Not feeling the magic so far

[southtexasmom]

Plane tickets have been purchased.

Room is booked - not the size room we wanted or the week we originally wanted.

Transportation from airport to resort is arranged.

Park tickets are purchased.

Daily itinerary is typed up.

Dining is all scheduled.

But it still seems like that Disney magic is missing. Missing the option to order groceries and having them there and waiting when we arrive. Stressed about having the smaller room than we usually get at Disney World. Hope our trip is full of magic, we leave in 49 days, I have got to get myself in a different frame of mind before then.

 

[Laz]

Someone once said that happiness isn't getting what you want, but wanting what you have.

Your going to Disney and have a plan to have a great time!


Let the magic begin!


At the end of the month I am escorting 10 high school students to a conference down the block from DLR. We have 4 day hoppers and I am stilled excited! I will wear them out!!!

 

[livandemsmom]

You can get groceries delivered from Von's. website is www.vons.com.

 

[Barry Browning]

Just wait until it is a sunny 78 here in Anaheim, DW is like 100 with 100% humidity--no tropical storms here.I love Disneyland it is the original.There are many CMs from Texas including my son in CA.We always go to LV first on the way.Last time we paid for a couple of days in Anaheim with Nevada money that will put the magic in you, just sayin...go Spurs..

 

[DizMe]

southtexasmom, I once posted something very similar!! I've gone to DLR my whole life and suddenly I just wasn't feeling it for the upcoming trip. I was baffled about that but it really helped to hear from tons of other people on the board that they'd felt that way too, but once they began the trip, the magic came back. That turned out to be true for me as well, so maybe it will help you to hear that it happens a lot and almost always ends well!

 

[Cheshirecatty]

Don't let the smaller room color the tone of your vacation. I totally understand the disappointment of not getting the room type you want, but just decide to let that be the least of your worries.

You will be at the "Happiest Place on Earth" and there are so many magical moments possible!

You have plenty of time yet to let your excitement build, and I'm sure it will.

Be sure to report back and let us know how everything goes--Good Luck!!!

 

[Cinderpamela]

When I am in that funk I start reading trip reports... it usually gets me excited, and often opens my eyes to new things/opportunities I never even knew about.

So maybe try checking out some TR's...

When I read your list it occurs to me that maybe for you it's that planning process that starts to create the "magic" for you. The beauty of a DLR trip is that you don't necessarily have to do all that stuff that is required of a WDW trip.

I enjoy the process of planning too so I get it, but just relax and enjoy... it's a different mindset than WDW!

 

[awdsmama]

Order from Vons!

Out of curiosity, what hotel are you staying at and what are you used to?

You are going to Disneyland! You will be on VACATION! No cooking and cleaning, you have an itinerary but can also throw it out the window and go with the flow.

You will enjoy it once there even if you aren't getting all giddy right now ;-)

 

[sweethannah]

But it still seems like that Disney magic is missing. Missing the option to order groceries and having them there and waiting when we arrive. Stressed about having the smaller room than we usually get at Disney World. Hope our trip is full of magic, we leave in 49 days, I have got to get myself in a different frame of mind before then.


Like the previous poster said, order from Vons!

There is usually a promo code for free delivery the first time you use it and you can select what hour and date you would like to have the items delivered. So long as there is no liquor the hotel might hold the items for you ahead of time.

 

[interstate70s]

I had similar feeling before our wdw trip in April. As pp said, read DL trip reports, it will get you into a DL mindset. Reading wdw trip reports that were heavy on pictures really helped getting me out of that home resort funk.

Also, Ordering groceries from Vons is great, and cheaper than garden grocers.

 

[Corpsebride]

Oh, little mouseketeer, 49days isn't long,,you aren't far away...
I know it's not tomorrow, and it doesn't seem too soon,
To make those days just fly by, here's what you've got to do...
Get your favorite Disney movie, turn it up real loud, for all to hear around...
Have a little whistle, sing a happy tune...
Everyone loves a Disney song, everyone loves a Disney Toon!
Next you grab your apron, time for something sweet!
How about some cookies, the kids will think they're neat!
Shape em like mickeymouse, I don't think he'll care...
Now, you got your Disney song and the house, smells just like the bakery on Main Street!
Aren't you feeling better? There's a castle on your sights, just a few more sleeps ,
Do something "Disney" every day, and soon you'll have your wish !
Hope that helps!

 

[CrabbyPatty]

OP - have you been to DL before? From your sig, looks like it's been WDW exclusively. In our case, we did WDW a few trips, and then decided on DL.

I must admit I wasn't as excited about DL initially because after reading everything I could get my hands on for our WDW trips, spending my days and nights on the DIS WDW boards, obsessing about plans and ADRs, etc., DL just seems so ...... easy and less involved. We didn't plan any ADRs, we were staying across the street, we really didn't know what to expect - it was strange not feeling like "an old hand" going to WDW.

But, I must say that we LOVED Disneyland and California Adventure, loved being able to walk "home" in 5-7 minutes and relax, loved all the familiar rides from WDW presented in a slightly different (or something VERY different) way, loved all the rides that weren't at WDW, enjoyed having DTD just a few steps away, and so on.

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised once you get to DLR! Enjoy your trip and come back and post a report so we can hear about your wonderful adventures.

 

[samsonpete]

As a Disneyland vet who has experienced the differences between the parks my best piece of advice is to go in knowing they are completely different parks with completely different experiences. You will enjoy the trip so much more if you go in with that mindset and don't compare all the differences between the two places. Each park will have is own pros and cons. Disneyland will be fun and different in its own way and the excitement will come, don't worry

 

[DisneyBiskit]

I always listen to some Disney music to get me in the mood. (in fact, I leave for my 1st trip to WDW tomorrow!! Been listening to Disney music all day!)

Have fun!!!

 

[bumbershoot]

It is VERY common to hit the doldrums when the trip is so close but so far. And you don't even have to be going to a different place than usual to hit that mark. It'll be OK. It's just a phase.

As a Disneyland vet who has experienced the differences between the parks my best piece of advice is to go in knowing they are completely different parks with completely different experiences.

Yes. I think the BIGGEST thing for a WDW vet is to really really REALLY focus on the fact that the Matterhorn is the center of the park, NOT Sleeping Beauty castle. Yes the castle is smaller; it was built by a different king for a different daughter. The two castles shouldn't look the same. Look to the side, and see the big Matterhorn; you wouldn't want a castle bigger than the mountain, would you?

Now if only someone would build a Matterhorn at MK so I could stop wondering where it was when we go to Orlando...


And just like I get mixed up when I get to Liberty Square at MK, try to not get mixed up when you are in New Orleans Square! Just go have a fritter or beignet and enjoy it.

 

[Mama Who]

Plane tickets have been purchased.

Room is booked - not the size room we wanted or the week we originally wanted.

Transportation from airport to resort is arranged.

Park tickets are purchased.

Daily itinerary is typed up.

Dining is all scheduled.

But it still seems like that Disney magic is missing. Missing the option to order groceries and having them there and waiting when we arrive. Stressed about having the smaller room than we usually get at Disney World. Hope our trip is full of magic, we leave in 49 days, I have got to get myself in a different frame of mind before then.

Magic before the trip comes from you, not Disney. Do your homework- since you missed the fact that you can order groceries online, take some more time to explore what other things you might not be aware of. Search the posts on this board. Find the fun stuff and immerse yourself.

 

[DaeHyFoog]

Listening to the Disneyland Edition of the DisUnplugged, brings the magic, big time! In fact, my husband and I went by ourselves three years ago, and we thought that would be our one and only DL trip. However, we've been California dreamin' ever since, and we're taking our kids on a grand road trip from St. Louis to CA this summer. I've listened to the DL edition since it started, and it keeps the magic alive! (I found that while WDW is my home, DL is my great love!)

Also, the Orlando team went to DL recently, and I greatly enjoy the videos made by Dustin and Craig--perhaps these will help you to feel the magic. If you go to the April 30th show, you'll find the DL video. On April 23rd is the CA video, and April 16th has the "Dis goes west" video. We'll be there in July, too, so I'll be sending some pixie dust-thoughts your way!

 

[Girimama33]

Your room may be smaller, but the location will be way better than anything WDW has to offer. Also, order from Vons if you would like groceries in the room.
I hope you have a great trip.

 

[rentayenta]

Plane tickets have been purchased.

Room is booked - not the size room we wanted or the week we originally wanted.

Transportation from airport to resort is arranged.

Park tickets are purchased.

Daily itinerary is typed up.

Dining is all scheduled.

But it still seems like that Disney magic is missing. Missing the option to order groceries and having them there and waiting when we arrive. Stressed about having the smaller room than we usually get at Disney World. Hope our trip is full of magic, we leave in 49 days, I have got to get myself in a different frame of mind before then.

I see by your signature you'll be at the GCV. That alone is worth being stoked for. Chin up Disney soldier. You're going to have a blast!

 

[tdhickey]

The magic always hits me when I cross Harbour Blvd and we can hear the welcome music. That's where we start to skip

I have also focused a lot on trying to enjoy what I am currently doing a lot more instead of living in anticipation. I often don't get overly excited for tips because of this. Once I hit the walkway there, the magic hits me right in the face and it is awesome.

Then we go on POTC and it gets even better and lasts the whole trip!