Yesterday Nackie and Ann and I went to our favorite tea room in town and had lunch while planning.
They brought along the PassPorters that I had given them a few months ago in hopes that they would use these wonderful books to help keep track of all their paperwork and notes. Both the books were well-read but the pockets were pristine! All their paperwork was in folders at home. It had never occurred to them to put it into the books.
Luckily I had brought along things for them to add to their books and quickly showed them the error of their ways.
(Nackie suggested to Ann that we might need another planning luncheon so I could teach them exactly how to fold papers to fit into the pockets. 
)
They were amazed at how much work I had already done to make the most of the trip and were delighted to see the IPO Itinerary from Don and the menus from
AllEars I had printed out for them. We discussed attractions that were a must (Ann even brought a cheat sheet along with her). Luckily I had all of their choices already planned so we are good to go on that front.
I continue to be fascinated at how much we all know because of our many trips and meticulous planning styles. I don't think that my friends yet understand that AKL has its own savanna and is not actually part of the AK theme park. They were both surprised that we would need to take a bus to get to the AK. I guess that most people go through their entire vacations not knowing a tenth of what we know and are perfectly happy with their trips. I am glad that I have found a passionate interest in planning things like this, especially for friends. I am always thrilled when someone comes home and thanks me for the tips or insight I gave that made their vacation special.
Back in 1996, when our little family started making more than an occasional trip to WDW, I had laminated index cards for each day. Included on those little babies were touring instructions and meal times and reservation numbers. My loving daughters and husband have never let me forget how much they hated those little blue things. The girls even hid them one day and I was panic-stricken. I had to resort to digging out and using the 3-ring binder I had also made and packed. They didn't know about that little item!!
Since I have to see Ann and Nackie on a daily basis after we get home I hope I don't overdo it for this trip!!
If you begin to read words like index cards, file folders, wake-up times... please stop me!
I still remember Katharina's and my first trip on the peoplemover at DL and I thought it was such a clever idea to show first time visitors an overview of that part of the park before they went out to explore.
I was thrilled when the younger one decided to do the Disney college program 5 years ago ~ one of the best experiences of her life. 
I don't have the back-up plan anymore and usually don't have a need for it. But this trip is different. I might find it necessary to drag out that old binder to make certain I don't miss anything next month! 
).
COOL!!!
Robbie!
