Here's My Number One Tip

[tracys2cents]

This worked really well for us.

I did a lot of research and my boys knew what they wanted to see, what parks they wanted to frequent etc. But I realized that once we got there we'd be lost in all the excitement. We were on the free dining plan and had to be sure and make our ADRs, and it was our first trip to DW so were a bit overwhelmed.

I did a word document and listed what we were planning for each day. Not real set-in-stone stuff but a basic plan of attack. Then I cut them up into basically 3x5 index cards and took one card for each day. When the day was over I could just toss that day's plan and move on to the next. Each night we read the schedule for the next day so that we could prepare, each morning on the bus we reviewed the upcoming day's plan. The kids didn't really fight over what we were going to do because they became pretty focused on "sticking to the plan". (They had helped me devise the plan to begin with...so it was "their plan" and we were stickin' to it!) On the 5th day we had an open schedule all afternoon and it was son number one's choice. HE decided what we'd do and we all had to follow. Son number two got the next afternoon at his discretion. They both looked forward to the afternoon that they would be in charge.

Anyway, a typical day's index card went something like this, and we would add notes on the back if we wanted to remember to do or see something:

______________________________________________________
TUESDAY

MAGIC KINGDOM OPENS EARLY TODAY! WAKE UP AT 6:45!

Lunch - Cosmic Rays Tomorrowland or Harbor House near Haunted Mansion.

Afternoon maybe a pool break? Remember to call Grandma before 6pm

EVENING AT EPCOT
Dinner is TEPPANYAKI at 7:30pm. Conf#4037126 (Can watch Illuminations afterwards from the Japan terrace.)
________________________________________________________

 

[TiggerificTigger]

That's a great tip! DH and I always write down what rides/attraction we want to do that day, along with ADR numbers, and parade and firework times. It also gives a a place to write down where we parked - just in case.

I have also used the 4x6 index cards with Disney font and logos to put into a photo album. I am not a scrapbooker, but the 4x6 cards fit into the normal albums. This way I know which day was which - for example Animal Kingdom, April 4, with a AK logo. The first card always says WDW and the dates of our trip.

 

[Mickeefan]

I love this tip. I'm going to work on putting my itinerary on 3x5 cards tonight. I like to have a general idea of our day and it's always a good idea to have your confirmation number handy for any ADR's you have made. Thanks for the great tip!

 

[ssleblanc]

I did something similar (I think I read the tip that I did here on Dis). I made a spreadsheet of ADR's, things I HAVE to do (I'm there for a conference for work and have to stick to that schedule at CSR for 2 of my days, but have 1/2 a day free each day). I made a list of things that I'd really like to try (so I don't forget in the excitement of just being there!!! ).

I also printed on it my hotel's phone number/info just in case I need it for some emergency (don't know why - but I read someone else do it and I thought it would be a good idea).

The day before our flight out, I'm going to use my cell phone web browser to check-in for our flight, so on that's day's "schedule", I listed our flight information that I will need for the online check in - the information will be with me at MK.

I hate sticking to an absolute schedule, but having this little outline will help me remember things I wanted to not miss, it has show times/etc listed, and my ADR times and conf#'s. I printed the spreadsheet and cut it into strips (each day has it's own "column") and then laminated it.

 

[tracys2cents]

Glad you liked my tip. We were first timers so I had some little additional info on there for us such as "Dinner at Ohana in the Polynesian Hotel. Can get there by monorail or boat......etc etc". Little things that I'd read online like where to get the best view of the fireworks that night etc. I was glad I had these handy hints because once there, you get caught up in the day's excitement and can forget where everything's at, etc. So I guess my tip is more for first-timers, the old pros already know where everything's at.

 

[disneymac]

Great tip! Thanks!!

 

[rosiejo]

Great tip! And I like the idea of putting the index cards into the photo album

 

[ellyn2000]

I, too, appreciate your tip. I'm going to do something similar because my family likes to hit all of our favorites first and then we can be more flexible with the rest of our day. I also wanted our ADR's on a card in case we decided to split up at any point. Have a great trip everyone!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

Thanks for passing it along. I think I'll use this method in November.

 

[danalee]

YES YES YES!!!!

I did this last year, there were 10 of us, 8 adults and 2 kiddos. 4 had never been before, so I made up an Itinery.

I went all out, I was the planner cause they all did the "whatever you plan for us is fine" well ok then I did.
I did a "pre-trip" report and then planned it all out all the while stating it wasnt set in stone but it was a helpful guide!

Let me tell ya, they all made fun of me and snickered when I gave them out but you know what, we really did follow them almost to a T! None of the, "where do you want to go. I dont care where do you want to go" kinda thing cause that always ends in someone getting upset, or a 15 minute discussion about where, when, for how long........we didnt have any of that which was great!
Oh and by the way for this year trip there is six of us and they all ask, "when do we get are trip Itinery I have been waiting to read it and see what we are doing"

HA I knew I would sway them all to the disney side!

 

[MissMichelle]

I made up index cards also for my trip...I am going to put them in my passporter....and take out the one I need for that day....my first and last day have even added flight info. I will make notes on the backs as needed (and also jot down meal total etc) to help with my TR for when I return.

Mine go something like this, keep in mind it is just me and DH:

9-26
MK before opening
Main attractions : Buzz, Space Mtn, Haunted Mansion, POC

Back to CSR for swim and relax

My birthday dinner @ Tony's 6pm confirm # XXXXXXXX

Stay for Wishes 8pm

 

[_chill_]

I started out with index cards, but graduated to a full blown booklet. I put it together in MS Publisher (quarter sheets) and print it out on thin double-sided photo paper. It's decorated with Disney clipart, and has everything I need to mount an 'attack' on the parks. (park hours, parade hours, confirmation numbers, ADR numbers, etc.)
I spend the weeks leading up to the trip putting together the book (finding new graphics, researching dates/times, scheduling, etc.) Great anticipation and an awesome souvenir, but admittedly a bit over the top.

 

[Touareg]

All great ideas but instead of the cards I have it all downloaded from my laptop to my phone. Once we get past Ariel's Grotto, check it off. Thanks for all the good info.

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

I made up cards like that in 2002 and again for last week's trip - although the 2002 versions had pictures for then-4 y/o DS. I like the system for two reasons: each child knew their input went into the itineraries and knew their choices were coming up, even if not right away; and each day the printed itinerary forestalled any arguments over what we'd be doing next. In 2002 I planned out the entire day, as it was our first big WDW vacation, but this time around I just planned out each day until lunchtime, letting the kids choose what to do in the afternoons.

 

[novdisneydreams]

I spend the weeks leading up to the trip putting together the book (finding new graphics, researching dates/times, scheduling, etc.) Great anticipation and an awesome souvenir, but admittedly a bit over the top.

Over the top? Nonsense! Thats a great idea - I might try something similar sometime

 

[Folklore]

Thanks for all the great ideas. This is our first trip to DW and we are very overwhelmed with all the planning. We will definately being using this tip!

 

[Kevenswife2]

I also write all the parks hours, parade times and show times (Fantasmic, Wishes, etc) in case I decide to 'hop' to a different park.

I cut my index cards in half and put them in clear plastic business card holders. My room key and park passes will fit too. Kind of keeps them all dry.

 

[dbarker]

I used the index cards last trip. I had all the park hours, EMHs, Parade times, ADRs. We park hop. Then, I laminated the cards w/ clear Contact Paper, punched a hole in them and attached them all to a key ring. I used colored index cards and w/ a hole in them, they attached to a clip and hung outside the fanny pack.

DH loved it. It was so easy to see what was going on that day.

 

[PirateKitty]

I know this isn't really a trip for the parks, but its something my parents used to do for years up until they introduced Disney's Magical Express. When the family flew into Orlando, my mom, brothers and myself headed to baggage claim. My father heads straight for the rental car transport. He was sometimes the only one on the bus, and when he got to the rental car agency, there was hardly anyone in line. He picked up the car , and by the time we got the bags, used the restrooms and headed outside, he was there waiting. It worked like a charm for years.

 

[tracys2cents]

In the past I've taken books, printouts etc with me but they always seem to just sit in the room as we run around and do our thing. On the plane ride, I like to read a guide book or go over lots of printed out tips etc from the message boards and travel sites.

But at Disney the one-index-card-per-day thing worked really well. Just the basics, easy to keep in purse, lots of info at my fingertips, nothing too stringent. My son has all his photos online and at the beginning of each day's set of photos he took one of the index card, it's kind of a title page to each day.