Why dont people plan?

[Maistre Gracey]

Lol!!! For all my complaining we just got an 'Ohana ADR for tomorrow! Granted it's for 9:15, but that gives us time to get liquored up at Trader Sam's.

MG

 

[Joe White]

Planning a Disney vacation is so complex that I might put it on my next resume.

 

[Lesverts]

I had no idea the level of planning some people do for Disney. My first trip, I read the information Disney gave. Watched a few episodes of the Dis (who am I kidding, I watched a lot of episodes of the Dis) and made my ADRs, FP etc. In fact the entire trip was planned around getting a BOG ADR about 3 months out after I found out I couldn't go to Vegas because of work. I made my ADRs based on what interested me, not what was popular. I picked my FP based on what where the 3 most important rides for me that day, not how am I going to have this amazing FP game and get the most out of my vacation. I looked at park maps the day before I went into the parks. And ya know what, it was a fantastic trip. Loved every minute of it. Couldn't have been happier. I didn't experience everything, but I Drank Around the World, meet some lovely people and overall had a fantastic vacation.

The day I have a by the hour itinerary, let alone by the minute as some people do. That my friends, is the day travel stops being fun.

I've had some great, unexpected experiences because of getting lost, not making plans or going with the flow. I just chalk up the difference between me and the uber planners is that I've had a 9 month trek through Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Going with the flow meant that I got to see and experience unexpected things. From Trieste and Ravenna in Italy to hopping to Cyprus to figure out the Israel/Jordan/Lebanon conundrum. To 'accidentally' crossing the border of Saudi Arabia and being stuck in Kuwait for 3 days. Life is an adventure and there is bumps on the road, one or two baksheesh that may or may not be related to some close calls with the police. But it is always off-set by having dinner at your new friend's house where grandma cooks a feast, or seeing something where it is you, the few people you are with and no other tourist around.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

The day I have a by the hour itinerary, let alone by the minute as some people do. That my friends, is the day travel stops being fun.

No truer words have ever been spoken.

MG

 

[Davey Jones II]

Fascinating thread. Most posters have discussed advance FP+ and dining reservations. But most of us know that it's actually far more complicated than that! You have to have a rough plan of your whole day as you go through it and anticipate problems as you make decisions, while keeping an eye on the Times Guide for that day, your personal reservations schedule, etc.

You want to see the parade later today? Okay, how long will it take to get out of a ride, get to the spot you want to watch the parade (will that spot be already packed?), and how far in advance do you have to be in order to grab a good viewing spot? Can you even physically move through the mobs, or are you now on the wrong side of the park to get to your spot, as they put the ropes up?

Say you want to see Fantasmic! tonight. How many rides can you squeeze in before getting there, or will those rides mean that you can't get there in time before they make that dreaded announcement that the show is already full? Do you have time to eat before the show? How about a restroom break before you get there -- it is a long show, after all.

When will you eat? You can't do fast-moving rides or simulators right after eating (at least, I sure can't). Okay, so you have to plan those rides before a meal and plan milder rides, shows or parades after eating. But where the restaurant at which you want to eat means that you would have to backtrack halfway across the park in order to get there...but wait, you forgot about the parade which has now started, cutting off your access to that end of the park...

Should you jump into this standby line? Maybe it will be shorter later on. Maybe you should check out the wait times on another attraction instead. It's just a little further ahead. Oh wait, if this ride takes too long, we might not make our FP+ window for the most popular ride in the park...

And so on. It all gets a little mind-boggling, and you get ambushed if you're not thinking three moves ahead. Timing, logistics, juggling everything you want to do...it becomes a hell of a challenge. And while you're trying to keep all those balls in the air, you're trying to remind yourself: "you're on vacation...relax, you're supposed to be having fun..."

Some people are better at it then I am, although I did a ton of planning for our last trip, countless hours, and we didn't even have ADRS! Our saving grace is that we kind of enjoy the adrenaline rush of trying to squeeze it all in. Last time, in 2014, we compressed six theme parks (WDW and Universal) and four water parks into 11 frantic days.

I just get the impression that, for a lot of people, maybe they would prefer a "sitting on the beach" kind of vacation...

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Fascinating thread. Most posters have discussed advance FP+ and dining reservations. But most of us know that it's actually far more complicated than that! You have to have a rough plan of your whole day as you go through it and anticipate problems as you make decisions, while keeping an eye on the Times Guide for that day, your personal reservations schedule, etc.

You want to see the parade later today? Okay, how long will it take to get out of a ride, get to the spot you want to watch the parade (will that spot be already packed?), and how far in advance do you have to be in order to grab a good viewing spot? Can you even physically move through the mobs, or are you now on the wrong side of the park to get to your spot, as they put the ropes up?

Say you want to see Fantasmic! tonight. How many rides can you squeeze in before getting there, or will those rides mean that you can't get there in time before they make that dreaded announcement that the show is already full? Do you have time to eat before the show? How about a restroom break before you get there -- it is a long show, after all.

When will you eat? You can't do fast-moving rides or simulators right after eating (at least, I sure can't). Okay, so you have to plan those rides before a meal and plan milder rides, shows or parades after eating. But where the restaurant at which you want to eat means that you would have to backtrack halfway across the park in order to get there...but wait, you forgot about the parade which has now started, cutting off your access to that end of the park...

Should you jump into this standby line? Maybe it will be shorter later on. Maybe you should check out the wait times on another attraction instead. It's just a little further ahead. Oh wait, if this ride takes too long, we might not make our FP+ window for the most popular ride in the park...

And so on. It all gets a little mind-boggling, and you get ambushed if you're not thinking three moves ahead. Timing, logistics, juggling everything you want to do...it becomes a hell of a challenge. And while you're trying to keep all those balls in the air, you're trying to remind yourself: "you're on vacation...relax, you're supposed to be having fun..."

Some people are better at it then I am, although I did a ton of planning for our last trip, countless hours, and we didn't even have ADRS! Our saving grace is that we kind of enjoy the adrenaline rush of trying to squeeze it all in. Last time, in 2014, we compressed six theme parks (WDW and Universal) and four water parks into 11 frantic days.

I just get the impression that, for a lot of people, maybe they would prefer a "sitting on the beach" kind of vacation...

Shucks.... Never really took much of that into account. Even in my planning days the most I did was try to get us in a park that would get us to dinner in time. Than again, we mostly ate at resort restaurants and would go to the room for a shower and pre dinner drinks so it didn't matter much.

I am a total fan of no planning. It works for us with the exception of ADR's, and that's only because Disney screwed that one up.

MG

 

[Davey Jones II]

Shucks.... Never really took much of that into account. Even in my planning days the most I did was try to get us in a park that would get us to dinner in time. Than again, we mostly ate at resort restaurants and would go to the room for a shower and pre dinner drinks so it didn't matter much.

I am a total fan of no planning. It works for us with the exception of ADR's, and that's only because Disney screwed that one up.

MG

No offense, but...for most of us, a theme park vacation is not all about booze, bars and restaurants.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

No offense, but...for most of us, a theme park vacation is not all about booze, bars and restaurants.

No offense taken.
But to some of us a vacation is not about pulling out a written minute by minute schedule.... No offense meant.

MG

 

[bryanb]

One evening, while riding on the monorail from Epcot to TTC, I overheard an older woman chatting up the couple next to her.

She and her three friends had just landed from Germany that morning, and had only one free day in Orlando before a wedding, so they decided that morning to visit Epcot. They had so much fun! Then, they decided to visit the MK. So the woman went and bought another four 1-day tickets to the Magic Kingdom, which she said was more expensive than the Epcot tickets she got that morning. Looking at the tickets, she said, "I know, I know... it's kind of a crazy splurge since there are only a few hours left, but we spent so much to get here with the flight and hotel, and it would be a shame to come all this way and never see the Magic Kingdom!"

In my mind, I was mortified: "Park hoppers! Why didn't they sell you park hoppers?? Go get a refund. And no research... you're going to miss both Illuminations and Wishes!" Maybe she didn't realize she could upgrade. Maybe the ticket CM didn't realize she already had tickets. She clearly didn't know the entertainment schedule.

The whole ride, I debated whether I should butt in and save them with my Disboard-gained knowledge! What would you have done? I ultimately decided to bite my tongue. It was already past 9pm, and they all looked happy and excited like little kids. Trying to fix the tickets at Guest Relations now might've eaten up a half hour of irreplaceable park time. And they were willing to spend the money for a first-in-a-lifetime adventure.

I'm not sure if I made the right decision. But I do know one thing. They transferred off to the Magic Kingdom monorail with so much carefree joy. And I was the one stressed out by their lack of planning and research.

 

[Disneylover99]

I'm not sure if I made the right decision. But I do know one thing. They transferred off to the Magic Kingdom monorail with so much carefree joy. And I was the one stressed out by their lack of planning and research.

I think you made the right decision. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.
Tons of people have an amazing time at Disney and have no clue about their vacation. I say, let them have their fun.

 

[fla4fun]

No offense taken.
But to some of us a vacation is not about pulling out a written minute by minute schedule.... No offense meant.

MG

This reminds me of a trip I took maybe 10 years ago - just before the whole smart phone thing took off. I was on a boat going from WL to MK and there was a family sitting in front of me that had a four inch thick binder of plans - literally four inches thick! They were thumbing through the pages looking for something they planned to do that day. Fortunately, they had a stroller to carry it around in! I can't imagine the time and effort they took creating that book - and yes, they did have things timed down to the minute, including pre-scheduled bathroom breaks. But if that's what made them comfortable, more power to them!

I am so not a planner when it comes to vacation, but there's a difference in being a "non-planner" and being "uninformed". A non-planner would have researched where they are going, and knows just how far they can push winging it and still have a great trip. They are aware of shows, tours, attractions, dining, etc., and whether they are of interest. They are aware of what may cause attractions or parks to be more crowded on some days than others. A non-planner can go to WDW and have a great trip because their priorities are being met, based on the research they have done. Out of a ten day trip, I may book FP+ for three or four days, and sometimes those get cancelled. I only book ADR's if I am traveling with others - for myself I usually check the day before or day of to see what is available at the park I want to visit that day. I don't necessarily decide what park I'm going to until I get up that day, based on weather and other factors. I prefer not to plan because I like the feeling of being free to go wherever I like, and just enjoy the moment. I know that very idea would freak out an super-planner, but that's what's so great about WDW. There's not really a right way or a wrong way to experience the parks, provided you've taken the time to learn a little about it before you go.

The uninformed will have a much more difficult time of it, because they tend to be either overwhelmed or disappointed, because they didn't know how much they didn't know. In this day and age, it almost seems like you would have to deliberately want to be uninformed - when a quick Google search can give you so much information. It's kind of hard to pity them because it takes so little effort to learn the basics.

 

[Nancyg56]

No offense, but...for most of us, a theme park vacation is not all about booze, bars and restaurants.

WHere did you get this from his post? I vacation in Disney at least once a year, and I have always been a loose planner. I plan our parks but always take into account where we are eating, what time we are eating and allow plenty of time to get out of the park, back to the resort to rest, swim, shower, have a glass or two of wine, and then go to dinner. For you perhaps the vacation in Disney is about the theme parks, and plannign all that you plan. For me I would rather chew glass and die that have to take into account the things that you do in your trip planning. 28 years ago I came home from a Disney vacation needing a vacation from my vacation and I swore that woudl never happen again. It has not.

 

[Nancyg56]

This reminds me of a trip I took maybe 10 years ago - just before the whole smart phone thing took off. I was on a boat going from WL to MK and there was a family sitting in front of me that had a four inch thick binder of plans - literally four inches thick! They were thumbing through the pages looking for something they planned to do that day. Fortunately, they had a stroller to carry it around in! I can't imagine the time and effort they took creating that book - and yes, they did have things timed down to the minute, including pre-scheduled bathroom breaks. But if that's what made them comfortable, more power to them!

I am so not a planner when it comes to vacation, but there's a difference in being a "non-planner" and being "uninformed". A non-planner would have researched where they are going, and knows just how far they can push winging it and still have a great trip. They are aware of shows, tours, attractions, dining, etc., and whether they are of interest. They are aware of what may cause attractions or parks to be more crowded on some days than others. A non-planner can go to WDW and have a great trip because their priorities are being met, based on the research they have done. Out of a ten day trip, I may book FP+ for three or four days, and sometimes those get cancelled. I only book ADR's if I am traveling with others - for myself I usually check the day before or day of to see what is available at the park I want to visit that day. I don't necessarily decide what park I'm going to until I get up that day, based on weather and other factors. I prefer not to plan because I like the feeling of being free to go wherever I like, and just enjoy the moment. I know that very idea would freak out an super-planner, but that's what's so great about WDW. There's not really a right way or a wrong way to experience the parks, provided you've taken the time to learn a little about it before you go.

The uninformed will have a much more difficult time of it, because they tend to be either overwhelmed or disappointed, because they didn't know how much they didn't know. In this day and age, it almost seems like you would have to deliberately want to be uninformed - when a quick Google search can give you so much information. It's kind of hard to pity them because it takes so little effort to learn the basics.

I used to think that, but a friend booked a trip, made no ADR's and had no idea what to expect. Over Thanksgiving. I was horrified, but said nothing because it was too late. I found out the day before they left. They had a blast! They ate. They went on attractions. Did they accomplish as much as I would have? Who knows. But they were happy.

 

[Aliceacc]

I'll admit that I'm a bit of a nut job.

I'll plan and plan, look at touring plans, do a minute by minute. I love a project, and a WDW vacation quite a project!

And reread it all on the plane.

Then we get to WDW and I never look at it again. I have our FPs and ADRS on paper, but we wing the rest. I'm guessing that all that planning, along with some experience, guides us, because we have good luck avoiding lines.

 

[Nancyg56]

I'll admit that I'm a bit of a nut job.

I'll plan and plan, look at touring plans, do a minute by minute. I love a project, and a WDW vacation quite a project!

And reread it all on the plane.

Then we get to WDW and I never look at it again. I have our FPs and ADRS on paper, but we wing the rest. I'm guessing that all that planning, along with some experience, guides us, because we have good luck avoiding lines.

I think that it does. I always suggest folks try to create Touring Plans but not so they can march from one attraction to the next, but so that they can get a feel for the park layout. We were lucky when we went back for our first trip in many years because we had a park veteran with us. She got us from place to place with ease. Had we not had a little help I think I would have gotten lost. For people who have never been or for those like us who had a long break, having an idea where attractions are can be very helpful when you are navigating the parks.

 

[honeybunches]

For OP wondering why people don't plan, and the others saying that the literature is mailed.......I think many people just don't read. They don't take the time to read through the pamphlet or letters or emails. I have 100+ students, and we send home all kinds of important information for parents. I try to physically highlight the parts that parents NEED to see (important password info, report card information, upcoming events, or whatever). Still get multiple emails asking, "When is...." or "How do I get my password for this?" We took 250 6th graders on a 3-day camping trip earlier this month. One student showed up with NO SUITCASE. Nothing was packed. He had the clothes on his back, and that was it. It happens every year. Why? Because many parents just don't bother to read the information that comes home with their child, despite the fact that they signed a paper giving permission for their child to go. If they can't be bothered to read a paper that impacts the child they birthed/raised/are responsible for, they surely won't read a form letter from Disney.

That is what is said above. Also if someone has really not done research at all I don't see how BOG, CRT OR OHANA end up in their must do list.

Word of mouth is how I learned about the "must do" items on our list. Now that I've been on the DIS, my list has changed. But on our first trip, it was totally from what others told me we needed to do. My husband and I were WDW newbies, and no one in our families had ever gone before. The scope and scale of Disney was more than we could fathom until we'd actually seen it for ourselves!

That's true, but when you are living outside USA, you get nothing! I am living in Germany, and you get no informations about most of this! No Magic Bands, no planning DVD.....

I'm sure this is true. My aunt visited from Okinawa a couple of years ago, and stayed with my mom in KY. She had a big list of things she wanted to do while she was in the States, including going to WDW and the Grand Canyon. She had no idea how spread out the states are, and how expensive a Disney trip is. Her mental image was entirely built on the happy Mickey commercials and ads.

 

[ChasingLeslie]

there's a difference in being a "non-planner" and being "uninformed". A non-planner would have researched where they are going, and knows just how far they can push winging it and still have a great trip. They are aware of shows, tours, attractions, dining, etc., and whether they are of interest. They are aware of what may cause attractions or parks to be more crowded on some days than others. A non-planner can go to WDW and have a great trip because their priorities are being met, based on the research they have done.

This! It's about being informed. No one has to have a binder full of spreadsheets to have a good time at Disney (but for some of us, we enjoy it or it makes us feel better about how we'll be using our time). There are plenty of ways to tour!

But even if I was just going to Six Flags, I would google the park map, see what the rides are, and check height restrictions. How does one book a Disney trip and not have the basest of knowledge?!? Mind-boggling!

 

[Eastern]

Several people have asked us for 'tips and tricks'. We tell them just a few things to get started on. They never do any of it. I think they really don't care until they get there and see the lines. Then they come back and say it was too crowded.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Many who live within driving distance don't plan. We sometimes go on the spur of the moment. If I am going for a week, I will plan. If I decide last minute I am going for a weekend, how do you expect me to plan? I live 150 miles away...2 hrs and 45 minutes. ..am I going to plan every trip 30 dsys out? No way

 

[A Mickeyfan]

How the heck to locals, AP'ers etc go to WDW any more? When I had AP's we would decide on a couple days notice to go, sometimes the night before. It wasn't a problem with the old FP system.

It's hard. When going on the spur of the moment, your choices are very limited as to where you can eat. If you don't get to the park first thing in the morning, your fast pass choice is limited too. Honestly, Disney should allow a slot set aside for locals within driving distance spur of the moment guests. We tend to go way more than 7 to14 days a year which is the average vacation trip. I also stay overnight as well when I do it just not to make the 2 hr and 45 minute trip home.