How much planning?

[Sabo]

We are taking our twin boys aand I have always planned everything for our trips in the past. Can we plan things or do we just go and feed of the kids? I have not made any PS or looked at where we are going from day to day. Should we plan out things we want to do and places we want to eat. And then see how things go. Please help.

 

[paperboy]

I am leaving for my first trip with DS2 and DD1 in October. I planned everything and made 4 PS (actually 3..I am still waiting for my 60 days out for CP!) Here's what I think. I planned going to every early entry..planned every day for hotel times and naps..planned everyday roughly for meals. But I am going with the knowledge that everyday might change again and again. We are going knowing that we are completely on the kids schedule..they are usually up by 6am...but if they sleep until 9..we won't go to EE that day. If we are about to go into millionaire (or are in any show) and they start to melt down..we'll just leave.

I say plan a schedule, but be flexable when you get there. That way you have your PS if you can do it..if not you can call and cancel. The other thing I am doing is trying to start the disney schedule now. We get up get dressed..go out for a few hours go home rest and then venture out in the late afternoon. That way..I am not throwing them way off schedule. The last thing I need to start doing is going for long walks in the stroller..that way they get used to being in the stroller in the sun for a while everyday.

Now..this is everything I am doing..but this will be the first time I am testing it out. I am leaving Oct 1-8th if you are going after me..I'll let you know if it works

Hope this Helps!!!

Paperboy's Wife

 

[Snow Shoe]

The First time we went to WDW, we did it commando style, and by the first days end, we were beat. The next day we slept in an hour longer and the third even longer. We needed a vacation from our vacation. We enjoyed it, but it wasn't as fun as the way we are doing now.

Now the only two things we plan are, what park on which day, and to making a PS for what place to eat at night. After that, it's totally by the seat of our pants. To us, if you plan to be at this ride by this time, and the next ride or show by that time, it takes the fun out of being on "vacation. Disney has, and is the only place we've, or for that matter I've vacationed, where I can totally relax, forget about the outside world, be a kid again and have fun!!!! No pressure on being someplace by this time, except for a dinner PS, and going with the flow. We do however, go back to our rooms everyday for an afternoon nap, swim or to just relax before re-entering the parks in the evening. Remember, there's no way anybody can do, or see all of WDW in one trip, though many have tried. Also, this is a vacation, a time to relax reconnect with your family, have some fun, and save some things to do for your next trip back.

 

[JOC]

I could plan for days on end, but when we get to WDW it all boils down to what our 3 yr. old wants to do!

 

[Shells9]

I am an obsessed planner to a point. I think it is a good idea to have an "outline" of a plan, but have room for changes due to your family's mood, or even weather.

 

[C.Ann]

When we went in 2001, I had everything planned.. Even made a "chart" for which days we were going where - eating arrangements - etc.. Then September 11th happened while we were there - quickly followed by a nasty tropical storm.. It also rained every single day but one.. We also ended up having to drive home instead of flying because my son-in-law would NOT get on an airplane - even two weeks later..

I'm going back in December - with my grown DD and my then-to-be- 5 yr. old granddaughter.. The ONLY thing I'm planning is to buy tickets to MVMCP in advance and MAYBE PS's for a few Character Meals.. Other than that, we're going to "wing it" and have a blast.. Our last trip taught us that all the planning in the world doesn't amount to a hill of beans when the world suddenly spins out of control..

Just GO - and have a great time!!!

 

[BevS97]

we plan for which park on which days, and I also make some ps's but not one for every meal. Other than that, we wing it - I couldn't cope with a plan that said 9am Dumbo, 9.15 Pooh Bear Ride etc etc, but on the other hand, I like to wake up in the morning and know we are headed to AK today and Epcot tomorrow.

We do sometimes change the park, if there is something we fancy doing, but having it on the plan means we can see if it will have a knock on effect, like if we go to MGM today instead of AK, then when can we fit AK in, or will we just skip AK altogether?

Bev