[MerlinMatt]

I loved reading Dana and Lawwin's discussion on another thread about how to marry a trip planned to the gills with the need to be flexible and relaxed.

I have to say that I go with Dana's approach. As a matter of fact, when DW was at work this weekend, DS, DD and I discussed our December trip and what kinds of options we'd like to do.

We have some days that are "locked in" because of PS's. We're doing Fantasmic on the first full day with a dinner res and we're doing MVMCP on the next day. But after that, even though we have PS's for most dinners and even a couple of breakfasts, we're going to leave things open to chance.

We have no specific plans to visit a water park, but depending on the weather, we'd all like to try BB because we've never gone. I'd also love to try renting a couple of the mini-boats on the Lagoon while we're at the Contemporary, but again, it all depends on the weather.

If we do abandon "the plan," then I do call and cancel PS's and make new ones if possible. So, when we wake up, the day is pretty much planned, but not down to the minute.

So, here's the question: If you're OCD like me an Dana, how do you respond to the need to be flexible? If you're laid back like Lawwin, how do you respond to people who need to be psycho planners?

[MickeyRon]

What is OCD???

I am a Psycho Planner who likes to be flexible... so it works out kinda cool cause I love to have everything planned... but love to go with the flow... so if we need to flow we flow and if we need a plan... WE HAVE IT! :)

[MerlinMatt]

Originally Posted by MickeyRon

What is OCD???

I am a Psycho Planner who likes to be flexible... so it works out kinda cool cause I love to have everything planned... but love to go with the flow... so if we need to flow we flow and if we need a plan... WE HAVE IT! :)

Hi Ron.

OCD = Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

I think almost exactly like that. We use the plan so that if we don't want to think about what to do, we let the plan tell us what to do.

[CaraMia]

I think before ds was born we were more like Dana. We would pretty much plan ahead what we wanted to do, and the time frames which we thought we should do it at. But we also left flexibility to modify as we saw fit. Now that we have ds, we do not plan much at all. We tried to last trip and it was very stressful. We learned our lesson and this trip we decided we will follow ds's cues more (i.e. Cant make a 2 year old eat breakfest if he is cranky, tired, and has it in his head that all he wants is a buzz lightyear lollipop $7.50 at the POR gift shop...it isnt worth the fight to get him to eat. One missed breakfest wont kill 'em and neither will a lollipop at disney world at 8am ...lol)

[MickeyRon]

Originally Posted by CaraMia

I think before ds was born we were more like Dana. We would pretty much plan ahead what we wanted to do, and the time frames which we thought we should do it at. But we also left flexibility to modify as we saw fit. Now that we have ds, we do not plan much at all. We tried to last trip and it was very stressful. We learned our lesson and this trip we decided we will follow ds's cues more (i.e. Cant make a 2 year old eat breakfest if he is cranky, tired, and has it in his head that all he wants is a buzz lightyear lollipop $7.50 at the POR gift shop...it isnt worth the fight to get him to eat. One missed breakfest wont kill 'em and neither will a lollipop at disney world at 8am ...lol)

hmmm I made need to quote those words to my DW this trip... we are taking our DD's 6 & almost 3, but 2 year old!

[roxie]

As you know, my DH is OCD and I am not

He had loosened up somewhat because of 3 things - our kids! He has found it easier to roll with things rather than always "fighting/struggling" with a child. We always know exactly which park we are going to each day, where we are going for lunch and dinner, and a few things during the day (i.e. parades). In between those times we do whatever we want and just flit around the parks and have fun!

Don't they say that marriage if compromise? Works for us!

[llama]

You know, life changes. We started going to WDW in 1992, when my kids were 8 and 9. I was the total obsessive, commando mom. "Get out of bed this instant - you are going to the Magic Kingdom NOW!) yes, I actually said that. But after going every year, and my kids growing up, I've changed completely. I know what I need to pack. As DVC members, I know what to expect at the resorts. Basically, I know where everything is and what we like to see, do and eat. We always plan on trying the new attractions and a new restaurant or two, but I must say that the relaxed, flexible plan is much more enjoyable.

[inluvwithdisney]

I definitely had this last trip planned to a "T" but, we did make some changes because of being tired and differences in what we wanted to do!!!

We ended up canceling Mickey's BBQ and going to DTD to Shop and Go to DQ!! we ended up having a blast and we were so glad we changed our plans!!

[CaraMia]

Originally Posted by llama

"Get out of bed this instant - you are going to the Magic Kingdom NOW!"

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!! That sounds like something I would say!!! But I would have to add "and you WILL behave, no crying!, and you will have a great time!"

[llama]

Originally Posted by CaraMia

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!! That sounds like something I would say!!! But I would have to add "and you WILL behave, no crying!, and you will have a great time!"

Moms! You gotta love us!

[Dana]

Yes, I am plagued with OCD. However, as stated in the thread that matt is referring to, I am flexible once there. Half of my planning compulsion comes from the need to make the trip *feel* closer. I never plan the order of the rides or anything that organized. I usually have the park of the day and one PS planned sometimes two. Now, once down there, I will throw everything out the window and just hang at the resort becasue my DD wants to. I am hardly commando with touring either. I don't run from attraction to attraction or try to plow people over to make a scheduale I think I have to keep. I see what I see and plan to see next time what I miss. No biggie. One thing I am insane...no tow things I am insane about is planning the money and savings and packing. I will not budge on that. One of my biggest fears in WDW is not having enough cash and a emergency comes up. I always take entirely to much money. Packing is another passion (see packing thread) of mine. I am alwasy afraid to forget something and have to have all of the things from home that I use on a daily basis or I feel out of whack and cranky, hense the OCD. I have a morning routine and keep it even on vacation..just call me rain man.

[cahogbin]

As you will see in my TR as I get to it. I had it all planned out. Not to the minute but what park what day and PSs for certain days. But then it got thrown out the window when DH pointed out to me that I was pushing to do something and I was the only one that wanted to do it. So then I started easing up a little and changed some things around and let the kids lead with some guidance from MOM!!

We had a great time. Hope to get a TR posted soon.