How do you avoid the "planning overload"?

[April7901]

I'm embarking on my first Disney trip in October, with my mom. I've been diving headfirst into planning, which, of course, involves reading everything in sight.

So, my question is - how do you avoid overplanning? How do you avoid the "Oh - I wasn't planning to carry around an autograph book, but it just sounds like so much FUN!" feelings? How do you stop yourself from taking on too much in one trip?

I know, for many of you, that there's no such thing as "too much" - but I'm pretty sure that's not true for me.

 

[jabuller]

We are here right now. I tried to plan a lot, but that just really isn't who our family is on vacation. So I ended up just doing a lot of research, making notes of things/places/restaurants, etc that we might want to do, if we get to them then great and if not then there is always next time. I just had to let the idea of having the perfect planned out vacation go and realize that I needed to do whatever works for our family best once we are here and living it and just consider all my plan ssuggestions.

 

[scrappinginontario]

You're doing the right things in reading and planning now. Then, when your trip arrives go with it knowing that it is not humanly possible to do everything. I have been to WDW more than 25 times and there are still many things I've yet to try or experience.

When reading, take notes about what you think you want to try, rides, see and accomplish so that you don't miss any of your 'musts' but then...relax and have fun and when you're home begin planning your next trip to include some of the things you miss/choose not to do on your first one.

 

[DanenRox]

You're doing the right things in reading and planning now. Then, when your trip arrives go with it knowing that it is not humanly possible to do everything. I have been to WDW more than 25 times and there are still many things I've yet to try or experience.

When reading, take notes about what you think you want to try, rides, see and accomplish so that you don't miss any of your 'musts' but then...relax and have fun and when you're home begin planning your next trip to include some of the things you miss/choose not to do on your first one.

That about sums it up! I couldn't agree more.

 

[April7901]

I guess that's sort of my problem - lots of things are becoming 'musts" LOL

 

[kayemgi]

Just know yourself. For example, I know I want to carry as little as possible into the parks. I hate carrying a bag and I will budget extra money for bottled water and a locker to avoid having to do so. So, I would never carry an autograph book, no matter how fun it would be! If you MUST get autographs, try to figure out what you might have to sacrifice to do that (time waiting in line to meet characters, space in your bag, etc.) and if it's worth it or not. Try to narrow down your 'musts' to a manageable list. You can't do everything in one trip, so what are your top 5 must-dos? Then you won't be disappointed by having a list of 'musts' that's 25 items long!

 

[rachelmarisa]

Just know yourself. For example, I know I want to carry as little as possible into the parks. I hate carrying a bag and I will budget extra money for bottled water and a locker to avoid having to do so. So, I would never carry an autograph book, no matter how fun it would be! If you MUST get autographs, try to figure out what you might have to sacrifice to do that (time waiting in line to meet characters, space in your bag, etc.) and if it's worth it or not. Try to narrow down your 'musts' to a manageable list. You can't do everything in one trip, so what are your top 5 must-dos? Then you won't be disappointed by having a list of 'musts' that's 25 items long!

I agree. I hate carrying stuff, and judging by most people's packing lists posted here, they don't mind it hahaha. One thing I do to cut down on stuff to carry is use a duct tape wallet (basically waterproof!) and put in the bare minimum from my daily wallet: some cash, Disney gift cards/credit/debit card, driver's license, and a few bandages. Probably because I don't have kids, but I don't feel the need to bring back ups of everything and my entire medicine cabinet.

Also for the "must dos" .. Just don't get attached to any one thing. You never know what will be closed/broken when you arrive, and don't let something like that ruin your trip.

For in park CS dining: my friend and I are going in a month to the world, and we each picked three or four counter service places per park we'd like to eat at. That way we don't have to trek across the entire park if it's lunchtime, and our lunch pick is on the other side. Nothing has to be set in stone, and if you allow room for flexibility and spontaneity, you'll have a great time without over planning

 

[April7901]

Thanks, everyone. This is all very helpful. I'm sorting through what's important, and what sounds like it might be kinda fun.

We're already in "flexible and spontaneous" mode - I'm sort of refusing to make more than one or two ADRs, and we've done the "make lists of acceptable CS places" idea. There are very few rides that I consider "musts" - and almost none of them are big-ticket type things, though I admit I will be a bit disappointed if I can't do Small World - isn't that like a "must"?

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Just know yourself. For example, I know I want to carry as little as possible into the parks. I hate carrying a bag and I will budget extra money for bottled water and a locker to avoid having to do so. So, I would never carry an autograph book, no matter how fun it would be! If you MUST get autographs, try to figure out what you might have to sacrifice to do that (time waiting in line to meet characters, space in your bag, etc.) and if it's worth it or not. Try to narrow down your 'musts' to a manageable list. You can't do everything in one trip, so what are your top 5 must-dos? Then you won't be disappointed by having a list of 'musts' that's 25 items long!

No need to budget money for bottled water you can ask for a free glass of water at the counter service places.