A nervous wreck... advice please!

[kileybeth]

Well your travel agent got at least one thing right. It is a fabulous time to go. Crowd and weather wise. You will be fine.

If you want everyone on these boards to help you make your plans "clearer then mud" come back and post your ADR's and how old your kids are.

This board is a life saver coming up with cool stuff to do when the normal "see Mickey / ride the rides" just won't cut it.

Sounds like you have free dining. THAT alone should impress the hubby and maybe even the kids. Keep looking over the dinner reciept and exclaiming over how much you are saving Also I DO hope you got good recommendations for your sit down restaurants. That will go along way.

Epcot and DHS sound like the parks to focus on unless you have an animal lover then obviously AK. MK is a magic all it's own but very very easy to miss the magic if you are not knowledgable about Disney. I am just going to say I hated it the first time I went (honeymoon) and didn't "get it" at all. Don't force the issue. Just enjoy the headliner attractions and fill in with great snacks (for free!) and cool stuff to watch/look at (even the least interested person will grudgingly admit the shows are top notch and the parades are well done.

And next time book them on DCL instead! Now that's something to experience whether or not you love Mickey!

Come back and talk to us!

 

[WDSearcher]

I have to admit to wondering why in heaven's name you'd book a vacation to somewhere you have to drag your family "kicking and screaming" to. If YOU want to visit WDW that badly, then plan a trip with some similarly Disneyite friends and do a family vacation that the FAMILY is interested in.

However, since you're only days away and you're freaking out ... I'd suggest you just toss your plan in your suitcase, leave a couple of Disney guidebooks around the house, and realize that whatever happens is going to happen. Nothing has to be written in stone. If you get to WDW and the family is miserable, be flexible and be willing to leave the parks for more family-friendly activities. Swimming, water parks, mini-golf, golf, horseback riding, water sports, campfires, hiking, arcades, shopping, dining ... all of these things are available once you walk out of the parks.

And maybe part of what everyone is objecting to is the planning, schedules, franticness of knowing which park on which day. For goodness sake! You don't have to see everything in one trip to have fun. There's not a test at the end.

Instead of going to Disney with the goal of seeing X and eating at Y, how about going with the goal of having fun? Whatever that means! If it means one park day and the rest of the time at the pool or golf course, then that's what it means. You're dragging your family to a place that they don't want to go to -- for whatever reason. You either need to find out what that reason is and work around it, or you need to realize that this will not be the magical vacation you have in the back of your head. Talk to them and listen to them.

And relax! Either way -- happy or grumpy -- you're still on vacation!

 

[mom2cookies]

I have a husband who is not thrilled about this trip and two teens who think it will be "stupid and for little kids".

Have you & they watched the free planning DVD? Have your teens check out the Teens Only thread here on the Dis http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=21 They can post and get some answers and point of view from their peers.

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've never used a travel agent except the one time and it was from Dreams Unlimited and she was able to pull of a trip between Christmas and NewYears when we contacted them on Thanksgiving weekend. Very impressed.... Anyway.. Has your travel agent been to WDW recently or at all?

Honestly, I still cannot figure out what day to go to which park and how it all works out with our ADR's...

Hopefully, you have made your ADRs, if not, check out the menus with the family and decide where you would like to eat. Do you have counter? if so you don't need adrs for counter / quick service. If you have full dining ( table service, quick service, & snack), decide which restaurant you want to eat at and if it is in a park then make your adr for the day you will be in that park. Example, if you want to eat at Mama Melrose on tuesday then you go to Hollywood Studios on tuesday or choose your park first and choose from a restaurant in that park or at the resort nearest to it so you mimimize your time traveling to eat and back to the park. Example, if you are at MK and want to go to the Hoop De Doo Revue ( 2ts btw) which is at Ft Wilderness Campground.

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

ok you don't have to post, but why doesn't he want to go? What is he interested in? there is a wide variety of extra activities that might would boost his interest if the budget allows. There is a wide world of sports where is he likes race cars, there is the Richard Petty( ?) experience { idk if that is what it is called but you get to drive really fast in a race car lol} as well as other sport related experiences. There is fishing, if he is a tech/ gadget kind of guy he will look forward to Epcot future world. I also, like the idea of a romantic dinner for you and him.

I can imagine him complaining the entire trip about the huge crowds and all the walking

invest in some earplugs ;0) or tell him if he is too miserable, security will throw him out lol. I know this is a real fear.. been there... and it is a real kill joy. If he doesn't get into the spirit, just as much as you can, tell yourself you are going to enjoy your self and ignore him. Works for me marginally. As far as if it is going to be crowded, your trip is planned, make the best out of what you get when you get there. I will be sending you pixie dust and good wishes. I think your family will change their minds and a last piece of advice, don't plan every minute of every day. Take advantage of fastpass ( get 4 for the same ride if the kids really think they will enjoy it and you and DH might not, then they can get on and turn around and ride it again). Good Luck and release your inner child to enjoy the magic :0)

 

[newdeal]

Dont worry, your kids and husband will all admit after the trip that they would go back again and it was a great place to go. Also if your husband is a sour puss on the trip feel free to punch him because his attitude will directly impact your kids

 

[Planogirl]

If your husband can't get into the spirit of things, I suggest letting him go off and do his own thing if he wants to. There's no point in everyone being unhappy because of an idea that it's a family vacation and everyone has to stick together. That would be the best but if it's not likely to happen then let it go.

He might just surprise you though. I suspect that the teens will have fun once they realize what it's all about.

 

[JimmyV]

I don't know if it will fit into your plans, but you might consider tossing in a day at Univeral Studios. Teens who have not grown up in a Disney family often enjoy US more. Or perhaps after a day at US, they will have all the more appreciation for WDW. Either way, it is a win. But as other posters have mentioned, there are plenty of neat things to do with teens. I think I enjoyed my teen years at WDW the best. That was the first time that my parents let me and my older brother break free and go out on our own. It was really cool when they let me at 12 and my brother at 14 go wherever we wanted and stay at the MK until midnight while they went to The Top of the World for a dinner show. Your teens will have a lot of fun as long as you give them some leeway to strike out on their own. They will not have your enthusiasm for some of the things that you enjoy, and vice versa. But that is the beauty of WDW. It is a safe place with great public transportation. Let them be teens. You can actually give them more freedom than you would at home, and trust me, that alone will make them love the trip. Just make sure that you help them familiarize themselves with the lay of the land and the transportation options. You have done your homework, but they haven't. With a map, a cellphone, some freedom and some energy, your kids will have a blast.

 

[eliza61]

Question: How did this trip come about in the first place? If your teens didnt want to go and your husband didn't want to go, how'd you guys end up at disney?

Unfortunately I think you problem is really not with planning but with "attitudes". If the kids and dh are sulking and whining, every thing can go off flawlessly and they will still not enjoy themselves.

I would try to work on that more than any thing else. You can't control every aspect of your trips. If for some reason a park is abnormally crowded you have no control over that. You can utilize fastpasses and try to get to the parks at rope drop (but will that lead to more whining from the teens about getting up early?) but ultimately its out of your control

I would simply remind every one that this is a vacation and to a certain degree, vacations are what you make it. but no one has the right to make every one else miserable.

 

[SOnotLayuh]

I didn't go to WDW until I was 18 on grad night... I thought it would be totally lame and childish, but I fell in love with it completely!

Teens will definitely be surprised at how awesome it is, at least I was!

Good luck!

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Question: How did this trip come about in the first place? If your teens didnt want to go and your husband didn't want to go, how'd you guys end up at disney? This is EXACTLY what I was trying to figure out.

Unfortunately I think you problem is really not with planning but with "attitudes". If the kids and dh are sulking and whining, every thing can go off flawlessly and they will still not enjoy themselves. Cannot agree more.

I would try to work on that more than any thing else. You can't control every aspect of your trips. If for some reason a park is abnormally crowded you have no control over that. You can utilize fastpasses and try to get to the parks at rope drop (but will that lead to more whining from the teens about getting up early?) but ultimately its out of your control Again....agree in full.

I would simply remind every one that this is a vacation and to a certain degree, vacations are what you make it. but no one has the right to make every one else miserable.

All of this was VERY well said. I know your vacation is only days away, but I sincerely hope it works in your favor.
In 2000 I took my mom, sister, and her 3 children to Disney. I was looking forward to this trip, planned my heart out! Couldn't wait to get there! When I did, I had a MISERABLE time! I took one day to go off by myself, and that actually was one of the better times I had. I had no way to just leave as since I spent $1500 on that trip, I didn't have a whole lot of spending money. I depended on my mom and sister for that. My sister...had NONE! Unfortunately, I put myself in a situation I couldn't get out of...never again. Hubby and I returned to Disney in 2001 and that MORE than made up for my last trip. So I'm proof, it's VERY possible to have a miserable time in the happiest place on earth. My sister, her daughters and mom haven't been to Disney since I took them and I don't see it happening for them anytime soon.
Just remember, what happened to me can very well happen to you especially since the "energy" is already there. However, the COMPLETE opposite can happen and everyone has a MAGICAL time!

 

[Winue]

hmmm... not sure why or how you ended up with a Disney vacation, if no one wanted to go but you. It sounds like "possibly" you have wanted this trip for the family for some time, since this is your first time going. Hopefully once you get there, they will be happy with everything going on around them.

if the teens are in school... aren't they just happy to be missing it?

personally, I would have fun no matter what, and if they were not joining me, then they could find something else to do, and I would go off on my own. They are all old enough to figure it out for themselves. if YOU want to have a good time, then create that for yourself! if they want to join, awesome! if not, well, you'll still have fun!

good luck!

 

[kohlby]

We went the last week of Jan/very start of Feb last year and it was a wonderful time to go! There were crowds on the first day of parks - which was Sunday and AK. Animal Kingdom's walkways aren't designed very well so it feels more crowded than it is. The rest of the week was empty. The crowd calendar had 5-6's but it should have been 1's. Space Mountain only had 5 minute waits!! Some rides did get long lines, like TSM, but as long as we did those first, we were all set. So relax. Plus, you're going with an old enough group that you can navigate crowds better. DH and I went three times without kids between Christmas to New Year's - one of the busiest time of the year. And we still always managed to do lots of things and not spend much time waiting in lines! Now that we have young kids, we won't do the busy time. So don't stress - crowds will likely be light. And even if you're surprised by crowds, they won't be terrible.

I agree with giving your teens some free time to roam. If you're not comfortable with them doing different parks, then have them meet up with you at a certain time.

Before we had kids, DH and I avoided FastasyLand. It was too crowded and all the strollers annoyed us. (Remember, we went during the busy time!) I'd avoid it at first with your group too unless they want to go.

*I'm not sure what parks or how many days you have planned. But if you have extra time or can switch some days, I'd strongly recommend IOA/US for the teens and even your DH.

 

[Karpkg]

I felt overwhelmingly stressed too over my first trip the first time I started going on these boards...mainly because it was at first an overload of information. Kind of like planning a wedding, LOL! But breathe, loosen those neck muscles and just remember that by perusing these boards you're actually soaking up information, and that's so much more than 3/4 of the people who go to WDW.

The crowds will not be bad because it's not the high season. Imagine those who went this past Christmas break who were first timers, you already have a leg up on those. Even if you went on "red" day park, it'll still be more tolerable than going during the spring, summer or Christmas breaks.

You're going for a week, so most likely you're going to a park more than once. Whatever you miss just get it around the second time. Go to rope drop if possible. If you can't, then at least utilize fast passes(FP).

I gave a quick first timer guide to a family while in line at Toy Story Mania(TSM). I told them learn to grab FP's, check the map and each member of the family pick 1-2 must rides, sketch a strategy and then go from there. This was Thanksgiving break. Anything beyond that was gravy. That's pretty much advice I'd give to you. Each member participate in the vacation by looking up the rides. Find which each one likes, pick a couple, then they become the must list and everything else is icing on the cake.

Keep your expectations open and be flexible. I picked the day for which park, made ADR's, knew about FP's, pushed for rope drop(RD) but once when we got there, let go. I had a general idea where to start but basically if someone changed their mind or impulsively wanted to not ride, or ride multiple times, I said sure! This allowed everyone in the family to have a say in the vacation. Again, don't let the mentality of "do or die" take hold; that'll make you more miserable.

Make the kids fast past runners. Therefore they're participating in making a ride more enjoyable for everyone.

I did all the planning but kept my obsessiveness to a minimum around DH. It drove him crazy early on so I just became "the woman behind the curtain". Once I quit blasting him about every little detail on Disney before the trip he lightened up on me and didn't dread the vacation as much. In the end he had a great time. Sooo, anxiety on my part can be picked up by the family too, just be aware.

Have fun. Pack Tylenol/Motrin for those aching muscles that'll start the 3rd day. Sometimes you just do what you can and then, let go.

Have a magical trip!

 

[maddiesmom0116]

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!

OP- I have been during that week a few years ago and it was really slow. Just remind your family, nothing is perfect,you have to be flexible in life. I hate that you are stressing out and it may ruin the time you have since it seems you are the one that is excited to be going in the first place. Just relax and have fun even if they don't, sometimes people dead set against something wont have fun no matter what. I took my mom a couple of trips ago because she had never been. My dad and I went several times when I was young (they were married) but she never went. I discovered there was a reason for that, she complained the entire trip when we went. I tried so hard to show her a good time, I didn't understand how she could not see the magic that it flawed my vacation some( just some).

The other day my mom came up to me and said next year we need to go during Christmas to see the lights, how pretty it must be, lets go. I almost fell on the floor.

 

[Kristine316]

I just have to say WOW!!!!

Bless you all for replying to me! I am literally printing out every one of these replies and taking them with me in my Disney Folder!! Terrific advice, great encouragement, and really really smart people!

I work quite a bit so I am only online at night before bed but, I wanted to answer some of the questions that came up through out the thread...

My son is about to graduate from HS and we have not taken a family vacation in a couple years. Hubby is a work-a-holic and getting him to leave the job is not easy! We decided to take a big family vacation before my son goes off to college... but, because he is working all this coming summer, to save up a nest egg to take with him to school next fall.. summer was out. My husband wanted nothing to do with the planning and trying to figure out a place to go was a challenge. I was Disney deprived as a kid so, Disney was where I really wanted to go. I actually thought my sons would be on board with it 100%... I knew my husband may not like it but, he did tell me to make all the plans. I was shocked when my sons acted like it was a horrible idea! lol

Anyway, we are driving because I am deathly afraid of flying. We are taking 2 weeks and driving there and seeing the country a little on the way.

I am excited but, yes... very, very nervous and anxious but, I feel much better now.

We had our ADR's made up a couple months ago... my agent did that all for me. Unfortunately it looks like at least 2 nights of ADR's are in parks that are "Parks to avoid" on those particular days. I am considering cancelling the ADR's those two nights and just winging it in the park we are in for dinner. I was told it is possible to walk into a restaurant without a reservation so, we may try that... or we may just do quick service those days and just pay out of pocket. We do have a car so, maybe park hopping for ADR's is easier that way?

Thank you all again for replying to me!! Like I said I am printing out the replies to take with because the knowledge on this board is second to none.

 

[bytheblood]

I am afraid my response is not going to be your favorite one.....but if everybody feels this way, I would not go. If everybody already has a mindset that they will have a miserable time, then chances are they will. I would scrap the trip to Disney and find a place that everybody wants to visit.

 

[Princess Sleepy]

My DH was a skeptic when we first went 2 years ago. He did it for the kids. The trip was by no means perfect. The weather was bitterly cold (lows of 25 at night). AK took all the animals inside and was a complete bust. We couldn't swim. BUT...he still had so much fun that he asked before we left when we could book our next trip. We went back again last summer and had the opposite weather extremes (102 degrees), and it was still fun (although still not perfect).

As long as you try to keep your expectations realistic (have the serenity to accept the things you cannot change) and relax, you will all have a good time. I think your family might be pleasantly surprised as long as they keep open minds. Have a great time!

(And if they hate it, I'm sure you will have no trouble finding people who would be happy to travel to Disney World with you!)

 

[shalom]

I was shocked when my sons acted like it was a horrible idea! lol

I think liking Disney is "not cool" with teenage boys. My boys are rabidly anti-Disney. To the point where they'll be exclaiming over the excellence of something I've made for dinner and then are dismayed to discover it's a Disney recipe. I think if I could get them to WDW they'd have a great time, but I haven't done it yet for various reasons.

I did, however, drag eldest son to SeaWorld last year (second son has always been into orcas so no dragging on that front). This year eldest son is talking about buying himself an annual pass to SeaWorld so he can go even without us.

So hopefully you know your boys better than they know themselves, and they'll be able to get past their prejudice and enjoy themselves. Even if they'll never admit to liking WDW to any of their peers.

 

[MEG&MINNIE]

Your 2 sons are teenagers ,so I would say they would enjoy the trip more if you gave them time to themselves and split up while in the parks...let them go off on their own for an afternoon or evening and meet up for dinner etc. I bet they'll have a blast being on their own !!! Who knows maybe they'll ride Splash Mountain or Rock'n Rollercoaster 3 x in a row !!!


If you stay out late in the parks till close ...sleep in late in the morning (and visa versa). Be willing to RELAX , you'll never be able to see and do everything in one trip anyways!

If you have to cancel an ADR because your having fun where you are ...don't worry, just cancel for the time being...you can always have counter service instead.

One year we went with ADR for all 7 days and to tell you the truth it seemed very much over-planned to me...like your rushing around the parks always thinking of "where you need to be" for your next dining reservation.

Are you staying onsite...if so ...do go back to the room to rest some afternoons . Also a good idea for relaxing is just resort hopping...take the monorail and check out some of the hotels along the way !!!!

Happy Planning....p.s. my husband didn't want to go the 1st time either, but he did have to admit ...he did have a good time !~ Your husband and kids might surprise you !

 

[lynn46356]

Our family of five which includes three sons ages 22, 21 & 12 visited WDW just this December. Our older boys have been before but its been 10 years since their last visit. They had a great time and never complained once. Well I'll take that back, they didn't enjoy Mom waking them at 6:30 a.m. each morning but they put up with me for the week. Our middle son insisted we go on Its a Small World (which surprised the heck out of me) and our oldest insisted on going Splash Mountain (I think he and his brother just wanted to see me get wet) on a very cold day. We ate ate and ate some more on this trip. The oldest sons had never enjoyed the dining plan. They only remember my husband and I saying to eat the cheapest thing on the menu and that they had to drink water or share a pop with each other! They were more than thrilled with steaks, dessert and an actual pop that they didn't have to share. It was such a great week. Yes, I was a bit concerned before we arrived. My husband has been converted over to the Disney side also after his first visit years ago. Please please arrive at the parks prior to rope drop or shortly thereafter as it will really help with getting things accomplished. You can all sleep when you get back home! You will have FUN! Stay positive. Oh, and breath too. It will be fine!

 

[Virtucomp]

We started taking the family to WDW when the kids were young and have been back many times. In my opinion it is the best family vacation we have been on. Every year we go on vacation. Some are good and some are bad but for some reason once we are in the park everyone, including my son and daughter, get along.

Make ADRs for some nights so you have a good meal once in a while.
Make sure you see the castle in MK at night.
Make sure you see the electric parade at MK.
Make sure you see the fireworks at Epcot.

Not sure how old you kids are or what they like but don't force the events. Your on vacation. Relax and have fun together. Your building memories not checking off a list of all the things you need to do or see.