suffering from information overload

[Briar Rose 7457]

cro..disneytravel..codes..summer rates...ap rates...

it could send a girl screaming from the room in fear!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Don't worry, the more you learn about it, the more understandable it becomes.

 

[Dismom63]

Find a system to organize all your WDW information. I started with a small folder - now I have a whole drawer in a file cabinet. I like to use a spiral notebook while I surf for info, and jot down or print out as neede and save in the drawer! Whatever works for you.

 

[the Legend]

... is the method to our madness ...

I see from your comments you're just talking about resort bookings, but the real insanity is planning those Park and Attraction itineraries and making PS's ....

Should I call the guys in the white suits NOW?

 

[cindyfan]

And throw in which days have E-ticket.....????
One good thing about them cancelling EE is that it is one less thing to take into consideration when PLANNING !!

And those PS's!!! Yikes Why do they have to be at all different times......120 days out, or 60 days out or .....even 2 years!!!!
I tried to make PS yesterday....."oh, sorry you will have to call back tomorrow! That is a 60 PS and there are 31 days in May!"


BUT.....it is FUN!!!

 

[FINFAN]

As my DH says..."planning a WDW trip is a full time job" but what a GREAT job! Take the time to place your info in an orderly manner...invest the $5 into a binder that will hold everything you've been printing out(you have been printing and taking note, right? )it's hard to pull away from the boards long enough to organize but it will give you something to read on the plane or in the car..hee hee....I felt like I was doing something wrong...an inadequate job of saving/planning when setting up our trip last year beacause there is so much to learn..I WAS STRESSING! But then I just told myself, even one code etc. had put us ahead $$$$ and we were able to stay on-site for 7 nights and enjoy hidden mickeys...hand feed squirells....have a cooler in the room...pack some of our own food to use at the food court...I could go on and on....you have been bitten by the bug, and there is NO CURE!! The good news is having a great trip and bringing home awesome memories are part of the treatment!We'll be seeing you more often Briar Rose!

 

[the Legend]

Cindyfan, Yes all those reviews to read. All those PS's to note and call in. Yes checking your park times etc All those things that make WDW vacation planning so unique. And Yes, it is fun ... but I still get shake thinking about my first time!

FinFan, So true. Once bitten there is no turning back. We will DEFINITTELY see more of Briar Rose now

 

[cindyfan]

I started out with a Journal a few years ago......writing everything down.....
Now I have most of it in my memory! BUT ...... OMG......What would my family do if I ever got amnesia!!!
Wait....I still have all my previous and current guide books with all the scribbles all over them.
I think I better let my family know where everything is......just like I really should tell them where my will is.

Better go for now.....got to make those 60 days prior PS !!!!!

Oh No.....where did my list go..................

Oh yea....what was the discount for AmerEx or was it DC......I think I have a coupon for something somewhere!!!!

HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!

 

[DVC-LEROY]

My husband and I have been going to WDW since our honeymoon in 1986 - and we really thought for years that we knew what we were doing - eventually got the Birnbaums and the planning videos. Since we've been studying the DIS Boards we have learned so much more in record time! I admit it was like learning a new language at first - then you get so hooked it's almost an obsession. Everyone is so friendly and helpful, no question is too stupid to ask, and there is always something new to learn. Soon will be sharing too!

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

I don't know whether this helped or made me even more confused!

I'm starting to figure things out.

 

[susy]

My system isn't fine-tuned yet, but here's where I am now:

-- Daily:
1.Check mousesavers.com and write down all info regarding
any new codes.
2.Check private messages and answers to questions on the
DIS

--Before booking: check events, rehabs, park hours, e-nights, etc and decide on final dates.
1. Have calendar, paper, and codes ready.
2. Read EVERYTHING back to the CM
3. Enter info into my DVP
4. Put paper into physical file

--After final itinerary is decided on, I make PS's:
1. Use menus at wdwig.com to make final decisions.
2. Use Ps calculator to determine when to make calls
3. Make a calling schedule, with room to write down
final dates, times , and confirmations numbers.
4. Use the same system for when booking a room (above)

--Before going:
1. Call and confirm ressies and PS's
2. finalize packing lists and go shopping
3. check accuweather forecast daily
4. Print out DVP to take

I bascially have just one file for everything, but I have a drawer with park maps, guidebooks, etc..

 

[SuzyQue]

And remember, if you don't understand something just post your question on the DIS boards!!!! And don't be afraid that it's a "dumb" question or "been asked before", it doesn't matter! There will always be someone out there to answer it for you. Just try not to put too many questions into one post, I've found that people seem to shy away from answering posts with like 10 questions in it. Just spread them out a little. So don't worry, learning all the information is so much fun and it all works out in the end! ~~