Why am I not excited any more?

[mommanne]

We're going to WDW on 11/17 for 10 days. I've been planning the trip since April and I was so excited! We're celebrating my son's 16th birthday and will be there for Thanksgiving. I've had all my ADR's for months and I've got some great ones. I even arranged for limo service to and from the airport!

Now that it's getting so close, why am I not excited? It's almost as if I'm sick of thinking about it. Does this happen to anyone else?

 

[Happy2B]

Sounds like you've got a bout of overplanneritis. It happens. Burn out from soo much planning and preparation. Don't worry, you've got a memorable trip planned out. As the day gets closer, the excitement will build and you'll have a great time. Enjoy!

 

[mommanne]

I hope that's it! I'm sitting here thinking I need to have my head examined. We've sacrificed, scrimped and saved and paid cash for everything up front and we're going to our happy place, where we haven't been in 6 years!

Thanks!

 

[PolynesianPixie]

You know, you've been planning for so long, perfecting every detail, it is no wonder that you are burning out! I bet you haven't had a bit of help or maybe even aknowledgement of all your hard work! You are done for now, it is as if your excitement would be pointless. Energy expended for no reason! Sure, I think we have all experienced this "let down" or stalling. We who are planners, tend to concern ourselves with the feelings of others more so than our own. I know I feel, from time to time, a worry that those I have planned for (poured out my heart and soul for) may not have the experience that I hoped for. Or that I will undoubtably have for myself! I am currently planning a grand gathering and I wonder if a single other person will feel the passion I do for Disney. It is infectious, so I have confidence and so should you! It is Disney World! Plan accordingly for your 16 year old, and enjoy yourself! You have done the footwork! Relax, and let it all happen! I am certain that once you are packed and on your way, your excitement will come back! Allow Disney to do the work now. Allow yourself to be enveloped in the magic! This is time to let go of reality and believe!


DH

DD11

DD8

DD6

ME

 

[mommanne]

Thanks, you're right, I'm going to just let go now. LOL

That's what it is, all the planning and hoping it goes as well as I hope. I hope all of us have fun, DD 13 and DH will be with us as well and no, they've had no part in the planning because I'm the planner.

And you're right again, all will be well when we're on our way. It's Disney!

I hope your grand gathering goes well; that's a huge endeavor and it's a huge responsibility, so I'm sure you have some fears there, but you're right, it is infectious.

 

[Mrs Grumpy]

The same thing happened to me last year except it didn't hit until the week of our trip. I had been planning that trip for over 4 years and it was all I could think of. That week came and I was so depressed and down. I could not snap out of it. I think I was already thinking it was almost over. It wasn't until I stepped into POP Century did I get excited again.

Now the planning stage has been going for one year and I still have two to go. I am sure it will happened to me again when it gets closer.

 

[PolynesianPixie]

That's the spirit! So where are you staying? What great ADR's do you have? You're only a month away! That is fantastic! Plus 10 whole days is wonderful! You might actually be able to do and see all that you wish! You are truly blessed to have this experience in your grasp! May I live vicariously through you for a moment? My trip isn't until December 2008!


DH

DD11

DD8

DD6

ME

 

[mommanne]

Thanks everyone, you're definitely making me feel not crazy! Grumpy, maybe I am dreading the end of the trip. That would explain a lot.

Pixie, we're staying at CBR, we've been there twice and we love it! We're on the DDP and we're dining at Jiko, Yachtsman, Le Cellier, Boma, LTT, Sci-Fi, San Angel, Kona, O'Hana, WCC for Thanksgiving and another one I can't even remember. My spreadsheet is at the office. Ha!

We're going to the MVMCP too. We've never been to WDW during the holidays, we've only been there in the warmer weather. I think I'm getting stressed out worrying about whether I'll pack enough weather-appropriate clothing and weather delays for the flights. I've got everything planned pretty well but those are the variables. I'm ridiculous that way and I really need to learn how to relax, obviously.

Where are you planning to stay and dine? Who is attending your magical gathering?

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Mommanne~

Well, you picked some great places to dine! I think all my favorites are listed. I've never been to CBR. We stayed at CSR last May for my 8 year old daughter's birthday and had a blast! You are in for such a treat, going for the holidays for the first time! That is my absolute favorite time to go! Disney World is never more beautiful! They truly go all out!

As for weather though, I know that Florida can be fickle, and you never really know, but average temp for that time of year is mid 70's. We went once around New year and I packed all these pants and long sleeves only to find that it was in the 80's! Thank goodness for the washer and dryer! I see you are from Boston, so you will feel like you are in the Carribean for sure! Being there for 10 days, you are certain to have some beautiful weather!

When we left for our daughter's trip in May, we had a 6am flight. It was a surprise for her, so we got up at 3, got ready to go, and just before we left for the airport we had a call that our flight was canceled! Of course, I was devastated! We ended up getting to WDW hours after I had planned, but everything worked out just fine. No one was upset but me. We got there, the trip went on without a hitch, and was just as magical as if we had arrived at noon instead of 3! So seriously...relax!

Thank you for asking about my grand gathering! It will be my family of 5 (3 daughters, hubby and myself), my parents and my sister with her hubby, 3 sons and 1 daughter. We are trying to work out DVC rental (a grand villa at BW). If that doesn't work we will get 3 rooms at the Yacht Club (my dad will only stay deluxe ). I figure we will cook some if we get the villa, but we will definately go to Boma, Chef Micky's, one of the dinner shows and hopefully California Grill. My ADRs are definately NOT in order yet!

Yikes! I realized that I just told you about two gliches in my plans! I didn't mean that to discourage you! I really wanted to show that things happen and a glich does not a ruined vacation make~or something like that. Despite those unexpected turns of events (which are often inevitable), your vacation will still be amazing! Don't fret, and, yes...relax! After all, it is your vacation!

DH

DD11

DD8

DD6

ME

 

[hjd0411]

I thought it was only me!!! I'm sorry that you feel that way, but I'm glad I'm not alone! I guess it is just the anticipation of making sure everyone has a good time, plans go right etc etc. I have started on the WDW nightmares, too!! Hopefully they will go soon!
Anyway I hope you all have great vacations whenever they may be!!

Heather

 

[newholidayx2]

This time in two weeks I'll be at the airport. Heading to WDW for 2 wks to celebrate my 50th!
All the planning is done, now I wait

 

[mommanne]

Pixie, your grand gathering sounds fabulous! I'm dying to stay at the YC and some day I hope to do that!

I've decided to relax and just let it happen and give the planning a rest for a few weeks. If something happens with our flight, we'll get another one, right?

We were last in WDW in 2001 right after 9/11. I was so scared to fly and so not into being happy at that time I almost cancelled the trip. I didn't relax until I sat by the pool at CBR with a Goombay smash and that's when I breathed a sigh of relief. It ended up being a great trip, but we had a glitch. On our last night there my DH had a Red Sox hat on and he and a guy at the pool started talking about how it was our last night there. The guy was also from Boston and asked DH what airline we were taking home. Turns out the airline had gone "under" during our vacation and we'd have to find another flight home. It was all over the news but we hadn't listened to the news!!

My cell phone was dead and we hadn't used a travel agent. I figured we'd have to sort it out once we got to the airport but I was dreading that with two young children, one of whom has special needs.

That man was nice enough to use his Nextel to call different airlines until he found us a nonstop back to Boston. He and I sat by the pool until 2am until he found a flight for us.

Then the next day we all overslept and made a mad dash to catch our flight. It being in the weeks after 9/11 security was insane. Because of the airline that went under the line for check-in was 150 people deep and I almost cried when I saw that because it was an hour before the flight. The porter who'd gotten our bags from the car rental agency brought us to the front of the line!! I slipped him a $20 for that, and then they told us they had to search our bags. He brought us to the front of the line for the baggage check and I gave him another $20 for that! He saw us to the security check before the gate and I gave him a thank you, a big hug and all the money I had left in my pocket. We made that flight with 5 minutes to spare.

So glitches happen and I will remember that in the end everything works out.

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

You know, you've been planning for so long, perfecting every detail, it is no wonder that you are burning out! I bet you haven't had a bit of help or maybe even aknowledgement of all your hard work! You are done for now, it is as if your excitement would be pointless. Energy expended for no reason! Sure, I think we have all experienced this "let down" or stalling. We who are planners, tend to concern ourselves with the feelings of others more so than our own. I know I feel, from time to time, a worry that those I have planned for (poured out my heart and soul for) may not have the experience that I hoped for. Or that I will undoubtably have for myself! I am currently planning a grand gathering and I wonder if a single other person will feel the passion I do for Disney. It is infectious, so I have confidence and so should you! It is Disney World! Plan accordingly for your 16 year old, and enjoy yourself! You have done the footwork! Relax, and let it all happen! I am certain that once you are packed and on your way, your excitement will come back! Allow Disney to do the work now. Allow yourself to be enveloped in the magic! This is time to let go of reality and believe!


DH

DD11

DD8

DD6

ME

WOW!! This post sounds like you are talking to me. OP I have been feeling the exact same way only I thought I was alone. My kids have been fighting nonstop for what seems like forever. They have been whining for the gimmies. I have scrimped and saved for this trip. I have given up all of my wants (and some of my needs) to make this trip happen. I have worked hard for 2 years to make this happen. I am worried my DH (who is not much of a traveler) will hate everything and vow never to return. I am worried my kids will be even more tired therefore at each others throats all week (just enought to insure my DH will never go again). Since I was a little girl we went to Disneyland at least 3 times a year. I have an emotional tie to Disney that the rest of my family does not have (yet ). Sorry to hijack the thread but I just wanted to let the OP know she is not alone and I am glad I found out neither am I.

 

[mommanne]

Goofy, that's part of my worry too! My kids don't get along at all. They also have a serious case of the gimme's, and that's been put aside since April. Every time they ask for something they don't really need I tell them to think about WDW and how much we want to go. That's helped us save a lot of monet for this vacation.

We ordinarily go away for a weekend once a month and we haven't done that since April. We ordinarily go out for dinner once a week and we haven't done that either. We've given up a lot of things we usually do - just for this vacation.

But then I remember; my kids have never gotten along but they got along in Disney World. They were so happy and we were so relaxed that everything was wonderful while we were there. I can't remember one argument while we were there when our kids were younger, so think positive!

I think part of my worry is that the kids are older now, so maybe it won't be as magical as it was years ago. But then again, I remember how pleasant everything is there, and how much distraction there is to keep the kids from annoying eachother. I was so upbeat just being there that the little things didn't annoy me as much either.

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

Goofy, that's part of my worry too! My kids don't get along at all. They also have a serious case of the gimme's, and that's been put aside since April. Every time they ask for something they don't really need I tell them to think about WDW and how much we want to go. That's helped us save a lot of monet for this vacation.

We ordinarily go away for a weekend once a month and we haven't done that since April. We ordinarily go out for dinner once a week and we haven't done that either. We've given up a lot of things we usually do - just for this vacation.

But then I remember; my kids have never gotten along but they got along in Disney World. They were so happy and we were so relaxed that everything was wonderful while we were there. I can't remember one argument while we were there when our kids were younger, so think positive!

I think part of my worry is that the kids are older now, so maybe it won't be as magical as it was years ago. But then again, I remember how pleasant everything is there, and how much distraction there is to keep the kids from annoying eachother. I was so upbeat just being there that the little things didn't annoy me as much either.

We took all 3 kids to a day at the state fair this year (I know a far cry from WDW) and this was the only day my girls ever got along. They went on all the rides together and even held hands and giggled. My DH thought they had been possessed. I know that the fair was only one day and this will be 7 but to me one day at the fair is as hot and tiring as any 10 days anywhere else.

 

[mommanne]

So just think, WDW beats the fair any day! If I were you, the one thing I would keep in mind is the age gap between your oldest and youngest daughters, and maybe you and DH could split up with them for a bit each day for rest or pool time. Unless your 4YO is high energy, it might be too much to keep up with the 10 YO, and the 10YO might not want or need down time.

 

[mickeysaver]

I get that way before our trips too.....something hits me about 6 or 7 weeks out where I just get into a funk. I mean, I know that I need a vacation and I know that I have planned a great one, but man, it's just such a funk that settles in when you have done just about everything possible in advance and there is nothing else to do but wait. Dreaming about it hurts because you start getting insecure about the things that you can't change. Life throws you a curve ball or two along with it sometimes and that definately will take the wind out of your sails.

What I do when that happens? I come here. I talk to my friends and the newbies that need the benefit of my experience. I also start planning for the next trip. You wouldn't believe how much of a lift it is to start planning another one. Granted our next one will be over a year from when we get back, but it's nice to have something else to look forward too.

For all my overplanner buddies! Maggie

 

[Rustysmom]

I kind of know how you feel.

We just went to WDW in August, and for the 8 months before that trip, I was so excited, up to and including when we were there. We knew we were coming back in November, and I was so excited that we would be able to see whatever we missed.

Now our November trip is coming up and I should be all excited again, but I'm kind of not. Maybe it's because we were just there, or that we don't have the free dining which was fun and will have to pay oop, but mostly because so much is going on now.

My DS isn't doing well in school and seems to have a test every day. He's in special ed. and has trouble studying, so I spend hours every night reading the text to him, helping him make notes and showing him what to study. I'm so tired! I'm afraid he's going to have a test when he comes back and he won't be prepared for it, although the teacher said she would give me his work before we leave. I dreaded writing the note to school to excuse him for two days, but luckily they seemed to understand. There's a lot of other stuff going on too.

Gee at this time before the last trip, the suitcases were already upstairs and starting to be packed. Now I don't even know where my camera chargers and sunscreen are.

I hope I have a peaceful 2 weeks to start getting everything together and to get myself all excited to be trying a new resort that we will probably never be able to afford again, or at least for a long, long time. I think I'll have to pop in the Travel Channel show I taped about the Beach Club and maybe that will do the trick.

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Wow! It's been a couple of days since I have been able to check this thread, and so much has become clear now! Mommanne~No wonder you are feeling this let down~this trip isn't nearly as...exciting (for lack of a better word). I can hardly imagine traveling after 9/11. Airports were like war zones, not to mention feeling an almost survivors guilt. I mean, traveling for pleasure to the happiest place on earth after that! I totally get it, this is so much more than planners let down. I hope you are realizing this now so you can have the time of your life!

As for your kids and Goofy's, I know what you mean! My 3 girls are at each others throats half the time. I try so hard to teach an attitude of gratitude, but that is not easy in a society that promotes a "me, me, me mentality." However, the magic of Disney steps in. What would a princess do ? All of a sudden, they are polite, caring individuals. Weird. On the occasions that they weren't, I realized that I had pushed them too hard (my DH is not discluded. He's the grumpiest of the bunch ) As for the oder kids, some of my best WDW memories are when I was a teen, off on my own to cherish the magic. That is when I truly "got it."

Rusty's mom, what did you win?!!! Congratulations! You know, it is hard to get excited when there is a lot of stress going on in your life. It is doubly hard to justify taking time off in these situations, too. However, you have to take care of yourself. You've just been to Disney so make this trip more restful. Don't try to do it all! Enjoy that gorgeous resort and pool! Recharge your batteries and then you will be more prepared to tackle real life! Studies have shown that in order to be a good caretaker, you must first take care of yourself. Otherwise you will be too tired, too burned out and too resentful to take proper care of anything else. It is not indulgence, it is necessary! This isn't just me talking~it's the experts!

I, too, have been there. That old pesty doubt creeps in and tries to ruin everythng. Why do we put so much stock into pleasing others? I find that the more excited I am, the more excited my family is. My DH used to be so anti-Disney. I worried so much when we took trips, that he was looking at everything as just another way to get his money. After a while he started to joke that I would never love him as much as the mouse. Last year, he told me, "I can't believe I am about to say this, but I want to go back to Disney World!" I just about peed my pants! S hang in there! Let DH see how happy this trip makes you! How could he ignore that?

 

[Rustysmom]

Rusty's mom, what did you win?!!! Congratulations! You know, it is hard to get excited when there is a lot of stress going on in your life. It is doubly hard to justify taking time off in these situations, too. However, you have to take care of yourself. You've just been to Disney so make this trip more restful. Don't try to do it all! Enjoy that gorgeous resort and pool! Recharge your batteries and then you will be more prepared to tackle real life! Studies have shown that in order to be a good caretaker, you must first take care of yourself. Otherwise you will be too tired, too burned out and too resentful to take proper care of anything else. It is not indulgence, it is necessary! This isn't just me talking~it's the experts!

I won our upcoming trip to Disney-5 days/4 nights at the Beach Club, tickets, airfare, and $250 for food. ! We won it from a radio station. Actually, my DH won, but I was the one who entered him.

We are definitely going to take it easy on this trip. I have a list of things we missed the last time and we are doing those first, then some favorites, and then we are going to enjoy the resort. We can't run ourselves ragged this time because the kids have to go back to school the day after we come back.

I think I'm starting to get a little excited. I think I just can't believe that we're going back.