When do you start planning?

[goofygonewild]

We are going to DW late May of 2012 and have been planning what I can for the past 4 months. I am starting to think I'm a little obscessed with planning/researching and that I should just wait until the new rates are announced sometime around August, then start planning.

Then I think, planning is part of the fun/magic of DW and keep right on going. I even have a folder I started of tips (most of which I got off here) and things to remember when we do go, to refer to as the time nears. One such planning tip is to take a shiney new roll of pennies with the year on them that we go (2012) and plenty of quarters for penny press machines.

Just curious when others start planning and some of the things you do to prepare.

[Dragongirlx]

For me I usually start planning the minute I get back from my last holiday. I am not going back till September 2012 and I already have a list of provisional restaurants where I want to eat and plans of what I want to do. Plus I love keeping up to date with everything that is happening in WDW now even though I can't be there.

[cer]

Yeah, um, I don't ever really stop planning.

I am always thinking about the next trip, restaurants I want to make sure to try, reading other people's experiences, saving for the next trip, seeing what Disney is doing in the parks... The list goes on an on.

But, official planning really starts the moment we settle on the dates or get plane tickets - or even when Disney releases park hours. I think maybe when Disney releases park hours is probably the main trigger. That is what helps me determine what park on what day and then I choose dining around that...

But as far as enjoying planning for Disney even when a trip is far out, that is pretty much a daily thing.

[wdwaggie]

Your here posting and getting replies, so you aren't alone! Rejoice and enjoy! I am going in Sept for my 40th Birthday and I haven't been since 2006, but I've been secretly planning ever since! Mostly just tuning in here ever so often to keep up to date. Booking early can't hurt you, if a better deal comes along, just call in and have them apply the discount code. I just did this Monday and shaved another $300 off our trip.

[magicofdisney]

I never stop planning. Seriously, I'm a FL resident with a pass and I've always got something in the works.

I took a hiatus once, when I got pregnant with my last child. I think all it did was make the desire stronger. Even when the kids are up and out, I'll still have the passion.

[Jillirose]

The week after I get back, I start dreaming! Serious planning can occur about 6 months out, if I know we have some $$ available for a vacation.

[akaDisneyDreamer]

I'm in the same boat! We are also planning on going May 2012 and I want to make solid plans! We have worked out where we want to stay, have a list of new things to do that we've missed on previous trips, new places to eat and of course the things we must do again! We have tentatively 369 days until our trip! Can't wait!

[NJGIRL]

I start planning a year in advance. I like to book our plane tickets right away because it seems that's when they are the cheapest. I also like to book my timeshare that early so we get one of the resorts that are close to Disney.

[mook3y]

We typically plan vacations at least 2 years out. We are currently deciding if we should go ahead and purchase season passes this September with the intentions of getting a room only discount in the spring sometime.

[DisneyDINK]

After a trip I usually do a bit of a Disney detox. The experience stays fresh in my mind for about 2 weeks. After about 3 or 4 months I start thinking about my next trip. My last trip was in January so I'm getting the bug right now. I'm trying to go every other year. The serious planning for me happens about 9 months out when I make a reservation, book the air fare and break out my spreadsheet for park days and ADRs.

[MississippiDisneyFreak]

For me I usually start planning the minute I get back from my last holiday. I am not going back till September 2012 and I already have a list of provisional restaurants where I want to eat and plans of what I want to do. Plus I love keeping up to date with everything that is happening in WDW now even though I can't be there.

[mgmnut]

We usually start our serious planning (book flights, book room, etc.) 6 - 9 months out. That's also when planning time becomes part of the daily routine.


73 Days to go!!

[disney_daddy]

I plan all the time, like you said it's alot of fun, but, I start my real planning just before the 180 day mark for the Disney Dining Plan. Around then I start looking at the different resteraunts and also start checking the airline prices. But as far as the deals I would highly recommend you calling Magical Journeys and have them plan your vacation.They'll keep track of the different deals for you and keep in very close contact with you.

[kgoulash]

as soon as i can put enough money together i start planning! we're not going until late sept of 2012 and i've already been planning for months!

[TiggerDeb]

I start planning as soon as we get back from our last visit. Last year we went on a cruise and while on board, I was planning the next trip to DW. 124 days to go and we will be in our favorite place.

To plan, I start with a box and put things in it as I go, I have also made a sign for the window of our resort and also made one with my grandsons as they will be joining us on this venture.

It is never too early to plan a trip to the Magical place...

[catkrazy]

I am a bit obsessive, I would start planning as soon as I knew I was going.

[Mitzie]

For DH and I planning Disney vacations is a hobby. We talk about it often...what we did on the last trip, what we still want to see or do and where to stay. In our heads we have 3 trips in the next two years planned...one is booked for this Oct. already(adult only trip!!) I am often asked for help in planning others trips and it just is part of my 'hobby'. A hobby is defined as "a pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in for relaxation"...yeah, planning Disney trips fits that defintion for us.

[brivers222]

I started planning my December 2011 honeymoon... upon driving home from my Oct 2010 engagement visit... never to early to plan.

[BraddyB]

I started planning my December 2011 honeymoon... upon driving home from my Oct 2010 engagement visit... never to early to plan.

We aren't going until October 2012, but I already have lists of where I want to eat, what I missed last time, and what I can miss this time.

[Dulcee]

Next trip will be our honeymoon Dec 2012...and I'm already planning I think I enjoy planning that more then the wedding