Will the stress all be worth it?

[AliceAndJohn]

So my husband and I are going for our honeymoon to Disney World in October/November. It's the first time at Disney for both of us and I am very excited....but....I am also ridiculously stressed!

When we clicked the 'confirm' button and booked our trip I cried; it had been a dream of mine to go to Disney World since I realised such a place existed but my parents were not Disney fans and still don't really get why anyone would want to go. So when my husband to be said he would be happy to honeymoon there it sealed the deal We asked for money towards our trip as wedding gifts but have had to put a lot of our own savings towards it too. Stress point number 1; when you're spending the same as a new car on a trip you NEED it to be pretty awesome to justify it!

Now don't get me wrong I'm still really excited but I have found the whole booking thing rather stressful and when I was booking dining it all came to a head; my husband, as much as I love him, isn't great at planning and is a very picky eater so I trawled through virtually every menu for every restaurant the Disney has available making sure there would be something he would eat at each restaurant I booked. It was long, slow and at times infuriating especially as every time I asked his opinion he would say "I don't really mind, if I don't want anything from the menu I'll just get something from a bakery". Stress point number 2; should I book meals I know he will like but I will probably be a bit bored with or risk pushing the boat out?

The there is the actual booking! Online and on the phone with papers strewn around like I was a modern art instillation try desperately cling on to the last shreds of my sanity. And of course I couldn't get a good few of the restaurants I wanted when I wanted so I had to change most of our plans of the fly. Stress point number 3; should be have fun around eating or eat around fun?


I have just about recovered from the awful ordeal of booking dining but I now have only a couple of weeks before the dreaded fastpass+ booking opens for our trip and to be honest I could cry just thinking about it. I like to have a holiday plan as much as the next person but seriously, choosing what time you want to ride what each day of your trip?! I don't know what we're going to want to ride, or whether it will be raining, or how long it will take us to walk between rides and God forbid one of us is ill! I agree that I don't want to be waiting in line for hours but I also don't want to be racing from here to there unable just to chill out and soak up the atmosphere. Stress point number 4; should we wing it but get stuck in crowds or should I suck it up and age prematurely just to make sure we can ride splash mountain in a 15 minute window!?

We are having some off Disney days in the middle of our trip and it pains me to say it but I think I'm probably looking forward to them more; we can just go at our own pace and it doesn't matter if we change our minds about somewhere or just decide to stay in bed all day as my months of planning won't have gone to waste. Stress point 5; We're paying SOOOOO much for our trip and I already know we're going to need a vacation from the vacation!

This is more of a rant than a question but I'd really love to hear from other people who feel the same or have some advice to offer. And please tell me it's all going to be worth it!? Thanks x

 

[undchefreak]

I have just a few thing on this to give you comfort:
Point 2: I travel with a person who has stomach issues. She basically has agreed to go to adventurous places (Sanaa, mainly) where there's a chance her stomach won't let her eat anything because of the spices. There are plain kids options, so I'm hoping that we can talk to a chef and get a plain adult version of these (at table service restaurants, you can't get kids meals for adults). If boring food will impede your enjoyment, I say go for it a few times (not every time) and allow time for him to eat if he can't find anything.

Point 3: Definitely have fun while eating, but even more outside of it. If you are on a dining plan (hopefully free) you pretty much need to book the table services, but there are websites that help plan around crowds to decrease the time in lines and lessen stress around making your reservation time. My favorite is easywdw for their comprehensive crowd calendars, but others have their favorites.


Point 4: First off, unless it's been changed in the last 6 months, FP+ times are given for 1 hour slots. They can't overlap. You can have 3 at one park (which works against park hopping), but after you use these 3, you can get more if they are available. I use the crowd calendars to plan which park I want to focus on, and then note the rides that I really want, and these are the ones I FP (My top ones are Toy Story in DHS and Soarin' at EPCOT). There's no penalty for not using a FP, so if you don't want to trek over to ... you don't have to. (I'm sure you know there is a penalty for missing a reservation at a restaurant, so if you don't want to go, be sure to cancel before that day.)

Point 5: Some of my most remembered/enjoyed days were wandering around the resorts of Disney World, playing mini golf or waiting for the fake Old Faithful at Wilderness Lodge to go (I've never actually stayed there, but spent a lot of time at this property). To enjoy this trip, remember that you don't need to go like a commando. Do a little research, know what you NEED to do, and when you can do more, enjoy it. It's stressful to wake up for rope drop and stay until closing, but if you're tired in the middle of the day, leave. This is the busiest time of the day at the parks, so the best time to take a break.

My first 6 day Disney trip was crazy, and I needed a vacation after, but if I had taken a few of these tips from my future self, it would have been great. I've gone back several times, and each time is more enjoyable than the last; I discover new little details, and appreciate that someone put that there for the tired person just needing a little break.

 

[godders]

ok breathe......!!

The above poster has some really good advice so put that with all the advice/knowledge/info on the boards you will be fine!!!

You are going at a pretty good time to WDW when it shouldn't be too busy so you should be able to ride everything you want to but it's ok to skip things too. Don't think you have to try and fit every single little thing in because it will probably just stress you out when you are there. You can find lists and descriptions of all the rides on the Disney website so have a look through and see if there are any that really take your fancy and try to hit up those or try to get them on FP+. I would definitely look at a few crowd calenders on touringplans.com for example and look to see the expected crowds on the days you want to do certain parks. If they seem really busy know that you'll want to hit them at rope drop and then maybe head back to your hotel late morning for a swim and then hit the park again in the evening.

In relation to food I would say: Maybe try and compromise. Ask your partner if he would mind trying a restaurant you would really like to go to and say before hand that it's ok if there is nothing on the menu he would like because you will go and find him something after. Then you both know what could happen and are prepared for it.

For choosing FP+ yes you do get an hour window but I would look at either rides you definitely know you want to do or the most popular ones. Toy Story at Hollywood Studies always has a line no matter the time of year as do Test Track, Soarin' and I imagine 7DMT at Magic Kingdom. Maybe look at those for your fastpasses and then you could always leave a slot open (pick two rather than 3) so if you want to go on a ride but the line is too long for you then you can grab one straight away.

Also if you generally aren't a commando style tourist packing your holidays full of things then don't be at Disney. Seriously have a late breakfast or mid-day swim, go play mini golf or go resort exploring. You are still at Disney and seeing all the imagination they put into things without all the crowds and line stress.

Disney is a magical place but one thing to bear in mind is that there might be things that you don't like or sometimes it will rain in the afternoons (Remember to buy a poncho!) but that's ok! You are at Disney and everything will be fine!

Please feel free to PM me if you'd like any ride recommendations or anything!!!

 

[gules]

Honeymooned at Disney as well, and my husband and I loved it so much we go back just about every year.

Stress Point 1: It is your vacation and you can enjoy it however you like! Are you two staying for a long time or staying somewhere at club level? A new car (around 25k) seems like a very large comparison for a vacation to Disney. I'm asking since looking at the amount of money in a completely realistic fashion can sometimes help with anxiety (it does with mine). Either way, you don't have to justify spending money to have fun on your honeymoon with the man you love.

2: What kinds of things does he like? Versus what you would like to do? You don't have to do all of this alone, and we on the boards can help you! But I think that you can probably find something you can both eat at most restaurants. IMO it will be good for him to try new things, and it seems like he's just as happy to see YOU happy with your food experiences.

3: I think eating can be fun and it can also be stressful. So it depends. If there are places you want to eat because it just seems so cool, go ahead and book. Aim for breakfasts or dinners, since you won't have to worry about it in the middle of the day. If you are just worried about 'maximizing' your experience: DON'T! It's going to be fine no matter how many or how few places you eat at. It will be fun no matter how many or how few rides you ride. Slow down and space things out a bit.

4: As others have said, FP windows are for an hour. Figure out what rides you two totally want to do and get FPs for the most popular of them. My husband and I jokingly "ride the line ride" a lot, and we see it as an opportunity to people-watch, soak things in, and talk to each other. We play games in line (heads-up; I Spy; word games; whodunits) and talk to other people who seem friendly. Sometimes I send him out to heroically retrieve churros or another snack. Space out your FP windows, or plan for rides that are close together on the map. Again, we can help you here at the boards if you want! I've never missed a FP window by accident, and have actually showed up way too early for some when I planned a day. I was in more of a tizzy over what to do to kill time than I was about getting the FP!

5: Our philosophy about Disney vacations is: If we need another vacation when we get back, we did it wrong! No need to overplan. Being with each other and soaking in the magic will already be worth a lot of your money. Since it's your first time, maybe get a couple fact books to flip through during park breaks, wait lines, or waiting for your res time in restaurants. It'll give you two something to do together and also open your eyes to new things the more you walk around the parks!


So in short... let us help you! At least three of your stress points can be helped along by people in the forums. Others ask for restaurant help and touring plan critiques all the time (and also "what should I ride if I like X but not Y?" kinds of questions). Let's get to stress-busting!

 

[officialkt]

I have very little to add to the great advice above other than say you might like to keep a Journal as this is your first visit..each day has so much to offer it gets tricky rememberin it all as the days progress.
As a side point you might find the book..the hidden magic of walt disney world...interesting.
Its a great read on the run up to your trip.
Enjoy

 

[Hisgirl]

Awww...congratulations on your upcoming wedding and welcome to the states! I know you are going to have such a great time! What time of year are yall coming?

If it's summer time, I hope you are prepared for the heat and humidity. My UK friend nearly melted in July. Bring a tiny battery operated fan if you are.

I would book some restaurants where you have been looking forward to going. Time slots are always opening up so keep checking back. Then book a few where your DH will be happy. Marriage is all about compromise. If he needs to find something somewhere else, then let him. This will be an ongoing thing for the rest of your marriage so might as well get used to it. The menus are so varied, he might be more okay than he realizes.

Yes, to choosing your FP+. Don't even think about not having them. You can change them out if you need to and as we found ourselves touring slower than I had planned, I was forever changing the times. If there are rides that are "must do" for you, absolutely get your reservation!

You'll have a great time. Don't stress too much. Also, regarding food, don't try to plan three sit down meals a day. That's way too much food and way too much time. Enjoy simple things part of the day and save some time.

Enjoy your honeymoon and I hope you have many days of happiness with your hubby!

 

[bryanb]

A lot of people get stressed out under the weight of too much planning and worrying about the cost of the trip.

The bottom line is that the two of you are getting to spend some time together!

I would urge anyone enjoying a first visit to WDW to underplan, and enjoy more spontaneity. To many people are concerned about getting their time and money's worth, and end up getting neither due to the added pressure.

Don't rush around from appointment to appointment. Make fewer plans. Stroll the parks, enjoy whatever moment that strikes you. And have fun together!

 

[MPB82]

A few things:

1) relax it's your honeymoon. Nothing has to be done perfectly. You are newly married, enjoy it.

2) you might get sick, it might rain, but it might not happen. I went with my girlfriend she got sick after Trex and we missed a day as she recovered in bed, it sucked but it didn't ruin the vacation.

3) food. Disney has a few places that you must get reservations but most you can go ask for a table and wait. You don't have to reserve every meal every day. I am going in October for my honeymoon. I did ADR's for only a few places this far out. As for what he eats? Most places will have food similar to an Applebee's or ruby Tuesday, some won't. Just check thm out and pick but don't stress over it.

Disney can be done without al the planning, people just do it because there is so much. Just have fun. Oh and if this trip is costing you what a new car costs you drastically overspent, are staying for a real long time, or cars in your area are mighty cheap. We are going for 10 days, staying at POR and including airfare we are at about 4000$

 

[karly05]

I've skimmed responses, so apologies if this has been said:

Something I've read multiple times on the Dis: a lot of menus make things sound more fancy/exotic than they are - AND many people have reported that Disney is good about leaving off sauces, or serving them on the side. I agree with the PP who said try to book a combination of some restaurants you really want to try and some you think he'll like.

I don't think you mentioned where you are staying. That can make a big difference in the price. My first three trips were all Deluxe stays, but when I started planning annual trips, I had to save a little somewhere. I've started staying at POFQ and love it, it's pretty and charming. If you are staying Deluxe and the money is worrying you, consider changing to a Moderate resort. All the Mods have their fans here; check out the FAQ and photo threads on the resorts board.

Mostly, breathe and relax and enjoy what you do get to do. My first trip was with my sister; we had about 3 1/2 days. There were plenty of things we didn't get to on that trip, but I had a wonderful time enjoying the things we did do. There will always be a next time (even if you think there won't ).

 

[AliceAndJohn]

Firstly I'd like to sincerely thank each and everyone of you for responding; you have no idea how much it means to me especially as I'm having a pretty bad day (so bad in fact I have a tray of brownies in the oven as we're going to need them!).

I think it would be helpful if you all knew a bit more about us. Firstly we are already married and we will be celebrating 18 months married and 4 years together when we are at Disney so our honeymoon is pretty belated! We actually spent two weeks having a seriously laid back road trip right after the wedding (we didn't even book hotels; we just used laterooms.com and booked whatever looked nice at the time!) but generally we like to have a plan of attack for our holidays.

Also my stress levels aren't helped because I'm a student and currently trying to write my dissertation proposal which is a beast of its own. My husband also hates his job which, as I'm sure you can appreciate, really doesn't help!

We are also in the process of getting a mortgage to buy our first home which at this rate looks as though we will have the keys about 4 weeks before we go to Disney. Fun fun fun!

We love spending time together and frequently go on day trips to escape from the stress of our rented dive and talk the world over. Having said this we have both admitted we are a little nervous about going to Disney as we have never been together for so long in one stretch. This brings me nicely on to my point...

Our Disney Holiday!

We are staying at Pop Century from 30th October to 20th November. That's right people a whole 21 nights..hence the price! All in all our trip will probably cost around £7000 (or $11,500), which would easily buy us a new car and we'd have money to spare. It was a dream of mine to go though and since this may realistically be the only time we are able to afford to come we wanted to make the most of it. My favourite celebration of the whole year is Halloween so I was desperate to come to Disney for that and my husbands favourite celebration if Christmas; we are staying for such a long time because it means we are able to attend both the Halloween and Christmas parties. I really don't want any of this to sound ungrateful either as I really appreciate just how lucky we are to even be able to go on any kind of holiday.

Would people be OK if I posted our current plans?

undchefreak - Thank you so much for telling me that the Fastpass+ windows are an hour, that has drastically reduced the stress level! Also I'm sure I read somewhere that you are able to get adult sizes (and prices) of the kids meals at some restaurants if you ask nicely!

godders - I love your idea of missing the middle of the day if it is really busy. With all the Christmas lights up it should be really pretty when the sun starts to set too

gules - You're so right about maximising our experience I think I've been so caught up in Disney Fever that I want to do everything and it's stresing me our because I know we probably wont have time. We have opted for mostly brunches and then either early or late dinner so that we have plenty of time either side of eating.

Hisgirl - We have booked two meals a day as you're right, 3 meals is almost invariably too many; we only really eat two meals a day normally anyway. And you're also right about marriage being about compromise hence why I've watched every episode and film every made by the Star Gate franchise! That's love right there!

bryanb - It's funny how there are as many people who say PLAN PLAN PLAN as there are people who prefer Crush's more laid back approach! I'd love to be able to strike a health balance but I guess we won't know that until we're there.

MPB82 - I think the money comes from a combination of all of those! We'd never buy a new new car (always a good quality second hand one), we are staying for a really long time and I have over spent!

karly05 - We are staying at a value resort as I've read so many posts about how little time you actually spend in the room which I think is a really good point but buy if I had the cash you'd have to drag me kicking and screaming out of the Yacht Club! I'm considering booking our last night there because it's so beautiful! I think we will go back to Disney but I'd really love to check out Disneyland California next and I'd love to think we could take our children so they don't miss out on the experience but those are a while away yet!

Again thanks to everyone and I'm sorry this reply was so long but I wanted to respond to each one of you xxx

 

[AliceAndJohn]

officialkt - Sorry I missed you out! Your idea about a journal is genius! Especially as we will want to remember every tiny detail and bore our family and friends! And the book recommendation sounds great what better way to kill time on an 8 hour plane trip to Disney than to read about Disney?! Incidentally which part of Lincolnshire are you from? x

 

[bryanb]

How awesome to enjoy a 21 day holiday at Disney! I'm feeling excited for you.

Some people feel much better when they plan -- and less relaxed when they don't -- so I guess I shouldn't assume that everyone is like me.

With 21 days, you have such a wonderful luxury of time so I'm very happy for your trip. Even if there's one meal that wasn't to your liking or a day where you missed an attraction, you have plenty of time to make up for it!

 

[gules]

If you want a full plan critique, you may want to post a new thread, but I know that I wouldn't mind responding here.

With 21 days you have TONS of time even if you decide to go off-site. I wouldn't do so much worrying! There is no need to be anxious that you will miss anything OR that you will overtax yourselves. At that rate you'll have plenty of time for people-watching and getting to rides however you like.

Regardless of where you want to post your plans, here are some questions that would help us help YOU to narrow things down!

1) What kinds of things do you and your husband like to eat?
2) Are there any places you totally have your heart set on food-wise?
3) Are you attending the Halloween and Christmas Parties?
4) Are there any characters you particularly love?
5) Are you planning to go anywhere else in FL while you're here, or is the whole stay on Disney property?
6) Related to 5, how many days do you plan to actually spend in the parks?
7) Related again, are you planning on doing any of the other parks in the area? (Universal, Sea World, etc)
8) What kinds of rides do you like? Or definitely DON'T like?
9) Are there any rides/shows/meet and greets that you have your hearts set on?
10) Do you know about/have/are interested in things like the Dining Plan or Memory Maker (so we can help maximize or answer questions)? Interested in Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom?

With this kind of stuff in mind, I bet we could all help you group up a loose plan that will have targeted goals but interchangeable goals with plenty of downtime and extra options so you have time to goof off, relax, or just get a change of scene. Weather in Oct/Nov is pretty decent as well. Not too hot, no longer quite as rainy... juuuust right IMO. And I assume you're going this year? Or next year?

 

[officialkt]

officialkt - Sorry I missed you out! Your idea about a journal is genius! Especially as we will want to remember every tiny detail and bore our family and friends! And the book recommendation sounds great what better way to kill time on an 8 hour plane trip to Disney than to read about Disney?! Incidentally which part of Lincolnshire are you from? x

Hi Alice,

Wow 21 days ... how lucky for you.
I've already got my daughter jealous of my upcoming ten day Disney break, but
I did invite her from the start..I don't see how Malta with her boyfriend is better than Disney with Dad..
Anyways I'm from Sunny Scunny..Scunthorpe.

 

[PlutoFan10]

21 days is a long time! Perfectly acceptable to post your current plans. The experienced DIsney people on this board will be glad to help guide you. In the end, though, this is your honeymoon -- look at the suggestions and put together plans that work for you. This will be a wonderful opportunity to de-stress your life for 21 days. If you tried to do everything in one week, it would be more rushed, stressful, and exhausting. We go to WDW at least once per year (empty nest adults) and do not worry about seeing everything in a single trip -- this is the place we go to de-stress from life! You will have time to see all you want....just spread it out. Take time to explore resort areas. The bus system will take you to any resort from the Ticketing and Transportation Center, any park, or Downtown Disney. Check out the Boardwalk, have ice cream at Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club, take the monorail to the Contemporary, then ferry over to Wilderness Lodge....lots of things for relaxing days here and there. Now that you have dining reservations, you will know which parks you will be in and when (and you can try to change them after you settle on a final plan that works for you.) You can either choose some FP reservations in the parks where you will be dining, or select FP in the park of your choice on days when you will only be using quick service meals (no reservations required). some days we will have a nice table service breakfast and that will be our only large meal for the day. It may seen overwhelming right now, but you have plenty of time to relax and enjoy. If you don't feel like following your plan for a day because your feet hurt or don't feel well, not a problem! Dining reservations can be cancelled and FP reservations can be left unused. Most of all, ENJOY! It's a magical place!

 

[AliceAndJohn]

Officialkt: Sunny sunny England in general! We love a day trip at mablethorpe each year and my Dad goes pigeon shooting every year in Louth. We live in Northamptonshire. I'd much rather be at Disney too but if it meant going without my husband....tough call!

 

[officialkt]

Bryanb: Sunny sunny England in general! We love a day trip at mablethorpe each year

As a boy my first holidays where in lovely Mablethorpe and now like you
its Walt Disney World...it must be a natural progression.

 

[AliceAndJohn]

Thanks everyone you've all really helped. I think I'll start a new thread and post our current touring plans and a list of things I really want to do; I'd really appreciate your help and advice.

Thanks again,

Alice x

 

[mevelandry]

I have one tip about the FP: I book them all around my ADRs (lunch and dinner, since during the afternoon, the parks are more crowded), this way, we're free to change parks if whenever we want once we're done with ADR/FP.

How many park days/21 days have you planned?

DH ans I had had our first trip/honeymoon in WDW, and yes, it can be overwhelming (6 nights was overwhelming!) ... But once you'll be there... It's all gonna be worth it.