Neighbors have done NO planning

[Tikitoi]

Glad to read there can be happy endings to those who aren't planning fanatics such as myself. Here's hoping your neighbors have a great trip.

 

[SuzieN]

When my family went 2 years ago we did very little planning. I didn't have my computer at the time and didn't know the Dis even existed! We booked our February trip w/DDP in January and I called 1 week before we left and booked HDDR on my neighbor's reccommendation and CP because I knew I loved it from past experience. I had been to WDW 7 times before but not since 1994. We ended up having a great trip! Crowds were low and we had short wait times for everything. We ate at a TS restaurant everyday! We ate at Crystal Palace, Rose & Crown, 50's Prime Time, Hoop-De-Doo, Liberty Tree Tavern, and Boatwright's. Granted I planned the heck out of our trip last month but just wanted to say that not everyone knows about ADR's and it's possible to have a fantastic trip without them!

 

[mickeysgirl17]

So, we were talking to our neighbors 1 house down this evening. They were packing the car, and we asked where they were going. They said Disney. It's spring break here next week, and they said they knew it would be crowded.

Well, they've done no planning, other than making their hotel reservation (on property) and buying tickets. Oh yeah, they also have the Dining Plan, but no ADRs.

I was in shock. They know I'm a Disney freak. I tried to give them some advice without scaring them. I gave them my Passporter, but I still fell terrible for them. They have never been before. They are going to be so overwhelmed, and then angry when they find out they can't get into the restaurants at decent hours, if at all.

Well, just thought you all would like to add your 2 cents. Have a nice night.

I don't understand how people can just do that. No planning???? What?!?!
Anyway, its unfortunate that they paid so much especially for the DP and they probably won't even be able to get into any good restaurants.
I guess they will learn their lesson for next time. You tried..........

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

It might not be that bad. My neighbor just did the same thing. Saw her Saturday before EAster and she mentioned she was going to Disney. I said oh when are you going? She said tomorrow staying at CSR with the dining plan. I said where are you eating? What do you mean? YOU did make ressies? NO!!!! OK lets get on the phone. I managed to snag her 5 pretty good ressies the day before Easter for Easter week. It can be done. Then I gave her all my stuff and said start reading now. I am dying to hear how she made out she comes home today. It was not the tragedy I thought it would be. I just cant believe the travel agent did not tell her this but sold her the dining plan.

Now me on the other hand would be a different stroy with my planning OCD going into freak out mode.

 

[Mermaid_Ariel]

It is very possible to take a trip to WDW without planning it all 6 months out and still have an excellent time. Really.

I agree. Seriously, I don't think it's nice to say that people absolutely will not have a good time unless they plan obsessively. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[baby<3]

I came home from Disney recently with a school trip. My friends and I ended up getting reservations at Cape May Cafe, Nine Dragons, and Chef Mickeys when we were down there. Normally my family plans way ahead of time but our school provided us with very little information so we had to try and get reservations when we got down there. Everything worked out great and we had an awesome time.

 

[DinahInWonderland]

My Uncle just did pretty much the same thing. He called the night before Easter to make a reservation. The only thing that was open was Fort Wilderness campground. So he packed up my little cousin and drove two days to get down there. I haven't heard how the trip went yet but I'm sure he'll do nothing but complain about crowds and not being able to eat anywhere he wanted. I will never understand the people that don't realize what a project going to Disney really is!

 

[septbaby]

The universal "action" in these circumstances: just pray for them.

 

[HdnMickeyGrl]

I don't think the issue is that you can't have a good time without planning. I'm sure it can be done. Heck, I know it can be done. Just probably not during spring break. And what really gets me is that they paid for the DDP. They are going to get there, enter the gates, walk down Main Street head over to the Crystal Palace and be told there is absolutely no availablity. That's weird they'll think. Then they'll try something else. This will happen throughout the day, then throughout the week. Now they could get lucky and I hope they do but since they have a table service meal for every day already paid for I hope they get to use it.

 

[magicaldisney]

I don't think the issue is that you can't have a good time without planning. I'm sure it can be done. Heck, I know it can be done. Just probably not during spring break. And what really gets me is that they paid for the DDP. They are going to get there, enter the gates, walk down Main Street head over to the Crystal Palace and be told there is absolutely no availablity. That's weird they'll think. Then they'll try something else. This will happen throughout the day, then throughout the week. Now they could get lucky and I hope they do but since they have a table service meal for every day already paid for I hope they get to use it.

I agree....I think the biggest problem is that they bought the dining plan and won't be able to enjoy and use it the way they should.

 

[cymbaldiva]

I agree. Seriously, I don't think it's nice to say that people absolutely will not have a good time unless they plan obsessively. Different strokes for different folks.

I completely agree! I hope they have a wonderful vacation!!

 

[septbaby]

I too hope they have a great time, but they are likely to have a bit of frustration at time with TS meals since they won't be reserving until they arrive. I will "pray" that the magic finds them and they find meals that suit their family.