REALLY need some help planning my trip! Please!

[petra]

I am new to this forum- and a bit overwhelmed by all the information!
My family and I (DH, DD-4yrs old- and I) are going on a land and sea vacation January 9th of this year.
When we booked the vacation over 8 months ago I was so excited and wanted to plan every detail down to the last second. Unfourtunatly, my mom since came down with leukemia and my trip plans have taken a back seat.
My parents bought us this vacation as a christmas present and really dont want us to cancel it due to everything that is going on.
My problem is that I am just overwhelmed w/ everything at home and the planning of this trip- I dont know where to start!
We are staying at the Caribean Beach Resort - then on to the cruise ship.
My DD LOVES animals- so I figure she will like Animal kingdom the best- She also has a HUGE crush on Goofy.
I was hoping maybe someone who had been on this trip might take a minute to point me in the right direction of how to get started- and maybe some must see attractions.
Thanks so much if you've gotten this far.
Have a great weekend.
Petra

 

[dirkus]

Petra,

I'm sorry for you and your Mom. These things can really be tough -- I'm going through some rough times with my Dad right now so I have an idea of what you are going through. One thing you do need to do in a situation like this, though, is to make sure you take some time for yourself. Don't feel guilty about your upcoming trip -- look forward to it and enjoy it!!!

The great thing about a Disney vacation is that you can do as much or as little planning as you want (or are able) to and still have fun. I know there are some "commandos" out there that will think I'm speaking blasphemy, but you really don't need to plan every minute of your trip -- sometimes winging it can even be more fun. Sure, depending on how crowded it is while you are there, you may not get on quite as many attractions but you also won't be running from place to place worrying that you may get off your schedule.

I would check out some of the great sites (starting with this one) and just get an idea of what the different parks and attractions are and which ones you would like to see. Do the same for the cruise to get an idea of what they have to offer. If you do nothing else, at least you will have an idea of which way you want to head and which parks you want to hit or miss.

Besides this site, some other good ones to check out are:

For Disney World:

• The Official WDW site
• All Ears Net

For the Disney Cruise:

• The Official Disney Cruise site
• The Castaway Club at castawayclub dot com (sorry, for some reason I can't get the link to work -- or even display -- for this one)

Another great site is Visions Fantastic. It is all about Disneyland in my neck of the woods but has some really cool multimedia of the different attractions which would be nearly similar (if not identical) to their namesakes in WDW.

I would also suggest picking up a Passporter for WDW or the Cruise (or both). They don't really have any info that can't be found on the web but they put it together in a great format that you can take with you. Check them out here.

I hope this helps and I'm sure you will get plenty of other help from the wonderful people on this board.

Good luck!!!

 

[jcemom]

I'm sorry to hear about your mom, but maybe a vacation will help you relax for a little while at least. It's important to take care of yourself, too!

With a 4 year old who loves animals, I would put emphasis on MK and AK, letting MGM and Epcot take the back seat this trip. It isn't that there isn't anything there for four-year-olds, certainly there is, but you can't do it all, so concentrate on a few things you think she'll like best and save the rest for another trip.

I know it can be overwhelming with all the information available. Try not to worry. It's a slower time of year and you'll be able to get plenty done. You WILL have a great time!

So...your cruise will start on Thursday then?

 

[mickeysaver]

I love to plan itineraries. My honey is leaving me alone for the week to go visit with her mom in Savannah. If you want help, I will gladly pitch in where I can. Email me with details of your trip if you want some help. I am no WDW expert, but I think that I could help.

I can't imagine what you are going through. It was rough enough when my Dad had a heart attack a few years back. I didn't have a child to try to raise and a big vacation to plan. Your family is in my prayers. Maggie

 

[petra]

Thank you so much to all of you- For the kind words and the great tips. I have some time tonight to poke around on some of the above mentioned sites- as well as this one- and I hope to get a few dinners planned at the least.
Again- thank you for all your help.
Petra