Over Planners Annonamous

[minniemouse1]

My sister who is cruising with us made the mistake of asking me about 2 months ago what she needed to pack for her DH and DD 1 1/2. Well... after I emailed her a 3 page document sufficiently named "packing list" she then called me and said "you're nuts! I only read the first 4 things then forwarded it on to DH (her husband)."
I have no idea what she means. I started packing bags of items (not clothing) about 8 months out, had my son packed except for undies and socks in October and all my FE gifts purchased but not made by December. I have a 3 ring binder with all of our travel info, FE info, excursion, hotel and cruise reservations and lots of other Fantasy info. My DH just shakes his head at me but then is thrilled with the mini pharmacy I pack when someone comes down with pink eye on our 24 hour car ride to FL and I have the prescription eye drops that I filled before we left home.
I am an obsessive vacation planner/packer and couldn't be happier. I am almost done with this vacation, less than 30 days until we leave, and I am ready to start on the next!

 

[BellsFam]

*Joining the crowd*!

I'm a super over-planner...I do have charts and spreadsheets, usually a dedicated notebook that is for the specific trip...

I have the added bonus of doing things last minute though, so at this moment, I know what I want to do, but I'll end up booking at the last minute...

So I know right now which cruise I want to take, I've figured out exactly, between airfare, transfers, tips, excursions, etc. how much it will cost. I've compared that to a trip to WDW, (two routes, $$$ and $$)...

I have pre-made lists of what to pack for each of us... (my favorite packing trip is putting all DD's clothes into freezer bags, bottom, top, clean under garments, socks, hair clips) all one outfit, one bag... so grab a bag at the hotel to slide into a backpack to have a quick change of clothes)... Keeps all her things super organized too...

I'm not super great about the to-do before hand (around the house) ... like we don't cancel mail or anything like that... just clean out the fridge of perishables...

 

[ranidayz]

Still over planning. My daughter is becoming addicted to it as well. For our next cruise we are going to WDW as well so I get the joy of double planning. I am considering packing different suitcases for the ship and for WDW. Has any one else done this and how well did it work

I try to pack different suitcases for different sections. This avoids opening any other bag and either losing things or getting them dirty.

 

[Purr8982]

Wow! This thread makes me feel super normal!!! LOL!! Our first cruise is 9 months away and everyday I find myself here or looking at fish extender stuff or adding to my lists. I write stuff down to make sure I 1) don't forget and 2) can cross it off. I am in super planning mode to make sure this will be the best vacation yet!!!

 

[breakingd_awn]

I love my lists! When I do something not on my list, I actually add it, just so that I can feel the joy of crossing it off.

Wondering, am I the only one who finds the menus on line so that I can plan what I am going to eat at each MDR? I might change my mind once I get there, but it makes me so happy while I am waiting for my trip!

I'm a list lover also I also plan what I'm going to eat and read the menu's off to my husband and kids,he thinks I'm crazy I also like to make a list of what DH,DD's and I are going to wear each night or to what specific restaurant.Right down to shoes and jewelry.

 

[rubberbootbunny]

Ok... All you over planners!! Do you have any lists that you would like to share??

Well lets see. I have a packing list that I do in excel. It has headings for what, who owns it, who needs it, where is it, how many, whether or not it is laundered, whether or not it is packed, how many are laundered or packed, and for this trip I'm adding where packed.
I have lists for what to buy, what to find, what needs to get done, what is done. The toiletries and medications are both listed separately. I have charts with when we go, where we go, where we eat, all of the confirmation numbers, the schedules, my payments, my savings, and all of the personal information.
I like to use the spreadsheets so that I can sort the data using the headings. Unfortunately the computer they're in isn't on line ans this phone won't connect to it. If I ever get that sorted out I'll share.

 

[TamieH]

I have a spreadsheet where I plan spending for upcoming trip for every category of expense. I color code "green" as items are paid for in advance such as airfare, cruise fare, gift cards for meals at airport and etc. I purchase gift cards using "specials" including fuel points for my cruise costs, airfare, travel-related dining and purchases. I track my gift cards using the Disney App. I have another tab on my spreadsheet where I create an itinerary of events by day of trip including dinner dress, booked cruise activities, location, excursions, and etc.

I am addicted to planning and I love every minute.

 

[abja09]

I love this thread! I am a planner and most of all I love to plan a vacation especially one Disney related. I drive my family nuts! I am no sooner back from one vacation when I start planning another. Right now I am planning a trip to Florida in July, a DCL cruise in August with pre and post WDW stays and I keep checking the boards for the rest of 2015 so I can move the dummy cruise I booked last month on the Wonder! I am always checking airfares and hotel prices. I love it and don't know what I would do without the planning!!

 

[ptcbass]

I am an overplanner too! So glad this thread was started. We usually have 6+ months to prepare for our WDW vacations. Well this year we have 2-1/2 months and we are adding in our first cruise! I went into full planning/panic mode and trying to learn all I could about taking a cruise. My DH thinks I am crazy and over doing it. He wants everything to be a surprise.
Ok, so say I took that attitude. We wouldn't have done check in for a early PAT and we would show up at the port (whenever) with no tip for the porters, not know what to have in our carry on, not know what our choices were for lunch as soon as we get on the ship and I guess when we got into a port we just step off the ship and say "ok now what?".
I just can't operate that way! So here I am everyday on the dis boards looking for more answers and information. Glad I'm not alone
You guys are the best!!

 

[rubberbootbunny]

Our current trip is 45 days out and I have one suitcase packed and closed. And I found a new over planner trick.
Write everyone's outfit by day on the touring plans in advance. That way you all coordinate in pictures and you don't need to stress in the AM when you are there.

 

[cedricandsophie]

We leave on sunday, two days away, for our cruise on Magic. Will start packing on Saturday! And I'm retired so I don't have work to get in my way. But I just don't have a need to start early. This is our 13th cruise on Disney so I hAve a general idea of what to take. I keep my travel kit with face stuff, shaving cream, toothpaste, etc ready to go. I'm sure I overpack but I would whether I packed three months ago or the day before.

 

[Iamaplanner]

I read through this thread (and related to most of it!) and was looking for a checklist of things to do before leaving (things like turn the heat down, take out trash, etc). I always feel like I'm scrambling with those kinds of things as we're heading to the airport. Any over planners out there have a list for things like this???