Merry Christmas (pre-trip)

[Disney Hungarian]

Cast:

Me: Middle aged man.
DM: 65
6 nights 5 days at the AS-sp
Dec. 11-17

I was just at WDW in September. It was my third trip taking my mother. A little while before that trip, but after the 45 day mark, mom asked me to take her back to see the Christmas lights. I told her I already had the September trip booked. Well it was like talking to a brick wall. So I came to INTERCOT and did some research. I looked into upgrading my tickets to AP to make the December trip affordable. Thank you to all who post in this happy forum.

Recently, I had begun dreading this trip. I didn't know why. I sat and thought about it. My Disney trips have became stressful. So, I had to find a solution. I do not want to dread taking mom to WDW. She is so happy there. I have a lifetime of memories with her. And I cherish the memories of the past trips most of all.

My solution was to not plan anything. No ADRs no nothing. I do not live on a schedule when I am not at Disney, why should I do it there? On the drive down to WDW in 9 days, I will discuss Disney with her. I will find out what is important to her. I will try to make sure those things get accomplished. Other than that, I will just let Disney happen. It is like a huge weight has been lifted off of me. I am now looking forward to and getting excited about going again.

I know this site is all about planning. But, if anyone has any advice about how to do it without planning I would be happy to hear it.

[faline]

There was a time when we all went to Disney without advanced dining reservations. We may have reserved things like dinner at Hoop de Doo but not really much else. Dining reservations were made same day or you walked up to the podium when you were hungry. (In those days, I don't ever recall having been turned away at any place I wanted to dine!)

Enjoy your "unplanned" trip! I'm sure all will go well!

[Melanie]

Sean, I think you and your mom will have a grand time, plans or not, and I truly doubt you will go hungry. Enjoy the holidays at WDW.

[vizsla]

Have a great time and a safe trip.

[MinnieMommie]

This sounds like a relaxed trip. Whatever takes the pressure off sounds good to me. Some people are micro planners and some are ultra laid back with plans. All is good we just have to go with what works for us. As long as you manage to get in some of the things both you and your mom look forward to your strategy should work.

Some counter service venues offer delicious food with lots of choices like Sunshine Seasons. Columbia Harbor House is now offering Salmon and fried shrimp entrees which i plan to try on my December trip (we are missing you by one day). You can get great food at many of the resorts without reservations. For some of the more formal venues often you can get in without a reservation for breakfast or lunch. I will send you a pm with some walk in options.

[MississippiDisneyFreak]

Congratulations on your trip. I have no advice on the unplanned trip as I am a obsessive planner

[CanadianWDWFan]

I hope you have a great time on your "unplanned" trip.

On our last trip in August, we only made 4 must do ADRs for a two week stay. We were successful in getting some pretty choice TS meals. What we did was try to eat at "off" times and avoid the peak times. For us it worked. Sure we had to be pretty flexible but all-in-all it worked for us. We decided that this is what we would do for all our future trips.

[Donald]

I have used the (407)WDW-DINE and the m.disneywold.com websiete to make "that minute" reservations. It has been very helpful, especially since the family was hungry!

[Disney Hungarian]

Thanks everyone!

One week from today, we will be driving out to WDW. Normally I would have the suitcases packed by now. Not this time. I will wait till next Saturday to do it. I am not used to this. I am usually a uber planner. It is kind of fun procrastinating with an excuse.

I talked with mom about my non-planning plans. She said she would be happy sitting in a crowd doing nothing as long as she was at Disney. Then she said, "we are going to eat at Kohuna's (her name for O'hanas) again, right?" Oh well, I hope some Disney Magic happens when I walk up to their podium and ask if we can be squeezed in.

[Jennifer_and_Chris]

As far as ADR's go, the past few trips, we only make 2 - 3 reservations. Everything else is eat as we go.

Good for you for not planning.

I personally couldn't handle not knowing where I was going. That would make me more stressed out I think.

The only thing I would say is if Ohana is your only must do, then I'd at least plan that 1 ADR. At least it's not a park restaruant where a bit more planning goes into it.

Have fun. I'd love to sit and watch everyone. You're mom summed it up... As long as your in Disney, who cares what you do?

[disney obsessed]

My idea of uber planning is to know which park I will go to on which day and maybe a reservation for Chef Micheys if the kids are along.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

[Disney Hungarian]

I was able to get an ADR for 'Ohana. It is a late ADR, but we should be able to watch the MVMCP fireworks during dinner. We enjoyed watching the MNNSHP during dinner back in September.

I haven't told Mom yet. She probably doesn't even remember asking me to take her there. I feel it will be a nice surprise for here.

[KylesMom]

Sean, I think you had the absolute correct solution to just "go" with it this time around. Don't start stressing now, my friend! You both had such a wonderful time the last trip, and I know you will again now. Show mom Disney in all its holiday glory~how can you go wrong?! Be safe driving, and let the pixie dust carry you the rest of the way!