Anyone else feel this way???

[Lori S.]

OK, I'm clicking to get away from my posts as soon as possible because my countdown clock is no longer a source of excitement for me, it sends me into a state of panic.

We leave Friday night and I have so much to do between now and then. The trip is no longer exciting for me, but terrifying me! I need to go to Wal Mart and get our trip necessities, but I don 't even know what they are. I'm trying to read all I can about the parks, but now feel as if I'm running out of time. I need to organize all my notes about Ps's and plans, but don't know WHEN I'll do that!

Give me your tips advice, everything you can to help me get ready for this . What are my absolute essentials to take with us? (band aids, palmolive wipes, etc)

How many outfits do you take, number of days + what???

How do I just calm down and enjoy the ride??????

Sorry I know I'm stressing, but I've fallen into stress mode and I can't get out!!! Help me!!!!

Thanks!

 

[Lives4Disney]

I know what you mean!!! We leave in 8 days. I cannot even think about going down to look for the appropriate clothes to bring (I pack for 5). It is overwhelming me with the other daily things I need to do. (chauffer the 3 kids, conferences, laundry, other obnoxious errands.....)

I should be doing packing and organizing instead of sitting at my computer but I cannot do it!!!

I am very excited to be going, but I get stressed about the preparations, too. We went in August for a 10 day trip and I was so nuts with stress I couldn't even let it go when we were there. It took me about half our vacation to let it go!! I was so worried that now that we were there, someone would get sick and ruin the trip.

How crazy is that????

I need help, too - so I thought I'd bump this one up. I wish I had the answer for ya.

My one thing is making lists. If I can start to do that, I will feel like I am accomplishing something as things get checked off.

Take care, and good luck. Hope all goes well and you have a super vacation!!

 

[15minfromOGDL]

In today's society we have become accustomed to schedules and knowing all about what we are getting ourselves into before we jump in. This is applicable from everything in our lives whether it be buying a new car, buying a new baby stroller, our projects at work, and now even our vacations, which are supposed to take us out of the reality of our everyday lives. For all the good these boards do, they inherently create anxiety. This overload of information and planning advice can cloud up the primary reason that we as a society takes vacation - which should be spending quality time with loved ones and taking a break from the "grind" of our daily lives.

I am almost a 30 y.o. father of a DS2, married for 3 to a wonderful DW, thats a Disneynut created to match my Disneyholicness. My first time to WDW was when I was 13, I remember the incredible excitement and freshness of discovery that occured as I visited Epcot. This was made possible by the sacrifices made by my parents and grandparents to bring me and my brother to a magical place that we can spend time together as a family. My mother died shortly after this trip of colon cancer, thus I really hold a special place in my heart for WDW, the best memories of my mom and us as a family occurred there.

What I am trying to convey is that we as planners, at times that we feel the stress is to much, need to gain a perspective of seeing our vacations from the eyes of a child. Even those without children can remember their first visits to WDW or Disneyland. Breaking it down to this simplicity and naiveness helps us feel the "magic" again, if you will.

So I challenge all those who have lost the feeling of excitement in their vacations, to make a commitment to relax, that perfection is only a matter of perspective, and to remember the reasons we take vacations. May you have a wonderful vacation.

Merv

 

[oogieboogie]

I feel this way every time right before the trip because I know I have a million things to do and pack and get ready. I can't rely on DH and the kids to get their stuff together.

But you know what, it's OK to feel this way because the minute you leave the house, the excitement is back. The minute you get there and see those gates, you know you're there and the excitement is definitely back.

What you need to do now is just take a deep breath, calm down, lay out all the clothing and stuff you think you'll need, then get rid of 1/2 of it.

 

[foxfire]

Merv, what a great post. Your advice is right on target & I'm going to take it. I'm excited but beginning to stress with all there is to do to get ready. You put things in perspective so I'm going to take a deep breath, relax, & focus on enjoying being with my family & just feel very lucky to be at WDW together.

btw...My husband usually says as long as we remember the tickets (confirmations, etc.) anything we forget can be bought along the way.

 

[llp479]

Lists. I make tons, and tons of lists. As I finish one task it's on to the next. One conference down this AM, one tomorrow AM and one Friday afternoon. Cancelled mail and newspapapers today. Youngest DD is mostly packed and ready to go, with a post-it on her bag of items that need to be packed. Older dds, we have an idea of the pants/shorts that will be packed, so now it's a matter of throwing them in.

It helps that we go quite frequently, so I leave several toiletries/supplies in zip locks and just pull them out and throw them in.

Hope you have a great trip! My BIL is a teacher in Crystal Lake and my SIL is a school librarian there!

 

[julieboolie]

Me too! I am getting stressed and we leave in 2.5 weeks! I need to remember they have WalMarts down there too, if worst comes to worse. I have a Passporter and should be using it more. In fact I think during nap time I record all the PS and reservations info int ehre so it's ready to go.

?-what kind of clothes are you all packing for early Dec? I tend to overdo it (dont' we all?), we do have a washer and dryer in our room so that is there if I need it. I am thinking pair of jeans, capris, shorts for me and dd's, shorts and jeans for dh, sneakers, pair of sandals each. What else? t-shirts, sweater/sweatshirt, plan to buy at least 1 shirt each while there.

Anyway, just wanted to get an idea of what you guys use when you go. Haven't been in 6 years.

Thanks!

 

[keltonsmom]

I, too, feel like I'm going to lose my mind!!! First I have to say, Merv, that post was right on target and it is what I'm trying to do. This will be our first time ever so we are very excited and I can't wait for my kids to experience the magic of it all. My parents are also going and have never been there so that makes it extra special. however...

with 1 DS with pink eye and double ear infections, another DS with pink eye, double ear infections, sinus infection and asthma problems, DS (9) home from school today because he woke up complaining of a headache and all stuffy (seems better now though so I hope it is not the beginnings of what everyone else has) and DD went to school but complained about her throat!
And...I teach part time and so I have 28 conferences scheduled this week in addtion to my 1/2 days of teaching, along with DD and DS (he has 2 -classroom and gifted support) conferences! So... I'm dealing with all of this and trying to get us ready to go for next week!


Then the $ issue. I really felt like we had planned this so well and we were prepared. Of course, then comes major problems with our Suburban, extremely high oil prices and the fact that our insurance co has changed its policy and now we have to pay a co pay for DS(2)'s meds. He has growth hormone defiency and if you know anything about that the hormone cost between $25,000 and $30,000/year! We have never paid a cent until this past month when we started getting the bills with each shipment (every 10 days) So, I've been stressing about funds for this trip because I wanted it to be a trip where we really did not have to worry about what we spent but now it looks like we will have to be more careful.

I really do feel like I am overpacking because I'm so unsure of what we will need ...cold-hot? but I guess I bring it all just in case it goes one way or the other. I will start to watch FL's forecast early next week to get a better idea.

So sorry this is so long but after I saw this thread I just needed to let it all out!!!!

I know that once we actually get in the car to leave next Friday I will let out a huge sigh of relief that we actully made it to the day. It is just getting through the next 10 days!

I know I didn't help to relieve your stress - but it helped to let out some of mine!

 

[Lives4Disney]

It helps to know I'm not alone!!

I am finally trying on clothes and trying to decide what to bring for me - that is the toughest! Those shorts/skorts just don't look the same without a tan. I am mostly going to bring capris for me, I think. Couple skorts, many tees, sweater, tennies, several sandals (I am the worst packer) I always overpack. I think we will wear jeans and warmer clothes for the flight. I try to pack an oufit for my kids for every day. I do not do wash on vacation! We will each have our own suitcase, so whatever fits will go! We usually pack a spare duffle inside an empty duffle for souveniers and dirty laundry. That makes packing up to come home so much easier.


I just hope I can relax and enjoy it when I am finally there!! We have had so many trips to the world ruined because of sickness (stomach flu) it is hard not to worry about those germs!!

Now I am kind of worried about the mega crowds.... Always something....

Thanks for all the replies. Hope everyone has a safe, healthy, magical trip.



llp479 - my son goes to HBMS and daughter to Hsmn. It is a small world after all, LOL.

 

[Bugsmom73]

WRite a list. It is what I am going to sit down and do. Also check out the weather channel both on the TV and online. I too worry about crowds but heck, I am going to the happiest place on earth with my covert Disneyaholic hubby my DS who is 1 and my DD who is 3 and has decided to get married in Cinderella's castle with a white dress on, to a prince who saves the day who is riding a white horse. I am glad she has a goal. I am just going to sit back and enjoy it.

 

[F1Julie]

I'd say don't sweat it. Check the weather and pack for what is forecasted. Most people overpack. Anything you forget, you can always buy there. Just relax and enjoy.

 

[cookie2001]

I always have packing anxiety right before any trip. But I have gotten better. An idea that has helped me alot is to do things 15 minutes at a time, that is an idea from www.flylady.net. Also make a packing list. Here is an example of one I found http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/forgot.htm

Edit that list for your family and make a list of the things that have to be done before you leave. ... like stopping the mail and the paper, feeding the fish etc...

Then trust your list, put on some music and breath.

 

[HenDuck]

I try to remind myself that I really only need my ID, a credit card (or two ), our tickets, and our prescriptions meds. As long as I know I have those things, I really don't sweat the rest of it.

You can buy whatever else you need when you get there.

Last time we went to DL, I packed a whole lot of stuff in our carryon because I was worried that we might lose our suitcases.

This time, I'm bring extra undies, our matching Disney t-shirts and my long johns top (along with those thing mentioned above). If our suitcases don't meet up with us, oh well...Target here we come!

Good luck. Relax and have a great time!

 

[djm99]

I WOULD LOVE TO FEEL THAT ANTICIPATION RIGHT NOW!!!

 

[ahutton]

This is the first time in 10 years we aren't going in November/December - DS is expected 12/29 - so no traveling. Here are my packing recommendations, assuming you won't be doing any laundry:

One bathing suit each. Most trips we've been on in the past 10 years we've had at least one day where we went swimming, and we live in warmer climate so we are picky.

For each of us, (and assuming you don't plan on buying stuff to wear) I would pack a t-shirtl, undies and socks for each day, plus 2 spares for emergencies. I would get them each a cardigan or zip up sweatshirt (light enough to wear under a jacket if it is really cold). 2-3 pairs of shorts in colors/patterns that hide little spots. 2-3 pairs of long pants in colors/patterns that hide little spots - I like knits better than denim or khaki, smaller to pack and more comfortable. One jacket that is wind/water resistant - does not need to be heavy, because if it is really cool by the time they have on a t-shirt, zip up and that they will be plenty warm. We've used gloves once or twice for our older one, the little one wouldn't keep them on. I had better luck just putting one of their blankets in the stroller basket and using it when needed. Then either a stroller rain cover or umbrella and you are set. I have them wear tennis shoes down and pack sandals that can double as pool shoes.

This list has taken us through trips in November and December since 2000 with our girls at different ages, they are now 4 and 2.

Almost forgot - I buy a large pack of wipes, and use those as between laundry clean ups - that is why I pack colors and/or patterns - doesn't show up well after a wipe has gone over it. Can be a good replacement for a quick wash, although I've also used the sink in an emergency, and then hung it to dry.

If I can do laundry I significantly reduce my list - for 10 days we each get 4 undies, socks, t shirts; 2 shorts, pants; 2 long sleeve shirts; 1 jacket.

 

[swimer3]

Omigosh, Lori, I am right there with you! We leave on Friday also and I've had that panicky feeling for a few days now.

Personally, I overpack. Each of the five of us will have his/her own suitcase, so I just put in as much as it will hold. Invariably, if I don't, there will be many spills, etc. and somebody will be digging through looking for something that isn't there. Also, everyone here likes to put on fresh clothes in the late afternoon/early evening if it's been a sweaty day. What the heck! All I have to do it get the suitcases to the car (okay, the DH will do that), and from then on bellhops or skycaps will be handling them!

When the relief/enjoyment/relaxation/joy hits me is that point when you've gotten off the monorail at the Magic Kingdom and are walking down that slope exiting the monorail station. I actually get choked up. I hope that it gets you too. : )

Paula

 

[Lori S.]

Paula, maybe we'll meet up, especially since so few people are going to be there!! HA!

I've got my kids packed, always the hardest part, and the fact that they were packed on Tuesday is a huge accomplishment for me. I'm a last minute packer. I have a lot to do today though. I've already hit WM so we are set there.

I have some things to print, my paper work to organize, and pack our stuff, DH and I have less clothes than the kids, so basically take everything we own that fits weather wise and we'll be set.

I hope you have a great trip!!!

 

[lmhall2000]

It's time to PARTY!!! You're going on Vacation!!!

Sure, I've overpacked...never needed or used half of what I packed....that was 4 Disney trips ago...here's what I pack

Swimsuits for all
Sunscreen
Water shoes (if we're doing the waterparks)
Each child gets one stuffed animal to bring
Chewing gum for the plane ride
For a 7 night stay we bring
7 outfits for everyone (ziploc bag them if you like...I just separate them in the drawers when we get there)
10 pairs of socks for everyone (always need extras here)
Each child brings a backpack to make them feel like they're going on vacation..it holds their one change of clothes, swimsuit, 1 pajama, toothbrush, toothpaste and stuffed animal...that way if checked baggage gets lost we're okay for a day or two. It also serves as extra storage to bring goodies back in.
Nebulizer/Asthma medication Too many trips to ER in the past have made us play it safe.
That's it.

When we arrive we stop at the grocery store and get a case of bottled water, bananas, apples, cereal, milk, granola bars, cheese sticks, M&M's (we always get a chocolate craving down there.)

We have never had to use a band-aid, once had to pay for tylenol at the gift shop, and never used the moleskin we packed.

Have a great trip...and realize whatever you forget you can pick up down there and whatever you overpack you probably will never use.

Tara

 

[DizneyKaren]

I try to start with a list but always end up throwing in things at the last minute. Of course, those last minute items are things we really didn't need after all.