Hubby says I don't need to plan!!!

[c3h3a3r]

Hi, we are a family of 4 (ds 12, ds 10) returning to WDW for a second trip of 14 nights, staying off site. We previously stayed off site in 2011 for 21 nights. I planned vigorously last time and hubby says I don't need to plan this time - it can be more relaxed. Is he mental??? With less days surely it will take more planning. He doesn't understand! We did character breakfasts last time and collecting auto graphs and as the boys are older now, won't be doing it again. I know I need to take into account EMH and crowd reports, is there anything else I need to consider when planning? We have Disney and Universal pass for 14 nights. Also, any major new things (since 2011) that are must do's. TIA.

 

[Kathryn777]

can't imagine going without a plan. FP make it a necessity for us. I think 7dmt is the only new must do

 

[Kobey]

Silly Hubby!

 

[Kalliope]

Hi, we are a family of 4 (ds 12, ds 10) returning to WDW for a second trip of 14 nights, staying off site. We previously stayed off site in 2011 for 21 nights. I planned vigorously last time and hubby says I don't need to plan this time - it can be more relaxed. Is he mental??? With less days surely it will take more planning. He doesn't understand! We did character breakfasts last time and collecting auto graphs and as the boys are older now, won't be doing it again. I know I need to take into account EMH and crowd reports, is there anything else I need to consider when planning? We have Disney and Universal pass for 14 nights. Also, any major new things (since 2011) that are must do's. TIA.

Do you know about Fastpass Plus?

 

[itchin2go]

He doesn't understand!

I think you nailed it right there. I'm guessing you did all the planning for the last trip. He truly doesn't understand. You know what you need to do.

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

To an extent there is a need for some planning but I believe in some spur of the moment things too. If you want to get on a popular ride, good idea to get FP+, if you want to eat at a sit down place an ADR is needed. But don't do like some of my friends do and prepare a spreadsheet scheduling each day down to the minute.Have fun and try not to overprepare.

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

At a minimum, you need to make ADRs if you want any of the more popular restaurants (Be Our Guest, for instance, EVEN for Counter Service lunch), and you will need to make FastPass+ reservations (30 days out for off-site). Anything beyond that is just icing on the cake, IMO.

ETA: For many of us, the planning is part of the vacation - it extends it for me. While I understand wanting to be free to do whatever, you can always cancel ADRs the day before if you don't go to that park or you can just miss or reschedule a FastPass+ if you don't want to do it.

 

[bear_mom]

I find we are happiest with a little planning: ADRs and a few must do rides (would be replaced with FP+ now).

Too much planning and everyone is stressed. Too little planning and everyone is stressed.

 

[fly girl]

Oh husbands! God bless them!


I've found the families that don't plan usually are the ones who leave disappointed. Sure there's the exception, but if you planned before you know it's worth the effort. (And it's FUN too!)


WDW has become uber planning to maximize your time in my eye. Yes, has both good and bad aspects, but that's what it is nowadays. FP+, ADR's, crowd calendars, etc. just part of its charm!


FP+ is your BIG change which I'm sure you know about. Read into it so you can chose a strategy that will work for your families touring style.


ADR's are still a must, esp if you are going during free dining.


I always suggest booking both of those as soon as you can. You can always change/cancel later if you move things around. But always better to have something than nothing.

 

[PantherPete]

If you aren't planning on sit down meals in the parks or DTD, I believe a trip can be done with a minimal amount of planning. But if you plan on riding SDMT, Soarin' or TSMM, you will want to do FP+. I suggest putting a rough plan together and getting some FP+ for those top attractions on a couple different days. You don't actually have to use your FP+ if you don't want to (although it'd be courteous to cancel the ones you don't plan to use as soon as you know you aren't going to use them). It isn't like having to pay $10 for a missed ADR.

In my opinion, planning for Disney is all a part of the experience, so why deprive yourself of that?

 

[bumbershoot]

Hubby's not the thought police, so he can't control the planning you do in your head. Maybe this is his way of hoping he won't be overly consulted? DH loves the results of planning but hates the process.

 

[itchin2go]

Hubby's not the thought police, so he can't control the planning you do in your head. Maybe this is his way of hoping he won't be overly consulted? DH loves the results of planning but hates the process.

Agreed. I ask them questions, but get little in the way of input. I know I'm pretty much on my own, but they do appreciate the end result.

My daughter has gotten a little more into the planning, and although it's something I wanted, I'm not sure I want to give up any control!

 

[mavlax20]

My surprise trip isn't for about 700 days....and I'm already planning...mainly reviews on possible ADRs, how many days do I want to go, make it a split stay at a resort, that type of stuff. But come next fall the planning will go into overdrive as I hit the dates for reserving.

 

[vrajewski10513]

I'd make ADR's and FP+ for you and your kids and leave hubby to fend for himself and see how it goes!

 

[c3h3a3r]

Thank you all so much for your replies. We are on a tight budget and i am not sure we will be dining in the parks this time - something to think about nearer the time. Yes I have read about fastpass plus. Can I still do this 30 days out if I don't have my tickets? I believe we get a voucher which we then exchange for tickets when we get to our first park.

 

[c3h3a3r]

I'd make ADR's and FP+ for you and your kids and leave hubby to fend for himself and see how it goes!

Ha -too funny!

 

[AngiTN]

Hi, we are a family of 4 (ds 12, ds 10) returning to WDW for a second trip of 14 nights, staying off site. We previously stayed off site in 2011 for 21 nights. I planned vigorously last time and hubby says I don't need to plan this time - it can be more relaxed. Is he mental??? With less days surely it will take more planning. He doesn't understand! We did character breakfasts last time and collecting auto graphs and as the boys are older now, won't be doing it again. I know I need to take into account EMH and crowd reports, is there anything else I need to consider when planning? We have Disney and Universal pass for 14 nights. Also, any major new things (since 2011) that are must do's. TIA.

Yes, yes he is

 

[geek+nerd]

Half the fun (alright maybe not quite half) of a Disney trip is the planning and anticipation of it. Don't let him deprive you of that!

You know from experience that you need a plan. But to an extent, you can be flexible with that plan.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

I personally don't pay attention to crowd calendars. I think ADRs should be top priority, followed by FP. You can get by with just those easily.

 

[2girlsmom]

Thank you all so much for your replies. We are on a tight budget and i am not sure we will be dining in the parks this time - something to think about nearer the time. Yes I have read about fastpass plus. Can I still do this 30 days out if I don't have my tickets? I believe we get a voucher which we then exchange for tickets when we get to our first park.

You have to have purchased your tickets in advance by at least the 30 days. If you have a voucher, I believe there is a number to enter them in on it that will allow you to book the FP+.