Ok, now I am panicking!

[dansamy]

I am reading through some of the trip reports ( and pre-trip planning reports) and I am freaked out by how much planning everyone seems to do. Now, mind you, I am not by nature an organizer or planner of anything, but I want my children's first trip to WDW to be "special", as perfect as I can make it. Where's the "WDW Planning for the Totally Unorganized Idiot" guide? I have (once again) changed our dates to go during our children's Spring Break from school. This is because we can then stay longer and spend two days each in the parks. It's also because they will be out of school that week and won't have to miss any. I really, really need some experienced planning help. A mentor or guide if you will to hold my hand through this first trip. Anyone willing to take on the task? To serve as a resource for all the questions I am gonna ask? So I don't fill the board up with clueless newbie posts?



Amy

 

[MousekaMaddi]

Im in, pm me anytime

 

[mericletwins]

Count me in also! I am a minimal planner, so our styles may mesh well!! I have gone for the last two years over my kid's spring break, which is also at Easter. Busy, busy and BUSY! We had a fabulous time inspite of that. You will definitely want to stay on site to take advantage of the extra magic hours at that time. Start firing away the questions!

 

[Winkster]

Hi Dansamy.

I really enjoy the planning part!

I think there's so much to do that you need at least an idea of what there is to do when you get to WDW otherwise you can end up running round like a headless chicken, not really achieving much and missing loads.

My partner always used to laugh at my planning until we went for the first time together (I'd been before a few times) and he realised the benefit of a bit of planning!

The Unofficial Guide by Bob Sehlinger is a great place to start as it's easy to refer to without needing to read it cover to cover. It's also easier than getting sore eyes staring at a computer screen although all the info you could ever need is on the net.

Just have a look at what parks there are and what is at each parks. Have a look at other stuff that might be of interest too (mini-golf, horse riding, tours etc.) and see if anything appeals. Allocate your time accordingly and remember that there will probably be too much to do and too little time so you may need to prioritise.

Generally, I'd suggest allowing at least a day each for the parks and ideally 2 for the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Don't forget the non-Disney parks too if they're of interest.

We often park hop and take 2 or even 3 parks some days or spend half a day in a park then go shopping or swimming. It breaks the day up, gets you out of the heat and lets you rest more. Of course it all depends how long you're going for.

If you also have an idea of what's at each park, you can work out a rough "touring plan" so that when you arrive, you don't waste time going from one side of the park to the other and back again, and back again etc.

The Unofficial Guide also gives a brief review on each of the restaurants in WDW so you can even plan where you're going to eat. Try to make reservations at least 2 months in advance by calling ahead. Restaurants get booked up very quickly!

Check the official websites for park opening hours and aim to arrive approx 30 mins before if you're the type that likes to beat (some of) the crowds. Beleive me, there will still be huge crowds when you arrive - I think some people never sleep!

Use unofficial website too (allearsnet etc) for reviews and suggestions.

I love reading them all and don't consider it part of the planning. I just do it for fun.

We'll be taking our 7th trip to WDW for 16 nights in September so I've done lots of planning!

Any questions, feel free to ask!

Enjoy your trip!

 

[hotwheels]

I am reading through some of the trip reports ( and pre-trip planning reports) and I am freaked out by how much planning everyone seems to do. Now, mind you, I am not by nature an organizer or planner of anything, but I want my children's first trip to WDW to be "special", as perfect as I can make it. Where's the "WDW Planning for the Totally Unorganized Idiot" guide? I have (once again) changed our dates to go during our children's Spring Break from school. This is because we can then stay longer and spend two days each in the parks. It's also because they will be out of school that week and won't have to miss any. I really, really need some experienced planning help. A mentor or guide if you will to hold my hand through this first trip. Anyone willing to take on the task? To serve as a resource for all the questions I am gonna ask? So I don't fill the board up with clueless newbie posts?



Amy

i hear that!!! i decited less then a month ago that i would take my family on a trip to disney... and booked it for next week,not knowing it required any planning. i think im really in for mess. i barely have any planning done!


good luck with your planning and the trip!!

 

[vanillarum]

R E L A X ... Our first trip to WDW, 9 years ago, with our (at the time) 6 yo DS we did not plan at all. Had never heard of the Dis (gasp !), didn't know didily, but we had a great time ! How can you not, it's Disney !! We ( I ) did read the Unofficial Guide once or twice, but if you are aware of the Dis, you'll get all the info that you need. So relax, you'll have a great time !! Good luck and have fun !!

 

[mcco5543]

count me in! PM me anytime.

I am a super planner. However I really want to stress that these boards are filled with ...how can I put this so you Diser's know I mean it in the kindest of ways Disney FANATICS. I love Disney, I like to plan so this works well for me, but by NO MEANS must you uber plan a Disney trip to have a "perfect" one. My favorite part are all the fun unplanned things that happen to you!

You MUST make Dining reservations (ADR's) or you will NOT sit down anywhere on your trip. Which means you should go to allears.net and peruse the menus (are you on the Disney dining plan??)


If you are staying on property at a disney resort, I suggest you look at the Disney site and find out what days have early and late Extra Magic Hours so that you can take advantage if you so choose.

Also, just generally look through the rides/attractions that you especially want to go on, and look at the park maps on the Disney website. You don't want to waste time "looking" for the rides on your "must do list" (which i suggest you make, if you have "must do's". Wandering around is also PERFECTLY fun and wonderful and both methods come highly reccomended.
One thing is for sure though, if you KNOW you want to go somehwere,find something in the park and you are wandering around looking for it, it's so NOT fun. and no fun is not disney!

Have a blast!

finally, you may bombard us with as many questions as you like! That's what we're here for!

 

[Jrabbit910]

Hi dansamy;
Feel free to pm me and/or write away on the boards... you will get many different opinions and you can take as many tips as you want from any one of us...
My first tip.... Relax...take some deep breaths and ENJOY because planning is half the fun.
Post away and I hope all the information you find out makes a wonderful trip for you and your family!!!

 

[kgkmom]

I want my children's first trip to WDW to be "special", as perfect as I can make it.
Amy

Hi Amy! Welcome!

Well, I *am* a planner, and my first bit of advice to you is to please try to *not* make the trip perfect! Special, yes, but perfect, NO WAY! You'll set yourself up for a major disappointment, major frustration, and possible heatstroke as you and your family try to fit in all the "must see's".

So, here's my second piece of advice. Get yourself a few guide books (not too many-I like the Unofficial Guide and Birnbaum's-love the photos!), and sit down with your family and write down all the things that sound/look like fun.

Next, pay attention to the wait times listed in the Unofficial Guide, and try to map out a route through the parks to get to the few attractions that just about everyone agrees are important to see.

And last, but not least, make sure that everyone drinks lots and lots of water! Not soda, but water, even if you are not water drinkers. Make everyone drink or at least suck on ice every hour. Rest when you feel like it, and if you miss something on your list, put it on the list for the next trip.

Remember, having fun as a family is the most important thing about a trip to WDW, not how many things you got to 'see'. Because even if you've seen it all, have you experienced it all? What do you want your kids to remember? Having fun laughing in line, or seeing various members of the family in different stages of meltdown? I've seen both happen, and believe me, the first is better than the last!

Above all, ask any and all questions! We're here to help!

 

[lovethecastle]

I agree with many of the posters, relax. The best thing about going to disney world with your family is being with your family (at the best place in the world).
There is alot of walking so make sure everyone has comfortable shoes.
You can go to the disney web site & it has discriptions & pictures of all the rides and attractions.
Making adr's (or restaurant reservations) is important if you want to eat at any table service restaurant. Our 1st trip we didn't know that & tried to walk up to restaurants with not much luck. There is a special telephone number for making adr's. The cast member who answers is very helpful but you should defintly have a list or restaurants your family would like to eat at.
Staying on property is such a wonderful experience. There is free transportation to & from the parks from disney resorts. Going back to the resort in the afternoon to rest & go in the pool is fun. We do it everday we are at Disney World.
Remember Have Fun!!!

 

[dansamy]

I just doubt that we'll have the time or funds to do another big trip until the kids are much older. So I want this trip to be a big trip and as special as possible. I was aiming for February until I realized how much there is to plan to optimize a trip.

 

[kathie859]

I've been going to WDW since 1976 and have been accompanied by all age groups. This past spring, I went with my DS, DBIL, DN and her best friend (age 15 & 16) and DS's best friend. My next trip with include a 4 yr old and a 1 yr old. I think something that adds to the success of a trip is knowing that if you want to do a sit down meal, call for an ADR. Insist that everyone who's going participates in a planning session (we always make these fun with refreshments and snacks--like a little Disney party--)so everyone can say what's their most important thing they want to do. There are several sites that have every attraction for view (Youtube is a nice source). Depending on the ages of the children, you may want them to see what you think they may find scary so they can decide whether it's something they want to do. Plus it's a great way to build excitement


Another thing--even though I've been going for years and years--I have YET to see and do everything! I'd have to live there for 6 months to do that!!

One other thought (and something that always help get me in the planning groove) is to pickup all the travel guides at the library. Even if they're a few years old, it's ok. You know WHERE to get the most recent info (DISboard, of course). If you find you have a favorite (mine is the Unofficial Guide) you can go buy it.

 

[eventsdj]

Our first trip 9 years ago, we did not plan a thing.
It was still fun, even though we only ate burgers and counter service because we had no ADR's.

This time, I am putting much more time into planning, for my benefit mostly, the kids will have a great time eithor way.

 

[thepwa]

Be glad to help!

 

[moorekw]

Anyone willing to take on the task? To serve as a resource for all the questions I am gonna ask? So I don't fill the board up with clueless newbie posts?

no problem. feel free to pm me as well (along with the army of others). though, there might be some benefit to posting your questions in a forum for other newbies.

 

[dansamy]

I've also started a pre-trip "journal" in the pre-trip forum. I introduced our cast, now I need to add info about me quavering on my schedule, etc.

 

[mcco5543]

Please do not let this message board stress you out. Diser's have said it a thousand times. If you are not a "planner" and you think you have to plan, and you're starting to worry, you've already lost The disney spirit, fun and magic, plan what your comfortable with, make ADR's , locate attractions in each park that are must do's and be done with it.....if you WANT to plan and it's FUN for you to "dream" and you realize that all you plans can go to poof in 2.2 seconds if something more "fun and magical" presents itself or you're having a good time..then plan away...seriously though dont' lose the disney magic by worrying yourself....

 

[ehutch79]

Don't worry. While I am a major planner as well, it is very hard to plan when you have not been before. Yes, there are a few high demand places that you won't be able to get into. But frankly you won't be missing anything. Call the Disney Dining from your hotel roo m and they will be able to help you find what is available. Two crutial peices of advice: Arrive Early, before opening! Also, leave in the afternon for a relaxing nap and dip in th pool. It will make the whole trip more relaxing and stress free. Also, use fast pass. You should be fine. Just go without high expectationd of experiencing everythng Disney has to offer in one trip, although 2 day a park is plenty of time. Animal Kingdom really only requires on though.

 

[cherokeemamma]

Hello!

I just wanted to say that I totally agree with ehutch79 on arriving early to parks, afternoon naps/breaks & using fast passes.

As someone else mentioned drink lots of water...not soda and make your ADRs now.

My two bits are this...
make sure your shoes are well broken in. Do NOT wear new shoes!!! If you don't already do this ...perhaps you have time to start walking everyday. (Wear shoes that park friendly ie. crocs or sneakers)

Purchase some 'Bodyglide' (can get it at sports stores, REI) and use it anywhere you might experience chaffing and/or blisters. Awesome stuff.

If you are staying at a Disney resort and using Disney transportation...realize that it takes more time than you think it will to go from point A to point B. so, give yourself enough time to travel.

Regardless of anything else enjoy your family, relax & have fun!

I hope you have a wonderful time and experience lot of

 

[eliza61]

I am reading through some of the trip reports ( and pre-trip planning reports) and I am freaked out by how much planning everyone seems to do. Now, mind you, I am not by nature an organizer or planner of anything, but I want my children's first trip to WDW to be "special", as perfect as I can make it. Where's the "WDW Planning for the Totally Unorganized Idiot" guide? I have (once again) changed our dates to go during our children's Spring Break from school. This is because we can then stay longer and spend two days each in the parks. It's also because they will be out of school that week and won't have to miss any. I really, really need some experienced planning help. A mentor or guide if you will to hold my hand through this first trip. Anyone willing to take on the task? To serve as a resource for all the questions I am gonna ask? So I don't fill the board up with clueless newbie posts?



Amy

Hey Amy, Welcome to the Dis.
You've got a lot of experts here. Post and PM at will (count me in as a pm pal also). If I had a dollar for every question that I thought was stupid, I could live at Disney. Don't worry, you'll be fine.