Having Second Thoughts About Discon 2 [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Pixie Power!

07-24-2002, 04:33 PM

I’m having second thoughts about coming to Discon2, I cant really put into words the reasons why as I'm not sure myself. I just don’t think that I’m going to fit in well and mix with everyone. Its easier to be positive about things and have an opinion on things when you just type them on a key board into a computer, but when I meet people face to face I find it hard to be myself and relax. Also everyone around here seems to know each other really well with all the mini meets that you all attend, I just don’t want to spoil the fun.

Its not the money or anything like that, I suppose I’m just scared. I’ve never flown on my own let alone travel half way around the world on my own to meet up with people I have never met.

It took me so long to talk my DH into letting me go, I’m now thinking that maybe his reservations were right.

When I had my roomie, everything was set up, but now I don’t know where I stand with that (no fault on Robin, she needs to sort her family our – family must come first) I suppose its easier to drop out when no one is relying on you. Yes I will loose some money, my registration deposit and my MVMCP ticket but that doesn’t matter, and I could always give my ticket away.

Ive also read a few things / things have happened lately that make me think that im not as liked here as i thought - i dont want to go into details.

I’m not writing this for lots of replies, I’m just thinking out loud about my concerns, I hope this make sense to someone as its not to me right now.

Emma

Towncrier

07-24-2002, 04:44 PM

Emma - Please don't let concerns about not fitting in cause you to abandon DIScon. There's a place for everyone at DIScon. If you choose to stay out of the limelight, that's fine. When I attended DIScon 2001, I only knew a handful of DISers. And I ended up spending almost no time with that group. Instead of Jellyrolls, I stood around outside on the Boardwalk and spent some time getting to know one or two other DISers who also decided to just hang around outside. I struck out on my own a few times when I needed a break from the action.

If you come, I guarantee that you will make some new lifelong friendships. The DIS boards are a wonderful place, but meeting some of your DIS pals face-to-face makes DISing just that much more fun.

I hope you decide to come to DIScon 2002. I look forward to meeting you.

luvdsny

07-24-2002, 04:52 PM

Emma, I am really sad to read this. :( I already like you a whole lot and I know that once we meet we'll hit it off really really well. Please don't be afraid of coming to DIS-Con for fear of not fitting in......I KNOW you will. :D

I understand the cold feet, really I do. I had them last year too. But I am looking forward to meeting you, so please please dont' make any hasty decisions right now.

I'm really sorry about what's happening with Robin too. I've been thinking about you and wondering if you would consider sharing a room with someone else. Perhaps you've already posted on the 'roomie thread', but if not, I hope you'll consider another roommate. I already have a roommate~~otherwise I'd be more than happy to share a room with you. :D

{{{hugs}}} Emma. And I hope I can give you real hugs in December. :D

Tia

tammyh-oregon

07-24-2002, 05:44 PM

I know what you mean about the cold feet. Last year, I signed up really late in the game and was wondering how I would fit in with everybody who already had plans made, etc. The only person I had ever meet in person was Tia plus some others from Boise area and hadn't really even did any online talking with anyone else. I was nervous about fitting in.
But it all worked out in the end. There were a few moments when I felt like an outsider but that was just me and nothing from anyone else.
I was worried that I would drag everyone down because I was in a wheelchair but everybody was real helpful and "pushy" if you know what I mean. (Many thanks to everyone that helped push me around when I was tired and wouldn't admit it.)
As far as things on the board, I hope I haven't said anything to offend. I know that sometimes things get tough here both on and off the boards over some slight or another but things happen just like in real life. Some people you get along with and others you don't.
I'm sure that there will be at least one person you will hit it off with and that's all that you need. If more become friends, so much the better and I'm sure there will more than you can handle. (don't let that scare you!)
I look forward to seeing you at DISCON. :wave:

Wow what a mouthful. Sorry!

CDoobee

07-24-2002, 05:54 PM

Hi Emma!:wave:
I'm one of the quieter people on this board, meaning that I don't post a whole lot. But I lurk a lot !;) ;) I'm really looking forward to meeting you! I love your enthusiasm!! :D :D :D :D I'm very shy in person, (I'm getting better)until I start to get to know people. I was very leery of going to DIS-Con last year with just my 10 year old DD. She's shy too, so she couldn't help me! heehee:p :p But, I was determined to be brave and I'm so glad I did! I had a ball! Since I did have my DD with me, I was not able to attend any of the "adult" functions. So, I was not at many of the mini meets. So, there are a lot of people I haven't met, yet. And stories I haven't heard!!! I am SO looking forward this year to going to more of these functions and meeting even more people! :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc (Even though I wouldn't trade my mother/daughter trip for anything!):) :) :) :) :) :) :) :earsgirl: :earsgirl: :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
I really hope you come!!:D :D :D

{{HUGS}}
Debbie:earsgirl:

December99

07-24-2002, 05:57 PM

Oh Emma....please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!

I am looking SSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO forward to meeting you!!!!!! I am very hesitant to fly but I'm doing it on my own and just because some of us already know each other doesn't mean we will exclude you!!!!!! I wouldn't at least. And I am EXTREMELY nervous about goin...I really really really am....I am going to finally get to meet my buddy that I have been wanting to meet for a very long time and I am SO NERVOUS!!!!! I really am...but I so want to meet her and others that I am not going to let my nervousness get in the way!!!!!

I really hope you still decide to come!!!!! And I'm sure you will be able to find a roomy!!!

Barb

07-24-2002, 06:21 PM

Oh, Emma! Please don't say this! :( We all had those twinges of doubt before we met each other. I was so nervous that I wouldn't fit in and that no one would like me!! The reason we do know each other now is because of DIS-CON!! I can only echo what everyone else has already said. Once we really start making plans, you'll see there will be tons of things for you to "sign up" for where you won't be alone at all. Last year we made up a schedule of little mini meets that went througout the day. A lot of us spent all that time together. This is how the DIS friendships were born. Up until then, there were very few of us who knew each other. But there's a special something about DIS people. We tend to feel very comfortable with each other right off the bat and there's that feeling like you've known each other for ever. I have that feeling with you, Emma. We've "talked" here so much that I feel I do know you and it's only a matter of meeting in person. Once you meet on that first day, the doubts are over.
I'm sorry that you've experienced some negative vibes here. I do hope it wasn't anything I said. I would never want you to feel that way. I've really been looking forward to meeting you and I'm sure you'll fit right in. :)

Sandra B.

07-24-2002, 06:30 PM

Emma, please come!

I got cold feet last year. I'm very shy around new people and I'd never met anybody of the DIS-CON group before.
I also had the language barrier... When I type things I can take all the time I need (can even use a dictionary if I want to), but speaking is more difficult. :o
However, everybody was so sweet, nobody laughed when I made mistakes and we had so much fun.

I was nervous about travelling on my own, but as soon as I boarded the plane I was relaxed. Too excited to sleep on my way to Orlando. But on the flight back to Amsterdam I was so tired, I fell asleep before the plane took off..........:)

DIS-CON was an unforgettable experience!

I've been reading a lot of your posts and I feel like I already know you. I'm sure you will fit right in!
Looking forward to meet you!!!!:)

((HUGS))
Sandra

MdmMim

07-24-2002, 06:51 PM

Dear Emma--I had some thoughts similar to yours. I felt that I wouldn't fit in; I thought that most people here seem to know each other very well--and I know no one.
I am quiet and shy--I speak when I have something to say, but I'm not good at "small talk." I had second thoughts. But I realized whenever I posted anything (though I don't post often), I was always met with friendly, welcoming comments. And I thought--in a few months, I'll know lots of these people! I'm traveling 27 hours alone on a train to get to WDW--to meet people I never met before. But I know there are some very caring people here whom I would really like to know. (And I was so looking forward to meeting you! I have enjoyed your cheerful posts.)

Please join us--we'll make some new friends and have a wonderful time! :D

NancyIL

07-24-2002, 07:22 PM

Emma, please don't make any final decisions yet, as it's MUCH too early to pull out! We should get more details about Dis-Con from Pete any day now, and then you will be swept up in all the planning! :crazy: Just keep posting here, and chat whenever you can (though I know the time difference makes the latter more difficult) - and soon you will feel that you already know many people! I truly believe that you will have a wonderful time at DIS-CON. :D If I'm wrong and you have a rotten time - think of the great tell-all book you could write! :p

Mackey Mouse

07-24-2002, 07:54 PM

Emma, I sent you a pm....Please think about this......I know you will have a great time at DisCon.. we all were new at one time and there will be other new people there as well.. Hugs

nativetxn

07-24-2002, 08:09 PM

Emma, we all know each other because we met at DISCON I, or a lot of us did.

I think you will have a lot of fun if you go to DISCONII, I know I can't wait to meet you.

{{{HUGS}}} sweetie

OkieDisney

07-24-2002, 08:17 PM

Emma, I TOTALLY understand how you feel!

I have been thinking all day that us newbies need some kind of match up service. You know, we make groups of 3-4 newbies that would correspond before DIS CON and then the first thing on Dec 4 is a newbie mini meet where the foursome gets together in a non threatening location. Maybe an oldtimer could be matched up with us as a "DIS CON mentor."

I would love to plan this mini meet , but unfortunately, I just do not have the time. So I have been keeping my mouth shut.

The funny thing for me is that in real life, I am very outgoing and have bunches of friends. I am so busy with Life (Job, Kids, etc.) that I don't have to post very much. So there is that "I am not known, I don't fit in, etc. " feeling that I have sometimes too.

So you are not alone.

Karen

:D

disneycub

07-24-2002, 08:21 PM

Well, Emma, I can tell you my little story, and maybe that will help. I was absolutely terrified of going to DISCON to meet people I'd never met before. Everyone is different (and I certainly am ;) ), but I felt that maybe I was just a little "too" different to fit in with a bunch of people. But I'd so looked forward to going, and I wasn't about to back out just because I was feeling insecure. I'm pretty quiet in real life, and not so quiet on the boards. ;)

From the moment I walked in (late) to the first dinner at the Wilderness Lodge, I felt completely at ease and at home with these wonderful people, whom I now consider my dear life-long friends. We shared so many good times together, and pretty soon all the insecurities melted away.

As for things people might have said on the boards...one thing you have to remember is that it's very hard to communicate what you are really feeling via words, and something you might have taken offense to might not really be what that person meant to convey.

Hope this makes some sort of sense to you. I'm sooo looking forward to meeting you come December.

Mackey Mouse

07-24-2002, 08:24 PM

I am thinking here.. good idea Karen..... I believe Taryn last year organized a special luncheon for all single attendees to DisCon.. they all met up at Norway, rode the ride and had lunch.. I did show up with my Tommy late...since I was not there as a single.. but wanted to meet up with everyone..

Maybe someone who is new here could organize some sort of special get together for the newbies to meet each other prior to the scheduled events.. also.. maybe someone could also organize a special thread for all new people attending DisCon for the very first time..

What do you think??

bashful64

07-24-2002, 08:34 PM

Hi Emma,

I understand how you feel. Last year I was really terrified about the idea of going to DISCON. I had my DH and kids with me and the morning of that first breakfast I almost walked the other way but they were hungry so they wouldn't let me. I am so glad that I didn't. Everyone made us feel welcome and part of the group. We had such a wonderful time....in fact it was so great that I am going again this year. I am still a little terrified becasue I will be on my own this year (DH is staying home with the kids) but I know that there are a bunch of wonderful people there who will make sure that I'm okay. I would love to meet you and I hope that I will get a chance to at DISCON.

OkieDisney

07-24-2002, 08:53 PM

Okay, just talked to DH, he says "go ahead and host the mini meets" Yikes, who needs sleep anyway.

I will email Marsha the following info as well and post a thread with this as well.

Here is my idea.

Every AM before the Convention starts, have an AM Newbie mini meet (Dec 2, 3, 4???).

Match up 3-4 Newbies that are staying in the same hotel with a "DIS CON" mentor (a veteran). I would set up the groups. These folks interact with each other this fall and meet at that day's AM mini meet.

Here the only problem I have. I won't be getting in until Dec 3 evening. Someone would have to host the early meets for me.

What do you think?

Karen

Beanie

07-24-2002, 09:06 PM

Oh Emma...I am so looking forward to meeting you!! Please reconsider going to Dis Con!!

I didn't even attend Dis Con last year...I didn't know anyone on this board except Marsha, Steve (disneycub, who posts on my Rewards Board frequently! ;)) and the other moderators who post here occasionally...but through all the wonderful and helpful posts on this board, I have really got to know alot of them like Barb, Dayna, Mskanga, Tia, ect...I am really looking forward to meeting them all and really hope to see you there as well!!! I just know you will have a wonderful time...

Karen, you have a great idea!! :)

Taryn

07-24-2002, 10:04 PM

Wow,

This post really blows my mind! When I heard about DISCON 1 I wanted to go so bad. I know me though, I envisioned myself standing in the corner alone and unable to speak.

I thought I should give myself a good push though, no more regrets. I began to plan a solo travellers meet because I thought if I was involved in some of the DISCON planning I might just feel more a part of it, and also I wanted that kind of forum for myself.

My first night there I learned that BelleMom was my next door neighbor at the Dolphin so I called her up and off we went to Epcot for dinner. She was so sweet and kind and we were both shy and I was put at ease in minutes. She was just like me... everyone at DISCON was just like me! *faint*

I figured everyone was totally self assured and that I was going to be the "different one". Everyone appeared that way when I met them too! That is what blows my mind. That we were all feeling the same way! This is the first time I have heard about all these "cold feet".

I made some of the best friends I have had in years, I only regret that my current circumstances have prevented me from keeping up with them in the way that they deserve.

Do something for yourself, come to DISCON with an open mind, leave your hangups at the door and enjoy the company of a whole bunch of loonies who laugh themselves silly at the drop of a hat and enjoy those memories for a long time to come...

I will eat my hat... or for that matter Dayna's hat (and that would be no easy feat) if I am wrong...

DumboOrBust

07-24-2002, 10:37 PM

Emma, I'm very tired right now, but I just wanted to let you know that I am going to PM or e-mail you tomorrow. Please don't make any hasty decisions on this. :)

Hugs,
Dayna

perfectmatch300

07-24-2002, 10:40 PM

Emma, we're just a bunch of your friends that you haven't met in person yet! I really do hope to see you at DIS-CON! :wave:

luvdsny

07-24-2002, 10:41 PM

I think a 'singles meet' is always a great idea! I wasn't able to attend Taryn's meet last year, but from what I can tell....it was a huge success! Maybe Karen and Emma can team up together and put together a couple singles meets right before the convention starts. :D If you guys need any help, ask Taryn. ;) No, I'm kidding...sorry Taryn. ;) :p If you need any help, I'd be happy to. :D

Just reading this thread is giving me the 'warm and fuzzies'....I hope Emma can feel them too....waaay across our little pond. :D

Taryn

07-24-2002, 11:16 PM

It's okay Tia!

I've already offered my help!

DixieDreamer

07-24-2002, 11:30 PM

Oh you just have to come Emma. :( I am going as a solo - never met anyone other than Barb and her DH - and I need lots of folks like you there to pal around with. :) I figure there are so many people, so many planned formal and informal activities... that I couldn't be alone or left with nothing to do - unless I really WORKED at it! LOL! I started to get cold feet about going about a week ago... feeling selfish for going (yet again) this year without my family and spending quite a bit of extra money to do so. But, I talked myself back into going. :) Hope you do too.

dalepool

07-24-2002, 11:32 PM

Oh Please come to Dis-Con II........Like you ,this is my first convention visit. I, toooooooo, am very scared. The idea that others were newbies to helped me to finally make the choice to register. I remember when you posted that you were going to attend ---I also remember being just a tad bit glad someone else would be a first timer just like me. Please do reconsider, If for no other reason than the fact I wouldn't be the only newbie. By the way I know how you feel.....last year I was going to attend but got a little scared and decided to stay home. I actually worried about just traveling alone. Remember this is coming from a Bail Agent ( yes I arrest bail jumpers and return them to the proper courts). Problem was meeting a group of new people. Would they like me? Would I like them? Would I spend all this money and not have a great time? Well this year I decided....I'm going to go and even if I don't meet a new friend---I like me and will just enjoy myself. Not sure of your age but I'm 50, not thin ( just hate to say over weight) But I love WDW and can not think of a better vacation. Please rethink and if you start to get cold feet get a bucket of warm water and just dip the big toe I'm sure the rest of the foot woll shortly follow. PattyN

Dan Murphy

07-25-2002, 01:05 AM

Emma, I am looking forward to helping make you comfortable, you just can't disappoint me, LOL. I love talking with anyone, especially some who are having maybe a tough time. It works, trust me. Tell me we will meet.

Hugs,

Dan :sunny:

Pixie Power!

07-25-2002, 02:32 AM

Thank you so much for your kind replies, emails and Pm's that I woke upto this morning. I really hope everyone understands that i didnt post this thread to get an ego boost from all the 'We love Emma' replies. Right now Im just blown away!!

I was trying to think what has really made me feel this way, and I cant pin point one thing. Yes Im scared of travelling on my own, yes Im scared of not fitting in, but most if all i think im scared of making new friends for life that i will never see again once the week is over. I know that i will not be able to attend DISCON3 as it took alot for my DH to agree to this trip, & i know that it seems childish as things dont last forever, im just really confused right now.

As for the things that have upset me, i think i may have read into things too much or read things the wrong way - Im sorry.

I think I may take some time away from the Dis for a while and make my decision then.

Im sorry that I have caused all this fuss, i really didnt mean to, maybe I shouldnt of posted this in the first place.

{{{Hugs}}}

Emma

Fantasia Sam

07-25-2002, 04:37 AM

Emma

I've PM'd you - I too know how you feel being a newbie travelling all that way on my own but I figured if Emma can do it then so can I - strength in numbers hey?

figmentvi

07-25-2002, 07:05 AM

Emma:

I know how you feel about making new friends, becoming close and then never seeing them again. It's a little intimidating.

I live on an island where people come and go very often. I've met some wonderful people, became friends and then they moved on. For a short time, I stopped extending my friendship because the new friends would only be here for a short time. Then I realized to not meet new people, hear their stories and share some wonderful moments (even if only briefly) was much more painful than saying goodbye. Life is too short to not have those shining memories.

I'll be a newbie at DISCON II as well. I've only met Glo and BelleMom in person. But it would be my distinct pleasure to meet you and join you in a few days of laughs, love, hugs and tears.

Linda

OkieDisney

07-25-2002, 08:30 AM

Emma, I am VERY glad that you posted. You pushed me over the edge to do something about a newbie mini meet! NEVER be afraid to tell these folks how you feel.

I just wanted to add a few points.

It is DEFINITELY easy to get hurt here reading posts. Sometimes people just don't "see" what their posts say. Sometimes I have been SO mad/hurt!!!!!

You are definitely right about not seeing people again. That is the tough part. Do you see how much the people from last year are ADDICTED to each other? One reason I think I am willing to risk the chance of going, but never being able to see people again is that I REALLY love Disney World. It will be awesome to experience it with others that REALLY love it as well.

I am hoping that you will be there to make my experience that much more special, and so that I can make your experience special as well!!!!!!

Take care!

Karen

:D

iluvdisney

07-25-2002, 08:48 AM

Emma, I know how you feel - I was very scared last year - not knowing what to expect - but I must tell you and I can't say it enough - these are some of the friendliest and nicest people that I have ever met. It took me a while to come out of my shell but they sure make you feel so comfortable to be around them - I didn't participate in everything but when I was around the other DISers - I sure had a big smile :D on my face. I dragged my sis along knowing that I would have her to hang out with if it didn't work out as well as I thought it should - and she had a blast as well. So... it's up to you - but I don't think that you would regret it.

helenabear

07-25-2002, 12:36 PM

Trust me Emma, I know how you feel. I will be going to DISCon for the first time and I will be going alone. What peole don't see in my a lot of the time is that I can be extremely shy and I am very selfconcious about who I am and how I come across. I can't tell you the number of times I have almost backed out... and it is still easy for me to since my air fare was free (frequent flier miles) and I have not put a deposit down on anything that I can't get back (except I do have my MVMCP ticket already). Truly this is one of the scariest things I could do. Compared to DIS meets this is so much harder because I will be there for so much longer, so much money will go into this and I am so far away from home and all I am comforted by. So I can't really be the best to tell you not to back out of this, but I can say I have been planning on going since February and I am still going (as of right now provided my finances hold).

Pixie Power!

07-25-2002, 01:26 PM

I just want to thank you all for the kind replies, emails and PM's that i have been sent since i posted this. My head is in the clouds right now. I was getting the feeling that I was alone, slightly isolated, how wrong was I?? Ive never felt more wanted, welcome and loved in my life.

My DH doesnt really understand why i spend so much of my time here and also that i wanted to travel on my own to Discon, i think that if l print this thread off and he will understand.

I was saying that I wasnt going to attend Discon, now I know that I have to attend, as i dont want to let down all the friends for life that I have made here.

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Love

Emma

Dan Murphy

07-25-2002, 02:27 PM

Originally posted by Pixie Power!
....now I know that I have to attend....Love

Emma

:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

bashful64

07-25-2002, 02:38 PM

I am so glad to see you post that you are still coming Emma!

dalepool

07-25-2002, 02:55 PM

YOU GO GIRL........What a difference a day makes. I'll see you in Dec. I can hardly hold back my excitement on getting to meet everyone. Dis-Con II here we come......PattyN:wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave:

Sandra B.

07-25-2002, 03:35 PM

:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:
Emma, I'm so glad you decided to come!!!!
I'm sure you won't regret it!!
:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: