First Trip Let Down

[cttjones]

I have waited to take my girls to Disneyworld for some time. There have been many obstacles that have made it difficult for this to happen, and I have often felt like this trip would never happen. Well, this is our year. We have four days at Disneyworld, and I have tried to prepare as much as possible. I have my DR's in place so that each girl can meet their special someone. I have gifts being delivered to the hotel for a surprise at arrival. The girls have princess dresses we picked up at the Disney store. I have put a lot of thought and effort into this trip. I want the fairy tale for them. Now I fear that I have set myself up for a let down. I was listening to the radio the other day when a DJ was talking about how the first trip to Disney can be a let down. He was saying that all the planning, thought, and build up lead to Disneyworld leads to disappointment when things are not exactly how you pictured. This never crossed my mind! Not only do I fear this for myself, but what about my kids! They have dreamed about Disneyworld and all the hype that goes with it. Will they be let down or disappointed? Did anyone experience this let down?

 

[jimmiej]

I think people who DON"T plan are more apt to be let down. Enjoy your planning & then enjoy your trip. Don't over-think it!

 

[Mark P.]

Sounds like you've done great job in planning, which is key to a nice trip.
It'll pay off, I'm sure

Going unprepared and being overwhelmed can certainly lead to a let down, so plan away

 

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

Go have fun. DOnt worry if every little thing you plan doesnt work out. It will still be magical.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

I wouldn't worry about what some DJ stated.

Many people go back,and back and back again . This would not be happening if they were let down on the first visit.

I remember my fist trip and everyone in between. I just in the past few years really been able t enjoy our time fully as we now know about the planning stage and it's not just a trip to the beach.

You are way ahead of the curve just remember the plan is only a plan and not set in stone go with the flow with a bit of direction and you will have a great time.

 

[dddisrunner]

Just reading the info and advise on these boards means that you're ahead of the game! All your planning will pay off. Go and have a great time! I don't know how old your DD's are but most children take cues from their parents, being that they've never been to WDW if a misstep comes along they won't know any better. Have fun!

 

[bibbity bobbity boo]

The DJ is clearly an idiot.
There is NO way any kid would be let down by Disney!

Im POSITIVE you will ALL have FUN!!!

 

[Crazy Kanga]

I think most of us here are MAJOR Dianey fans and could never really be let down too much. Just go in with realistic expectations, knowing that there is no real perfection anywhere, even at Disney World. If you go in with a positive attitude and don't sweat the small stuff, you'll be fine. I fully believe that life is what we make of it.


Have a Magical trip.

 

[Bibbidi]

I think there can be letdowns at Disney if you go expecting that everything will be perfect like in the tv ads. It is a very magical place and if you can go with the flow a little, and not let small things bother you, then it will be great. Sometimes there's traffic, or bus trips seem to take a while to get to the park you're going to. Kids get tired and cranky and may need a nap even if you really want to press forward. If you can be a little flexible with your plans, then the magic can really wash over you. But there are inevitably crowds and lines, sometimes the weather isn't what you were expecting, and all that--but if you go expecting to have fun--you definitely will, as long as you don't let the little things get you down.

 

[t-beri]

Having a lot of un-magical family and friends (those pesky grown-ups) I have this motto- "It's only magic if you let it be." Try to take everything in stride. If things don't go exactly as planned-change your plans. Know that you are going with children (not the most cooperative lot), there are a lot of strangers, machines can break, the weather in Fl. does suck occasionally (although you'll be glad to know that our dry spell has been so long we can now only water our lawns 1 day a week) and be ready to roll with the punches. Don't expect the cm's to make your days magical- take your own wand. When something special just "happens" be thankful and acknowledge that you've just witnessed disney magic. I hope that your daughters have a great first trip. Best of luck!!!
...t.

 

[kphwus]

After taking our first trip we learned that it's best to plan, there is so much to see and do there. It's hard to express to someone who has not been there just how magical it really is. If you use your plan as a guideline, make adjustments as you go, I'm sure you will go home ready to plan your next trip.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I don't see how anyone could be let down after a trip to WDW-unless they DON'T plan! My aunt took my little cousin a few years ago. It was a first trip for both. She planned NOTHING and they came home underwhelmed and wondering what all the hype was about. I tried giving her books, web sites, etc., but she is just not a planner.

Since then I have headed up a trip of 27 family members (my aunt and cousin included) this past October and they were all just blown away by WDW. They said they never knew about 90% of the stuff I took them to. It pays to do your research and plan, plan and plan some more. I don't think you or your family will be disappointed!

 

[Ladybugsy]

Well, for my family, our first time going as a family was in 2002. It stunk. We were there for 5 days, stayed off property at a sub par hotel, got sick, and couldn't stay long in the parks, and knew NOTHING about the ins and outs of WDW. The next year, we didn't go. Then, We thought we'd try one more time. I found this board, started reading, and we had the BEST TRIP EVER!!! I think it's best to be prepared. Don't expect things to be perfect, because they won't, but be surprised when little magical things do happen. PLAN, PLAN, and PLAN some more...it's half the fun anyway
Have a great trip!

 

[I Believe n Fairies]

Last year was our first trip. We'll be there again in a few months. We had a blast!! To me, planning was key. The pros here made my trip better than expected. I felt like I had been there before. Every corner we turned, I was telling dh, "Oh, yeah, I read on disboards..."

Once we get back in Aug, I'll begin planning the next trip. For your girls, just ease into rides. Start off slow. It is overwhelming, prepare for that.

Have fun, and don't listen to some ol' DJ.

 

[Princess Roo]

I agree with those that have said that Disney is a WONDERFUL place, but not PERFECT. If you go expecting *perfection*, you don't get to be "wow-ed", KWIM? Bad hairdays happen in Disney, just like everywhere else

I think you are going to have a GREAT time!! (just not PERFECT - lol)

 

[mandysbus]

I remember a let down from my first trip to Disney (this would have been in the mid to late 80s)... we did not get to meet any characters in the parks, the most I recall seeing then was a glimpse of chip and dale hurrying out of sight. I consider this a let down because at the time, all the tv comercials and pictures that you would see of disney showed kids hanging all over Mickey and goofy and everyone else. I went to Disney twice during my childhood.

They are much better now with getting the characters out and about. This past summer we went and took our 5 year old DS for his first trip there. Well, I had read on here about autograph books and had laughed to myself thinking there was no way I would be spending money on one since we would probably not meet any characters anyway. Low and behold, we started seeing characters right as we walk through the gates. Needless to say I was so excited that I ran in the nearest shop and shelled out the $8 or so for a signature book. I think I was more excited than DS to see a bunch of people in costumes but of course if your child has seen the commercials and the ads showing happy kids hugging mickey, they expect nothing less.

 

[Elmo888]

I don't think that the kids will feel let down. DH thought that DD6 would be in bliss, but it was just DD6 at WDW. She complained and was tired, etc. as usual, but was still in awe and happy. Was that our let down or hers? Probably ours. Just as the previous poster said, bad hair days happen at WDW, too.

Even with all of the prep, some things were difficult for DD6 to understand. If we had ADRs, we were heading to the restaurant. She didn't seem to understand that we couldn't just stop to ride a ride when we had to be somewhere at a certain time. This was more of an issue with the non-kid centered meals (ie, non-character meals), like Le Cellier and Alfredos. I was extremely frustrated one particular day since it was our 10th anniversary and I made sure to prep her umpteen times on what to expect ("this is special for me and Daddy, it isn't all about you, we are going to Epcot for dinner, we have to be here at x o'clock, we have to get off the bus and walk straight to the restaurant, after that, we can do something else, etc. etc."). She still complained.

And, even with all of the planning, just understand that there are still some unknowns. We had never stayed in a hotel room with our DDs (6 and 2 in Jan.), and it was difficult to get them to go to sleep without turning out the lights. I was extremely frustrated with the entire situation as DH would just go to the hotel bar while I dealt with the kids.

I had a lot of anxiety before the trip, but once we were there, I was fine. I was worried about everyone getting sick, packing, the plane ride, did I plan well, etc. It seemed to be more my issues - everyone else was fine. Being the mom is difficult.

Of course, a few days after we returned, I told DH that I wanted to plan a trip for later this year or early next year. I honestly didn't think that we would go back for another 3 years or so. I already have hotel reservations (ASMu Family Suites will solve the sleep problems) for early next year.

I went to MK as a child when we lived in Florida. We later moved to Texas, and I went to Six Flags. Well, that was a huge let-down. It just wasn't WDW.

 

[graygables]

I actually think it is very easy to be let down. CMs are people, *people* are people, weather happens, children do not magically become the sweet, beautiful image of brotherly love portrayed on the commercials (that's the biggest surprise). If Junior doesn't do well at the local mall, chances are he may not do well at WDW, either, so be prepared for that. Kids who haven't napped in years may suddenly be exhausted and need one at WDW (and parents who are in, "I spent $X on this trip, we're not leaving until the park closes" are going to be let down).

For me, there is also a bit of a letdown once all the arrangements are made. The adrenalin rush when I get my exact ADR is intoxicating! Once everything is done, I've made my list and checked it twice, read my Passporter cover to cover for the umpteenth time, what's left to do??? I read trip reports, start my own TR, or just watch Disney movies to keep the spirit up until the trip.

Uber-planning makes for a SMOOTHER trip, most definitely, but please remember that it isn't perfect and as someone else said, you have to bring your own wand!

 

[tycopj]

A lot of their favorite things might be the little, unplanned, special moments. They will love their trip to Disney, so what if they like the hotel and pool better than Magic Kingdom. The trip as a whole is what they will remember, and being with you! Take lots of pictures, my kids love love love looking at pictures of our trips.

 

[NJOYURLIFE]

I do think that it is possible to experience "let down". The key to our trips has always been to have a plan, but always be prepared to change it if necessary. One thing that will drive me crazy from people who don't get it - they'll tell me how they had to wait in all of these lines and ask why we do it. and I always say "If you waited in a lot of long lines, then you didn't plan properly." Also, the ones who try to get everything in during one trip. They are really setting themselves up for disappointment. We have been there so many times and there is still a lot that we have never seen.

I firmly believe that each of us are responsible for our own magic.