Keeping the Magic Alive

[PrincessJen09]

I have booked my family's trip for September 28 to October 5. But now I am at a loss of what to do. I know I can start the planning of times and dinners, etc, but we have been there so often that that takes no time and I like to do it close to thr trip. What can I do between now and then to keep the magic going? Especially for my dad since he never is so gung ho about these trips. Any ideas or websites would be great. Thank you!!

 

[disneygal58]

Hello,
We always plan Countdown Parties on significant dates - Day 100, 75, 50 etc... We bake Disney shaped cookies/rice krispie treats, have Disney Trivia contests with Disney Dollars as prizes, watch a planning video or ride themed movie. I purchase small countdown gifts - photo frames, plastic rain ponchos, sunscreen etc...
Have fun and enjoy the process.
Dawn

 

[kcashner]

Go to allearsnet.com and download menus. Then decide on your meals and make ADRs.

You are in the free dining period. If your package didn't include free dining, you might want to do a quick price comparison and see if it is worth changing packages!

Because you will be there during the free dining promotion (must check in by Sept. 30, so technically it runs till Oct. 10), DO NOT leave your dining reservations till a month before--even if you will not be on the promo. Restaurants are starting to fill up now as people can make ADRs 180 days in advance.

I know, we go to WDW a lot, and for our next trip I was changing reservations 10 days ahead. However, you won't have this flexibility during the free dining promo.

 

[klmall]

Remember that the all those using Free Dining Packages will significantly impact sit-down meal reservations during the time you will be there so if I am reading your message correctly you won't want to postpone ADRs. I wouldn't wait on these if not made yet!

We're in much the same situation and have been to WDW many times and only visit specific attractions and have days we spend at our resort relaxing. Have you gotten everyone's "must-do" list written down and planned in your itinerary?

Also, are you a scrapbooker? Do you know what types of pictures you DON'T have and want for this trip? Sometimes I pre-plan scrapbook pages or outline my pages ahead.

Have you looked at the Photography Board for ideas? Also, the Photo Gallery there has some fun shots for inspiration.

If this is a different time of year or new resort than you typically go to then you might want to read trip reports for this situation.

You might want to make a countdown calendar or a mug using old photos on Photoworks.com (special going on right now) and set up a weekly e-mail of things to remember to do like: don't forget to keep summer clothes out for packing; save sunscreen; funny things the kids are saying about going (if appropriate).

 

[jj1403]

If there are any special restaurants that you absolutely want to go to..I would start planning now. Things will book up quickly because of the free dinning promotion. If you have your heart set on something it might light a fire under you!! I find spending time on the board helps get me in the mood too!!

 

[SnwflkCts]

DisneyGal58 -- I just love your ideas. Even though it is just DH and I, I needed some inspiration for a little bit of Disney theming magic ... since DH is NEVER as excited as I am, I need to keep him in the WDW mood! Thanks!

 

[disneygal58]

DisneyGal58 -- I just love your ideas. Even though it is just DH and I, I needed some inspiration for a little bit of Disney theming magic ... since DH is NEVER as excited as I am, I need to keep him in the WDW mood! Thanks!

My "kids" are now 21 and 22 and have come to expect the various countdown rituals. This year we are being joined by my Significant Other, his "kids' ages 9, 17 and 20. Two of the older duaghters are bringing boyfriends. Almost everyone in the group has been to a Disney Park, but have never experienced this degree of planning and pre-celebrating. It is so much fun luring a new family into our Disney obsession!
Enjoy!

 

[nickhutson]

Live365.com has a radio station that plays lots of great Disney theme park music. I get prepped/revved up pretty well just searching these forums!