Why dont people plan?

[Maistre Gracey]

?????

Not understanding your "????"

That post just blows my mind that everything couldn't be had.

Perhaps that's what you are saying as well....

MG

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

Well, I am a local and we try for 'Ohana often (just one example). We try up to a couple of weeks out, which should be more than adequate at almost any restaurant in the country other than Disney. We have tried probably 50 times, and were successful once for a 10:00 pm ressie.

MG

A little off topic and may be was mentioned already, but we plan "last minute" because of my husband being in the military. We get the perfect times at 'Ohana every trip, but there's a bit of skill involved. You have the best "luck" at 30 days out, 4 to 5 days out and the night before. Instead of checking a couple weeks out, try checking 4 to 5 days out instead.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

A little off topic and may be was mentioned already, but we plan "last minute" because of my husband being in the military. We get the perfect times at 'Ohana every trip, but there's a bit of skill involved. You have the best "luck" at 30 days out, 4 to 5 days out and the night before. Instead of checking a couple weeks out, try checking 4 to 5 days out instead.

Thank you, Minnie... And major thumbs up to you as a military family!!!

MG

 

[whiporee]

I think we have an entirely different view on dining while on vacation. A great many of my vacations are planned around culinary exploration where "good enough" simply isn't. But I admit that not everyone takes the same approach.

But surely those vacations planned around culinary exploration don't include WDW. Restaurants there can be good, and they can be fun, but none of them are excellent in a culinary sense. It's like planning a beach vacation around Long John Silvers.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

Good to know, I wasn't aware of that! Is that for all restaurants?

Yes. Some events are 2 day notice, so be sure to check the terms. I have been successful in last minute cancellations twice now because: 1) I showed up in person to cancel, 2) There were scores of people trying to get reservations, and 3) the parks were so busy there were practically no reservations anywhere - so my cancellation was welcomed. The first time was December for Akershus - we had eaten at Coral Reef (lunch) for the Candlelight Processional package, and simply were not hungry. I showed up to honor the reservation, but there were so many people trying to get in the manager was relieved. The second time was BOG, and this time the kids were beat, and we just wanted to leave the park. Even while I was standing there switching my reservation over to the other group, I listened to at least 5 or 6 people get turned away. I wish I had had more to cancel.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

Not understanding your "????"

That post just blows my mind that everything couldn't be had.

Perhaps that's what you are saying as well....

MG

When you can book 180 days plus 10, you have to remember that those people who start their vacation up to 9 days before you get the jump on the reservations. For instance, we started our vacation on a Wednesday. I wanted BOG, CRT and the Fantasmic Dinner Package at H&V. I did not try to book these for the first few days of my trip. Rather, I started towards the end of my trip then worked forward, because there was more availability at the later dates. Same thing with the fast passes. I don't waste my time trying to get 7DMT or A&E in the first few days of my vacation, rather, I work back to front. I snag my hard to get reservations towards the end, and then I work forward. I grabbed the fps for the 12th, then looked for some for the 9th, then the 6th, but only after I had gotten everything I wanted. Then I can drop what I don't want. Doesn't matter; my family rebelled and I ended up dropping most of them anyway, but it made me happy. It's about the hunt, lol.
As far as culinary, everyone can have an off day, but we have actually dropped quite a few of our "must do" restaurants because we were disappointed this time around.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

When you can book 180 days plus 10, you have to remember that those people who start their vacation up to 9 days before you get the jump on the reservations. For instance, we started our vacation on a Wednesday. I wanted BOG, CRT and the Fantasmic Dinner Package at H&V. I did not try to book these for the first few days of my trip. Rather, I started towards the end of my trip then worked forward, because there was more availability at the later dates. Same thing with the fast passes. I don't waste my time trying to get 7DMT or A&E in the first few days of my vacation, rather, I work back to front. I snag my hard to get reservations towards the end, and then I work forward. I grabbed the fps for the 12th, then looked for some for the 9th, then the 6th, but only after I had gotten everything I wanted. Then I can drop what I don't want. Doesn't matter; my family rebelled and I ended up dropping most of them anyway, but it made me happy. It's about the hunt, lol.
As far as culinary, everyone can have an off day, but we have actually dropped quite a few of our "must do" restaurants because we were disappointed this time around.

That's pretty much my point. The planning timelines are nothing short of silly.
But that has been repeatedly covered in this thread so no need to restate what has already been stated.

MG

 

[Davey Jones II]

A little off topic and may be was mentioned already, but we plan "last minute" because of my husband being in the military. We get the perfect times at 'Ohana every trip, but there's a bit of skill involved. You have the best "luck" at 30 days out, 4 to 5 days out and the night before. Instead of checking a couple weeks out, try checking 4 to 5 days out instead.

Does that apply to FP+, too, or just to ADRs?

 

[momof2n2]

I often see even experienced wdw travelers recommend checking out a guide book from the library! I can only imagine how old those must be.

To be fair, what percentage of the book changes in a year? Until FP+ I think an average visitor would have done fine with a 1-2 year old guide. If they're just weighing out how much is in each park, comparing lodging choices, etc.

 

[ArwenMarie]

At this point, I've given up. If anyone ever asks me for help again, I'm going to make *really* sure they want it before I give my heart and soul to helping them again.

I agree 100%. I actually I am further along than you, I am DONE helping people plan for WDW.

I am involved in a situation right now trying to help someone who decided to go six weeks ahead and somehow it's turning back on me that I am the crazy one.

Nope, never again!

 

[Flight]

Taking a trip this summer to Vancouver, British Columbia.

Have not made advanced dinner reservations because there are plenty of restaurants (lots of restaurants at Disney).

Have not booked times to visit the various attractions in the area (there are certainly lots of attractions at Disney).

So why would a family think that if they wanted a sit down restaurant meal that reservations would have to be made weeks in advance?

Why would a family think that a theme park with many attractions they would have to planned to the minute for arrival so as to get on after a reasonable waiting time?

For decades my family did just that at Disney. We showed up and enjoyed the experience. Yet we heap criticism on those that dare to arrive without extensive planning. No wonder they waited and waited and enjoyed very little. Serves them right!

Baloney!

I blame the process created by those in charge at Disney. I do not blame the poor family that is excited about the wonderful and exciting vacation they are about to have only to run into an experience of unwelcome obstacles and blockades.

I enjoy vacation planning. But I can understand those to do minimal planning based on reasonable expectations.

 

[serenitynow]

I agree 100%. I actually I am further along than you, I am DONE helping people plan for WDW.

I am involved in a situation right now trying to help someone who decided to go six weeks ahead and somehow it's turning back on me that I am the crazy one.

Nope, never again!

I agree with this - now I recommend people seek out the services of an authorized Disney travel planner. I think people listen to the travel agent more than a friend, plus when they fail to heed the advice of the travel agent, they have no one to blame but themselves!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

So why would a family think that if they wanted a sit down restaurant meal that reservations would have to be made weeks in advance?

Why would a family think that a theme park with many attractions they would have to planned to the minute for arrival so as to get on after a reasonable waiting time?

If they do EVEN THE MOST BASIC research they would know this.

SO MANY sources out there these days. Back in the day when there weren't, every guidebook told you these things.

This info is by no means hidden from anyone who takes a few minutes to look.

 

[Flight]

I am DONE helping people plan for WDW.

somehow it's turning back on me that I am the crazy one.

Nope, never again!

I have been asked to help with planning or I offered assistance to those going. That was in the past. Once I started with suggestions, I was looked at as if I was out of my mind. Suggestions were ignored. Post trip reports indicated that less than expected was accomplished.

Now, I suggest to those traveling a bit of looking into prior to the trip. This site is included in those recommendations.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Good to know, I wasn't aware of that! Is that for all restaurants?

Yes!
Very important info, that's why they take your cc number, to guarantee you'll show up...

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

But surely those vacations planned around culinary exploration don't include WDW. Restaurants there can be good, and they can be fun, but none of them are excellent in a culinary sense. It's like planning a beach vacation around Long John Silvers.

Are you comparing all Disney restaurants with LONG JOHN SILVER'S???

 

[MaybeMaybeline]

My boyfriend thinks I'm nuts with all my planning but he'll see when he gets there. He remembers going as a kid in the 90's and none of this craziness was necessary then. My new recommendations when people ask are to start thinking about your trip at least a year ahead of time by picking up a current guidebook and doing some reading and then talk to an authorized vacation planner. I wouldn't even know where to start with giving someone who knew next to nothing advice. If you're going to be a regular visitor it makes sense to start figuring things out and making your own plans but otherwise just pass off the dirty work and enjoy your trip.

 

[Magpie]

I think we have an entirely different view on dining while on vacation. A great many of my vacations are planned around culinary exploration where "good enough" simply isn't. But I admit that not everyone takes the same approach.

In my opinion, the only place in the Magic Kingdom worthy of "culinary exploration" is the Jungle Skipper Canteen. It used to be walk up only, but it seems it's now accepting reservations. However, unless it's gotten super-popular, or you're visiting over a seriously busy period, you should still be able to walk up and get seated. It's got a very comfy waiting area, too.

When I book a breakfast at the BOG, it's not because of the amazing food (it's no better than what you can get at counter service, honestly). It's because it's a pretty place to eat, and we can get a jump on park opening.

Cinderella's Royal Table was underwhelming food-wise, but the princesses were terrific. (I didn't book that one at midnight 180 days out, either... I was actually trying to book BOG on the day it opened and the nice CM suggested I take one of the many, many CRT ressies that people had dumped instead.)

 

[wfjny]

So true! I can't relate to them. No matter where I decide to go on vacation, I research everything before going. Showing up with no plan makes no sense. It's just how some people are wired, I suppose.

There are many people that see the TV ad, and then start planning their trip. It is amazing, but if you ever see their TV ads, they are geared for people that would be making reservations and traveling in the next couple months. Look at the fine print the next time one is on.


So, please do not get me wrong. We have been DVC & AP holders for quite a while. I have easily spent over a year of my 47 year old life on vacation in Orlando, mostly at Disney. IMHO, you have to have a plan to enjoy it.


However, to the causal (or even worldly) traveler, who would think how much planning is needed? With 36 resorts providing over 30,000 rooms, and tens of thousands of more rooms provided off-site by hotels, timeshare, home rentals, etc. who would think getting room would be difficult.


By my count, there are about 285 restaurants on property (everything from a pool bar to an ice cream shop, to the bakery on main street). Who would think that you could not get a reservation at one of the 100 or so sit down restaurants (estimated from the 100 restaurants that accept Tables in wonderland).


So, yes, we plan our trips like they are going out of style. We do everything in our power to lower our wait times (arrive at rope drop, carefully schedule FP+, etc.) We also do everything in our power to save money while there (DVC, AP, TIWL, etc.) We also do what we can on our way in and out. For example, we live 8 hours away by car. Depending on the trip, often we will leave after work/school and drive to about 2 hours outside Disney, then stop for the night, often staying a hotel cheaper than it would be in Orlando, or on points (again less points than Orlando). Depending on our vacation, we may also do a similar return trip, staying in the parks most of the day, and leaving after dinner.


One of my perks at work is sometimes we get a recognition, and one of the things I can get for my recognition are gift cards to Landry Restaurants (Rainforest Café and T-REX). Again, a free meal.


As many people have said, no place else on the planet requires this level of detail. I had a trip to Las Vegas last month that all came up within 2 weeks. My co-workers and I had no issues finding a place to eat, seeing the various sites, etc. And while much had changed in the 10 years since I had last been there, so much was also the same.


Sadly, we have had friends and family that have booked and went to WDW without ever talking to us. Then all we hear is “How can you like it there? One day we only we did 4 rides! Great Adventure is better.” Attempting to explain that planning a trip and arriving on December 27th, then sleeping in each morning and getting to the parks by lunch time, was like talking to a wall.

 

[wfjny]

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.

Well, as an AP, many of our trips are still planned out months in advance. Our annual summer trip is always at DVC, planned well in advance, and we now make the FP+ reservations and ADRs as any other “in the know” family would.


Several quicker long weekend trips are also planned when we can. However, one advantage to have a AP is we have done it all. So, if we are there for a quick weekend, we choose to get any same day fast passes we can, and we will often skip some of the overly crowded lines (like Sorrin or 7DMT). Been there, done that, we can do it again on the next trip.