How do people do Disney unplanned?

[aterriq]

They don't plan. Get there and say its a horrible place.

 

[LurrrvtheDuck]

Hi all DISers!!

Coming out of lurkdom here with my first post.

Before planning my trip for this year I always did Disney unplanned. The first few times that I'd visited any Disney parks they were always just one day visits to one park. So the only plan we had was to just go to the park and have fun.

In 2001 (I think) we visited all 4 parks because they were having a special for Florida Residents for 3 day park pass with hopper for $99. My brothers and I were able to get that deal and then my father and stepmom (not being FL Residents) just bought their tickets when we got to the parks and they had already rented a hotel offsite for the week. That whole trip we just winged it in visiting the parks and brought snacks and ate offsite.

This year is my first planned vacation to WDW; which is why I've dubbed it my Ultimate Disney Vacation. I've decided to stay onsite and eat onsite and just soak in everything Disney so I've immersed myself and have become obsessed in planning this vacation.

 

[annieb727]

I think there's a total difference in not planning verses not KNOWING anything about your vacation destination. I can't imagine going somewhere and NOT spending time reading about it, or knowing all that is offered. Even if that's where I stop.

Of course, for ME, that's not where I stop...I PLAN PLAN PLAN. I will have a detailed itinerary for everyday - I like that laminating idea
We will be on the dining plan and will make our ADRs, but then we also stay flexible...if our itinerary says MK lunch at 11:30, but we decide we want to leave and go back to our hotel...we'll do it.

I think half of the fun is planning, learning, researching, and finding good deals. And then of course sharing all the information you've found with everyone you know

I am a planner by nature, but there is a part of me that wants to relax and be flexible. If I have a plan, at least if we're not sure what to do, we've got something to go on. If we choose to do something different - that's PERFECTLY alright. We're not going until September, but I'm already working out an itinerary - I LOVE it...it's my HOBBY. If I've got a trip (any sort of trip) in the works that I can plan...I am HAPPY.

~annie~

 

[luvindis]

I agree about the NOT KNOWING difference. I spend my time before we go reading this boards and books and make alot of mental notes, just not on paper. I go with my plan in my head and a little knowledge, especially from all you guys on this board (you are THE BEST!) So When I get there we are still able to fly free, but I kind of know which direction. LOL

 

[BuzzBelleMom]

Canada: Last Feb we were there and this Canadian couple had just gotten there
with 3 kids and the DP and no res. The disney rep was not being very helpful. I ended up taking them to a house phone and helpped them make all of their reservations. I felt bad because they had 2 little girls and could not get into a princess dinner. Theri travel agent dropped the ball there by not planning or helping them.

You were so sweet for helping them! I have had to help two friends plan their ADR's. One of them became upset with me when she called California for her Florida reservations. How she did that I will never know! She then apologized profusely.

The other friend, two days before going, wanted to know the name of Coral Reef because my DH gave it such a glowing report, nevermind that I had been on her case since her six months out to make her reservations (they went six weeks after we did.)

I have a third friend who has gone to DWD six times. Our discussions about ADR's were which times at which restaurants.

As for travel agents, we got NO help the first time, so I did it all the second. Our agents (we got switched because the first one left) didn't even know about ADR's.

 

[annieb727]

As for travel agents, we got NO help the first time, so I did it all the second. Our agents (we got switched because the first one left) didn't even know about ADR's.

Ok...I know this is a bit off topic, but I called AAA travel and the lady didn't even know that I needed to renew my membership to get the AAA/WDW Package (she had to ask someone)...methinks I should go into my local office, maybe I'll find someone that knows a bit more about the Disney World stuff.

 

[MommeeOfAPrnzess]

I dunno
My one friend didn't believe me about a stroller for her then 6 year old until she took him to an amusement park near by and he only made it 1/2 day then another didn't believe me about making reservations to Shades of Green (but did) then the both couldn't believe I had a schedule but was thankful I did. I just plan what parks / dining what day - other then that its whatever!
The one is going back in Dec a week before my family goes and she laughs about how organized I am - I mentioned the dining plan (its her 2 kids and a guy friend and they all have healthy appitites) and she's not doing it even when I explained that it would be cheaper - but whatever.

They will learn! the hard way some people just don't listen until its too late

We are taking our then 5 year old so, its her trip - I plan which parks / dining we do but other then that we are doing with dd wants - its for her - shes pretty easy going so, it shouldn't be too bad - but if we don't see something I won't stress as we will be back! - this will be more relaxed since its the three of us so, I am looking forward to that! I just like knowing where we are going what day other then that its whatever the princess wants!~

 

[ziggybaby]

Hi there
This will be our second visit to Disney, and we've spent the last 2 months planning, which is how i found DIS, we feel its always better to have a rough idea of what you want to do each day so no time is wasted.
But its different strokes for different folks, so as long as everyone enjoys themselves it doesn't matter how you tackle Disney, planned or un-planned

 

[MommeeOfAPrnzess]

I like to know what has changed since the last time I was there since we have been going every 2 years.
A lot of changes happen in that short of time!