How did our parents do it?

[Tablefor5]

As a child, my family and I would make the summer trip from AZ to So Cal and do Knotts, SeaWorld, and of course Disney.
How ever did they plan without the DISboard?
Seriously though...this board has been so helpful and has made the planning not only easier but fun too.
Anyways, thanks to all and be grateful for the internet

 

[tania7424]

I remember, we just went, and figured it out as we went. This is my extended family's 5th trip together, and the most planning that has ever been done. We're still doing it as we feel like it. No timetable, to be at this parade then, this restaurant this day for this meal, etc. It's a much more relaxed enjoyable vacation. We're just not itinerary people. With 11 people you have to be a little more relaxed though, IMHO. Not everyone wants to do the same thing at the same time.

I will say though, that the info provided on DIS has been great for planning a bit more of a budget and not knowing what to expect.

 

[CrazyDuck]

Back in the old days they used to have these people who would plan everything for you. I think they were called "travel agents"

 

[TheZue]

Well my dad DID obsessively plan lol. We don't plan out the day to day itineraries at all beyond "maybe Tuesday we'll head down to the Zoo" and we just drive until we're tired. My dad used to get books, maps, and the Best Western guide to their hotels and plan each day out and make reservations in advance. I think it's a personality thing more than an era thing.

 

[NicksMommy]

Back in the old days they used to have these people who would plan everything for you. I think they were called "travel agents"

LOL! This is what I remember, my mom saying something like "spring break is coming up, we should go to Disneyland!" Next thing I know she is on the phone and the next week we were at DL... No planning and countdown calendars (my poor ds is going crazy with his calendar!)

 

[jlparedes]

Good question! The last time I was at Disney I was around 7. We rented an RV and did Disney, Magic Mountain, San Diego Zoo, Wild Country Safari (I think that's what it was called) and Knott's. My cousins came too, it was 4 adults and 4 kids in one RV!! I don't remember any planning going on other than purchasing the tickets haha. I'm not sure how they did it.

 

[evilprncess96]

I think that they used to plan just the same as us, but wanted it to be a surprise. The last two months have been the hardest time ever. Our trip is a surprise Christmas present for DS(10). DH wants to kill me - He says if he hears about Disney one more time..... Anyhow, I am thankful for the DIS board because I can get my fix with like minded people!

 

[pigletforever]

My question was how did our parents afford to do it as often as they did?

 

[sandgrace]

My parents did the same thing, we would drive from Arizona to California practically every year, mostly to go to DL and Seaworld. Of course, things weren't as expensive back then, and as far as planning, my parents weren't big planners at all. Most of our trips were off the cuff, of course back then there weren't the tremendous crowds that there is now. We were a lot more relaxed at DL, and Seaworld.

Nowadays you really HAVE to plan because of the crowds, if you don't plan you'll miss out on a lot!

 

[ballarinamom]

Back in the day you just went by how many tickets you had left. Which A ticket was left to ride and the lines weren't long for e-tickets because everyone had so few. Once the book was empty, you went home!

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

My parents never even made reservations. They went down and picked a motel out that looked good to them. LOL One time we did stay at the DL hotel, I wonder if they made reservations or just walked in. LOL

They also just bought tickets at the gates. My Mom says that's just the way things were done back then.

 

[PinkBudgie]

We stayed at the DL Hotel too. I remember I got a Mickey Mouse mask and loved it. It was paper with an elastic string to hold it around your head. I think the back was a menu of room service or something. My mom said that was before it got so expensive.

 

[Leofoenget]

We didn't even pre-book hotels. I remember at the end of the day driving around looking for Vacant signs. It was a much simpler time

 

[Tablefor5]

We didn't even pre-book hotels. I remember at the end of the day driving around looking for Vacant signs. It was a much simpler time

That is exactly what I remember my family doing...
Dad "How's this one look kids" (pulling into the parking lot of random hotel)
Kids "OH, a pool...ok, ok, ok" (looking at the concrete oasis with 5 pool chairs)
Dad "Wait here and I'll see if they have any rooms" (might leave car running)
Kids "When can we go swimming, Do they have a coke machine...." (anticipation until dad returns)
THEN..if lucky, you drive to a spot closer to your room.
IF NO Vacany...you pout and think no hotel could be as good as this one.

He He He...those were the days!

 

[Brina78]

Because the old days had less crowds, less hassle, and less worries. When we planned to go to Disneyland, it would just be for the day. It was once a year or when we did good on our school grades. The first time I stayed over in the DL area was probably April of 2005 with a co-worker when we had the 2-fer deal to use.

One time in 1988, my family and I did this whole northern trip going to places like Wild Rivers, Universal Studios, Disneyland, etc. and we just went along with each place without much planning!