The VERY BEST planning tip a week out

[Captain UP]

Hi all! One week to go before my WDW trip and I have of course been thinking about the little things I don't want to forget, both packing and planning-wise.

So what's your #1 tip you think people might not know or might need to be reminded of?

Mine...religiously check those restaurants or Enchanting Extras that have been sold out since you first booked- a lot of shuffling schedules in the final hours can lead to surprise openings for you!

 

[gottalovepluto]

If you don’t have the exact hotel/room you want at the discount you want keep checking! The cancellation policy doesn’t apply if you’re just changing the reservation. I’ve modified to what I want every trip this way despite it not being available for months and months beforehand, sometimes it’s just a couple days out from my departure day.

 

[Captain UP]

I’d you don’t have the exact hotel/room you want at the discount you want keep checking! The cancellation policy doesn’t apply if you’re just changing the reservation. I’ve modified to what I want every trip this way despite it not being available for months and months beforehand, sometimes it’s just a couple days out from my departure day.

WOW. I never even thought of that.

 

[kylenne]

WOW. I never even thought of that.

Room only reservations can be canceled without penalty up until about a week out, so you’d be surprised at what opens up. A lot of people book multiple resorts or room types and as their plans firm up closer to the trip they cancel. It’s a lot like dining in that way.

My number one tip is for pacing yourself. In the 4X gaming community we often joke about the danger of “One More Turn”. There is always the temptation to do one more ride, one more show, etc and it snowballs and the next thing you know, you’re not taking any breaks. Resting is crucial, especially now as we transition into summer at the parks. Even if it’s just getting off your feet and having a snack in the A/C for 20 minutes, it’s so important.

 

[Captain UP]

Room only reservations can be canceled without penalty up until about a week out, so you’d be surprised at what opens up. A lot of people book multiple resorts or room types and as their plans firm up closer to the trip they cancel. It’s a lot like dining in that way.

My number one tip is for pacing yourself. In the 4X gaming community we often joke about the danger of “One More Turn”. There is always the temptation to do one more ride, one more show, etc and it snowballs and the next thing you know, you’re not taking any breaks. Resting is crucial, especially now as we transition into summer at the parks. Even if it’s just getting off your feet and having a snack in the A/C for 20 minutes, it’s so important.

Agreed!

 

[fla4fun]

My tip would be, if you have the plans in place that you want, leave it alone. Don’t keep fiddling with details that are already set up the way you want them to be. If there is something that isn’t set up the way you want, by all means keep trying to modify it, but once you have your plans just right, resist the temptation to keep tweaking it.

Also, I am a firm believer in a packing list, so I can check off things as they go in the suitcase. I don’t want to get everything in the bag, close it up, and then wonder if I left something out. I actually keep my packing list saved as a spreadsheet. I go in and make any changes about a month out from the trip, and then spend that last week leisurely packing and checking off items.

 

[Captain UP]

My tip would be, if you have the plans in place that you want, leave it alone. Don’t keep fiddling with details that are already set up the way you want them to be. If there is something that isn’t set up the way you want, by all means keep trying to modify it, but once you have your plans just right, resist the temptation to keep tweaking it.

Also, I am a firm believer in a packing list, so I can check off things as they go in the suitcase. I don’t want to get everything in the bag, close it up, and then wonder if I left something out. I actually keep my packing list saved as a spreadsheet. I go in and make any changes about a month out from the trip, and then spend that last week leisurely packing and checking off items.

Just made my packing list today! I use Notes and check them off as I go.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Remember that you can book almost all sit down restaurants at Disney Springs via www.opentable.com

Remember charging cords and plugs for electronic devices.

A water bottle with belt hook is useful.

Bring money. Lots of it
Have a good trip!

 

[kylenne]

Also, I am a firm believer in a packing list, so I can check off things as they go in the suitcase. I don’t want to get everything in the bag, close it up, and then wonder if I left something out. I actually keep my packing list saved as a spreadsheet. I go in and make any changes about a month out from the trip, and then spend that last week leisurely packing and checking off items.

I use a free app for this called Packr (I know, I'm a millennial--so sue me! ). It's got customizable lists for different kinds of activities, and you click whatever you plan to do, how you're arriving, where you're staying etc and it builds the packing list for you. I set up a category for Disney specific items I don't necessarily need on other trips, like ears and magic bands. It also has the local weather forecast for your destination right in the app. It's honestly a godsend with ADHD.

 

[Captain UP]

I use a free app for this called Packr (I know, I'm a millennial--so sue me! ). It's got customizable lists for different kinds of activities, and you click whatever you plan to do, how you're arriving, where you're staying etc and it builds the packing list for you. I set up a category for Disney specific items I don't necessarily need on other trips, like ears and magic bands. It also has the local weather forecast for your destination right in the app. It's honestly a godsend with ADHD.

That's a great idea!

 

[Mouse Tracker]

If flying- allow for extra time on your departure (parking, security, gate change, weather). I typically don't get into WDW mode until on the plane.

Remember to arrive open to being flexible if needed.

Credit Card alert that your travelling.

 

[gottalovepluto]

WOW. I never even thought of that.

I’ve seen posts from DISers who have changed their room res on landing at MCO and finding out what they wanted was open.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I've made a list of dining reservations on a piece of paper so I don't have to use my phone to check on them.

 

[Brob2132]

I have to remind my wife to breathe because this is fun! I think the stress really hurts the build of excitement for some.

If we forget something, we’ll figure it out. We always do.

 

[IndyToThere]

Remember that you can book almost all sit down restaurants at Disney Springs via www.opentable.com

Just be sure to note the actual location of the restaurant you are looking at and if it is really at Disney Springs. I tried this method once by reserving on Opentable for a 'Disney Springs restaurant'. Upon arrival at DS only to find that our restaurant was 2mi away from the Springs. Yikes!

 

[NYCgrrl]

Just be sure to note the actual location of the restaurant you are looking at and if it is really at Disney Springs. I tried this method once by reserving on Opentable for a 'Disney Springs restaurant'. Upon arrival at DS only to find that our restaurant was 2mi away from the Springs. Yikes!

Never happened to us thank goodness but you can search for DS eateries via MyDisney as a safeguard and then book at opentable.

 

[bastraker]

I’ve seen posts from DISers who have changed their room res on landing at MCO and finding out what they wanted was open.

I've done this! I'm always changing my mind!

 

[SugarSweetLee]

Pack 2 swimsuits so you always have a dry one ready (if planning on pool time).

 

[Captain UP]

Pack 2 swimsuits so you always have a dry one ready (if planning on pool time).

Yes! Same with shoes!

 

[elvispursley]

Yes! Same with shoes!

I bring a small suitcase filled with different shoes. It seriously is the only way I can avoid blisters (and I’m not talking about blisters on the heel—im
Prone to getting them on the bottom of my foot). DH doesn’t say a word since he knows if I don’t, he’ll be pushing me in a wheelchair!