getting nervous about our trip!

[wideeyes]

Hi, Its my first trip to WDW, this year, and it is getting nearer and I am getting nervous, I keep thinking we will cope with the size of it? will DD enjoy it? will it be to hot for us? will DBF hate it and complain the whole time? have I made my ADR correctly or will a turn up and find we have no ADR? will we like the hotel? will I want to go again, as I have already booked next years trip?

I have spent my whole life wanting to go to WDW and hope it is not a complete disator!

Is it normal to feel like this?

 

[JohnnySharp2]

On a first trip yes it is, still now after 14 I get a little nervous about how it will go.
More of a nervous excitement that anything else I guess.

If you take things at a steady pace, visit the parks at cooler times of the day and ensure you get plenty of relaxation time you will be fine.
If you rush around the holiday will pass by, you won't appreciate much of what you are doing and the kid's won't have half as much fun.
Personally I wouldn't attempt to stay at a theme park for a long time without a break in-between, just the way we have always done it - the heat is the biggest thing you will need to cope with.

I can imagine you have picked up more than enough useful information on here , in fact for a 1st timer you are probably better prepared and have more knowledge than many people would have, the 1st time we went I didn't even know how to spell EPCOT let alone know what is was all about.

 

[Boo Boo Too]

Ok

Two things:
- having a holiday to look forward to is a WONDERFUL thing - infact the "run up" can be half the joy of going on holiday. Relax and look forward to it - otherwise you are ruining half your holiday
- manage your expectations and don't hold out for THE perfect holiday. If some things don't go as planned (rarely everything in life does), then "roll with the punches". Not matter what happens, look at the positive and make the best of things. I am not saying that everything/anything will go wrong, but some people do spend their holidays saying "I knew this would happen!" and "my holiday is completely ruined now!" (just because of some minor detail...).

Live for the major things and don't sweat the details...

This is your first time to WDW, what is not to love? Things are not always the same as your expectations (they rarely are), but enjoy exploring and trying new things . And think how lucky you are to be there (and how many people would kill to be in your shoes ).

Don't worry, just enjoy!

Boo

Hi, Its my first trip to WDW, this year, and it is getting nearer and I am getting nervous, I keep thinking we will cope with the size of it? will DD enjoy it? will it be to hot for us? will DBF hate it and complain the whole time? have I made my ADR correctly or will a turn up and find we have no ADR? will we like the hotel? will I want to go again, as I have already booked next years trip?

I have spent my whole life wanting to go to WDW and hope it is not a complete disator!

 

[Haworthfamily]

You'll have a fab time On our first trip as a couple (not one's in the past with my parents) we were nervous.
Would we fit everything in extra, had we booked the right things.

Still now after lots of trips there's things we haven't experienced and with each trip we try and do something we hadn't done before.

I agree half the excitment is anticipating the trip and all the planning etc.

Enjoy your planning, I'm sure time will whiz by I can't believe we are going in two weeks!
Sarah X

 

[Madjock]

Yes the first time is daunting but I'm sure you'll have a great time, why else do we all keep returning

Make an itinerary for your trip using as much info from the guide books and the DIS as possible, you've made ADRs which is good, but always remember your plans aren't cast in stone just be prepared to be flexible so that everyone in your party gets to enjoy themselves and I'm sure everything will be fine.

Now you have to stop worrying and start enjoying because the fun starts way before you get to the airport

 

[angel659]

My only advice when travelling with children and probably without is to have a plan. With kids make allowances and do not get upset if things dont go according to plan. Have plenty of water and rest. Also if your staying near by pop back to the hotel for a rest and return back to the park for the evening. Otherwise it will be a long day for the children.

With regards to the heat. Yes its hot and sometimes very hot. To be honest its only really walking around and waiting for the parades it bothers you. All attractions are air conditioned.

No need to be nervous you will have a fab time. We went our children were 5 and twin boys of 23 months. At times it was tough, but other times it was easy because the kids were entertained all of time and loved seeing the characters and they were excellent with children. Also the CM are great. They were always entertaining the kids and giving them stickers. Casey even got a free pin without trading.

Have a great time.

 

[wideeyes]

Hi, thanks for you advice and help.
I am looking forward to it, DBF is not that keen on going, however my sister can't get time of school as she will be applying to go to uni so he is now coming with us instead. He is not keen on the flight as when we flew to Paris last week DD was complaining she was bored on a 1 hour flight, I am hoping seat back TVs and lots of toys, colouring, snacks etc will help, with that though.
she managed to walk around DLP last week without no complaints so hopefully she will do the same at WDW, and I have booked a few character meals for her, I can't wait to take her to the princess story book breakfast, she will absolutely love it!

 

[Summer-Caitlin]

I totally understand what you're saying. This is my first time to WDW too, and although I normally don't worry, I have put so much effort into planning this wedding/honeymoon I want it to be as perfect as can be. I really want my fiance and mother to enjoy themselves (so at least my fiance agrees to go back ) I have planned it all myself so I feel as it's my responsibility that they enjoy everything. I'm sure I'll feel guity if they don't enjoy the restaurants I have booked
But, as others said we have to relax and take it in our stride, I know I won't feel like that at 7 days to go, but I'm certainly gonna try. This will be so memorable for you, 1st trip to WDW and all, just think of all the wonderful new things to experience.

Good Luck and enjoy yourself.

 

[wicket2005]

The first time you go is the most magical, fantastic experience you will ever have and to say you will all enjoy it is an understatement. Everyone will enjoy it so don't worry about that.

I would plan to be in the parks early and to go on the quietest days, this makes all the difference.

Having a bit of a relax in a pool is a delight to and does wonders in boosting energy levels. The last couple of years if we were down in Disney we just jumped out to one of the water parks instead of going back to the hotel which was nice, then went on to another park.

 

[Boo Boo Too]

Which airline are you flying? One with seatback TVs? If so, the flight to Orlando should be better - lots of cartoons and things to keep your daughter happy.

I guess - if you haven't thought of it already - look for a balance of things to keep your DBF happy too. I am sure he will love to see your DD happy and enjoying herself, but he may not on Disney because he thinks it is all childish and kiddie... To entice him to go back again, make sure there are opportunities for him to have fun too.

I went to the US for the first time when I was 6 years old. That was 27 years ago. They had no seatback TVs, no kid's meals, no kid's packs. My parents didn't take books, toys or games to keep me occupied. But I lived (even though 9 hours is a long time for a child) and I wasn't allowed to complain for 9 hours either - I had to be on my best behaviour otherwise I was told that I wouldn't be going again. Things are a LOT better now. But a trip to Disney is a HUGE treat for a child - remember that and ensure that you DD appreciates it.

At the end of the day, remember to enjoy the holiday too. It is great to put a lot of planning into effort into everyone enjoying their trip. But if a few things don't go as expected or aren't appreciated as much as you had thought, you may come away feeling upset, guilty or resentful. I think it is a risk of over-planning.

At the end of the day, holidays are about having fun, relaxing and spending quality time with your loved ones. Some of the best times can come from the most unexpected moments - like a couple of hours relaxing by and splashing in the pool and enjoying an ice cream.

Boo

Hi, thanks for you advice and help.
I am looking forward to it, DBF is not that keen on going, however my sister can't get time of school as she will be applying to go to uni so he is now coming with us instead. He is not keen on the flight as when we flew to Paris last week DD was complaining she was bored on a 1 hour flight, I am hoping seat back TVs and lots of toys, colouring, snacks etc will help, with that though.
she managed to walk around DLP last week without no complaints so hopefully she will do the same at WDW, and I have booked a few character meals for her, I can't wait to take her to the princess story book breakfast, she will absolutely love it!

 

[wideeyes]

We are flying VA.


I have booked some resturants that I think that DBF will like for the eveing, as he really enjoys eating out at DLRP, so I would think that the WDW resturants will be a good expereince also. He has been to DLRP 3 times and eventhough he does not go on all the rides such as Dumo etc he seems happy to go, it just WDW he does not want to go to as he thinks it is pointless to fly all that way for it.
Though hopefully when he sees all the stuff it has like epcot and AKL he will change his mind.

 

[Boo Boo Too]

We are flying VA.


I have booked some resturants that I think that DBF will like for the eveing, as he really enjoys eating out at DLRP, so I would think that the WDW resturants will be a good expereince also. He has been to DLRP 3 times and eventhough he does not go on all the rides such as Dumo etc he seems happy to go, it just WDW he does not want to go to as he thinks it is pointless to fly all that way for it.
Though hopefully when he sees all the stuff it has like epcot and AKL he will change his mind.

Disney World Orlando will make DLRP look like Thorpe Park (if it is still open...). There is no comparison. PLUS the weather is normally a lot better than Northern France. I don't think your DBF will have a problem loving the place... Where are you staying?

Well I wouldn't worry to much if you are flying VA - they do a LOT for children... If you take some bits and pieces are well then you shouldn't have any problems. If you do have some problems, then remind your DD where you are going, that this is the only way to get there and how lucky she is (how many other little boys and girls would LOVE to be in her seat).

Also remember that your DD will take many of her emotional queues from you. If she sees you relaxed and enjoying yourself, she is likely to do the same. If she sees you worried, stressy and anxious then she will also probably do the same (which will make you more so...). Children are very observant of your mood.

So stop worrying and enjoy it. Even if not everything goes as expected, still put a big smile on it and go with the flow (you cana always make a mental note for next time...). You will have a fantastic time and wonder why on earth you worried about it.

It's like if you won the jackpot on the national lottery - would you be exceedingly happy, overjoyed and grateful or would you be nervous, worried and expect things to be a total disaster? I know how I would feel...

Boo

 

[Laurafoster]

I agree, try to relax and enjoy the anticipation!! I LOVE having a holiday to look forward to! I really enjoy all the planning of it!

You'll have a wonderful time!

 

[Graeme]

Don't worry about DBF, I didn't want to go our first time and just went to shut my wife up.

 

[maureen4200040]

You'll be fine. My only advice would be to make a plan and include plenty of rest days. Make sure you plan things which you would all enjoy as a family, it can be hard trying to plan for everyone's individual tastes.

When we first went (me, sister & niece) My sister booked the trip, and i spent a whole year organising everything, from tickets, meal outs, shopping, buses etc. And we had a excellent time, we only had one problem on arrival at the hotel, the room they tried to put us in can only described SMELLY....
But that's when my (don't you try and fob me off with rubbish) sister comes in, She's so good at handling people , she a customer service genius, nothing gets pass her.

 

[UKDEB]

don't hold out for THE perfect holiday. If some things don't go as planned (rarely everything in life does), then "roll with the punches". Not matter what happens, look at the positive and make the best of things

This is such good advice - for anyone, not just first-timers. We all invest so much, both in terms of money and expectation, that it's easy to convince ourselves the next trip has to be the ultimate trip. It can actually be quite a stressful time, and, human nature being what it is, we tend to argue with our loved ones at stressful times. Just try to relax and accept that it will be what it will be. It won't be the last holiday you'll every take, so it doesn't have to be perfect. Make up your minds that you're going to enjoy it, whatever it brings.

The first time I went, I really wasn't looking forward to it that much (I hate flying and I'd convinced myself I was just doing it for the kids). We are now planning our 16th and 17th trips. Or is it 17th and 18th. Don't worry about your DBF - he'll soon be hooked like the rest of us.

 

[GrumpyUK]

Yup, I agree with the others. The first time we went I didn't want to go and just went to stop getting ear bashings, but was hooked pretty quickly. There'll be plenty to do for your DBF.

VA has seat back screens with dedicated kids channels - I'd probably still take along a comic, colouring book etc. 9 hours is a long time.

And I agree with Den, it's easy to build it up and worry yourself daft. Go with the flow and enjoy yourself. There's not an instruction book that says you must do a b and c on day 1 2 and 3. Do what you want, when you want and build in time to chill. Your DD will have a great time in the pool - the number of reports you read where people say their kids said this was the best part of the holiday!