The phases of waiting...

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Ok, we all know there are lots of opportunities to do the Happy Dance while counting down the days to your next Disney vacation. I thought I'd take a shot at documenting the different phases...

Phase 1: The long, long wait. Your trip is so far away you can't even book it yet.

The first happy dance: You've called Member Services and have your reservation. 11 months to go!

You've now entered the choice zone, where you can choose to use your points at any DVC resort you like. Will you keep your current reservation, or try for something new and exciting? Either way, do a happy dance. You deserve it! Only 7 months until your vacation.

The 180-day point has arrived, and you can busy yourself making all your dining reservations.

Do another happy dance! You're in double-digit range!

Yet another happy dance is in order. You're a month away from your departure date.

Finger and Toe Range. This dance should be the most vigorous, yet. You're only 20 days from being in Disney.

Ten days away! You're close enough to your arrival to use the on-line check in tool.

The very next day is your single-digit celebration. Go crazy with dance!

One week away! One week away! If you wear day-of-the-week undies, you'll only wear them one more time before they go in the suitcase. (Hopefully after a visit to the washing machine, that is.)

It's a few days before you're ready to leave, and time to pack your suitcase. Wait a minute... what normal person packs a suitcase that looks like that?

Ok, that's probably a little closer to the truth for most of us. So, it's time to do the suitcase happy dance. Oh, who am I kidding? We all know you started packing your suitcase a month ago.

One more day to go! You've entered the "too excited to sleep" phase. You might as well dance, instead!

or

You're on your way...

You've arrived!

You have a wonderful time having fun with a couple of mice.

Oh dear. It's the end of your trip and you've arrived back home. Time to leave the world of fantasy and pixie dust, and face reality again. Don't let the Post-Disney Blues get to you. Jump back to the top of the list and do a happy dance that you get to start planning for your triumphant return!

 

[goofydad99]

Thanks for the photo essay. The only thing missing is the for those of us who have to drive.

 

[tara98]

Cute! And very true!

 

[Micca]

Nicely done!

 

[Sandisw]

So love this!!! It is so true for so many of us. Let's see, I am just about to enter the calendar dance phase!!!!

 

[MinnieLee]

LOVE IT and so true!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Awesome ! It's great to put our feelings to photos !

 

[Hopefully]

I love it!!!
I am in the counting down to the double digit dance. We are 107 days away!!!

 

[supersuperwendy]

So clever Dave!!! I think I might ad whichever stage we are in to my signature!! Only ADR range currently ...grrrrr

Or not..I can't figure out how to add it without messing up what I already have

 

[Cee]

This is outstanding. BRAVO! I am finally in double-digits. Less than 3 months away from our Oct. trip to BWV and F & W Festival.

I can't wait for fingers and toes!

 

[Muhlenberg]

Love it!!!

Sadly, we're in the "so far away, don't even know when we're going" phase.

 

[alanapapa]

But you missed one: The first day back and you do not have anything planned stage.

With the economy where it is at and me looking for a job, this is where we are. Our last DVC was March at VGC for DD17's Bday

 

[TLPL]

I think 11-months-piror and 7-months-piror should be 2 different phases... at least to me!
I always book at my home resort on the first day of the 11-months booking window..... and between 11 - 7 months I'll keep flip flopping should I keep the AKV value room I got, or should I try some other resorts/ type of rooms I haven't tried yet. And on the first day of the 7-months booking window, I will call MS again to change my reservation hoping to get something else!

 

[franandaj]

I agree with the PP. I'm in phase 1 for my Dec. 2012 trip. I've made my 11 mo reservations for May 2012 at my home resorts, but hope to switch at 7 mos. And I'm in double digits for a weekend trip to VGC.

Love the photos, especially the daily underwear! Wore them as a kid and haven't thought about it since.

 

[aidansmommy]

LOVE THIS!!!!!!

We're on the almost making our ADRs! I have to say, since finding this board, planning is half the fun!

 

[Rest&Relax]

Awesome job!

Every photo was right on.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. I've updated the list accordingly.

 

[Disneychix]

This is really cute...and true!

Double Digit dancing for me!!

 

[franandaj]

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. I've updated the list accordingly.

Nice update! I didn't even realize that I was in the double digit range for my "Disney Appetizer" (weekend at VGC), I even called today to get on the waitlist for a September event that will hopefully come through. Then I have a wonderful long vacay in WDW preceeded by a tryst with Harry before I visit my old pal Mickey!

You've just reminded me that it is really closer than it seems!