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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
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    Girard, Oh.
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    Default Do you plan with a spread sheet and/or a 3 ring binder??

    You would probably assume That by asking the question I do both. And you would be right! Color-coded spreadsheet any three ring binder With all my room reservations dinning reservations with confirmation numbers, phone numbers and payment history. I also added in a list of all the menus for each of the restaurants we will be eating at along with closing times for all the parks extra, magic hours, fireworks and parade schedules.
    Then there's flight and Magical Express info as well.
    Did I leave anything out?

    What's your planning technique?

    Disney World
    Off site - 1980-1983
    CR - 87, BC - 95, YC - 99, BW - 05, GF - 06, BW - 07
    BC - 09 with kids and grandkids
    BC - 10, BC - '11,
    June 2012, family retirement vacation Poly
    Dec. 2013 GF/BC CL
    Sept. 2014. GF. CL. 40th Anniversary.


    It ain't a vacation if you don't go fishin!

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Not close enough!!
    Posts
    4,855
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    Default

    I used to keep a couple spreadsheets with all of this info, but to be honest... I keep everything in my iPhone now. It's even more organized this way. My calendar has all park hours/fireworks/EMH's/Etc along with meals and confirmation numbers.

    And now with the My Disney Experience app... all of my ressie info is there, too.

    With us having the Cloud, everything is also on my DH's phone and our Macbook.

    Oh, how I love technology!!
    NEXT TRIP - DCL Fantasy Oct. 2016
    Yacht Club - Oct. '14, Dec. '15
    Poly - Dec. '07, '09
    Grand Flo - Too many times to keep track!
    CBR - May '10, Oct. '10, Dec. '11
    POR - Sept & Dec '03
    AoA - Oct. '12, Dec. '13
    Pop - May '11

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    York, PA
    Posts
    3,128
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    Default

    I use a rudimentary spreadsheet to plan, which I can transfer to my phone just before I leave for the trip.

    Basically, I track Park Hours (with EMH) and evening fireworks shows, as well as any dining reservations I may have made. I also keep my flight information and resort (with phone number) on it.

    A hard copy of the sheet is left with family members (sister and brother-in-law) so they know where I am and when I am expected home. This gives them anything they need to know to reach me in the case of an emergency.
    -Bud

    Walt Disney World:
    9/03 - CBR
    1/09 - BWV
    9/05; 2/07; 12/07; 9/08; 9/09; 9/10; 9/11; 12/13; 12/17; 4/18; 10/18, 4/23 - PC
    5/15 - POR
    1/22 - ASMO
    10/22 - ASMU

    Disneyland: 12/15 - Paradise Pier Hotel

    Next up: ???

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
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    Girard, Oh.
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by SurferStitch View Post
    I used to keep a couple spreadsheets with all of this info, but to be honest... I keep everything in my iPhone now. It's even more organized this way. My calendar has all park hours/fireworks/EMH's/Etc along with meals and confirmation numbers.

    And now with the My Disney Experience app... all of my ressie info is there, too.

    With us having the Cloud, everything is also on my DH's phone and our Macbook.

    Oh, how I love technology!!
    Actually we do the same but for years we did it the old fashion way and it really is a BIG part of the fun and planning to play around almost daily with our plans and what we want to do!
    And yes technology is amazing, if you can figure it all out and make it work for you!

    And on a side note, I want that paper because the My Disney Experience App got all messed up when we tried to add friends and we lost half our info. Spent hours and several calls to get it all straightened out. That part of Techno can be scary.

    76 Days!

    Disney World
    Off site - 1980-1983
    CR - 87, BC - 95, YC - 99, BW - 05, GF - 06, BW - 07
    BC - 09 with kids and grandkids
    BC - 10, BC - '11,
    June 2012, family retirement vacation Poly
    Dec. 2013 GF/BC CL
    Sept. 2014. GF. CL. 40th Anniversary.


    It ain't a vacation if you don't go fishin!

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Posts
    1,849
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    Default

    Spreadsheet here.

    I like being able to pull it up at work when I'm having a not so great day and day dream a bout vacation. I send it to my phone before we leave.
    "One little spark of inspiration is at the heart of all creation, right at the start of everything thats new, one little spark lights up for you!"


    ºoº


    Mom to our little Prince Everett and Princess Adelaide
    August 2020 Caribbean Beach!
    Not all treasure is silver and gold, mate.

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2001
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    40,874
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    Default

    I just use a simple 4 column table in Word. Columns 1 and 2 are simply Day of the Week and Date. Column 3 holds Park hours, flight and rental car information, and park we plan to visit for the day. Column four holds any specific information needing explanation such as dining plans including time and confirmation numbers, tours etc.
    Linda aka: Faline
    INTERCOT Staff: Vacation Planning,Trip Reports and Disney Camping
    [email protected]

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Ajax, ON (1,325 miles from Disneyworld)
    Posts
    7,471
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    Default

    We're spreadsheet folks for planning ... We typically go for 2 weeks, so it is nice to see it all mapped out in basic visual format. Many many years ago, I did up a little calendar type thing in Excel, and we just keep adding tabs. Each day has the EMH info, where we are staying, and any confirmation numbers for dining. Information regarding flights or car rentals or possible things to do/schedule are in the cells below our calendar. We also put this info into our personal calendars for easy access.
    Jennifer (aka Mickey'sGirl)
    INTERCOT Staff: Guests with Special Needs, Dining and Disney Characters

    Last trip: March 2016 - Fantasy
    Next trip: Aug 2017 - Aulani

    I am a Galactic Hero once more!

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2000
    Location
    Mount Washington, KY, USA
    Posts
    676
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    Default

    3 ring binder here!
    My Disney Homes Away From Home!

    Caribbean Beach Resort - 1996, 2021
    All-Star Movies Resort - 2001
    Port Orleans French Quarter Resort - 2004
    All-Star Sports Resort - 2005, 2018 - 2019
    Disney Wonder - 2005
    Pop Century Resort - 2006, 2017
    Animal Kingdom Villas - 2013
    Coronado Springs Resort - 2019



  10. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Mentor, Ohio
    Posts
    443
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    Default

    Make reservations that are sometimes cancelled, wake up, go to bus stop and get on first bus to wherever. No planning, and have an awesome time!
    Live Life Joyfully!
    [FONT="Arial Narrow"][SIZE="2"]'73 - DL;
    '78, '89 - DW -off property;
    '94, 00, '07 - Dixie Landing; '96 - CBR; '98 - CSR;
    '99 - Disney Cruise;
    '01 - WL Christmas Celebration; '03, '06, '12, '13
    '10 POFQ; '11 POP (2x)

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Chicago Suburbs
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    1,545
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    Default

    Only planning I do is ADRs only because you have to. I don't like my vacations so regimented - we decide each morning when we get up which park we want to go to. Even EMH is on the schedule when you check in.
    23 times since 1993 and still counting

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2001
    Location
    between Jack Daniels and George Dickel
    Posts
    14,804
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    Default

    I am a bit visually impaired so I use a purse sized notebook with all info written so I can see it... I just can't see regular spreadsheets!
    first visIt: November 1973
    last visit: December, 2012
    next planned visit: October, 2013 with friends
    resident Fairy Godmother


    hearts are warmed when friends meet


    see ya real soon


    ~*~*~*disneydeb*~*~*~

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    south fl
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    1,549
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    Default

    No.
    Mar'14 DCL..Nov '13 POP..Jan '13 CBR..Mar'12 Swan/Dolphin..Nov '11 Universal/legoland, one night @ WDW..Oct '10 POP..April '09 Swan/Dolphin..Jan '09 AKL..Apr'08 offsite..Jan/Feb '08 offsite..Dec '08 HiltonHeadResort..Oct '07 Pop.. July '07 VB..May '07 DCL.Oct '06 FtWcabins.May '06 POP.Jan '06 POFQ

  14. #13
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Pittsburgh, PA
    Posts
    6,402
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    Default

    Planning is part of the fun!

    I use spreadsheets to compare resort prices, airline prices, and park hours then gradually those become a single spreadsheet that has all of our actual reservations in one location. Eventually, all of that info gets placed into my iPhone.

    I have done the binder thing before all of this was possible electronically and through my phone. I did recently use a small binder (just the paper folder kind) when planning a trip for a group of parents of some of our high school band kids this past April.
    Kathy ºoº

    LET'S GO BUCS!

    Next trip - June '14

    Past trips:
    6/13, 4/13, 7/12, 7/11, 1/11, 8/10, 7/09, 3/09, 8/08, 8/07, 12/06, 9/05, 7/03, 7/98, 5/96, 8/93, '70's X 2

  15. #14
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Bushkill, PA
    Posts
    330
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    Talking

    Quote Originally Posted by spoiledraf View Post
    You would probably assume That by asking the question I do both. And you would be right! Color-coded spreadsheet any three ring binder With all my room reservations dinning reservations with confirmation numbers, phone numbers and payment history. I also added in a list of all the menus for each of the restaurants we will be eating at along with closing times for all the parks extra, magic hours, fireworks and parade schedules.
    Then there's flight and Magical Express info as well.
    Did I leave anything out?

    What's your planning technique?
    Wow I not the only insane one. I make a cool cover and a small book.
    1977 FW, 1990 CBBR, 2000 POR,
    2006 ASM, 2007 ASM, 2008 GF
    2009 POP, 2010 ASM, 2010 POP
    2012 POP

    POP AGAIN! 2013

  16. #15
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    South Jersey
    Posts
    1,472
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    Default

    I do a spreadsheet during planning for easy & quick view of the trip. But then I add everything into my smart phones calendar for the actual trip. It's helpful when you loose track of time to have an alarm go off 30 mins before an ADR so you don't forget.
    ºoº Joe ºoº
    -----------------------------------------------------
    Dolphin - May '99
    Pop - July '04
    ASMu - Sept '05
    Pop - Sept '06
    Pop - Sept '07
    Pop - Sept '08
    Pop - Sept '09
    Pop - Sept '10 HONEYMOON
    Pop - Sept '11
    Pop - Nov '12
    Pop NYE '13/'14
    NEXT TRIP - Pop - Nov 9th-16th '14

  17. #16
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    North Carolina - 584 Miles from DISNEY
    Posts
    1,361
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    Cool To Spread or Bind?

    We use our Excel Spread Sheet as a Starting Point which is ALWAYS Magic Kingdom.
    Our sheet starts with the day we leave for The World. Dates run across the top, Parks run down left side. When Park Hours, Event Times, EMH, Firework and Parade Times come out for OUR VACATION MONTH, they are inserted for each PARK.
    Now I know what nights have Mnsshp and know it's a short MK day and since MSEP and Fantasmic are only on certain nights, we do not miss out on seeing both. Knowing which PARK has Morning & Evening EMH, we know which PARK to avoid or visit on a particular day. MNSSHP nights let's us know that it's a Park Hopper Day!
    The ONLY day for sure is the FIRST DAY, after that we're open with the help of our Spread Sheet.
    This plan takes place in ONLY 15 Days!
    1972- FW 1st WDW trip/Dad
    73-79 WDW Cast(Water Craft)
    1980 - 2005 - FW,ASM, PO,Poly
    Sept 28-Oct 6, 2007 - DW 50th
    Sept 6-19, 2009 ASM Calypso 25th Annv.
    Sept 23-Oct 1, 2011. Calypso w/Dash, his 1st Disney Trip
    Dec 9-19, 2012Christmas
    Oct 2-14, 2013 ASM
    Sep13-24. 30th Anniv. Sports

  18. #17
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    McHenry, MS-594 miles from the World
    Posts
    6,950
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by faline View Post
    I just use a simple 4 column table in Word. Columns 1 and 2 are simply Day of the Week and Date. Column 3 holds Park hours, flight and rental car information, and park we plan to visit for the day. Column four holds any specific information needing explanation such as dining plans including time and confirmation numbers, tours etc.
    This is basically what we do to, just a word document with the dates and times for the park we are visiting that along with confirmation numbers.


    Dec.11-18, 2021 Port Orleans Riverside
    Jan. 25-Feb. 1, 2017, Port Orleans Riverside
    Oct. 29-Nov.4, 2014-Yacht Club
    Dec. 17-23 2011-Wilderness Lodge
    Dec. 20-30, 2008-Pop Century
    Dec. 25,2005-Jan.1, 2006-Coronado Springs
    Jan. 1-7, 2003-All Star Movies

  19. #18
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Wauwatosa, WI.
    Posts
    332
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    Of COURSE!! I did have to LOL at this..but I always have and always will. I include a planned budgeted amount for each day on the spreadsheet too. Times for the parks and EMH so we know if we change it up, what parks to avoid.

    I keep the Disney Ressie # on my phone so I can call and change dinner ressies at a moments notice.

    The spreadsheet and binder is more useful in the planning stages and gets us all excited to see a visual representation of the upcoming trip. When we get to the room, the spreadsheet is kept on the table so we can all be excited about the plans for the next day.
    2016 May AULANI, 2015, Oct F&W Poly
    2015 May SSR, 2014 BCV 2013 Oct-F&WF POR,2013 May-BLT,
    2012 AKL-Kidani/SSR,2011 BLT/OKW,2010 POR,2009 POR,
    2008 CBR,2005 POR/AKL,2003 CBR,2001 POR/AKL,2000 OffSite

  20. #19
    Join Date
    Apr 1999
    Location
    Sunman, Indiana, USA
    Posts
    3,056
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    Default

    I use to use a spreadsheet for the budget, and Intercot's Vacation Planner. Now with Disney's new app, I only use a spreadsheet for the budget.
    First Trip ¨¨*:•
    Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground - June, 1974

    Last Trip ¨¨*:•
    Port Orleans/Saratoga Springs - March, 2017

    Next Trip ¨¨*:•
    Bay Lake Tower - March, 2018

    And about 40 more in between....

  21. #20
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Seattle, WA
    Posts
    1,755
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    Default

    Guilty! Color-coded sheet with all AP trips for this year. ADRs and/or dining ideas, nap/pool time mid-day, real numbers or estimates for expenses - Disney Visa rewards, ADR and tour res #s, park hours, how to get where (bus, boat, monorail, cab, etc.) Calendar reminders for making all reservations. Packing list. Tips for ME, bell services, etc. (No tips for most dining - TIW) Fireworks/ parade times. Separate sheet for all air travel to get me to frequent flier status. I ultimately reduce the color coded part with just the park schedule into a single fold wallet size paper, but I don't laminate it; THAT would be crazy!
    Past Visits:
    1984 & 85 Off Site
    1999 CBR
    2003 BW/GF
    2009 WL
    2011 Poly
    2013 YC, WL, CR (good year!)
    2014 AKL
    2015 GF, CS , Poly, SSR
    2016 YC, Universal Portofino, GF, Waldorf


    "Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must live." - Bukowski

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