More excitied 2nd time around!

[lblume91]

The first trip we took as a family (not the few I had as a kid) is just a blur. I was looking at the pictures earlier this week & couldn't believe how much we missed. We booked an off site rooms, ordered tickets online & just showed up. No prep work whatsoever. It wasn't until our 3rd trip that I actually started planning more. Then, I discovered the Dis before our 4th trip & I was hooked!! Now I think I enjoy the planning almost as much as the trip itself!! The anticipation & the build-up to the trip makes me so happy & excited.

 

[w0rM]

I've got trip number 19 coming up and I'm probably more excited about this one than any of the others in my adult life. This will be my first time at a deluxe since I was a kid!

 

[lustergirl]

2nd time going is definitely easier than the 1st and you we felt more prepared. The first time, even after researching through threads like the ones offered her and other websites, doesnt prepare you for you may encounter really. The 2nd time is easier with what you can expect and helps you navigate better. After several trips it becomes second nature and you feel like a pro by then.

 

[disneychic2]

It's very hard for people to understand the scope of Disney before arriving there. Even with all the books and maps and DVDs etc. It's something you have to experience to appreciate. I think that's why the second and other succeeding trips are even more fun. We are going on our 10th trip in 12 years and we can't wait to get there. It's like coming home to a place where you can be yourself, but be a kid again and fit right in. I'm glad you're having so much fun planning your next trip. The anticipation is so very delicious isn't it?! Have a magical stay!

 

[DustyPixie]

Oh yes, I can SO relate to that feeling! I first took my son to WDW when he was 7 in 2004. We had planned it around a long weekend in October, that just happened to be the weekend that Hurricane Jeanne turned inland and everything shut down. Disney gladly rescheduled our trip to the following week, which included the Columbus Day weekend crowd - as well as all the folks like us who had gotten bumped from the previous weekend. It was also very hot and we stayed at All Star Sports, which was very crowded and noisy.

We had some wonderful moments there (MNSSHP!!), but there was definitely stress involved. We didn't go again for two years, but in that time, I learned all about the various websites for planning and information-gathering. The second time around I was prepared and we had the time of our lives in early November 2006. It was a great time of year to be there, and we really enjoyed staying at FQ.

We have been back every year since. My son turns 14 on Sunday and we are leaving for WDW on Feb. 8th for a 5-day trip to celebrate his birthday. Staying at AKL for the third time (home away from home)Can't wait!! I think I get more excited every time. We have built a treasure trove of memories at our 'Laughing Place.'

 

[mommy4allkids]

I am happy to realize I'm not the only one.

 

[Jonesloonybin]

Same here!! We had our first trip this last May. It was great!!! But I can already tell that I am more excited about this trip.

I researched our first trip like crazy. But I was still nervous of the crowds, heat, bugs, kids being bitten by snakes or eaten by alligators.

When we arrived at WDW on our first trip, it seemed to take a day or so to get into the "Disney Groove".

We are going back again May 2012. We can't wait!! And this time the kids can help plan and are also more excited since they now know what to expect also.

 

[think-like-tink]

Wait for your 3rd trip to the world. And stay at the same resort. You feel like you KNOW your way around,can navigate the short cuts to here and there.

I feel empowered. You already know the best spots for pics...and find some new ones too. Maybe you have met all the characters a year before so you can focus on the RIDES. The kids are older...taller and can do more. YES, I am more excited for our 3rd trip.

 

[ShuisFan584]

After 20+ trips, I definitely still look forward to every trip, probably more than the last. The first time can be a little overwhelming since you don't know where everything is. Now, it's nice being able to go to the parks and not have to worry about picking up a park map. Plus, after going so many times, I know so many of the strategies which makes it so much easier to visit the parks.

 

[jalpert]

I haven't been to Disney in 20+ years, and I've never been to Disney World. My wife has never been to either, we are going to DW in September.

I am the planner, got all our reservations, did all the research. It's not that she doesn't want to go, but she is not ultra excited. I ask her about it, and she basically said she doesn't know what to expect. She is one of those people that would rather be surprised.

What happened to you is exactly what I'm hoping for. I'm hoping she steps foot in the park and the switch flips. Your post has given me hope

My girlfriend is a great example of increased excitement with each trip. I took her for her first ever WDW trip for our 1 year dating anniversary, her college graduation and her birthday. We went NYE 08-09. She wasn't really all excited about going but did her best to humor me while I was trying to book and plan things. Everything changed the moment we stepped into MK and she saw Cindy's castle in person. We went back this past May and are booked to go this October. All she does now is talk about the trip, what she can't wait to see, can't wait to try, etc. etc. etc. We are doing a lot of things differently which is keeping the WDW experience fresh. She has become obsessed with our next trip. I'm kind of scared to see how she will be on future trips.

I think a lot has to be said about knowing what a WDW vacation is all about. I have talked with her about it and she has told me that while I was planning the first trip, she just thought it was going to be cute but kiddie. Now that she knows what it's like, she has a totally different view.

 

[SoScary'09]

Second onsite trip here too! And yes I understand exactly what you mean. The first trip we were so busy trying to figure out what was going on when and where to go. But this time we'll have a much better handle on it.

It's MUCH more relaxing walking into some place you're at least a little familiar with. IMO the first trip was actually kinda tough. But this time we'll definitely be more at ease, especially when it comes to knowing where certain shops & snacks are, more about the buses and ferries, etc.

 

[mimzkat]

We are going down for our second trip from 8/31 - 9/7. I am way more excited than our first trip which was in May '06. I had the Birnbaum book and some recommendations from friends and we had a great time. However, since that trip I've discovered podcasts, The Unofficial Guide and Disboards and I feel so much more informed. This time we will have more of a plan of attack and I'm looking forward to fitting so much more in! My DH and DS(11) think I'm over the top but they secretly know they will reap the benefits of my research. Just made the final payment yesterday - one step closer!