Yes, I'm a crazy colored spreadsheet planner. I'm pretty sure I started my planning a year out. I do enjoy it. I do plan out a touring plan and my spreadsheet is in 1/2 hour increments. Using TouringPlans helps me manage expectations on time. Instead of just thinking "We can get all of Fantasyland done before lunch" - I can see if it is a REASONABLE expectation or not - then I can abuild in buffer time for Rabbit trails.
I use different colors for TS meals, QS meals, Shows, Resort Time, character meets, activities like Widerness Explorers or Agent P, and FP. Colors allow me to see a balance of activities across the days.
By Fiddling with the plan and adjusting, etc I get to know it so well and what/where our options are that I can quickly adjust on the fly if need be b/c rides are down, waits longer or family just needs to do something different. Having such a detailed plan helps me not to panic if something goes awry. But I can see how it may have the opposite effect on some.
I give my boys & myself 5 "must dos" each (DH doesn't care & DD too little). I will do my absolute best to make sure these happen, everything else is negotiable. The plan gives us the ability to make informed decisions. "You want to ride again?, sure but we will be unable to to do x. You decide."
I also trace our plans on the
MDE map. (Is that too much crazy? ) Not only does it allow me to daydream but with three young ones, I try to be efficient with our walking. I familiarize myself with each area. Where are the bathrooms?, Quiet spots?, Shops the kids might be interested in? Back up activities?
When we get to the parks, I don't "carry" the spreadsheet around, it's in the bag if I need it. It really seems pretty spontaneous to the kids and DH. You do have to have the ability to rule the plan and not let it rule you. The ability to let it go Is key.