how so do you start REALLY planning?

[jann1033]

Husband keeps asking me if I have our Nov. Itinerary done yet and i think it is to soon so wondered about anyone else.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

It's never too soon

I'm going in Dec and already planning You shouldn't have a minute by minute schedule, but a general idea of where you'd like to eat to get PS and what park on which day will make your trip a little easier

Read through this site & some guidebooks. You'll be thinking about planning in no time!

 

[pintrader]

Have you called 407-934-7639 and requested the video? It has some things that will help everyone see something they either may not know about or something they forgot from previous trips. It may make him feel involved in the excitement of planning as well.

Did you choose a vacartion package or are you putting it together yourself?

 

[ThwTwinsMom]

I guess it all depends on what you want to do. I started planning our first trip about 10 months out. I did this mainly because my boys were only going to be 4.5 yo and I wanted to make sure to avoid anything that would scare them.

Through this board and others, I learned that there are some things that you really have to do months in advance. For instance, if you want to do one of the illuminations cruises or breakfast at Cinderella's Castle you have to book them the moment they become available or take a big chance that you won't get to do it.

In my experience, most things can be done much closer to your travel date depending on how busy a time of year it will be. I'd make a list of the things that you really want to do, and make sure you get those set up. After that, you can slow down the pace if you want.

 

[FatCow]

I'm going in December 2004 and October 2005 and I'm already planning now.

 

[marv]

We are going in April and i bought the guidebook in December.
The Itinirary is finished all maps and directions are in a folder all ready to take.
Our Itinirary is just a park a day plus res numbers for certain meals and shows we plan to see.
I personaly think it best not to do a minute by minute Itinierary as it would just take the fun out of the holiday. As the saying is "you have to stop to smell the roses".
I dont think it matters how long before you plan, but i may leave it later next time as i now have disney indijestion!

 

[jpd3]

My planning is usually general in nature until the Park Hours are posted two to three months prior. Once the park hours are posted I find it easier to get a better feel for what will be available. Of course you can always go off the historical hours but Disney has a track record of making last minute changes that can greatly affect your planning.

 

[JesNJakesMom]

I usually start planning for our next trip a month or so from when we get back. Which puts us about 11-12 months out.

I get Hoop-Dee-Doo PS and Hotel confirmed. I will check back with the hotel closer to our arival for discounted rates and such, but it just lets me know we'll have a room. Then, when we have time as a family we discuss what we liked/didn't like and what we'd like to try new. I keep lists and over the months our plans just sort of form themselves.

I'm a planning nut though. All my friends and neighbors will have me "plan" their vacations for them cuz I just love doing that. I missed my calling as a Travel Agent I guess.