Please Help Me I'm at Risk

[Lizzybee]

of overplanning!!!!
Geez!!!!!!!!!! I have the flights, tickets, room ressies, ADRs but we don't leave until August 16th. What the heck am I supposed to plan between now and then. I'm kinda freaking out and wonder what on Earth I'm supposed to do to work on the trip between now and then. I've basically planned my office partner's June trip as well. I even called and got her ADRs for her (how did I get Le Cellier for her but not myself lol :confused3 ) I think my next plan is to order a gift to be delivered to her room for her 5 yr old daughter since it's her very first Disney trip. I though a lil extra magic would be nice. I like the ADR's I have so I don't want to keep changing them but I almost feel like I have to do SOMETHING lol
Can anyone help me feel less compelled to plan this stuff?

[My2BabiesLexis&Dill]

I'm in the same boat. I've decided to start buying things that we need for our trip now so it won't overwhelm me when it's time to leave. I just bought new disney luggage, the kids new outfits, I'm working on mine now.

This way I'm still thinking about my trip. I just can't wait for it to come. I haven't been on vacation for 2 years now and I NEED one! LOL.

[lalijack]

Ha! Don't look at me for help. Since I booked our trip back in the middle of March, I've changed resorts 3 times, booked 6 ADRs, "test-driven" 4 pin codes, and set up a mini-DIS meet. Maybe there's a 12-step program for us?

ETA: I've also helped plan 2 other trips for friends, and compiled a heap of stuff that we'll be taking with us, ranging from toiletries to shoes.

[2Tiggies]

of overplanning!!!!
Geez!!!!!!!!!! I have the flights, tickets, room ressies, ADRs but we don't leave until August 16th. What the heck am I supposed to plan between now and then. I'm kinda freaking out and wonder what on Earth I'm supposed to do to work on the trip between now and then. I've basically planned my office partner's June trip as well. I even called and got her ADRs for her (how did I get Le Cellier for her but not myself lol :confused3 ) I think my next plan is to order a gift to be delivered to her room for her 5 yr old daughter since it's her very first Disney trip. I though a lil extra magic would be nice. I like the ADR's I have so I don't want to keep changing them but I almost feel like I have to do SOMETHING lol
Can anyone help me feel less compelled to plan this stuff?

Why don't you make your friend's 5 year old a Disney Activity Book/Journal for her trip? That should kill a couple of weeks for you. ;)

[Lizzybee]

Yeah asking for help here is kinda like going to a liquor store and asking for directions to an AA meeting huh

I went shopping for my daughter's summer clothes yesterday, next weekend is my son's. Maybe if I spread it out I can consider it continuing to plan.

I thought about investigating changing resorts good grief!!!

[lalijack]

Hmm....do you scrap? Maybe you can start planning a scrapbook for this upcoming trip. Then you can prolong the vacation vibe after you get back too.

BTW, did you pre-order a Photopass CD?

[Lizzybee]

I don't do scrapbooking lol I barely organize my photos in photobucket. I have no clue about preordering the photopass. What's that all about?

[lalijack]

The cost of the PhotoPass CD AFTER your trip is $150. By pre-ordering the CD prior to your check-in date, you can save $50.

We got a ton of great shots during our last trip. We even managed to get some of the "magic" shots around the parks. LOVE those PhotoPass photogs!

[lazydazy8]

I am NOT a good person to help you with this, as I over-obsess, plan, and re-plan myself!!

Here are a few constructive things you can do to help fill the time before you go:

Shop for Disney T's everywhere you go! (Besides the Disney store, Gap, Old Navy, Walmart all carry Disney themed graphic T's.)

I find I end up shopping for the most random of things leading up to a trip! A new comfy shoulder bag, new sandals, clothes, sippy cups for by the pool for all of us, matching coordinating outfits for the kids for each ADR...

Try a Disney Tie Dye! There is a thread here on the Dis (I am not on my computer right now or I'd give you the exact link) that gives you thorough directions. It was easy and wicked fun!! (Although, messy!) You can make awesome matching family T's this way!

Make autograph books (for your kids &/or your friends' kids). That filled a TON of time before my kids' first trip (which was secret so I had an obscene amount of nervous/excited energy to expel!)

Make a countdown chain and rip off a link every morning! (We do this like the paper chains we'd make for the Christmas tree- you can seal the links with a Disney sticker!) This gives us a morning ritual everyday!

Plan family Disney parties! We've done Mickey waffle sundaes (I have a waffle maker that makes Mickey's face), Mickey pancake dinners, Mickey pizzas (Walmart used to sell them frozen, but I haven't seen them- you can make them yourself with ready made dough, though.) We watch and rewatch the Disney planning guides that we have (and now some of our home videos). We sometimes play Disney Scene-It, too.

Sometimes part of the fun is the planning leading up to the actual vacation!! Enjoy the excitement you're feeling right now! (August 16th will be here before you know it!!)

[kwitcherkicken99]

I'm right there with you... and we don't go until Sept 25! I've got our room, ADRs, flights (had those before the ADRs), MNSSHP tix, FD added...

Now I'm keeping close watch for rehabs/closures for Fantasyland and Main Street, watching for changes in characters (Phineas and Ferb anyone??), keeping an eye out on the closure of Star Tours. You name it, I'm watching for it!

Just relax and keep a close eye out for any of what I mentioned. Shoot, even our schedule is all done!

[Marine Mom]

Ha! Don't look at me for help. Since I booked our trip back in the middle of March, I've changed resorts 3 times, booked 6 ADRs, "test-driven" 4 pin codes, and set up a mini-DIS meet. Maybe there's a 12-step program for us?

:rotfl:

[Lizzybee]

Confessing my daily obsession. I keep thinking, this could be our last family trip to Disney. My kids are 12 and 16 (in June). So thinking that way has me wondering what special thing I could do for this trip (really, it's a justification to do something special - seriously I bet we go again :rotfl: )
I was looking at upgrading to a deluxe resort but I really shouldn't. Plus, I looked at CR and I'm sure it's cool and all but I really liked the pics of CBR better. It's been a tough year for us. My father passed away at the end of March after a battle with COPD. My ex has nothing to do with the kids so my dad was more of a father figure to my kids than their dad is. He was a part of our lives daily so it's tougher for them than just losing a grandpa. And I'm turning 40. I had planned to get away and sneak off to a spa day alone without the kids on my 40th but instead, lol I'll be spending it with Mickey and crew. This trip is more than a trip I guess. Either way, just going to Disney is very exciting.

[Arenita]

Okay, so this is what I'm doing to pass the days! I found three Disney Princess boxes. My Princesses will get random gifts from the Trip Fairy, Stella Sola (Italian for Lone Star) throughout our stay. Shopping for these has been so much fun! (Not so great for the budget - but they are supposed to be Magic Chests, so I have to make it work, right??? :rolleyes1 ) They will get puzzle books, bath goodies, Princess crown necklaces and bling rings, tissues, Disney Pez Dispensers, luggage tags with emergency phone information, s'Mores kits, glow sticks, a bandana for our trail ride and more...but my FAVORITE things are the flashlights I found! I found four colors, they are about the size of a large cigar and they burn steady or flash four ways. There is a neck strap and a whistle. (The whistle just did it for me! Love that as a safety feature.) Each gift pack will come with its own poem "Every princess needs some bling I hope I thought of everything!" is one. It has been so fun putting these together - just wish I COULD STOP!!! :)

[Lizzybee]

I got to help my coworker customize the maps for her trip today! She thinks I'm doing her a favor :rotfl: she's helping me have SOMETHING Disney to do. We also went over bus/monorail strategy for routes to go to and from ADRs. It's more fun planning with someone who's never been. :woohoo:

[annmarieda]

:rotfl: You all make me laugh....I too am wondering what to do with myself. The shopping is a good one. I think I will make some thank you envelopes for the housekeeping. But really...mostly...I plan to obsess. We fly out on 9/1. That is ALL the way through the summer. What to do, what to do...:rolleyes1

[mommy2_3]

I am also right there with you! we dont leave for a long time but i have started buying things we need and such. since we are flying i am made my 2 older kids ages 4 and 2 1/2 (she will be turning 3 while we are down there), a portable art station. i just got a trapper keeper (a big binder with a zipper) and have construction paper with chalk, crayons and a coloring book. the crayons and chalk are in one of those 3 ring pencil holders. not sure what else to put in it. i was going to put stickers but i dont want my kids decorating the plane with stickers lol. i may get a little book for them to look at. i still have alot more things to get/do before we go! so hopefully that will keep me somewhat busy lol. i am getting the hats to wear and going to have their name put on it. i am also getting them 2 shirts each made. one will say "I'm off to Disney World" and since we are celebrating all 3 kids bday there they will each have a shirt that says "I'm celebrating my __ birthday!" My son wont turn 5 till 5 months after we leave but we figured it wouldnt be fair. My DD1 will turn 3 while we are there and my DD2 will have just turned 1. we are going to Chef Micky to celebrate all 3 kids bday with a cake and it will just say Happy Birthday Fletcher Kids! im going to see if they can do Micky Mouse Clubhouse & Little Enstines.

[camsmomE]

Ha! Don't look at me for help. Since I booked our trip back in the middle of March, I've changed resorts 3 times, booked 6 ADRs, "test-driven" 4 pin codes, and set up a mini-DIS meet. Maybe there's a 12-step program for us?

ETA: I've also helped plan 2 other trips for friends, and compiled a heap of stuff that we'll be taking with us, ranging from toiletries to shoes.

Lynette- I really thought this was my post! Seriously- I've done all those things in that order as well! :rotfl2:

[lalijack]

Lynette- I really thought this was my post! Seriously- I've done all those things in that order as well! :rotfl2:

Well then, Stacey, c'mon over here n sit by me! Let's brainstorm....I'm sure we can come up with HEAPS more stuff to do before our respective trips! :rotfl:

[Lizzybee]

Well now I've planned an Illuminations Cruise shhh my kids don't know. Now I finally feel like I've got my planning under control. Although... I am thinking about checking into Deluxe resorts but then again I am falling in love with the idea of CBR lol Yeah I'm no better off lol

[lalijack]

Well, I gave in to my inner resort snob and upgraded to AKL! We'll be in a Savannah View Bunk Bed room, which is our ideal room selection. Didn't think it was possible to be more eager to get to WDW, but I am now!

Also, I ordered our Y.E.S. tickets this morning. We've never participated in that program, so we're pretty excited about that too!

[Lizzybee]

What's a Y.E.S. ticket?

I'm getting antsy! On Saturday, I checked my airlines to see how much it would be to get my flights changed to 2 days earlier and it wasn't half bad but I called WDW to see about adding a couple of days to my stay and it was almost $1000 - :scared1: no way lol dang it.

My friend who I helped to plan for is there right now so I can't do any more with that. I ended up having Embroidered ears and an autograph book delivered to her daughter in their room. pixiedust: It's her first time there after all :yay:

[lalijack]

What's a Y.E.S. ticket?

I'm getting antsy! On Saturday, I checked my airlines to see how much it would be to get my flights changed to 2 days earlier and it wasn't half bad but I called WDW to see about adding a couple of days to my stay and it was almost $1000 - :scared1: no way lol dang it.

My friend who I helped to plan for is there right now so I can't do any more with that. I ended up having Embroidered ears and an autograph book delivered to her daughter in their room. pixiedust: It's her first time there after all :yay:

Y.E.S. is Disney's Youth Education Series. There's a LONG thread about it on the Budget Boards. It's an opportunity for kids to attend a 3-hour class on property. Registration also entitles the entire travel party to obtain discounted park tickets....such a great deal!

The airfare was a killer for me too! I ended up booking with JetBlue for my flight to WDW, and Southwest for our return flight. I did manage to get a great DING! fare for the return.

[Echo queen]

Hello Lizzy, glad I found your thread.
August 15 to 23 58 days to go yeah. Beach club
We, me DH DS's 11 and 15. we will be surprising our 11 year old for his birthday August 16th.

We just returned on Wednesday from our Washington DC/NC vacation, I was glad it was over so I could focus on disney:banana:

Everythings booked so I just come here and chat with you all.:happytv:

[Echo queen]

We did the give a day promotion so will do the fast passes at all 4 parks.

I did buy wicking/coolmax shirts to help with the heat, of course this was a tip off the boards. I figure coolmax in the am and our disney T's for the evening.:wizard:

[Lizzybee]

My only possible planning thing would be to order a Slipper or a birthday cake for myself for one of our meals but we get dessert already and most places have fantastic choices for desserts plus how much do I REALLY wanna celebrate dun dun dunnnnnnnnnnnnnnn turning 40? :confused:

I can't really think of more planning to do.

I tried to see about extending our visit by a day or two, but it was just too much $$ to justify it. I paid today. I guess pretty soon I can order my Disney Rewards card haha.

[lalijack]

Three weeks! Just three weeks until our vacation! :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

All day long, I've been saying to the kids, "In exactly 3 weeks from now, we'll be..." (on a plane, checking in at AKL, riding the bus to MK, etc.......) I think they're getting a tiny bit sick of me! But y'all understand, right? ;)

Since our ADR's were settled eons ago, I spent the day making a loose plan for our CS meals, according to which park we intend to be in each day.

Got any other ideas to keep me busy? popcorn::

[Echo queen]

My only possible planning thing would be to order a Slipper or a birthday cake for myself for one of our meals but we get dessert already and most places have fantastic choices for desserts plus how much do I REALLY wanna celebrate dun dun dunnnnnnnnnnnnnnn turning 40? :confused:

I can't really think of more planning to do.

I tried to see about extending our visit by a day or two, but it was just too much $$ to justify it. I paid today. I guess pretty soon I can order my Disney Rewards card haha.

We will stay 7 nights at wdw then 1 night at universal, my dh and I are thinking of adding another night at universal.:yay:

The slipper sounds delish but we are on the dining plan as well, kind of hard to add more desserts.:rolleyes1

Oh I checked rental rates today needing to add a day if we add the extra day and the rated had come down. We are picking up a car the day before we leave disney for universal and getting back to airport.:banana: Dollar.

[Lizzybee]

Well I just did the Relay for Life and someone from our team walked the whole 12 hours. I noticed how similar the feeling was to walking around WDW after I came home to nap awhile... sore tired legs, swollen feet... only I'm not going back out to walk for hours again today like I would at WDW... are we nuts to love it so much? :rotfl:

[Echo queen]

Well I just did the Relay for Life and someone from our team walked the whole 12 hours. I noticed how similar the feeling was to walking around WDW after I came home to nap awhile... sore tired legs, swollen feet... only I'm not going back out to walk for hours again today like I would at WDW... are we nuts to love it so much? :rotfl:

Congrats.:thumbsup2 I'm looking for disney shoes.

[kcsims]

I've done the overplanning thing and the procrastination underplanning thing. To tell the truth, we have always had a better time just winging it and eating wherever we could and going to whatever park we felt like that day....call me strange.

[o2bnoz]

Oh, I plan EVERY last detail! I love the planning so much! BUT, when we get there, if there is a glitch and we can't do something on my plan, I don't sweat it in the least... I will NOT be one of the commanders who tells everyone where to be, and when... and then gives you just enough time to enjoy it before it's time to move on again... I want to be the preson with the plan that is there if we need/want it, but can totally abandon the plan in the interest of spontaneous family fun! It's a fine line, but I'm going to do my best to be that person!!:worship:

[Lizzybee]

After neglecting thoughts about my trip for awhile I had a dream about it last night - well a nightmare. We were there on our first night having a great time when I remembered the Illuminations Cruise I had booked and MISSED :scared1::boat:

Now I am sure I will have a tough time convincing my kids to head that way when it's time to look for a decent spot to watch Illuminations. I may have to tell them on the way over haha

[Echo queen]

The dreams always come.:surfweb: My Niece and nephew have been visiting with us for the week so we have been quite busy. Ready to dig into my disney stuff.:banana: