Strangely Cold Feet? (Speaking Metaphorically)

[LaWa]

HI Everyone!

I've loved getting to know people on the boards and learning about WDW for my upcoming trip. I just made my final payment for our December trip, and I should be happy, right?

Our family has never been to Disney. We waited until the kids were old enough to enjoy it and remember it. My son is 8 and loves rides. My daughter is 6 and still loves her Princesses. (Mostly Mulan, Jasmine and Pocahontas!) We've saved for this trip and I've been planning for the past few months.

Now that were about 45 days out, I have this rash urge to change all my plans - Switch from staying WL to a Value. - Change my park tickets (hoppers? no hoppers?) - Take Magical Express instead of a town car. Is it just me? Or have others felt this way?

It's not the money - well, ok, it is the money, too. But I really feel like we will have a great vacation. My kids are super travelers - daring, interested, outgoing. They will have a blast. And for me, I just want to be there to share it with them. And spend a little quality time with my husband.

Any advice for me? Should I just let it all go and enjoy myself? Do I just need to give myself a break for a few days? Thanks so much for listening to my rant.

I wish everyone warm, happy feet!

LaWa
Team Ryner

[spare+a_pair]

I had the same feelings when I hit the final payment button You wait so long for a trip and when it seems to be a reality it's panic mode.

DH convinced me to sit on everything for 5 days - now I'm ready to pack and am over the pre-Disney jitters! Bring on the Mouse!

[fours]

Well...I truly believe first trips should be special....go with your first choice...dont second guess. I'm not the seasoned Disney veteran...first trip was this past June....but we loved it so much we're going back. I say..relax....enjoy what reservations you made...because I'm sure at the time you stewed and fretted over making them...So now start making a packing list. Have a great time.

[fours]

OH and one more thing...I think you will enjoy having a town car...especially with younger kids...come and go as you please.

[mmtska]

The only thing I would change is the Town Car. We loved having the ME....made things easier. As for the resort, if you can handle it, keep it! Someday we want to stay at the WL....it looks so neat! Plus I heard it's gorgeous decorated for Christmas. If you don't already have hoppers, you can always add them to your tickets. It's like $50 per ticket holder or something like that.

[Calgary DISHeads]

At least you had you your jitters (in the right direction) after you paid. I was home with the flu the week before our final payment and we ended up at AKL instead of POR with a HUGE increase in price! That's okay I'm happy with it, and even DH has settled himself into it. Don't worry about the park hopper, as another OP said, you can always add on. We always have the park hopper, never want to limit ourself to one park in a day and only $200 for the four of us for 10 days. Have fun

[NeverBeen2DW]

Do WL you won't regret it for your first trip! First trip should be special. Save the value resorts for when they are older. The bus stops are always the further away for the Value resorts. We did POP once and loved it but the bus stops were so far away at all the parks. Our first trip we did AKL and loved it. I have done Deluxe, Mods and Value and honestly I enjoyed them all!

[Carrie in AZ]

You are TOTALLY normal. I've been in your shoes for sure. As Moms, we want everything perfect for our families. There are a lot of choices concerning a Disney trip, and it is just plain harddddd to make decisions and then not think about changing.

I can't even tell you how many times I've changed our plans! How's this to sum it up: We are leaving on Saturday and less than a week ago, I changed the first resort of our split stay!!!

Have a MAGICAL time on your trip!!

[DaveInTN]

We did WL for our first trip when our kids were young. It was MAGICAL in every way. Don't second guess yourself. At their ages, you will probably spend more time at the MK than other parks, and being able to hop a boat to your resort for mid-afternoon breaks (nothing like an afternoon swim and rest to recharge those batteries!) and go back for dinner and the evening is awesome! Have a great time!

[CanadianGuy]

I believe there's a thread here somewhere on 'Resort Changers - I need help" or something like that..

The first few times I went to Disney after a 10 year break back in 2006 - I went thru this over and over and I don't even have kids! I was like "Would I like to try CSR or go back to Pop.. " and on and on.

I got around those tough decisions by telling myself - this isn't the last trip you'll ever take to Disney so picking SOMETHING and stay with it.

And since then, I haven't really second guessed my choices for each trip.

Good luck!

Knox

[Kay1]

I've seen lots of posts like yours. You may experience anxiety until you're actually at Disney. Remember, it's only a vacation.

[tinkbyday]

I do the same exact thing - I usually second guess myself from start to finish, though. not just when I make the final payment LOL!

WL is a fantastic choice, especially during the holidays.

You will love having the town car pick you up and drop you off - it's nice to have your luggage right away. We've done both ME and town car and actually did a limo this last trip for my DDs 10th bday - we definitely prefer the personalized service, although we will use DME in Dec for some savings.

I think part of it is there is nothing left to do at that point - just sit and wait....enjoy the fact that you've planned everything perfectly and just look forward to the rewards of all of your work!

[NMAmy]

Originally Posted by LaWa

Should I just let it all go and enjoy myself?

Yes.

Originally Posted by LaWa

Do I just need to give myself a break for a few days?

Yes.

Sometimes after all that planning, it can be a bit anticlimactic when all you have to do is wait for your trip to begin and then you get that urge to start changing things. Relax, try not to think about it for a few days, and then if you still want to change things, go for it.

Have a great trip!

[tami82]

Stick with WL since it is your first trip. Then if you decide to go back again next year or some other time, and you want to stay in a value i think that would be a great idea (then you can stay even longer).
I too can get like this, i spend months & months planning and make reservations somewhere. Once the fun is over and i have nothing else to do i get bored and try to see if there is something else i can do. I think this is normal. instead of thinking about this try to concentrate on something else now like maybe modifying your dining reservations to get them the best they can be to match your schedule (im guilty of this but in the end got everything i wanted from the days down to the exact times). Maybe start picking out the clothes you will be wearing each day and go shopping for some new tops or shorts (i loved doing this also and got some really nice things to wear in Disney).

[sherry8253]

I am going to ask you a few questions. How much would you save to switch to a value? Do you plan on being in the parks from morning until night and then just fall into your bed at night. Are double beds okay for your family? Do you like the idea of food courts or sit down restaurants at your resort? If you are going to spend most of your time in the MK, would you appreciate jumping on a boat rather than taking a bus? Will the amount you are saving allow you to put aside a chunk of cash for your next Disney trip (just in case you fall in love with Disney like I did many years ago). The WL is fantastic at Christmas. But many kids fall in love with the values and want to go there even though the family could afford a mod or deluxe. So.... after asking all of those questions, my answer is..... if this is your once in a lifetime (or once in many years) trip or you think you will feel regret if you visit the WL and didn't stay there, then go with the WL (it is one of my favorites). Let us know your final decision and be sure to give us a trip report when you get back. Wishing you and your family a magical Disney vacation filled with pixie dust. And... I am sure you will become hooked like many of us!!