Trip Report Trip Report Writing Tips!

(Please move to the appropriate forum if needed - I had no idea where it should go!)

Hi all!

I am visiting WDW in July (for the first time in 10 years!) and am definitely considering writing a trip report! I have read lots on here and they have provided so many tips, excitement and enjoyment!

Alas, I'd love to ask members for some general tips on how they approach trip reports as I've never written anything like one before. Do you take notes? Or attempt it from memory/photos? If you take notes, do you write them on the go at the parks or during the evenings? Or at different times? How soon after getting back do you attempt writing it and how long (generally) did it/does it take you?

Also, has anyone ever found that the act of heavily documenting their trip/taking a trip with the intention of writing about it afterwards has actually taken away from the experience of just being there in the moment? Or does it make the experience even better overall?

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks!

Stevie (new member - hi!)

 

[UnhealthilyObsessed]

My advice: take your vacation and enjoy it! Don't give trip reporting a second thought. Or a first one, for that matter.

When you're home and spiraling into a post-Disney depression, that's when to type up a report. The memories will come. And if you can't remember something, it probably wasn't worth writing about anyway, much less reading about.

Have an amazing time!

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

My last one I seem to remember writing down a few notes from that days activities once in bed and waiting for sleep to take over

 

[TheMouseFan]

I always carry a notebook with me and jot a few notes when we are waiting for one of the kids to come out of the restroom, or our food to come to the table, or waiting in line for the bus, or right before bed, etc. I then use my photos to fill in the spaces that I didn't take notes on. I certainly don't approach our trips differently knowing I intend to write a trip report. My family always yells at me for all of the pics I have to stop and take!! (It doesn't matter if we are at Disney or somewhere else, they always complain!! Just go and have fun, and when you feel ready once you get home, write up the report. People will be pleased to read whatever you write. Most people prefer to have plenty of pics to look at! Have a great trip!!

 

[Weather_Lady]

Alas, I'd love to ask members for some general tips on how they approach trip reports as I've never written anything like one before. Do you take notes? Or attempt it from memory/photos? If you take notes, do you write them on the go at the parks or during the evenings? Or at different times? How soon after getting back do you attempt writing it and how long (generally) did it/does it take you?

Also, has anyone ever found that the act of heavily documenting their trip/taking a trip with the intention of writing about it afterwards has actually taken away from the experience of just being there in the moment? Or does it make the experience even better overall?

Welcome, Stevie! I like to make photo books of our trips when we get back, so my purpose in keeping track of what we did is two-fold -- for the trip report here, and for the book.

I always make pre-printed 4x6 "touring plan" cards before we leave (one for each day), that records our ADRs, FP+ and planned attraction touring order for the day. I keep them right in the little crossbody purse that is my "park bag," for quick reference. At the end of the night, back in the hotel room, I take a minute or two to look back over the touring plan, and note any changes (additional or swapped attractions, anything special or unexpected that happened, restaurants we especially enjoyed, etc.) while they're still fresh in my mind. It takes just a couple of minutes, and allows me to go back and mentally relive all that we did that day.

Once we get back home, sometime within the first 2-3 days, I use the touring plan cards, along with a review of the photos I took, to draft a quick trip report on my computer (one post for each day of the trip). Instead of simply reciting what we did, e.g., "We went to Pirates. Then we went to the Tiki Room," I try to just focus on new or interesting experiences and impressions -- things others might find interesting or that I don't want to forget (e.g, "We toured Adventureland, savored some cold Dole Whips as the heat climbed to 90 degrees, chatted with the friendly Kenyan family who stood behind us in line, and were pleasantly surprised when the kids declared 'The Enchanted Tiki Room' their favorite attraction of the day.") Having it on my computer means I can go back and look at it again for assistance in planning future trips. Also, I can edit it at my leisure, and then post it, along with photos, on this site when I'm ready. I don't like the "pressure" of trying to type everything into a forum post "window," with the risk that my computer might reboot an update, or my kids might strike a key, before I'm finished, meaning I'd lose my work.

 

[FlaggNL]

Just go with the flow and let the pictures speak for itsself afterwards

 

[fractal]

I took plenty of photos and at the end of the day I would jot down some notes. Between the pictures and the notes it's amazing how much you can remember. I think a good trip report has to include some unique, funny moments that
you experience. It has to be more than; " We went to MK, then we went on Peter Pan, then after that we went on IASW, then after that, etc.". Readers want to feel like they are with you on the trip and experience the moments that happen.

Honesty is also important - don't sugar coat everything. Every trip has highlights and lowlights. It's more interesting to read about both.
Good pictures help make a good story - even if you don't have a top of the line camera, with a little effort and and knowledge you can take nice pics with a smart phone. Don't be shy with the camera but learn the basics.
Most importantly - don't get stressed out about the Trip Report to the point it interferes with you having a great time!

 

[Zipadeelady]

I also love reading and writing the reports. I never take notes. I take lots of pictures and when I get home and get ready to write my report all of the pictures are in chronological order and the memories flood back. Hope you have a great trip and can't wait to read your report!!

 

[Disney-leaf]

And if you can't remember something, it probably wasn't worth writing about anyway, much less reading about.

That's such a great tip! Hopefully it will stop me stressing about all the little details that I invariably won't remember!

My last one I seem to remember writing down a few notes from that days activities once in bed and waiting for sleep to take over

Thanks! I think that would be when I most likely jot a few things down - although I do tend to crash as soon as my head hits the pillow!

I always carry a notebook with me and jot a few notes when we are waiting for one of the kids to come out of the restroom, or our food to come to the table, or waiting in line for the bus, or right before bed, etc. I then use my photos to fill in the spaces that I didn't take notes on. I certainly don't approach our trips differently knowing I intend to write a trip report. My family always yells at me for all of the pics I have to stop and take!! (It doesn't matter if we are at Disney or somewhere else, they always complain!! Just go and have fun, and when you feel ready once you get home, write up the report. People will be pleased to read whatever you write. Most people prefer to have plenty of pics to look at! Have a great trip!!

Really glad to hear that you don't approach the trips any differently - I don't want to drive the others mad by constantly writing things down! I'm quite a keen photographer anyway so there will be plenty of photos

Welcome, Stevie! I like to make photo books of our trips when we get back, so my purpose in keeping track of what we did is two-fold -- for the trip report here, and for the book.

I always make pre-printed 4x6 "touring plan" cards before we leave (one for each day), that records our ADRs, FP+ and planned attraction touring order for the day. I keep them right in the little crossbody purse that is my "park bag," for quick reference. At the end of the night, back in the hotel room, I take a minute or two to look back over the touring plan, and note any changes (additional or swapped attractions, anything special or unexpected that happened, restaurants we especially enjoyed, etc.) while they're still fresh in my mind. It takes just a couple of minutes, and allows me to go back and mentally relive all that we did that day.

Once we get back home, sometime within the first 2-3 days, I use the touring plan cards, along with a review of the photos I took, to draft a quick trip report on my computer (one post for each day of the trip). Instead of simply reciting what we did, e.g., "We went to Pirates. Then we went to the Tiki Room," I try to just focus on new or interesting experiences and impressions -- things others might find interesting or that I don't want to forget (e.g, "We toured Adventureland, savored some cold Dole Whips as the heat climbed to 90 degrees, chatted with the friendly Kenyan family who stood behind us in line, and were pleasantly surprised when the kids declared 'The Enchanted Tiki Room' their favorite attraction of the day.") Having it on my computer means I can go back and look at it again for assistance in planning future trips. Also, I can edit it at my leisure, and then post it, along with photos, on this site when I'm ready. I don't like the "pressure" of trying to type everything into a forum post "window," with the risk that my computer might reboot an update, or my kids might strike a key, before I'm finished, meaning I'd lose my work.

Thank you for such a detailed reply, and all the tips! Such a good idea about the touring cards! We already have our ADR's and FP+ and I had't actually considered where to store them/how I would remember what was happening on which day! I agree, I love all the little interesting unexpected experiences the most! I get bored fairly quickly of TR's that just have a long list of every ride they went on! I would definitely write it on a word processor first - too much stress if something went wrong on the forum window!

Just go with the flow and let the pictures speak for itsself afterwards

Hehe, thanks! I will take A LOT of photos! Be prepared!

I took plenty of photos and at the end of the day I would jot down some notes. Between the pictures and the notes it's amazing how much you can remember. I think a good trip report has to include some unique, funny moments that
you experience. It has to be more than; " We went to MK, then we went on Peter Pan, then after that we went on IASW, then after that, etc.". Readers want to feel like they are with you on the trip and experience the moments that happen.

Honesty is also important - don't sugar coat everything. Every trip has highlights and lowlights. It's more interesting to read about both.
Good pictures help make a good story - even if you don't have a top of the line camera, with a little effort and and knowledge you can take nice pics with a smart phone. Don't be shy with the camera but learn the basics.
Most importantly - don't get stressed out about the Trip Report to the point it interferes with you having a great time!

Thank you for the response! I think I'll definitely have to jot down a few notes but I'll try not to go overboard! I sometimes journal when I am travelling but I don't think WDW is that kind of trip! Definitely agree about the unique, funny moments and the honesty! I actually read your TR a while ago (before I had an account) and really enjoyed it! I will try and be creative with the shots and would also like to make a little video too

I also love reading and writing the reports. I never take notes. I take lots of pictures and when I get home and get ready to write my report all of the pictures are in chronological order and the memories flood back. Hope you have a great trip and can't wait to read your report!!

Thank you I'm going to read your TR too in a while! I've just seen them in your sig I agree that pictures can definitely make memories flood back. I'm so excited to go on my trip now! I will never leave a 10 year gap again!

 

[LisaBelle]

All of the previous posters have given you great advice!

I also love reading and writing the reports. I never take notes. I take lots of pictures and when I get home and get ready to write my report all of the pictures are in chronological order and the memories flood back. Hope you have a great trip and can't wait to read your report!!

I fully agree! I wrote my first TR last summer. I tried to jot down notes during the first day of our trip and found that it was getting in the way of my fun, so I stopped and just enjoyed the day. Similar to @Weather_Lady, I always write a detailed itinerary for each day of the trip. The itinerary was very helpful in helping me to remember exactly what we did each day, especially if we visited a park more than once. I was amazed about the amount of detail I was able to recall when I looked at my pictures. Enjoy your trip and have fun reliving it as you write your TR!

 

[englanddg]

All great advice.

I...attempt to write my reports the same day. Note...attempt. If I fall a few days behind, it doesn't bother me, and I either get caught up, or post on a lag. (I still never finished the last day and a half of my 2013 report because...well...there really wasn't much to report. I do need to give it a proper closing though).

But, I do jot notes throughout the day (on my cel phone, or a small notepad I carry around), and the pictures help jog my memory. In fact, that's my best tool, and sometimes I'll snap pictures of something odd that you wouldn't normally want to snap a picture of, simply to jog my memory about something later. So, there are some weird pictures mixed in with more "vacation" ones, and that's what those are for.

I back up all my pictures every night, and I like to make sure the process finishes, plus I get caught up on work related things, so I have downtime to slam an hour or so a night at it.

That said, I certainly don't let it take over my trip. Again, if I post a day late (or even later), it doesn't bother me one bit. Also, sometimes I'll just post a rough version, and go back later and edit that post, add pictures, and clean it up some...but, in any case, it's nice to brain dump.

However, I like to do it while things are fresh on my mind (not off notes a month after the fact), as I find I remember more little details than if I posted significantly later. That said, there is no right or wrong way. It's whatever works for you and your creative style!

I love doing trip reports because they are a great way to go back and relive previous trips. While I have fond memories of my 2010 and 2011 trips, and made videos about them, it's not quite the same as going back and re-reading about how my kiddo got sick on our 2012 trip, and then I got sick the next day, for example, and reading what my thoughts were at the time, and what happened while it was all fresh. Weird example story, but it's stuff like that which I'd forget, or not write up with as much detail, if I waited too long to at least get it out in some draft version closer to the actual events.

 

[FlaggNL]

Hehe, thanks! I will take A LOT of photos! Be prepared!

Can't wait for it! We have to wait for a long time before back in the world, so watching and reading is great in the meantime!

 

[Disney-leaf]

All of the previous posters have given you great advice!



I fully agree! I wrote my first TR last summer. I tried to jot down notes during the first day of our trip and found that it was getting in the way of my fun, so I stopped and just enjoyed the day. Similar to @Weather_Lady, I always write a detailed itinerary for each day of the trip. The itinerary was very helpful in helping me to remember exactly what we did each day, especially if we visited a park more than once. I was amazed about the amount of detail I was able to recall when I looked at my pictures. Enjoy your trip and have fun reliving it as you write your TR!

I'm glad you said, that, as I am slightly concerned that I will be spending more time documenting the fun than actually HAVING fun! Having an itinerary sounds like the way to go!

All great advice.

I...attempt to write my reports the same day. Note...attempt. If I fall a few days behind, it doesn't bother me, and I either get caught up, or post on a lag. (I still never finished the last day and a half of my 2013 report because...well...there really wasn't much to report. I do need to give it a proper closing though).

But, I do jot notes throughout the day (on my cel phone, or a small notepad I carry around), and the pictures help jog my memory. In fact, that's my best tool, and sometimes I'll snap pictures of something odd that you wouldn't normally want to snap a picture of, simply to jog my memory about something later. So, there are some weird pictures mixed in with more "vacation" ones, and that's what those are for.

I back up all my pictures every night, and I like to make sure the process finishes, plus I get caught up on work related things, so I have downtime to slam an hour or so a night at it.

That said, I certainly don't let it take over my trip. Again, if I post a day late (or even later), it doesn't bother me one bit. Also, sometimes I'll just post a rough version, and go back later and edit that post, add pictures, and clean it up some...but, in any case, it's nice to brain dump.

However, I like to do it while things are fresh on my mind (not off notes a month after the fact), as I find I remember more little details than if I posted significantly later. That said, there is no right or wrong way. It's whatever works for you and your creative style!

I love doing trip reports because they are a great way to go back and relive previous trips. While I have fond memories of my 2010 and 2011 trips, and made videos about them, it's not quite the same as going back and re-reading about how my kiddo got sick on our 2012 trip, and then I got sick the next day, for example, and reading what my thoughts were at the time, and what happened while it was all fresh. Weird example story, but it's stuff like that which I'd forget, or not write up with as much detail, if I waited too long to at least get it out in some draft version closer to the actual events.

I agree with you and think that I'll also be tempted to start writing sooner rather than later as I want to remember all the little funny things! I wish we'd taken more photos/written about our 2005 trip as my memories of it are so vague (but I do remember that we had an amazing time - hence the desire to get back out there!)

 

[Sans Souci]

I remember a year or so ago someone wrote about their road trip down, where she stopped at a rest stop to use the facilities and mentioned "bare butting" to the next toilet stall, because hers was out of toilet paper.

It's always a good thing to omit details like that.

 

[englanddg]

I remember a year or so ago someone wrote about their road trip down, where she stopped at a rest stop to use the facilities and mentioned "bare butting" to the next toilet stall, because hers was out of toilet paper.

It's always a good thing to omit details like that.

Well, yeah. The sickness details though, and the reason I used that example...I didnt outline the illness (Im sure people can figure that out)...

It was rather the little things that we did during it that probably would have slipped my mind.

For example, when she finally thought she could stomach something, I wrote the whole story of my search for chicken soup, because that is what she wanted.

And, thats a rather long story, in reality, as they had none at Pop or AoA, but the chef heard about my situation via a CM I was asking about the soup, and made some special for her.

They didnt have any chicken stock though, so he ended up making something resembling a chicken vegetable soup.

And then there was how I burned my downtime (and several dining credits!) that day by having a burger battle between the then new AoA offerings and the Pop offerings.

Things like that, Id forget later. Id still be able to recount them, but with less detail, had I waited.

Thats the reason why that was my example.

Also, you post made me laugh out loud. Thats hilarious!

 

[Sans Souci]

Well, yeah. The sickness details though, and the reason I used that example...I didnt outline the illness (Im sure people can figure that out)...

It was rather the little things that we did during it that probably would have slipped my mind.

For example, when she finally thought she could stomach something, I wrote the whole story of my search for chicken soup, because that is what she wanted.

And, thats a rather long story, in reality, as they had none at Pop or AoA, but the chef heard about my situation via a CM I was asking about the soup, and made some special for her.

They didnt have any chicken stock though, so he ended up making something resembling a chicken vegetable soup.

And then there was how I burned my downtime (and several dining credits!) that day by having a burger battle between the then new AoA offerings and the Pop offerings.

Things like that, Id forget later. Id still be able to recount them, but with less detail, had I waited.

Thats the reason why that was my example.

Also, you post made me laugh out loud. Thats hilarious!

No, I honestly was not talking about your situation with you and your daughter. Coming down with Norovirus on a vacation sounds awful. There was a trip report from someone who actually posted she had to bare butt to the next stall. It was an unusual thing to read in a TR.

 

[Disney-leaf]

I remember a year or so ago someone wrote about their road trip down, where she stopped at a rest stop to use the facilities and mentioned "bare butting" to the next toilet stall, because hers was out of toilet paper.

It's always a good thing to omit details like that.

Woah, woah, woah! That is wayyyyyy too much info! Hahaha, that's hilarious!!

Well, yeah. The sickness details though, and the reason I used that example...I didnt outline the illness (Im sure people can figure that out)...

It was rather the little things that we did during it that probably would have slipped my mind.

For example, when she finally thought she could stomach something, I wrote the whole story of my search for chicken soup, because that is what she wanted.

And, thats a rather long story, in reality, as they had none at Pop or AoA, but the chef heard about my situation via a CM I was asking about the soup, and made some special for her.

They didnt have any chicken stock though, so he ended up making something resembling a chicken vegetable soup.

That's such a nice story! How kind of the chef to make her some special soup!