How much should I actually plan?

[NicholeB630]

So I have a while till we go to Disney but I really want a good idea of our days by this summer when I can book our ADR. Plus I just feel it will take awhile to do all this. How strict should our plans be? If I know what parks we will do each day and what ADR we will want and what days and times. What else should I plan? I know I'll get to choose my 3 fastpass+ and it seems that planning those later in the day is the way to go? Should we focus on picking 1 or 2 rides we need to do first thing as soon we we get in and crowds get to big and then just pick the land were in and just go ride by ride and character by character with what we want to see and how long we want to wait for things? Or do I need to literally plan on what ride to ride in order ect? We will have almost 6 year old and 2.5 year old so I feel like we can't be to strict where we cant leave room for surprises or changing our mind if the kids see something else they want to do or what not. There is so much going on in Disney But I also want to ensure we get the best trip possible and were able to do as much as we can and not miss out on things. For kids our age what is the best strategy?

 

[River Country]

Basically you have the right idea. I would book your ADR's (dining reservations) first. I would lewt that dictate what park you go to, or vice versa if you do not have a hopper. Once meals are booked i would add the FP+ in between then go with the flow. Plans always changew especially with kids...dont panic

 

[GillianP1301]

To me the answer to "how much should I plan" is always, as much as makes you happy. Some people get almost as much fun out of planning as the doing (I'm like that), so I'll plan the crap out of something just for kicks. Half the time, I toss the plan out the window as soon as I enter the park. But, I will say, lots of planning, even if you don't follow the detail, makes it a lot easier to make quick decision on the fly when you are at WDW because you'll already know what is where and the types of things you want to do, cuts down on walking around aimlessly.

I would say you have a strong start with park days and ADRs planned. Any other planning now is gravy. I would try to have an idea of what attractions you want to see and prioritize them so you can focus on your "must dos". Your FP+ selections will help you get to those priorities as well.

I have a DS6 and we went when he was both 4 & 5 and my approach with a little one has always been to let him lead the way and to do what he wants to do. I put the structure in place (like you have with park days and ADRs), but the rest I try to relax and enjoy my surroundings and my time with my family and go with the flow.

 

[MHSweb79]

f I know what parks we will do each day and what ADR we will want and what days and times.

This is about how much we plan. If you get there at rope drop you can ride the popular attractions without burning your FP's. With little kids you need to allow plenty of time for distractions, right?

 

[NicholeB630]

I think looking at all the attractions especially at EP, HS & AK there really isn't much for them to ride. So most of our time can be spent seeing characters and just enjoying the surroundings and other little things we find. I dont even know if we'll use all 3 fastpass+ at HS because of the age of my kids. The two mornings we are at MK we will be in the park at Rope Drop. One morning hoping for a 8am Crystal palace ADR and other morning 8am BBB appointment. And hoping we get those times or very close to it we will be done close to 9 ( I HOPE) then we can rush to the things we want to see first before the big crowds. Especially to meet Anna and Elsa and they day we do BBB we'll be right next to Fantasy land so we can start there.

 

[wdwpirates]

DH and I use a crowd calendar. Then we pick what park we want on whichever day is appropriate. From there, once ressies open up, we make ressies for restaurants at the coordinating park or resort. Then stick our fast passes in when that window is open. And that's really the extent of our planning. I like that with the MDE app you can change FPs and restaurant ressies while you are out and about. Just don't forget that 24 hour window for cancellation @ restaurants! Have fun!