planning help

[andyfid]

Is there anyone who can give me some advice as to how you start plannig an itineray? Went to wdw this year, a bit of a shambles really, would like to do it more structured. Dont know where or when to start.

 

[VAN]

You will definitely want to start planning an itinerary before 90 days out as that is when you can begin making PS at the restaurants.

Other than that, I don't worry too much about an itinerary except to look at the early entry days (we stay on site at Ft. Wilderness) and sketch in a few days at the parks, maximizing the hours using early entry. We usually only go into the parks about 3 times during our 2 week stay, 1 day off-site, 1-2 days at a water park and then Saturday evening for church and a sit-down restaurant.

Since we've been many times before, we don't feel the need to rush-rush although we do like to maximize our park days.

Based on the weather and how everyone is feeling, we adjust our itinerary accordingly; however, everyone feels good knowing that we have a basic plan which outlines what (e.g. Epcot EE then p.m. at MK or pool day w/ boat rental) we will be doing on each day.

Stay flexible (we never detail in advance what rides we will go on) and make sure you factor in some down days!!

 

[allie5]

As you have had a taste of what the parks have to offer then you are already armed with the knowledge to make up a basic itinerary. Start by listing the parks you want to visit the most. For example, if you have young children, then MK will probably be top of your list, for Coaster fans then Islands Of Adventure would be higher on your list of priorities.

Remember a few basic rules...for the first few days you will be up EARLY, so plan an early start at your fave parks and hit all of your top attractions before the crowds arrive between 10-11am. If possible book a breakfast inside the park you are visiting, as that gains you entry BEFORE the park opens (only not possible at MGM). Dont plan any late night shows, fireworks or fancy meals on your first few nights. Jet lag kicks in and you will wilt by 7pm!!

Make a plan that is flexible, by keeping at least every third day free for either revisiting a fave park, shopping, swimming or a minor attraction like mini golf or Gatorland.

Dont try and do TOO MUCH! You know you are gonna be back, so enjoy your trip by being selective about what you do. Dont just do something because its there! One of my pet peeves is seeing teenagers or childless couples riding Dumbo or the Teacups with no enjoyment whatsoever, they are just riding it because they think they wont get their monies worth otherwise...! For goodness sake, get yerselves over to Space Mountain people and leave those rides for us poor folk with little uns that HAVE to ride em!!

Well, you get my drift!

A small bit of planning goes a long, long way to making a holiday at WDW a much, much more fulfilling experience. Its DEFINATELY worth making a plan, even if you dont stick to it by the letter. by writing everything down you get a much clearer perspective of what you want from your holiday.

Have fun planning!
Allie

 

[fizz13]

Ok,
1) get a guide book. Unofficial Guide to WDW or a Brits Guide are both good.

2) Read these to get an idea to whats available/ what you want to do. You have been already so you will know if you loved/ hated it. Read these boards as much as possible. I have learnt so much about restaurants, attractions, hotels, transport. Read, read and read some more. Ask as many questions as you want. There are no silly questions so ask away. Someone here always knows the answer.

3)Decide how many days you want to do at the parks.

4)Make a list of any restaurants you want. You will need to book these 90 days ahead so do your homework.

5) Make a plan. Get a piece of paper and divide it into all the days you're there with a section for morning, afternoon and evening.

6) Start filling in your boxes. How you do this would depend on where you are staying (onsite or offsite) and how much money you have. (this will determine how many days you have in the park, how many sit down meals you can afford).

7)Allow 1 day for MGM, 1 day for AK, 2 days for EPCOT and 2 days for MK. Tack on a day for a water park and 2 days for Universal. These are minimums I would allow for these parks and you may want to spend more time at each. Obviously you may not want to do some of these parks at all so figure out whats best for you.

8)If you are staying offsite try to avoid going to a park with an early entry day as this is for park guests only so they will have the jumpstart on you in the lines. These are:
MK Thursday and Sunday
EPCOT Wednesday
MGM Tuesday and Saturday
AK Monday and Friday

9)By now, your plan should tell you which day you are going to which park. Remember, you don't have to stay in the same park all day and could do a 1/2 day at 2 parks on the same day. If you're onsite, hop as much as you want.

10)The good bit next, food. Work in your restaurant choices around your parks. A character breakfast in a park can be good as you don't waste time before you get to the park and sometimes you can get in before the rest of the crowds.

11)Go to the PS calculator on this site and work out what day you need to phone to book each of your restaurant choices. This way, you know you will get the choices you want (most of the time anyway CRT!!!)

12)Nearly there now I promise....make a little list of any rides/ attractions that are priority to you so that when you go to the park, head for these first. Get a list of which rides carry Fastpass and use it.

13)Try and get maps and familiarise yourself with the layout of the parks. You can waste a lot of time standing around, not sure which way to go or what to do next.

14)ENJOY AND BE FLEXIBLE! This is your holiday and while plans are useful they are not to be worshipped or deemed sacred. If you're tired, take a break. If you want to do a ride twice, do it. If you want to collect autographs, go ahead. Don't let plans take away your magic.


ok, I'm all done. Sorry if this was too much or over the top. This is how I construct my plan and I'm sure people have different ways of doing it. The main thing is, have fun with it all. 1/2 the fun of a disney holiday is the pending excitement and these plans help me keep my excitement levels going. If you want any more help and advice, PM me or ask away on these boards.
Much love and pixie dust,
Claire

 

[VAN]

Agree with fizz13 ...

Extremely important to ask others in your group about their expectations and build those in to your plans.

There is nothing worse than mutiny 1/2 way through the vacation because the trip is not meeting expectations!

Make a plan, but be flexible!!