Do you EVER have a trip with no regrets???? We don't!

[mabdallah]

Last time i was at disney was 2008. ( Had my 1st baby in 2009 taking her to Disneyland for her 3rd birthday july 2012). My DH and I had 4 day PH we tried to do everything it was halloween time. We watched the fireworks from our hotel HOJO at the time. The last night we had great seats to see the fireworks and at the last min they were canceled due to wind. next time we go we will see the fireworks on the first night just to make sure we do not miss them.

 

[LisainCalifornia]

If you go to any athletic shoe store (one that deals specifically in shoes and has great reviews on Yelp) and tell them you get blisters they'll recommend some specialty socks which work to prevent blisters. These along with a good pair of shoes is your best bet.

Be prepared, the socks are usually expensive (7 dollars plus a pair). I personally use Balega which runs about 10 bucks a pair, but I can walk for days in them and not get blisters so to me, it's worth the ten dollars.

They're also more comfortable than athletic tape.

Exactly--this is what I did one year after getting blisters--I went to the Walking Shop and bought some socks designed to prevent blisters. They were expensive, but worked like magic. They are two layers of fabric specially designed to avoid friction on the feet. That, mixed with spraying your feet with antipersperant (not deoderant) will be the one two punch that will avoid all blisters. Your feet typically blister from moisture plus friction. The brand I bought was called "Wright Sock" double layer.

Jory,
Maybe you guys should go again soon! How about in October when Hojos has it's Entertainment rate dates? You could go to the trick or treat party!

If you want, I would be happy to send you some Crystal Lite decaf Tea. Just PM your address.

Lisa

 

[jory29]

Great replies, everyone, keep them coming!!

Though it is sad to hear some of the stories - fireworks being missed, dobie daughter growing up, Bug's Life show being missed, etc. etc.

I love the tips about the socks!! One time I wore non cotton socks, they were a wool sock (very warm) but it did work. I will check into the dual layer socks next time. Thanks!

I also like the other fanny pack user - we might start a new trend.

LisainCalifornia, you are a dear!! I am going to PM you. Thanks!

 

[Kittyskyfish]

Exactly--this is what I did one year after getting blisters--I went to the Walking Shop and bought some socks designed to prevent blisters. They were expensive, but worked like magic. They are two layers of fabric specially designed to avoid friction on the feet. That, mixed with spraying your feet with antipersperant (not deoderant) will be the one two punch that will avoid all blisters. Your feet typically blister from moisture plus friction. The brand I bought was called "Wright Sock" double layer.

Good points! Also, it's important to realize that feet will swell 1/2 to 1 shoe size throughout a long day of standing and walking. By the time it's afternoon, the athletic shoes you bought (because they're the same size as your street shoes) are now too small for your feet. I wear an 8.5 in street shoes and a 9.5 in running shoes and since this switch, I've never again had a blister. And of course choose shoes that are well-ventilated so they don't trap moisture. I prefer Asics or Saucony shoes and you can usually find good deals on them at Nordstrom Rack or TJMaxx. The fit should still feel stable and roomy, but not floppy at the heel.

I also dump foot powder in my socks before I put them on. And get nylon material socks and not those cheap looped cotton socks. Cotton retains moisture for too long.

 

[Kittyskyfish]

Last time i was at disney was 2008. ( Had my 1st baby in 2009 taking her to Disneyland for her 3rd birthday july 2012). My DH and I had 4 day PH we tried to do everything it was halloween time. We watched the fireworks from our hotel HOJO at the time. The last night we had great seats to see the fireworks and at the last min they were canceled due to wind. next time we go we will see the fireworks on the first night just to make sure we do not miss them.

This is REALLY good advice! I've been when the fireworks were canceled for at least 2 nights of our trip. It was especially bad during the Christmas season when the Santa Ana winds kicked up. One night we were staked out in front of IASW for two hours and had the fireworks canceled b/c of winds. That trip we actually missed seeing fireworks altogether.

To chime in with what you said: see fireworks early in your trip. You never can predict last-minute cancellations.

 

[cyclenut]

Forego the duct tape and go with sports tape.

I have done a fair amount of hiking and if you're serious about reducing/eliminating blisters, I hvae a few tips.

1) Go to a sporting goods store and pick up some good socks. You'll need two pair. One pair of thin socks that are made to wick the moisture away from your feet, and one pair of thicker socks that are made from some sort of wool blend. The inner layer sock sort of sticks to your foot while the outer sock rubs against the inner sock instead of your skin, reducing the friction that causes blistering.

2) Stay away from cotton socks, they don't dry out IF they get wet and with the water rides, the feet are bound to get wet. Ideally, keep your feet dry. If they do get wet, try to take some time out to remove your shoes and change your socks.

3) Use sports tape on any problem areas ... and only sports tape. Be aware of hot spots. Pay attention to your feet. They will "tell" you before a blister forms. You can feel a hot spot start to develop as you walk. That is where you'll want to apply the sports tape, just over the hot spot. Make sure the tape is applied directly to the skin and that it is applied evenly. Don't just tear off a small piece, tear off a larger piece that will stay in place.

4) Wear strudy shoes that are already broken in and have good arch support. Be sure to lace them up properly.

5) If you do end up getting blisters, moleskin is the only way to go. Take care of them quickly.

If you're feet are happy, you'll enjoy the trip even more.

 

[Peanut Giggleface]

There's always things we didn't get to do, or forgot to do. There's always things we will want to do again and again. There's also things we enjoyed doing which leaves us with happy memories, but there are never any regrets. Regrets just leads to negative feelings and self-condemnation. I'm not willing to go there. Life is just too short.

I often dream of future trips to WDW or DL. It usually involves family members who haven't had the good fortune to have gone yet. Usually we're meeting characters are enjoying each other's company while strolling through the parks. I love those dreams!

 

[DizNee Luver]

When we return from each of our trips, I do up a detailed trip report. At the end of the report, I note everything we did & didn't do.....this is when I realize we "totally forgot to do that!!!" Most trips is one or two small things. Our summer trip last year, we realized bringing our special needs 3 yr old twins that we missed a ton. It was the weirdest feeling to come home & realize we were there for 6 days but only accomplished about half of what we normally do. It made me yearn to go back!!

I got the opportunity to return early March for a solo trip & then hubby joined me. We did so much & experienced new things that we couldn't do with kids in tow. I was thrilled to see how much we did, saw & tasted that trip. My biggest regret for this trip.........NOT having the kids with me. I kept going, "oh look......." & realizing my kids weren't there for me to be pointing those special moments out to.........

I don't think it's possible to do, see, experience, taste & feel everything Disneyland has to offer.....that's what makes each trip special. It's also why we can't wait to go again!!!

 

[marcemc]

On the last day of our trip, we had decided to go to HB for dinner, I regret making this choice because it closed early it breaks my heart to know my boys were so looking forward to it & couldn't go

That will be the 1st lunch we will have next time.

 

[jory29]

There's always things we didn't get to do, or forgot to do. There's always things we will want to do again and again. There's also things we enjoyed doing which leaves us with happy memories, but there are never any regrets. Regrets just leads to negative feelings and self-condemnation. I'm not willing to go there. Life is just too short.

Well put!!

 

[jory29]

When we return from each of our trips, I do up a detailed trip report. At the end of the report, I note everything we did & didn't do.....this is when I realize we "totally forgot to do that!!!" Most trips is one or two small things. Our summer trip last year, we realized bringing our special needs 3 yr old twins that we missed a ton. It was the weirdest feeling to come home & realize we were there for 6 days but only accomplished about half of what we normally do. It made me yearn to go back!!

I got the opportunity to return early March for a solo trip & then hubby joined me. We did so much & experienced new things that we couldn't do with kids in tow. I was thrilled to see how much we did, saw & tasted that trip. My biggest regret for this trip.........NOT having the kids with me. I kept going, "oh look......." & realizing my kids weren't there for me to be pointing those special moments out to.........

I don't think it's possible to do, see, experience, taste & feel everything Disneyland has to offer.....that's what makes each trip special. It's also why we can't wait to go again!!!

We separated a couple of times as a family - Dad went with son, I went with daughter, etc., because sometimes son had to stay in the room (sore throat/sore feet, etc.) and it was fun to have some one on one time with each child but we found even then, we wanted to share the experience with the rest of the family.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

We are heading DLR for about a week starting June 13. My plan is to have no regrets -leave nothing on the table undone.





yeah, right.....

 

[DizNee Luver]

We separated a couple of times as a family - Dad went with son, I went with daughter, etc., because sometimes son had to stay in the room (sore throat/sore feet, etc.) and it was fun to have some one on one time with each child but we found even then, we wanted to share the experience with the rest of the family.

We had 6 adults & each day 2 adults had "babysitting" duties at the motel. The twins could only handle a few hours at the parks. But by splitting up like that.....it just didn't seem the same. Our best afternoon, was when hubby & I took the 9 & 5 yr old for an afternoon.

The biggest regret on the trip was waiting till the last night to take those 2 to see the fireworks up by the castle. My 5 yr old daughter wanted to see Tinkerbell & Dumbo fly over the castle........neither flew that night. She cried all the way back to the motel......I felt horrible!!

What I find, is we learn each trip on what works for our "dynamics" & then can plan better, so we leave no stone unturned!!

 

[starshine514]

I have a few things I would do differently (we missed musical chairs, didn't always plan ahead enough w/ FPs, and didn't get a single pict in front of the castle at night- in our defense, I couldn't find a photopass photographer and knew from experience that mine would stink) and then had a couple people I FORGOT to buy souvenirs for (thank goodness you can order some park merchandise online now). However, there are other things we chose to miss due to the stress of trying to fit too much in (opted to just do fireworks, rather than trying to squeeze in both fireworks and Fantasmic! On the same night). However, we bought APs, so I'm hoping to do both musical chairs and F! next trip.

I found moleskin is more comfy than bandaids on hotspots, but nothing beats a well-broken-in pair of walking shoes w/ good arch support (or those arch support insoles).

 

[Happy 2 B Me]

Our trip May 5th- 10th is the first time I can say "I left DL with no regrets".

Maybe I look at vacations a bit different now. Being told I would not live to see weekend changed my whole mind set. Dr. let me know in his 30+ years as a Dr. I was the only patient to survive.

Each day is a blessing now. I have no regrets with each added day I can spend with family.

Of course there are rides we did not get to, even spending 6 days at DL, but I do not regret missing those. We had a great time at parks, Grand Kids had first visit so that made this trip even better.

Go with the mind set that this is vacation, and that you can probably not get it all done in one trip. Just do what you want and what you have time to do.

 

[jory29]

We had 6 adults & each day 2 adults had "babysitting" duties at the motel. The twins could only handle a few hours at the parks. But by splitting up like that.....it just didn't seem the same. Our best afternoon, was when hubby & I took the 9 & 5 yr old for an afternoon.

The biggest regret on the trip was waiting till the last night to take those 2 to see the fireworks up by the castle. My 5 yr old daughter wanted to see Tinkerbell & Dumbo fly over the castle........neither flew that night. She cried all the way back to the motel......I felt horrible!!

What I find, is we learn each trip on what works for our "dynamics" & then can plan better, so we leave no stone unturned!!

Yes, leave no stone unturned for the next trip, great point.

 

[jory29]

Our trip May 5th- 10th is the first time I can say "I left DL with no regrets".

Maybe I look at vacations a bit different now. Being told I would not live to see weekend changed my whole mind set. Dr. let me know in his 30+ years as a Dr. I was the only patient to survive.

Each day is a blessing now. I have no regrets with each added day I can spend with family.

Of course there are rides we did not get to, even spending 6 days at DL, but I do not regret missing those. We had a great time at parks, Grand Kids had first visit so that made this trip even better.

Go with the mind set that this is vacation, and that you can probably not get it all done in one trip. Just do what you want and what you have time to do.

GREAT way of looking at it!!! Good for you for keeping such a positive tone to your holidays at Disneyland. I know when we were there, I was doing some things differently, I was enjoying just sitting there on a bench, watching the people go by. Thanks for sharing your experience with us! Glad you are o.k!

 

[6Smiles]

On the last day of our trip, we had decided to go to HB for dinner, I regret making this choice because it closed early it breaks my heart to know my boys were so looking forward to it & couldn't go

That will be the 1st lunch we will have next time.

Congratulations on your 1000th post . Sorry you didn't get to HB today.