WDW Commando Club

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15 Days Did you find out anything usefull in Deb's Document that may have changed any plans f you have any ?'s about the document, I'll be glad to help you out Even if you think it might be a dumb question, being a stand up kind of guy I'll tell you the only dumb question is the one not asked

Oh my gosh! One big change is that we are going to arrive early every day instead of one early morning for each park. I have added so many notes thanks to that document. My son is really into the nuts and bolts of everything. He wants to know what makes things work, so he is really going to appreciate the tidbits. I can't wait to share them with him when we are in the parks. My girl doesn't appreciate that yet - someday. I'm also creating a file for each park to save on my phone. Happy plugging away with my obsessions, lol. As far as park plans, I feel great about them. I have lists of major and minor attraction must do's, along with must do shows etc. My plan is to hit the big attractions first (or FP), then loop around and go to the minor attractions. FP strategy is to try to get FP's with early windows (so we can get new ones quicker).

We didn't really get to experience DHS last time, so I am very excited about all the info. I'm absolutely going to look for the Hollywood Hideaway. And it looks like we will have to go on the GMR several times to pick out all the secrets - can't wait!

My biggest hurdle is self-doubt - It is really getting the better of me. I'm struggling with having a concern that I bit off more than I could chew. Not a Disney expert by any means, but I know the MK like the back of my hand and have memorized various attractions at the other parks. I can't remember if I share this, but I have never taken the kids to WDW by myself. We went last year, but that was with my mom and aunt (bad experience). I know the kids had fun last year, but I am a perfectionist. I know we could have accomplished more. I know in my heart that I can do it, but convincing my head is another story. My kids are so sick of telling me what they will do if they get separated from me. Maybe a swift kick is what I need??

 

[Disney Commando]

All I can say is go with your best instincts

 

[adsrtw]

Good Evening All! The thread received a shout out on the Podcast DISboards edition today. Very cool!

With the help of my amazing travel agent, I upgraded officially to deluxe dining (she took care of the business part allowing me extra time to plan, lol). I don't see myself ever paying full price for it, but I might as well take advantage of the free dining discount. Champagne taste on a beer budget for this girl, lol. Might as well dream big, right?

That is exactly why I am being so obsessive with planning - I have big dreams for this trip. Planning every moment does not work for me and my family, but having a good outline works great. There are so many different ways to attack the parks to maximize your experience. MK for example, I can think of 3 ideas just off the top of my head. On top of this, I am by no means a Disney expert. I am positive that some of the Disney experts out there can come up with much more than that. But whatever your touring desires are, a game plan is a must. The beauty of Disney is that it is such a diverse experience - custom tailored just for your wishes. This trip, I want to do as much as I can early in the day, so we can take our time and really soak up the magic in the afternoon.

Why am I like this? It stems from a teenage girl thinking that Disney wasn’t all that and a bag of chips because she reflected back on how little she was able to experience as a kid. That girl was me. I don’t want my kids thinking that at all. I want them to be able to share what I have come to adore.

Since I mentioned the dining plan, here is a great link that explains the 3 main dining plans. It's 2010 info, but not much is changing for 2011.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2353648

 

[Disney Commando]

Good Evening All! The thread received a shout out on the Podcast DISboards edition today. Very cool!

With the help of my amazing travel agent, I upgraded officially to deluxe dining (she took care of the business part allowing me extra time to plan, lol). I don't see myself ever paying full price for it, but I might as well take advantage of the free dining discount. Champagne taste on a beer budget for this girl, lol. Might as well dream big, right?

That is exactly why I am being so obsessive with planning - I have big dreams for this trip. Planning every moment does not work for me and my family, but having a good outline works great. There are so many different ways to attack the parks to maximize your experience. MK for example, I can think of 3 ideas just off the top of my head. On top of this, I am by no means a Disney expert. I am positive that some of the Disney experts out there can come up with much more than that. But whatever your touring desires are, a game plan is a must. The beauty of Disney is that it is such a diverse experience - custom tailored just for your wishes. This trip, I want to do as much as I can early in the day, so we can take our time and really soak up the magic in the afternoon.

Why am I like this? It stems from a teenage girl thinking that Disney wasn’t all that and a bag of chips because she reflected back on how little she was able to experience as a kid. That girl was me. I don’t want my kids thinking that at all. I want them to be able to share what I have come to adore.

Since I mentioned the dining plan, here is a great link that explains the 3 main dining plans. It's 2010 info, but not much is changing for 2011.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2353648

1st I would like to Thank Amiee for bringing to my attention that our thread made the Podcast, IMO it is a great honor even to be recognized. Something I did not expect, but I guess we are going in the right direction I Totally agree with that you should not plan to the minute unless it is a hard time ( ADR, Show, Parade, Fireworks) there are too many factors that can delay your planning, much better to plan as things to get done durining the day

I know for a fact that there are alot of lurkers out there by the visited numbers, I don't care if you think you have a dumb ? ( the only dumb ? is the one not asked) Everyone who wants to learn is Welcome! I can also say that most who say they will not go to Commando Tactics will somewhere during thier stay

 

[Estella]

Hello all - December will be my 3rd trip to WDW and this time it will be just me and my daughter! I am looking forward to experiencing all we can at our pace - which is Commando!

 

[adsrtw]

Good morning! I thought I was good to go with touring plans, but I need help with Animal Kingdom. I have no practice at all. When we went last year, we only visited a few attractions - safari, Kali, conservation station and then Yak & Yeti. The other members of my party had enough at that point. My son will ride anything and my girl is heading that way. He is has no height restrictions until I put a brick on his head (he's a few inches shorter than me) My girl is just under 4 feet. We are touring an EMH morning with Tusker House breakfast an hour and change in and will stay til 1pm. This is on Labor Day. Then we will be back for PM EMH with after closing ADR at Tusker for dinner.

What are your thoughts?

 

[jmm476]

Good morning! I thought I was good to go with touring plans, but I need help with Animal Kingdom. I have no practice at all. When we went last year, we only visited a few attractions - safari, Kali, conservation station and then Yak & Yeti. The other members of my party had enough at that point. My son will ride anything and my girl is heading that way. He is has no height restrictions until I put a brick on his head (he's a few inches shorter than me) My girl is just under 4 feet. We are touring an EMH morning with Tusker House breakfast an hour and change in and will stay til 1pm. This is on Labor Day. Then we will be back for PM EMH with after closing ADR at Tusker for dinner.

What are your thoughts?

We'll be at AK on 9/3, also doing Tusker House breakfast, but before the park opens. We have reservations at 8:20, as soon as we're allowed to, I'll run to grab FPs for Expedition Everest, then ride the safari right away. Then we'll probably go right to Dinosaur and get that out of the way, then maybe Primeval Whirl if we're up to it. After that, we just take it easy in AK, go see the shows whenever we feel like it and meander through the park. I think that is why AK is my least favorite park, because I don't know what to do with myself, being the commando that I am!

Festival of the Lion King is a great show and I would definitely recommend getting in to see that! The Nemo show for me was eh, but I can see why a lot of people like it, so you might want to check that out too.

 

[Disney Commando]

Hello all - December will be my 3rd trip to WDW and this time it will be just me and my daughter! I am looking forward to experiencing all we can at our pace - which is Commando!

You are member #104. When in Dec are you going, seems like alot of Commandos will be there in Dec

 

[Disney Commando]

Good Evening All! The thread received a shout out on the Podcast DISboards edition today. Very cool!

With the help of my amazing travel agent, I upgraded officially to deluxe dining (she took care of the business part allowing me extra time to plan, lol). I don't see myself ever paying full price for it, but I might as well take advantage of the free dining discount. Champagne taste on a beer budget for this girl, lol. Might as well dream big, right?

That is exactly why I am being so obsessive with planning - I have big dreams for this trip. Planning every moment does not work for me and my family, but having a good outline works great. There are so many different ways to attack the parks to maximize your experience. MK for example, I can think of 3 ideas just off the top of my head. On top of this, I am by no means a Disney expert. I am positive that some of the Disney experts out there can come up with much more than that. But whatever your touring desires are, a game plan is a must. The beauty of Disney is that it is such a diverse experience - custom tailored just for your wishes. This trip, I want to do as much as I can early in the day, so we can take our time and really soak up the magic in the afternoon.

Why am I like this? It stems from a teenage girl thinking that Disney wasn’t all that and a bag of chips because she reflected back on how little she was able to experience as a kid. That girl was me. I don’t want my kids thinking that at all. I want them to be able to share what I have come to adore.

Since I mentioned the dining plan, here is a great link that explains the 3 main dining plans. It's 2010 info, but not much is changing for 2011.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2353648

Good morning! I thought I was good to go with touring plans, but I need help with Animal Kingdom. I have no practice at all. When we went last year, we only visited a few attractions - safari, Kali, conservation station and then Yak & Yeti. The other members of my party had enough at that point. My son will ride anything and my girl is heading that way. He is has no height restrictions until I put a brick on his head (he's a few inches shorter than me) My girl is just under 4 feet. We are touring an EMH morning with Tusker House breakfast an hour and change in and will stay til 1pm. This is on Labor Day. Then we will be back for PM EMH with after closing ADR at Tusker for dinner.

What are your thoughts?

We'll be at AK on 9/3, also doing Tusker House breakfast, but before the park opens. We have reservations at 8:20, as soon as we're allowed to, I'll run to grab FPs for Expedition Everest, then ride the safari right away. Then we'll probably go right to Dinosaur and get that out of the way, then maybe Primeval Whirl if we're up to it. After that, we just take it easy in AK, go see the shows whenever we feel like it and meander through the park. I think that is why AK is my least favorite park, because I don't know what to do with myself, being the commando that I am!

Festival of the Lion King is a great show and I would definitely recommend getting in to see that! The Nemo show for me was eh, but I can see why a lot of people like it, so you might want to check that out too.

I agree with jmm476 alot of strong points I always try to avoid Primeval Whirl, I don't know why but that ride freaks me out any other ride in any park, I'd rather be on

Refer to Debbie's Document, there are alot of things at AK that can be easily overlooked

As far as the DP LeCeallar will be a Sig starting in March.

 

[DisneyDadC]

well the family and I, are by no means comanndos.I will sub to this thread, Who knows maybe I can pick up some good info that may convert me to the commando style.

 

[Big_Disney_Fan]

Not only do I move our computers into one room when it comes time to plan and make reservations, but this year, before the hours for MNSSHP were annoucned I got the dates for the prior 10 years, and built a spread sheet that would calculate the probable dates. Yep I am a commando too.
PS I was 100% correct on my calculations with the exception of Columbus day weekend.

 

[Big_Disney_Fan]

Count me in I always walk around the park without undergarments.

I am just the oppisite, I am considering NASA Diapers for all, so we can cut out the bathroom break down time from the master plan.

 

[Minnie Lor]

Oh I'm so into this. Haven't made my way thru all the posts but am pulling up the chair to do this now. Please add me to the list. I've got the spread sheet going for my trip in 5 weeks even though I'm going solo and "supposedly" going try to not go commando. We'll see how that works out.

BTW, this thread was mentioned on the DisUnplugged podcast show this week. That's how I found you all.

 

[Minnie Lor]

I'm working my way thru the thread this afternoon. Love the idea of shrinking down my spreadsheet and laminating. Do you just do one day on each card?

Love the walking/training for a trip. I always do that and encourage it too. I'm training for a WDW trip in 5 weeks and a half marathon in 7 weeks. When I'm trying to work on my speed, I pretend I'm walking to Soarin or TSMM at rope drop.

I can't imagine going back to the room for a nap. I know it makes sense especially in the summer but I go during slower time of year and shorter hours. I carry Bayer Back and Body pain reliever with me. It has the extra benefit of caffiene. That and a diet Coke and I'm good to go until midnight.

 

[Minnie Lor]

Finished! I get emails and FB posts from the disney food blog. Man oh man, do I get ideas for dining and munchies. I have all my snacks mapped out on the spreadsheet. I may not be able to eat them all but I know what are some of my must-do munchies. I also used that info to figure out whether the dining plan was worth it or if I should stick with my discount.

If you do sign up, be sure to check out links to previous articles. Carrot cake cookies here I come!

 

[Disney Commando]

well the family and I, are by no means comanndos.I will sub to this thread, Who knows maybe I can pick up some good info that may convert me to the commando style.

You are member #105. I guess we will find out in Dec, since we will be hanging out during the trip

Not only do I move our computers into one room when it comes time to plan and make reservations, but this year, before the hours for MNSSHP were annoucned I got the dates for the prior 10 years, and built a spread sheet that would calculate the probable dates. Yep I am a commando too.
PS I was 100% correct on my calculations with the exception of Columbus day weekend.

You are member #106. Wow 10 years worth of dates for MNSSHP, talk about a spreadsheet It's awesome you were able to come up with a 100% calculation What day did you pick

Oh I'm so into this. Haven't made my way thru all the posts but am pulling up the chair to do this now. Please add me to the list. I've got the spread sheet going for my trip in 5 weeks even though I'm going solo and "supposedly" going try to not go commando. We'll see how that works out.

BTW, this thread was mentioned on the DisUnplugged podcast show this week. That's how I found you all.

You are member #107. Going solo, Wow the amount of time you will save just be using the single rider lines plus no one holding you back Your possibilites are unlimited

I'm glad you found us, it's a real honor to be mentioned on the DisUnplugged podcast show

 

[Disney Commando]

I'm working my way thru the thread this afternoon. Love the idea of shrinking down my spreadsheet and laminating. Do you just do one day on each card?

Love the walking/training for a trip. I always do that and encourage it too. I'm training for a WDW trip in 5 weeks and a half marathon in 7 weeks. When I'm trying to work on my speed, I pretend I'm walking to Soarin or TSMM at rope drop.

I can't imagine going back to the room for a nap. I know it makes sense especially in the summer but I go during slower time of year and shorter hours. I carry Bayer Back and Body pain reliever with me. It has the extra benefit of caffiene. That and a diet Coke and I'm good to go until midnight.

Amiee could probably help you out on the index cards & the half marathon

If you don't have it already, I would recommend sending a PM to Debbie to get a copy of thr WDW secrets document, a ton of usefull info that is normally overlooked

If you have any ?'s don't be afraid to ask, With so many Commando's on this thread (all different levels) with the same like mind set, but can work together as a Team, once again possibilites are unlimited

T- Together
E- Everyone
A- Achives
M- More

 

[adsrtw]

Wow! Look at all the posts! I spent some time sweating at my son's football game last night and then worked on their autograph books and come back to alot of new additions! We are 10 days from leaving!

Thanks for all the insight on AK. I hate that a park is an afterthought. My son begged me for more than one day. Maybe I hated it because of the misery my company was putting us through??

I'm working my way thru the thread this afternoon. Love the idea of shrinking down my spreadsheet and laminating. Do you just do one day on each card?

Love the walking/training for a trip. I always do that and encourage it too. I'm training for a WDW trip in 5 weeks and a half marathon in 7 weeks. When I'm trying to work on my speed, I pretend I'm walking to Soarin or TSMM at rope drop.

I can't imagine going back to the room for a nap. I know it makes sense especially in the summer but I go during slower time of year and shorter hours. I carry Bayer Back and Body pain reliever with me. It has the extra benefit of caffiene. That and a diet Coke and I'm good to go until midnight.

I am putting one day on each card. I'm actually making them double sided. I found some sticker paper at Office Depot yesterday (just like labels except it's a full 8 1/2 by 11 page). I'm going to create text boxes that will fit on each index card with my info, then cut out the info and place it on an index card. I'm including touring info, ADR's, etc. I'm then going to lamanate it with clear contact paper.


Have you ever participated in a race at Disney? They are like no other. In fact, I am spoiled from ever participating in a non-Disney half marathon. I highly encourage you to enjoy yourself during the race and not worry about finishing in XYZ time - your training will see you through (I walked most of the Princess). I found that fast music helps me to increase my pace (for me - Bee Gees).

 

[jmm476]

I am just the oppisite, I am considering NASA Diapers for all, so we can cut out the bathroom break down time from the master plan.

Now that's a great idea! Wonder if I could talk my family into that???

 

[DisDr.]

Add me please. I'm currently planning our grand gathering for March 2011. 6 kids, 7 adults. I can't wait!