In over my head?

DisneyDreamerK

DisneyDreamerK

Member
So....I was chosen to be the main planner for my families upcoming Grand Gathering.

Between the research, hours on the phone with Disney people, family members making sure they get what they want, and the actual park hours for my dates not showing up until like today...it was actually all pretty fun.

This is what I have so far. All tips would be appreciated! I just kinda winged it since there were no dates.

iCal_%E2%80%94_Week_%E2%80%94_11_29_08_to_12_6_08-20080604-080403.jpg
 
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imamouse

imamouse

Well-Known Member
Wow! This looks like a fun-filled trip for a lot of folks. Kudos to you for organizing everything.

The only thing that jumped out at me was dinner at LTT during MVMCP. Personally, I wouldn't waste party time doing table-service dining. Either do counter-service or eat at your resort before arriving and grab a snack if anyone gets peckish. Enjoy :wave:.
 
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RiversideBunny

RiversideBunny

New Member
We found that it was also handy to put the schedule of EMH/park hours somewhere on the spread sheet - like on a row at the bottom or top.
You get a brochure with those on it when you check in but it was nice to also have everything on one sheet.

Good luck.
:)
 
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coltow

coltow

Well-Known Member
I too have enjoyed the palnning for our GG. My schedule is not as detailed as yours. My spreadsheet lists a morning park, resort break, and evening park for each day. I also have all our dinners and confirmation #'s. and lastly I have listed all the EMHs some we plan to use and some we don't but have them all listed in case we change plans.

I agree that you are wasting valuable party time having dinner at 8pm.
 
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TheJonesys

TheJonesys

Active Member
Its really nice to see other organised people, I've planned park dates, booked ADRs and booked the MNSSHP for October and my family all think I'm nuts!!! I'm going to show your spreadsheet to my DH and tell him I want one...hope you have a great time.
 
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fauna

fauna

Active Member
Well done! :) I can only imagine what a job it is to organize a GG - planning a trip just for my family of four takes over my life!

For keeping organized during the trip, I like to break down my schedule into days and print it out in a 4 x 6 format. I then put them in a soft bound 4 x 6 pocket style photo album (mine was I think $1.99 from target.) I slide any and all pertinent Times Guides into the remaining empty pockets. It was small enough to fit right into my small backpack. My family called it "The Book" and it was so helpful to have all the information at my fingertips.

WDW brings out my OCD.
 
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CBug88

CBug88

Member
Kudos on the organization! My dad creates a spread sheet every trip we take to Disney consisting of check in/out, parks, meals (complete w/ confirmation #'s), and EMH. It is our "Master List" of the trip. Of course each year has its own special theme too. :D 84 days and counting till I see the mouse!:ROFLOL:
 
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DisneyDreamerK

DisneyDreamerK

Member
Original Poster
RiversideBunny said:
We found that it was also handy to put the schedule of EMH/park hours somewhere on the spread sheet - like on a row at the bottom or top.
You get a brochure with those on it when you check in but it was nice to also have everything on one sheet.

Good luck.
:)
Click to expand...

Ty! I just fixed it so when I print out detailed itineraries for everyone, it will list all the hours.

cdunbar said:
I was too K & K, I was like wow, I so want that program. From the font's I'm thinking it's a MAC program...
Click to expand...

Yes it is a mac program! It is iCal. It comes with the computer!

Thanks for the heads up about Liberty Tree. That was the only spot available for a party of 11. I'm going to call every once and awhile to see if something earlier opens up. If not, I'll just cancel.

Now for this view, I don't have the details showing because I don't want to post all my confirmation numbers on the internet, but in the details I have:

Hours of each park
EMH
Time of parades and fireworks
Confirmation numbers
And who the event is booked under

Thanks for all the tips guys! Here's the updated version...
My Brother is Nov 28 - Dec 1st
My Sister is Nov 29 - Dec 6st
I am Nov 30th - Dec 5th
My parents are Nov 30th - Dec 4th

I am going to print and laminate detailed customized versions for all my family members...

iCal_%E2%80%94_Week_%E2%80%94_11_29_08_to_12_5_08-20080604-194819.jpg
 
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maleficent87

maleficent87

New Member
I planned a GG a few years back & it was the most fun I had.....the planning stages! Everyone got a copy of the schedule & they never had a question when things were happening. The only detail I had added on the schedule were Mickey icons to make it more festive. :) As a reward for such a great trip my husband bought a Magical Gatherings shirt from WDW for me & had "coordinator" embroidered on it. Hope you have a great time & everything runs smooth.
 
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DisneyDreamerK

DisneyDreamerK

Member
Original Poster
maleficent87 said:
I planned a GG a few years back & it was the most fun I had.....the planning stages! Everyone got a copy of the schedule & they never had a question when things were happening. The only detail I had added on the schedule were Mickey icons to make it more festive. :) As a reward for such a great trip my husband bought a Magical Gatherings shirt from WDW for me & had "coordinator" embroidered on it. Hope you have a great time & everything runs smooth.
Click to expand...

OMG where did he get it?
 
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Dwarful

Dwarful

Well-Known Member
Looks great! GG are so much fun! We have done 4 so far. Have a great time! We did all picked 1 color on one day to wear and did photos that turned out great.
 
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M

MickeyspalJim

New Member
These gatherings are lots of fun to plan for! At least for Me it was. We have had 2 of them and they went smoothly both times. We use a spreadsheet even for just the 2 of Us, just to keep all our numbers and times in one place. :eek: Unless You are going with a party that wants to split up alot, or has different arrival or departure times, it is not really that difficult. Our group just said, You plan it, and We will follow You. It worked like a charm.:)
 
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S

scarpiapiano

New Member
The format looks to much like my schedule at work. It's wierd visualizing something I love - like a Disney Vacation, appearing to like something I hate - like my job. I'm sorry but you're FREEKING ME OUT MAN!! :eek:
 
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