How do you organize??

[Feelslikeadream]

How do you organize all of the info that Mike gives us. I have not so great organizational (wonder word?) skills. So with guidance I can follow it. I have heard from so many people that you bring books and cards etc. Won't the rest of my family think I am running the show or trying to be in charge? Is there a lot of effort and time used up at WDW and not enough enjoying? Ideas on what you do what be great. I really do not want to seem like I am running the show, it would make me feel uncomfortable. But I so want to use all of Mikes advice that I can. So many TGMers have sworn to always use Mike, so I can see there is a big pay off .

WANTED: An extremely organized person. To teach a not so good one, how to get ready for 9 days at WDW!!!!!

 

[emma'smom]

I print out each touring plan I need and then reduce each page on the copier to about 4 by 6. I staple each touring plan together and insert it in the appropriate day in my Passporter. I also do print out of the best days (and reduce this) for my passporter in case I make any last minute changes. Finally, I make a spreadsheet itinerary just using microsoft and record my plans for morning/aftenoon/evenings as well as my ADR's/confirmation numbers and the times for parades on each day. I reduce this and tape it to the inside cover of y passporter for easy reference.

My approach is to plan ahead and be prepared....but to be willing to make changes and go with the flow when we actually arrive. Last time, we followed most of my plan..but made impromptu changes when the mood struck! I was prepared....but everyone was happy because I was also flexible.

 

[go cowboys]

I want to know who Mike is?

 

[mommiepoppins]

I want to know who Mike is?

tour guide Mike

 

[Joy]

Have you tried posting over on TGM's boards? The folks over there are so helpful, they will probably e-mail you what they have already "organized". He also has a spot on his site where someone named Steve has posted his versions of Mike's plans.

As far as not bossing your family around, someone has to do it or you will spend way too much time looking at the map saying "What do you want to do?"

I have everyone tell me what their must sees are before the trip then we just do them in the order that I (Mike) tell them to. It was odd at first telling everyone what to do, but now everyone is happy to go with the plan. Mike's plans are good! It was almost like Mike was on vacation with us. We talked about him like he was a friend. "Mike says this..." or "What would Mike do??"

Good luck!

 

[Amyg]

Have you tried posting over on TGM's boards? The folks over there are so helpful, they will probably e-mail you what they have already "organized". He also has a spot on his site where someone named Steve has posted his versions of Mike's plans.

As far as not bossing your family around, someone has to do it or you will spend way too much time looking at the map saying "What do you want to do?"

I have everyone tell me what their must sees are before the trip then we just do them in the order that I (Mike) tell them to. It was odd at first telling everyone what to do, but now everyone is happy to go with the plan. Mike's plans are good! It was almost like Mike was on vacation with us. We talked about him like he was a friend. "Mike says this..." or "What would Mike do??"

Good luck!

Yes, go to the TGM boards, they have been sooo helpful to me! Also, I agree about telling them that "Mike" said. I always use that when I speak to my DH about our WDW plans! He's fine with it especially since two other ladies in his office talked about using TGM when they went on their WDW trips.

 

[nancyny]

What or where are TGM boards?!!!
Hey.never mind.just figured it out!!

 

[Al and Kate's Mom]

Do a lot of research before you go - that's half the fun of the trip

The boards and some of the guides have very useful tips that you can remember to save time, money, etc, but at the end of the day, it just matters that you have fun. I've watched too many people stressing out at Disney because they've fallen behind on their plans, and it just ruins the day! Have a general plan, but be flexible - some of the most magical Disney moments are the ones you couldn't plan for in a million years!

 

[dvc at last !]

What are TGM boards ?

 

[mousiemom]

Like most people, I print out our daily plan for which park, times of parades and extra magic hrs.
-I make a list of souvenirs I want to buy
-a list of pins I need to hunt for
-address labels and stamps for postcards
*last trip we had 14 in our group, and one day part of the group adventured off and they said they were totally lost w/out me and my plans which made me feel really good. Lists are so important. Make lots of them.
Have fun organizing!