First Trip Let Down

[Beth E. (NJ)]

I think you have to have normal expectations. As much as I love Disney I have to tell myself that not everything is going to be totally over the top wonderful.The characters might not stop to sit down at the table and play with my kids (but, you know what, my kids don't expect that.) We might find crowds, or something unexpectedly closed because it broke down -- but there is lots more to do anyway.

Mostly for me I have to remember that just because I am in WDW my kids are still my kids. So they are not perfect. No surprise there. There's going to be sibling rivalry and some of that she said/she said stuff that I love so well. Once I got over that fact everything went much better and we all had a great time in the end.

 

[Heluvsme]

I don't think you'll be disappointed but I do understand what you're saying about the possibility of a letdown. I think the key to avoiding that is to thoroughly and completely enjoy the moment! When you're there and experiencing something, ANYthing, enjoy THAT moment! Be totally present every minute of your trip. And while we do look forward in our trip, don't worry about tomorrow's plans, but be present for the present's plans.

It sounds like you've done some really fun stuff to get ready for this, I think you'll have a blast!! Stay healthy!! Now THAT would be a disappointment!

 

[aroyer]

I think like others have said - being prepared is key. Reading these boards helps so much to know what to expect. I wouldn't call our first trip to WDW perfect by any means (DS had a terrible plane ride, diaper leaked on mom... I could go on). BUT the very first moment DD saw the Magic Kingdom- the look on her face was absolutely unforgettable (it still gives me goose bumps) and made the entire trip worth it. Never mind that the next day she had a complete melt down at Downtown Disney. You just have to remember that your kids are still kids and can melt at any moment.

 

[Ears]

The best way to prevent a letdown is knowledge. Take an inventory of your biggest letdown fears and plan contingencies.

*-If you're worried about not meeting specific characters, there's a chart that shows the most likely places to meet and greet characters
*-If you're worried about weather, remember, it's just rain or cold. Have a poncho, bring a sweeater/sweatshirt (or plan on buying special ones at the aprk).
*-Dining issues: There's more than the main dining places. I don't think anyone could say they starved at Disney
*-You know it will be clean and brightly colored.
*-Rides sometimes have problems. We were stuck in the It's a Small World ride for about 1/2 hour (luckily the music still played ), but with the lights on while they fixed it, you got to see a little behind the scenes magic

Just remember that even bad times can make for fond memories later, and there's always another experience to be found while at Disney.

 

[harmonium]

Sounds like that DJ is a putz. Our first trip was so great that WDW has become a must have vaca spot for every year.
Honestly, just go, relax, enjoy becoming a kid again. It is one place you can run up to hug and chat with a cartoon character and not feel out of place.

 

[mabenoab]

I definitely agree with those who have written that its important to not have unrealistic expectations of your children and their reactions. They are who they are, and they will be excited, overtired, happy, sad, whatever...at various times throughout the trip. Be prepared, but also plan to roll with the punches and be able to switch gears if you need to, and you'll be fine. Don't push, and if the kids are too tired to ride one more ride on a hot afternoon, its ok to take a break.

What helped my family a lot was just saying to ourselves, "we don't have to do everything on this trip...we'll come back again." It was several years between trips but that was ok, there's always something new to do at Disney.

Have a wonderful, Disney time!