What to do 9 months out??

[scottishgirl87]

So what do you guys do when you've booked WDW nearly a year in advance? How'd you pass the time.

I know alot of you are big planners but how do you go about planning at such an early stage?

I'm already obsessed and time is just dragging, lol, I feel I've exhausted everything I can possibly read (well I'm waiting for the 2010 Brit's Guide) so what do you guys do??

 

[wayneg]

Book another trip inbetween
Last 2 years we have been going every 3 months or so. After August its going to be a big shock to the system, DS in final year of GSCE's so don't know if we are going again until he has finished next June.

 

[Natasha&Matt]

Hey hun

We booked our holiday in January for next May!! lol i cant believe it had flown by, i dont plan anything yet just look around and jot things down at what i wanna try or do, once xmas is out the way i know its gunna fly by again! woooohoooo

 

[Pegasus928]

I do the same as most people on here and just trawl this site for ideas, inspiration and tips.
It's amazing, once you start following peoples links, where they lead you to and before you know it you have to start re-arranging your days to try and fit everything in. That in itself can be very time consuming

 

[Dimplenose]

We've been planning since our last trip in 2005! When we booked this year's trip in May last year we had over 400 days on our countdown. Time does pass and we're now down to 10.

In the meantime we've had less expensive holidays in Holland and Germany and some weekend breaks (well, I've had the weekend breaks with a girlfriend and left DH at home with the kids!) Alll of which I've planned (I've not necessarily followed the plans but holiday planning has become a bit of a hobby - recreational planning?)

Keep busy, keep planning and replanning and the holiday will soon be here.

Just in case you're interested I plan by printing off a grid with space for morning, afternoon and evening activities for each day. I like to fill it in by hand (more satisfying somehow). I also have a list of "must dos" which I'm far more likely to actually use than the detailed plan - but I still enjoy writing the plans.

 

[UKDEB]

I've always said that the planning and anticipation is half the pleasure and, now that we don't have a trip to look forward to for as long as I can remember, I can say that with absolute certainty. I feel almost bereft!

I love putting together an itinerary and then turning it into a mini-masterpiece using Publisher (you could do something similar with Word if you don't have Publisher). Matt and I spend a lot of our leisure time discussing what we want to do and reminiscing about previous trips. When we're travelling with others, we have regular "planning" get-togethers, which are really just another excuse to talk about our favourite place.

Why not have a planning supper? Get in some "American" food, watch some planning videos (Disney and Universal both do them, if you haven't already got some) and all chat about what you're most looking forward to.

 

[wilma-bride]

I like reading trip reports and dining reviews, to get an idea of what we want to do and where we want to eat.

Also, you can still get decide (even before park hours are out) what parks you want to visit and have a rough idea of when you want to do them.

And, finally, the other thing I like to do in the run up is shop!!! I'm forever buying little things that will be 'just perfect for the holiday'

 

[wilma-bride]

now that we don't have a trip to look forward to for as long as I can remember, I can say that with absolute certainty. I feel almost bereft!

Soon, mate, soon

 

[barry7767]

I did my dissertation for my masters degree given this upcoming trip is a reward for finally finishing many years as a day release student! Personally I dont plan nearly as much as most on here, we like to let the mood take us when there. Having said that I spend ages looking for flights, villas, tickets etc. Other than that I read other peoples trip reports to remind me what is coming up

 

[Woodyplus3]

If I were you I would plan on deciding what footwear you are going to go with, buy them and wear em in.

We leave in just over 2 weeks and I have bought trainers, crocs, flip-flops and several (LOL) pairs of sandals. I have been trying to decide which are the most comfy and have been rotating them for several weeks and surprise, surprise they are all crippling me and I wish I had started wearing them in 9 months ago.

 

[torsie24]

I booked in February for October, so my wait is 8 months. 5 1/2 down already though! Which has gone by really fast!

I occupy myself mainly with the DIS, bought a passporter, brits guide, unofficial guide, and made me own planning book to take along with me. The planning book has helped me pass a few hours!

Also making t-shirts and LGMHs passes the time too! Lol.

I can show you my planning book if you fancy doing your own.

 

[torsie24]

If I were you I would plan on deciding what footwear you are going to go with, buy them and wear em in.

We leave in just over 2 weeks and I have bought trainers, crocs, flip-flops and several (LOL) pairs of sandals. I have been trying to decide which are the most comfy and have been rotating them for several weeks and surprise, surprise they are all crippling me and I wish I had started wearing them in 9 months ago.

I have also been doing a lot of shoe buying and breaking in!

I now have sandals, reef flip flops, clarks casual/super comfy things, crocs and might get another pair of hard wearing flip flops too.

 

[Pegasus928]

I have also been doing a lot of shoe buying and breaking in!

I now have sandals, reef flip flops, clarks casual/super comfy things, crocs and might get another pair of hard wearing flip flops too.

When will you ladies learn - You can't beat a good old pair of trainers. No toe post, no slipping, excellent underfoot padding.

They have it all really you know

 

[torsie24]

When will you ladies learn - You can't beat a good old pair of trainers. No toe post, no slipping, excellent underfoot padding.

They have it all really you know

But what about after Kali/Splash?

Not so dry in your trainers then!!

You aren't preparing for all eventualities!!

 

[bronny]

I did my dissertation for my masters degree given this upcoming trip is a reward for finally finishing many years as a day release student!

I am doing the same thing right now and our trip next November is a reward for 3 years of hard work!

I have plenty lined up in between but I am sure that the next year and a (big) bit is going to drag!


Bronny

 

[scottishgirl87]

Thanks for the replies guys!

I've seen your planning journal, Torsie, and really liked it! Am planning making my own too

I have a bit of a To Do List sorted, you know, ESTA, other stuff like shows. I can't really do park days yet as we're considering a split stay, so it'll all depend on where we're staying when as to what parks we'll go to on which days!

I guess I'm just bored, lol.

 

[higgy66]

I booked our holiday 18 months in advance and now just only 2 months to go!

Only told the children at Easter so that saved 12 months of "how many sleeps until we go!"

Every so often I go to bed reading one of the guide books and we always have a copy of the virgin borchure on the coffee table to keep dipping into for a quick fix!

Oh and LOTS of dissing - it's the only way to stay sane while you wait!

 

[scottishgirl87]

Haha, yeah Higgy66, I have a range of Florida holiday brochures from Thomas Cook and the like, lol. Like to have a look at them on occasion!

 

[torsie24]

You also kow what helps?!

Changin resorts, then re changnig, then thinking maybe you should add DDP, then not add DDP, then change resorts again.

Then decide on your ADRs, then change you mind, tehn read some dining reviews, then decide on new ADRs.

Do you see a pattern forming?

 

[higgy66]

You also kow what helps?!

Changin resorts, then re changnig, then thinking maybe you should add DDP, then not add DDP, then change resorts again.

Then decide on your ADRs, then change you mind, tehn read some dining reviews, then decide on new ADRs.

Do you see a pattern forming?