This question is for the extremely anal-retentive (like me)

[nativetxn]

bbchurch, I do not excessively plan each trip. At first I sort of got my feelings hurt when you referred to a lot of us as "planaholics" but then I realized that you were actually paying us a compliment, right?

I make several trips a year and I travel solo. I no longer plan as carefully as some DISers plan but I still plan.

Everyone has a different style. Some of us need the structure of a detailed plan. Some of us need a couple of ps's and to know which park on which day. Then <i>some</i> of us plan our trip by going out to the bus stop and going whever the first bus is headed. <i>Most</i> of our planning styles fall somewhere in between the first and last style I mentioned.

I would like to see this thread remain respectful and thoughtful. Please?

Katholyn

 

[jcemom]

I will definitely be planning my days--though not in 5 minute increments. But, I will plan what "land" to go to, which rides are most important, followed by the "if time" rides. I think I will allow a day at the end of our trip (10 days) to do anything we missed or would like to do again. I also would like to leave most evenings free. If I thought I could accurately estimate the time for each ride--line,ride,walking--I would probably plan in more detail.

We took my DS 9 and DS 8 to Six FLags last year with no plan--never even looked at a park map. We wasted an entire day, even though lines were Very minimal. Each boy wanted to go in a different direction and we spent all day criscrossing the park. All we got was tired and grumpy. I wish I was prepared and said "We will start in this section," "Okay, now we will go to that section," etc. It would have saved us much aggravation.

 

[bbchurch]

I was not in anyway shape form or fashion trying to put down anybody. I was just trying to show that my family does not do any planning whatsoever for our trip. The only thing we plan out is what hotel, airline, park tickets and rental car. I really get amused at the different ways people plan trips. How you want to plan your trip is your own personal business. I for one do not see the point in planning a trip down to the minute. But it is not to say there is anything wrong with that, Just to say there is nothing wrong with showing up and wondering around aimlessly!
When I said planaholics I was not trying to belittle anyone if you took offense to that remark I apoligize as it was just meant to be a joke! But on the other side of that coin, It is kinda amusing to see some people plan out with that much detail.
Please don't bash on me for offering a different opinion on this subject.

 

[gonga]

It's ok bb - I think it's a bit nutty to say the least.....but whatever floats your boat. Expending that kind of energy to plan something in 5 min increments makes no sense. It just seems like it takes all the fun out of a fun place. Believe me - I'm a TA and I plan trips for a living, but that's just out of sight. If someone wanted me to plan a trip for them like that I would tell them to find another TA!

 

[OhMari]

Having a plan! I wonder if these are the same people that don't realize their child is crying and forget to plan a nap.

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

Not necessarily ohmari. I do minimal planning: which park which day based on certain PSs, but one thing always in my plan is nap time after lunch. Of course the nap is as much for me and DH as it is for DDs (4 1/2 and 22mo).

 

[OhMari]

jwsqrdplus2

I know most people plan a nap, I'm sorry, It just really startled me that people can get to each ride that fast. When I am at disney, time just flies. I plan also, I just never knew you could do rides that fast!

I thought I did pretty good doing 4 rides in 2 hours. We even used fast pass.

 

[disneyjunkie]

Originally posted by gonga
It's ok bb - I think it's a bit nutty to say the least.....but whatever floats your boat. Expending that kind of energy to plan something in 5 min increments makes no sense. It just seems like it takes all the fun out of a fun place. Believe me - I'm a TA and I plan trips for a living, but that's just out of sight. If someone wanted me to plan a trip for them like that I would tell them to find another TA!

I think what some of you don't understand is that we ENJOY all of the planning that we do for our trips. It would drive me nuts to go to WDW without a plan.

I'm sure we all read things on these boards that make us wonder what in the world are they thinking.

There are some here that would never stay in one of the All Star resorts. I for one wonder why people cook on vacation. Or why people feel the need to have tons of food in their room, instead of just spending the $$$ for disney's food. For me the character meals and snacks are a big part of WDW.

We all have different ways of enjoying our trips. Some we'll agree on some we won't.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by disneyjunkie
I for one wonder why people cook on vacation. Or why people feel the need to have tons of food in their room, instead of just spending the $$$ for disney's food. For me the character meals and snacks are a big part of WDW.

I couldn't agree more! I would never cook or do laundry on a vacation unless absolutely, positively necessary!

I do plan my trips but just the basics...which park on which day, PSs for dinner or lunch that kind of stuff. Once we get to our designated park, we sort of wing it. But....we've been many times and we know where we are going. We always try to mix something old and something new into every trip.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Did the original poster every respond here?

Just wondering how his planning interfaced with reality. Did it all work out?

 

[bigsis1970]

I Like the Planning part.. I am not strict with it and if it rains or kids are cranky then it gets chucked for that part.. but my June plan consists of an Excel Sheet in 3 hour blocks that include things like "12-3 leave Epcot for Lunch/Nap/Swim" or "6-9 get up and ready PS Crystal Palace 8:05 Ps #XXXXXX"

I am traveling w/ 2 friends of mine and they think its a bit much to do it in 3 hours blocks ( they love the get up / go to bed blocks )but I like to know where we are and where we are going so that we can see as much as possible and I tell my kids so they are prepared that at noon we are heading back to the hotel or at 7:30 to MGM for Fantasmic .. best to be prepared if you ask me.

I traveled late Nov ( day after Turkey day ) to Dec 6 or 7 last year and didn't have a plan and OH MY GOSH , it was mobbed the weekend after thanksgiving and we really didn't get to see much of anything those days because i didn't have a plan... so my point is live and learn.. I learned its better to have one..
Just my .02 cents..

Michelle