Not looking forward to going July 6th -16th

[RCM1969]

We've been to Disney several times in the past. In Jan, Feb, Mar, May and Oct but NEVER in the summer. I do not do well in the heat and swore I would NEVER go in the summer. NEVER say NEVER!!

My 15 yo son was recruited to join an AAU Baseball Team in May. After signing him up we found out that the team was already scheduled to play in the Rawling's International Salute to Baseball Tournament July 8th - 15th and of course they wanted him to go also.

The team had fundraisers over the Winter to pay for the players portion. Families can go at a special discounted package rate. We really can't afford it but after many discussions my husband and I decided that I would go along with our 8 year old daughter and that he would stay behind and work so as not to have a week with no income when we return.

I hate to say it but I am not looking forward to this trip at all. I am claustrophobic and already having anxiety attacks over the plane ride (already have prescription for anxiety meds filled). Knowing that my husband won't be with me to keep me from freaking out makes it worse. Don't get me started on the heat and crowds.

Any suggestions on how to get in the Disney spirit? Every time I think about it I get a massive knot in my stomach and pain in my chest. I keep trying to remind myself the kids will love it. The last time we went my 8 yo daughter was 3. We've looked at pictures from previous trips etc. She LOVES rides and is tall enough for all of them. She goes on rides her brother won't go on. He gets sick on spinning rides. Nothing has helped.

Hoping someone will have some good suggestions. Thanks so much!

Regards,
Robin

 

[Art 1]

Feeling like you do I would just not go.

But what I would do is just give up the baseball. I know, I know. I've been through the AAU stuff with mine. I know what it's all about. But I would give it up. It's really not that important in the end. You'll find that out later.

 

[Avalon_toon]

I'm sorry you are feeling so stressed. It really will be alright though! If your main worry is heat, maybe you could just make a firm plan with your kids that you will leave the parks at noon every single day, and then stay by the pool or go somewhere air conditioned and quiet for the afternoons? Then you can go back in the evenings if you want to, or not go if that is less stressful. When we were there a few weeks ago we found leaving the parks every afternoon, even if only to go back to our room and surf the net, made the heat easy to handle, because we were never out at the hottest and most crowded part of the day.

 

[monarchsfan16]

I see you're from Mass. If you're worried about the heat, don't worry so much. It's hot, but it's manageable. Honestly, it gets just as hot in New England as it does in Florida. The difference is that in New England it just lasts for a few days at a time. In Florida it lasts for roughly 6 months. However, Florida is actually equipped to deal with it. Every building is air conditioned, and air conditioned well. Not like New England where it's a mix of air conditioned buildings and fans or window A/C. It's very easy to find a place to cool down. I've been twice in August, plus several late May trips. It's HOT, but I beat the heat by walking through all those lovely connected gift shops. Drink lots of water and seek out a/c. If you can, get yourself a water bottle to take with you to cut down on water costs. I have a filter water bottle (mine is by Rubbermaid, but it's the same concept as a Brita filter) so I just drink water, but some people like to take a regular water bottle and those individual crystal lite drink packets.

Also, everyone says AK is the hottest park. Not so. The trek around World Showcase in Epcot, where there's NO shade whatsoever is the place to look out for.

 

[zaz]

Change your mindset. Decide now that you will go for fun, without a plan. That you will stop whenever you want. That you may do 2 rides a day; and decide with the kids what those 2 rides are.

People watch.
Sit on benches.
Watch airconditioned shows.
Do Splash 10 times in a row!

And get your kids prepared for that 'relaxed' mood.

Don't think of it as a must do it all Disney trip to maximize your money. Do it as a fun, people watch and enjoy the atmosphere kind of attitude.

Good luck!

 

[RCM1969]

Feeling like you do I would just not go.

But what I would do is just give up the baseball. I know, I know. I've been through the AAU stuff with mine. I know what it's all about. But I would give it up. It's really not that important in the end. You'll find that out later.

The only time I ever miss a game is when it conflicts with my daughters dance schedule (recital time).

Giving up baseball is sooo not an option. My son has been pitching since he was 7, he has taken private lessons with former Red Sox pitcher Brian Rose and worked with several pitching coaches from area colleges. He plays for Jr. Legion as well as High School and a Cal Ripken League.

He loves to pitch. We've never pushed him, it has always been his decision. He wants to be an engineer and is hoping with his High Honors in academics accompanied by sports will help with college scholarships.

In my opinion Legion ball is much better run than AAU, the competition is better and you don't have to remortgage your house in order for your kid to play. AAU seems to be more about the player who can afford it whether or not they have the skill. There are also less AAU teams after age 16.

 

[AshleeH]

Since you've mentioned five other months that you've been to Disney, I'm taking it this isn't your first trip - so with that in mind: relax. You've already done everything you've probably wanted to do, so take it easy, don't go commando in the parks and just enjoy. Use FP, enjoy the sights, leave the parks at 11:00 and go back at night if you can. Enjoy a lot of the indoor activities (Hall of Presidents, etc.). So much of Disney is inside that you will get cold at times because of how much air they pump out.

It will be hot - very hot - but no worse than a lot of other areas in the country. For instance, I live on the other side of Nashville and today our temperature high is 108, while Orlando's high today is 93.

If this were me, I would consider it a stress-free vacation - a time to really take in the smaller things that Disney has to offer.

 

[RCM1969]

I am just going to look at it like we're going for baseball and everything else is a bonus. We arrive two days prior to tournament and stay a day after. (Worked out cheaper by $300.00). So that will give us family time to go slow and relax. This will also allow my kids to have fun together before the team arrives and my son wants to go off with friends.

We arrive 1:30 on Friday which is extended hours at MK. So we will head there around supper. I have reservations at Chef Mickeys Sat morning at 9:45 and the team is having dinner at Sci-Fi Drive in Monday night.

@Avalon: From what I've been able to tell the baseball games are held at 8:15 am. This means done by noon. Back to the hotel to swim, shower and soak up the AC in the room and head to the parks for 4ish. The whole team is staying at the All Star Sports so will be taking Disney buses back and forth to ESPN together etc. The "team" plan is to go to whichever park has extended hours that day so we should avoid the worst of it (heat and crowds).

@Monarchs: Thanks for the heads up on the Showcase. My kids are all about the rides, especially the roller coasters!! I have the feeling walking around the showcase will be very low on our list.

@Ashlee: Nope, not our first time although our daughter was only three and doesn't remember first time so I am getting excited to see her face and experience with her.

@ZAZ: I am soo trying to get in the Disney mood. Our only plan so far is baseball in morning and going to whichever park has extended hours that day.

Abracadabra!! No more doom and gloom, just fun in the sun!

Biggest Worries
Plane Ride: MEDS, IPod, Nook, 3DS, Snacks - Check
Heat: Chill it head bands and water bottles with fans - Check
Crowds: Go around 4 and stay for extended hours - Check
Missing my hubby: Plenty of texts and phone calls - Check

Ok I think I got this....

 

[Nomad70]

I live this heat everyday! We live in lower Alabama and let me tell you the past couple of days have been no picnic! lol But, you can manage. Being from up north you will "feel it" a bit more then those who have acclimated, but keep lots of water handy, wear cool clothing, light colors, and take frequent breaks out of the heat. Your dd is 8 and if she is anything like my kids, they know when it's time to take it easy, even at Disney. Do the couple of things you would like to with her in the early am and evening hours and maybe just go swim during the day? You are going there for a purpose, your son's baseball, so I am assuming that will take up some time. Just go and play it by ear, don't 'rush' to try and get a whole 10 days worth of stuff done in just a couple and you will have lots of fun!

 

[mmeb144]

Be sure to bring the hydrocortisone. I know that 3 out of 4 people in my family experienced lovely heat rashes the past week that we visited WDW. We did parks in the morning and evening, break back at the resort midday. It was a good plan, but the heat made life very interesting. It was actually cooler in Florida than at my house.

 

[Butler_chic07]

I understand the worry, but also remember that it's time you get to spend with your kids! Those memories they'll keep forever and ever. Your daughter will remember that time YOU took her to Disney. Even with your son there, it will be a special moment between the two of you!

It may be hot, but it will make for some special family moments, whether it's riding Splash 100 times, or just taking it slow, or swimming at a hotel pool.

My DH and I are going in July, although we went in June last year. I'm a teacher and summer is the only time I can really go. We took it slow and even if it was hot, it allowed us to make even more great memories because we weren't rushing each other to get here, and get there, etc.!

Enjoy the memories with you children. That's the most important!

 

[arizfun]

Try starting later in the day and enjoy the late nights. Less heat and less people. We go almost every summer and that's how we handle the crowds and the heat. Baseball is important at least to your son. My daughter plays softball and is now going to play in college. It is worth the time and effort!

 

[pat fan]

Please don't worry!

We're from Ma. too and all of our trips (except one) have been in July! We are usually there before, after or during the 4th, so I know exactly what you'll be facing.

The one big perk is, you should miss the "tour groups" that start showing up about the end of the time you'll be there, so that's a plus. We have found that the best way to deal with the heat is to use a.m. EMH's so you can get the biggie rides out of the way with minimal wait times and then hit the hotel around noon-1:00 when the heat really rises. We eat lunch, swim, nap whatever. Then we hit a non-EMH park in the evening for the shows and whatever rides we can find that aren't crazy lines. Basically, our time for hitting the rides is in the am when the lines are smaller. Afternoon/evernings are for ambiance and fireworks etc...We found (our personal exp., others may differ) that the evening EMH's are NOT worth it. The crowds don't thin out until the wee hours and we're too tired to stay until 2:00 am to get the use of it.

Bring water/gatorade into the park with you, and DRINK it! If it's super hot, they usually have tables out with free water also. Eat popcicles and fruit, lot's of H2o in them to help keep hydrated.

Wear a hat and SUNSCREEN!

If you start getting too hot, duck into a show. They are all airconditioned and most have a minimal wait time. Exhilharmagic, Laugh Floor, Presidents, Muppets etc...If there are no shows around, hit a gift shop.

July is very do-able if you plan and have the right attitude, which I see you are adopting! Good for you and have a Magical time!

 

[mariahasmousefever]

I grew up in the south, have even lived in Florida and I hate being HOT!

The key is go early in the morning and leave between 1 and 3. Swim and rest at the hotel and then come back later. You said that your daughter is into roller coasters so you can actually get there before the park even opens and she can walk right on the coasters and even ride some of the most popular ones twice.

You mentioned claustrophobic tendencies, now is a good time to talk to your kids and for them to see and discuss how to handle anxiety... it's a good lesson because as they get older their own anxieties and fears will crop up more and more and the get older.

My daughter is 8 and she just loved our recent trip, seeing the look on her face will be great.

 

[RCM1969]

Thanks all for the great suggestions. We have been here 4 days and today was the worst so far because the humidity was in the 90's. Water and the spray fans have been a life saver.

We have pretty much napped every afternoon. The heat really caught up with us today and we all slept from noon to 6:00 pm. We had an 8:00 am game and it was beyond hot! I kept telling myself I could be the one in a uniform playing baseball and then I didn't feel so bad.

It's amazing how good you get at finding AC. I didn't even mind doing laundry tonight while the kids were in the pool because it had AC.

The plane was actually better than I expected. It was a direct flight and larger than previous trips that used smaller planes for connecting flights. We were also in the last row so I was able to stand up frequently when it became to much.

So far so good!

 

[njmom47]

I just found your thread...it sounds like you're doing ok!
Even though our tournament was in December, we had extremely hot days as well! The pools and A/C were our friends. We also went 2 days earlier and stayed a day later than the tournament and we're glad we did. We have great family memories as well.

The fields are beautiful and there is shade available in the bleachers, so that should help a bit.
My son lives for baseball (and has since he could toddle around with a bat and ball) so I totally understand!

 

[Pooh2]

Well, if it makes you feel any better, it is 95 and very humid here in New England today! Probably not too different from Florida!