I'm with you- planning is a huge part of the fun. During the time before we go, I like to look for new places to eat or things to see. We found the Sanaa that way- I was just checking out what other resorts had and it looked interesting- now it is one of our favorites and we love the bread sampler. Just before our trip in April, I read on the Disney blog about Trader Sam's Grotto opening at the Poly, so we stopped by to check it out. I also like to read up on history of the parks and Disney magic- I like to amaze my husband with trivia as we relax on the TTA or stand in line at the Haunted House. When the boys were younger, we spent one trip focused on finding hidden Mickeys that we'd researched and read about before leaving home.
If you have an extra day or evening that isn't spent at a park, you might want to plan on exploring. We had visited many times, but never ventured further than the hotels on the monorail loop or DTD until the past few years. (We always stay at Shades of Green) Then, we started going to the different resorts to look at the decor and that's been a lot of fun, especially when they are decorated for Fall and Christmas. Looking at a map of WDW a few years ago, I found that there's a boat that runs from Hollywood Studios to Epcot- had no idea before. That led us to exploring the resorts in that area. There's always something new to find.
In the months before we leave, my husband and I like to talk about our plans for the trip and about the parks. I read several blogs, so we talk about refurbishments, new construction, changes to rides, news, etc. We like to discuss what we'd like to see changed or added (a Star Wars land!) and speculate about what's to come. Sometimes, we like to listen to Disney park music- coming home from the Cub Scout swim activity tonight, we listened to the Space Mt tunnel music and the Pinocchio Village Haus loop on Youtube via my phone and car aux plug. (We also listened to The Fall Out Boys, so we do have a life other than Disney- it's just not as fun!)
For paperwork in the months leading up to the trip, I put printed copies of all receipts in an envelope- it goes in my carry on. I also make a calendar of our days there on a sheet of paper and plan our days on it, noting all the park hours and EMHs. Then, I decide which park(s) we will visit on which days. ADRs come next with FFPs. I also note all conf #s on this paper- and I take a pic of it with my phone in case it is left at home. As I read and plan, I make notes about new stuff to check out or see at the resorts or parks so I won't forget- like the boat, or the Grotto, etc.
And, I mark the wall calendar, counting down the weeks before we leave, changing to days about 2 months out. All in all, great fun, much anticipation!
