Question for my CB friends about trip planning

[Rock'n Robin]

As you can see from my ticker I am only 3 weeks away from our first trip in 2 1/2 years. But, my problem is, I don't think I have planned enough! Back in February I wrote out all of the EMH schedules and planned our days in a rough way so I could make my dining plans. I know we'll hit every park first thing in the AM at least once to ride the big rides, and I booked the pirate cruise for DS. No transport issues--already have my magical express tags. But other than that, everything is pretty open--I might write down a ride or two I really want to go on (other than the biggies) but my schedule usually just says "MK AM" or "go to DD after dinner".
Now I know it will be hot and crowded, but as a teacher I've dealt with that before--and we've been 7 times, so it's not like we have to do every little thing or be disappointed--but I just feel like I'm forgetting something....I have tried to look on the theme park board but I'm not really interested...I haven't even really been looking at the dining or resort boards. I read my new guidebooks back in the winter.
What am I forgetting? Help!
Robin M.

 

[justplaingoofy]

How exciting

Did you plan on making and ADR's ?

I usually plan to either partake or avoid the EMH. If we are doing an EMH Am in a park we make sure to get there a little before opening, then around 11am or so when the crowds start to pick up we leave and either go to the hotel for a swim, or hop to another park.

Not to get off topic, but I've found it very easy when packing to put each outfit in a different ziplock bag. Then when putting them into the suitcases to put baggies from each person into each bag..that way if a bag is lost everyone still has a couple of days worth of clothes.

Do you plan on looking for hidden mickeys? You could probably read up on where they are?

 

[Christine]

I don't plan much more than you do.

I usually get a little spreadsheet going (hand-drawn) that shows what days I will be in what parks, and then I will write down my ADRs with their corresponding confirmation numbers.

After that, I might make mental notes that on the day I go to Animal Kingdom I know that I'm going to hit the Safari ride first, etc. But not much more than that.

Have fun--I think you're doing fine.

 

[scoutsmom99]

If you haven't double checked the park hours and EMHs since February I would check them again becuase sometimes Disney does change them.

 

[bobcat]

I can totally understand. Other than ADRs and knowing the EMH scedule the only day I really have planned is our first day since we really want to ride EE as soon as we can. One advantage you have is that you can be flexible and have the knowledge and experience to do it successfully. Have a great trip!

 

[justplaingoofy]

Forgot to mention.. I usually bring an index card for each day and I write down what the hours are for each park and parade, fireworks times..and if there is an emh someplace. Along with any confirmation #'s. That way its only one little peice of paper and i know instantly what time each park is open till in case we want to hop..

With the exception of doing the attractions that draw the largest lines first i don't plan everything because we've noticed that in Sept. some of the fast passes are not opened.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I do have ADRs for every night but I have not checked the EMH hours--I made all our TS meals dinner, so we are flexible about parks up to that point. I do want to go to MK on my BDay no matter what, then DD. I also have one "plus" on our passes from last time so we can go to Typhoon Lagoon one morning.
Bobcat, the first thing I have on our AK day is "EE first thing". Same with Soarin' on our Epcot morning. We've done everything else or can live with a fastpass.
I am going to check the EMH hours now, and while DS is at his soccer camp tonight (I don't want to leave tonight; we may get some T storms) I am going to look over my original plans and make sure things are OK.
Robin M.