus of where we'll be eating?

Our Itinerary:
How we'll be surprising DH
An itinerary of what park we'll be visiting each day, our PS's, IllumiNations cruise info. ,etc.

Can you think of anything I should add???? (I don't want to bog them down with too much info.) Thanks for your help - I know the DIS'ers can help me out!

 

[Galenamom]

I think the ride descriptions found in the Unofficial Guide are very helpful for getting people excited about going to Disney. It might be a pain to try to include that, though. It sounds like you are already including lots of great stuff! Good idea.

 

[wright1baby]

I like the menu idea, as well as reminding them which rest, need PS's.

 

[kilee]

We had a huge family trip in 2003 that I was responsible for planning. Every month leading up to the trip I sent newsletters (since some family lived out of state). I downloaded tons of Disney cliparts and really did up the letters. They included each days plans (including if someone else was doing something else). Each PS and where and when we'd meet for this. I then did prepare ride guides for each park. This way everyone could get excited and could help plan what was important to them. (at the time my immediate household were the only one's who had been in less than 10-15 years).

When we were at the airport each family was then given a final version of all important things, PS's, events, ect w/ times for planned meetings. It really worked well. It helped everyone get together for the scheduled events, but not have to stay together the whole time. I also had created lists about a month before of things they may want to pack (bug spray, sunscreen, poncho's, ect). It really helped. We are hoping to go all together again in 2006-- and they've bought me a whistle and clipboard!!! I can't wait!!!

 

[Tinkaroo]

Bumping for any night-time planners....working on things right now, and could use your tips!