Pulling my hair out!

[momofboyz3]

3 weeks to go! Our 1st trip! Myself & 3 boys. Off to Khols & any other store I can attack in one day to find luggage & anything else from my ongoing list. I'm a stressed out mess, w/a notebook filled w/parks & rides & ADRs! RDs and fireworks. 10 pages of notes from DISBOARDS!!!! No ME luggage tags yet. Second guessing every ADR I made. I find myself waking up @ 2am checking this board for something new or something I missed. Wondering do I need a photopass or a plus or can I buy a CD there? Nightmares about thunderstorm on TL day! Dealing w/people saying "must be nice to have money"(do I need to explain I saved years for this?) AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

 

[Lbachelot]

Take a deep breath and enjoy yourself! It is your families vacation and y'all will have a blast! Know that you can't possibly do everything so make a list each day with a few must do's then the rest is a bonus!

I would suggest pre-ordering you photo pass beforehand to get the discount. If you are doing a lot of character dining or like to order ride photos get the photopass+. Order it ASAP since it takes 14 days to get to you.

Have fun!

 

[4kids4karen]

3 weeks to go! Our 1st trip! Myself & 3 boys. Off to Khols & any other store I can attack in one day to find luggage & anything else from my ongoing list. I'm a stressed out mess, w/a notebook filled w/parks & rides & ADRs! RDs and fireworks. 10 pages of notes from DISBOARDS!!!! No ME luggage tags yet. Second guessing every ADR I made. I find myself waking up @ 2am checking this board for something new or something I missed. Wondering do I need a photopass or a plus or can I buy a CD there? Nightmares about thunderstorm on TL day! Dealing w/people saying "must be nice to have money"(do I need to explain I saved years for this?) AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Sounds like you are stressed from over planning trying to have the "perfect" vacation with no mishaps. Relax, everything probably will not go exactly as you have planned, but you can enjoy the trip anyways. You mentioned luggage, are you looking for something specific because Walmart, Target, and most department stores has luggage. Better yet, just borrow some luggage from a friend.

 

[momofboyz3]

Thanks to BOTH of you!!!! I'm just going to look for an inexpensive suitcase and carryon (I hate borrowing things). I keep on wondering what would have happened if I never found this board? Or didn't plan anything? I'm sure millions go to WDW w/hotel Reserv. And park passes... No plans

 

[jmcghee2024]

Depending on where you live TJ Maxx/Ross/Homegoods are great places to find really good luggage at a great price.
Relax, and enjoy! Planning is half the fun for me, but some people get too stressed over and then don't enjoy the actual the trip if something doesn't go as planned.
If you want a photopass then you need to order it ASAP, the discount only applies 14 days in advance or more.
Unless there is a restaurant that you are really, really regretting not make a ADR for, stop thinking about your ADRs and stick with what you have.

 

[1971DBday]

3 weeks to go! Our 1st trip! Myself & 3 boys. Off to Khols & any other store I can attack in one day to find luggage & anything else from my ongoing list. I'm a stressed out mess, w/a notebook filled w/parks & rides & ADRs! RDs and fireworks. 10 pages of notes from DISBOARDS!!!! No ME luggage tags yet. Second guessing every ADR I made. I find myself waking up @ 2am checking this board for something new or something I missed. Wondering do I need a photopass or a plus or can I buy a CD there? Nightmares about thunderstorm on TL day! Dealing w/people saying "must be nice to have money"(do I need to explain I saved years for this?) AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

1. Deep breath.....
2. Kohls has some good luggage deals. We don't like to spend to much on luggage, because lets face it they are going to get tossed around. However, yesterday they had an early bird special and I had an extra 30% off coupon.
3. I was never a fan of the photopass, but a few years ago decided to try it since I could pre-order and save some money. We knew we were going to a few character meals and it included these photos. I've been hooked since because there are always enough photos that I must have and I was at the point of buying the CD. However, don't panic this is not live or die.
4. I have already started packing. Even though its me, DH and 3 kids (getting older) I am the organizer of the family. I start going through what they have and what they still need to compose my lists. I want to be prepared so I can RELAX on vacation. Some how starting all of this calms me down so I am not freaking out just before we go. I have goals each weekend before we go so I am doing a little at a time.
5. A lot of people second guess their ADRs, which park they are going, what rides and extras they are going to tackle, etc. I do the same and just let it go and enjoy that each trip is going to be different and that is what makes us go back every year.

(Please note: they furthest I go with itineraries are making my ADRs; we wing it the rest of the way. We decide what park or parks we want to go to that morning and sometimes that even changes as our day goes on. We do look at TouringPlans but just for crowd levels and wait times before we haul across to the other side of the park.)

6. Just remember - you will not get it all done. There is a lot in WDW and even with 10 days we don't get it all done.

Now go organize a few things so you feel a little calmer! Good luck!

 

[1971DBday]

Here is the pre-purchase link for the photopass options:

http://www.disneyphotopass.com/specialoffers/wdwppp.htm

 

[momofboyz3]

1. Deep breath.....
2. Kohls has some good luggage deals. We don't like to spend to much on luggage, because lets face it they are going to get tossed around. However, yesterday they had an early bird special and I had an extra 30% off coupon.
3. I was never a fan of the photopass, but a few years ago decided to try it since I could pre-order and save some money. We knew we were going to a few character meals and it included these photos. I've been hooked since because there are always enough photos that I must have and I was at the point of buying the CD. However, don't panic this is not live or die.
4. I have already started packing. Even though its me, DH and 3 kids (getting older) I am the organizer of the family. I start going through what they have and what they still need to compose my lists. I want to be prepared so I can RELAX on vacation. Some how starting all of this calms me down so I am not freaking out just before we go. I have goals each weekend before we go so I am doing a little at a time.
5. A lot of people second guess their ADRs, which park they are going, what rides and extras they are going to tackle, etc. I do the same and just let it go and enjoy that each trip is going to be different and that is what makes us go back every year.

(Please note: they furthest I go with itineraries are making my ADRs; we wing it the rest of the way. We decide what park or parks we want to go to that morning and sometimes that even changes as our day goes on. We do look at TouringPlans but just for crowd levels and wait times before we haul across to the other side of the park.)

6. Just remember - you will not get it all done. There is a lot in WDW and even with 10 days we don't get it all done.

Now go organize a few things so you feel a little calmer! Good luck!

Thank you!!!!!! For some reason you cAlmed me down a bit. Maybe your list did it or something. My boys are asking for breakfast.. Which usually it's already made! So I know this has become a bit obsessive. I will relax a bit and get my luggage and maybe pack something tonight!

 

[momofboyz3]

Depending on where you live TJ Maxx/Ross/Homegoods are great places to find really good luggage at a great price.
Relax, and enjoy! Planning is half the fun for me, but some people get too stressed over and then don't enjoy the actual the trip if something doesn't go as planned.
If you want a photopass then you need to order it ASAP, the discount only applies 14 days in advance or more.
Unless there is a restaurant that you are really, really regretting not make a ADR for, stop thinking about your ADRs and stick with what you have.

Thank you I needed to hear this! I need to just stop thinking period! I'm checking out tjmax, Khols and target today. I will think about photopass today... Thanks again!

 

[1971DBday]

Thank you!!!!!! For some reason you cAlmed me down a bit. Maybe your list did it or something. My boys are asking for breakfast.. Which usually it's already made! So I know this has become a bit obsessive. I will relax a bit and get my luggage and maybe pack something tonight!

You're welcome. It sucks being the responsible one!!!!

 

[littlejen22]

Depending on where you live TJ Maxx/Ross/Homegoods are great places to find really good luggage at a great price.
Relax, and enjoy! Planning is half the fun for me, but some people get too stressed over and then don't enjoy the actual the trip if something doesn't go as planned.
If you want a photopass then you need to order it ASAP, the discount only applies 14 days in advance or more.
Unless there is a restaurant that you are really, really regretting not make a ADR for, stop thinking about your ADRs and stick with what you have.

Ditto TJMaxx type stores. I will also be there in 3 weeks and am obsessed but not stressed. I ordered PP+ yesterday and plan on having a great time.

 

[DISzy]

3 weeks to go! Our 1st trip! Myself & 3 boys. Off to Khols & any other store I can attack in one day to find luggage & anything else from my ongoing list. I'm a stressed out mess, w/a notebook filled w/parks & rides & ADRs! RDs and fireworks. 10 pages of notes from DISBOARDS!!!! No ME luggage tags yet. Second guessing every ADR I made. I find myself waking up @ 2am checking this board for something new or something I missed. Wondering do I need a photopass or a plus or can I buy a CD there? Nightmares about thunderstorm on TL day! Dealing w/people saying "must be nice to have money"(do I need to explain I saved years for this?) AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Do not let your plans drive you crazy!! I was like this before our first trip. So much pressure to have the best time of our lives!!!! Ahhhh

 

[lroger01]

I'm not sure what type of luggage you plan to get, but if it's in the budget I suggest the "spinner" type. This is a rolling suitcase/carry on that has special wheels that allow them to roll both while upright or when pulled. They are super convenient especially for a carry on. I will never by the other "tilt forward to roll" type again.

 

[carol-lamb]

I agree with the other posters - take a deep breath and relax. You are stressing way too much. Everything will be just fine. I think over planning for your trip might set you up for setbacks and disappointment if things don't go as planned. I go to WDW about four times a year and the only thing I ever plan in advance are my ADR's and those determine what park we are doing for that day. Once at the park, we totally wing it based on crowds, show times, wait times, etc. We usually manage to do everything we want.

With respect to buying luggage, I agree with trying TJ Maxx. I have had good luck there buying luggage for my daughter and the prices are good. I bought her a suitcase there several years ago and paid $40 for it. She has flown with it a lot and it still looks like new - better than my more expensive luggage.

You and your boys will have a fantastic vacation. Don't be too stressed out - be super excited. Forget what people say to you about having money for a Disney World vacation. Those comments are rude and it is none of their business. Go buy those suitcases, start packing and your vacation will be here before you know it.

 

[momofboyz3]

I agree with the other posters - take a deep breath and relax. You are stressing way too much. Everything will be just fine. I think over planning for your trip might set you up for setbacks and disappointment if things don't go as planned. I go to WDW about four times a year and the only thing I ever plan in advance are my ADR's and those determine what park we are doing for that day. Once at the park, we totally wing it based on crowds, show times, wait times, etc. We usually manage to do everything we want.

With respect to buying luggage, I agree with trying TJ Maxx. I have had good luck there buying luggage for my daughter and the prices are good. I bought her a suitcase there several years ago and paid $40 for it. She has flown with it a lot and it still looks like new - better than my more expensive luggage.

You and your boys will have a fantastic vacation. Don't be too stressed out - be super excited. Forget what people say to you about having money for a Disney World vacation. Those comments are rude and it is none of their business. Go buy those suitcases, start packing and your vacation will be here before you know it.

Thanks! I guess I just needed people who understood tell me it's going to work out!
I need to step back and just relax... Do some shopping & breathe! I'm sure once I buy the suitcase I will feel better! Thanks again for your time

 

[momofboyz3]

Do not let your plans drive you crazy!! I was like this before our first trip. So much pressure to have the best time of our lives!!!! Ahhhhdde31
Once the day comes, take a deep breath, relax, slow yourself down. Watch your kids. Soak up their reactions the moment they see Mickey and te castle for the first time. Make mental movies of these moments. That is the magic. Since you have studied, planned, and prepared you will know exactly what to do. Have a great time!!! There is nothing like the first time!!!

Thank you for taking a minute to write this! I never thought I would become stressed over vaca planning! But, you are right I need to focus on the memories we will make!!!

 

[momofboyz3]

Ditto TJMaxx type stores. I will also be there in 3 weeks and am obsessed but not stressed. I ordered PP+ yesterday and plan on having a great time.

Thank you! I'm will be on my way soon. I need to stop stressing! And you have a great time as well we are almost there!

 

[alisha123]

Do not let your plans drive you crazy!! I was like this before our first trip. So much pressure to have the best time of our lives!!!! Ahhhhdde31
Once the day comes, take a deep breath, relax, slow yourself down. Watch your kids. Soak up their reactions the moment they see Mickey and te castle for the first time. Make mental movies of these moments. That is the magic. Since you have studied, planned, and prepared you will know exactly what to do. Have a great time!!! There is nothing like the first time!!!

Well said!! We leave in 48 days and I set a reminder in my phone a few weeks ago to remind me everyday "see Disney through my kids eyes and try my best not to stress" cause I too am such a planner and second guess my decisions. Still debating on the luggage thing. Buy or borrow from my sister who travels a lot more than me

 

[momofboyz3]

Well said!! We leave in 48 days and I set a reminder in my phone a few weeks ago to remind me everyday "see Disney through my kids eyes and try my best not to stress" cause I too am such a planner and second guess my decisions. Still debating on the luggage thing. Buy or borrow from my sister who travels a lot more than me

That's great to have on your phone!!!! If I had a sister I would not hesitate to borrow from her. I won't borrow from a friend but would a relative.

 

[Dallas_Lady]

DISBoards can be a blessing and a curse. You find out tons of invaluable information that you'd never get anywhere else, BUT, it can lead to over planning, stress, and expectations that are so high that they'll never be reached.

Take a deep breath. It's a vacation. Some things will go to plan, some things will not. Sometimes you scrap the plans and just let the magic happen.