making a plan,but to others feels like theyre going with the flow!?

[married2mm]

Is this possible-a kind of sneaky/flexible plan?

Plenty time to prepare-

October 2015-
7 nights,okw,fd;
me,dh and dmil-newbie at 85!

Dmil says she will go anywhere,and do anything!

However,dh is concerned she maybe overly tired or change her mind on what she wants to do-or where to go-she can be rather spontaneous at times

Therefore,dh wants to halt my planning (!)
And go with the flow...

I think we will eat mainly breakfast/brunch ts-but don't want to end up at olivias every day, if we don't make any adrs.

I'm also thinking we should fp+ a few attractions each morning -as a just in case.
We will have hoppers.

Usually,when we visit-it's up and out for rd-counter service early lunch in a park-
Then shopping,relaxing,swim,resort etc
With the option to visit a park later.

Therefore,we're not on a strict regimen (there is flexibility) however,I like to know what we're doing in advance.
dh says I have to let that go when dmil comes-
Do you guys agree?

 

[mummabear]

Is this possible-a kind of sneaky/flexible plan?

Plenty time to prepare-

October 2015-
7 nights,okw,fd;
me,dh and dmil-newbie at 85!

Dmil says she will go anywhere,and do anything!

However,dh is concerned she maybe overly tired or change her mind on what she wants to do-or where to go-she can be rather spontaneous at times

Therefore,dh wants to halt my planning (!)
And go with the flow...

I think we will eat mainly breakfast/brunch ts-but don't want to end up at olivias every day, if we don't make any adrs.

I'm also thinking we should fp+ a few attractions each morning -as a just in case.
We will have hoppers.

Usually,when we visit-it's up and out for rd-counter service early lunch in a park-
Then shopping,relaxing,swim,resort etc
With the option to visit a park later.

Therefore,we're not on a strict regimen (there is flexibility) however,I like to know what we're doing in advance.
dh says I have to let that go when dmil comes-
Do you guys agree?

We never have a huge plan to follow just a couple of ADR's and next trip I guess FP bookings! But we have always had an idea of what park we plan to hit on what day (based on hours, crowd calendars, entertainment etc) and just a loose idea of what to see...
I would make FP bookings, if you don't show then oh well....better to have them and not use them than want them and the good ones are gone.
As for ADR's we have always found good counter service and have only made ADR's for Character meals since having kids.
If there is somewhere you would like to eat then make a ADR, remember that you can cancel with 24 hours notice so if the day before she seems too tired call it off then...

 

[Aliceacc]

We're going in July. For the first time, we'll be joined by family- my brother in law and his family from upstate, and my sister in law from CA.

We'll be staying at the Yacht Club, everyone else at Caribbean Beach-- which doesn't sleep 5, so it's not an option for us.

I'm pretty much the main planner, with some help from my niece.

Here's how we're approaching it:

- I emailed everyone about a month with a list of where we were planning to make ADRs, and asked who wanted to join us for what. So some meals will be all 11 of us, and some won't. ( I LOVE those table service meals. It's our one chance each day to really connect as a family, without watching a clock.) I did get input from the others on some of the restaurants, so it's not all about my own family's preferences. So, for example, we're eating one night at the Brown Derby, which counts as 2 dinners on the DDP, which probalby wouldn't have been my own family's preference. And, in your case, with free dining, I think you would be crazy NOT to make ADRs-- I can't imagine that any place has walk-in availability during free dining. You can always cancel if mil isn't up to what you have planned.

- Based on those ADRs, we have a general plan of which parks we want to do on what day.

- My niece and I are just starting to do our FP+. (Our date is in about 2 weeks.) Here's how I think we're approaching it: Yesterday I printed up a chart of the FP+ possibiities, with everyone's name along the top. We're going to canvass everyone and see who wants to do what.

As soon as I get a break from schoolwork-- hopefully on Saturday-- I'll fill int he chart and figure out which FP+ to make on which day for how many. I'll email it to everyone for corrections.

- We tend to be a Rope Drop, in the parks till lunchtime and then take a pool break, return for dinner family. The CA contingent are also morning people. The upstate contingent, though, tends to get up later and stay up later, like for evening EMH. (I might add that my nieces are both in their 20's, my kids range from 11 to 15.)

So I think we'll aim for FP just before or after lunch, or after dinner. No, we probably won't get many 4th FP, but that's OK. It's about enjoying a family vacation and still getting everyone what they want.

-Our Christmas gift to the whole family was an IOU for reservations to the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party. And our travel agent was right on top of it, and got them for my first choice of dates. So that's yet another time we'll all be together.

So, for the short version: I think you should offer mil some options: "Mom, here are the places we're thinking of for meals-- which do you think sound like the most fun?" and "Mom, watch this youtube video-- does Pirates of the Caribbean sound like something you would enjoy?" Give her some choices (and remember that, at 85, lots of walking may be a concern). But make the plans that you want, knowing you can change them if necessary.

 

[NY Pirate Princess]

I just got back from 7 day/6 night, and I can't sneak! We don't have smartphones, so my plan is written in sharpie on my arm! 3 FP times and meal time and off we go. Everything around that is go with the flow, and it worked very well. We skipped our FP when they just didn't work and our trip was still wonderful. I was able to book a 4th once, but didn't make it because we were too tired and just left the parks.

My husband laughs hysterically at me for my year long planning process and then gleefully marches to the front of the FP lines at each ride grinning from ear to ear and saying what a marvelous planner I am.

FP irritated me a lot during the planning process but ended up giving a framework to our days that helped us slow down and enjoy the little moments and magic of each park. Good luck to you, but pack your Sharpie! That way you are not tied to your device all day instead of enjoying yourself.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Sounds like your MIL is up for it and has the right attitude! I would plan the mornings out like you said and then see how long everyone lasts. Maybe do a TS for lunch at the parks to get some variety, and then eat whatever at the resort in the evening if you don't make it back out. Olivia's is not a bad option even if you do end up there a couple of nights! Have fun planning

 

[ArwenMarie]

My husband laughs hysterically at me for my year long planning process and then gleefully marches to the front of the FP lines at each ride grinning from ear to ear and saying what a marvelous planner I am.

Ha! This sounds like my DH. He always jokes, wow, we just had a lot of good luck today, what a great day. Uh huh.

 

[evilqueenmindy]

I'm the planning nerd of our group, I routinely visit the parks with 4-5 other adults and a small child, none of which have any idea where we are going until we are on the bus. I maintain it's much easier for the group to "go with the flow" when a plan is involved in "the flow". I try and keep things fairly loose, and I am willing to adapt the plan as much as possible on the fly (being able to change FP+ from my phone has made my life so much easier) I say, keep the plan! You can always adjust it to the whims of the group.

 

[PEC]

I am the planner for my family and we are doing a big trip over a yearfrom now. My wife smartly got the family together and got everybody to agree with the recommended TS, and what parks we would go to each day. This is smart because if everybody does not bless off on it then they will get there and say, they didn't want to go there. We of course did give them options at most locations and explained in detail the various places picked.
For the OP, I think I would at least get some of the ADR done. It is easy to be flexible around them, especially if they are breakfast. COnsidering her age you will want to make sure the pace if not too fast, so dont overplan the parks themselves. Just with your plan do go over it with the dmil. Especially the ADRs. Trust me if she is happy your dh will be happy.

 

[GillianP1301]

I'm a big planner too, I find it fun. But I definitely think it's possible to plan a lot and still go with the flow, that's what I do. In fact, I think a good amount of time spent on planning actually helps you go with the flow more because you have enough knowledge to be able to switch things around more easily. The worst, to me, would be being the type who stand in the middle of main street with a park map and no clue where to go.

Personally, I like having ADRs booked because we like to keep our meal schedule close to what we have at home. But, I have also been known to change them around the night before or even a last minute cancellation (I don't mind the odd $10 cancellation fee). With FP+, I do intend on booking mine ahead of time, but going knowing that I can switch them on the fly or even just give them a miss if something else is more appealing at that time.

 

[20yBWDW]

My last trip, I planned either mornings only or all day, and the ones where I planned morning only went over really well. Everyone responded to that with gratitude that I made sure they hit the important stuff, but nobody felt pressured once that point of starting to feel tired hit. The ones where I planned the whole day--inevitably, people would start to slow down around lunchtime, and would start to get irritated.

This year, I am planning mornings every other day, one in each park, with one pre-rope drop ADR our first day, what rides to start the day with, Fastpass+ between 10:30 and 12:00, and lunch ADRs (except the day of the pre-rope drop). The afternoons and evenings on those days, I have a list of suggestions (schedule of afternoon/evening entertainment, possibilities like resort day, shopping at Downtown Disney). For the days in between, I have just picked the parks expected to be least crowded, any rides/attractions that are recommended for first thing in the morning, and times of any scheduled entertainment.

 

[married2mm]

Sounds like your MIL is up for it and has the right attitude! I would plan the mornings out like you said and then see how long everyone lasts. Maybe do a TS for lunch at the parks to get some variety, and then eat whatever at the resort in the evening if you don't make it back out. Olivia's is not a bad option even if you do end up there a couple of nights! Have fun planning

Dmil is super excited,and its wonderful..
If there's cake and coffee around every corner-she'll be fine.

We told her it was a treat,but the naughty lady gave us some cash-we tried to not take-but she was most insistent.
So,we've put it away for extra spends-and we're planning afternoon tea at gf.

 

[EMode]

I'm a go with the flow WDWer but since you normally arent I don't necessarily agree with your dh, there is room for compromise. You can have a plan. I'd definitely do FP+ for all of your days, they can be changed on the fly anyway and I'd make a few special ADRs at 180 days and maybe add some as your trip gets closer. As long as you aren't the type to completely freak out when something doesn't go as planned there is nothing wrong with having one and knowing you can adapt when it doesn't work out

 

[married2mm]

I'm a go with the flow WDWer but since you normally arent I don't necessarily agree with your dh, there is room for compromise. You can have a plan. I'd definitely do FP+ for all of your days, they can be changed on the fly anyway and I'd make a few special ADRs at 180 days and maybe add some as your trip gets closer. As long as you aren't the type to completely freak out when something doesn't go as planned there is nothing wrong with having one and knowing you can adapt when it doesn't work out

I can do flexibility within a plan-
And I never plan ALL day-it's just the mornings-
My family may disagree-but I'm not a total control freak!
Just slightly obsessed-no harm in that.

 

[Mikie]

LOL! I
*just* posted another thread with basically the same theme. . . I'll chime in here and edit that one out

What?! Not everyone in the world loves to scour DISboards, read tip guides, subscribe to every Disney blog out there, talk about strategies with total strangers 7+ months in advance?

I'm going in October with extended family vs. our usual immediate-family-only trip. My Dad and I are all about DIsney planning, little-known "nuggets" and researching. Some of the others can get interested in the conversation for a bit, and a few including my DH, mom and 6yo son! are already tired of hearing it!

Despite not being asked to DO one single bit of planning, they are tired of even being in the room when the topic comes up (and it ALWAYS comes up!

I know they are frustrated with the feeling that ADRs FP+ and touring plans make it all seem so structured and more like a workday than a vacation. HOWEVER, I also know they'll be darn glad I did all this planning when we go and have a great time!

I'm going to need tips on how to use a touring plan without letting them KNOW I'm using a touring plan, or they'll revolt. THey'll totally "go with the flow" if they think I've just come up with an idea on the spot, but probably rip a plan out of my hands if I bring a printed one

Maybe I'll have it printed in miniature on the backs of my sunglass lenses

Anyone else travel with family who's not *quite* as invested as you are?

 

[married2mm]

LOL! I
*just* posted another thread with basically the same theme. . . I'll chime in here and edit that one out

What?! Not everyone in the world loves to scour DISboards, read tip guides, subscribe to every Disney blog out there, talk about strategies with total strangers 7+ months in advance?

I'm going in October with extended family vs. our usual immediate-family-only trip. My Dad and I are all about DIsney planning, little-known "nuggets" and researching. Some of the others can get interested in the conversation for a bit, and a few including my DH, mom and 6yo son! are already tired of hearing it!

Despite not being asked to DO one single bit of planning, they are tired of even being in the room when the topic comes up (and it ALWAYS comes up!

I know they are frustrated with the feeling that ADRs FP+ and touring plans make it all seem so structured and more like a workday than a vacation. HOWEVER, I also know they'll be darn glad I did all this planning when we go and have a great time!

I'm going to need tips on how to use a touring plan without letting them KNOW I'm using a touring plan, or they'll revolt. THey'll totally "go with the flow" if they think I've just come up with an idea on the spot, but probably rip a plan out of my hands if I bring a printed one

Maybe I'll have it printed in miniature on the backs of my sunglass lenses

Anyone else travel with family who's not *quite* as invested as you are?

That's soo funny.

Dh would miss my planning skills if they weren't put into practice..

We are coming for 3 weeks in August-and for the first time-
I've scheduled no park days-dh asked if that made me quiver?!

 

[JimmyV]

My motto for vacations is: "The best way to be spontaneous is to plan ahead". Seems counter-intuitive and my wife laughs. But nowhere is this more true than at WDW. You don't have to have every minute of the day accounted for. But a good advanced plan will always account for and allow for cancellations and changes on the fly.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Dmil is super excited,and its wonderful..
If there's cake and coffee around every corner-she'll be fine.

We told her it was a treat,but the naughty lady gave us some cash-we tried to not take-but she was most insistent.
So,we've put it away for extra spends-and we're planning afternoon tea at gf.

Aw, she sounds adorable. I love the idea of afternoon tea, I'm sure she will love that.

 

[married2mm]

Aw, she sounds adorable. I love the idea of afternoon tea, I'm sure she will love that.

She's just fab!
Dd described her perfectly the other day,"grandma's just chill isn't she?!"

She's just discovered DVD box sets!

They've ranged from the wire,breaking bad,the o.c.,gossip girl and veronica mars.
She also loves movies and dh can't wait to take her to downtown disney.

 

[married2mm]

Just thought, f&w will be on during our October stay.

How does this impact on epcot day trips?


We certainly won't be drinking round the world on a night time so that's not an issue..