Why dont people plan?

[mickeyluv'r]

and the über-planners keep everything running nicely!!!

Not always.

I've overheard many a meltdown caused by an uber-planner that isn't getting their way.

I try to focus on my own family, but almost every WDW visit we cross paths with a child brought to tears by parent who isn't getting their way.

It might be a mom forcing her child to wear an uncomfortable costume of some kind. In summer, it might be real-feel 100 degrees, and daughter is crying because the crinoline makes her itch. In winter, it is below 40, the dress sleeveless, but no matter. Mom worked for hours making that dress! It HAS to be worn all day. Tight headbands and crummy plastic high heels, the child who dared to lose/break a cheap plastic wand or crown....there are a number of variations on this theme.

Mind, I've also heard plenty of dads belittling a small children because the day isn't going according to Dad's plan. They often threaten to cancel the WHOLE trip if they don't get their way.

If we happen to be on the bus/boat/monorail or seated beside one of these parents, their rants are inescapable.

 

[21stamps]

I think the fact that people need to this amount of research and planning is a flaw of WDW. Typical people aren't going to be on The Dis. They're going to read the information that is sent to them and what's available on the website. But, that would never tell you that you need to set your alarm for 6 am to get highly coveted reservations. They've made it so complex and there's so much "inside" information that most people would never know.

Just wanted to tell my experience with attempting to responsibly/effectively plan.

So today was my first time EVER (and probably last time) that I was able to book dining 180+ out.

I've been on these boards constantly.
I planned all of my days.
I woke up at 5am this morning.

I did not get 3 of my choices. Including BOG at any time of day. 185 days out.

Seriously, I had about the same results when I booked 2 months out. Better results actually. I think by that point a lot of people have let go of the "extra" ADRs that they are unsure about when first make a reservation.

Anyway, I'm annoyed. This was so frustrating. Could have slept an extra hour.

 

[Nancyg56]

Not always.

I've overheard many a meltdown caused by an uber-planner that isn't getting their way.

I try to focus on my own family, but almost every WDW visit we cross paths with a child brought to tears by parent who isn't getting their way.

It might be a mom forcing her child to wear an uncomfortable costume of some kind. In summer, it might be real-feel 100 degrees, and daughter is crying because the crinoline makes her itch. In winter, it is below 40, the dress sleeveless, but no matter. Mom worked for hours making that dress! It HAS to be worn all day. Tight headbands and crummy plastic high heels, the child who dared to lose/break a cheap plastic wand or crown....there are a number of variations on this theme.

Mind, I've also heard plenty of dads belittling a small children because the day isn't going according to Dad's plan. They often threaten to cancel the WHOLE trip if they don't get their way.

If we happen to be on the bus/boat/monorail or seated beside one of these parents, their rants are inescapable.

Oh my goodness, do not get me started on these folks! For the life of me, I cannot understand how the entire world as we know it rises and falls on one vacation detail.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Yeah I hear ya...I also previously worked for a large insurance company where I was on the phone for 4 1/2 years though I spoke mostly to agents and rarely with insureds.

Suffice it to say, I've had my fair share of jobs that involved working with the public.

I've also unsubscribed many times. In short, unsubscribing often only makes the problem worse. (non-WDW) I once opened an account and gave my address to just ONE company. Soon the inbox was flooded with spam from a host of related companies. I want SOME messages from WDW, just not a deluge.
*****


As far as Disney goes, I've met many wonderful CM's over the years. Many go out of their way to be very nice. Still, I've had some (almost) comical conversations over the years.

Trying to book a room at the Contemporary is one example, especially when WDW opened Bay Lake Tower next door. The main building of CR is called the Tower. Rooms face MK or Bay Lake.

Have you ever heard the Abbott and Costello bit, "Who's on First?"

Twice (not once) I had conversations that were very much like that bit when I attempted to book a Bay Lake facing Tower room at CR. The CM's kept insisting that they didn't exist. They kept trying to give me a room in Bay Lake Tower. WDW eventually changed the names, but it took well over a year!

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

Not always.

I've overheard many a meltdown caused by an uber-planner that isn't getting their way.

I try to focus on my own family, but almost every WDW visit we cross paths with a child brought to tears by parent who isn't getting their way.

It might be a mom forcing her child to wear an uncomfortable costume of some kind. In summer, it might be real-feel 100 degrees, and daughter is crying because the crinoline makes her itch. In winter, it is below 40, the dress sleeveless, but no matter. Mom worked for hours making that dress! It HAS to be worn all day. Tight headbands and crummy plastic high heels, the child who dared to lose/break a cheap plastic wand or crown....there are a number of variations on this theme.

Mind, I've also heard plenty of dads belittling a small children because the day isn't going according to Dad's plan. They often threaten to cancel the WHOLE trip if they don't get their way.

If we happen to be on the bus/boat/monorail or seated beside one of these parents, their rants are inescapable.

As someone who grew up with that parent, I might have preferred a laid back non planner. To top it off, my mom wasn't the best planner; I remember when I was 13 and we were living in Europe. We went to Disneyland Paris and we waited in a 2 hour line for DUMBO in the middle of the day which none of us cared about. You wonder why a 13 year old and 6 year old are whining, it's because you've had them in a 2 hour line to spin in a circle because it's nostalgic for YOU.

I sometimes want to go up to those parents and put my hand on their shoulder and say "Your whole family will be much happier if you take a deep breath and LISTEN to your children when they say that they don't like your plan. It doesn't mean you're a bad mom that you guessed your 9 year old boy would love the pirate experience and he would rather ride haunted mansion all day, but it does make your family miserable when you don't give in a little bit."

There is definitely a balance that needs to be found with the touring plans!!

 

[mi*vida*loca]

The best trip we ever took was planned 4 weeks out in 2011. Best.Trip.Ever.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Suffice it to say, I've had my fair share of jobs that involved working with the public.

I've also unsubscribed many times. In short, unsubscribing often only makes the problem worse. (non-WDW) I once opened an account and gave my address to just ONE company. Soon the inbox was flooded with spam from a host of related companies. I want SOME messages from WDW, just not a deluge.
*****


As far as Disney goes, I've met many wonderful CM's over the years. Many go out of their way to be very nice. Still, I've had some (almost) comical conversations over the years.

Trying to book a room at the Contemporary is one example, especially when WDW opened Bay Lake Tower next door. The main building of CR is called the Tower. Rooms face MK or Bay Lake.

Have you ever heard the Abbott and Costello bit, "Who's on First?"

Twice (not once) I had conversations that were very much like that bit when I attempted to book a Bay Lake facing Tower room at CR. The CM's kept insisting that they didn't exist. They kept trying to give me a room in Bay Lake Tower. WDW eventually changed the names, but it took well over a year!

Well I didn't say that you didn't have experience dealing with the public I was just inputing my experience with being on the phone which directly related to CMs from the phone.

As far as your 3rd party issue. I'm going to guess (though of course I don't know for sure) that in the very teensy tiny fine print it said when you gave your address to that one company that it said you are allowing other 3rd party or affiliates of the company you were giving your info to contact you (not all companies would have this type of marketing though). Not sure about the unsubscribing issue with you unsubscribing creating more mail unless it was an issue where you needed to unsubscribe to the 3rd party or affiliates as well. I haven't had that issue so I don't have much that I can say on that.

With WDW you can control how much information they send you (that's why I put those screen shots in). In this case Disney can't win. Either they send you too little regarding other Disney-related things (as you have de-selected the option to send more) or they send you too much (because you have it selected to send you more). I suppose the only way around that is to break down each and every communication/marketing option for each and every one of their companies under the umbrella of The Walt Disney Company (but that would be VASTLY impractical) so one could cherry pick which subsets of Disney's company you want information from.

As far as your Contemporary issue..yes that was def. an issue Disney caused by Disney. That last company I talked about we had "paperless billing" AND "paperless documents". Many people just said "Paperless" but they were two separate things. People would complain that they were getting insurance documents such as non-premium related changes to their policies when they had signed up for "Paperless". Well usually they were just "paperless billing". And unfortunately there were phone employees who def. didn't get the difference and couldn't help the person get enrolled in both "paperless billing" and "paperless documents". That was something caused by the company deciding to name the two things "billing" and "statements" with the leading word "paperless"; it opened up to confusion just like your Contemporary issue.

 

[Nancyg56]

As someone who grew up with that parent, I might have preferred a laid back non planner. To top it off, my mom wasn't the best planner; I remember when I was 13 and we were living in Europe. We went to Disneyland Paris and we waited in a 2 hour line for DUMBO in the middle of the day which none of us cared about. You wonder why a 13 year old and 6 year old are whining, it's because you've had them in a 2 hour line to spin in a circle because it's nostalgic for YOU.

I sometimes want to go up to those parents and put my hand on their shoulder and say "Your whole family will be much happier if you take a deep breath and LISTEN to your children when they say that they don't like your plan. It doesn't mean you're a bad mom that you guessed your 9 year old boy would love the pirate experience and he would rather ride haunted mansion all day, but it does make your family miserable when you don't give in a little bit."

There is definitely a balance that needs to be found with the touring plans!!

Or the little one who is afraid of the characters and overwhelmed in the parks, so all she wants to do is use the cool pool. My DH came home one day worried sick about my obsessive planning when we were going on our first trip back since our kids were young. He asked me what our backup plan was. What backup plan? The one we have if Kady is terrified and all she wants to do is swim. You see, a coworker was complaining to him that when his child was young, she was afraid and all she did was swim. He never took the family back. That was when I switched to AKL CL, and decided if Kady was scared and if all she wanted to do was swim, we would have the resort as our fallback.

Looking back, my planning was not so detailed that we would have had a mutiny, but to my family it looked like I was going to turn into that tyrant who marshaled the family from place to place, and who set the responsibility to see Disney through a child's eyes on my lovely little 4 YO DGD.

 

[Polyonmymind]

Co-worker here, took her family (7yr and 1yr) to Orlando last year for a week. They decided to do MK one day, on the fly. No research, no planning ahead...just a "hey, lets go to Disney World". This was there first time to ever go to WDW. I said, how was it...awful she said. She told me they kept circling back around between Fantasy Land, and the Castle staring at the map, not knowing where to go or what to do. They waiting in line for 2 hours to see Elsa. Rode 3 rides and ate pizza at Pinocchio's house.

Fast forward a year....she just told me they are going back in two weeks for one week at WDW. I said, I hope last year served you well and you planned ahead? Nope, was the reply...but we did rent a house so that's good right. Then she asks, so tell me about that wrist band thing. Do I need one? What about a fast pass? Do we need those? I think I'll pass on a stroller this time. Those things were every where, I'll just wear one of those pouches with my 2 year old daughter in it........

I wished her well, and hoped that she had a magical trip.

 

[Lothlórien]

• One of many guidebooks
• One of many unofficial websites
• Disney's website
• Emails Disney sends once you book
• Mailings Disney sends once you book
• Travel agent
• Perhaps asking people they know who have gone

I'm sure I'm missing some.

Again, people do not know what is required to plan a trip to Disney. It is not like any other vacation. Required and suggestion are two different things. (I know you know that ) There is nothing from Disney on their website that says "to get the most of your stay, it is essential to xxxxxxxxxxxxx".

Most people I know who go to Disney for the first time do it because of TV commercials. They call in and book. I am surprised at the number of people who have never heard of a Disney planning DVD.

As for emails from Disney, I get a lot of their emails trying to sell me things, but I seldom to never get the emails for dining or fastpass reservations.

 

[lynch34]

It's been repeated constantly but most just don't know. I have a co-worker who went every year. He thought Fastpasses had a cost.

The last time we went I saw people just walk straight to the Mine Train FP entrance and put their ticket up to the Mickey and when it didn't say "go" they thought something was wrong. When the CM asked if they had a FP for the ride, they said "I don't know what that is."

The worst was being on a bus at Hollywood Studios. A little boy was so excited because he was finally going to ride Tower of Terror. The dad looked it up and it said 75 minutes. The mom said no way are we waiting for that. The boy said that was the thing he wanted to ride the most. The mom said "I'll let you watch the video again on YouTube but we aren't waiting for that." Now, keep in mind - it was like 10:30 in the morning. Why didn't they get there earlier? Why didn't they investigate Fastpass? Once you realize you screwed up, why didn't you realize you had to just stay in line for an excited kid? I guess that's more to do with those parents but my wife and I just shook our heads.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

There is nothing from Disney on their website that says "to get the most of your stay, it is essential to xxxxxxxxxxxxx".

I agree. I guess I just don't think that's their job! I think that's what a TA or guidebook is for.

 

[Canooknic]

Not always.

I've overheard many a meltdown caused by an uber-planner that isn't getting their way.

That is very true, we are very concious of making sure hubby and I remind ourselves that it is a vacation for the kids.
He might be disappointed that he didn't get to go on a particular ride, I might be because I wanted to go to BOG (again!) but timings didn't work out etc but all that is forgotten when we see our boys huge smiles when we agree to ride Buzz for the 5th time in a row!!!!
Nothing can ruin those moments, they are the real "Disney Magic" for us.....and when they are grown up we can have our own vacation just for us!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Not always.

I've overheard many a meltdown caused by an uber-planner that isn't getting their way.

I try to focus on my own family, but almost every WDW visit we cross paths with a child brought to tears by parent who isn't getting their way.

It might be a mom forcing her child to wear an uncomfortable costume of some kind. In summer, it might be real-feel 100 degrees, and daughter is crying because the crinoline makes her itch. In winter, it is below 40, the dress sleeveless, but no matter. Mom worked for hours making that dress! It HAS to be worn all day. Tight headbands and crummy plastic high heels, the child who dared to lose/break a cheap plastic wand or crown....there are a number of variations on this theme.

Mind, I've also heard plenty of dads belittling a small children because the day isn't going according to Dad's plan. They often threaten to cancel the WHOLE trip if they don't get their way.

If we happen to be on the bus/boat/monorail or seated beside one of these parents, their rants are inescapable.

This stuff is awful. Sounds more like high-strung control freak behavior than uber-planner... though I suspect there is overlap...

I always say we have a plan so that within it, we are free to be flexible!! When you RD, plan your FPs, etc, that reduces time in lines, gets some must-do's done, and frees up time to just CHILL.

 

[JimmyV]

There is only one solution. Every new guest should be sent to an all day seminar with......STACEY!!

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

Or the little one who is afraid of the characters and overwhelmed in the parks, so all she wants to do is use the cool pool. My DH came home one day worried sick about my obsessive planning when we were going on our first trip back since our kids were young. He asked me what our backup plan was. What backup plan? The one we have if Kady is terrified and all she wants to do is swim. You see, a coworker was complaining to him that when his child was young, she was afraid and all she did was swim. He never took the family back. That was when I switched to AKL CL, and decided if Kady was scared and if all she wanted to do was swim, we would have the resort as our fallback.

Looking back, my planning was not so detailed that we would have had a mutiny, but to my family it looked like I was going to turn into that tyrant who marshaled the family from place to place, and who set the responsibility to see Disney through a child's eyes on my lovely little 4 YO DGD.

That was wise advice of the coworker though. At least you had a back up plan. My husband was very antsy the first time we went (before we had children) because I always make a very detailed touring plan, but once he saw that I really planned for some relaxing every so often and I like to throw in willing to miss attractions every few which is key to being able to relax for me so that I know we won't miss the must dos but we have stuff we can skip every so often. We have YET to have a plan go perfectly.

I have seen kids get scared, though. I think they are shy. We were right behind another family with toddlers at AK this last trip and she was bouncing the whole time going "Mickey, Mickey, Mickey" and she had her book open and ready to go and be signed and once she got around the little wall in the room, she was like "umm WHOA that thing is HUGE" and she was very nervous. The parents as well as my husband and I were all flabbergasted how nervous she was, because she hadn't shown any sign of nerves. I could tell the mom was a bit disappointed and it was their first trip. I wish I could have said something more to her to let her know "Just go jump on the dinosaur spin and watch the pure joy. You'll still find the magic this week!!" '

 

[Lothlórien]

I agree. I guess I just don't think that's their job! I think that's what a TA or guidebook is for.

We just have to agree to disagree. It is okay. We do not have to, right?
I am a helpful person and very giving by nature. It would make sense that I hold the thoughts I do about it because that fits my personality.

They work for Disney. They are the company they represent. It should be their job, in my opinion. If people do not realize that Disney vacationing requires more planning than any other trip (just about), how would they know they need a TA or guidebook? I have been on many cruises, visits outside of the country, Cabo, etc and none of them required anything other than me reading up on the place I was staying, itinerary and calling somewhere to book it. (15 - 30 minutes of my time) I have never used a TA other than Costco to get a stateroom credit. Same amount of money for a vacation, but the requirements for planning are nowhere near the same level. Disney is a different animal when it comes to vacations and I think the first time guest, unless they have been advised by somebody, has no idea what to expect.

The commercials lead us to think the characters come to us, clouds are in the shape of pirate ships, all CMs are there to accommodate the guests every demand and that it never rains on vacation. I blame Disney. LOL


EDIT:
Okay seriously - the last line of my post was totally tongue in cheek. I cannot believe anybody would think that was to be taken seriously. ... unless they are just looking for an argument?

 

[nicolebridget22]

The worst was being on a bus at Hollywood Studios. A little boy was so excited because he was finally going to ride Tower of Terror. The dad looked it up and it said 75 minutes. The mom said no way are we waiting for that. The boy said that was the thing he wanted to ride the most. The mom said "I'll let you watch the video again on YouTube but we aren't waiting for that."

Golly, that is heartbreaking! I would have volunteered to wait and go on with him, and I don't even like TOT...that poor little guy. That really does make me so sad.

 

[karpy111]

I started this thread a couple weeks ago. After reading all these post Im glad to see that a lot of you have the same feelings that I do. I've also been looked at as if I'm crazy when I tell numerous people at work that are going to Disney to make sure you do this and do that. As I stated we had an unbelievable trip. Did everything we could imagine. I don't think we would have accomplished 25 percent of our activities, rides, dinners, meet and greets, etc. If it wasn't for reading these boards. Thanks to everyone.

 

[Nancyg56]

That was wise advice of the coworker though. At least you had a back up plan. My husband was very antsy the first time we went (before we had children) because I always make a very detailed touring plan, but once he saw that I really planned for some relaxing every so often and I like to throw in willing to miss attractions every few which is key to being able to relax for me so that I know we won't miss the must dos but we have stuff we can skip every so often. We have YET to have a plan go perfectly.

I have seen kids get scared, though. I think they are shy. We were right behind another family with toddlers at AK this last trip and she was bouncing the whole time going "Mickey, Mickey, Mickey" and she had her book open and ready to go and be signed and once she got around the little wall in the room, she was like "umm WHOA that thing is HUGE" and she was very nervous. The parents as well as my husband and I were all flabbergasted how nervous she was, because she hadn't shown any sign of nerves. I could tell the mom was a bit disappointed and it was their first trip. I wish I could have said something more to her to let her know "Just go jump on the dinosaur spin and watch the pure joy. You'll still find the magic this week!!" '

Oh the Coworker was not advising my DH to have a backup plan. He was still moaning and groaning about the wasted money he spent. My DH was the one who was afraid that as I was investing so much time planning the "perfect" trip I might forget that Kady was just a little girl and would be upset with her. I would never have been upset, but Buddy was right. WE needed to make sure we had a way to still vacation and feel as though the money we spent was a good value. It's funny, he had DIsney She'll Shock when I gave him the bill, but the day before we had to come home he told me it was the best money we ever spent