Planning

[my4boys+1]

This is our first trip do you plan out all yours days in the park before going? I'm so lost with this I want to make sure we get the most fun with our time and see everything we can in 9 days

 

[RADOPT]

On our first trip, we planned which park we were going to on which days and the character meals/tours. We knew what we wanted to see and what we would skip. Definately plan and have a list of what eveyone wants to do (most important to least). You want to be somewhat flexible but don't waste too much time deciding what to do and where to go while your there. We were there 15 nights and had a wonderful time. We did not see everything or even everything we wanted to but we did see and do a lot. It was nice to be spontanous and was more relaxing.

Have a great trip

 

[nickelsfamily]

I see that you have some little ones traveling with you! You are going to have a great time.
Here is how we go....myself-26, DH 26, DS5 & DS1
So, since we have little ones we tend to let them be our "guide", you really can't do more than they will allow! We do make ADRs, for us, 1 per day is enough. I make them at regular feeding times. Also, plan for some relaxing time. I find, they will nap in their strollers but, my kids need some downtime out of the parks to unwind. Plan to go back to your room to watch tv, show, change or go to the pool.
The only other thing we plan for is to use EMH and to have a great time!
Hope this helps!

 

[AMaloy314]

We usually plan which park to go to each day. We also make 1 ADR per day around regualr feeding times.

After I know where we are going to be each day, I go through my PassPorter and mark which attractions to see and which to skip. We also plan down time/nap time every day for a couple of hours EVERY day. (We made the mistake one day of trying to let them rest at a park last vacation. BIG MISTAKE!) Then once I have my plan in place, I feel much better.

Now in reality, my plan is just that... a plan. We never followed it exactly on any of the days we were there last trip. I know that we won't follow it exactly this trip. I believe the line in Pirates of the Carribean goes something like, "We think of it more like guidelines". With kids, flexibility is the key. Have an idea what you want to do, but go with the flow and don't get stressed if you miss Dumbo at 2:00pm. If someone really wants to do Dumbo, do it when you make it to Fantasyland at 8pm.

My goal is the have the most fun and best vacation, not to see and do the most stuff.

Have a great vacation!

 

[Hoosier Mom]

I read somewhere on these boards that the days with the extra hours tend to be busier, so I planned our days to not be at that particular park those days. Our toddler won't need the extra hours anyway.

Once I kinda had what days for where, then I set my ADR's for the table services we wanted.

We got the park hopper option for more flexibility.

You are so lucky - 9 days is great. We only have 7 days, but we're not taking in any water parks. Maybe another trip.

 

[torinsmom]

I planned our days out somewhat when we went in March. I used Tourguide Mike to choose which park, which day and then I decided what our "must-dos" in each park were. I had an itinerary that had the ride order that seemed to be the most efficient according to TGM and the guide books. Times were not laid out, but for instance "Enter MK and head for TomorrowLand by turning right after Main Street. Ride Astroorbiter, Buzz Lightyear and Stitch". I think the first hour of each day it is really important to be a little commando, so you can get those rides that will have long lines later DONE. After that, I used the plan as a guide but didn't really follow it exactly.

Before March, the last time we went, I didn't really plan and I swear I had brain freeze as soon as I entered MK! LOL

Marsha