My State Of Mind On My Upcoming Trip

[pax_65]

In less than 3 weeks I'll be going home to OKW. As usual, I can't wait, but my state of mind is definitely different this time around.

Friends and family have told me not to go -- don't get on a plane, don't go to Disney, you never know what will happen. I don't accept any of it - from that logic you shouldn't leave the safety of your bed. I'm determined to go.

I'm disappointed reading about the cutbacks and tough times Disney is having... but that just reinforces by determination to go and support them. The tough times have come because people are giving in to their fear and changing their travel plans.

My daughter is 4, which is a cool age. She remembers Disney from past trips and loves it. She is something of a daredevil when it comes to rides. She is looking forward to doing Test Track and Tower of Terror. My son is just under a year. He is a very happy kid... I really think he will love many of the rides in Fantasyland, Pirates, Spaceship Earth, etc.

My wife and I are also looking forward to unloading these two wonderful children on her folks one night and going to out to a nice romantic dinner in Epcot.

People talk about "magic" but it's such a tough thing to define or describe. Disney World is a magical place, and the rides, hotels, service, cast members, food, Florida weather, and much more all contribute mightily to that magic. But the heart of the magic comes from each of us -- the families who take a break from work, the daily routine, and the outside distractions of the world to spend time enjoying the place TOGETHER.

So with all that in mind, as I look at my wife, daughter and son as we walk into the Magic Kingdom together after all that has happened in the past few months, it occurs to me that this trip may be the most magical of all.

Jon
DVC Member - OKW

 

[loribell]

Well put Jon. I only wish that I could join you. But I've already been twice this year so I guess I better just stay home and plan out how many more points to buy.

 

[donald@home]

Jon-

Good for you for not letting fear keep you from living your life. There is a post on the rumors board about what disney has ACTUALLY cut back on vs. the rumors that are flying around. It's called Cutbacks - Objectively and by the Numbers. It is a great post and might make you feel better about that part of your upcoming trip.

Enjoy the time with your family!

 

[Peggy Sue]

We just returned yesterday from 5 wonderful days at the BWV to enjoy the food and wine festival. Disney is monitoring crowds and adjusting schedules as needed. We waited for NOTHING. crowds were light to medium and people were enjoying themselves. It was a "magical" vacation. We felt very secure at the airport, in the air and at the parks.

Enjoy your vacation! We can't wait for our next vacation to begin on 11/27 at OKW!

 

[Granny]

Jon....

Beautiful job of expressing your "state of mind".

I agree wholeheartedly....cherishing family moments like Disney vacations is even more important than ever. Relax, enjoy the family and the parks knowing you will be able to return many more times in future years.

My DD's are 10 and 12 years old, so I know we don't have all that many trips as a family of four left. I wish I had joined DVC 10 years ago so I could do what you will be doing....watching the magic capture them year after year and building traditions and memories that cannot be beat!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Three cheers for Jon!

I couldn't agree more!!

 

[BraveMom3]

Well said, Jon. I have gotten to the point that if a post has the word "cutback", "disappointed", "mad",etc... I don't even read it. It really depresses me too much.

My advice to you and your family is to do the same, and only focus on the positive. Unfortunately we won't be going "home" for 208 days, but I would not pin HUGE hopes on trivial details, and just go with the flow when I get there!!

Have a great trip!

 

[tss2]

My family of 4 leaves Saturday for a week at BWV. I feel differently about it, but in the past week we have all been getting very excited about the trip!!! Luckily my 6 and 8 year old have no fear of flying, I think I will be slightly (or more) stressed during the flight. BUT I am looking forward to a week of QUALITY FAMILY TIME! And in the past two months I think alot more about what is important in life.....family and friends....the ones you love! Let's all enjoy what we have and try to concentrate on the positive! Its not always easy, but its my new philosophy since September 11th.

Jon, hope you have a great trip!

 

[rbuzzotta]

Nicely put Jon. I wish you and your family a magical time together!!

Enjoy!!

 

[dianeschlicht]

tss2

We flew 2 weeks ago, and I felt much LESS stress about it than normal.

 

[wdwnut]

hi: well said Jon. Five of us will be at bwv tomorrow, doing our part to help disney. i'm a bit nervous about flying, but i feel somewhat reassured with the additional security measures.

 

[baileybrad]

We are similar to you, 4 year old son, daredevil. 18 month old son. We were there for 9 days at the end of October 20-29. We did miss EE but are quite knowledgeable about the World so we just worked around it. We stayed at OKW in a studio which, and I know many will find hard to believe, was and is wonderful. We love all being together on vacation and the studios are great for a little family with little ones like ours. We love to maximize our points.

Try and get a full-size crib for your little one, they are much better than the packnplays for restful sleeping. Housekeeping took care of us on that. We had a great location and got to swim everyday but 1.

We flew and with the stepped up security precautions, it is more safe to fly now than it probably was prior to the terrible events of the 11th.

Have a great trip. We are headed back on the 18th of January for 10 nights, staying at Vistana Village in a 2 bedroom for $79.90 a night... wow!

 

[JonHM]

Excellent post! Very well said!

BaileyBrad : How did your 18 month old like WDW? Any rides/activities in particular that were a big hit? We'll be taking our son for his first trip in Jan., and he'll be 19 months. Any advice, other than the crib?

 

[SamanthaL]

My friends have told me not to go to WDW too. I tell them that we all have a time to go meet our maker and when that time comes it doesn't matter where you are or what you are doing. I don't mean to sound cavalier, but your fate is sealed and God knows best. There are stories of people who were on the 50-something floor and lived to tell about the towers collapsing and others who were just outside and perished. I can't question God's plan. Live your life and do what makes you happy. One thing that makes me happy is taking my little girl on her first trip to WDW. I won't let anyone ruin it for me!!

 

[garrett79]

Hey John, great attitude!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you are picking the right time to come too.......weather is beautiful with highs in the upper 70's to mid 80's.. Havefun!!!!!!

 

[Granny]

SamanthaL....

I'm sure your friends mean well in advising against WDW trips, but you are absolutely right. I don't know how old your DD is, but living the magic through the eyes of a child is why many of us enjoy our WDW trips.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[baileybrad]

JonHM,
We try and keep our little ones on a schedule. That included breaks for naps. The bigger one sometimes just rested but the little one zonked. We also did not really do any late nights. We have been fortunated to visit often...headed back in January so we try to take it easy. But don't tell my wife, she thinks that we never stop.

This was his second trip (first at 10 months) and his brother's 5th. The little one is more reserved than his big brother but he obviously enjoyed Small World. He did Winnie the Pooh, Carousel, Peter Pan, Autopia, Dumbo, Snow White (neither of our kids have ever been afraid of the dark), Jungle Cruise (lots of pointing on this one), Pirates, HM, Tea Cups, the train, Buzz Lightyear (again lots of pointing), Aladdin, and he loved the daytime Parade and Spectromagic. He loved pointing at the monorails whenever he saw those. I probably gave you more way than you cared to know. Also, he shared with us during the meals. We carried a small cooler with milk and for him and his brother in their cups. A few days the wife packed a PB&J sandwich.

Both of our sons really enjoyed the new Playhouse Disney show in MGM.

Have a great trip and if you have anymore questions please ask.

 

[JonHM]

Thanks so much for all the great info! No, you definitely didn't give me more than I wanted - ALL info is welcome, and I *especially* appreciate the specific reports on pointing! Right now that's one of our greatest measures of success! There was a LOT of pointing on Halloween, more than at any time I can remember. We'll be taking him at the end of January, and then again at Halloween (heck, if he loved Halloween in our neighborhood, he's going to go NUTS at WDW! ) Thanks again for the advice! I think we'll make a strong effort to get naps in, and to get him to bed early as you recommend (except the one night when we have an Illuminations cruise - but I'm sure he'll crash right after that, if not out on the boat... ) That's a great idea to bring food around for him.

Let me ask you something just for verification. I have been told that children under 3 a) get into the park for free, and b) eat for free in many of the restaurants. Has this been your experience? I may start a different thread on all of this at some point. Thanks so much for all of your help!!!

Is Vistana Village a timeshare? Are you going to have to sit through a presentation?

 

[pax_65]

Thanks everyone for your support and helpful replies.

I agree, friends and family are just concerned... they don't want to see me and my family get hurt. But I agree, God has a plan for us... I'll put aside my fear, put my faith in God and live my life with strength. I don't know everything God has in mind for me, but I know raising my kids is a big part of my job here... and I know the experience of Disneyworld will help them grow (especially in a creative sense), and I know (from past experience) that the trip will bring us closer as a family.

The discussion about Disney with young kids is great... I totally agree you have to take it slow. On every trip we always see parents DRAGGING crying children through the parks late in the day. We just laugh and call it "forced fun". We typically hit the parks as early as we can, come back to OKW for lunch in the condo, hit the pool in the afternoon (the baby will either nap poolside or in the condo with one of us). Later in the week my 4-year-old may take a nap or two also, something she doesn't typically do but Disney wears kids out!

The trip is about spending good times together as a family, about relaxing and enjoying each other's company. It's not about how many rides we can do (although we'll still do lots!)

See ya!

Jon

 

[CarolMN]

JonHM -

Children under 3 do NOT need a ticket to enter the parks and they eat free at the WDW buffets. In the other restaurants, if you order off the children's menu, you do pay for that. Our 15 month old nephew usually eats from one of his parent's meals.

Enjoy your trip!