1st time trip and I'm SCARED!!

[TNT21]

Well DD9 and I are leaving in less than a month for our first trip to the world! I thought I was ready, but now I am terrified!
First plane trip ( for both of us)- we are flying into Sanford Airport.
Any advice/ suggestions?
What time do we need to be there for our (11:00 a.m.) return flight home?
We were going to use MEARS- anybody use them from Sanford?
OR
Should I get a towncar ( they want almost double rate from Sanford compared to from Orlando)
OR
Rent a car (which I have also never done before, and probably wouldn't use after we made it to the hotel, since I'm uncomfortable driving anywhere I'm not familiar with)

Am I crazy for trying to do this by myself?
I really want everything to be as uncomplicated as possible!

Thanks for any help!

 

[mudnuri]

I dont think your crazy!

But here's what you HAVE to do....first try to keep this fear of flying to yourself. No reason to get DD upset about it. Talk to her about the flight- what it feels like etc..

Its scary to me still after YEARS of flying to take off and land. once I'm in the air I'm fine...but the take off and landing still freak me out.

I would not use mears, just from what I have read here on these boards.

If your flight is at 11am- you need to be there at 9am...

I think its great you and DD are going to WDW! like I said above, try to keep your fear of flying from your DD

I still have to do that with my DD's, they LOVE flying, and think the take off and landing is the best part. I'm sitting there holding my breath, and they're laughing!....

The last time DD8 flew- she was 6, and she fell asleep on the tarmak in Houston- slept straight thru till we taxied to the gate in Hartford!...she missed my "Freak"...LOL

Have fun and dont sweat the small stuff!...

Brandy

 

[TNT21]

I was all set to use MEARS (only about $50 round trip for the 2 of us), but they don't get such great reviews! I didn't know if it would be any better from Sanford.

I'm getting rate quotes of about $180 RT for a towncar, I can get a rental for the week for that much, but won't be using it except for to and from the airport.Also would it be a lot more hassle to get a rental than to use a towncar service?

 

[mudnuri]

Personally- I'd get a rental.

and here's why-

We stayed on site in April- and though the buses were GREAT...had minimal waits etc.. we had a PS at chef mickeys- in the contemporary...we would have had to bus to the TTC then monorail to Contemporary..this was on arrival night. we drove over.

We also were able to drive to Epcot the night we stayed for illuminations- and relaxed afterwards, strolled slowly to our truck, got in, pulled out- and were back at the resort, quickly

I also dont like being at the "mercy" of a transporation company if I dont have to be.

Plus- if you get a rental- you drive right by a few grocery stores etc.. and coming from Stanford- even walmart is within reason to stop at. to pick up any last minute things.

The Walmart in Kississimmee- has a wicked selection of disney merchandise....shirts/gifts etc..

I'd get a rental- go with a compact- like a Dodge Neon- it will be perfect for you and your DD

check mousesavers for rental codes etc.. and also rentalcodes.com for some that mary doesnt have..

Play around with the codes/rates till you find one you can afford...I bet you can get one for about 100 bucks

Brandy

 

[Captain Blue Sky]

I am amazed when I hear about how afraid people are of flying. I have been a professional pilot, now a B757 Captain, and have flown more than 3 million flight miles in my career. Never have I had a serious incident! Yes, there is turbulence every now and then, but flying is such a safe form of transportation that incidents are almost non-existant. One of the best recommendations I would have in dealing with fear of flying would be to sit down and list exactly what you are afraid of. Then, do a little research online or at the library about the specific fears, because, chances are, your fears are the result of not knowing enough about the issue. If you are afraid that the aircraft might "drop out of the sky," find out more about the physics of flight and how aircraft stay aloft. If you are afraid of terrorism, go to the TSA website and learn about what safeguards are in place. Visit your departure airport and observe the process. You would be surprised what incredible improvements have been made to enhance security. Sometimes people have a profound sense of loss of control, primarily because they are not operating the aircraft (like driving a car - sometimes certain people ALWAYS need to drive). This will need to be dealt with by TRUSTING the fact that competent people are piloting the aircraft and that the cabin crew can assist with your needs very easily. If you do these simple suggestions, and do them with earnest, you will likely be able to control those fears so you can actually enjoy one of the most amazing accomplishments man has attained - powered flight!!!

 

[ckret01]

Thanks for replying Captain Blue Sky! It does shed a little relief to have an actual pilot say these things . I too am very afraid to fly. At take of I clench the seats and slowly tears start falling. I know what my fear is so maybe I will try to do some research on it. I am flying for the 6th time in my life next Friday and am very nervous. But I really appreciate you reponding to this thread

 

[TNT21]

I guess I should say I'm really not so much afraid of flying as the whole idea of getting lost, doing something "wrong", or not knowing what I'm doing in general.
As far as not being in control, I'm one of those people who would much rather be in the passeger seat or have someone else be the responsible one!
I think I'll do o.k. on the plane- not worried about terrorists or anything like that- and my little one is thrilled with the idea!
Has anyone rented car from the Sanford airport and driven to Pop Century(or Disney property)?
What companies are available?
How hard is the drive?
How long does it take?

Any input is SO appreciated!!!

 

[gigi1313]

why not just take a cab? it will be similarly priced as mears and cheaper than a rental...

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

Maybe it would help to think of this first trip to Disney as the first of many. This can be the trip where you have to stretch a little to learn the ropes, but the next time it will all seem familar. What a gift to give yourself and your daughter!

You seem to be expecting a lot of yourself when you say that you are scared of getting lost, doing something wrong, not knowing what you are doing. We all do those things in an unfamilar place. Give yourself plenty of time, don't expect to navigate your way around perfectly in a place you've never been, and try not to be so hard on yourself. You don't deserve that. If you get lost, you'll get yourself found again! You've got time. You're on vacation!

I think you should be really proud of yourself for conquering these fears and WDW is the perfect place to do it. It's so much fun that it will be worth the stress of going, and it's safe physically and emotionally. One of the reasons I like WDW so much is that I think that people who love it tend not to be the types to judge or laugh at anyone. So if you need help, just ask. You won't be alone there.

Have a great trip!

 

[pppiglet]

TNT21 sounds like me...not afraid of the flight, but of the airports, getting lost, arriving late, not knowing generally what to do. I haven't been to an airport for 20yrs! Scared to death to go, but I really want to go on a DCL cruise for our 25th anniv. in 2007, so I am looking up everything now and playing around with ticket prices and things on the internet to get familiar. I should be ready by 2007!