A nervous wreck... advice please!

[Kristine316]

This is my first post... actually, I may have had a post months ago but, I cannot even remember what it was about.

We are leaving for WDW on January 28 and staying for 7 days.

This will be our one and only trip to WDW. I am dragging my family kicking and screaming as it is... I have a husband who is not thrilled about this trip and two teens who think it will be "stupid and for little kids".

I am really feeling the pressure for everything to go really well. In truth I am a nervous wreck about this vacation!!! I have done tons of planning and asked a million questions of my travel agent and still I am terrified that everything will go wrong!

Honestly, I still cannot figure out what day to go to which park and how it all works out with our ADR's... I have read all sites but, frankly this stuff is so detailed it almost feels like a foreign language to me!

I even bought two Disney books and read them both twice from cover to cover!! It is almost like it is too much information... it is completely and utterly overwhelming!

Now, I am reading on here how busy everything is down there and how most didn't expect it to be so crowded. That really scares me.... my travel agent has assured me that it is a really slow time to go but, frankly, I am starting to wonder how much she really knows. I have read the trip prediction calendars but, how accurate are they really.... can I count on their predictions?

I am dealing with a husband who is not exactly an easy going kind of person... and since he didn't want to take this vacation to begin with I am worried this maybe a bad idea. I can imagine him complaining the entire trip about the huge crowds and all the walking.
I have been told over and over again how slow it is suppose to be (she picked these dates for the sole purpose of it being a slow time of year)... I really am not sure I am getting good advice from my travel agent... and if she is wrong about how busy it will be.. what else is she wrong about? It worries me! Hey, I get it.. with Free Dining there is no slow time at Disney anymore... but, that is not the way she presented it to me.


Can anyone reassure me or give me some advice? Is it normal to be so nervous before a vacation?? I trust the posters here... I mean the amount of knowledge and experience on these boards is wonderful.. I trust the info on this board 100%!

 

[mistyt]

While I don't have any tips per se- I can tell you that you are doing the right thing buy getting all the information you can before you leave for your vacation. The first time we came down my mom actually had color coded notecards for each park!

Where are you guys staying at while you are there?

Are your teens boys or girls, and how many days are you planning on going to the parks?

It is totally normal to be nervous before any big vacation, especially one in which you feel may be a disaster. Remember to breathe while you are here, and whatever you do, don't try to pack everything in!

Maybe let your teens look at the disney website and mark their top rides they want to do so they feel that they got to do some planning too. Heck, you could even do the same thing with your husband!

 

[Altoqueenkelly]

I LOVED going to WDW as a teen, heck even in college, and even now!!!!


I think they may have some sort of judgement or idea in their head about it being lame and "kiddie." Your teens will be sooooo surprised at how much FUN can be had at Disney.... incl the thrill rides!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your hubby will hopefull jump on board too.


I can understand your anxiousness, just rest easy. You sound like you have done a LOT of planning for this trip, now go and ENJOY!!! Who knows.... your kids and hubby might turn into complete "mickey lovers" after this trip and beg to go back again and again!!!!


Breathe, Relax... and ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[HarborBlvd]

This will be our one and only trip to WDW. I am dragging my family kicking and screaming as it is... I have a husband who is not thrilled about this trip and two teens who think it will be "stupid and for little kids".

It sounds like all the nervousness and stressing is centered around making sure your family has a good time....and they've already decided they're not going to. Did you know your husband and kids felt this way about WDW before you chose it as your vacation destination of did this come as a surprise afterwards? Cause if I was going to the extent you are to make a nice vacation and my husband and kids were kicking and screaming, I'd leave them behind and go with some good girlfriends. No sense in dragging around a bunch of sourpusses.

 

[JennyLynn21]

Don't worry. You will have a great time!! Just try to remember to enjoy yourself!! Your children will love it..there is TONS of stuff that will interest them. I am a firm believer that there is something at Disney for everybody!

I went to disney with my boyfriend in October and he had never been and I had not since I was a child! I was just like you, so nervous for him to have a great time! In fact at times I was more concerned if he was having fun then if I was. But I read all the stuff and knew my stuff. In the end he still complained a little cause that is just him! But we had fun and so will you!!

Have a great Vacation!!

 

[LadyZolt]

I agree with the previous poster -- show your family what there is to do and then ask what they want to do.

To make the most of it, be at the park at opening. You'd be surprised how much you can do in the first few hours. If you wait to go until later in the day (if your DH and kids don't want to be early risers on vacation), then realize you'll have larger crowds in the afternoon, but you can still utilize Fast Pass for some rides, and be sure to do things that fit lots of people (like Festival of the Lion King at AK, and Laugh Floor at MK -- shows that hold a lot of people at a time.) My DS24 just did both of those things for the first time when we were there January 4 through 12 and he *loved* the Lion King show, and he wanted to do Laugh Floor three times. He also enjoyed the roller coasters, Tower of Terror, Test Track, Soarin, etc. -- there is plenty to do!

Second, look at the park maps and try to minimize walking by doing one section of a park first. If you plan it out, you can avoid walking back and forth across the park a bunch of times in a single day. Personally, I like the walking as I eat more ice cream at Disney World than I ever do at home (gotta have those Mickey ice cream bars! LOL!), so I figure I burn off some of the calories by walking a lot. But you can map out a route that doesn't have you backtracking as much if you want to.

If you're staying on site, you can try to take advantage of "Extra Magic Hours." I find that this is most effective for me in the morning because only resort guests can get in and you have an hour before non-resort guests start entering so you can often do a lot. But the evening ones are also good for being able to enjoy things.

Since this is your first time, your husband may not realize that the "crowd level" is much lower than it would be in the summer. But I think that you will have lower wait times for rides and hopefully you'll be able to do what you most want to do. Since this is your first trip, ask each of your family members to make a list of things they most want to do and then you can prioritize your schedule. Since you will be there a week, you can probably be flexible with your schedule and not have to have a lot of "hard and fast" plans, other than any dining reservations you might have. If you have park hoppers, that makes it easier to be more flexible. When my DS and I were there over marathon weekend, we thought we'd go to Epcot on Sunday, but it was really impossible to get there when we wanted to because of the runners, so we went to DHS instead and had a wonderful time. We went to Epcot the next day and it was just fine. Because we were there for a week, we had time to do everything we wanted, and we did most stuff at least twice.

I'm sure your family will enjoy it once you are there. There is so much to do and to see, the Cast Members tend to be friendly and helpful, and it will feel like a place that is not part of reality so you can immerse yourself into the fantasy. Oh, be sure to ask about getting "First Visit" buttons -- CM's then will know it's your first visit and will help you to make the most of it.

And one last thing on the not-too-thrilled hubby -- see if you can arrange some "alone time" with him -- a romantic dinner at one of the more "grown up" restaurants (not Chef Mickey's, but California Grill, or Narcooses, or Citricos), and some quiet moments with just the two of you. That can often improve the mood.

Have a wonderful time!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[mistyt]

And one last thing on the not-too-thrilled hubby -- see if you can arrange some "alone time" with him -- a romantic dinner at one of the more "grown up" restaurants (not Chef Mickey's, but California Grill, or Narcooses, or Citricos), and some quiet moments with just the two of you. That can often improve the mood.

Have a wonderful time!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

I was thinking the same time! If you trust your kids, you could even let them explore Disney Quest one night (a total haven for teens and adults who like to play video games and explore virtual reality) and you and your hubby could catch some live music right across the walkway and enjoy dinner and drinks at House of Blues.

What is nice about that is if the kids are enjoying disney quest, but you still want them to check in often they can leave the building, walk right across the walkway to where you are and then go back into the building!

 

[At World's End]

We'll be there on Saturday, so I've been watching the crowd reports, too. I think it was busier over last weekend than most people expected, and it was expected to be crowded this weekend due to the MLK holiday. I read reports that said it was pretty empty midweek, so hopefully that will be the case for us!

We were there last year with 10 family members, all of us first timers. I totally understand being nervous about how the trip will go. Don't worry, everything will work out!

Be ready for DH to complain about the walking. I think you do more walking when it's not crowded because you spend less time standing in lines and you are on the go more.

Have you made your ADRs? If you have, then that pretty much determines what park you go to on which day, unless you want to park hop. As I understand it, park hopping just for meals takes ALOT of time, especially if you are using the busses. I would eat in the park you plan to be in that day to make life easier for everyone. I wouldn't be doing alot of character meals if your teens think Disney is just for little kids.

If you haven't booked ADRs and need to determine which park to go on which days, there are a few strategies. If you are staying onsite you need to determine whether you want to do EMH. If your family likes to sleep in, I would avoid the parks with morning EMH. Also know that HS is going to be way more crowded on a Fantasmic night than another day. If you have park hopper tickets you might consider doing a different park in the day, then hopping over to HS to see F! at night to avoid the crowds.

I've been playing with our ADRs and I'm finding alot of availability. I'm hoping this means that free dining won't have too much of an impact on the crowds at this time of the year.

 

[ZoZo]

I think your choice of the end of January is a great time to go. Sounds like your travel agent knows what she's doing, if she suggested this timeframe for you. Can she suggest some dining reservations for you, and a basic plan of action?

I know that it's kind of overwhelming at first. Realize that it's possible to "overplan", especially for your first trip. Try not to stress, and realize that no trip is "perfect."

Also, please don't take on the responsibility to make sure your family has a good time - just plan some fun things to do, make a few dining reservations, and go with the flow as much as you can. Don't feel like you have to do "everything" on your first trip - you'll spend so much time running from one thing to another, you'll miss out on the relaxing parts of the trip (for me, it's people-watching!

One thing I will recommend is that you use Fastpass to minimize your waits in line. This chat board has lots of info on how to utilize Fastpass -- or you can get the basic strategy from a good guidebook (I like the Unofficial Guide).

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[ccudmore]

Nothing to add that's not already been said. I'm sure you'll have a great time.

By the way.. your first post was about Free Dining... http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2432562

 

[NMAmy]

How old are your teens? I think if you can get them on board, it will really make your trip. Get them involved in the planning. Give them the books and have them help decide what you'll do each day--if you're feeling brave, have them plan it all.

You might also consider giving the teens a bit of freedom. Tell them that for a portion of each day, they can take off on their own. Decide if you're comfortable with them being in a different park of if you would prefer to have them stay in the same park as you. I've always been very comfortable with dd and a friend being on their own at WDW. Sometimes with teens, we all need a bit of a break from each other along with the family time. This will also give you and your DH a bit of alone time which may improve his mood as well.

My dd is now 20 and in college and still loves to go to WDW with us so it's really not just for little kids.

I hope you have a great trip!

 

[18sprint]

I was one of "those" husbands who didn't want anything to do with Disney World. All that money for a little kid's park? At the time my boys were 8 & 10 and really weren't into Disney anymore. DW really wanted to go and try it and after the guilt trip she laid on me about how the boys weren't getting younger, I finally relented. The only information I had about WDW was the experiences of one of my friends at work and quite frankly I started to get interested. I hate hassles, but when he said that the travel agent would set up everything and I wouldn't have to drive anywhere (except to the airport) and it would be hassle free, I was finally convinced. Well, that was 12 years ago and I can't get enough WDW! We started out going every-other year and even through the teenage years, the boys loved going. Since then, we have joined the DVC and go at least once per year for a couple weeks.

Don't worry about crowds, it shouldn't be bad. Utilize fastpass for the most popular attractions. Avoid MK on Saturday and Sunday. My suggestion is to let things happen, don't try to raise expectations. The quality of shows, rides and attractions will do this for you.

 

[LaurenT]

I would keep the teens away from fantasyland, maybe go to DHS first and get them on RnRC - that ought to dispell the "it's just a little kids park" idea.
Why don't you post your ADR's and we'll offer touring suggestions for teens based on which parks you'll be in for those meals?
Also, are you on-site? And if so, which resort?
Did you join touring plans? It's only $10 and you can actually print up a step by step plan to tour each park based on the preferences of teens! If you do this, remember that you don't have to follow it exactly - especially end of January (which WILL be slow), just get FP's for anything with a long wait and use it to decide which attractions the kids will like best.

 

[LaurenT]

I wanted to add that I would refuse to hear any whining from DH....I would threaten to make him ride It's a Small World for an entire afternoon if he whines at me!

 

[BridgetR3]

I was one of "those" husbands who didn't want anything to do with Disney World. All that money for a little kid's park? At the time my boys were 8 & 10 and really weren't into Disney anymore. DW really wanted to go and try it and after the guilt trip she laid on me about how the boys weren't getting younger, I finally relented. The only information I had about WDW was the experiences of one of my friends at work and quite frankly I started to get interested. I hate hassles, but when he said that the travel agent would set up everything and I wouldn't have to drive anywhere (except to the airport) and it would be hassle free, I was finally convinced. Well, that was 12 years ago and I can't get enough WDW! We started out going every-other year and even through the teenage years, the boys loved going. Since then, we have joined the DVC and go at least once per year for a couple weeks.

Don't worry about crowds, it shouldn't be bad. Utilize fastpass for the most popular attractions. Avoid MK on Saturday and Sunday. My suggestion is to let things happen, don't try to raise expectations. The quality of shows, rides and attractions will do this for you.

Oh my, now this worries me.....avoid MK on Saturday and Sunday??? My books and websites say avoid it on Monday and that Sunday is a good day to go?!??

I'm confused. Which one is correct? I have it booked right now for a Sunday and unfortunately it's not changing because it's the only night that the Electrical parade is active while we are there BUT.....I just want to prepare for crowds.

 

[pepe of ohio]

I can only post as to not over plan...every meal, every minute and let spontinanity slip in. down time is important in WDw, an afternoon at the pool, pool picnic, an evening at the pool with some wine (late evening). In our opinion, table service meals are medicore at best and some of the great melas we eat are QS and CS. A great time for all would be the Hoop Dee Do, all the beer and sangria and fried chicken and ribs you can to gobble up plus a super funny dinner show while you eat.

Stressing isn't going to cure anything....just be flexible and willing to chuck your plans once there is something else catches your eye. Live for the moment and you'll be fine...

 

[Darcy03231]

How old are your teens? If they're younger teens there should be enough there to keep them interested, especially since it will all be new to them. I took my niece last December (she was 11 at the time) and she had a ball! It was her 2nd trip, but she really didn't remember the first one (she was just barely 3 the 1st time).

What kinds of rides do they normally like? My kids love thrill rides - the bigger the better. While WDW doesn't have as many as US/IOA, they do have some. My kids favorites are Space Mountain (MK), Expedition Everest and Dinosaur (AK), Tower of Terror, Rock n' Rollercoaster (DHS), Mission Space, Test Track & Soarin' (Epcot). They also really like the shows at DHS. DD loves Beauty & the Beast and DS likes Indiana Jones and Lights, Motors, Action.

I have four children (now 17, 19, 22 & 26). We started going to WDW yearly when the oldest was 12 and the youngest 3. The oldest was fine for the first three years and then didn't want to go anymore. DH never went after the first trip. He hated every minute of it (but he did make the best of it for the kids that first trip - he's just never gone back). I found as my kids got older they lost interest, but they've been multiple times. By the time the youngest was 13-14 we were done doing WDW as a family vacation.

One big thing I found with teens is they hate to get up early and get going in the morning. Depending on their ages (and attitudes) maybe you and DH can let them sleep in and meet you later in the parks (assuming you're staying on-site), or hang out at the pool.

On our last trip to the Orlando area it was just me and the two youngest and we stayed for a week at US/IOA but I planned a day at WDW. We did a challenge where we hit all four parks in one day. We just did the headliner rides that they were interested in (and Its a Small World in MK - family joke) and had a blast. They had a great time that day! If you find they're losing interest you might want to try something like that.

 

[gigi1313]

okay, the first most important thing i can tell you is to take a deep breath...

once you've calmed yourself down, and really, it's a done deal, so what's to freak over now... just chill, and then set a time to meet with your family... have your guide books out, have the disney dvd in, and if you can grab or print some maps, do so...

next step would be to explain "the magic" and how disney is not seven days of six flags, but rather something totally different... encourage the kids to ask questions, tell them that there are more than rides and shows and ask what would make their vacation memorable? (fishing? great! disney offers that... biking? great, they offer that too! etc)

as far as which park on which day... well, your TA is right... it is a slow time... i have clients going at that time for the exact same reason, low crowd predictions! so, you can really take your choice of where when but i would base it on your family's wants...

do they want to get up early and be at rope drop? if so, go to a park that has a regular opening time... do they want to be up before the sun and hit the ground running? if so, go to the park w/extra magic hour in the morning... or, perhaps sleeping late is their deal and if so, plan for the parks that have evening EMHs... of course, if you are an early riser, and the hubby or kids are late sleepers, this can require a compromise... ASK the family, but plan to re-adjust while there if necessary!

as far as ADRs go... i would plan a definite mix... if you are looking for recommendations that appeal to teens (i have two, and traveled to WDW w/six this past summer) i would start with Teppan Edo in Epcot... SciFi in DHS... Donald's b'fast at AK (this is a must-do for all my teens for some reason)... and 'ohana or whispering canyon for dinner in the MK area...

i think if you are relaxed and don't let them know they have the "power" all will be fine!! just go, enjoy, and make the best of it... heck, it's disneyworld!

 

[Harvestmooner]

Not sure how old the teenagers are, but if they are over 16 why not book a Segway tour for the whole family-you would win points in the cool department.
Also, in Epcot if your husband likes to have a cocktail/beer he can do that while you walk around and enjoy the Worldshowcase. Love the slushies in France!!!
There is going to be a ton of walking and you can't avoid it-make sure the family knows this, they should wear the most comfortable shoes they have. I would also remind them that this is your vacation too and you have worked very hard planning it and would like to enjoy it!
Have a wonderful trip!!

 

[amyr1]

I was there from 1/4-1/14. I WAS surprised at how many people were there. It looked very crowded to me. BUT it was like most people were not even riding anything, just strolling around. Most things we did were walk on--during normal hours. I know we walked right on Mission Space, Jungle Cruise, Dumbo, Carousel, Magic Carpets and many more.

I know I was a bit upset when we arrived at a park and saw so many people walking around but once I realized it looked worse than it was things god much better.

Amy