Have I set myself up?

[SuperTink]

Accept imperfection, relax, and you will have a wonderful time.

 

[seadd67]

Maybe start planning your next trip now?

We just got back on Tuesday,and thats what we are doing Oct trip for 5 days

 

[kclyn]

I have things planned down to the hour for my trip in three weeks. I did on our last trip too. I was NOT disappointed. I think I would have been more dissapointed if I HADN'T planned as much. By doing all of my research (mostly on these boards) I knew all of the "extras" Disney has - hidden mickeys, the lights in the ground at Epcot, etc. And since I knew all of this - plus I had our wait times way down due to some strategic planning - I could share them with DH once we got there, making the trip better for him too.

Basically - no amount of planning or research can EVER spoil the magic of WDW (and use your extra energy once you get home to make a fantasic scrapbook)!

 

[PHXscuba]

I read somewhere to plan for at least one meltdown, per child, per day. (And maybe one for the grownups per trip too) Disney may be magical, be we are all still humans who get tired, hungry, disagree, etc.

I also play a game when I go on a trip: It's called "What will I forget?" No matter how extensive the lists (and mine are doozies!) I always manage to forget something. But now since I expect it, I just shrug and keep going. As long as it's not the plane tickets, the credit card, or the kids, I'm OK!

Every trip has a few magical stories, several funny ones, and a couple that will only seem funny when you look back later. You've done your homework, but the stories will have to write themselves at this point!

PHXscuba

p.s. Would someone e-mail this BACK to me in about 5 months when I am hyperventilating?

 

[ShannonMB]

I have been to WDW with people who thought it was , and I have been with people who absolutely had the best time of their lives. IMHO, the difference is being able to immerse yourself in it, and not be hung up on what's going on at home, or ANYTHING other than just being in the moment at Disney!!!

When I am there, I don't have a care in the world. I almost forget where I work, stresses of everyday life, etc, etc. If you have a strict budget, stick with it as well as possible -- but no stressing about money, what else you could be doing with that money, etc. If your pets are being cared for by others, no calling constantly to make sure they are okay (checking in occasionally is okay ). Get the picture? Enjoy that time with your travel companions, and everything else can hang for the week.

That's how I do it, and I have had the most magical trips ever, even though they are never exactly what I had envisioned before hand! Keep yourself open for SURPRISES! AND HAVE FUN!!!!!

 

[seadd67]

The kids melt down Is not If!,Its when and how many times. The #1 problem Is the parents,and Its not like there bad parents Its just that they seem to get caught up In the moment,trying to get everythig In and just forget that the kids energy level Is not the same as ours,and I see them trying to Drag there kids kicking and screaming to anoter ride. Plan for shorter days and more days In the trip If you can and be patient with the little ones

 

[fanoftigger]

All of the advice is so true!

If you can relax and go with the flow, you will be fine.

No one's plans ever consist of Dad nearly missing the flight or his girlfriend falling down the "up" escalator. But when they happen (and yes, they both did!!) , you have to take a deep breath, make sure everyone is in one piece, mutter under your breath and go on.

Some of the disasters or near disasters are what make you laugh until you cry for months after when you talk about them (which my sis and I still do).

And yet the trip turns out to be a wonderful, magical time anyway. Ours certainly was and we have stories that are already infamous throughout the family

Have a wonderful, wonderful time!!

 

[thesupersmartguy]

I feel no matter how crowded it can be, no trip to Disney could ever be a letdown.

 

[KimDis]

Everyone has given such great suggestions. I'm going to second the poster who suggested writing a trip report when you get back. I'd take just a few minutes each day to briefly note my highlights or special moments. Then when you get back you can re-experience your trip as you write your trip report - and I hope we Dis-ers will get to enjoy vicariously what I'm sure will be an AMAZING trip.