Making that "should have" list About This Page:

[Her Dotness]

I'm betting that most of us DA's (Disney Addicts) with more than one or two trips behind us have such a list started soon after returning home if not on the way home, right?

Ours last year was begun before we even got completely out of WDW, consisting primarily of "STAY LONGER THAN FOUR FULL DAYS FOR SURE."

This year's list, like our TR, is mostly food-related.

1. Get LARGE bags of Karamell Küche's caramel popcorn instead of only one puny little small bag. Several of them! And lots of other caramel goodies from there!

We were idiots never to have gone in there until--believe it or not--our FOURTH trip. Just plain idiots. We got lots smarter after a few bites of caramel corn, sadly in the car on the way up the coast to spend Turkey Day with my in-laws.

2. For me, far more krispie treats. I figured a half dozen would be enough. Wrong! (But, I was foolishly being good. Life is too short to be THAT good--ever! ) They're half gone already at only a few days beyond a week out from WDW, and it's taken mighty willpower to make them last this long.

3. We never made it to the French bakery--again!--and should have used several snack credits there as deeelish as we've heard its pastries are.

4. Not nearly enough HM, our favorite attraction hands down. And despite the hideously long upramp pushing DH in one of those dreadfully heavy Disney wheelchairs you must use, I regret not having done POTC, another old favorite.

Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor is on the list, too. DH suggested it as we went by, but dumb me vetoed it. Silly fun that tickles every funny bone either of us has!

And we had an FP for Space Mountain but were tired and went back to our resort instead. It's been literally years since either of us did it. We should have this trip.

5. Character meals, but for CP, we quickly had enough of this trip, having decided to try more of those this time than ever before. The food isn't that great, and they're sooooooo noisy. You can meet characters other places, which is the main point of character meals for us anyway.

On that note, why didn't we stop in to meet Aladdin and Jasmine at Morocco? Should have as we had no other opportunity, and I really had fun getting character autographs, far more than anticipated.

Okay, that's enough of our somewhat longer list. What's on yours?

[SheLovesAriel]

We just returned from our first trip. I already have a list but I doubt we will be returning for years.

My list/observations:
1) Stay longer than a week! We needed another week. Badly. Coming home was such a let down. (doesn't help that we arrived home to -14 degree weather and drove two hours in a blizzard after a miserable experience on United). I spent over a year planning and following this forum and then it was here and done with. Sigh.

This was really the main point from which everything else extends. We had no time planned for shopping. No time to swim at the resort (weather didn't cooperate either). I didn't even read the resort activities newsletter until we came back home. Would have been nice to watch a movie outside one night. We were so tired every night we only watched fireworks from our balcony once.

I made a list of all the pressed penny machines at the parks and lugged rolls of quarters and pennies across the country and barely had time to do any. I lugged rolls of quarters and pennies home and put them back into the bank yesterday.

We hopped into DHS one afternoon for the Frozen VIP package and realized how cool it would have been to actually spend a day there. We walked all the way over to Tower of Terror and the wait was just too long. No FPs available for the evening. We kind of wandered around wasting time until the Frozen sing a long and dessert party started.

I would like to have time to do the Pirate map adventure activity at MK; the secret agent activity at Epcot and the Animal Kingdom badge activity. A few days of less structured touring and more exploration.

I would like to spend a day at Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure. I was able to go with someone from work for an afternoon to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and enjoyed it, but we had no time to look at any other part of the parks. They look like fun.

Because I arrived a few days ahead of my family, I was able to spend a whole day at Downtown Disney and another day at Animal Kingdom. I feel generally satisfied with both experiences. The exception being that because this was at the very beginning of the trip, I did not seriously shop for Christmas gifts. Had I known I would not have a chance to enter a store for the rest of the week, I would have used that time more productively

I do think that being the trip planner/tour guide/timekeeper for seven people added a lot of administrative work and stress to my vacation. I am so thankful I had those couple of days in front to myself; as much as I love being with my family.

I am sure there are a few more "wish list" items. Overall, the trip was incredible - you know that is true when you don't want to leave! We hit all the high points. Touringplans.com is a VACATION SAVER! The touring plan worked to the minute even during the incredibly busy and jammed packed Thanksgiving week; we rarely waited more than 30 minutes in a line. We saw Anna and Elsa without a FP in 40 minutes at 7:40am on Thanksgiving Day. We saved all the meet and greet wait times by eating at most of the Character meals - so we met just about every princess except Mulan.

I don't know if I would want to visit WDW at any other time of the year as the holiday activities and decorations really added something extra special. And I prefer cooler weather.

I have been contemplating doing a Trip Report. I took photos of most of my food just in case I am just not sure if I have anything new to say that hasn't already been said.

But I did chuckle when I realized I was already planning another trip before we returned home even knowing I will never get my husband to agree to go back. Maybe I can take my daughter back by myself in a couple years.... It won't be the same without everything there though.

[Her Dotness]

You're excused, SLA. It had been so long since you last were at WDW, I see from your trip list, that your recent trip really was more a 1st visit one as very many changes as there have been.

We found that Magic Bands and the new FP system had some of a first-trip effect on us a year ago. Might not have as much if we hadn't been so stooooopid as to think four full days plus a few DtD hours would be enough. Four days might be okay as a long weekend if we lived close enough to go often on an AP, but it was almost killer short as exhausted as we both were from having gone commando in order to get those must-do's.

And we swore off United after a miserable flight to Hawaii a few years ago. United used to be a good airline, but both the terribly cramped seats and neglect by flight attendants chilled us on ever flying it again unless we've no possible alternative.

Believe me, I can empathize with your experience, not even knowing the details.

[Hugmonster]

There is always a list. I'm currently virtually planning a September trip, but until we get thru December we will not know who is going so I wait.

[MMMD]

I always have a big list of things I should have done. There is just too much to see and do no matter how long you are there. I'm glad both of you had magical trips

[revral]

I learned this last trip that I should stick to lunch adr's or if I must do dinner make sure it's in the park I plan on being in that day. I found that I ended up skipping most of my dinner adr's as by the time dinner rolled around I was usually ready to be done for the day and the idea of leaving the park and going to a resort that I wasn't staying at just to eat held no appeal. As for breakfast adr's not only am I not much for food in the morning but I found I'd forget about them until after I had missed them or in the case of my departure day was just too tired & time crunched to bother.

[SheLovesAriel]

The Unofficial Guide and/or Passporters recommended 10 days. My family scoffed. My brother (engaged at Disney four years ago) insisted we would be bored after four days. My DH absolutely hates crowds and wouldn't hear of it.

I think the guide books are spot on. Funny how people with little to no experience always think they know more than the experts, eh?

As for United.... for starters they changed our flights by TWO HOURS without telling us. So my DH and daughter lost two hours at the front end of the trip by arriving later than expected, and we had to be on the DME at 5:20 AM so we lost two hours of sleep/packing time at the end of the trip. Plus, the two hour difference turned a manageable layover in Denver into a FOUR HOUR unplanned time in which we had to entertain a six year old who was awake a 4:30 AM.

That is just the tip of it. The other inconveniences (sitting on plane 25 minutes after landing in Denver waiting for a gate which was then changed -- entertaining a six year old who was awake at 4:30 AM; changing my seat assignment without telling me until I tried to board because "we changed the plane" and then NOBODY was assigned to sit in the row to which I was originally assigned; a seat I had chosen for a reason not to mention I was now ten rows behind my daughter...just to name a few) just snowballed the negative experience.

Anyway, I wanted to let you (HerDotness) know that I fell in love with the Grand Floridian. We ate a the Grand Floridian Cafe and attended the Princess Tea Party. It is lovely. I could definitely settle in there quite nicely.

[Her Dotness]

Aw, come on, you two, Hugmonster and MMMD--tell us something specific, please.

"I always have a list" or "There's always something you wish you'd done with so very many great things at WDW to do" are just teasers. Enquiring minds (i.e. nosy types like me) want to know 'zactly what.

[chezp]

I love your lists. I know from our last trip, which was a long time ago now (October/November 2013) that we came back with similar thoughts. Some I remember were:

1) Allow more than two nights in Orlando when stopping off there on the way back from Aulani - the jetlag is a killer!

2) Catch IllumiNations more often than we did that trip (we say that every trip! )

3) Allocate more "meals" to snacking round the world at the Food and Wine Festival booths.

After all this time, that's all I can think of, but I know there'll be more after our next trip!

[GingerJ]

What a fun thread!

My list:
--See Fantasmic (never done it yet, oddly)
--Don't bother with Illuminations again...it was cool for the first 5 minutes or so, then bored me. (I know I'm probably in the minority here, but think of it as meaning you'll be able to get my seat next time!)
--See the fireworks! Haven't done this in years, except for HalloWishes, which was awesome.
--Meet Anna & Elsa, and catch the Sing-Along. I actually had FP+s for these, but got huge, unexplained blisters on the bottoms of both feet and had to skip my final park day. Not to worry, I saw everything and did everything else I wanted.
--Get a hot, gooey cinnamon bun! I got the urge in the evening at DHS, and nobody had hot ones at that hour at DHS.
--Trip length is not that huge for me. I've been often enough that I know just what I want to do and how to squeeze it in by showing up at rope drop. Yeah, a week would be awesome, but any more than that and I'd get restless. I'd rather have several shorter, budget visits than huge, deluxe ones I could only afford occasionally....but that's just me.
--Having tried out and enjoyed MNSSHP, guess I should try the Christmas party. Think I'll try to horn in on DB & DSisIL's December vacation next year! Since I'm the last Disney lover in my immediate family (DH was never really on board, and DS14 & DS19 can take it or leave it), I foresee solo trips in the future. Fun!

Ginger

[dolphin041599]

Well for the first thing I'd love to be able to stay more than one week but unless something drastic happens, I'll never be able to stay more than a week.

I'd love to do Storytime with Belle. She and I share a love of books.

Keep trying new restaurants. Now that DD is a bit older and more adventurous, we're really enjoying the variety of food.

Eat more Dole Whips! Too bad I can't bring this snack home with me.

I'm sure there are others but I can't think of them right now.

[Her Dotness]

Oh, and having just eaten a bunch of Goofy's Candy Co. Character Gummies, I will definitely go there next trip and drop much moola. On a design-your-own-krispie-treat, for one thing.

These were sugar-free even and so delicious I could easily have scarfed down the entire bagful. I mean, what candy has anyone ever tried that was sugar-free and indistinguishable from sugary ones? Any others except maybe Werther's caramels are gross-tasting, but I'm tellin' ya, these GCC gummies are beyond yummylicious.

Got. To. Have. Next. Time. Simply gotta.

[TinkerbellJenn99]

Hmm...can I play even though I am going next month? There were a lot of things I wished I did last time I went, and have been meaning to get back sooner....

More time at MK, it's not just for kids Specifically HM and POTC - my two favorites

Soarin - we didn't go last time as it was new and lines were outragious (yep it's been that long) but I wish we would have, it sounds cool

Planning ahead for meals - TS at least. We were quite fortunate last time with last minute ressies (again this was seven years ago).

Spending more time in the WS - my (now ex) fiance was so disinterested

I'm sure that I could go on and on and on....

[HollyH]

Well, I'm going to take a slightly different angle on this post. After each trip, there I've had some "I should have...." thoughts, and I have tried to use them to make each trip better. Some examples that I've tried to keep in rough chronological order starting from my first trip.

1995 - "I should have done more research so I would have known exactly how much there is to do at WDW." Luckily, I found PP in time for my next trip.

2005 -"I should have taken it easy on the day of MNSSHP so we could make it to the end. I should have seen the parade. I should have experienced some of the F&WF" I've yet to get back to WDW during this time, but I took that "should have" to heart when I planned my MVMCP and F&GF (with food!) trips. "I should have booked an earlier flight to WDW, and a later flight home." I take that into consideration as much as I can, and in fairness, I really DID book an earlier flight to WDW at start but the dumb airline kept moving it back on me. I now avoid airlines that do that (I'm looking at you, Delta).

2007 -" I should have planned more time to relax at the resort" "I should have planned our ADRs around where we would be each day to avoid so much running around." I build resort/pool time into the trip now, and I plan my meals based on where we plan to be touring that day. "I should have looked into upgrading the resort." Value was okay, but not my ideal vacation. I upgraded to WL the next trip and haven't looked back. "I should have taken more time to explore World Showcase (the shops, food, entertainment)." I've been chipping away at this one for many trips since, doing/seeing something new each time I go.

2009 -" I should have bought into DVC after I took the tour." I did buy in, about a year later. "I should have booked fewer TS meals." Having the dining plan got me into the habit of booking a TS a day. I found that my family doesn't really need a TS dinner every day -it's too much for us, especially if it is hot out. So I don't book as many anymore. We get more enjoyment out of those we do go to, and we get to explore and experience more QS places and snacks.

2011 -"I should have booked that 1 BR club level room at AKL on points when I had the chance" It was my first DVC trip and I had planned on a studio club level if I could get it. It wasn't available at 11 months, but a 1 BR was. I was a little shy about using the points so I didn't book it. I should have. I hope I get a chance to stay club level someday.

The "should haves" are fewer each time and taking the time to reflect back on them and adjust has really made my trips better and better.

[Tawnya]

DH and I always drive to WDW and on the way home we always seem to do this list. This year it was the following:

1. We will never stay at a Value Resort again. First let me say we have stayed at POP a lot and this was the first time we were disappointed but after staying at CSR last year we have converted to moderates from now on (at least until we stay at a deluxe)!

2. We won't go back to Universal, at least not for a long time. While I loved the Harry Potter stuff it took too much time away from WDW, it was very expensive, and we didn't get the same feeling and enjoyment from it.

3. Keep trying different signature restaurants! And regular restaurants! This was a great experience for us since we had gotten into a "dinning rut" by going to the same places every year. This trip we only did two of our "normal" places the rest new, while we didn't love all of them it made it exciting to have so many new experiences and gave us new favorites!

4. Schedule a day for relaxing (non-park day). This always makes the list but I never seem to do it.

5. Go to the Disney outlet stores! This was the first time we went and I loved them, we went to two of them and found great deals at both especially stuff to use as Christmas gifts!

6. Make it a priority to do new things each trip. This is something I did this last trip the theme of the trip was to try new things and it truly made it a memorable experience. We have decided to always try at least two new things a day while there!