Somewhat Anxious!!

[tinkerbell615]

So, I will be making a very short trip to Disney in February with my DM as we are going to watch my DD march with the band/colorguard.

Although I am very excited to be going... I am getting quite anxious! I will be flying for the first time (SW) from Columbus to Orlando. I have a car rented so that I can get to the hotel because it is not on Disney property and I will have to meet up with my DD and the rest of the gang (they are taking a bus).
I am starting to worry about everything. Will I be able to find the rental car counter, will I be able to find my way around Orlando and get to the hotel, how early to I have to get back to the airport to return the car and catch the returning flight, etc...

I know to some of you traveling experts out there this probably seems silly. But I have never flown before, never rented a car and am always traveling with my DH who does all of the driving. My DM does not drive and we will be on a very tight schedule since we will only be there for (3) short days.

Does anyone else ever feel this way or is it just me?

 

[DizneyNutz]

So, I will be making a very short trip to Disney in February with my DM as we are going to watch my DD march with the band/colorguard.

Although I am very excited to be going... I am getting quite anxious! I will be flying for the first time (SW) from Columbus to Orlando. I have a car rented so that I can get to the hotel because it is not on Disney property and I will have to meet up with my DD and the rest of the gang (they are taking a bus).
I am starting to worry about everything. Will I be able to find the rental car counter, will I be able to find my way around Orlando and get to the hotel, how early to I have to get back to the airport to return the car and catch the returning flight, etc...

I know to some of you traveling experts out there this probably seems silly. But I have never flown before, never rented a car and am always traveling with my DH who does all of the driving. My DM does not drive and we will be on a very tight schedule since we will only be there for (3) short days.

Does anyone else ever feel this way or is it just me?

Dw plans the ressies and flights, but I plan all the driving and directions. You have nothing to fear. They want people to find their way from MCO to Disney I would recommend going to the MCO website and getting a little familiar with the layout of the airport. Their website is great and shows you the different levels of the airport. You will be transported from your arrival gate to a main hub where you will have to go down and pick up your luggage, one level down. Then you will go down again and find your rental car station (no problems). When you actually leave the airport ALL you have to KNOW is 417 SOUTH. You look for that and you are home free. Once you get onto 417 South you will go through two toll booths (1.00 each) so have your money ready, and then you will take exit 6. It will lead you right into the road that goes in front of Downtown Disney (Buean Vista?) I think, but either way you will be on Disney Property at that point. I have a PDF map of the entire Disney property also if you would like a copy, but I have to send it e-mail if you want it. Let me know by PM and I will give you my e-mail address. You have no worries, just study a little to be prepared.

 

[byoung]

You will be find don't worry. Have a great trip!

 

[mx55mom]

I found MCO to be a very easy place to rent a car. It's right on site. There are plenty of people at the airport you can ask if you find it confusing. I personally would get back with the car at least an hour and a half before your flight leaves. I don't think any of us can really calm your anxiety but after you get home you will probably be saying "that wasn't so bad". Have lots of fun, I'm sure you will!!!

 

[luvgrumpy]

How exciting that you're DD is doing the Magic Music Days.
Don't worry too much about everything. Just relax and enjoy this once in a lifetime experience. I was a nervous wreck the first time we flew too. I just don't do new things well. We made it O.K. though and you will too.
I don't have any other advice to add about the driving part. When we flew we used DME. Just follow some of the good advice some kind posters here already gave you about that and have a wonderful trip.

 

[lajones81]

My sister was able to play at Disney a few times in high school! I just wanted to say have a great time!

 

[loveshak22]

You'll do great! Like previous replies, the Orlando airport is easy to get around. Once you get off the plane just follow the signs to baggage claim and from there you'll see signs for whatever rental car company you are with. And there are signs everywhere for Disney.

If you have a laptop or portable DVD player, try taking a DVD and watch on the plane. That might help take your mind off the flight. Or if you like crossword puzzles, etc...the flight won't be too long. Hopefully your first flight will be a smooth one.

My husband and I are leaving from Cincinnati on January 27th!! Can't wait!

Good luck!

 

[Tinkerbell63]

I also worry about everything when we travel, especially the weather. Try to take it easy and follow the many signs provided for you. It also helps to get driving directions from the internet.

 

[tinkerbell615]

Thanks to all of you for your great advise, strategies and just plain "encouragement" to try to relax. If I could just get rid of the nerves, I am truly excited about the trip.

It is the dream of a lifetime to be able to see my daughter perform at Disney.

Thanks Again.