My planning & lists which may help others

[2BoysMum&Dad]

I decided I should post my organisational planning here for our big holiday at WDW which I hope might benefit others. This plan is obviously personal to our circumstances, so everything here won’t apply to everyone, but I am hoping you may find some information here useful. Planning is definitely half the fun of going to WDW and should ultimately result in a more relaxing, safe and fun holiday. If you have anything to add or comment on, I would be most grateful to see your reply in this thread.

The key is lists, lists and more lists! My tools for planning include internet access (& e-mail), membership to DISboards.com (of course), word processing programme (for typing "packing lists" and other lists), spreadsheet programme to keep track of expenses, credit card details for paying for stuff on the internet (or travel agents and other shops in town).

Another invaluable item is Simon Veness’s book called “A Brits Guide To Orlando 2004”. This book is brilliant and updated every year.

Need to create the following lists

(a) List of items to be packed in main “hold” luggage
(b) List of items to be packed in each item of “hand” luggage
(c) List of addresses (for postcards)
(d) List of e-mail addresses (fun e-mail activities at WDW) and maybe website addresses if I use an internet cafe (to save time/money searching for them)
(e) List of phone numbers including:-
Hotel (Caribbean Beach Resort)
UK travel agent
Insurance company(ies)
A few close friends/family members in UK
Car hire firm (actual office where we are picking up the car)
A couple of friends who live in USA
‘Phone numbers of off-site attractions for which we have tickets
(f) List of things we still need to research including what car to hire
(g) List of all important documents needed – e.g. passports, cash, credit cards, flight tickets, hotel confirmation, car hire confirmation, driving licences (second driver licence too).

Most of these lists will need to be duplicated to put in a different piece of luggage/hand luggage in case one goes missing. Keep some vital pieces of information in glove compartment of car (e.g. hire firm telephone number),

I have a “holiday planning folder” in which I keep everything. I have created a nice attractive front cover with Disney characters and the words “Summer 2004 Disney Planning” printed inside a Mickey head outline shape. It’s got those plastic sheets in which you can slot all your invoices and important documents and holiday brochures and all that kind of stuff. I know everything I need is in there (or on my computer).

Notes (mainly for my benefit)

Already paid deposits for the following
Flights
Hotel
WDW theme park passes
Off-site attractions
Holiday insurance
Checked passports are current and expire at least six months after return to UK

Still need to

Book hire car
Plan where we are going each day (research quietest days at each theme park*)
Research driving rules in USA
Research into best location/room to stay at CBR (at extra cost?)

*I have downloaded a wonderful WDW daily planner onto my laptop which also tells you which days are generally busiest for each of the theme parks.

Gadgets

Decide what to take from the following

Mobile ‘phone (need to get one which works in USA, will have to hire or upgrade)
Laptop (can I do without it?!!!)
Walkie Talkies (have one with loads of channels, but will we still get too much interference to make it worth the bother?)

Undoubtedly, this list of lists is not complete! Comments welcome.

2BoysMum&Dad

 

[KayleeUK]

How organised are you

 

[Korbs]

I have a Disney Planning File too!!

Where did you download the WDW Daily Planner from??

 

[2BoysMum&Dad]

Before you read the rest of my message, I would just like to say I am getting no commission from the following (!!!). I really think this is useful stuff available on the internet!

I think Disboards.com is a brilliant place to find information and help plan your perfect trip to WDW. I have also come across "the DIBB" website which is especially for "the Brits". If you are interested in this computer Disney planner have a look here - http://www.thedibb.co.uk/dvp/ which is on "the DIBB" website. This is how it is described -

Small Download Only 2.6Mb
Updated Drop Down Boxes
2 Drop Down Boxes for each Morning, Afternoon & Night Activities
Notes Box for each Morning, Afternoon & Night
Notes Box for Hotel/Travel Information
General Comments Box (255 Characters)
Extra Info
Attraction Database
Character Meals Database
Shopping Database
Secrets/Hidden Mickey Database for you to fill in
Print out Only the Days you want
Improved Install Routine
Un-Install Routine Included

2BoysMum&Dad

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

Originally posted by KayleeUK
How organised are you

I Agree!

 

[edie w]

Walkie Talkies (have one with loads of channels, but will we still get too much interference to make it worth the bother?)

We had walkie talkies witha supposedly 2m radius but they were pretty hopeless. Other people have had more luck. Are yours UK ones? If so, you can't use them in the US anyway. We're going for mobiles this year, however we already have triband ones.

Research driving rules in USA

You can get the whole of the Florida highway code here:

http://www.kissimmee-us192.com/British/driving.htm

should you be so inclined!

 

[2BoysMum&Dad]

I have been told elsewhere that walkie talkies from the UK should be ok. Is there a way I can find out for sure? I can do without carrying the extra weight if they will be useless. Many thanks.

2BoysMum&Dad

 

[BONZO]

Ok - UK radios will work but it's ILLEGAL to do so and VERY DANGEROUS as they'll interfere with emergency channels.


The same goes for operating US ones in the UK.


(Sorry - pet subject of mine).

 

[2BoysMum&Dad]

That is definitely worth taking note of, thanks Bonzo. Someone else thought that you would need a licence if your walkie talkie had a range of 5 miles or more and 2 miles was ok. Obviously, the way they work is an issue.

Thanks.

2BoysMum&Dad

 

[edie w]

Both are correct. You should have a licence for longer range radios. However, range is not the issue here - it's frequency.

UK walkie talkies use a different frequency from the US, regardless of range, and it is DEFINITELY illegal (not to mention irresponsible) to use them.

I should have said "mustn't" not "can't"!