My Disney brain is broken

[Colleen27]

The Disney planning part of my brain appears to be totally out of order, and this feels like the right place to vent about it.

I know we've had a few of these threads here, so I'm sure others will be able to relate. I keep trying to wade into the Theme Parks and Restaurants and Resorts boards, feeling like I really should figure out what the heck I'm doing with this wacky new ride reservation system and get a feel for what post-pandemic peak-travel park and dining navigation is going to be like, but every time I do, it is like my brain switches off and my mind goes elsewhere. A Disney trip shouldn't be this difficult! But we leave in four weeks so I really do need to find the motivation to get my head around it all. I do have the basics in place, of course - rooms, park reservations, one of the two ADRs DD20 requested (Space 220 eluded me, largely because we were overseas with no data plan when our ADR window opened). But as far as strategies for using G+, dealing with the crowds and post-FP wait times, whether or not to splurge on new-generation Magic Bands, and all of that, I've got nothing. And figuring it out? Well, that just feels like WORK. I caught myself reorganizing my bookshelf and desk today to avoid the tabs I'd left open to look at!

It seems like we've had a lot of DIS discussions about how complicated and ridiculous Disney planning has gotten over the years, but this is the first time I've actually had to marshal my self-discipline to get a trip planned, and man is it a weird feeling. Like, this is supposed to be the fun part, not a chore! I guess it is a good thing that I'm expecting this to be our last WDW trip for a good long while because clearly something about the current state of things just isn't working for me.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I don't envy you, Colleen. From what little I have read here and elsewhere, you thoughts and feelings are not isolated. I think I am still some time off before I head back there, and hope things will be simpler by then, though do not think it will. Hang in there, use your great knowledge from past years and trips and try to work it into today's WDW environment and current guidelines Know well that you are ahead and more knowledgeable than 99% of the people there. Ultimately, you guys will enjoy the trip.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

DD went in June with her boyfriend. They had a good time but she said it was a lot of work for her. (He is just getting to know Disney.) I think they accomplished just about everything they wanted to, but she had to really work for it. She was exhausted at the end of each day, plus the heat had gotten to her. But they did have a good time, and seemed to do a lot. If you have any specific questions, I could ask her. It’s the first time in a long time we don’t have any trips planned. I‘m just not into it right now, plus the prices are really off-putting.

 

[punkin]

I have the same issue and I had better get over it as I have an October trip booked.

 

[Toolulu22]

The Disney planning part of my brain appears to be totally out of order, and this feels like the right place to vent about it.

I know we've had a few of these threads here, so I'm sure others will be able to relate. I keep trying to wade into the Theme Parks and Restaurants and Resorts boards, feeling like I really should figure out what the heck I'm doing with this wacky new ride reservation system and get a feel for what post-pandemic peak-travel park and dining navigation is going to be like, but every time I do, it is like my brain switches off and my mind goes elsewhere. A Disney trip shouldn't be this difficult! But we leave in four weeks so I really do need to find the motivation to get my head around it all. I do have the basics in place, of course - rooms, park reservations, one of the two ADRs DD20 requested (Space 220 eluded me, largely because we were overseas with no data plan when our ADR window opened). But as far as strategies for using G+, dealing with the crowds and post-FP wait times, whether or not to splurge on new-generation Magic Bands, and all of that, I've got nothing. And figuring it out? Well, that just feels like WORK. I caught myself reorganizing my bookshelf and desk today to avoid the tabs I'd left open to look at!

It seems like we've had a lot of DIS discussions about how complicated and ridiculous Disney planning has gotten over the years, but this is the first time I've actually had to marshal my self-discipline to get a trip planned, and man is it a weird feeling. Like, this is supposed to be the fun part, not a chore! I guess it is a good thing that I'm expecting this to be our last WDW trip for a good long while because clearly something about the current state of things just isn't working for me.

We’ll be there Saturday morning and I just looked into Genie this week. I feel similarly to you. We will be arriving with a lot less strategic knowledge and pre-planning. We’re still excited about our vacation, but for us the days are over where we do spreadsheets and over research. I don’t want to relearn an entirely new beast every few years. We will still have fun, just aren‘t concerned about ride strategy.

 

[pookybean]

It is a lot more work. I was confused too, but watching vs reading about it helps it make a little more sense. Molly on allears (youtube) has a lot of really great videos showing how to use it and make it work for what you want to get done.

 

[luvnwdwgal]

We leave in a couple weeks. I don’t get into planning anymore. I use to when it was easy but now it just gives me anxiety. So we’re keeping it simple. Just a couple ADR’s cause I don’t like to be tied down to a schedule. I refuse to pay extra for Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane. You pay enough for the darn park tickets as it is. Disney can stick those where the sun don’t shine. We ride what we can and that’s it. I still enjoy WDW and love just being in the bubble. There’s so much to do there that it’s not about the rides anymore for us. I think this will be my 20th trip and we just went with 2 day base tickets for our 5 night stay. We’re staying at Pop Century so decided Epcot and Hollywood Studios would be sufficient since they’re both on the Skyliner route. Plan on hanging at the pool, checking out other resorts, going to Disney Springs. Just chilling in my happy place.

 

[fly girl]

I understand completely - it’s overwhelming, especially given it’s a theme park! It’s not like you’re going to a different country you’ve never been to, it’s WDW!!

G+, I recommend it but that’s because I’m a person who hates to wait in lines. I’ll use it in every park (although vast majority say you don’t need it in Epcot or AK. I parkhop, so it’s a must do for me.) As for strategy with G+, the big thing is to get your prime one at 7am, especially Slinky if you’re headed to HS that day. A lot of “stacking” advice out there but I’m not a stacker, I use and keep using. Refresh is the key - just like old FP+ after you used the first 3.

New MB? I watched Craig’s video and the weekly Dis Unplugged show … although it’s neat, I don’t think it’s necessary. But I know myself, I’d probably get a plain one with the resort discount beforehand if possible.

Did you put dining reservation finder in on Touring Plans site? It’s free, maybe you can snag Space 220.

To keep from feeling totally overwhelmed stick to 1 research topic a day and for an allotted time. Agree with PP, Molly at AllEars has great advice. Just make sure whatever video you’re watching it’s fairly new.

I like this video for the psychology of not getting frustrated with G+, look at it like a game not a tool. Lol. Sadly, it’s true!

 

[AustinTink]

Not sure we will ever return to WDW because of all the advanced planning required. I don't want the anxiety. DL is our park now. It's has seen some significant changes but still is not as bad as WDW. Hopefully it stays that way.

 

[Princesca]

Same boat. I love making my planning spreadsheets, usually, but the new way of things might be more than my brain can take. FP+ was so much easier for me.

 

[DisneyOma]

I've gone from being a super planner to just keeping up with the changes that are happening - just got back and didn't use $LL or G+, had a good enough time. Biggest issue was that WDW seems like COVID soup right now - guests hacking up a lung and spitting into bushes, no mask in sight. Lots of sick people down there making themselves and others around them miserable.

 

[BrianL]

I hear ya! I have been wanting to plan a trip, but I just haven't really been able to make myself do it. I can't even pull the trigger on anything because I am just so unsure of what to expect. I know I need to just stop hyper-analyzing it all, but my excitement gets crushed once I dive into it a little.

 

[Princesca]

I've gone from being a super planner to just keeping up with the changes that are happening - just got back and didn't use $LL or G+, had a good enough time. Biggest issue was that WDW seems like COVID soup right now - guests hacking up a lung and spitting into bushes, no mask in sight. Lots of sick people down there making themselves and others around them miserable.

This is discouraging. I mean, I knew it would be bad but not SO obviously bad.

We have a cruise and the parks back to back next spring and I'm really hoping things are better then, but I don't really have much cause to be optimistic.

 

[mom2rtk]

I've gone from being a super planner to just keeping up with the changes that are happening - just got back and didn't use $LL or G+, had a good enough time. Biggest issue was that WDW seems like COVID soup right now - guests hacking up a lung and spitting into bushes, no mask in sight. Lots of sick people down there making themselves and others around them miserable.

Nobody should be surprised at this point that Disney is a covid hotbed.

 

[bennifer]

The Disney planning part of my brain appears to be totally out of order, and this feels like the right place to vent about it.

I know we've had a few of these threads here, so I'm sure others will be able to relate. I keep trying to wade into the Theme Parks and Restaurants and Resorts boards, feeling like I really should figure out what the heck I'm doing with this wacky new ride reservation system and get a feel for what post-pandemic peak-travel park and dining navigation is going to be like, but every time I do, it is like my brain switches off and my mind goes elsewhere. A Disney trip shouldn't be this difficult! But we leave in four weeks so I really do need to find the motivation to get my head around it all. I do have the basics in place, of course - rooms, park reservations, one of the two ADRs DD20 requested (Space 220 eluded me, largely because we were overseas with no data plan when our ADR window opened). But as far as strategies for using G+, dealing with the crowds and post-FP wait times, whether or not to splurge on new-generation Magic Bands, and all of that, I've got nothing. And figuring it out? Well, that just feels like WORK. I caught myself reorganizing my bookshelf and desk today to avoid the tabs I'd left open to look at!

It seems like we've had a lot of DIS discussions about how complicated and ridiculous Disney planning has gotten over the years, but this is the first time I've actually had to marshal my self-discipline to get a trip planned, and man is it a weird feeling. Like, this is supposed to be the fun part, not a chore! I guess it is a good thing that I'm expecting this to be our last WDW trip for a good long while because clearly something about the current state of things just isn't working for me.

I felt a lot like this when I planned our last trip in November. We decided to only buy G+ for HS and only used $LL for HS. I just couldn't plan anymore. And it was fine. We still had a great time. It was over Thanksgiving, so we knew going that it would be busy, and it was, but we still got to ride what we wanted, we just had to wait a little longer. We did a lot more shopping, people watching and relaxing that trip than we usually do, but we still had fun! We don't have any trips planned again for a while, but that's not because we were disappointed in our experience. We've decided that we want to explore the world, not just world showcase!

 

[sk!mom]

For me, it seems too costly and too much work. For the cost and planning required, We could go somewhere that we’ve never been, or we could go to many much more relaxing less costly US destinations. Additionally, my DH only enjoys MK and EpCot and agrees with me that Florida weather is a no go. I doubt that we’ll return unless we decide to take our new grandson in a few years.

I would like to do a couple of days at Disneyland tied to a California vacation at some point. I haven’t been since I was a teen…more manageable size, potentially enjoyable weather.

We spent a great deal of time this past year planning our recent Ireland trip. Given the number of times we’ve been to WDW, it’s ridiculous to think that I’d need that level of planning to return. My experience there should make it as easy a trip as Nashville, Vegas, San Antonio or any other place that we’ve been many times.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I used to consider myself a Disney expert, but if I were planning a trip a today, I'd probably use a travel agent. I just haven't kept up with the recent changes.

 

[sk!mom]

This is discouraging. I mean, I knew it would be bad but not SO obviously bad.

We have a cruise and the parks back to back next spring and I'm really hoping things are better then, but I don't really have much cause to be optimistic.

Now that I think of it, the super crowded conditions in pandemic times also would make it uncomfortable especially if people are obviously ill. Cruises have always been a “nope” for us but even more so now.

We were rarely in super crowded conditions in Ireland as compared to what the constant crowd would be at Disney.

 

[shh]

yuck to all of it. Don't mean to be a Debbie Downer, but every time I even think about revisiting, I just lose all motivation and interest. Vacation planning and anticipation is the fun part to me - and what's going on now 'ain't that.

(I still debate splurging on a nighttime party in 2023 or 2024, as that still feels like old-school WDW fun to me without LL or Genie. But would miss seeing the other parks.)

 

[disney212]

We've been 3 times since the pandemic and I had almost talked myself out of that first trip. I found it to be no harder than the old way just a change in timing. Used to book ADRs at 180 days and now 60 (we had our parks planned anyway due to EMH, ADR etc but now we make a park reservation), used to book fastpasses now we but Genie+. We loved the Lightening Lane option and used it several tines. Yes you pay for it but for us we live 800 miles away so time is money and we were happy to pay to skip the line. Pre covid I remember refusing to get up at 4 am to be at HS to get on the newer Star Wars rides, happily paid our $15 each to ride it with getting up so early or standing in line for hours. LL and Genie+ are now line items in our budget. I hope you can find a way to enjoy the parks again. I never felt we were looking at phones, riding less or spending more time, if anything mobile order and LL have us more time to do more.