How far in advance do you start getting ready?

[dolphinrescuegirl]

We are also going in late May. We have been planning for a while now and have airlines booked, excursions booked, and menus printed out and reservations made. I believe in starting early so that you arent rushed at the last minute and forget something. I just pace myself and now I am SOOOO excited. It will also be stressed free as everything will be booked and paid for. All that will be left is packing.

 

[la79al]

I started my packing list Tuesday evening and our trip is not until June 2007!!! Last year we did not tell the kids until we were on our way to the airport so although I had the lists ready months in advance, I could not pack anything until a few days before. This year we are telling the kids five weeks ahead and I can't wait to let them help pack and shop. I am loving that ADRs are 180 days now. Great excuse to work on Disney stuff!

 

[stitch&ariel]

Me and my b/f went round to my parents for dinner at the weekend so that we could have a planning session!

 

[Rai's Mommy]

I am going in May as well. As a fellow single mom with a lot on her plate (full-time job and law school), the planning and packing for Disney helps me to relax! I plan to start putting together my DD5's outfits this week and packing them into individual ziplock bags for each day of the week w/ socks, underwear, etc. This works out great for us when we're at WDW because I can easily throw an extra set in my backpack for any clothes emergencies in the park. I have also started picking up little presents to leave out for my DD each day of the vacation and looking for small activities to keep her occupied on the plane. Its never to early to start when it comes to Disney!

 

[SnwflkCts]

I was glad I planned early and had everything ready since a blizzard was coming and we threw everything in the car and took off before it hit!!! All was packed, etc... and we got a good start. Didn't miss any time at the World. (We were supposed to fly!)

Plus sooo fun to think about what you are going to do and plan all the ADRs. I felt so knowledgable after reading all the hints on these boards! I did really good - I think my husband was truly impressed ... but .... we did take too many clothes we didn't wear and I took too many cosmetic type items like extra toothpaste, hand cream, etc... Will cut that out! Also, I brought too many dressy clothes, but I found casual was the norm (unless you are going to Victoria & Alberts which I was not).

Anyway, I started planning in November for February trip and now planning in March for November trip!!! It's a good thing ....

 

[traciedee]

Seems like I usually plan for about 6 months. I too have a box to put all the stuff in that I collect over the months. I like to be prepared.....Bought a few glow sticks yesterday. Got my pool floatie mats for the kids....found some great bug wipes and suntan lotion wipes(always on the look out for lite weight alternatives!)

 

[poohraedopey]

Uhm the day I decide I am going! LOL! I'm a little nutty I already have notebook started for NOV.

 

[mamo-4-wdw]

My DS16 makes a list amd packs most of his stuff about 3 hours after I call and make the reservations. Then he lists all the stuff he "needs" and when I run errands on Saturday he looks over his list and compares prices and then the next Saturday he gets the "best" one. He always laughs "Mom I'm ready to go, can we leave for Disney now" about 7months early. LOL!

I start packing as soon as I pay for the airfare, Mamo

 

[samano]

Keep in mind you are on the DIS asking this, so consider the source!

I love all the planning and preparation that goes in to the trip. Like a lot of others here, I have lists on top lists of lists. For example, my trip is in July, but it is 1am in March, I'm sitting at my computer desk, reading tips from the DISers, with my Disney trip notebook on my lap, happily jotting down notes of things I want to remember and adding to my packing list of things not to forget! And on that note, I think I'll go to bed!!!

Have fun planning, packing and have a great trip!

 

[newholidayx2]

Well considering that I leave NEXT WEEK I better start packing! Only 2 more days off until I leave

 

[masdisney]

We start getting ready from the time we get back from the last trip we went on. Even though it's approximately a year away. During the wait my daughter and I sit down with our dog Snowball and watch the new Disney Planning video we got. Before you know it here we are at Disney and enjoying our time with Mickey and crew. Lets just say we LOVE DISNEY!

 

[daisyduck123]

We came back from a 9 day trip in January & I immediately began repacking for our 9 day trip this May. I have a few big Rubbermaids that I keep in the master bedroom just for Disney trips.

Whenever I come across anything I need for the next trip...it goes right into the Rubbermaid container. As soon as we returned I put these items right back into the Rubbermaids for our next trip:

waterproof boxes (the ones that go around your neck for the waterparks)
our Disney matching Disney t-shirts & sweatshirts (after I washed them)
lanyards & pins
autograph books
flip flops (we each several pairs lying around the house)
goggles (lots of these too)
hats
sunglasses
Ziploc bags (all sizes)
DD11's Birnbaum's book

This way...when May comes...I'll already have all this stuff together.

 

[sammielynn]

Be there May 27 - June 3. I have been driving my DS16 and DS14 talking about the trip for months. I'm also a list maker and have several hidden around the house just to get me started.

 

[slyjly]

We just found out about 2wks ago that we will be going May 7-12! It was a surprise from my DD and her DD Needless to say were were thrilled We (mostly me grannie) have been planning, packing, talking, reading, nothing but Disney since we learned we were going

 

[slyjly]

We just found out about 2wks ago that we will be going May 7-12! It was a surprise from my DD and her DD Needless to say were were thrilled We (mostly me grannie) have been planning, packing, talking, reading, nothing but Disney since we learned we were going

OOPS - I meant my DD and her DH

 

[love2swim]

We normally start our shopping a week before we leave, then pack a day or two before. but I'm constantly thinking about what to take and what we should do while on vacation.

 

[macphrsn]

Hummmm, I would have to say that as soon as we board the plane to fly home I am already planning our next trip in my mind. I reflect on what we just did on our trip and then start planning with lots of help from DISBOARDS on how to make our next trip "Magical."

 

[tink1978]

My trip is not until January 2007 and I am getting stuff together...the earlier the better.