A Monkey wrench thrown into my plan....

[DrRae2B]

... Ok. I've had this trip planned out (as in, ADRs booked and everything-- including BBB, CRT, Fantasmic Dinner Pkg, etc!) to a T for months now, and now, 92 days out, we are having some, uh, issues....

First I'll fill you in on our CURRENT plan:
Me
DH
DD4
and DSis 14
May 9-16th, 2010. 7 nights/ 8 days at POR, Disney MYW Package, 4 day Park Hopper tix, DxDDP. Everything is ready to go.

Now I am considering a couple of other options. For numerous reasons. Reason #1- my mom now wants to go with us. Reason #2- In the past few months, DD4 has sprouted an uncharacteristic "shyness" toward strangers(which I think is all an act anyway, just to get attention, but that's beside the point....) and has informed us that she no longer wants to "go see Mickey" because she's "too shy to talk to him". Ummm.... o-kaaay. (I'm thinking, "what about all those character meals I woke up at 3 AM to book??").

So, we are now faced with the fact that some changes need to be made.

OPTION #1:
Keep the current plan and just stick Mom in there along for the ride. CM told me we can add her for an addtl $15/night, and that she can buy tix when we check in or at the gates. Might even be able to rearrange ADRs enough so she can eat with us sometimes. S(he's fine with the fact that she might not be able to dine with us in some instances-- she says she'll just go back to the room and chill by the pool or something.) Sounds peachy. Yeehaw.

OR..........

OPTION #2 (Caution: Curveball ahead!!!!):
Drop 3 nights off current plan. Rearrange ADRs a lil bit. Plunk a 3 night Disney cruise on the end and chill in the sunny Bahamas.


We have crunched the numbers and both options are around the same cost. And we have discussed the pros/cons of both and simply canNOT reach a decision-- we are all fair game for either. We would have a blast in FL the entire week, but I worry that DD will refuse to interact with the characters. Plus, I just have a feeling we are going to be sick of walking around all week and, by the time we get home, are going to need a "vacation from our vacation". And, honestly, I'm freaking out about the probability that I might not be able to change those ADRs from 4 to 5 people.
However, the cruise option would be far more relaxing, but I'm worried about all the typical cruise issues-- seasickness, cruise ship stomach bugs, DD refusing to stay in the Oceaneer Club, paranoia about getting robbed at gunpoint by thugs in Nassau, and so on....


Puuhhleeeeaaasssse, Somebody help me weigh my options and make my decision!!!! I can't do it! What should we do??? Advice, suggestions, other options, tips, ANYTHING is welcome (well.... except yelling at me for being so indecisive... trust me, I'm beating myself up enough as it is....).


TIA!!!!

 

[mjkacmom]

Honestly, just the idea of sharing a hotel room with 4 adults, 1 teen, and 1 child for a week wouldn't work for me. I don't think you really need to worry about the characters - it's not like they are seeking you out, and your dd might enjoy them when she gets there. We did the cruise after 6 nights at WDW, and although we enjoyed it, 3 nights is much too short! By the time dd8 finally got used to the motion, we were back.

I think I'd stay with WDW, and move to 2 value rooms, or a family suite. I also wouldn't do DxDDP with a 4 year old.

 

[4HOLIDAYS]

weekend cruise gets my vote-love to cruise with Mickey! As long as you are not trying to cram the same amount of parks, adrs into lesser days, if that is the case just stay with the original plan.

 

[DrRae2B]

4 adults, 1 teen, and 1 child

I also wouldn't do DxDDP with a 4 year old.

Actually, it's 3 adults plus the 2 kids.


As far as the DDP goes, we are doing several 2-credit meals, so we won't be stuck with 3 lengthy meals a day (in some cases, we only have one sit-down meal planned, and in almost all cases, we are eating breakfast in the room).


Your advice about the cruise being too short is exactly one of the things I was wondering. Good point. Thank you.

 

[DrRae2B]

weekend cruise gets my vote-love to cruise with Mickey! As long as you are not trying to cram the same amount of parks, adrs into lesser days, if that is the case just stay with the original plan.

We are actually keeping the same amount of park days (4), and, of course, dropping all the extra ADRs that wouldn't mesh well with the park plans.

We've never been on a Disney cruise, and were just thinking maybe it would be a little more relaxing than walking all the time in theme parks all week. And, to make it all the more confusing for us, now DD 4 is saying that she would "rather go on the giant Mickey boat to the beach" than stay at WDW the whole time.

.... I'm just confused as to which would be the better option. Do you think we would get burnt out on Disney for 8 days (we aren't really the type who want to "do it all"). Would the 3 day cruise be too rushed to really enjoy?

(And, as a side ??, Is it common for people to second guess/ get less excited about their trip at the midpoint between booking and actually going?? I feel like I'm not as excited anymore-- I should be going crazy right now but I'm just not! Why???).

 

[leebee]

For me, planning is as much fun as going to WDW! It sounds like you have it all planned, which could be why you are less excited about going, and also why you are second-thinking your plans... because half the fun is already over!

Regarding your plans, I would stay with the all-WDW vacation, but I would buy tickets for more than 4 days for a couple of reasons. First, you say you aren't "do it all" types, which makes me think you probably aren't "stay in the park from rope drop til close" types either. Having tickets for all 8 days (or at least for 6 days) will let you come and go as you please, doing 4 hours in a park one day, going to just the fireworks the next. Also, you are doing the dining plan, which means that you have to buy the plan for seven days. Are you eating at mostly resort restaurants? With only 4 park days, you can only eat at in-park restaurants on the 4 days you go into the parks. The 8 day tickets cost $12 more per person than the 4 day tickets, and they buy you a LOT more flexibility. Also, if you have park tickets for more than 4 days, you could rethink some of your ADR's so you can include Mom in those meals. See? More planning=more fun, which means more excitement about your upcoming vacation!

 

[deerhart]

Will you need passports for the cruise and do all of you already have them?

Because if you don't, you may find that even with a rush you may not have the time to get them.

Last I checked the post office was still recommending at least 6 months to get passports out.

EDITED
looking at the cruise line page it doesn't say whether or not you need a passport except that you would if you have an emergency and need to leave the ship (like to fly home or get special medical treatment), so you would need to call Disney to ask.

 

[mom2aidanNpiper]

Passports aren't required on closed loop cruises- just birth certificates. In an emergency though it is def nice to have one to be able to leave quickly and not have ot go through the embassy for special permission.

Current passport wait times are 4-6 weeks ( I just did ours this week)

I debated getting ones for the kids for the cruise, but decided better safe than sorry- plus we are traveling internationally next year.

 

[disneylovin24]

I would just add your mother to your current plans and cancle any of your character meals.

 

[DrRae2B]

Yeah, ya know, my brain is still a little back-and-forth somewhat, but I think we may stick with the original plan. Even though we aren't quite obsessed with "doing it ALL" (we could care less about catching EVERY parade, show, etc...), we still want to enjoy a nice helping of the Disney experience. With that said, I think maybe, by adding the cruise, we would only be getting "watered down" versions of both WDW and the cruise.

I think I might have just been putting pressure on myself to try to cram the cruise in, because we might not get a chance to take another vacation for a long time (I'm applying to medical school, and TBO, I highly doubt we'll be able to take a vacay during those 4 years). Furthermore, I know that Disney is debuting a new ship next year and expanding Castaway Cay, so I think we'll just wait and do the longer cruise in a few years, when there will be a bigger ship and an upgraded island. (Hmmm.... that would be an AWESOME med school graduation gift for me!!).

Good advice, everyone. You helped level me off. Thanks!!!

 

[Minniemama350]

The only 2cents I have to offer is that I wouldn't worry about DD4's new shyness. That is age appropriate and not likely to be a reason to change a resi as most kids will get caught up in the excitement and still enjoy it. You know your daughter best.

 

[laughinplace199]

For me, planning is as much fun as going to WDW! It sounds like you have it all planned, which could be why you are less excited about going, and also why you are second-thinking your plans... because half the fun is already over!

Regarding your plans, I would stay with the all-WDW vacation, but I would buy tickets for more than 4 days for a couple of reasons. First, you say you aren't "do it all" types, which makes me think you probably aren't "stay in the park from rope drop til close" types either. Having tickets for all 8 days (or at least for 6 days) will let you come and go as you please, doing 4 hours in a park one day, going to just the fireworks the next. Also, you are doing the dining plan, which means that you have to buy the plan for seven days. Are you eating at mostly resort restaurants? With only 4 park days, you can only eat at in-park restaurants on the 4 days you go into the parks. The 8 day tickets cost $12 more per person than the 4 day tickets, and they buy you a LOT more flexibility. Also, if you have park tickets for more than 4 days, you could rethink some of your ADR's so you can include Mom in those meals. See? More planning=more fun, which means more excitement about your upcoming vacation!

ITA!

 

[tr-ray]

Why would you only get 4 Day hoppers on a 1 week trip?

If you don't want to rush around -- just spend the extra few dollars to add on your Mom & additional days for your original hoppers.

And if your DD not being interested in characters is that big of a concern, drop the Dx dining & go with regular dining. You could save alot of $$ that way, probably enough to cover the cost of adding your Mom to the ressie.

 

[DrRae2B]

Why would you only get 4 Day hoppers on a 1 week trip?

.

We were originally going to do an entire day at Blizzard Beach, and then one day at IOA. We decided we would "start out" with 4 days, since they told us we can add more days to it when we're there, if we want.


I'm hoping the "shyness" is just a phase (since it seems to be an attention-getter anyway), and we're trying to get her excited about it. We're not loaded up with character meals, but there are a few on the plan (CRT, Crystal Palace, O'hana breakfast). I'm considering dropping Tusker House breakfast (cause, honestly, we aren't really breakfast types anyway).

My mom will definitely NOT be able to eat with us at CRT (we cant' change that ressie). I feel bad about that--- makes my heart ache to think of her eating alone while we enjoy the most sought-after meal on property. What sucks, though, is that my sister wasn't really thrilled about eating with Cinderella anyway (she's not into that stuff...), and would likely rather just eat with Mom, but she's stuck with us. (TBO, she'd probably rather sleep in than have breakfast with Pooh, too...). I think I might play around with our reservations a bit, now that she's not bound to doing everything with us the whole time.

 

[Wendy5055]

I wouldn't rearrange all my ADRs around a 4 year old. She will end up liking the characters and you will end up kicking yourself for changing everything around.

Just call and get the ADRs and go from there. Honestly, there really is no need to get up at 3am to make the phone calls either (unless you are living in a different time zone...I didn't take note of that).

Take a look online to see what ressie times are available and if you feel better calling, then do so at that time.

About CRT...do you have breakfast or something? You are not able to get B, L or D at all for everyone??? All the princesses are going to beat all the meals now. Besides, if it is princesses you want the Ankershus Princess Story Book meals are great and not 2 credits. We did that for a couple of years for dd8. Flexibility is key when making your ADR's

 

[Alice's Mommy]

How set are you on the character meals? If it were me I would switch the dining plan to the counter service plan, change my hotel to the value resort (maybe get my mom to bunk with the kids so me and DH could get a little snuggle time in, ), and pay out of pocket for one character dining meal especially since the 4 year old is being shy with characters. If my mom wanted to go with me I'd feel really bad if she just chilled by the pool. I'd either change the trip completely so we could enjoy it as a family or I'd suggest she come with us next time.

 

[MarriedToAPrince]

I honestly would change all your plans for a 4 year old. I agree with the person who said you should add more to your tickets. Honestly we are the same type where we don't need to see everything but we cannot be at a park from open to close and I honestly think with a 4 year old you won't either. If you are there for 7 days I would do a 7 day park hopper with water park option that way you can enjoy everything WDW has to offer without having to worry about what days you have already used.

 

[agnes!]

I would make my tickets park-hoppers and non-expiring. The add-on cost is fairly negligible and, believe me, you *will* love having that flexibility especially with a large group.

The day you're eating breakfast with Pooh, could you give your DSis the gift of sleeping-in and take your DMom instead? Eat breakfast, then maybe have someone go back & get DSis afterwards. (If she's not experienced with WDW, if I were in your shoes I don't know how I'd feel about having a 14-year old roam around for the first time...)

I can't remember...how far out are you from your trip? If you think your DMom would really enjoy the Cinderella meal, maybe you could call the Dine Line every day and check to see if there have been any openings. If it's a question of spending the credits, maybe drop one of the other meals so everyone can go. People cancel dining things all the time, plans change...I wouldn't give up on getting your DMom in the Castle's door.

agnes

 

[kbheap]

I would keep your plans the same. Add DM to room ressie. We added guests to our ADR's last time when we checked in at each podium and never once had a problem. The CM's bend over backwards to help you. Your DD will get over her not wanting to go and shyness the minute you step onto Main Street. Maybe she is just getting nervous. Or maybe you have her so excited (I am guilty of this) that she doesn't know what to expect anymore. I say keep everything the same and add your mom.

 

[DrRae2B]

We're going May 9-16.

Yeah, I do think we'll drop the hopper option, and most likely add a couple of days to the tickets. Probably drop that Tusker House breakfast, too (I honestly don't even know why I crammed it in there to begin with...). But we are KEEPING the deluxe dining, fo sure.... Even though everyone in our party has been to WDW before, none of us have ever eaten in a Disney restaurant (other than a quick bite at a CS location), much less had the chance to eat at the nicer ones, so this gives us the flexibility to eat wherever we please for a flat rate. Plus, to us, the food is part of the experience, so we definitely are keeping the DxDDP. Aw yeah. Lol. However, I do think my sister would prefer to sleep in than eat breakfast with Pooh (and I KNOW she'd like to get out of that CRT meal...), so I might try to tweak those a little bit to better suit her. When it was only the 4 of us, she didn't have a choice, but now that Mom's there, she can duck out of the ones she's not really interested in.

My mom has said that the main reason she wants to go is to "see all of us have a good time together"-- she wants to be there for my DD's princess makeover, and maybe a few other things. She says she won't be going to all of our meals with us. Her reasoning is simple: She can't. See... she has a medical condition that leaves her incredibly fatigued, and she has pretty bad arthtitis in her back and she doesn't even know if she's going to be feeling well enough to do much with us at all. She says she's perfectly fine with chilling at the resort and lounging by the pool and such, and she says she wants to be there to watch Sara for us in the event that she gets too cranky/tired. She said that, if we do decide to do the cruise, she would just stay in Ft Lauderdale and lay around on the beach while we go. I know it sounds stupid, but as much as I would LOVE to do that cruise, I just couldn't have the heart to go enjoy the Bahamas, knowing that my mom is alone at a hotel. She even suggested having one of her friends meet her down there, and have a girls weekend, while we cruise (which, ironically, I think she would prefer to the actual cruise itself), but I still would feel guilty about it.

.... My DH is really annoyed with me for even suggesting a change in plans. He says plugging a cruise in this late in the game would be too much a hassle, anyway, regardless of how much we would all enjoy the end result. Maybe he's right.

For some weird reason, though, I'm just not excited about the Disney trip anymore (I have NO idea why... If you'd read my earlier posts, you'd see how crazy-excited I was, before!). DH never really was, to begin with (I honestly don't think he cares either way... his response to everything is, "Yeah, ok. Whatever you want to do,"). Dsis is a typical punk teenager- she's just going for the sake of having something to do (and hoping WWoHP will be open by then). And DD4 doesn't even seem to be excited anymore. We SHOULD be going out of our minds with excitement right now!-- We got ALL the ADRs we wanted, and we got a sweet 35% off room deal, PLUS, we're going to be staying onsite (which is something we've never done). We should be super excited, but we're just not... I don't get it! Is it common for someone to be so ho-hum about their trip at this point? Maybe I got burnt out on planning it and I only got so excited about the cruise because it was something "new" to think about?

I just hope I can get excited about the Disney trip again.