A Disney Vacation is so much more than just the vacation days alone!

[erineab]

As we hung our Disney countdown calendar today (my kids and I make one every year), it dawned on me how much a Disney vacation is about so much more than just the days we actually spend in Orlando. Literally from the day we get home from a Disney vacay, my thoughts are moving towards the next. I know some people find the micro-planning of a Disney adventure overwhelming, but I totally thrive on it! From booking the resort, to organizing our ADR's, to making our countdown calendar, to playing ABC's of Disney before bedtime and yes even now to arranging FP+, our yearly vacation is practically a part of our daily lives! This year, my son even wrote an adorable song called "I Can't Wait 'Til Disney" to the tune of "What Does the Fox Say"! When looking at it that way, it is hard to put a price on it. Just thought I'd share to see if anyone else feels the same way as I do. I could try to explain this to the people that ask why we go to Disney EVERY year, but they just wouldn't get it!

 

[PoohsFan1]

My family totally gets it . What a great post BTW . Our family is just like yours in that we are all Disney obsessed and look forward to our next trip (yes, even DH). I too thrive on the whole planning part of the trip which I honestly think is the best part of a Disney vacation. I always get input from both DDs and DH as to where they think we should dine at and then mix in some new restaurants just to keep our vacations fresh and new, this mixed in with us trying out a new resort every time we go, well most every time (I have to stay at my beloved BC every couple of trips ). Every night at the dinner table we play some sort of Disney game that either DH or one of the girls make up (I am not that creative, so I leave that to them). Then of course we have our countdown calendar which always starts 1 month out to our check in date. It's funny, this will be my girls' 10th trip when we are there in May, and our excitement has not fizzled at all, we are all just as excited about this trip as we were when we went the first time with them .

 

[DividedSky]

I go to the BWCA every year. The minute I am out I start thinking about where I'm going the next year, when, and what to take.

So I get it. Disney doesn't have that kind of hold on me, but I do get how something can.

I'm taking my daughters with me this time. Had to scale way back and make it less rigorous because I want to hook them as well...and I think I will succeed:

http://www.bryanhansel.com/2008/johnson-falls-in-the-bwca/

 

[Disneymaddness]

I totally get it! I need to look at something Disney every day, even if only for 5 min. I love it! This year, for the first time, we booked a last minute trip and planned it all in a matter of days. It was surprisingly easy and we leave in 16 days! Can't wait!

 

[disneybliss2]

OP, you're right, it is so much more than the days you spend on your actual vacation days. I've never surprised my kids on the day of a trip. One, because they're not big on surprises and two, because they love to be a part of the planning as much as I do. To me, that's half the fun. We have so much fun planning & counting down the days to our vacation.

Fun post!

 

[katiee37]

I totally agree with this! Even as my vacation in January was ended, I was looking forward to what I would do again and what I haven't yet experienced but plan on doing next trip!

 

[yeheyprincex2]

It's true, not long after we got back from our last trip in November we were discussing would we come back for F&W festival or Christmas?

We would be there right now but we have a family wedding out of town so we are planning a trip for end of the year. My three yea told asked to go back everyday so it makes it temping to go back sooner.

I do look at Disney stuff everyday and check my favorite Disney sites for any new info that might have come out ( have to stay in the know).
It's all fun as long as you stay away from all the whiners complaining about the changes happening now.

 

[geekmom3girls]

We are annual passholders since we live so close (ATL) and my parents are in Orlando. I totally get this!
I want to find a really cute chalkboard countdown (etsy?!) since we will, for the foreseeable future, always have a countdown to Disney!

 

[CNYDisneyFan]

I feel the exact same way. I'm so excited for our upcoming trip in May, especially since Winter here in Syracuse won't go away anytime soon. I'm thinking about the warm and the sun and going on fun rides.

 

[Haygar2]

I totally get it!! I love planning the trip. My daughter thinks I am obsessed, by the way. I keep reminding her that the reason we have a good time is because I am obsessed and I plan. I love helping other people plan their trips, also. It's fun for me. My family might not be into the planning like I am, but I assure you, they have a great time.

I started my countdown for this trip the day I made it. It seemed like forever when my countdown read: 427 days. Now it reads 209. It's getting closer.

 

[ElenaJane]

Totally!! I feel I can justify the expense, because literally everyday before a WDW vacation, I think about it. The planning, the budgeting....all of it. I get so much more excitement about planning a Disney trip then any other! I don't fully understand it myself!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

My take is completely different. When you say a WDW is so much more...I think of all the things I've learned from my WDW experiences.

It is sometimes hard to explain, but many of the skills I've gained from WDW are time management and problem solving.

My extended family had also learned much about conquering one's fears. (new attractions) The children in my extended family all developed map reading skills at WDW. We've also learned quite a few science/geography details from WDW. A biggie was the Behind the Seeds Tour, and the opportunities we've experienced during the Garden festival. You can learn a ton listening to a garden expert for a few minutes, or reading the placards next to some of the displays.

I've learned much about human nature by observing others at WDW. A snapshot is not a good way to 'judge' an individual in a critical way. But over time, observing others will give you some insight into how fortunate you are to be alive, to be healthy, and the benefit of a having a great family. It is wise to do what you an to keep your life on the right track as long as possible. It also pays to get in shape before a trip to WDW!

Another thing we've learned over the years is just how quintessential WDW is in American culture. A trip to WDW is not essential....but wow, a significant portion of Americans attempt a visit at some point.

I've also learned that there is most certainly no 1 RIGHT way to visit WDW. My own WDW experiences have spanned the spectrum from super low budget, to fairly high budget (there's till a few stones I've never turned over). My experiences have spanned low crowds, high crowds, and nearly all kinds of weather. ALL variations have pros and cons.

Another important thing WDW has taught me is that no matter what, we can't do it ALL. Life means making choices and compromises; and living with the results of those choices. Having fun at WDW, means accepting that you can't be in every place at every time. you have to enjoy what you are doing, and not waste energy fretting over the path not taken.

 

[wiigirl]

I totally agree with this! Even as my vacation in January was ended, I was looking forward to what I would do again and what I haven't yet experienced but plan on doing next trip!

 

[redhotariel]

Could not agree with this post more. Honestly, I get so excited about Disney I start helping other people plan their vacations (whether they want my help or not). It is just something that I have yet to lose my excitement for. I look forward to it everyday. I think that the worst part is that the more days there are between trips, the more days I have to plan... which for me is dangerous. Miss. Anxiety over here!!! I love it though, I thrive on it. There is nothing like looking down at your calendar and saying "wow, in 11 days I'll be in Disney". It truly is not a destination it is a way of life. Every weekend I watch a movie in preparation for my upcoming trip. I sing a new tune, this week its "part of your world". I'm preparing for my Disney interview when I go there as I truly want to be part of their world! So exciting! And if nothing else I can't wait for a dole whip. I feel like a Dole Whip recovering addict. I'm over 3 years sober of one and I just can't wait!!! Love this thread entirely!