Insanity

[mamasuttles]

Am I the only semi-psycho mom that is trying to make this Disney vacation in September "perfect"? I have all of our dining reservations made, I am working on letters and welcome gifts to send to DD (age 7) before the trip and little tinker bell gifts for during our trip.

I'm almost embarrassed because I think I'm over thinking and going too far. Anyone want to reassure me that I'm not doing too much?

 

[Nayan]

Don't go for perfect. Just strive for a great time. September is hot, with a good chance of rain and maybe even a tropical storm/hurricane. Disney is special enough IMO, so I don't see the need for 'extras' but if you want them go for it.

 

[SixLetterMan]

Not at all. About a month ago, we stopped at MK on a trip to southern FL. It was only for 2 nights and 1 day but I was planning 3 months ahead. Both my wife and I haven't been there since we were young (over 20 years ago!) so it was practically our first trip too. My wife thought I was obsessed because I checked the DIS boards and every other website you can imagine on planning for that trip almost every single day. I was prepared for everything mother nature and my DDs (age 4 and almost 2) could unleash. Of course, it rained the whole day we were there but preparation paid off as ponchos, a change of clothes, etc. were waiting and ready for everyone.

With any trip to WDW, regardless of the length of stay, planning is so important and it does pay off when the "unexpected" happens.

 

[Goldilocks07]

Agree wit SixLetterMan-

Meanwhile my husband gets JEALOUS of the DisBoards.

You can never do TOO much planning, BUT- vacations are never perfect so expect a few hiccups and don't get disappointed if plans change.

You will have an amazing time!

 

[rlma]

Nope, I'm doing the same thing for our trip in September as well. DH would probably roll his eyes at me if he knew how much I have already planned.

 

[Shrimp332]

Thanks for this because my husband is going crazy with all my vacation planning and changes I have made and I was beginning to think I am super crazy. Normally our vacations are planned about 2-3 weeks out and I book a hotel find a few things in the area and that's it. Our first trip to Disney is also in September and I had no clue what I was getting into when I started this in Feb. SO glad to see we are under 100 days now I will be happy when all the planning is over and just get to have fun and enjoy it

 

[MSSANDRA]

As long as you are still enjoying it, keep going! If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a step back and rethink. We have planned trips many months out and had all matching clothes and disney pjs and snacks and all the best ARDS AND we have decided the week before we want to go and threw what we had in a suitcase at the last minutes and made ARSs on the way there. Never had a bad trip.....but never had a perfect one either. It's all good as long as you are at WDW!!!!!

 

[NotUrsula]

It's September. Unless you are an amphibian, it isn't going to be perfect. It almost certainly is going to rain ... and rain ... and rain.

The important thing is to put on your water sandals and a poncho (or athletic clothing that will dry quickly), and just keep going. Most of the rides at WDW still run in the rain, and it cuts down the crowds.

 

[supergoofy]

I am at the point of planning where at 10:15-10:25 its potty time. Not 10:14 nor 10:26

My kids have a bit of a clue as does the wife. Wife keeps sending me stuff which is already on the calendar.

I am not striving for perfect but a great time. I figure I'll go commando from RD until lunch and then free time as in stuff out of park. After dinner let the kids decide on the course. This solves all the issues. I know RD until lunch is prime touring time so I will be able to get all sorts of rides done.

The open time allows us to see other stuff and down time.

And after dinner allows the kids some control to do as they wish.

 

[NotUrsula]

And after dinner allows the kids some control to do as they wish.

Do keep in mind that many of the shows are not performed after about 3 pm; if you want to see them, you'll have to do that earlier in the day.

 

[kohlby]

Planning is great - but be flexible when you're there. A mid-day break has never worked for us in the past. We go commando from rope drop until lunch and then relax more, slowing it down. But even in the morning, we try to do it according to the kids. So, if a line is short and they want to do something a second time, then we do it. Knowing the rides/attractions has really helped us with changing plans and figuring it out as we go. (As has knowing how my kids handle Disney!) We're also going in Sept this year. I'm not looking forward to the heat/rain, but I figure that we'll be okay, as we've learn to plan ahead and then change plans while there.

 

[It's A Happy Day]

I have always said to anyone who makes that terrifying statement:
I'm thinking about going to Disney World

Plan, plan, and plan some more! Then when you get there, go with the flow.

Your child will not know that you forgot that thing or you didn't see that particular show unless you go on & on about it during your trip. They will remember the fun they had and the things they DID do. What I shudder at is the shock parents have who don't look at 1 map, read 1 article, etc. and are so overwhelmed because they weren't aware of how much there is to do at WDW and all the different parks.

DH doesn't care about all the planning but that's because he knows I've got it under control....well "control" is probably not the right word cause I'm outta control My major decisions are length of trip, hotel we are staying at, plan of attack - aka pick the major park of the day & make an ADR in that park. Other than that we go with the flow. We rate the importance of rides, shows, etc. and make sure we get in the top picks sometime during our trip which is usually 7-10 days in length. My kids & DH know that I am not a "line" person and appreciate the fact that they have been taught that if the line is too lengthy (we travel off season) we move on & check that attraction out at a later time.

 

[supergoofy]

Do keep in mind that many of the shows are not performed after about 3 pm; if you want to see them, you'll have to do that earlier in the day.

Keeping that in mind as we are going in August and hear it will be hot. Hoping to escape inside for a show or two to escape the heat. I don't do well in the heat.

 

[Nayan]

Keeping that in mind as we are going in August and hear it will be hot. Hoping to escape inside for a show or two to escape the heat. I don't do well in the heat.

I live here and yes, August is horrible for both heat and humidity. Lots of sunscreen and water!

 

[Sugardimples]

Please let go of the idea that you can make it "perfect". Relax and allow yourself to enjoy it for what it is. You will be happier in the long run!

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

We are all on this board for one reason...we ant to plan the heck out of our Disney vacation. I currently have 3 windows open on my CPU. for ADRs that are sold out at the time I want that I refresh every half hour in hopes the window I want opens etc. That being said, once we get there I know the reactions and spontaneous things that make Disney magical are what will be the best memories.

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

Oh and definition of insanity, I just measured my DS to see if he's grown at all since we booked months ago and might have a shot a 7DMT. Sadly no, but I bet I measure at least 3 more times between now and late August

 

[asmit4]

Oh and definition of insanity, I just measured my DS to see if he's grown at all since we booked months ago and might have a shot a 7DMT. Sadly no, but I bet I measure at least 3 more times between now and late August

YES! THIS is me! We are going in October....about 3/4 inches to go! He's 2 right now so he could totally grow 3/4 in time! I'm measuring every month at least.

Last year I was measuring for Barnstormer...he made it! I have it marked on my dining room wall too and SERIOUSLY considering making a REAL measuring thing with wood- so the stick comes out like it does at disney. "hit the stick' LOL

 

[mockmom3]

Girl you aren't crazy. I have the autograph book I made, autograph covers, welcome letters, coupons, will get dinner invites once reservations are done, getting tshirts ready This is the first trip for my 3 girls so I am going all out...lol.

 

[asmit4]

t-shirts- absolutely! same here! My son has one for the trip down (I'm going to Disney World) and our family has a shirt that fits the October disney theme- (Orange and mickey) I order the iron ons which are personalized for mom, grandma and my son....(hubby isn't into disney)....and I iron them on I love etsy!