husband irritated with itinerary venting

[kydisneymom]

I guess my husband is totally opposite. I had our trip planned to the minute.My husband thanked me several times throughout the trip and realized the planning that I had done had paid off. I realize that some people just can't operate like that with everything so planned. I feel that if you don't do at least some planning you won't make the most of all Disney has to offer. Just an opinion! We are definitely planners.

 

[foltzy]

We just got back last week. Our only plans were what parks on what days and reservations at 5 or 5:30 because of the kids (We had one at 6:30 and will never do that again). We took a more laidback approach to it and had a blast. We're going back in 4 years (When the kids are 6 and 8). We decided since we knew going into it that we'd be going back (This was our first trip ever) that we didn't have to do it all and because of that we had a great time.

 

[bear_mom]

We just got back last week. Our only plans were what parks on what days and reservations at 5 or 5:30 because of the kids (We had one at 6:30 and will never do that again). We took a more laidback approach to it and had a blast. We're going back in 4 years (When the kids are 6 and 8). We decided since we knew going into it that we'd be going back (This was our first trip ever) that we didn't have to do it all and because of that we had a great time.

This is us too. I make ADRs and have a loose idea of what parks on what days. Once in the parks though - no major plans, except for maybe the first fast pass and first ride. So my kids want to ride TT three times in a row, that's what we do. Ohh, Flights of Wonder is getting ready to start, lets go in there. Look, the Fairy Godmother is out signing autographs! We manage to have a great time and enjoy the parks.

Emily

 

[duffy]

Our last trip was Feb. 2008, and it was the first time for us since Disney had started the Magical Express. We drove down, and on our first day, we walked out of the Wilderness Lodge and saw an ME bus.

My husband almost got on it. I grabbed his arm, and asked, "what are you DOING??" He thought it was a bus to take us to the parks. I explained, and told him that if it wasn't for me, he'd have found himself at the airport.

After that, he was happy to let me tell him what to do.

 

[ogreenlee]

I'd tell my husband to bite it, but that's just me.

Thankfully, I don't have to do that. My husband doesn't plan any of our vacations, by choice, and has come to know that I'm going to make sure that we get our money's worth, and that I will know enough before we go anywhere to make a quick decision.

Even when we travel abroad or to big cities here in the US, I am well-knowledged in the area, including some language, general directions, maps, and customs.

I'd go ahead with plans and follow them. You don't have to be rigid about them, but we've done the meal plan with another couple and their child, went to separate parks, and still were able to easily meet up for our ADRs no matter where they were.

If he's concerned with not getting his money's worth, then why would you just go haphazardly and show up whenever? That's the waste of money!

Good luck!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I guess I can pretty much agree with your dh. Other than planning meals that work with EMH I don't plan anything else. If we feel like sleeping late we do. IMO it is not a vacation when every single second is planned. It is not a marathon. We have never been at a park at rope drop. We still manage to see it all and enjoy ourselves. Last trip we swam almost every morning, had lunch and then headed out to a park. It was wonderful. It was so relaxing and the kids had a ball! They got to do it all and still have down time to just swim and play. I personally would not be able to stand having my whole vacation planned out. I find that now with the dining that alone is a pain in the butt but there are certain places we like to eat so I deal with it. Other than that we go with the flow.

 

[tesslor]

Just to let you know, my DH calls me a Park Nazi.

LOL! I have been called DisneyWorld Hitler myself!

 

[CANDICE]

My DH was the same way when I planned our first trip a few years ago. He just could not understand the need to plan which park we were going to visit each day along with the dining reservations. Once we got there, I cannot tell you how many times he THANKED me. We were there for the week after Christmas through Jan 3rd. Needless to say, it was crowded. So, go ahead and plan away. He will thank you later!

 

[NMAmy]

Easter is April 4 this year so you're a long way from that. There will be some spring breakers but we often go that first week of March and the crowds are very manageable.

Frankly, I'm with your DH. The dining plan doesn't work for my family for many reasons but worrying about getting our money's worth is a huge part of that.

Make an ADR for each day and be flexible enough that if no one feels like going, it's no big deal to call and cancel. Tell your husband that it's more of a fall back position instead of a command performance. I like lunch reservations better because it seems to work better for our schedule--everyone's ready to sit down and rest at that point.

We are extremely laid back WDW visitors and we still manage to see and do everything we want to. DH and I go to rope drop mainly because we're early birds by nature. We let my dd (18) and her friend sleep in and I collect fast passes for them to use later in the day once they finally drag themselves out of bed.

I'd really suggest investing in the park hoppers, if you haven't already. It takes so much of the pressure off of being in the right park at the right time for any parades or shows you want to see. You'll be able to go to one park in the morning and hit another one after a rest.

There is a balance between being prepared and being flexible. I'm sure you'll all have a great time and your knowledge will come in handy. However, I do think these boards does seem to encourage a kind of uber-planning that just is not everyone's style. Neither way is wrong but you need to do what's best for your whole family.