Ok, now I am panicking!

[Winkster]

Great suggestion about wearing worn-in shoes! I made the mistake of wearing some new (wlthough very soft) shoes last year and ended up with huge blisters and feet covered in moleskin.

I think you can get too caught up in the planning and worry too much. Ultimately, if you have a rough idea of what the parks are and what attractions are in each, you'll be fine.

I think it's always worth planning the first few rides you want to do because you only get one chance to enjoy low crowds when the park opens. By the time you've done your second ride, everything will be very busy. This kind of planning can be done on the drive to the park though.

If you're not on the dining plan and aren't too fussed where you eat, I wouldn't worry too much about making advanced reservations. I've been 7 times before (8th in September), never on the dining plan though, and have never made an advanced booking before we leave the UK.

All we do is see the concierge a few days before and we've always got a table between 7 and 8pm. Last year, we had a few days when we just asked where they can get us in and we eat there. Adds to the fun if you don't know where you're going!

Having said that though, because WDW has been giving away the dining plan free for around this time, the table service restaurants will be a lot busier than normal so if you have any restaurants you really want to try, it'd be worth booking them in advance.

Finally, one important bit of planning - plan time to rest (sunbathe, swim or just chill out at your hotel)! WDW can be pretty tiring and you don't want to ruin your trip by being permanently exhausted.

 

[lovethecastle]

Do you have any questions? It may help calm you if you can ask something specfic. I don't really think any question is a dumb question. Everyone on these boards are nice & want to help.

 

[LilyWDW]

If there is one thing I can say about the Dis it's how wonderful this community is in helping those that ask. If you have ANY questions, feel free to ask them! Yes, you will always have those that don't take it seriously (as in they start flames on anything for the fun of it) but I would say 99% of the people here will be more then willing to help!

I am a major planner, I admit it. However, I would say that there is a limit on planning! Be sure to make ADRs, plan on what day you will be in what park (this kind of works along side the ADRs, esp if you don't have park hopper tickets), decide on a few "not to be missed" for rides and shows, and know what rides/shows need to be hit first thing or need fast pass (like Soarin at Epcot). Otherwise, go with the flow! Once you get those fast passes or once you hit this must do rides, see what you want to see and soak in the experience.

If you want, you can PM myself or post anywhere on these boards. Enjoy the process and allow it to get you excited! The community is here for you!

 

[Lovinlifesooomuch30]

Ok take a deep breath and here is a hug !!!! It is going to be just fine !!!!

The first thing I always recommend to people is to read read read. Maybe the unofficial guide or simply a birnbaums book. I started out reading the Birnbaum's book (actually disney sent it to us before our honeymoon) because it helped me get a basic idea and pictures in my head of what WDW is. It is approved by Disney so to speak so it won't give you hardcore advice like the Unofficial guide, or the dis boards, etc. Maybe go borrow one from the library. This is where I started. I also got one for my best friend so she could just enjoy the pics, while I plan what we are doing. Then after that you can begin to build on your plans. This is where disboards, UG, etc will really come in to play. Where are you staying?; what are you going to do for food?; what tickets or package do you want. Don't let this scare you....just build on it and take it all from there. Your trip WILL be magical because you are going to Disney and you are going to have fun !!!! Keep a realistic idea in your mind about what you want to accomplish and see and just have a blast !!!!!

 

[shaniadobie]

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

for your children i would get the Kids guide to Disney and let them look at the pictures and and kid rides to see what they are interested on doing (depending on their ages) that always helps out

 

[hotwheels]

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, ....

ut oh! now whas worse is i have felt like im planning for weeks.. and yet it seems i have no plans except for 2 ADRs.

 

[winniethepoohsmom]

If you have'nt already you can go on the disney website and sign up to receive the Disney planning DVD for free. Are you travelling during the Easter week or do your children have a different week off? Linda

 

[dansamy]

My children have April 14-18 off. I think it's two weeks after Easter? So, I'm hopeful that the majority of "Spring Breakers" will have died down a wee bit by then.

 

[peanutt0512]

subscribing - going for the 1st time November 4th-10th