Here's a Strategy....Relax!

[vette79]

Great post.. I agree 100 percent. A Disney Word vacation is what it is. Heat,Crowds,$$$. Just relax and enjoy..

 

[goofyintoronto]

Oh no you didn't!

That is one song that sticks in my head whenever I'm reminded of it. Oh dear.

youre funny. And thats so true btw. I bet that annoying tune will be playing in my head all day now too.

 

[MrInfinity]

What a great thread. RayRay can I "follow" you? You have such a nice way with words and ability to deflect snarkiness.

I love planning my Disney stuff. To me it's a way to look forward to the coming fun, and I enjoy thinking about what I'll do there while I wait. I do it because I enjoy it. You certainly don't have to. I'm sure a lot of ppl don't, and most ppl don't do it as rigorously as I do. I'm so looking forward to not having to be a runner any more. In fact I feel like I'm "running" for the FP tickets as I sit at my desk comfortably arranging them here, well in advance. On the days we're at Disney I won't have to split up from our family any more, as I've done my running well in advance. I've looked at my Epcot ressies probly 20 times so far and we're still 80 days out.

Not once did I do so because I felt pressured to. Every time it was because it is what I want to be thinking about I love that Disney has created these tools to use in advance for those who want to use them.

 

[SuperRob]

Watching the 2/4 Podcast where they were discussing posts from people who felt the magic was gone. It made me a little sad.

I stopped listening to the podcast a long time ago. It was so overwhelmingly negative the few times I listened, I couldn't figure out who on earth would want to do a Disney trip after hearing it. I even debated not booking our next cruise with DU because I was so turned off by the podcast.

Sometimes those of us who have gone to Disney frequently forget that there are still a lot of people looking to make a "first trip", and that for them, it doesn't matter how much better things used to be, or how bad we think they all are now. All they'll know is what is going on now. And regardless of our own personal feelings about how such and such change is "ruining the magic", those new first timers can still have a magical trip ... and we can help them do that.

My first Disney trip ever was my honeymoon It was fantastic and I didn't want it to end. My second was a competition for DECA and coincidentally, right on the cusp of the end of that marriage. Despite everything I was going through, I still had a wonderful, albeit brief, time. I appreciated the escape from what I suspected would be coming next.

My third trip was my honeymoon to my second wife. You'd think maybe Disney would have been ruined for me after the end of my first marriage, but that second honeymoon was even better than the first. Now we're DVC members, and there will be many more years of Disney trips to come. And yeah, I've seen a lot of changes since that first trip, but for the money, we still think there is no better service anywhere (even if that service used to be better).

My wife told me recently that our honeymoon was the happiest she'd ever been. I do all the trip planning in our house, and all she knows is that while I seem obsessive about it, those trips always go off without a hitch. Everything just seems to magically come together. Part of the Disney magic for her is that I've put a little magic of my own into it. I'm a little nervous about MME/FP+, but I'm just going to do what I always do which is plan the best I can and hope that gives us just the extra bit of magic we need for a wonderful trip. Our pace is "Relaxed Commando": We go at a leisurely pace, but all day, every day. These aren't restful trips, but they sure are fun.

I think I'm really off-topic now, but I just wanted to share.

 

[RayRay13]

What I really want to know is how you paid $30 for a year's worth of tide

.

It takes a little planning but it's totally worth it! I only extreme coupon for non-perishable items that I know I will use. I have been trying very hard to eliminate processed foods from our diet and a lot of coupons are for crap.

I live in south fl so there are no double coupons but there are bogos all the time for laundry soap. I got luck with the tide but mostly, all, wisk, etc are on sale. I use a coupon website to keep track of the lowest price and current coupons. Since I always have plenty if soap, I usually start looking when I have about 4 months left. I do about 450 loads of wash a year so 12 bottles of 40 loads each is good. I only buy when it's under $2 a bottle. I will buy Tide for under $3. I buy the Sunday paper at the dollar store when I know the coupon I want is in there (again I use a coupon site). I make sure I get enough coupons to buy at least 12 bottles,
I do this with razors, deodorant, paper towels, fab softener, and all other cleaning products and personal care items. I probably spend about $200 on all that stuff with very little planning.
Now I do all my food shopping for under $100 a week $75 for meat/grain/dairy, $25 for produce at the local farm market. We have been eating better than ever

 

[RayRay13]

What a great thread. RayRay can I "follow" you? You have such a nice way with words and ability to deflect snarkiness. I love planning my Disney stuff. To me it's a way to look forward to the coming fun, and I enjoy thinking about what I'll do there while I wait. I do it because I enjoy it. You certainly don't have to. I'm sure a lot of ppl don't, and most ppl don't do it as rigorously as I do. I'm so looking forward to not having to be a runner any more. In fact I feel like I'm "running" for the FP tickets as I sit at my desk comfortably arranging them here, well in advance. On the days we're at Disney I won't have to split up from our family any more, as I've done my running well in advance. I've looked at my Epcot ressies probly 20 times so far and we're still 80 days out. Not once did I do so because I felt pressured to. Every time it was because it is what I want to be thinking about I love that Disney has created these tools to use in advance for those who want to use them.

Thank you for your positive and pleasant post. I am 76 days out, got all my ADR's. 3rd trip this year and still no luck with BOG but I might try to get in for lunch. I pick my FP's based on how late each park is open because that's where we'll be

 

[ajwolfe]

Well said!! I've always thought the same thing of that frantic pace or worse the parent that is dragging the kids behind them screaming for them to hurry up so they can get across the park.

 

[RayRay13]

I stopped listening to the podcast a long time ago. It was so overwhelmingly negative the few times I listened, I couldn't figure out who on earth would want to do a Disney trip after hearing it. I even debated not booking our next cruise with DU because I was so turned off by the podcast. Sometimes those of us who have gone to Disney frequently forget that there are still a lot of people looking to make a "first trip", and that for them, it doesn't matter how much better things used to be, or how bad we think they all are now. All they'll know is what is going on now. And regardless of our own personal feelings about how such and such change is "ruining the magic", those new first timers can still have a magical trip ... and we can help them do that. My first Disney trip ever was my honeymoon It was fantastic and I didn't want it to end. My second was a competition for DECA and coincidentally, right on the cusp of the end of that marriage. Despite everything I was going through, I still had a wonderful, albeit brief, time. I appreciated the escape from what I suspected would be coming next. My third trip was my honeymoon to my second wife. You'd think maybe Disney would have been ruined for me after the end of my first marriage, but that second honeymoon was even better than the first. Now we're DVC members, and there will be many more years of Disney trips to come. And yeah, I've seen a lot of changes since that first trip, but for the money, we still think there is no better service anywhere (even if that service used to be better). My wife told me recently that our honeymoon was the happiest she'd ever been. I do all the trip planning in our house, and all she knows is that while I seem obsessive about it, those trips always go off without a hitch. Everything just seems to magically come together. Part of the Disney magic for her is that I've put a little magic of my own into it. I'm a little nervous about MME/FP+, but I'm just going to do what I always do which is plan the best I can and hope that gives us just the extra bit of magic we need for a wonderful trip. Our pace is "Relaxed Commando": We go at a leisurely pace, but all day, every day. These aren't restful trips, but they sure are fun. I think I'm really off-topic now, but I just wanted to share.

Relaxed commando! Love it!! That's us too. I sometimes wish my husband was into it but it is nice that the kids and I have out special time together.

 

[DisneyMommy9]

I can't wait till we go, looks like October!!! Should of been June but October will be better!

 

[kidd_freeper]

 

[Bullseye]

This post was not intended to challenge your opinions about value resorts, marital finance, or travel companions. It is simply what works for me and my family. I am certain that your can stay in better resorts with a happier family and a more Magical experience which must make you feel terrific. Congrats on your success!

Ray you're funny ... I like your wit and your OP was good!

Yeah.

I hope I never ever see another stressed out "FP runner" bolting through the park, bumping into people and throwing up his hands in frustration because someone with a stroller isn't moving fast enough to suit him. Is that guy really having fun? Or is he just "winning?"

To be fair, lots of FP "runners" didn't actually run (or even "bolt" through the park). I'm sure some did, but let's not make sweeping generalizations.

P.S. Since when is winning not fun?

You better watch your tone Bob when your addressing the "MeanestMoMEver"

 

[DaniMoon]

I love your post. We went with this attitude in October and it was our most enjoyable trip. And it was the first time we went with younger kids. Realistic expectations, enjoying each other, and having a small list of must dos. We were lucky enough to be able to double dip with FPs, but even then we only did one or two a day over the ones we had scheduled.

I also agree with you regarding where we stay. This was our first time staying onsite (POP). My children were in love with the atmosphere at the hotel as much as the park. My 6yo DD would have spent every day at the pool playing the activities if we would have let her. We had great luck with busing, so easy. The other 8 times we've been there we've stayed at various condos or hotels, they were fine and I understand for some families, the savings are definitely worth it. For us, traveling as a family of 4 -- we will be sticking with a Disney value.

I am starting to plan our next trip. We are coming up with creative strategies to save. We eat out way too often, so I start the week with a set amount to eat out -- whatever I have left at the end of the week goes into our Disney fund, so this is an incentive to eat at home (which tends to be healthier) so it's a win-win. My DH mentioned the other day that we only have 3 more preschool payments and we should put at least half of that away for our next trip. I guess he had as good a time as the rest of us, to offer unsolicited $ for Disney.

Also, my kids do not know half of what is available at Disney, I would not mention many things. If we could get to something, great. If not, they never knew what they were missing and no disappointment.

Thanks for your post.

 

[RayRay13]

Ray you're funny ... I like your wit and your OP was good! You better watch your tone Bob when your addressing the "MeanestMoMEver"

 

[RayRay13]

I love your post. We went with this attitude in October and it was our most enjoyable trip. And it was the first time we went with younger kids. Realistic expectations, enjoying each other, and having a small list of must dos. We were lucky enough to be able to double dip with FPs, but even then we only did one or two a day over the ones we had scheduled. I also agree with you regarding where we stay. This was our first time staying onsite (POP). My children were in love with the atmosphere at the hotel as much as the park. My 6yo DD would have spent every day at the pool playing the activities if we would have let her. We had great luck with busing, so easy. The other 8 times we've been there we've stayed at various condos or hotels, they were fine and I understand for some families, the savings are definitely worth it. For us, traveling as a family of 4 -- we will be sticking with a Disney value. I am starting to plan our next trip. We are coming up with creative strategies to save. We eat out way too often, so I start the week with a set amount to eat out -- whatever I have left at the end of the week goes into our Disney fund, so this is an incentive to eat at home (which tends to be healthier) so it's a win-win. My DH mentioned the other day that we only have 3 more preschool payments and we should put at least half of that away for our next trip. I guess he had as good a time as the rest of us, to offer unsolicited $ for Disney. Also, my kids do not know half of what is available at Disney, I would not mention many things. If we could get to something, great. If not, they never knew what they were missing and no disappointment. Thanks for your post.

OMG! Being finished with preschool payments is HUGE!!! We were also eating out too much which has been bad for the waist line and the bottom line and it is woefully inadequate compared to dining in Disney!