OT - do you think planning for Disney helps you handle stress?

[irisesareblue]

I don't know if I'm the only one doing this (but I'm suspecting not! otherwise I wouldn't be posting this) so I'm putting this out there (tongue in cheek, sort of) - I am addicted to Disney planning and I'm using it as a coping mechanism for the stress in my life!

I don't drink (good thing too!), I don't smoke and I don't want to gain 50 pounds by eating myself into oblivion (although those Eagle Brand Squares are calling to me....) so I'm planning my Disney trip, making my ADRs, then making grocery lists, then checking the alternate plans, etc. etc. - I know once I get to Orlando, the plans will change and I will be spontaneous (well, if I can plan it, I'll do spontaneous - is that an attraction?)

The upside is that all this Disney planning is helping me deal with ALL THE STRESS at the office, with my volunteer program that I run and at home (who said that girls get easier as they get older anyway? - they obviously haven't lived with twenty and twenty-two year olds who are living at home to avoid student loans and who don't seem to understand why I don't want their boyfriends sleeping over )

So, I'm sitting here in my Grumpy Classic Attitude hoodie and my Mickey Mouse Sweatpants planning my great escape...

thanks for letting me vent!!! I'll keep planning....then I'll enjoy the vacation - I need it (already!)

 

[busyshrew]

Thank you for the laugh! Now I know what to look forward to with my own DD.

I am a compulsive planner & organizer. I'm OCD, anal-retentive, a chronic purger of junk and cleaner of closets. So to me, planning for Disney is GREAT! Trying to schedule everything, fit in ADRs, figuring out new things to do and new restaurants to try.... I am getting all fuzzy just thinking about it!

And this year in particular, we decided to stay off-site, so that was a whole new level of organizing for me. New hotels to research, bargains to hunt for, the DIS boards to surf..... oh yes!

 

[tgropp]

Since we usually travel at Christmas time, I have to plan way ahead of time due to DVC availability at that time of year as well as getting deals on airfare and car rental. I plan my meals on the DDP 180 days ahead and when I was bored, I would plan day by day activities as to what park to go to etc.. It was a great way to pass the time/relieve stress. When going to WDW, it is better to be prepared and plan ahead. I am sure that most Dissers are like this.

 

[Ted in Halifax]

I do the same thing ....

Planning for Disney helps me cope with Stress at work and home. It's a great although expensive DIStraction. I have four kids, a wife, an ex wife, a sick parent .... the list goes on (without getting to the workplace!).

Planning is the activity that helps me cope ....

 

[iluveeyore]

That's why I'm on the DIS every day, even though we don't go until the end of December this year!
My family is lucky I'm not independently wealthy - I'd be at WDW more than at home!
Planning helps me keep the hope alive that I will get out of these winter doldrums, that my stress will be alleviated in the future (although it seems so far away right now!). I also know that if we can find any extra money at all this year, we'll go before December - I went four times last year, once by myself, so waiting a whole year right now seems terrifying and depressing to me, but the planning for a huge family Christmas at WDW keeps me going . And I have lots to plan since there are 15 of us and everyone's looking to me to make all the plans and make sure all details are perfect. Plus, I just got to turn the calendar page to the shortest month of the year, so every day that passes brings me closer to our trip.

 

[irisesareblue]

It's a great although expensive DIStraction.
Planning is the activity that helps me cope ....

Phew! I'm glad I'm not the only one! .... BTW, Great quote Ted!

 

[Louiepipbgeeco]

I too use Disney as my number one coping mechanism for stress. Particularly work-related stress. I am super stressed right now and Disney and DIS are my best outlets!!! It is a costly method though.

 

[yellownovawife]

A thousand times yes!
I do not know what I am going to do when this trip is over because planning and the Dis has really been a big stress release for me these past few months. My trip is only a few days away and I cannot wait however I do know that there will be a big letdown when it is over - not just because of the trip itself but because of the planning and the anticipation!

 

[luvvseeyore]

Me three...I don't know what I'm going to do with myself after my trip...I guess I'll have to do a trip report, haha...

Yes, I use the planning of this trip as an escape from my crazy life...maybe it's a little selfish, but I need it...

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

it's a true pleasure to look forward to - while waiting there are so many ways to picture yourself there having fun - then you get to actually TAKE the trip & be IN the magic - can't beat it! always nice to have a trip to plan.

 

[Ted in Halifax]

A thousand times yes!
.... however I do know that there will be a big letdown when it is over ...

Ah ... posttripDISorder ... I suffer from that. Surefire cure ... planning for the next trip.

 

[amw]

I am a compulsive planner & organizer. I'm OCD, anal-retentive, a chronic purger of junk and cleaner of closets. So to me, planning for Disney is GREAT! Trying to schedule everything, fit in ADRs, figuring out new things to do and new restaurants to try.... I am getting all fuzzy just thinking about it!

You've just described me... I've often called myself "an anal obsessive planner" but the Tag Fairy has yet to put that label up!

 

[tink1969]

OMG! Your post was so funny!
I love planning my trips to Disney. I'm not leaving until November 27 and it's frustrating that I can't really start planning and making reservations yet. It's stressing me out!!!!!!

 

[dancin Disney style]

So my Dh thinks I'm a nut because of the time I spend on the computer either planning our trips, chatting on the Dis or planning someone elses vacation. I say.....it's my hobby and it's cheaper than spending a Saturday at the mall.


BTW...I'm a micro planner.

 

[momof2gr8kids]

Me too.

When I'm having a stressful day at work, I take a moment and take a peek on the disboards. Let my mind wander to a happy place for quick pick me up!

 

[Reese]

Count me in.

I am not a very orginized person so DH cannot believe how organized our Disney trips are. I make little cut out day plans with our ADR's and park hours small enough to slide in a pocket to take with us. I have a chart done up with days so I can make our Adr's at exactly 180 days. All this is done so I have an excuse to be a little self indulgent in my Disney world. A teeny escape from the everyday that helps keep me sane until I get there.