Really depressed after getting back from Disneyland.

[toni1227]

Anyone else feel this way when they get back from disney? I had a wonderful vacation but my expectations were WAY too high and I had a lot of emotions going into and throughout my vacation there. For 3 weeks before I was SO excited and planned everything. I had butterflies and insomnia especially the week before. We spent 3 nights at disney. The first evening (we got to the parks at 5pm) were great although my husband thought I was nutso because I had everything planned to a T and basically dragged them through the park. I do not think he liked that very much b/c he is more laid back. Anyway, we were able to ride carousel, buzz, TMRR, and HM and saw the fireworks etc.
The next day we did MM and it was SO crowded so I was disappointed. We RAN to peter pan. People told me to expect crowds but I just thought we would get lucky for some reason... It was a fun but exhausting day.
Then the next day was DCA we got in the early line for toy story at GCH where we were staying (loved the hotel!!!!!). My daughter had a cough that would not go away and she got really cranky (she is 5). Well, I ended up taking her back to the hotel room (thank goodness we were staying close).
Turns out she had fever and she pretty much slept the entire day off an on in the room. I was SOOOO depressed I cried. I wanted us to be all together experiencing everything and I was worried about her having a fever and all.
My DH and DS went to DCA for a few hours then I took my son to DL to buy some souveniers. The next day we had to leave to go to San Diego (which I was so miserable I just wanted to be back at Disney...Legoland was such a waste of money and our hotel was terrible . Anyway, there was A LOT of great wonderful things that happened on our vacation but I let the few bad things take over and before I knew it our trip was over. I felt so rushed while at Disney and I just feel depressed now. I need to get over this. Has anyone else had experiences like this? Talk about highs and lows...I told my DH that this disney experience has been like dating. I had butterflies before and was SOOOO excited during, had a crying episode during and now I feel like I had a break up. So weird!!!

 

[PinkBudgie]

So sorry your daughter got sick. That is a big disappointment.

Do you think you will be able to get back? Maybe next year or 6 months or something? Don't know how far you are and how big of a trip it is. If you were able to start planning another trip it might cheer you up and give your daughter another chance to see it and have more fun.

Too late for you, but I always think it is best to see other parks first and save Disneyland for last.

When our boys were 6 we planned to take them to Legoland and Disneyland in April. We went to Legoland and it poured the whole day and many rides shut down. We were supposed to go to DL the next day, but one of the boys got a fever so we canceled Disneyland and stayed at my sister's place for the rest of the vacation. We then took them back that next summer and they had a lot of fun.

 

[toni1227]

We are in Texas.
I want to go back but it just seems like the crowds are so high when my kids are out of school.
Then I thought maybe my DH and I could just go by ourselves like early Nov. but then I would feel guilty being there without my kids. So I am deciding against that. And no they are strict here with taking kids out of school so we cannot just take them out (man I wish!).
So I would have to wait and plan when they are out of school. Decisions decisions. We also want to do WDW at some point but that just seems like a HUGE undertaking b/c my parents and my DH parents both plan to go and that thought just stresses me out. I like to do my own plan and having all those extra people there oh my...so I thought about going back to DL just not sure when...

 

[nunzia]

Things happen..I understand how you feel. I was sick for 1 1/2 day of our planned family reunion (that I planned and paid for), plus one of my sons couldn't go at the last minute, and it was HOT and everyone was dragging. BUT..I still choose to see all the positives, and I am always planning another trip back so I never feel like I have to do it all any one visit.
Just a suggestion with planners versus non planners..try not to be commondo style, and just go with the flow (I was so laid back my trip with the kids and grandkids my son wished I'd been more pushy! can't win) For your WDW trip don't try to plan for everyone! it won't work..just give people Disney tour books and they can plan if they want or not, and don't feel you have to be attached at the hip. Have a meal or so planned each day to meet at and have cell phones so people who don't want to ride certain rides can just do their own thing and you can call them when you're done with your thing and meet up. We didn't even answer the phone..we'd see the call and then head to our pre arranged meeting place. Saved alot of time and 'ride pressure'.
Look forward to the next trip and lower your expectations and planning a bit and just enjoy!

 

[Mike_M]

Our DS got sick on the 4th day of his B-Day trip to DL (Thankfully no Fever, just an upset stomach) but was better by late afternoon and we still had one more day afterwards so it ended up not making much of an impact on the overall trip.

As a result, I am so sold on every trip being 5 days. We are laid back and unplanned on our trips so with that much time, we can do whatever looks good to us, crowds or not, and not worry that we are going to run out of time. Plus when unexpected things like DS not feeling good happen, we have time to pull back a little and allow the kids to build some Immunity back.

My recommendation: Add an extra day and let there be a little flexabiltiy to your days and your next trip will be more rewarding.

P.S.
There is nothing wrong with going to DLR without the kids. I did it for my 30th B-Day and don't feel a bit of guilt over it.

 

[dlawallace]

Just a little back story, I went to DL for the first time as a child in '93. I went to WDW in '06 with my mom and brothers, then for the first time as my own family i went in '07 (me, my hubby, and 2 sons). I planned for months and was sooooo excited.

Firstly, I found out a couple of weeks before we went that there would be no Fantasmic, Spectromagic, or RDCT fireworks during our whole trip, so that was kinda devestating to me because that's my favorite thing about Disney. Couldn't afford to change flights.

To start things off, we were flying from Lubbock, texas to SNA. Our plane's instruments broke on the flight so after circling around for 45 minutes the pilots finally decided to make an emergency visual landing in Palm Springs. It was scary! Then on top of that, we then had to take a bus for 3 1/2 hours to the SNA airport (with a 5 year old and an 11 month old. We were starving and had been up since 4 that morning with nothing to eat or dring besides the cookies and nuts on the plane. It was now after noon.

Finally we got to the HOJO by around 3:00 and our CC was declined. OUr bank had made an error with our deposit before we left home. After being on the phone for about an hour we finally got that mess straightened out, but we were exhausted and frustrated to no end.

We got to the park by around 4:30 and we did have a really good time the rest of the trip. It was however much crowded than I expected. Didnt get to ride a lot of things because of bad wait times.

There were priceless memories that I will never forget though, my infant son falling in love with Mickey Mouse and my husband finally understanding my love for Disneyland (kinda) lol

Wow this ended up to be long. Anyway, thats my story of ups and downs at Disneyland. and yes I was depressed when we got home.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I think for a lot of people, the excitement going can take over. You visualize the perfect vacation, you plan, you research & then reality takes over. Crowds change plans quickly as you found out. I'm soooooo sorry your daughter got sick...that's life as a parent as you know, but the timing would have totally knocked me for a loop!!

Last year we went during spring break & Easter......we had gone in 2005 & even with big crowds had almost a fantasy trip. Our soon to be adopted son was 3 at the time & he seemed to be like the chosen one while there. He had characters coming up to him, jumping off floats during the parade to talk with him, being picked to dance during the Block Party Bash & some of the characters knew him by name & would call to him & wave everytime they passed by!!!! We couldn't believe it!
So when we went last year, we were looking for that experience again for our 2 yr old daughter. It was the exact opposite. The crowds were so bad that it took us 3 days to get an autograph from a character (that wasn't at a character meal). We'd stand in long lines, only to get close & have the character leave. It was heart-breaking for her & us. I told my hubby, we shouldn't have come.... the lines are too long & we're not getting to ride hardly anything. The next day (which was day 4 of 5).....we were standing on Main Street & trying to get to the characters (again) & actually got to Mickey, Goofy, Pluto & Donald..... Minnie came out & we knew with the long line we'd never make it. A "suited" CM started talking with us & asking how our trip was going..... we kinda let loose on how frustrating the trip had been & he noticed my daughter calling for Minnie. He asked us if we'd seen her yet & we said no but the line is too long & she'll leave before we get to her. He tells us he's good friends with Minnie & took us right up to her!!!!! He took our picture & Minnie was so gracious & loving to my daughter.... that one moment made our entire trip.
We go into these trips now knowing a small act of kindness is what it's all about. We don't have to have perfection, we don't have to see & do everything we planned. We need to spend time as a family in a magic place. If one character makes your child light up.....it was totally worth it!!

I hope that helps..... go back & think about the positives.... those are what you need to cherish!!
Hopefully next trip you'll have even more to smile about!!!

 

[grumpy's fan]

Toni1227,

We are from Texas as well and I tend to stick with going after my DD gets out of school for summer. We try to go no later than the first week of June. The crowds are still fairly low at that point as the Calif school kids aren't out yet. You do have to watch out for Grad Nights and school field trips, but we've gone for 3 yrs now at this time and I enjoy it so much better than Spring Break time. One year we went to WDW for Spring Break and it was more enjoyable than DL at Spring Break.

 

[Escape2Disney]

I'm so sorry to hear of your trip struggles! I hope your daughter is feeling better!

On our vacations, I'm the one who gets sick (due to chronic health issues). After years of frustration, I learned to extend our trips, and plan for the resting times. On our next trip, we're actually staying 7 days. I'm planning to be sleeping for at least 2 days worth of the trip. It actually eases tension, and I feel far less guilty for needing to sleep off a fever.

I agree with Mike M - a longer stay will alleviate a lot of rushing. If lines are crazy, you can walk away without fear of never getting to do that particular ride.

I hope your next trip is better!

 

[PinkBudgie]

I vote for giving summer a try too. That is when we usually go. We are all on school schedule. DH and I teach and our boys are in 9th grade. In every grade they would just miss too much to be gone. It would be very hard to catch up.

Summer is crowded but I think because summer is longer, the crowds are spread out over June, July, and August as opposed to just one or two weeks around spring break. I can't say for sure how it would be this summer, but last summer we went at the end of July. Mornings were nice and we could get on a lot of rides. Evenings were much more crowded as people came back for the shows. But they were not as crowded as the evening was on Jan. 2nd this year. I've never seen it as crowded during the summer as I did after New Years. Summer certainly won't feel uncrowded but I don't feel like I can't move around either.

I hope you get a chance at a "do over".

 

[Ottilie]

Thanks for such an honest post. I know I really need to manage my expectations for next week! Sorry your DD got so sick , I'm sure that really added to the disappointment factor. I totally would have cried, too!

 

[MickeyNikiNaka]

You need to read Avalon's TR, she had the same thing happen to her daughter! On their first trip there too!

I'm so sorry to hear you had a disappointing time, truthfully, I had some major lows when I was there too, but nothing like that!

I also vote for summer

 

[toni1227]

Thanks so much for all the replies! They were very helpful and comforting.
I think we might just try to do spring break at WDW next year OR the first week of summer next year at DL (although I doubt I can wait till next summer)!!! The other option would be the first week of Jan (Jan 2-5th--how are crowds then?). I am gearing up to plan my next Disney vacation so I am feeling much better this evening!

 

[alvernon90]

We are in Texas.
And no they are strict here with taking kids out of school so we cannot just take them out (man I wish!).

I don't get this. What exactly can they do to you if you take the kids out of school? If this happened to me, I would tell them that spending family time during Month X is a religious obligation, and threaten to sue them for discrimination if they didn't excuse the absences.

 

[avalon451]

You need to read Avalon's TR, she had the same thing happen to her daughter! On their first trip there too!

Thanks for the plug, MickeyNiki!

I was gonna say... I can so totally feel for you! Same thing happened to us exactly a year ago. We'd never been to any DL property before (and DH and I are in our mid 40's!) and I planned for months to make it a perfect trip for our 3 DDs. Then our oldest, DD13, got sick on the flight in. If you'd like to read about it, go to my TR, linked in my siggy below... and read further about how DD and I did a "do over" trip, just the two of us, 6 months later. We had the MOST magical time!

But I remember posting on here after we got back, about how miserable I was. We did make the best of it, and the younger two had a great time, but I was just devastated that it hadn't been "perfect." I hope you can plan another trip soon!

 

[toni1227]

I don't get this. What exactly can they do to you if you take the kids out of school? If this happened to me, I would tell them that spending family time during Month X is a religious obligation, and threaten to sue them for discrimination if they didn't excuse the absences.

They are just super strict here for some reason. I guess so the test scores are good for our school to make the school look good. If kids miss the scores can go down. Whatever..they are 5 and 8 so I do not see what the big deal is them missing a couple days of school. I could see maybe as they get older but elementary school??

 

[PinkBudgie]

Thanks so much for all the replies! They were very helpful and comforting.
I think we might just try to do spring break at WDW next year OR the first week of summer next year at DL (although I doubt I can wait till next summer)!!! The other option would be the first week of Jan (Jan 2-5th--how are crowds then?). I am gearing up to plan my next Disney vacation so I am feeling much better this evening!

We went on Jan 2 this year. It was more packed than I have ever seen the summer. Really! The morning of New Years Day was better, but by 2pm it was filling fast and we left. The 2nd was worse. By afternoon the lines were almost 2 hours long and FPs were pretty much gone for many things. The 3rd is a Sunday and might be a little better because I bet people are traveling. On the 4th, a Monday, they will start taking down the Christmas decorations, I believe so that should be pretty empty I'm guessing, as would the 5th.

 

[toni1227]

Thanks for the plug, MickeyNiki!

I was gonna say... I can so totally feel for you! Same thing happened to us exactly a year ago. We'd never been to any DL property before (and DH and I are in our mid 40's!) and I planned for months to make it a perfect trip for our 3 DDs. Then our oldest, DD13, got sick on the flight in. If you'd like to read about it, go to my TR, linked in my siggy below... and read further about how DD and I did a "do over" trip, just the two of us, 6 months later. We had the MOST magical time!

But I remember posting on here after we got back, about how miserable I was. We did make the best of it, and the younger two had a great time, but I was just devastated that it hadn't been "perfect." I hope you can plan another trip soon!

Thank you for yoru post! I was reading your TR and I am wondering hmmm same time of year same hotel....LOL. I even did the whole airborne thing with them starting a couple days before we left and used wet one's on the plane etc...She must have caught whatever before we left though b/c it was a cough for 2 days and cough/fever that last day. She had NO energy whatsoever. I think her staying up later than normal, eating junk food and me dragging her all over DL for 1.5 days did not help the immunity situation either. It was awful at the time. I called the nurse onsite which did not really help b/c they cannot prescribe anything and the doc service was like $207 for them to come to the room just to look at her not including prescriptions and they did not take ins. (but they would give you the info to file). So I waited on that. Luckily she was better the next day with more energy. Too bad we were not there longer but oh well I am starting to accept it and move on. Glad you had a do over trip. I am thinking we might head to WDW for our do over...

 

[MickeyNikiNaka]

They are just super strict here for some reason. I guess so the test scores are good for our school to make the school look good. If kids miss the scores can go down. Whatever..they are 5 and 8 so I do not see what the big deal is them missing a couple days of school. I could see maybe as they get older but elementary school??

As an educator I can tell you on a personal level that if the school's policy is keeping you from taking your kids I would really suggest telling them to just take a hike, unless it's a private school.

Honestly, they're young enough that they won't miss THAT much, and if you notified them ahead of time, teachers are able to (although a headache to them I will admit) put together a homework package you can do with your kids on your trip!

 

[MickeyNikiNaka]

Thanks for the plug, MickeyNiki!

Hey! I'm just stating facts! Besides your TR was way fun to read!