If you keep a Trip Planning Binder...

[TheNextBelle]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Binder. I started using it on our last trip because we did a Carnival Cruise & Disney so I had SO much paperwork to keep track of.

I have a mini binder from Staples, its about 9 inches tall and 7 inches wide.

I got the mini plastic sleeves/page protectors to fill it with so everything was easily accessible without having to undo the binder rings each time. I also used post it flags to label each page so i can find what i'm looking for.

Since its a mini binder, everything gets folded in half and then it fits perfectly in the sleeves. Here are what my sleeves contain:
Flight Info
Magical Express
Disney Hotel Info
Overall Disney plans
5/11
5/11 dining
5/12
5/12 dining
...etc until end of trip...
Magical Express again

I also keep a few extra sleeves just in case, too.
Last time the book worked great for storing all those flat, paper souvenirs like maps, schedules, fast passes, room keys, etc. Makes it easy to just transfer all that stuff into a scrapbook, too!

As far as the mini binder size, I'm SO happy with it. its small enough to throw in my carry on and be able to get out easily. And I don't feel like a librarian or student walking around with a huge binder under my arm!

Definitely helps keep all the info I learn on the DIS straight, too. I usually jot down must-sees or must-eats so i won't forget!

Hi.....is there any possible way you could post of pic of your binder??? I think this is binder would be perfect.....but I was actually out looking for this binder and I couldn't find the sleeves??

Would really appreciate this......Thanks

 

[squirrel]

I have the Disney Binder (this stays at home): It has the tab seperaters for each section: Swaps, Park Hours, Airlines, ADR's, Touring Plans/Crowd Calendars. Nothing is thrown away from previous years.

Then each year I make a mini note pad with all our park information for that trip. What park each day, hours, ADR's, all the rides/attractions-with length, FP, single rider, height requirements, if available and any other tips for that ride/attraction. Dining options in each area of the park.

I'm working on a DL mini note pad for a friend.

 

[nicolepdonnelly]

All these ideas sound so good- i would love to see some photos of them- I am a visual kinda gal!

 

[PatriciaH]

I love TripIt for the iPhone as well. I have all my dining reservation numbers in there, Itineraries, flight info, etc. I can input it on my laptop at home and then it appears on the app on my phone.

 

[L-Harper]

I'd love to see some more photos of people's binders!

 

[DBD_Rage]

I used to use binders, but now I use my ipod touch to store all information and then just keep a printout of each email confirmation.

 

[loislane]

I use our Passporter. Has maps, tips, etc. in it and pages in the back to create your itinerary and pockets to hold receipts, papers, etc. Love it. It's small and easy to tote around - and has extra flaps to close it up really good. I don't carry it around the parks, but I do bring it with us and keep it in the hotel room.

 

[huge mickey fan]

I used to have a binder with everything in it. But now I have Mouse Memo on my iphone. No binder but I am still a spreadsheet kind of girl so I will have my nice color coded spreadsheet with me. This has everything on it that I really need. Park hours, EMH, flight numbers and confirmation numbers. I have the confirmation numbers for everything on my spreadsheet and in the phone. I still have the binder but I no longer carry it to the parks with me.

 

[seadd67]

Ohh its time to start my trip binder up!!, I have my ADRS and show schedules, and shows we want to go see

 

[L-Harper]

Thank you all so much for this thread! My binder is really coming together now!!!

This is our first trip to WDW and I'm working on our binder. I want a list of important phone numbers for the "just in case" moments. What numbers should I have on this list?