Help! Feeling Overwhelmed! Need Some Calming Words...

[pokee99]

I've been planning our first family trip to DL for several months now - and we leave in a month and I am feeling like I have too much to remember, too many things to organize, too many things to write down.

Normally, I plan a trip (hotel, air, transport - and a list of fun things to do that we can stick to or not). With this trip, DH is grumpy about it (and almost didn't agree to it), so it's like I've gone overboard to make everything painless for him (short wait times for rides), and making everything wonderful for the kids (watching Disney movies, watching the Disneyland promo DVDs, watching ride videos on YouTube to know what rides will be perfect for them), while trying to be prepared enough to handle a week there during Spring Break without getting trampled. There were stressful moments (when we weren't sure if either of us could for sure get time off work) and now I am playing around with Ridemax and researching rides for appropriateness, etc. I am also trying to mastermind the fastpass system, and gauge what rides we can do when, figure out where we can eat, how we can work in a trip to LA, etc, etc.

At this very moment, I feel like my head is going to explode -- and the trip is a month away. I am wondering what I can do to now simplify this trip. I think I have to trim down what I am researching/planning - or at least organize it better. I feel discombobulated! Is this normal??!!

This is new territory for me - I normally plan trips like a pro. I think I need some advice on how to step away from the planning and what I need to prepare that is essential -- while still doing a reasonable amount of planning considering I will be there during Spring Break.

Any advice? Maybe a list of must haves for planning?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Peace.love.mickey]

GO...have fun...CHILL..enjoy the magic!!!!

If you stress about it you will always be thinking about the next thing and not thinking in the moment!!!

Try to do MM (magic morning), hit up tons of FPs, and go from there!!

 

[sonnyjane]

GO...have fun...CHILL..enjoy the magic!!!!

If you stress about it you will always be thinking about the next thing and not thinking in the moment!!!

Goodness yes! Disneyland is wonderful and has so many great things to do, but you and your family, I assure you, will not perish from this earth if you miss a few of them! Use Fastpasses, go early, stay late, but most importantly BE FLEXIBLE! Feeling a little tired? Ride the train instead of standing in line for 30 minutes for something. Maybe you were planning on eating lunch at 11:30 but the line for Nemo is pretty short right now - hey - go for it! If you go into it thinking that you will only have fun if you see absolutely EVERYTHING, you are setting yourself up for failure. Go and see WHAT YOU CAN. If you know something is a must for your family, do it early in the day, or in the case of the night shows, do it early in your trip. Other than that, be savvy, but also just go with the flow.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I tend to be an Uber-Planner, but what I plan out is where to stay, certain meals & what days to catch certain entertainment (Fantasmic, WoC, Fireworks, etc). The rides we just go with the flow.

The best advice I can give you is be at the parks prior to opening. The crowds will be at their smallest & the best time to hit some of the bigger rides & Fantasyland. A lot of people don't want to be up early on vacation, but it is totally worth it when you're talking DL!! Gather FP's early in the day & save them for late afternoon and evening when the crowds are at their largest.

Enjoy a break in the afternoon.....great time to nap, swim or just put your feet up at the motel.

Come back refreshed & ready to tackle the crowds. We've done spring break trips a few time & yes, the crowds can get big, but it's doable.

I know a lot of Dis'ers use Ridemax, but we've never gone that route & have never left the parks feeling we didn't get to everything we wanted. If the stand-by line is too long, go on to something else. Hit the "big" rides during parades, fireworks, fantasmic, WoC, etc.....the crowds will be a bit smaller during those times at the rides.

The biggest thing you need to do is relax, smile & let the Disney magic happen. Your trip will go great if you don't stress out!!

If seeing characters are a must for your family, I'd suggest taking in a character meal or two. You have up to 90 mins at these meals (some feel you're losing park time doing these but if you were to stand in character lines at the parks, you could easily bypass the 90 min mark in a day). The character meals will allow some one on one time with the characters when they come to your table. You will be able to spend more time with them then you would in a meet-n-greet line at the parks. We take advantage of the 90 min time block & it's the things my kids talk about the most when we get home.

Good luck planning!!

 

[jory29]

Divide and conquer if you have to! Let DH take the child with the least patience and let them hang out together doing 'whatever'... then you take the child who doesn't mind waiting (that would be second born, yes? LOL!) to do the great things you have planned, and this way YOU will enjoy the trip a bit better without feeding off of the stress of DH and this way he will enjoy it a bit more when allowed to go at a leisurely pace? Not all the time, but sometimes, here and there...

 

[jitterbug]

If you have already thought about so much and you still have a month before you go, you're doing great!

Try to remember to have fun too. I found that worrying about everyone else having a good time, really cut into MY good time. I was also able to get my DH involved (after 2 days) in deciding where to eat, so that was one less thing for me to think about. But if your DH is grumpy (don't forget to get him a dwarf tshirt declaring so, or not ), maybe that's not an option for you.

There was an earlier post by gapoochi about doing an excel spreadsheet of Disney's schedule for your park dates. When I saw it, I really wish I had done it for our trip. My friend said she was going to do one before we left, but she ended up not. I guess I should've done that too. It's helpful, because you'll be able to see at a glance what time something is, and if it's on another day, so you can skip it for now. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2654117

Yes, it does get overwhelming, especially on your first family trip...where the bathrooms are (didn't need to know this one after all since there always seemed to be a CM around)...where to refill our water bottles...what are must-see or must-do for us....where to eat...what snacks to bring...what's the weather...reservations for character dining....yep, i had several notes on my iphone and downloaded mousewait app. I think it also helped to check this board regularly for stuff that I hadn't even thought of!

But you'll have a great time, it is Disney after all, and even if you miss doing something, there's always next time!

 

[AussieDisneyNut]

Like the OP, we are heading to DLR in just over a month and I want to say thanks everyone for the great advice on how not to implode with planning stress.
I have been "mentally planning" this trip since our first DD was born, and "actually planning/booking" for over 18 months, so this final month is going to be interesting to say the least !
We'll be at GCH for 6 days and hope to take each day as it comes ... except for our character breakfasts, dining bookings, WOC, Fantasmic, Aladdin and fireworks of course ... Oh and I have promised my DH afternoon naps!
Anyway, thanks again to all on the Dis for your great advice.

 

[goofycathy]

Goodness yes! Disneyland is wonderful and has so many great things to do, but you and your family, I assure you, will not perish from this earth if you miss a few of them! Use Fastpasses, go early, stay late, but most importantly BE FLEXIBLE! Feeling a little tired? Ride the train instead of standing in line for 30 minutes for something. Maybe you were planning on eating lunch at 11:30 but the line for Nemo is pretty short right now - hey - go for it! If you go into it thinking that you will only have fun if you see absolutely EVERYTHING, you are setting yourself up for failure. Go and see WHAT YOU CAN. If you know something is a must for your family, do it early in the day, or in the case of the night shows, do it early in your trip. Other than that, be savvy, but also just go with the flow.

EXACTLY!!! I never plan what happens at the park (although everything else, yes) and I just let it flow once we get there, Its all about opportunity! If were on the way to Splash Mountain and we see that there is no wait on Haunted Mansion, we'll stop and do that too! Maybe even go on Winnie the Pooh, cuz there is NEVER a wait for that one! just go with the flow and most of all enjoy yourselves!!!!

 

[caligal415]

I know how you feel, as I tend to get like that, too. I am already getting like that & I'm still in the crazy researching/getting ready to book stage. I am obsessing over a million questions & possible situations & I'm already stressing myself out. You know what? My DH gave me the best advice. He said that I should chill out, and that no matter what we will have fun. Simple words, but oh so true. I think you should listen to my DH.

 

[LavenderPeach]

The best advice I can give you is be at the parks prior to opening. The crowds will be at their smallest & the best time to hit some of the bigger rides & Fantasyland. A lot of people don't want to be up early on vacation, but it is totally worth it when you're talking DL!! Gather FP's early in the day & save them for late afternoon and evening when the crowds are at their largest.

Yes, be there before opening. I can't stress this enough, especially since you'll be there during a busier time. You will get lots of rides done during those first couple of hours.

Don't stress. You don't need to plan out every ride. I like to have my first ride of the day planned so i know where i'm going when i first arrive but after that we usually just play it by ear.

So here would be my advice for minimal planning. Get there before the park opens, know what your first ride of the day will be so you don't wander around aimlessly, after that just play it by ear. Collect FPs early in the day but don't stress about it. Just get them when you happen to be in that general area. And since you're going during spring break, i suggest trying to eat early to avoid crowds. So 11 or 11:30 for lunch and maybe 5 for dinner. I think that is the best compromise of knowing how to beat some of the crowds without overplanning everything. Just relax and have fun!

 

[Yukonjack]

I ditto what others have said about getting to the gates 30 minutes prior to opening. It will allow you to get fastpasses for some rides and ride other rides within the first couple of hours during the day. Since you have two kids that are 7 and 5, you might need to do child swap for some of the bumpier rides (like Indy and Space). To get the pass all you do is ask the CM at the entrance for a child swap card and once your or your DH get off the ride, you go straight in the exit and hop right on. Your older DD can ride again with you if she wants to do those types of rides.

I also suggest you take snacks in the park with you and your own bottles of water. Snacks are expensive, as is water, and even if you plan to buy snacks, the lines can be longer than your kids might want to wait. If your daughter want to see the princesses, you should seriously consider making reservations at Aerials Grotto for lunch or breakfast. Rather than chasing them around the parks, each one comes to your table while you eat for photos and autographs.

While I agree that you should not overly structure your days, you should at least have an idea what you want to see each day and then play within that parameter. It astounds me that people spend thousands of dollars for these trips only to stand in the middle of DL gawking at a park map like they havent given their trip a second thought!

I am not sure where you are staying, but you should plan/schedule afternoon naps and swimming time. Being in DL and DCA each day can get overwhelming and exhausting. If you are close by (DL hotel, GCH) you can easily hop back to the hotel for a nap, swim, or lunch in the room.

Most of all, just go and enjoy yourself. I'll bet your DH will really enjoy seeing his kids have fun with the characters and the rides.

Greg

 

[pokee99]

If you have already thought about so much and you still have a month before you go, you're doing great!

Try to remember to have fun too. I found that worrying about everyone else having a good time, really cut into MY good time. I was also able to get my DH involved (after 2 days) in deciding where to eat, so that was one less thing for me to think about. But if your DH is grumpy (don't forget to get him a dwarf tshirt declaring so, or not ), maybe that's not an option for you.

There was an earlier post by gapoochi about doing an excel spreadsheet of Disney's schedule for your park dates. When I saw it, I really wish I had done it for our trip. My friend said she was going to do one before we left, but she ended up not. I guess I should've done that too. It's helpful, because you'll be able to see at a glance what time something is, and if it's on another day, so you can skip it for now. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2654117

Yes, it does get overwhelming, especially on your first family trip...where the bathrooms are (didn't need to know this one after all since there always seemed to be a CM around)...where to refill our water bottles...what are must-see or must-do for us....where to eat...what snacks to bring...what's the weather...reservations for character dining....yep, i had several notes on my iphone and downloaded mousewait app. I think it also helped to check this board regularly for stuff that I hadn't even thought of!

But you'll have a great time, it is Disney after all, and even if you miss doing something, there's always next time!

Thanks to everyone for the advice! I am feeling better already! I think I just need a simple list of must haves and go from there. I think I am getting a bit too bogged down by Ridemax.

I like the idea of the Grumpy t-shirt! I will buy that for DH and make him wear it!!!!

Thanks again!

 

[Susie63]

I know how you feel. We did our first Disney vacation last year in Feb and my husband was not happy about it...at all. I read everything I could to prepare myself so that I could make the trip as smooth as possible. I even memorized all the bathrooms locations.
I think he had himself so convinced that he was going to hate it, that I didn't even mention it as the date got closer.
I have to tell you the magic of DL turned his frown upside down.However, I abandoned all touring plans and we just enjoyed ourselves,used fastpass and rode whatever didn't have a long line. I did turn out to be a really great tour guide and could tell him about everything(almost)and I could find my way around the park very easily.
I think if you are well informed and ready for whatever the day brings,you will have a great time.....and yes I did buy him a t-shirt that says"Genius by birth...Grumpy by choice".
Next trip(yes....we are going again next feb) he is going to make a t-shirt that says "I'm with the eighth dwarf....Bossy!"

 

[nunzia]

EXACTLY!!! I never plan what happens at the park (although everything else, yes) and I just let it flow once we get there, Its all about opportunity! If were on the way to Splash Mountain and we see that there is no wait on Haunted Mansion, we'll stop and do that too! Maybe even go on Winnie the Pooh, cuz there is NEVER a wait for that one! just go with the flow and most of all enjoy yourselves!!!!

Ditto! Usually only plan a meal or 2, Fantasmic Dessert, WOC package..that type of thing. Other than that we just get there early, knock out the must dos asap and then let opportunity guide our way..This last trip we were heading to Nemo to beat the crowds, then noticed the first Jedi Academy group was forming, so jumped in there and both grandkids got picked..(they had clever signs which certainly helped) huge hunk of time, but so worth it..another time we were in DCA barreling to Soarin, and there was the little Army Men show..thsre particular grandsons are joiners so off they wnet and had a blast with teh Army guys..that show is a hoot...having a break time is important, especially if you plan on being at the park late at night, sometimes getting out of Dodge can really refresh you. Also be aware of tiredness and low blood sugar creeping and causing irritability. A little break to sit down and share a pretzel or some popcorn can really help.
Most of all, don't stress or you'll end up not having fun and neither will the family..make it a vacation, not an invasion

 

[hsmamato2]

I'm so happy to know I'm not the only one!!! we plan to go to DL for our first trip in 8 months,and I can't stop thinking about details! how silly is that? We are WDW vets,so I KNOW that in spite of the differences,it's gonna be Disney,and no matter how the chips fall,it's gonna be wonderful!
I am glad to see a pp has 6 days planned too,so do we- O feel like it's overkill according to some sources, but we really want to see Disney inside and out in our one visit there!
I feel like having 6 days will allow us to see pretty much everything,shows,rides,and all those details......
WOC package,what is that?

 

[Karpkg]

I can relate in that I am quite obsessed with Disney and used to talk non-stop when planning my first trip. I think it became information overload to DH and it got him waaaay stressed. When I realized it was doing that to him I just didn't talk about it anymore and cut down my planning. But even if you cut down uber planning, you're still going to retain a lot of info by osmosis.

When I cut the planning down, I mainly decided what day what park, be there around 30 min. prior to RD and where the FP's were. Made my ADR's for sit downs, then jotted notes for what 1 QS place in 1 area I would like so if we happen to be in a vicinity and were hungry, I can say, let's try here!

Didn't do RideMax. In DL, seriously, there's sooo many rides within literally, 10 steps in every which direction that if within eyesight one ride looked long, I would look in another direction and choose another. Because of this "compactness" crowds were soo well dispersed. In WDW, you'd walk a long ways to find a ride and then realize the line was long and then decide to ride it or not. Here, I could be in line at Matterhorn, look over at Alice in W. and decide if I want to try it or not.

I also found it helped to get 1-3 must do's from every member of the family and let everything else be secondary. That way each member would feel they had input. There'd be less complaining. Ultimately less stress on you to make it perfect for them.

 

[charmama4]

I also found it helped to get 1-3 must do's from every member of the family and let everything else be secondary. That way each member would feel they had input. There'd be less complaining. Ultimately less stress on you to make it perfect for them.

this is what we do and by the time all six of us has our "must do or try lists" our day is filled!

Relax...watch out for the snowball effect that can happen during planning.

Karpkg, I was looking at your list of trips and I did GradNight 1998!!!!!