So disappointed...

[cewilkes]

Pity party real quick:

Booked a spontaneous trip toDLR for MLK weekend...

Boyfriend got Norovirus at 3 am on departure day... dragged him onto the plane anyway (sorry to everyone on that plane)...

Dragged around CA all day Saturday, really bummed out by the construction...couldn't get the DBF to eat much...and obviously not drink any fun cocktails.

Got Blue FP for WOC and got there an hour early but still couldn't see.

It was cold...sun didn't come out the whole time.

Felt like I was just checking off rides, not enjoying them.

$2K later (and that's staying at the HOJO...which was quite nice really) and I feel like I need another vacation.

What did I do wrong? I'm an Animal Kingdom Villa girl who loves Epcot. I don't get why DL didn't feel magical and I wonder if it was the circumstances or if it was an attitude thing. I tried to go with an open mind, but I just didn't feel the OMG I NEVER WANT TO LEAVE feeling...

Okay. Pity party over. Maybe I'm just a WDW gal. Anyone else ever have the same experience? Did you go back, and did you do anything different to improve your vacation?

On a positive note, even in the RAIN the DL fireworks are absolutely amazing. And it wasn't as busy as I expected.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I think the circumstances had a lot to do with it.

 

[sonnyjane]

I think you had a lot of cards stacked against you. A lot of people also have a "home park" that they love the most. Obviously, here on the Disneyland part of the boards, we love Disneyland! A lot of WDW'ers love WDW, and that's okay. A lot of WDW'ers that visit DL are pleasantly surprised and fall in love with DL, but they don't have to deal with a major illness during their visit. I hope that you at least experienced some positives.

 

[mouseymommy]

Last year our son got sick and it really made for a disappointing trip. We love DL so much, but we didn't have as much fun as we usually do. We are planning another trip for this year, and we really hope everybody stays healthy! I would give it another try. I bet you would like it much better with a healthy BF!

 

[blackjackdelta]

I would have cancelled and never drag a sick person around with me. Just brings you down along with all the other trials and tribulations.
Best of luck with your next trip.
Jack

 

[BlueBayou]

I would really encourage a "do over." Sounds like you should have punted on the trip. A sick person is not a fun person. How does the saying go? You are only as strong as your weakest link.

About WOC - I have never had good views. The rest of my family is insane and likes to sit in the "Wet Zone." We put on rain ponchos and go for it. Not ideal - but a bizarre family tradition.

 

[bumbershoot]

2K for HOW long a trip?

What did I do wrong? I'm an Animal Kingdom Villa girl who loves Epcot. I don't get why DL didn't feel magical...

Because:

Boyfriend got Norovirus at 3 am on departure day...

 

[jdb in AZ]

I assume air fare was quite a bit of that $2K.

Sorry you had such a miserable trip. Wish you could've postponed and/or rescheduled but I'm assuming the plane tickets were nonrefundable.

 

[jory29]

It totally, totally stinks when someone is sick, and norovirus is a horrible one... (I hope you took precautions on the plane, and in the parks though, not to spread his germs to others! Sounds like you did, since you were concerned about it. )

Anyway, we have fallen ill a couple of days into our trip, and it just made us want to have a do-over trip - so we saved money, and did so the next year. When we were ill we had to have a doctor make a housecall to the hotel, and we received antibiotics prescribed by a doctor; he said in 48 hours we would no longer be contagious, so we missed time in the parks. It was my son and I who had fallen ill. We did not want to spread it to anyone else if we could help it once we knew we were ill, so we waited the full 48 hours before heading back to the parks. We think we caught it on the airplane, since ventilation isn't always the best.

Our do-over trip was a smashing success! I hope you will be able to do this one day, and report back. Yep... 100% sure it was the fact that your S/O was out of commission. Our trip was expensive too, as we had to fly in from Northern Canada.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Okay, first, I'm sorry you had a rough introduction to DLR. We own DVC at AKV and LOVE Animal Kingdom. It is a very special place and I can't wait to go back! However, Disneyland has a magical "something" that is just unmatched at WDW for some unknown reason. Why didn't you feel it? To quote your own question, "What did I do wrong?"

Well... with the strongest sympathy for a trip-gone-bad, again, let's look at your own post:

DLR for MLK weekend

Crowds!

boyfriend got Norovirus at 3 am on departure day

Umm... hello?

dragged him onto the plane... Dragged around CA

Couldn't have been fun for either of you.

really bummed out by the construction.

Completely legit complaint. However, please tell us you knew it was there? It's been going on for a REALLY long time and there's LOTS written about it everywhere. But still, yeah, disheartening. I get it.

It was cold

Yuck

checking off rides, not enjoying them

Where's the enjoyment or chance to discover magic in that?

$2K

Ouch.

So, yeah, I am sure you did not have a good time. And I think if you look at your own account, you can see why very easily. Sadly, the cards were stacked WAY against you. But to address your "Was it just Disneyland?" aspect of your question, please take a second and read this which I put together:

So disappointed...Pity party real quick:
Booked a spontaneous trip to WDW for a holiday weekend during the start of hurricane season...
Husband got really sick the morning we were leaving. I forced him to fly anyhow - hope no one on that closed in, recycled air, plane caught it from him (sorry...). Dragged him all over DHS, bummed out by the closed attractions that were listed on the web site prior to our departure... DH didn't want to eat and couldn't enjoy night time alcoholic refreshments with me. Got to Fantasmic theatre late and got spot in the very top row. Even though we lined up outside for a long time, still couldn't see. It was cold, no Florida sunshine at all. We checked off the list of things as we went, but nothing was really fun. Two thousand dollars later - even though we stayed off property and walked to the Park each day with DH feeling sick, I somehow feel like I need a vacation now. What happened? Disneyland is so fantastic and I just didn't catch the magic at WDW. I wonder why?
Oh yeah! We did enjoy Illuminations, even in the RAIN it was fabulous.

As a WDW lover, what would you say to the person who had /\ that /\ experience? I am guessing you would tell them that they need a do-over. A non-holiday weekend, during non-start-of-rainy season, while 3/4 of one of the Parks is not a massive construction zone, and perhaps MOST importantly with a healthy partner. Right?

I think the circumstances surrounding your trip were the most unfortunate and I am TRULY sorry that they all came together as they did. That is just awful and no fun at all. It makes a vacation a chore and that's no fun for everyone. How could you possibly catch the magic? You two were just trying to make it through each day. File it under "vacations to forget," and plan a new one. I am not sure how you rang up $2K unless it was on airfare, but for $2K, you could do sooooo much more - that's probably the final sting to it all, I would imagine.

I have traveled with a sick husband. I have traveled during cold weather. I have traveled for too much money. Having to do all three at the same time would just be awful. I'm sorry you had to do so, but I would not look at it as a true DLR experience. It simply wasn't. It was just, simply put, a rough trip for you two this time. Give yourself some time and plan a do-over trip. Then, hopefully, you'll discover the magic. It just wasn't going to happen on this trip with all the circumstances. Next time.

- Dreams

P.S. I hope your boyfriend is feeling better. My heart also goes out to anyone on that plane who got what your boyfriend had.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Ew. This is why I'm a germaphobe LOL I knew I hated planes for a reason HAHA

I can guarantee that you didn't feel magic just because of your circumstances. If you'd both been in good health, the other things probably wouldn't have impacted you as much. Illness on vaca sucks rocks

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

So, yeah, I am sure you did not have a good time. And I think if you look at your own account, you can see why very easily. Sadly, the cards were stacked WAY against you. But to address your "Was it just Disneyland?" aspect of your question, please take a second and read this which I put together:

So disappointed...Pity party real quick:
Booked a spontaneous trip to WDW for a holiday weekend during the start of hurricane season...
Husband got really sick the morning we were leaving. I forced him to fly anyhow - hope no one on that closed in, recycled air, plane caught it from him (sorry...). Dragged him all over DHS, bummed out by the closed attractions that were listed on the web site prior to our departure... DH didn't want to eat and couldn't enjoy night time alcoholic refreshments with me. Got to Fantasmic theatre late and got spot in the very top row. Even though we lined up outside for a long time, still couldn't see. It was cold, no Florida sunshine at all. We checked off the list of things as we went, but nothing was really fun. Two thousand dollars later - even though we stayed off property and walked to the Park each day with DH feeling sick, I somehow feel like I need a vacation now. What happened? Disneyland is so fantastic and I just didn't catch the magic at WDW. I wonder why?
Oh yeah! We did enjoy Illuminations, even in the RAIN it was fabulous.

As a WDW lover, what would you say to the person who had /\ that /\ experience? I am guessing you would tell them that they need a do-over. A non-holiday weekend, during non-start-of-rainy season, while 3/4 of one of the Parks is not a massive construction zone, and perhaps MOST importantly with a healthy partner. Right?

I think the circumstances surrounding your trip were the most unfortunate and I am TRULY sorry that they all came together as they did. That is just awful and no fun at all. It makes a vacation a chore and that's no fun for everyone. How could you possibly catch the magic? You two were just trying to make it through each day. File it under "vacations to forget," and plan a new one. I am not sure how you rang up $2K unless it was on airfare, but for $2K, you could do sooooo much more - that's probably the final sting to it all, I would imagine.

I have traveled with a sick husband. I have traveled during cold weather. I have traveled for too much money. Having to do all three at the same time would just be awful. I'm sorry you had to do so, but I would not look at it as a true DLR experience. It simply wasn't. It was just, simply put, a rough trip for you two this time. Give yourself some time and plan a do-over trip. Then, hopefully, you'll discover the magic. It just wasn't going to happen on this trip with all the circumstances. Next time.

- Dreams

P.S. I hope your boyfriend is feeling better. My heart also goes out to anyone on that plane who got what your boyfriend had.

Excellent post Dreams!

OP you definitely need a do over trip with a little more planning.

 

[Thumper_Man]

So disappointed...Pity party real quick:
Booked a spontaneous trip to WDW for a holiday weekend during the start of hurricane season...
Husband got really sick the morning we were leaving. I forced him to fly anyhow - hope no one on that closed in, recycled air, plane caught it from him (sorry...). Dragged him all over DHS, bummed out by the closed attractions that were listed on the web site prior to our departure... DH didn't want to eat and couldn't enjoy night time alcoholic refreshments with me. Got to Fantasmic theatre late and got spot in the very top row. Even though we lined up outside for a long time, still couldn't see. It was cold, no Florida sunshine at all. We checked off the list of things as we went, but nothing was really fun. Two thousand dollars later - even though we stayed off property and walked to the Park each day with DH feeling sick, I somehow feel like I need a vacation now. What happened? Disneyland is so fantastic and I just didn't catch the magic at WDW. I wonder why?
Oh yeah! We did enjoy Illuminations, even in the RAIN it was fabulous.

You left out the part about all the construction going on at MK due to the Fantasyland Expansion.

All kidding aside; OP, sorry like if felt like it wasn't a magical. I agree with others the cards were stacked against you. DBF being sick was probably the biggest downer. Hard to enjoy a vacation when you or someone with you is sick. Hopefully you choose one day to another trip to DL again. Hopefully with healthy DBF this time.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Norovirus is highly contagious. I certainly wouldn't get on a plane with it, let alone walk around Disneyland. The illness was the root of your problem. The construction and weather can be dealt with if you're healthy and go in with a positive attitude.

 

[kailuagirl]

To me and my family, Disneyland is amazing and we dream of being there just about every day. What you did wrong was experience it with someone who was ill from the get go and probably shouldn't have gone, could you not have rescheduled? That was a total bummer because you were only there for the weekend and there was no way he was going to be better before the weekend was over. The cards were stacked against you before you even got on the plane unfortunately. Once something goes wrong on vacation it can be downhill from there if you're not careful. Attitude is everything when things go wrong.

Disneyland is magical and we never want to leave once we are there. You need a redo with healthy bodies and healthy minds

 

[larina]

They should not have allowed your boyfriend to fly and get others sick like that, it is just wrong. I'm sorry about your bad trip, I've had one of my own, but I know the blame isn't on DL, it is on the death and illness we were dealing with. And my sick child missed two entire days at the park because we were afraid whatever she had 'might' be contagious and that just isn't fair to do to others. Did he at least wear a face mask???

 

[Mackysmycat]

Since it's all said and done, I know you don't want to keep hearing that you shouldn't have gone with your sick boyfriend (those germs on the plane and in the park - eeks) but I would for SURE give DL another chance when you are both healthy and happy and in the right spirits. DL is truly a magical place.

 

[keishashadow]

Pity party real quick: Let's have a pity party - one, two, three.... I'm not judging you, trust me i've traveled enough to have a trip or two go to heck in a hurry. You should read my TR re cruise to Honduras where i developed massive infection from a sand flea needed to experience cruise ship medicine.. Don't let it keep you from enjoying travel in generalstuff happens.

Booked a spontaneous trip toDLR for MLK weekend...

without proper planning any trip to a non-home/strange park is doomed to fail or at least live up to expectations.

Boyfriend got Norovirus at 3 am on departure day... dragged him onto the plane anyway (sorry to everyone on that plane)...

curious how you knew it was norovirus, could've been flu, etc. Can't say we've ever been in that position, sympathy for you but moreso for the others who may have been infected.

Dragged around CA all day Saturday, really bummed out by the construction...couldn't get the DBF to eat much...and obviously not drink any fun cocktails.

he's a keeper, most guys would've hunkered down in the hotel room and sent you on your way...give him props for trying.

Got Blue FP for WOC and got there an hour early but still couldn't see.

I have a feeling we'll probably experience the same thing, mostly because i can't see myself lining up an hour early. Least I can see some it from the viewing platform @ VGC! I give credit to those who have the resilience to follow the hints stated here though to try & ensure a good viewing experience.

It was cold...sun didn't come out the whole time.

Did you happen to check the weather forecast before you left?

Felt like I was just checking off rides, not enjoying them.

Assume MKL weekend was busy as we have experienced @ WDW (and will never return that weekend for that reason). Perhaps you figured the weekend was 'ruined' already at that point and were just going thru the motions?

$2K later (and that's staying at the HOJO...which was quite nice really) and I feel like I need another vacation.

Assume you're including airfare in this amount

What did I do wrong? I'm an Animal Kingdom Villa girl who loves Epcot. I don't get why DL didn't feel magical and I wonder if it was the circumstances or if it was an attitude thing. I tried to go with an open mind, but I just didn't feel the OMG I NEVER WANT TO LEAVE feeling...

Perhaps you missed the 'onsite' experience? I can't wait to go back, despite having one of my cats die during our first visit which put a damper on the trip big time, but we still made the best of it (mostly because I had youngest DS with me and had to hold it together).

WDW is bigger and easily holds my interest over a long time period, but DL is absolutely magical and has a unmatchable charm that WDW will never have, being where the dream began. Why not rebook another trip after doing some research?

 

[cewilkes]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. Now I feel a bit silly for posting Anyway thanks for the sympathy and for the encouragement to try again.

And to all the folks worried about the illness/flying - yes I'm just guessing on Norovirus based on they symptoms and circumstances - it could have been many things. And believe me, if I could have cancelled I would have but it was the day of departure and the trip insurance wouldn't cover it. For those of you who are totally freaked out by the fact that I had him fly anyway, I'm sorry. It may not have been the best choice or the most considerate but I didn't feel I had much choice.


The 2K was about $1,200 for airfare and hotel, plus taxis, DLR food, etc. Obviously I ate and drank a lot as I was the only one doing it!! Time for a diet..

Now that I've vented (thank you for allowing it) I'll just put it down to bad luck. Planning could have also been a large part of it. I usually put months into a WDW trip and obviously this was a little short on the planning.

So on to the positive for next time:

Love the idea of getting ponchos and just sitting in the wet zone for WOC! That actually really appeals to me

And I suppose my expectations on the weather were way too high. It was 80 degrees the prior weekend! Next time April perhaps? 2013 after all the construction is done? You know I knew about the construction but after doing WDW with the Fantasyland expansion I didn't think it'd be a big deal. I guess I was just in a bad mood.

Definitely should go to DL on the first day. I think that sets the whole tone of the trip for me. Also I think I'd try to go for a mid-week trip rather than a weekend. And I'd want to stay onsite because that seems to be important to me.

Next stop AKV in October for Food and Wine! And I promise I'll give DLR another try in 2013. I'll be back for suggestions of the best possible way to do it! Thank you for listening, even if your initial thought was *what a dummy*.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Dummy and victim of circumstance are two different things