My husband passed away last May, and I have wanted to go to Disney World to cheer myself up

[hertamaniac]

Disney can have healing powers. It also can rejuvenate those parts that feel limp or numb. I have gone there several times by myself to relieve a loss. It reminded me there is always a spring season no matter what time of year someone visits. And that is worth any drive no matter the distance.

 

[goofyernmost]

Hi, everyone! I am really touched by your kind and encouraging messages! I appreciate those of you who shared how a trip to Disney healed you through tremendous losses and heart breaks. I want to reply to each of your posts individually as soon as I can. I'm truly excited because I am going to Orlando. I hit the road May 15th and will stop for the night on my way down. The only downside is that Magic Kingdom is closed in May unless.you have an Annual Pass. I was very sad to see that, but I am still happy to go because this time I will get to take my time in Epcot (2 days). I will check in to my hotel (Gaylord Palms) on the evening/night of May 16th. On Monday the 17th, I'm going to chill and enjoy the hotel itself (all the pools and the beautiful indoor gardens). Tuesday the 18th, I'm going to Discovery Cove (never been). I also booked a swimming with the sharks experience (my husband and I did a shark cage experience in Hawaii which was amazing). On Wednesday the 19th, I'll be.at Epcot. On Thursday the 20th, I'll be at Animal Kingdom. On Friday the 21st, I'm going to be back at Epcot. On Saturday the 22nd, I will check out of the hotel and start for home. I'm really looking forward to it. The last time my husband and I were in Orlando, we also went to GatorLand (but I would be too sad to go there because he loved gators!). Is anyone going to be at WDW in May?

Although I am not absolutely sure that this works that way, but since they are issuing Park hoppers at this point, I think that there is a good chance that you can hop to MK from one of the other parks in the PM. Just a thought. There may be someone on here that actually is well versed on that situation. It seems to me that if they prevented you from going to MK then Park Hoppers are practically useless.

 

[fla4fun]

Although I am not absolutely sure that this works that way, but since they are issuing Park hoppers at this point, I think that there is a good chance that you can hop to MK from one of the other parks in the PM. Just a thought. There may be someone on here that actually is well versed on that situation. It seems to me that if they prevented you from going to MK then Park Hoppers are practically useless.

@DaphneCat, I am so sorry for your loss. WDW has always been our go to place when dealing with grief, and I hope it brings you peace.

Yes, they should allow park hopping to the MK even if there are no park reservations left. They did it during spring break, which should be a good indicator for busy times. You have to go to the park you reserved first, then after 2pm you can hop to another park. You can also go back to the park you reserved if you want to, so you could go to Epcot, go to MK for a while after 2pm, and then go back to Epcot for the evening if you want to.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Go! I had plans to go to July 4th week (2013) to celebrate my daughter getting her Master's Degree. My husband unexpectedly passed away June 17, 2013. My daughter and I went through with our plans to go. We did cancel some dinner plans but did all the parks. We did all my husband's favorite attractions and ate at his favorite places. We did a lot of crying, right out in the parks, but that was what we needed. I would definitely say to go, you need it for your mental health. I am very sorry for the loss of your husband.

 

[DaphneCat]

@DaphneCat, I am so sorry for your loss. WDW has always been our go to place when dealing with grief, and I hope it brings you peace.

Yes, they should allow park hopping to the MK even if there are no park reservations left. They did it during spring break, which should be a good indicator for busy times. You have to go to the park you reserved first, then after 2pm you can hop to another park. You can also go back to the park you reserved if you want to, so you could go to Epcot, go to MK for a while after 2pm, and then go back to Epcot for the evening if you want to.

Oh my gosh! That would be amazing if I could do that! I have already bought the regular 3-day tickets (for one park per day), so I am wondering if I could just add Park Hoppers on as an upgrade. Even if I had to buy a separate PH ticket, it would be more than worth it! Magic Kingdom is one of the happiest times of my childhood (and I.still love it as an adult). I think the fact that I frequently have dreams about the Haunted Mansion and the iconic Cindarella's Castle almost makes it a spiritual prompting. Thank you so much for this information and condolences. Everyone on this board have been incredibly kind and supportive. There must be something about Disney World that speaks to the kindness and generosity of people. Thank you so much!

 

[DaphneCat]

Go! I had plans to go to July 4th week (2013) to celebrate my daughter getting her Master's Degree. My husband unexpectedly passed away June 17, 2013. My daughter and I went through with our plans to go. We did cancel some dinner plans but did all the parks. We did all my husband's favorite attractions and ate at his favorite places. We did a lot of crying, right out in the parks, but that was what we needed. I would definitely say to go, you need it for your mental health. I am very sorry for the loss of your husband.

Thank you, Mickey fan! My condolences to you as well for the loss of your husband.

 

[fla4fun]

Oh my gosh! That would be amazing if I could do that! I have already bought the regular 3-day tickets (for one park per day), so I am wondering if I could just add Park Hoppers on as an upgrade. Even if I had to buy a separate PH ticket, it would be more than worth it! Magic Kingdom is one of the happiest times of my childhood (and I.still love it as an adult). I think the fact that I frequently have dreams about the Haunted Mansion and the iconic Cindarella's Castle almost makes it a spiritual prompting. Thank you so much for this information and condolences. Everyone on this board have been incredibly kind and supportive. There must be something about Disney World that speaks to the kindness and generosity of people. Thank you so much!

Yes, you can add the park hopper option to a non-hopper ticket. Just so you know, the park hopper add on is based on the number of days on your ticket, not the number of days you hop. So if you have a three day ticket, you will pay for three days of hopping even if you only use one. But I think it will be worth it to get into the park you want.

 

[DaphneCat]

@DaphneCat, I am so sorry for your loss. WDW has always been our go to place when dealing with grief, and I hope it brings you peace.

Yes, they should allow park hopping to the MK even if there are no park reservations left. They did it during spring break, which should be a good indicator for busy times. You have to go to the park you reserved first, then after 2pm you can hop to another park. You can also go back to the park you reserved if you want to, so you could go to Epcot, go to MK for a while after 2pm, and then go back to Epcot for the evening if you want to.

Sadly, I just tried to change my one-park per day tickets to add the PH option, and my Disney account said that type of ticket was not available for my dates (May 19th to May 21st). I wonder if an opportunity of my going to MK will "magically" appear closer to the date. I appreciate your kindness (as well as the kindness of Goofyernmost and everyone on this board) trying to help me even spend a little time in the Magic Kingdom. If I can go on the Haunted Mansion and It's a Small World just once, see the castle once, that would literally make my dream come true. Thank you so much!

 

[fla4fun]

Sadly, I just tried to change my one-park per day tickets to add the PH option, and my Disney account said that type of ticket was not available for my dates (May 19th to May 21st). I wonder if an opportunity of my going to MK will "magically" appear closer to the date. I appreciate your kindness (as well as the kindness of Goofyernmost and everyone on this board) trying to help me even spend a little time in the Magic Kingdom. If I can go on the Haunted Mansion and It's a Small World just once, see the castle once, that would literally make my dream come true. Thank you so much!

Definitely keep trying, even try the first day you arrive by going to guest relations or a ticket window in person. Things change by the minute where Disney is concerned.

Have a great trip!

 

[Markal]

I too am so sorry for your loss. Go to Disney! Do the things you both loved to do. Enjoy the magic! Best wishes for a safe trip!

 

[tinkerjo]

I am so sorry for your loss and hope your trip is magical and healing!!!

 

[LovesTimone]

I am truly sorry for your loss...

I think that each person grieves differently... I am glad that you are going, following your heart can be scary and wonderful all at the same time...

Sending love and pixie dust your way...

 

[VeronicaZS]

Sadly, I just tried to change my one-park per day tickets to add the PH option, and my Disney account said that type of ticket was not available for my dates (May 19th to May 21st). I wonder if an opportunity of my going to MK will "magically" appear closer to the date. I appreciate your kindness (as well as the kindness of Goofyernmost and everyone on this board) trying to help me even spend a little time in the Magic Kingdom. If I can go on the Haunted Mansion and It's a Small World just once, see the castle once, that would literally make my dream come true. Thank you so much!

Did you buy your ticket from a reseller or direct from Disney? If it was from a reseller you will likely not be able to upgrade online before your trip. Once you are in the World go to Guest Services outside of the park entrances and ask them to upgrade you to a Park Hopper. I think you have a good chance at success. Wishing you a magical, healing vacation!!

 

[LovesTimone]

Sadly, I just tried to change my one-park per day tickets to add the PH option, and my Disney account said that type of ticket was not available for my dates (May 19th to May 21st). I wonder if an opportunity of my going to MK will "magically" appear closer to the date. I appreciate your kindness (as well as the kindness of Goofyernmost and everyone on this board) trying to help me even spend a little time in the Magic Kingdom. If I can go on the Haunted Mansion and It's a Small World just once, see the castle once, that would literally make my dream come true. Thank you so much!

I would try calling, and see if a real person can help you... as well, you have to keep checking... like constantly... the closer it gets to your dates, things can and will change rapidly... our friends got into MK last week when it was full, she check right before the park opened, and landed 4 spots... so they changed plans and went to MK instead of DHS...

 

[VeronicaZS]

I would try calling, and see if a real person can help you... as well, you have to keep checking... like constantly... the closer it gets to your dates, things can and will change rapidly... our friends got into MK last week when it was full, she check right before the park opened, and landed 4 spots... so they changed plans and went to MK instead of DHS...

Just to add to this good advice, the park reservation calendar is not updated in real time so even if it shows MK is unavailable there may be some spots open. Keep trying to change your reservation, you may get lucky.

 

[smokeyblue]

I went 6 weeks after my dad died. I needed the getaway and it was a safe place for me. It wasn't all happy. A few small things went wrong and just felt amplified in the moment. Also, there were times I just wanted to scream, "my dad just died" when I encountered your typical rude Disney guests that got to me more than usual. It was still good for me and I don't regret it. I ended up going again about 3 months later and it was one of the best trips I've ever had.

 

[beirbuddycom]

Hi, everyone. Disney World has truly been one of the happiest places for me. Even the last time I went with my husband in 2016, it brought out the same type of joy and feeling of well-being that I had as a child. Bless my husband's heart,he wanted to go to the beach instead (so we did go to Fort Lauderdale after I had my childhood fun in Orlando). Last year, my formerly healthy 51-year-old husband got sick and died suddenly right in front of me in our house on May 28, 2020. It was a miserable summer, but I kept wanting to escape to Disney World for a week and try to find something to look forward to. But my family and friends said it wouldn't be a good idea because we were in the quickly escalating pandemic with no vaccine in sight. So with work and feeling physically and mentally exhausted much of the time, I only thought about it once in a while. But believe it or not, I often had dreams of being at Disney World (especially my favorite ride The Haunted Mansion). I'm going to be 50 at the end of summer, so I feel a little silly for thinking about Disney World as much as I have this past year. I have really been thinking about booking a hotel near Disney which is a resort and taking a road trip down there by myself (listening to my beloved audio books as I drive). I don't know why I have had such a strong desire to do this since my husband died. Maybe because it felt like my life was over when he died and I couldn't save him. I think I just need to reconnect with my inner child and pamper myself with happy experiences. I do feel a little nervous about going by myself, but after losing my husband, I really need a break from the heaviness of the past year. I do feel a little silly because not many newly widowed women approaching their 50th birthday take off by themselves to Disney World. But I have a feeling people on this forum might be able to relate to the need for nostalgic joy. Thanks, Disney Lovers!

I'm so sorry to hear. You should go. I know you'll have a great time and I feel it will be good for your soul. It could be very cathartic for you. I'm going Sep 28 to Oct 2. If you are there when I am, I'd be honored to have a snack or drink with you

 

[Jason2015]

How was the trip?

 

[GAN]

Would love to know how it went....

 

[bookgirl]

Hi, everyone. Disney World has truly been one of the happiest places for me. Even the last time I went with my husband in 2016, it brought out the same type of joy and feeling of well-being that I had as a child. Bless my husband's heart,he wanted to go to the beach instead (so we did go to Fort Lauderdale after I had my childhood fun in Orlando). Last year, my formerly healthy 51-year-old husband got sick and died suddenly right in front of me in our house on May 28, 2020. It was a miserable summer, but I kept wanting to escape to Disney World for a week and try to find something to look forward to. But my family and friends said it wouldn't be a good idea because we were in the quickly escalating pandemic with no vaccine in sight. So with work and feeling physically and mentally exhausted much of the time, I only thought about it once in a while. But believe it or not, I often had dreams of being at Disney World (especially my favorite ride The Haunted Mansion). I'm going to be 50 at the end of summer, so I feel a little silly for thinking about Disney World as much as I have this past year. I have really been thinking about booking a hotel near Disney which is a resort and taking a road trip down there by myself (listening to my beloved audio books as I drive). I don't know why I have had such a strong desire to do this since my husband died. Maybe because it felt like my life was over when he died and I couldn't save him. I think I just need to reconnect with my inner child and pamper myself with happy experiences. I do feel a little nervous about going by myself, but after losing my husband, I really need a break from the heaviness of the past year. I do feel a little silly because not many newly widowed women approaching their 50th birthday take off by themselves to Disney World. But I have a feeling people on this forum might be able to relate to the need for nostalgic joy. Thanks, Disney Lovers!

My father was dying of cancer and I had not only a Disney trip but a trip to Scotland planned. I talked about cancelling them but my dad told me that no matter what happened I couldn't quit living my life just because his was near to end. I went to Scotland and went to visit him and share a drink of the Scotch he asked me to bring him, when I came back. I lost him 5 days later. I went to Disney a month after. I was sad sometimes but I just remember that he loved me and loved that I was doing something we both enjoyed (travel). He would have been sad if he was the reason I didn't go out and live my life in a way that he knew was a big part of what makes me, ME.

Glad you got to go and remember that he would have loved seeing you celebrate and be happy. Life goes on and no one is ever truly gone as long as you remember them.