Report Writing Advice Requested

[DrTomorrow]

Greetings!

DW and I will be at the Polynesian for a week (FTP, you betcha) in October, and after reading all these wonderful reports, I figure that it's only right to return the favor with a trip report of our own. However, it will be my first trip report, and I would appreciate any advice you might have - particularly on how you keep track of what you do every day. I won't be bringing a laptop or PDA, so it will all be written upon my return; and I know that, while things are happening it all seems so clear, yet by nightfall, I sometimes can't remember where we ate dinner, much less that funny/touching/bittersweet moment that morning. Do you bring a notepad & pen and jot down during the day? Do you rely on memory? Do you try to recap every night, or just dig out the notes when you're back?

Any advice along these lines will be much appreciated - and will probably help the quality of the reports I write!

Thanks,
Erick

 

[Memaw2Wm]

I take a spiral notebook with me. Last year I wrote a detailed report each night, this year I was lazy and just jotted down the highlights. I'm also going to use my typed itinerary to jog my memory.

Now I just need to get my trip reports typed!

 

[pumba]

each day at any time we went back to hotel.......I took the pen out and wrote on the note paper in the rooms......what we did........where we ate...just hi lights of it.....then the same at night when we were unwinding......when we got home I looked at my notes and I just added the rest which was easy to do......this is the only way I could do it......look forward to your reports......

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

Having a Passporter really helped me. Sure you can use it for planning your trip, but that little book also helped me keep on track and write notes.

 

[Marla Hellwig]

I make sure I grab an extra park map for the day - I try to make notes on extra copy during the day - say while waiting in line for a ride or for a show

Usually I try to make some notes back in the room for that day each night.

 

[nkjzmom]

I too have found the Passporter extremely useful for keeping notes in order. I also use an extra map to chart out our day...while waiting I'll number each attraction/show/meal that we've done. For example, we started at PoC (so it's #1), then rode the Magic Carpets twice (#2 and 3), then if we got a snack (#4) and so on throughout the day.

That helps me keep straight in my mind what exactly we did...then at rest times or after everyone's asleep, I'll jot down all the cute moments we had.

Have a great time...can't wait for your report!

 

[donac]

Last year I kept a detailed journal but this yeare I just jotted down notes each day when I could. I used a little notebook that could fit into my purse or backpack.

 

[AZ JazzyJ]

I just write whatever the voices in my head tell me to.

Another option would be to turn to your wife whenever something noteworthy happens and say, "did you write that down dear?" I know my wife loves it when I do that. Oh, and if you do that often enough, she will let you go alone to the parks and do whatever you want. If that happens, then just stop complete strangers in line or at an attraction and ask if they just saw what happened and could they maybe write some notes for you. That is the best way I have found to meet new and interesting people while I am at Walt Disney World.

Jeff

 

[DrTomorrow]

AZ JazzyJ,

Sounds like a way to meet lots of interesting people: people with shades and earpieces, people with handcuffs, people who escort you out of the park.... But that would make a great trip report!

 

[PaintedStuff]

Originally posted by DrTomorrow
Sounds like a way to meet lots of interesting people: people with shades and earpieces, people with handcuffs, people who escort you out of the park.... But that would make a great trip report!

Boy, it sure would - we can read about lengths of queues and helpful CMs any ol' day!


By the way - I suggest you use a fine tip Sharpie when making notes - the ink won't run in the rain or through Splash Mountain!

 

[mari1992]

I am reading this thread with interest, but need help. What is a passporter?
Thanks in advance

 

[disneyhottie0731]

it is the best disney vacation book ever written. if you need to know something about the parks, you can find it in that book. my mom makes fun of me and calls it my bible.

 

[PaintedStuff]

visit www.passporter.com

 

[bjakmom]

When I'm reading a report I like knowing when the trip was taken and what day of the week each day is - I also find that the more paragraphs there are, the easier it is for me to read on my screen - I have a harder time keeping my place when a report is written in one long paragraph - but maybe that's just my eyes going (along with everything else!)

I say it every trip, but THIS! time I'm going to take notes and write a report - I really wish I had kept them when the kids were little - my sibs and I found vacation diaries my mom had kept while we were growing up and we laughed ourselves silly reading them - so many little things we would never have remembered - and all the more endearing to us that they were written by her !!

 

[Zurg]

Make it up when you get back.

 

[DrTomorrow]

Originally posted by Zurg
Make it up when you get back.

Now that's an answer I can work with! And the report will be much more interesting: my ride through the Haunted Mansion with Britney Spears, Dinner with Mr. Eisner (his treat!) and - of course - refilling 10-year-old mugs from Disneyland while pool hopping at every resort even Stormalong Bay!!!

The mind boggles (and yes, that's as unpleasant as it sounds.)

Thanks, Oh Evil Emperor!