I Think I Am Scared of My Vacation

[1hero2princesses]

All right this may seem nutty, but I think I am scared of my vacation. We haven't taken a vacation in 8 years since our honeymoon. Since then I have had 3 kids. This vacation was my idea and it is a lot of money for us. I used to love Disney as a kid and until 2 years ago when my Dad died my parents lived about 2 hours away from there. I didn't grow up there or anything, but I guess I associate Florida with my Dad since he loved it there, so I guess it makes me happy but sad.
Anyway, my DH hates to fly, so he is not looking forward to that. Plus he is not a huge fan of heat, lines or rides but he is going and will try to grin and bear it for the kids. He does love the pool and waterparks so we will get lots of that in. Since booking my DD3 had developed a fear of big headed furry characters (yeah that should be fun at the character meals), plus she is prone to tantrums. My DS who turns 5 that week is really looking forward to it (we are doing Mickey surprises as a countdown and he loves it) so in general I think he will be fine (expect typical 5 year old boy stuff). DD 1 will be ok, she is pretty go with the flow but I am sure she will have fussy moments. Anyway it is just so stressful. I am the only one who knows anything about Disney, planned anything, read anything. I have been buying all the stuff, packing.
We will take it easy if they are tired etc. I know the drill but I have been looking forward to this since January and now with the planning and the packing, and the fear that 2 of the 5 of us will be miserable, and the cost, and the weather I am just getting worried I made a mistake with this trip. Like I said we have never taken a vacation with the kids before ( we have taken the kids on a plane to Florida for my dads funeral) and I know we won't take one again for at least a few years because of money. So..... Any ideas on how to stop being scared of my vacation? I want to enjoy it and make it fun for the family but some people think we are crazy taking 3 little kids (possibly my DH included but he wouldn't say so.)
I have to get off the boards so I can get the kids ready for swimming, order DS costume for MNSSHP, work on packing lists, pack, deal with DD 3's cold, get party favors for DS birthday party this weekend (yes 5 days before we leave), get the baby dressed, get DD to dance...... Maybe I am just having a little mommy breakdown....

 

[kellyg403]

I was afraid the first time too. I think my expectations were way higher than the truth at the time. We hadn't taken a vacation ever together as a blended family, I had 4 teen girls in the group and 2 preteen boys. As the days got closer I was starting to regret it all.

But, once we got there, it was great. We had our moments. But, we learned right away about taking it one hour at a time. Then after the first day when dh said "hey we should come back next year" I stopped feeling like we had to do everything since this might be the only time we got there. It was like a miracle cure.

I hope you have a wonderful vacation!

Kelly

 

[OnourwaytoWDW]

It'll be ok. I think the last few days of all the anticipation building up sometimes is more stressful than anything!
I feel the same way. We have a 3yo that throws tantrums also. And let me tell you, they are some doozies!
We will have problems. But I have already told dh that if I have to take a break every afternoon with her and he just hangs out with ds, so be it. I would rather be laying down at Disney then dealing with a tantrum at Disney!

 

[SalandJeff]

...I have to get off the boards so I can get the kids ready for swimming, order DS costume for MNSSHP, work on packing lists, pack, deal with DD 3's cold, get party favors for DS birthday party this weekend (yes 5 days before we leave), get the baby dressed, get DD to dance...... Maybe I am just having a little mommy breakdown....

Yikes - Look at all you have on your mind, in addition to your father's death and WDW vacation. No wonder you are stressed.

It will be okay. Try to relax and go slow. You definitely need to play it by ear every day and just go with the flow with your kids. My dd is almost 5. She loves WDW, but part of what she loves is just hanging at the pool and hotel. You can't see it all, so don't even think about trying. Have a great time.

 

[swald91]

I'm sorry about your dad. We took my parents there a few times & the 1st time we went w/o him was tough. Just think of this trip as seeing Disney through your kids eyes! You know what it's like-but they don't. I wouldn't go in w/ too many expectations but relax & enjoy this trip with your kids!

 

[snickerboo]

Hang in there. You guys will love it. Your kids are the perfect age. Hopefully, your dd will feel different about furry-headed creatures she knows and loves. Just don't force her to meet characters she's not comfortable meeting. There are plenty of 'face' characters (ones without scary heads LOL) at WDW and she'll probably love meeting them (ie: princesses!).

My kids are always better behaved at Disney because they're so happy to be there. Because your dd is at tantrum stage, take lots of snacks, drinks and fun little treats to pull out of your backpack to keep her happy. Keep things like Princess stickers on hand and little things for her to do in line. I'd also have a stroller for her so she's not grouchy about walking, but let her walk if she wants. I buy all the Disney-themed snacks I can and take those to the parks and, that way, my kids don't care that they're not getting their Mickey ice cream because they're having their Mickey fruit gummies. Also, I'd make sure I follow #1 tantrum-avoiding rule: prepare her. Before you get in ahalf-hour standby line, explain to her that you'll have to wait in line but it will be worth it, and play games with her in line (ie: I spy). Talk to her about what to expect foodwise (ie: we will get one treat but not eat treats all day-the confectionary, the bakery and Mrs. Potts cupboard all have awesome treats and the sundaes at Mrs. Potts are big enough for two to share). Talk to her for sure about getting stuff and don't take her into the gift shops. Nothing's better fodder for a tantrum than them wanting something and you not wanting to pay for it! LOL Get dh to take her to do something if you want to check out someplace like Tinkerbell's treasures. Princess dress: take it. All 3-yr-olds are in princess dresses and they are $65+ at WDW. Pack an extra outfit in case her costume starts bothering her. Also, when she's had enough, don't keep going. The heading back to a resort for a rest plan really helps with tantrumville! My ds was 3 the first time we went and he did great but I did all of the things mentioned above to stave off tantrums.

Your dh will be fine, too, as long as he catches the Disney spirit. I absolutely hate flying but I muddle through. My dh also hates crowds and heat but, at Disney, he's a different person and doesn't complain because, well, it's Disney!

Try to look forward to it. You've spent a lot of money and, odds are, you're going to have a fantastic time

 

[jfegan]

Why is it we as women (no offense meant to men who aren't like my DH) take on the burden of everyone's happiness. Who's looking out for us? Im hoping the magic kicks in the moment we arrive. I know I am going to cry alot seeing it through me kids eyes. I have 3 also. Several of my friends who have been recently went with 3 and ahad a great time. You're not crazy, for worrying..at least I hope not, or I will have to join you.

PP gave some good advice on the tantrums...hope it works for my DD3 or she won't be the only one in tears. You made the right decision to take a vacation. I have read everything, studied, shopped and I'm still doing it (we leave Oct 11). Won't stop til the end. It's comforting.

Have a great trip!!

 

[holly7347]

I'm feeling very similar. We leave October 8th. We have 2 DD's 5 1/2 and 3 1/2 and have taken them on mini-vacations but this is the first BIG one. Neither of them have flown before and DD#1 keeps saying she will get on the plane if it doesn't go fast. The plane ride is only about 2 hours but I worry if she gets freaked out on the way down I'll have a terrible time getting her back on the plane to come home.

This is also alot of money for us and we can really only afford it right now because of our extra tax refund. DH really didn't want to do any of the planning so I read tour books and read tons of threads here and booked us a room at Pop, signed us up for the meal plan, and did all our ADR's. Then DH starts asking questions and sounding like he isn't thrilled with all my plans Oh well next time we plan a big trip he can be more involved upfront.

I also worry about what DD#1 will eat as she has sensory issues and generally won't eat things from restaurants. We are in a frig swap so I hope to keep things on hand that I know she will like but doing sit down meals with her is always interesting because she packs her own food and is done eating before anyone else even has their food then she gets restless. I'm hoping the character meals will keep her interested.

Plus neither of them sleep well on vacation so I'm just praying they are so exhausted they go to sleep without a fight. I would just hate for the trip to be ruined because they are tired and cranky the entire time. My youngest also worries me because she thinks she should get everything she wants the second she asks for it and is prone to throwing herself on the ground kicking and screaming when you tell her no or in a minute I'm in the middle of something.

Should be an adventure. I may need a vacation alone when we get back just to recover.

 

[faindrops27]

Op, you need some time for just you. You have alot on your plate. Alot on your mind. Maybe take a nice warm bath at night after the kids are down. Then go drink some warm tea. Think this trip. Is about making magical memories with you, and your family. That in itself is priceless. Money comes, and money goes. Memories with your loved ones. Last forever. Do not listen to other people's negativity. It is not your problem. It is thiers. You will have a magical time. It is all how you look at it.

You will be ok, I promise. Remember. The Happiest Place on Earth!!

 

[mommy2paris]

It's normal to worry!! We took our 2 dd's last september... they were 7 months & 2 1/2 yrs.
Our older daughter is dramatic and was prone to temper tantrums at that age.

For months before the trip, we watched a disneyland sing a long video, so she would understand that the characters were big, etc...

They were both good on the flight.

We got there to find out that our older daughter seemed to have some type of anxiety about getting on the "inside" rides, and cried hysterically in almost every line for the first few days, but loved it once she was on the ride. (Did I mention she fussed when it was time to get off? ) She loves rides that are outside like Dumbo, Magic Carpets...

People were really sympathetic to our situation when one of the girls was upset. And believe me, if one of them has a hard time, they won't be the only ones that are upset!

We had to sit through 4 character meals that were already planned, with her crying, scared to death of the characters. She did finally lighten up a little, by our last one with the princesses in Epcot.

Our youngest dd did not sleep well in the pack n play and was up several times at night... The only way we ended up getting her back to sleep was giving her a bottle and putting her in bed with us (which was a big no no at home). But, it got us through the night!

I had in my mind beforehand that the trip was going to be perfect. I was wrong... There were times of tears and frustration, on our parts as well, but guess what... There was also a lot of smiles & hugs, and lots of fun times!! I wouldn't trade it for anything. I even took some pics of the teary times, to show them as they grow up.

I think as long as you are realistic that things will not be perfect, you will be fine. Our older daughter is now 3 1/2, and she still talks about the fun she had and can't wait to go back. (Although she has clearly outlined that she still does not like any characters except for the princesses and she will not ride the "haunted house". We won't be making the character mistake this time!)

We are going back in December, for our first christmas trip, and can't wait!!
Try to relax and I hope you have a great time!!

 

[mommy2paris]

BTW, our dd did not eat well from restaurants either... we made sure to carry individual containters of applesauce & manderin oranges, so she could have something she was used to.