I'm dreading our trip

[PrincessJasmine1972]

We leave for FL on Sunday, but will not actually be in WDW until Wednesday(going to visit family 1st)And it is our 1st trip down. I am very excited to be going, but I have to admit that my nerves are completely plucked. I am trying to get last minute packing done and the house finished cleaning plus I have to work my last day tomarrow before my vacation time starts and am worried I will get held mandatory which would really throw a monkey wrench in my last minute plans before we leave. *sigh*

 

[mrFDNY]

I'm dreading our trip. Or maybe its pre-trip jitters. We leave in two weeks. All along I've been pretty excited/happy/geeked and planning like I've never planned before. I was even dreaming about Disney! (how pathetic!) But the reality is hitting me. I'm worried about the weather. No one in our family likes the heat. For some reason, I thought when we booked it that the end of Sept would be cooling off a bit, but everywhere I read says its going to be HOT. The baby doesn't like to be in the stroller very long, so I'll end up wearing him in the sling. Its way too late to cancel now.

And, I just read that the end of Sept is peak season for love bugs. My dd hates all kinds of bugs, and will flip out if she sees flocks of them everywhere.

Please, help me get excited again! Its not going to be absolutly miserable, is it? It'll be bareable, right? Send pixie dust this way please!

Thanks.

Take a deep breath!! You are going to the greatest place on earth. Trust me you will have a blast! Here's some tips to help you.

Having been there in the end and middle of aug, it can be humid and hot. Try replanning a little, me and my family usally try to do more of the indoor ride/ attractions or the attractions that have indoor A/c waitng areas at the hottest times of the day. I would not stand on the peter pan ride line(which is out door) at 12 noon in the heat,even if you paid me The heat can be most brutal at 11am to 3 or 4 pm. Look for the rides/shows that have indoor a/c waiting areas for those times. Save all the outdoor waiting for near sunset or when its cooler.

The rain at disney can be great!! First most storms come in quick and only last 20 or 30 minutes. Second if it does rain for a long time you will notice most people tend to either leave or don't go to the parks at all. Bring ponchos and have fun and tough it out! Next and most important, the heat can sneak up on you and most of all little ones very fast. If you start to feel sick or someone in your party states that he/she is feeling sick, This is your body telling you to take a rest. Listen to it!! Find a nice cool, shady area and take a rest. You could go into a A/c store or a shop for a rest.

One thing i have noticed with my little one that if he begans to get crabby, or just "hostile" we take him into a a/c cooled store or place and get him something with sugar in it and he seems to be back to himself with 10 minutes. Sometimes some ice cream or ice tea does the trick. Children depending on age are affected by the heat much more quicker than adults and the younger the child the quicker the heat will begin to show affects. When children become over heated, thier body tends to use up all the available sugar in the system very quickly, thus a sweet snack and a cool place and short rest is very helpful for them. Go have fun!!!

 

[skier_pete]

I am freaking out too.We also leave in 2 weeks and I don't know what I was thinking to take daughter out of school for 6 days.She just started 1st grade today and they are off 2 days next week and then she wll go 4 days before I take her out for 6.Also the school doesn't excuse vacation absences and I don't know if I should tell the truth to try to get her work before hand or just call her in as a family emergency and get the work when we get back.We went last year same time but she only missed 4 days due to the jewish holiday.

Don't lie to the school. Do you think they won't find out when you get back from your trip and your DD is talking to everyone about WDW? No school has excused absenses, but your DD is in 1st grade. She'll survive.

Back on topic...I understand stresing about a trip, but dreading it? Relax, have a good time, don't take it so seriously...you've got low crowds and you spend half the time at WDW indoors anyways.

SkierPete

 

[HeyIt'sMe]

"Please, help me get excited again! Its not going to be absolutly miserable, is it? It'll be bareable, right? Send pixie dust this way please!"

Hey, you'll be in Walt Disney World. How bad can it be? Hey, you could be me - - and be at work. Blech.

Seriously, we've been to WDW in September twice. Is it hot? Yes. But the crowd level is low which really made up for it. I'd love to go back in September but DD is now in 5th Grade so we go during her Fall Break in October (which is also great, just more crowded).

Have a great trip!

 

[alicenwonder99]

We went last year during the same time and it was great!! We got to MK at early opening for the EMH and LOMH each morning. Then around noon-1pm, we had lunch. We'd leave MK to head back to the resort for swimming. We'd would then go to a different park in the evenings. Even though the afternoons were VERY HOT, the evenings were just beautiful!! I would say after 5pm was when the weather was good.

Since we got to MK every morning at opening (and got there early for the early openings), we practically had the park to ourselves and we were able to do many rides in just the first couple of hours. And I remember getting there for the LOMH one morning and it was like we were the only ones there. Seriously, there was maybe 5 other families walking down Main Street with us!!

Have a great time.

 

[Elysiannn]

I echo everything Winniethepooh'smom said. If it's hot just take your time and rest more. If the baby fusses in the stroller go back to the resort more often. Some of the best memories might be taking a slower pace and noticing other things you might not have seen.

I hate the heat, too and went end of August two years ago. I just scanned all the heat tips and made sure if I was starting to get irritable to stop and rest and cool off before going anywhere else.

Maybe redoing your schedule to go at night when it's a bit cooler after the sun sets (and maybe the love bugs go to bed!)

There are a zillion great tips and advice on this great website to help you have the best time whenever and whatever.

Have a good trip and enjoy yourself - there is no place like WDW on earth! Ely

 

[sherabby]

I would just tell the truth, when they see her tan and know she was absent and your daughter is asked by her teacher or someone else she will tell them where she went anyhow. I took my ds out in 2005 and sent a note in a week ahead of time, he received some work ahead of time and some when he came home. Some teachers do not care for this but we had a great trip and ds still had good grades. It's important to have quality family time as well and your children don't stay young forever. Linda

We were there mid Aug and none of us got a tan. If you are going to the parks you are in and out of the sun and waiting under shade to ride the rides or shows. If you go to the waterparks a lot then you will definately get a tan.
I would though tell her teacher and not lie about it.

 

[antmaril]

We just returned from Disney 2 days ago, I never thought we would take a trip in Aug. but the power of free dining willed us to go. We followed some tips I picked up on the dis about staying cool and it helped. We walked on the shady side of the street, cooled off going in and out of attractions, drank plenty of water, eat lunch in the a/c (I was surprised to see so many people at MGM sitting outside eating in the heat) we brought a WalMart spray fan with us but it broke before getting to us it) We enjoyed an icepop break in the shade, go into the park at ropedrop and head back to the hotel in the afternoon for a swim or rest in the room. I was very surprised how well our trip went. We went in 2005 sept/oct we were able to do so much because of the low crowd level and did not feel overheated. Don't worry your trip will be great! Linda

I totally agree with WinniethePoohsmom. We returned last Saturday and I HATE the heat and humidity. We usually go in January, so I was very apprehensive about this trip in August. However, the lure of the Free Dining convinced me. We had a great time and the Free Dining was awesome. We were at the parks early, went back to the hotel for a rest and then back to the parks when it cooled off in the evening.

Don't worry - it won't be that bad. It's worse thinking about it than doing it.

 

[PrincessHeart]

This is the best life adivce I was ever given. My stedad (who was the pastor at our Wedding)) said "Something is going to go not as planned. But in the end you will be married to the person you love." Ok, so I translate this into "No matter how much you plan, things can and do go wrong, but in the end your are at Disney World with your family!"

BTW things did go wrong - I almost set my veil on fire during the candle lighting cermony and one of my bridesmaids nearly fainted. Hey, 12 year later we are still happily married.

So have fabulous trip!

 

[dsnymomof4]

OP, you've gotten some great advice here. We have definitely been there in the prime heat/humidity. You'll deal with it, don't worry. I think it's normal to be worried that your trip won't go as perfectly as you would like it to, but try not to get too worried. As others have said, you'll be in Disney! As far as the heat, get to the parks early, when the hottest part of the day hits, take your break. Go swimming, rest in the air-conditioning, drink plenty of water throughout the day. When the sun goes down, it will be a bit cooler. Enjoy the parades and fireworks. Just remember, a lot of people wish they were in the World - you will actually be there! So, relax, do whatever is in your power to make sure you have the best vacation you can, and don't sweat the small stuff that you can't control. Have a great trip!

 

[yngsj]

We have gone late Sept. early Oct. for 3 trips. It was in the 90's with high humidity but there is so much to do inside with A/C that we were never miserable. I like the heat but my family doesn't. We went one year in Jan. and it was in the 40's we were sooooo cold we couldn't stay for more the a few hours midday. IMO I would rather be too hot then cold.

 

[kileybeth]

I felt the exact way the OP did before this trip, just didn't even want to go, I so overplanned, so over worried, but just back last night from 3 days (2 park days) and it was so good.

Was it hot?? you betcha. was it bearable? you betcha. I carried a mister around the parks with me, nice relief. and trust me on this one, heat makes me physically ill.

lots of down time in attractions, restaurants, and by pool.

take it slow. don't worry when you're plans fall through (ours did more than once) just go with attitude of whatever we do we do what we don't do we don't worry about.

we go back in 10 days with 4 children in tow. I admit to still worrying over the love bug invasion that is due but am thankfull we did not see one this past week (9/3-9/6)

I am off to try and redo some ADR's (believe the reviews, do not go to San Angel Inn)

any questions, ask!

 

[amygirl27]

I understand where you are coming from. We leave in 11 days and between the bugs, the heat and the weather my excitement is rapidly becoming stress! I know it will be okay though.

Planning ahead is key. Buy the misters and let everyone have one. They help a lot. Also - for the little ones especially - most sporting goods stores sell the bandana type things with the cooling gel in them where you can put them...we are going to get a couple and put them on ice overnight and then have the next morning fo the kids. We are also planning on chomping on a lot of ice!

Like others have said - you'll still be in WDW. Worst case you find yourself hot, sweaty and covered in bugs but at least you can smile at Mickey

It's like the pre-wedding jitters - pre disneyworld jitters

 

[dunbarfamily]

Wow guys. Thanks for all of the tips, advice, and encouragement. I love DIS! I thought I'd get a bunch of tomatoes thrown at me, but I was wrong.

Thanks for the reminders that a day at Disney, even a hot, humid, love bug infested one, beats a day somewhere else! I think I have a total case of pe trip jitters. Even though this is the third trip I've planned for my own family, this is the first time I've felt this way. Hmmm...I wonder if its because I know more now? I'll follow your advice about resting mid day, utilizing A/C stores and attractions, and just taking it one step at a time. We'll be there for 9 nights, so we'll have plenty of time to do what we want to do.

I already feel better. Thanks again everyone! And if anyone else has anything to add, please feel free!

 

[Lizboo]

We are Disney bound very soon too (A week from now we will be at our first MNSSHP), but I am having pre-trip jitters too. Your post (and all the kind responses) have help me too.

I hope you have a wonderful trip

 

[fla4fun]

Sometimes I miss the days before all the Internet info, when you bought a guide book, or maybe two, and just went on vacation and had a great time. Now there's so much info, and we try to plan and plan to get every detail just right so we can have a great vacation, that the expectations and pressure can get in the way of what a great vacation is - a chance to relax and spend time with the people you love.

So go on your trip, relax, and have fun with the family. Do the things you love to do, because you won't be able to do it all. Eat the foods you love to eat, because you won't be able to eat it all. The goal should be to come back well rested with lots of fabulous memories of the special moments that just happened spontaneously.

Oh, and a little lovebug advice for the DD: don't wear white. They are drawn to light colors, especially white, so it will help some to wear more medium shades.

 

[jeannief]

We'll be there with you! I bought the miracool bandanas to help keep us cool. We'll be the geeky family with fanny packs and bandanas!

 

[Dorisk3]

I will say that is one of the problems with hanging out on the disboards- every tiny thing is dissected and discussed- it feels like you've lived your trip to Disney before you even go. My advice would be just to not get any more Disney info before you go. Last year I lived on the boards before our trip- and of course all the info I learned was invaluable- but it took a little bit of the wonder of discovery out of it- I even knew what I wanted to order in each restaurant. This time I figured I'd take a week or two fast of the boards before we go- hopefully then I'll be a bit more excited than last time too! That might also help you get more excited before your trip!

 

[KatyTheFairyPrincess]

This might seem a silly question, but we're arriving in orlando on October 6th, so I'm guessing the love bugs will still be there...

I'm so freaked out by any bugs that i'm really worried about it, so my silly question is...

Would bug repellant help?
I'm guessing it would but sometimes it doesn't keep all bugs away

Thanks

And OP, I know exactly how you feel, now I'm back at school it seems like I've lost all my disney excitement, but I'm sure it'll all come back to me soon enough

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Its funny I am thinking the same thing - 21 days to go and I've been dreading our trip. I think part of it is I've been planning this trip for almost 1 1/2 years and soon our vacation will be over and then what do I do. Also concerned w/our 2 yr old and how she'll handle all this. I have ADRs all planned but I'm worried we'll have to change my touring plan. Which is now - up early, nap/pool after lunch & back to parks or whatever. I'm afraid we'll do just the opposite - sleeping in & late nights - missing all our ADRs. And the kids (particularly DD2) will be off schedule. I am planning 1 0r 2 days that we could sleep in our let DD2 sleep in and the other parent take DS8 & DD4 wherever they want to go.

So you are not alone and I think we're all pretty normal - WDW vacations are a lot of work but like some other posters have written - "go w/the flow". Thats hard for me because I am a planning person and I don't like surprises unless of course they involve presents for me! But I will try after all we'll be a disney world.

Another poster wrote about planning a wdw vacation prior to the internet and I agree the disboards are absolutely wonderful but I had trouble keeping it in all in perspective. I think thats my advice to new dis members is read everything (a mountain of info & great tips)but keep it in perspective and keep your family wants and needs (budget) in mind because WDW is a vacation where you can absolutely go nuts planning. So many times I'd read a great trip report about a particular resort and I'd show DH and switch (did this 3 or 4 times). I finally but an end to it my choosing the Poly and sticking w/it - even though I've read great things about BC/YC & CSR lately. AUUUGGGGHHHH! I've ordered the gift baskets, will order a cake, on the ddp,ordered groceries and ordered crib, etc from ABBF. All this I found here on the dis - great info but some of which I could do without - but live and learn. I do love coming here as you can tell from the number of posts I have in one year!!!!