Pre-trip worrying

[EglantineEglantine]

I have anxiety on a daily basis, so even though I am an ultimate Type A personality when it comes to planning and I've been to WDW many times, I still get anxious. I make about a million lists, try to make sure everything is in the right order and double (if not triple) checked. I don't start having trip nightmares until it gets to the last week or two prior to the trip. But once we get there, everything is awesome! Most of my fears are unfounded. Of course now we're talking about doing early morning flights instead of driving (since we have a lease and are already over mileage, oops) so I'm already worried about not waking up on time and we don't even have a flight booked yet.

You really have to just breathe and take it in stride. Try to understand/remind yourself that you're going to have these worries so that it lessens the full impact because you KNOW it's going to happen at some point. I have a phrase that I often use to calm myself down if it's a particularly bad bout of anxiety and it helps, but I know it won't always so I just try to breathe through it, acknowledge it, and try to distract myself from it.

Sorry this totally turned into a lecture on dealing with anxiety, but just sharing what works for me! Hopefully some of it might help!

Thank you!! I didn’t mention in my original post but I do have regular anxiety and panic attacks. The trip planning has taken that to its limit! Breathing exercises help for sure.

 

[Echo queen]

Just reading this I’m like

 

[LizzyS]

I am certainly at this stage! I have things pretty well planned out (though I'm not an overplanner and can certainly go with the flow), but I'm worried I'm forgetting something or the other!

 

[Dashzap]

When my kids were 2,4, and 4 we had all of the luggage stolen out of our car (totally DH's fault I must add) and literally arrived at WDW for a ten day trip with the clothes on our back. We had it taken care of in a few hours.

Wow, I can't even imagine! Did you load up at the hotel gift shop? Or stop at a Target? I'd be placing an order for overnight delivery from lands end or similar... Ugh, even finding a swimsuit I like is a struggle.

 

[jenPSU]

I have been going through a tough time at work, which culminated in getting laid off a couple weeks ago. Our trip next week is paid for and I got a severance, so we’re still going, but I’m still feeling more anxious than usual that something is going to go very wrong, like someone comes down with flu right before and we have to cancel, or someone gets the flu the day we get there, or snowstorm cancels flights, or car breaks down on the way to the airport. I’ve worried about them all on a loop! I think it’s a combo of plain anxiety being amped up by the work situation and the fact that I need this vacation so badly and things have been going wrong lately for me! Just trying to take it one day at a time and try to focus on what I can control, but it’s definitely hard.

 

[Dashzap]

I have been going through a tough time at work, which culminated in getting laid off a couple weeks ago. Our trip next week is paid for and I got a severance, so we’re still going, but I’m still feeling more anxious than usual that something is going to go very wrong, like someone comes down with flu right before and we have to cancel, or someone gets the flu the day we get there, or snowstorm cancels flights, or car breaks down on the way to the airport. I’ve worried about them all on a loop! I think it’s a combo of plain anxiety being amped up by the work situation and the fact that I need this vacation so badly and things have been going wrong lately for me! Just trying to take it one day at a time and try to focus on what I can control, but it’s definitely hard.

It's relaxing in times of high stress to listen to the Where-in-the-park games in the podcast A Window to the Magic. They walk silently around the Disney parks and you have to guess where in the park they end up.

I love to listen when I have trouble getting to sleep. It is very relaxing, especially the episodes in DisneylandParis and Shanghai Disneyland because I am not distracted by other guest's conversations (I only understand English).

 

[VicarJT]

I want to know how your trip went when you get back!

 

[jenPSU]

It's relaxing in times of high stress to listen to the Where-in-the-park games in the podcast A Window to the Magic. They walk silently around the Disney parks and you have to guess where in the park they end up.

I love to listen when I have trouble getting to sleep. It is very relaxing, especially the episodes in DisneylandParis and Shanghai Disneyland because I am not distracted by other guest's conversations (I only understand English).

This sounds wonderful. Thank you!

 

[Dashzap]

This sounds wonderful. Thank you!

I should have mentioned they have other kinds of episodes as well, so be sure to look for the Where in the Park games. My all time favorite is episode #452
http://podbay.fm/show/77245374/e/1415608200?autostart=1

 

[EglantineEglantine]

I am here from the future to tell everyone that everything is going to be okay! We just got home and the trip was absolutely wonderful. As soon as we got on that plane all my worries went away. The cast members are so phenomenal that every moment of the trip was perfect. Even when a plan wasn’t followed through we didn’t care because we were at WDW! Oh and our plane landed despite severe rain in Orlando Sonrest assured that as soon as you get there you will stop stressing!

 

[EglantineEglantine]

I have been going through a tough time at work, which culminated in getting laid off a couple weeks ago. Our trip next week is paid for and I got a severance, so we’re still going, but I’m still feeling more anxious than usual that something is going to go very wrong, like someone comes down with flu right before and we have to cancel, or someone gets the flu the day we get there, or snowstorm cancels flights, or car breaks down on the way to the airport. I’ve worried about them all on a loop! I think it’s a combo of plain anxiety being amped up by the work situation and the fact that I need this vacation so badly and things have been going wrong lately for me! Just trying to take it one day at a time and try to focus on what I can control, but it’s definitely hard.

I’m sorry you’ve been going through so much stress! We just got back and I can promise you that this is such a magical place that we were just able to focus on each other and the amazing time we were having. The cast members are amazing and they will do anything they can to help you have a great vacation. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[jenPSU]

I’m sorry you’ve been going through so much stress! We just got back and I can promise you that this is such a magical place that we were just able to focus on each other and the amazing time we were having. The cast members are amazing and they will do anything they can to help you have a great vacation. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

Great to hear! 1 week to go for us!

 

[Wubar]

Worry about things you have control over - forgetting to pack something, leaving your Magicband at home, etc. You have no control over whether there will be flight issues, weather, big crowds, etc., So don't sweat it. Once you get there, everything will be fine, and any other issue that might pop up will have various solutions to deal with it. Have a great trip!

 

[Mollyemmarose]

I feel ya here. One year ago this week, we were headed to the airport for our Disney vacation and got into a rollover car accident. My husband, baby and myself only needed minor stitches. But instead of meeting Princesses, my 3 year old was in emergency surgery to repair the damage to her legs. We were very lucky and she will be fine with only scars, no permanent issues. She wasnt even walking completely yet(she was scared to bear weight again) and we took a last minute weekend visit so we could fulfill the trip for her and take her mind off things. The first thing we did was ride Frozen and visit Elsa. She practically leapt into Elsa’s arms. She told Elsa what happened & Elsa said sometimes terrible things happen, and we have to just Let It Go. With tears in our eyes my DH looked at me and said “worth every penny”.

We are leaving in 2 weeks for the long trip we should have taken last year. Planning it has been an escape during a difficult time. Im very excited. Also very worried.

Don’t want to be a downer, just good to keep things in perspective. Such a blessing to take a fun vacation. I surely won’t let a flight delay or lost baggage rain on our parade.

I wish you a magical journey!!!

 

[EglantineEglantine]

I feel ya here. One year ago this week, we were headed to the airport for our Disney vacation and got into a rollover car accident. My husband, baby and myself only needed minor stitches. But instead of meeting Princesses, my 3 year old was in emergency surgery to repair the damage to her legs. We were very lucky and she will be fine with only scars, no permanent issues. She wasnt even walking completely yet(she was scared to bear weight again) and we took a last minute weekend visit so we could fulfill the trip for her and take her mind off things. The first thing we did was ride Frozen and visit Elsa. She practically leapt into Elsa’s arms. She told Elsa what happened & Elsa said sometimes terrible things happen, and we have to just Let It Go. With tears in our eyes my DH looked at me and said “worth every penny”.

We are leaving in 2 weeks for the long trip we should have taken last year. Planning it has been an escape during a difficult time. Im very excited. Also very worried.

Don’t want to be a downer, just good to keep things in perspective. Such a blessing to take a fun vacation. I surely won’t let a flight delay or lost baggage rain on our parade.

I wish you a magical journey!!!

I'm so sorry this happened to you. I'm glad there are no permanent issues with your family. As for the trip, nothing to worry about - our trip has come and gone and it was wonderful in every way - and I'm sure yours will be too!

 

[Mollyemmarose]

I'm so sorry this happened to you. I'm glad there are no permanent issues with your family. As for the trip, nothing to worry about - our trip has come and gone and it was wonderful in every way - and I'm sure yours will be too!

Oh I’m seeing now that it was an old thread. So glad to hear you had a great trip!

 

[NickC]

I usually clean my office before I take a trip. I guess it's just easier to get back to reality when everything is organized.