Need help getting started...

[Babsicles]

Hey everyone, I'm new here. I just booked my vacation with my DH and DS5. We are staying at POP and have the Deluxe Dining Plan. I have planned many disney vacations for us, plenty times before. This time, I can't get myself going. I just don't know where to start. This had never happened to me before. I went to the local bookstore and purchased some disney travel guides, hoping that will get me going, nothing! I've been looking on the boards, and I'm just overwhelmed. Anyone have any suggestions or tips on how they started? I wrote the each day on a separate index card, laid them out on a table, and I just stare at them. I'm very excited about going, I can't wait, so I know it's not from lack of enthusiasm. Any help will be much, much appreciated!

 

[lovetoscrap]

Since you have the dining plan the first place I would start is with figuring out what Sit Down (TS) restaurants you want to go to. Make a list of where you want to go and then figure out what days you want to go. Then call Disney Dining and see when you can actually get in. You may need to be flexible. Then I would plan my park days off of where I am eating. Even with hoppers I prefer to be in the same park as my meal so I am not rushed to get to my reservation and don't loose park time hopping from park to park.

 

[ToddyLu]

I would take a look at park times first and make a spreadsheet on the days you will be there. Also make note of EMH parks on which day and a time sheet of what time Wishes, Fantasmic, Spectromagic, Illuminations and any other events that that you plan to attend. Once you have your time line then you can fill in the blanks with ADRs and other important things. That is always my approach. Planning is so much fun. I also suggest listening to Dis Radio while planning to get you in the spirit of things. Good luck

 

[Babsicles]

Thank you both so much! Both suggestions helped tremendously! Especially listening to disney music!

 

[Jrabbit910]

have you ordered your customized maps from Disney yet? I think its a great way to start off.. I can see from your ticker that your celebrating a birthday! Is it your birthday or someone else's? if its yours think about where you want to celebrate it and no matter who's birthday it is make sure when you make the reservation you tell them that it is..

Get the family involved. You can have your child pick a place to eat & it really gets them excited.. Are you going during any special events? Check out the unofficial guides web page and see whats going on for the days that ur there.

Dis is also the best place to talk all things disney and get excited. Planning for me is 1/2 the fun and anytime that I can get involved talking about it I usually am!

 

[lcubed]

Dis is also the best place to talk all things disney and get excited. Planning for me is 1/2 the fun and anytime that I can get involved talking about it I usually am!

It is especially nice to talk with people who undestand your excitement! Most of the people I work with just don't "get" all things Disney. So when I need my fix, I come to the DIS.

 

[Babsicles]

have you ordered your customized maps from Disney yet? I think its a great way to start off..

I never even heard of customized maps! What are these and how do I get them? Wow, I'm excited now.

 

[Jrabbit910]

I never even heard of customized maps! What are these and how do I get them? Wow, I'm excited now.

ooohhh... THey are so great! I love them and they make a great keepsake.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/myVacation/customizedMaps/index?id=CustomizedMapsFlashPage

Have fun!