[ssn]

Thanks to Dana's recommendation on another thread , I purchased the 2007 Unofficial Guide. It's been a really fun read so far. One thing that struck me as a bit funny though is their extreme emphasis on following a touring plan and sticking to it. Now don't get me wrong, I feel that I am a bit obsessive with planning my Disney trips. I already have my spreadsheet made listing which parks and restaurants (even CS's) we are going to broken down by morning, afternoon and evening for our April trip. But, beyond that, while we are in each park I don't go so far as saying which ride or show we are going to and when.

What I was wondering is - do you following touring plans? Some of these touring plans have you crisscrossing the parks. Skipping attractions that are right next to you to run across the park and do another so you may not have to wait in line as long. It seems to take some of the fun out of it.

What do you all think?

[lovemysons]

Personally, I have never been able to follow a touring plan. We try to map out our own plan, and follow that, to minimize the criss-crossing.

[chris24]

me either. i like mapping my own plan out.

[Boss Mouse]

I follow the advice of Barbossa in regards to the touring plans:

"The code [plans] is more what you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules."

[dznylvr]

I, too, have read the touring plans book, and I do use alot of the information as a loose guideline, but I certainly don't follow it by the book. We like to be more spontaneous, and split our group up according to age and interests. We do usually plan on a park for each day, but once inside, we do whatever we feel like at the time!!

[Cavey]

Okay, in 2001 we arrived at WDW with touring plans in hand. For an entire week, we NEVER stood in a line. I remember at one point in our day at Epcot that I'd like to go back and ride TT again. When we went back, the line was 2 hours long (We had ridden it twice in the morning with 0 wait time.).

4 trips later, the touring plans are now more like "guides" for me. However, I have a touring plan on me at all times in anticipation of crowds. And I would suggest any new-comer use the plans. I'm telling you, in the last 4 trips, I have ridden everything I wanted to get in during a day, and I have only stood in 1 or 2 lines (DS loves that stooooopid Indy Speedway, which is always a long line. )

BTW, there is also a feature in the UG that tells you what TIMES attractions are best visited.

[mandapanda74000]

i too have the unofficial guide and read through it, but following the guidlines seems a bit too much for me. i wouldn't want to have the criss-cross all over the park and abssess ovedr whether or not i am headed to the correct ride at this time. i like to do things in order, by the lands. i like to start in adventureland and work my way all the way around to tomorrowland. i like to do everything that i want to do while in one certain land, and then move on the the next. helps me to really soak in the atmosphere of the individual land and really enjoy it.

i much prefer this over being yanked from playing cowboys and indians one minute and running alllllllllllllllllll the way across the park to fly with astronauts the next. my brain just doesn't work that way!

[Dopey]

That would be too regimented for me. I like to make sure that I don't repeat things, or head where I have already been, but really, following the plan to the 't' is a bit much for me. Some adventure has to still be in there somewhere

[Andrea]

I was there during a pretty low period, so we went with Touring Plans in hand, but used them as a loose guideline, adjusting for a few personal preferences and excessive use of Fastpass.

If I were going when it's busy, I think I'd follow them to the letter.

[mickaholic4077]

If it isn't a crowded time of year,there really is no need for the plans.

[BonnieBluEyes]

Originally Posted by Boss Mouse

I follow the advice of Barbossa in regards to the touring plans:

"The code [plans] is more what you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules."

Lol! So true. As early as we get to the parks in the morning, there usually is no need for strict touring plans. We just do what we feel like and take advantage of those FP's. Some people like to do the parks commando-style, but IMO, expierience is a better thing to have than a tight agenda.