OK, I've got the ticker....Poly in August!!!

[solana131]

Suzi, I think your plans look great....and OH....those spreadsheets! You're a girl after my own heart! I have multiple spreadsheets that I use as well. I really like your itinerary and dining spreadsheets! WOWZA! I would love copies of those spreadsheets if you are willing to share.

I think I need to check out this app you are talking about. It sounds really cool...and a great way to have access to all your plans while in the parks. I took my planning binder with us on my last trip (and I probably will again this trip). I use it to reference, but I leave it in the room each day. I did have a small planner type book (3 1/2" x 5") spiral bound. It had menus, Adr reservations numbers, Photopass maps and tips and even entertainment schedules in each park. I will post some pics over on my PTR if I think about it later.

I would absolutely share the spreadsheets with you. I know I found them online one year, but I just searched for it and couldn't find anything. I will make a copy and clear out all my info then PM you with them. Or PM me your email address and I can send it that way. Not sure if I can upload an excel doc on here???

And the app is great. Keep in mind, some people don't like it because if you edit a doc on your phone, it doesn't simultaneously edit it in excel for you. But it works great for what I need

 

[Denovagirl]

One month to go???? Yes, you must start a PTR! Let me know when you do and I will for sure follow along. First trip!!!! Yay! So much fun! Where are you staying? What are your dates?? Details please

AoA, in the Little Mermaid rooms (perfect for our girls) and staying Aug 20-28th!!! I think I will start a PTR now, I have most of it planned, but its still fun to share with people who enjoy talking about it as much as you!!

 

[solana131]

AoA, in the Little Mermaid rooms (perfect for our girls) and staying Aug 20-28th!!! I think I will start a PTR now, I have most of it planned, but its still fun to share with people who enjoy talking about it as much as you!!

Yay! We are going to overlap by a few days! And I am planning to come see AoA on the 22nd! Maybe we can meet up??? Don't worry if you don't want to.....I have issues with DISmeets taking up park time, so I totally understand. There are a few people I really really want to meet up with, but there are a TON of people over on the August thread organizing a big meet. That is just not for me. I am not a "talkie talkie people person" I say "hi" and "how has your trip been so far" then I kinda run out of things to say. So I totally understand if you don't want to meet up. Just know I will be at AoA the evening of the 22nd to look around. And if you would like to see the Poly....let me know.

 

[Denovagirl]

Yay! We are going to overlap by a few days! And I am planning to come see AoA on the 22nd! Maybe we can meet up??? Don't worry if you don't want to.....I have issues with DISmeets taking up park time, so I totally understand. There are a few people I really really want to meet up with, but there are a TON of people over on the August thread organizing a big meet. That is just not for me. I am not a "talkie talkie people person" I say "hi" and "how has your trip been so far" then I kinda run out of things to say. So I totally understand if you don't want to meet up. Just know I will be at AoA the evening of the 22nd to look around. And if you would like to see the Poly....let me know.

I am def going to be going and going, and with a big group. I like the big tags people in the August group are making, so that if I see one I can say "hi." I am like you, not a big talkie talkie. The 22nd is our HS day, and possibly DTD for dinner. So it would be fun to run into you, but I don't know where I will be! My biggest regret so far is not planning a rest day in the mid trip to resort hop and such, bc the Poly is like my dream resort. But oh, well. No way to do it all I guess.

 

[solana131]

My biggest regret so far is not planning a rest day in the mid trip to resort hop and such, bc the Poly is like my dream resort. But oh, well. No way to do it all I guess.

That's the first hurdle to overcome....knowing that you can't possibly do it all. You will be fine. Just try to hit the parks early then go back to the resort for a mid-day break. Then head back out after you have relaxed a little. You don't need a "break day" just take it slow.

 

[Denovagirl]

Thanks! I am sure no matter what we are going to have the time of our lives and I know that we will be going back!

I think that I did it right, my first ever PTR for my first ever trip!

Long time planner, first time visitor!

 

[solana131]

Thanks! I am sure no matter what we are going to have the time of our lives and I know that we will be going back!

I think that I did it right, my first ever PTR for my first ever trip!

Long time planner, first time visitor!

I'm there! Everyone else...go check it out too. She has two of the most adorable girls I have ever seen!

 

[solana131]

Oh my goodness...I just found a cute picture of my brother and I with Goofy. I am guessing this is from 1980 something??



Too funny! How come Goofy hasn't gotten any older and we have??

 

[jkfandel]

See...I told you I would make it back here today.


I do have all my spreadsheets and plans done, but before I get to that.....


LOOK AT WHAT CAME IN THE MAIL TODAY!

I now have a backpack, a crossbody, two zip pouches with lanyards, a cosmetic case, and now two GAC pouches with lanyards. I am a regular D~ bag hoarder

Hi ~ LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your bag collection. I don't see mine here yet I'm going to have to check the mailbox now.

Oh my goodness...I just found a cute picture of my brother and I with Goofy. I am guessing this is from 1980 something??

Too funny! How come Goofy hasn't gotten any older and we have??

Great picture!! I have no idea where the pictures are from my first trip there. I'll have to ask Mom.

I have a spreadsheet too (that I am continuously adjusting). Last trip I made a binder with pockets for all of the maps, reservations return flights etc. We drove from MA to FL recreated our honeymoon (30 years later) and the kids (DD22, DS26 not really kids but ALWAYS my kids) met us there. This trip just one spreadsheet one page. I really like the powerpoint it makes is so fun and colorful a good way to remember after too.

D~Thank you for the VERY helpful instructions. I have been having the hardest time figuring this out. I think I'm getting better, we'll see.

 

[DMGeurts]

Busy, busy girl yesterday Miss Suzi... I guess you're makin' up for lost time?

See...I told you I would make it back here today.


I do have all my spreadsheets and plans done, but before I get to that.....


LOOK AT WHAT CAME IN THE MAIL TODAY!

Yay! My auction winnings from the lovely and talented Miss D~

I bid on, and won two GAC pouches. No, I do not have any GACs, but I prefer the larger size zip pouch. These are so much better in person, but since you can't all be here to see them....



I now have a backpack, a crossbody, two zip pouches with lanyards, a cosmetic case, and now two GAC pouches with lanyards. I am a regular D~ bag hoarder



I probably won't take the Dory backpack only because it is just too hot for a backpack in August. But rest assured, she will get plenty of use...once I go back to traveling in the cooler months. I might still bring it, I think I can wear her after dark. We'll see.

Hahaha... I love that you hoard the bags I make.

I'm not done yet....


I worked hard on my spreadsheets last night. I have all my days planned out. Now understand, when I say that I have all my days planned out...that means I know which park I will START at. We have hoppers, so we will go to a park at rope drop, then take a mid day break, then head to another park or resort hop or whatever in the evening. So these plans are not set in stone. I have lots of DISmeets I would like to fit in, so we will hop where ever we need at that point. So D, Kathy, Ann....if you see our parks don't match up, don't worry. We will figure it out. These are just guidelines.

This is a spreadsheet I found online somewhere a couple years ago that I tweaked to fit my style. I added a few categories and took away some stuff. I like it because everything is all on one page.

I know it's hard to see...I don't know how to link a document here. So these are pictures of my computer screen taken from my phone. But you get the idea.





And the whole sheet



These will be uploaded to ThinkFreeOffice and then downloaded to their app on my phone. This lets me view them on my phone without a wifi or 3G connection...just like a picture in my gallery. I love this app, I used it last year with Dani and it was so nice to have everything right there. The MyDisneyExperience app is fine (not a huge fan of it yet, but maybe it will be different once we are there) but I forsee my connection to be really slow in the park with all those other people trying to use it.

This spreadsheet has everything from park hours (including EMHs), to fireworks/parade times, to Best/Worst park choices, to breakfast, lunch, dinner choices, to ADRs and conf#s, to overall crowd levels. I just love it.

And here is what I do for a dining spreadsheet. I have the days/meals (B,L,D) down the left side, and each person along the top. I pick which places we will probably eat at (again...not set in stone, just a guideline) and pick out what I think we all might eat. This way I can see a good guess at how much our meals will cost us. I can really see if the dining plan would work for us. This trip my estimated meals (including refillable mugs and drinks/desserts with each meal) will be just under $800. I have $750 so far in giftcards from birthdays, christmas, mothers day, etc. That way, I get "free dining" and a room rate.



A closeup of a couple days



I make the QS green and the TS red, so I know we have an ADR coming up. You can't see, but over on the far right side, I have a column for tips. Knowing about what we will spend allows me to have a tip all ready. I included the DME tip and MouseKeeping to the total too. And for each ADR, I have the time over on the right too.

This spreadsheet will also be uploaded and downloaded to my ThinkFree app.

OK - I totally love how these turned out! YOu've been working hard in your spare time! I love how you have the prices of the meals all worked into a nice little budget like that. Hmmm... I still need to figure out the budget for our OOP meals & snacks...

EEEEkkkkk - this is going to be so much fun!

So how did you all like my spreadsheets?? More to go....

I have tried and tried to figure out Photoshop to make a pretty little calendar like D has....but I just can't do it. So I use Powerpoint instead. It isn't as cool as hers, but it gets the job done.

OK - just because I am a bit OCD when it comes to Photoshop, doesn't mean that yours are any less cool! I love to see what everyone creates, and I think yours are fantastic!!! There is no way I would be able to go in to Powerpoint and make anything as great as this. I love it! Great job!

[So these are my daily plans. I will print this off and put in an album to give to Sara on her birthday at the end of July. That way she can see what we are doing and give me other options if she doesn't like it. She is WAY more involved in this trip than her sister was last year. I am very happy that she is so excited about it!

Before we even start....not many of these pictures are mine. No idea where they came from and I hope I don't get slammed by people on this, but it isn't meant to be published...just for mine and Sara's use day to day.

















So that is what I did last night. I'm gonna leave you with that for now. But I will be back. What do you think of my plans??

Anyone that will be there from the 17th - 24th......when do you wanna meet??

Kathy, we kinda decided on the 19th?? You have an ADR at the Poly that night, right?

I will be there the 20-29... Wanna meet up?

Okay, I am a newbie on here, but I must say those spreadsheets are ahhhhh-mazing. I must do this now. I am getting so many good tips browsing around here!! I cant wait to do a PTR of my own now!

See... Now I find that the planning is an extension of the trip. How many trips can you really go on that you have to plan months and months in advance??? Oh yes - my PTR is also a huge part of my trip enjoyment... And then the TR when I get home... LOVE it!

AoA, in the Little Mermaid rooms (perfect for our girls) and staying Aug 20-28th!!! I think I will start a PTR now, I have most of it planned, but its still fun to share with people who enjoy talking about it as much as you!!

Whoot - we over lap too... Aug 20-29 here (FQ).

Thanks! I am sure no matter what we are going to have the time of our lives and I know that we will be going back!

I think that I did it right, my first ever PTR for my first ever trip!

Long time planner, first time visitor!

I will head over there shortly... Can't wait to "meet" you and your family.

Oh my goodness...I just found a cute picture of my brother and I with Goofy. I am guessing this is from 1980 something??



Too funny! How come Goofy hasn't gotten any older and we have??

Awww... YOu are so cute Suzi!!! I love it!!! I wish I had childhood pictures at Disney... I have lots of water bottle pictures though - so that must count for something?

D~

 

[Denovagirl]

I'm there! Everyone else...go check it out too. She has two of the most adorable girls I have ever seen!

Awww shucks, they are pretty cute!

I just got done reading your whole TR from your Feb visit!! Awesome!! How did you like that time of year overall? We talked about doing feb next time bc the 1st is our anniversary and 8th is DD bday!

 

[Denovagirl]

Whoot - we over lap too... Aug 20-29 here (FQ).



I will head over there shortly... Can't wait to "meet" you and your family.

Thanks!!! There's a lot of August people!! I need to find out where to get that August tag to keep on the stroller so people can say hi!

 

[sweetpeaandevie]

So my coworker is leaving for disney today. She is NOT a planner, they just decided to go about three months ago and are just gonna play it by ear when they get there......WHAT?

Anyhow, yesterday I kept coming and asking (about 3 decibles too high...) "Are you excited?". "yeah" she replies nonchalantly.... OMG! You are going to DISNEYWORLD for the FIRST time EVER!!!!! So last night before we left I made her jump up and down with me while I was yelling, "You're going to Disneyworld" over and over (again, a bit loudly) ..............all of our other coworkers just shook their heads at me. I think I even got a " I don't think we will be able to stand you when you fnally get ready to go" hahahahaha probably not, but my new friends on the dis will! (more head shakes) They will just never understand. I have been bitten by the bug. Thanks for letting me share!!!!!!

 

[DMGeurts]

Hahaha!!! Love it!

D~

 

[solana131]

They will just never understand. I have been bitten by the bug. Thanks for letting me share!!!!!!

You are right...some people just don't get it. And she will probably hate it. You can't just go without some sort of plan. It makes me so upset when people do this, then come back and say "ugh it was horrible....never going again.....the restaurants were all full....we couldn't get a spot for the parade....we didn't get to do much because we had to wait in line for hours...". Well DUH people!!!! Put a little effort in and next time it will be amazing.

Oh well...we know how to do it. And we will have a blast!

 

[Pixiedust530]

You are right...some people just don't get it. And she will probably hate it. You can't just go without some sort of plan. It makes me so upset when people do this, then come back and say "ugh it was horrible....never going again.....the restaurants were all full....we couldn't get a spot for the parade....we didn't get to do much because we had to wait in line for hours...". Well DUH people!!!! Put a little effort in and next time it will be amazing.

Oh well...we know how to do it. And we will have a blast!

I know this ALL TOO WELL! A co-worker of mine went last year and they did 1/2 the week at Disney and 1/2 at the beach. She went against all my advice, only did 1 actual day in a Disney Park (Magic Kingdom), then did Sea World and LegoLand. Complained about the heat and the lines and wondered why they didn't see a lot of the things she has seen/read about Disney (UH...maybe because you skipped the 3 other major parks? ). She came back and whined about how Disney wasn't at all what she expected and she didn't understand how I have such a wonderful time when I go! Some people will never learn! Side note: when I asked her what park they went to she replied "Disney World"! Um...Disney World is NOT a park! Some people will never learn.

I love knowing that when everyone else is tired of hearing me talk about Disney that I can always come here and all of you will understand! I am slowly converting Wayne to the dark side...but sometimes I forget that he doesn't want to talk Disney details 100% of the time!

 

[DMGeurts]

You are right...some people just don't get it. And she will probably hate it. You can't just go without some sort of plan. It makes me so upset when people do this, then come back and say "ugh it was horrible....never going again.....the restaurants were all full....we couldn't get a spot for the parade....we didn't get to do much because we had to wait in line for hours...". Well DUH people!!!! Put a little effort in and next time it will be amazing.

Oh well...we know how to do it. And we will have a blast!

Isn't this the TRUTH!

Or the most famous question of them all... "Why do you keep going back? Why don't you try somethine new?" None of your business... LOL Really - why do YOU keep going back to (insert favorite applicable destination here...)??? Huh, huh, huh??? Drives me NUTS!!! When I start asking people for their money to pay for our vacations, then they will have the right to ask me why I am going there again... One of these times, I should reply... "Because you aren't there..." Just to see what they say. LOL

OK - sorry... Stuffl like that really irks me.

D~

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

Isn't this the TRUTH!

Or the most famous question of them all... "Why do you keep going back? Why don't you try somethine new?" None of your business... LOL Really - why do YOU keep going back to (insert favorite applicable destination here...)??? Huh, huh, huh??? Drives me NUTS!!! When I start asking people for their money to pay for our vacations, then they will have the right to ask me why I am going there again... One of these times, I should reply... "Because you aren't there..." Just to see what they say. LOL

OK - sorry... Stuffl like that really irks me.

D~

I hope to get to this point someday. Even though it is my first time I have gotten the, "how can you afford that? Isnt it expensive?" Of course I am at this point telling people it is really expensive in hopes that it means smaller crowds.

 

[babynala]

See...I told you I would make it back here today.


I do have all my spreadsheets and plans done, but before I get to that.....


LOOK AT WHAT CAME IN THE MAIL TODAY!

Yay! My auction winnings from the lovely and talented Miss D~

I now have a backpack, a crossbody, two zip pouches with lanyards, a cosmetic case, and now two GAC pouches with lanyards. I am a regular D~ bag hoarder



I probably won't take the Dory backpack only because it is just too hot for a backpack in August. But rest assured, she will get plenty of use...once I go back to traveling in the cooler months. I might still bring it, I think I can wear her after dark. We'll see.

HOARDER!!!! I love it.

Oh my goodness...I just found a cute picture of my brother and I with Goofy. I am guessing this is from 1980 something??



Too funny! How come Goofy hasn't gotten any older and we have??

Awesome picture. You are so cute!!!!

I think Goofy may have had his eye brows waxed since this photo but I am not sure.

So my coworker is leaving for disney today. She is NOT a planner, they just decided to go about three months ago and are just gonna play it by ear when they get there......WHAT?

Anyhow, yesterday I kept coming and asking (about 3 decibles too high...) "Are you excited?". "yeah" she replies nonchalantly.... OMG! You are going to DISNEYWORLD for the FIRST time EVER!!!!! So last night before we left I made her jump up and down with me while I was yelling, "You're going to Disneyworld" over and over (again, a bit loudly) ..............all of our other coworkers just shook their heads at me. I think I even got a " I don't think we will be able to stand you when you fnally get ready to go" hahahahaha probably not, but my new friends on the dis will! (more head shakes) They will just never understand. I have been bitten by the bug. Thanks for letting me share!!!!!!

Your like a Disney coach, getting her all psyched up for the big game.

You are right...some people just don't get it. And she will probably hate it. You can't just go without some sort of plan. It makes me so upset when people do this, then come back and say "ugh it was horrible....never going again.....the restaurants were all full....we couldn't get a spot for the parade....we didn't get to do much because we had to wait in line for hours...". Well DUH people!!!! Put a little effort in and next time it will be amazing.

Agreed. We were in Orlando this past week (not going to Disney) and I would see people headed to Disney World at the hotel eating breakfast and all I could think was "What are you waiting for, get to the parks". It was after 10 am, at a hotel at least 20 minutes from the parks and it was already HOT outside. These are the people that don't enjoy Disney World. I told my DD that she will not be sleeping in during our trip to WDW.

Or the most famous question of them all... "Why do you keep going back? Why don't you try somethine new?" None of your business... LOL Really - why do YOU keep going back to (insert favorite applicable destination here...)??? Huh, huh, huh??? Drives me NUTS!!! When I start asking people for their money to pay for our vacations, then they will have the right to ask me why I am going there again... One of these times, I should reply... "Because you aren't there..." Just to see what they say. LOL

D~

That is a good great point about people's reaction to repeated trips. No one ever says "Oh, your going to the beach this summer AGAIN" (read in a snooty tone). I love to go to different places but I also NEED to go to WDW.

I hope to get to this point someday. Even though it is my first time I have gotten the, "how can you afford that? Isnt it expensive?" Of course I am at this point telling people it is really expensive in hopes that it means smaller crowds.

Yes, the less we tell people what a great time we had in Disney the smaller the crowds will be and the more discounts will be offered.

My brother is forever grateful to me for helping him with his first trip. He knows they never would have been able to have such a great first trip with his family because he would never have researched and planned. Plus during the trip I could boss them around and tell them where to go or his wife would have taken their easily frightened children on Stich's Great Escape. Note: my bossiness was for their own benefit and I obtained all their fastpasses and waited in LOTS of lines for their kids to meet the characters.


Suzi - your planning pages look very nice. I love your spreadsheet and how you have calculated out all the prices for your meals, etc. I know your cousin will have a blast with you and Bradley. I'm happy to hear she is getting into the planning and is so excited for the trip.

 

[jkfandel]

I always just say I'm going to Florida. I feel silly when I get that hairy eyeball look when I say Disney. Especially hard because my DH just does not get it at all even though he has gone with me three times (1 x every 10 years) that just does not cut it for me. I have to at least be planning a trip. I am going to have withdrawals after this upcoming trip as I don't think I will be going back for a few years.

In case I don't get back and post Happy 4th of July.