Top ways to get through those pre-trip days

[LisaZoe]

After spending way too many hours going over the DISboards and other websites trying to travel to WDW vicariously (my DD and I have our first trip in Sept.), I thought I'd see how others pass those impatiently waiting days. Here are the 10 top ways I've been spending the time:

1) Log way too many hours on DISboards to read what others are doing/have done/want to do at WDW. Make lists of all ideas that sound interesting for later research.

2) Keep checking the WDW website to see if they've added anything new - it could happen . Also look for any descriptions of the new ideas discovered in #1.

3) Keep checking Mousesavers website to see if any room-only codes are available. Also check for other money saving tips so we can do more of the new ideas discovered in #1.

4) Re-read sections of various guidebooks to see if I missed anything. Also look for any descriptions of the new ideas discovered in #1.

5) Plan and replan which park, which day, which restaurant, etc. to include the new ideas discovered in #1.

6) Go to local Disney Store and buy "pre-trip" souvenirs - my daughter's friends won't know the difference Money saved now means more things we can do when we get there.

7) Request any "freebies" from WDW that might provide more ideas of things to do.

8) Follow links from DISboard threads to see if anything new is on those!

9) Talk to my DD (not yet 3) about upcoming trip to WDW then spend 30 minutes gently letting her know we aren't going tomorrow (I've learned my lesson... I think).

10) Fall asleep and wake up thinking of all the things I want us to do at WDW and how 8 days just doesn't seem long enough... and maybe it's not SO obsessive to start planning a 2nd trip before we've even gone once. (FYI - we have a family trip - all my siblings and their kids - planned to Disneyland in May 2005).

Oh yeah, here's a new one started today:

11) Read menus of restaurants currently on my list of places to try. Start planning what I might want to eat... like that will work considering I don't even know what I want to eat tomorrow night let alone in 60+ days

How about you?

A final note for those with small children who may have read the above and been concerned about my DD's ability to keep up: While I may be a bit obsessive in my planning, I know my DD and her limits so it's OK if we don't do everything this time... it just gives us a good reason to go back (as if we'd need a reason).

 

[cjeong]

I'm feeling the same - lately my life seems to be the Disboard. And my kids said I didn't have a life!! Is it an obsession to get all the facts and info possible to make this the greatest trip of all time? Anyone else in the same boat??

Being a "aussie from down under" this will be my last trip to the USA with my grown up teens (as they will most probably go on their own in future). Also it will be a short trip so I trying to get as much info as possible and cram them into the 5 short days in Orlando.

Would love to hear of any great tips for January 2005. Or if you have a prepared itinerary would love a copy.

Pre-trip blues:
1) looking for maps to fine tune my itinerary of every theme park.
2) checking out all the resorts to find the best rooms.
3) browsing the DISboards almost hourly to find new postings.
4) sending messages to VET DISboard members for advice.
5) checking out all the activities/rides to know what are the ones not to miss.

Looking forward to my Disney hols!! DISNEY here we come! - no more pre-trip blues.

 

[anditoo72]

Well I am glad I am not the only one!!!! My husband says I am obsessed I have chosen to take that as a compliment

Packing-I have to pack everybody on our trip so, I have been packing the younger kids clothes because If I don't take them out of the rotation they WILL get ruined and added these to the new purchases!!! I have started to think about what I want to bring and what I want DH to bring (that is why I do the packing, I shudder to think what he would pack). This is our first big trip with our RV so I am making sure I have everything for that too!!!

Planning- Dis,Dis,Dis, allearsnet, Dis,Dis,Dis, mousesavers, Dis, Dis,Dis, Disney.com, Dis,Dis,Dis, SteveSoars website, Dis,Dis, Dis- maybe I am obsessive. Also doing and redoing my itenerary's for each park, I think I may have them down. Budget- envelopes and questions- How much we are going to have? What do we need? Did that Change?

Working on my tan-while the kids are outside playing.

Shopping- Snacks, Clothing, and souviners (that I won't have to spend on down there and save some of our budget)

Going Crazy- I want to!! I want to go!! I want to go!!

 

[chop456]

Whew, I thought I was the only one who visitied these boards, at times, every hour! You never know when something new is posted, and I just don't want to miss anything!

Here are a few more things I have done:

1. Went to the Library and checked out the planning books I did not buy and read them. I actually did find out some more things that I want to try!
2. Got my dear friends UG book that she wrote notes in from her recent trip to WDW. Read all of her notes to help in my planning!
3. Planned 2 weekend getaways to keep my mind off of the Disney trip!
4. Started walking more with my new Nike Straprunners (thanks DIS!), they are so comfortable. Also, have my DD6 walking with me.

 

[my3princes]

Wow, we've only got 3+ days left to go and believe it or not my dh and dss are driving me crazy with the "how much longer" and "why can't we leave today" and "how am I going to get through the next 3 days". The new one today from my dh was "do you know where my Mickey watch is, I want to drive the guys at work crazy with the Mickey Mouse March". Anyway I am so busy doing all the prep that other than the DISboards I am constantly moving. I have been putting Disney DVDs and Videos on nonstop for the kids (that is probably why they are so excited). Anyway my entire house is obsessed, not just me (hard to believe isn't it?) I have gone over all of our plans and PSs, called FW to confirm everything and packed most of what I can think of. The cleaning isn't going so well as with 5 kids in the house you get one room done and all of the others need to be cleaned. The goodie bags are filled, I can't put them in the camper until the last minute or they'll find them. We also look at all of our old photo albums. Any more good tips would be appreciated to keep my family sane.

 

[HenDuck]

I always like reading the PRE-trip reports because that's usually the mode I'm in when I'm surfing the DISboards.

I have never even written a trip report because it's usually all a blur when I return home, but I think I could write a pre-trip report in my sleep!

You have probably already done these things, but can I suggest:

1. making tip envelopes
2. getting your quarters an shiny pennies ready for the pressed penny machines
3. picking up a photo album for all the great pictures you're going to take at WDW
4. putting something in the freezer for dinner your first night back
5. getting a massage so you can start your vacation early (my fav).
6. give yourself a pedicure or manicure so you look lovely at the World.

I am assuming since you are on the DISboards you are an obsessive planner and have done your packing lists, to do lists, stopped your mail and newspaper service or set up house-sitting, pet sitting, etc.

If you have done all of the above, you can just look at the rest of us who have months to go and feel soooo lucky!

Have a great trip!

 

[Amirah95]

I get pre-trip panic attaks and I break out in hives. LOL Literally! The hardest part of getting ready is actually after we get everything into to car and we're ready to leave. I look at the house and pray it's alright until we get back or I go back in to check on things. Sad!

 

[missypie]

I'm sort of worried about the opposite for our trip next year. We have 3 kids in dance, one of whom is in company. During "Dance Recital Weekend' we are pretty much at the auditorium all day Saturday and Sunday.

Well, in the days before our WDW trip next year, we'll have dance recital weekend (when ends with costumes strewn all over the house), then 2 of the 3 will have finals, then we'll leave for the World! I will need to have all of my "last minute planning" done well before those last few days!

 

[HeatherAnn23]

I am in the panic attack club - hives included. Now that we are a mere two weeks away I alternate between heart palpitations, and sheer bliss. The funny thing is that I know I'll miss it when we get back! What I have been doing to center myself a little bit is Yoga. My husband recently started working for a health club, and with free membership we try to take advantage as much as possible. So, every day I take 75 minutes to drop my son off in the child care center (which he loves, because they have Mickey toys!) and I take in a Yoga class. I'm FAR from being in shape, so it provides a physical and mental challange that hopefully helps me prepare even more obsessively!!

 

[Papillon]

It's going to be fantastic whatever you do! Don't worry about not having every little thing. It's SO wonderful being at WDW, the rest just falls away.