stress of organising has taken away all the excitement

[bex7583]

feeling really fed u , taken me 2 years of persuading dh and saving and now im booked i thought i would have been over the moon

instead im fed up and grumpy

i feel like i have loads to do still
-car and understand the different insurance levels and toll system stuff that boggles my head
-2nd week hotel
-6 nights of 3rd week accommodation
-estas
-passports
-api
-plus shop around and find park tickets
-dh fishing trip
-sort out adrs
-KEEP EVERYTHING WITHIN BUDGET !!!

and im now having a full on panic over the indirect flying business!! will we have enough time , what if we miss the flight/ what happens if the queue for immigration is huge and makes us miss it ?? does it wait ? i had originally said we would take only carry on bags but realisticly with 3 kids its not going to work

i have booked
-the flights
-7nights por with ddp and 14 day disney tix
-travel insurance ( which i have since read and i dont even think im covered for what i wanted anyway as it only covers airline faliure if booked direct with the airline and i went via budget air )
-1 night in miami
-booked magic expres for arrival
-got me and dh a post office credit card or no fees abroad


i just want to feel more excited and like im enjoying the countdown . plus i think i have put so many expectations in to this holiday , poor dp is working 100+ hours a week i just hope it lives up to everything i have told him its going to be !!

im trying to book all the other bits i need as i think i will feel better once i have done all that

the only advantage to the financial and organisational stress is when im stressed i clean lol so at least we have a nice tidy sparkly house

 

[joolz1910]

The way I dealt with my overwhelming to-do list was this: I started a pre-trip report and included my to-do list on the first page. I then updated the first page once I had completed anything on the list. I also included the price of everything so that I could see how my budget was going, and also to help anyone with their first-time planning. It gave me a real sense of accomplishment as I could see things being done and share the planning with other disers who would understand.

Do your ESTA's - it only takes 5 minutes and then you can start feeling good about getting through your list!

 

[bex7583]

do you need the passport numbers for the estas though? i was going to do that after i had the new passports

i think i will go look at quotes on virgin holidays page ! at least that makes me feel glad i went d.i.y

 

[bex7583]

i would love to read ure pre trippie do u have a link or what was it called??

 

[Sencybil]

When are you going? Do you still have lots of time to sort out your to do list?

If you have got ample time, then devote a little time to the non-essential, non stressy planning. I've started a list of what I'd like to use my snack credits on for instance - not a final list I mean, just all the yummy things that I COULD have. Or just flick thorugh some of the reviews sections on the dining threads and look at the pictures and note down things that catch your eye.

Choosing all these things yourself - like hotels - rather than just accepting someone else's package means you're already going to get a better deal and an outcome more suited to you an your family even with quite minimal research. So you're already streets ahead of where you could be.

Another remedy might be to just leave it all for a week (again, only if your trip is some time away). Just don't think about it. You'll come back to the planning fresher and feeling better about it all.

Can you imagine any way your 3 kids aren't going to think this is just the best holiday ever? Of course they will, and so you will too, and it will absolutely be worth the effort and hard work!

Sencybil xx

 

[queendisney]

Don't panic! It will be wonderful in the end..
Just make next week the week to get all the passport stuff done, then the week after to do your ADR if you are in the time scale...
Things like ESTA's don't take very long todo at all when you have the passports back.
Then another week concentrate on the hotels
etc etc..
just break it down into chunks and before you know it you'll be sorted

All in all there isn't that many hours of work involved in completing your list..it just looks daunting.

It'll be fine and then you can just start to enjoy the build up..I don't normally get excited until about 4 days before we are due to fly but it does come

You'll be jumping around like Tigger in no time

 

[Portugal1000]

Its alot of planning but so worth it in the end. Our 10th trip coming up so its like a well oiled machine now. Funny though because my husband and son think everything just happens automatically and say things like, "Can't believe its not busy even though its August" Well thats because I have spent years researching best times for which parks etc. They have no idea how much planning goes into a 3 week trip but as I said, so worth it especially at busy times. You'll have a great holiday. for me the planning is part of the holiday which is just aswell as it costs so much.

 

[queendisney]

Its alot of planning but so worth it in the end. Our 10th trip coming up so its like a well oiled machine now. Funny though because my husband and son think everything just happens automatically and say things like, "Can't believe its not busy even though its August" Well thats because I have spent years researching best times for which parks etc. They have no idea how much planning goes into a 3 week trip but as I said, so worth it especially at busy times. You'll have a great holiday. for me the planning is part of the holiday which is just aswell as it costs so much.

That is so true..

ignorance is bliss isn't it?!

 

[T16GEM]

Right I can help you with the missing the flight thing - as I have actually missed one before! LOL

Firstly, if your incoming flight has been delayed or lost time in the air but you still have a decent turn around potentially tell the crew on your flight that you will be pushing it to get through immigration so could they let you go first, they are usually accomodating of this so it's worth telling them.

If like us your flight has been delayed by hours and you won't have a cat in hells chance of making your connection then all you can do is ensure that you will know where you need to go in the airport to re-schedule your connection for another time, we wasted a lot of time by not knowing where we were going and I think had we have known we may have managed to get another flight that evening instead of having to sleep in the airport. Again ask the crew or find out in advance just in case!

If the worst happens and you do have to stay at the airport till the next day I guess you could get a hotel, but we chose to just re-check our bags and spend the night in the concourse, it was ok, we had a 3 and 4 year old with us and they were golden! I would never have thought it but they could see that we were upset - me especially and they were so good and well behaved, I think they saw it as a big adventure really, we were also given some $$ to buy food and stuff. DH and his friend managed to sleep, while me and my friend stayed awake all night and looked out for the kids - we were in Newark by the way which has free wifi so we used that!

Another thing is that when you check in at your UK airport ensure that they check your bags to each person, rather than to one person in your party, we could have taken an earlier flight if we could split our party, but they wouldnt let us do it because all of the baggage had been assigned to DH, there were flights with 3 seats free so I could have gone ahead and taken the children to the villa, but they wouldnt let the whole lot of baggage go so that's worth thinking about too!

Maybe take a break from your organising and chill, there's no point in getting yourself worked up over it, besides it will all come together in the end and will SO be worth it!

 

[joolz1910]

My trip report was called 'A Whole New World'. There is a pre-trip report too with all of my planning.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2869636&highlight=first+ever+pre-trippie

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3032305&highlight=a+whole+new+world

 

[MrRomance]

feeling really fed u , taken me 2 years of persuading dh and saving and now im booked i thought i would have been over the moon

instead im fed up and grumpy

i feel like i have loads to do still
-car and understand the different insurance levels and toll system stuff that boggles my head
-2nd week hotel
-6 nights of 3rd week accommodation
-estas
-passports
-api
-plus shop around and find park tickets
-dh fishing trip
-sort out adrs
-KEEP EVERYTHING WITHIN BUDGET !!!

and im now having a full on panic over the indirect flying business!! will we have enough time , what if we miss the flight/ what happens if the queue for immigration is huge and makes us miss it ?? does it wait ? i had originally said we would take only carry on bags but realisticly with 3 kids its not going to work

i have booked
-the flights
-7nights por with ddp and 14 day disney tix
-travel insurance ( which i have since read and i dont even think im covered for what i wanted anyway as it only covers airline faliure if booked direct with the airline and i went via budget air )
-1 night in miami


i just want to feel more excited and like im enjoying the countdown . plus i think i have put so many expectations in to this holiday , poor dp is working 100+ hours a week i just hope it lives up to everything i have told him its going to be !!

im trying to book all the other bits i need as i think i will feel better once i have done all that

the only advantage to the financial and organisational stress is when im stressed i clean lol so at least we have a nice tidy sparkly house

Car Hire

Alamo tend to be the best and easiest to deal with in my experience. I've also used US Rent A Car which is like a comparison site that often comes up cheaper. As far as insurance goes, I would go for a fully inclusive insurance. I'm sure some people would disagree with me, but FL has a lot of tourist drivers. The things I've seen when I've been out there with international drivers are SHOCKING. Our last trip we had a guy who drove out of the car hire place in front of us. From seemingly nowhere, he decided to just STOP DEAD on the freeway. I'm an experienced driver in the US (my wife is from the US and I lived there for about 5 years) and I don't take any chances with insurance. You want SLI so that if anything happens, your fault or not, it's covered.

2nd Week Hotel and 3rd Week

Where do you want to stay? International Drive? Kissimmee? How much do you want to spend? Start there and then look on the consolidator sites.

ESTA

You will need your passport number before you can apply. It's a very simple process takes 5 minutes as long as you are not exempt from travelling on one. They usually get approved straight away.

PASSPORTS

The best way to do these are with Post Office Checking. It costs you a fiver or whatever, but they get processed much faster.

CONNECTING FLIGHTS

I've missed connections several times. The usual outcome is that you are bumped on to the next flight. How long is your layover? Usually, they allow enough time, it's only if you're held up in immigration or customs. Chances are you'll make it without any problems, but if you do miss it, they'll just move you to the next flight.

Lastly, relax, don't worry! It will all be worth it in the end!

 

[Claire Bear]

I know how you feel, this is the first trip I have planned DIY. I last went to Florida in 2005 on a virgin package holiday so berthing was done for me. DBF is useless because he's never been before and hasn't got a clue about anything when it comes to DIY.
I've got as far as booking flights and we've paid a deposit for Yacht Club but can't decide whether we should book a moderate resort instead. I haven't done anything else and wasn't sure where to start, but I like to be organised so I have written a list of everything I'm unsure about and things I need to research, then each day I search these boards for one of the things on my list. It seems to have made it more manageable and fun again because I'm doing it bit by bit and there are some amazing threads on here.

 

[dixonsontour]

Agree just do a list of things you need to do and tick them off. I have a planning book and also a disney box in the bottom of the wardrobe. Then any bits and bobs I buy or need for the holiday go in there.

If you need to ask a question before you book each bit eg the car hire ask on here.

You have plenty of time so don't stress.

 

[bex7583]

Car Hire

Alamo tend to be the best and easiest to deal with in my experience. I've also used US Rent A Car which is like a comparison site that often comes up cheaper. As far as insurance goes, I would go for a fully inclusive insurance. I'm sure some people would disagree with me, but FL has a lot of tourist drivers. The things I've seen when I've been out there with international drivers are SHOCKING. Our last trip we had a guy who drove out of the car hire place in front of us. From seemingly nowhere, he decided to just STOP DEAD on the freeway. I'm an experienced driver in the US (my wife is from the US and I lived there for about 5 years) and I don't take any chances with insurance. You want SLI so that if anything happens, your fault or not, it's covered.

its the tdew and cdw bit that i get confused on ?? im a terrible car passenger here so i will be a wreck over there ! i had only budgets £300 for car hire after i had a quote on complete orlando but now when i put my date s in it says no matches found???

2nd Week Hotel and 3rd Week

Where do you want to stay? International Drive? Kissimmee? How much do you want to spend? Start there and then look on the consolidator sites.

i dooont know every time i think i have decided i read a load of bad reviews plus i dont understand how there can be such a big gap in price for identical dates on 2 sites?? does teh cheaper price stick u in the crapest room ? plus i have then read that hotels booked thru expedia etc people arrive and have to pay loads additional resort fees , basically for week 2 im not overly fussed about location but i do want some where clean and reasonable decent no mould or cockroaches on my pillow the budget for week 2 hotel is £350

week 3 im desperatly trying to fit in a visit to the keys i have a budget for £500 accommodation this week but the kids want to do universal so after our night in miami we may return to idrive and do universal ,

ESTA

You will need your passport number before you can apply. It's a very simple process takes 5 minutes as long as you are not exempt from travelling on one. They usually get approved straight away.

PASSPORTS

The best way to do these are with Post Office Checking. It costs you a fiver or whatever, but they get processed much faster.

i am going to go get photos done next weekend when im off work , 2 of the kids just have got new ones so its only me and 1ds

CONNECTING FLIGHTS

I've missed connections several times. The usual outcome is that you are bumped on to the next flight. How long is your layover? Usually, they allow enough time, it's only if you're held up in immigration or customs. Chances are you'll make it without any problems, but if you do miss it, they'll just move you to the next flight.

so it wont cost us anything to get on this other connection ? i think we have 2.05 hr in atlanta for our change over ? im guessing we wont be the only people boarding at manchester who are taking this connection flight ( if i see anybody in a mickey jumper im following them!!)

Lastly, relax, don't worry! It will all be worth it in the end!

hope so think i just like to go over the top , i was only supposed to be booking flights for 14 night and doing disney only!! , i just got over excited and added a extra week on then seaworld, and upgraded the dining, and miami

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

I know how you feel, this is the first trip I have planned DIY. I last went to Florida in 2005 on a virgin package holiday so berthing was done for me. DBF is useless because he's never been before and hasn't got a clue about anything when it comes to DIY.
I've got as far as booking flights and we've paid a deposit for Yacht Club but can't decide whether we should book a moderate resort instead. I haven't done anything else and wasn't sure where to start, but I like to be organised so I have written a list of everything I'm unsure about and things I need to research, then each day I search these boards for one of the things on my list. It seems to have made it more manageable and fun again because I'm doing it bit by bit and there are some amazing threads on here.

Just wanted to say I have stayed Yacht club a couple of times and absolutely loved it-great hotel, amazing locationThere's a really good info thread (Yacht and Beach club faq)on here in the resorts bit. Has loads of pictures of everything you could possibly want to do with the resort.

 

[Claire Bear]

Oh thank you. We decided yesterday that we're definitely sticking with Yacht Club. It's always been the resort I've wanted to go to since I was young. Only thing is, this is supposed to be a one off big trip to celebrate my 30th birthday but from reading lots of threads on here I think DBF and I may get the Disney bug and we'll have been spoilt staying in a Deluxe, but hey you only live once

 

[phi2012]

Doing a big holiday to Disney/Orlando/Florida is a lot of work especially when coming from the UK. I can't talk about the split flight thing as we fly direct, but I can give some advice about your other plans.

As others have said once you've got your new passports the estas will take no time at all to get done so that will be an easy ticked box.

Car hire, we are going with Alamo, but go via the www.Alamo/brits website as you get about 10% off their normal prices and it includes all the taxes fees etc and includes 3 additional drivers so pretty good. Check it against other companys but for my dates it came out the best price by far.

As others have said just take your time and break up your planning into sections and it'll become more enjoyable when you can tick each bit off. Also as another pp said the food pics posts on here and the snack thread makes for really great reading and if you love food like me,it'll make the booking experience a bit more fun .

With hotels offsite depending on how many of you are going take a look at villas maybe as they can work out good prices, these can be rented via villa rental companys rather than Companys like virgin or Disney. Or there are loads of great hotels on idrive. But just look at the hotels you like and narrow down your list from your requirements and funds. Once you have narrowed it down, it can be worth while joining the hotels membership club (normally free) but you can get upgrades and free stuff just by joining, last time we got an upgrade to a 1 bed suite at the Hilton grand vacations on idrive just from being on their mailing list/membership club. Sorry another thing to think about I know.

All I would say is don't panic, it will come together. It is a massive thing organising this sort of holiday with so many different parts to it but you will get it all done and the more bits you get ticked off the more enjoyment you will get Out of booking it.

 

[WiganTony]

i feel like i have loads to do still
-car and understand the different insurance levels and toll system stuff that boggles my head
-2nd week hotel
-6 nights of 3rd week accommodation
-estas
-passports
-api
-plus shop around and find park tickets
-dh fishing trip
-sort out adrs
-KEEP EVERYTHING WITHIN BUDGET !!!

As others have said, look at prioritising your tasks and making a note of them on a calendar or use the MS Outlook Calendar to set up reminders.

Passports, ESTA and API need to be done once you have your passports back. Are you renewing your passports or applying for th efirst time? If the latter, you may need to factor in extra time for interviews/checks etc. If renewing and you have some time left until they expire, you can have up to 9 months added on to a standard passport so don't delay renewing - get them sent off asap!!

For accommodation for weeks 2 and 3, could you manage another 2 or 3 nights at Disney as free DDP could work out at a similar price to a non-Disney hotel plus dining, then book the remaining nights on I-Drive. With regard to the night in Miami, I would personally keep your hotel room in Orlando as it would be a lot of packing to get everything packed up for a single night, then having to unpack it all again when you return to Orlando - keeping your Orlando room means you just have to take an overnight bag

With regard to tolls, if you are flying into MCO then there are only a couple of tolls on the freeway from the Airport - just try and have some small denomination bills ($1 or $5) to pay with, and keep loose change in the car for future use.

ADRs - the fun bit!! Have a trawl through the menus on the site here to see which restaurants you fancy.

HTH.