Planning Stress

[Mrs.Morrow]

Is it just me or is planning for Disney getting increasingly stressful every year? I've been going to Disney for years with my family and my last two trips have been with my SO. I've never seen my parents become as stressed anywhere near to how I am. Planning for Disney used to be the second best part of the trip now I almost dread it. Last time we got the DDP and felt everything was too based on where we're eating. No DP this go around and I still feel like we're not getting the most out of our trip. I understand that you shouldn't be planning out every last detail and things change, but between reservations, making use of park hopper, and short park hours (going in September), I feel I have to have to plan everything. Any advice?
Thank you

Edit: This is the last time we’ll be going for a very long time which is why I want to get the most of out the trip and do as much as we can. That is why it’s stressful, or maybe a better word as another poster said “an annoyance”. We love Disney or else we wouldn’t be going. We look forward to the trip, counting down every day. Everyone has a different way of doing things.

 

[yensid67]

To add another thing..If it gets stressful to the point of where it isn't fun anymore (some people, myself included enjoy the pressure) use an authorized Disney vacation planner. Its free, and you can give them an idea of what you want to do and where you want to eat and let them be in charge of booking everything. Then, you can move/add/change as you please. If removes the stress of sitting waiting for a reservation to pop up, or a fast pass availability to open.

Can you use this if you are staying off site and just need FP's and dining? How do I use one...where do I go?
I am thinking this is just for resort guests!? I think they should have these(if they don't) for FP's and dining reservations only by anyone! It would relieve stress from the guests and more would be apt to plan more trips if this aspect was available as a help!

 

[MomofPrincessGrace]

Can you use this if you are staying off site and just need FP's and dining? How do I use one...where do I go?
I am thinking this is just for resort guests!? I think they should have these(if they don't) for FP's and dining reservations only by anyone! It would relieve stress from the guests and more would be apt to plan more trips if this aspect was available as a help!

Ask @Kingdom Konsultant ! She can answer these questions for you!

 

[sxeensweet]

Nope I don’t think it gets more stressful each year at all. We only plan what days at each park, fast passes, and dining. Not every minute of every day so it’s not much to plan, and enjoy the planning process.

 

[Dave B]

You cannot put yourself through stress over something you absolutely cannot control. You can put yourself in the best position possible to get yourself the activities and rides you and ADR's you want, but you cannot go wrong with anything you can get. I have not been able to get dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern at WDW on Thanksgiving for the last three years and I have been on early at the ADR reservation mark, but it has not ruined my trip in any way or added stress, we just found a great alternative each time, now I will go for it again this year next month, hopefully I can get it. I also try almost every day after, luckily I have time at work to look, but again, does not add stress or ruin my trip, just be thankful that you get to go and enjoy the things you are able to get, dont stress about what you have nt been able to do. I really hope that you can take a deep breathe and enjoy your trip, because at the end of the day it is vacation and you should get the fun and relaxation that comes with it all. Thinking good thoughts for you.

 

[DisneyJoe]

Stress is a choice.

 

[Mrs.Morrow]

No advice here, but just want to say i know exactly how you feel.
Im going in 6 weeks and my stress levels are through the roof!

I know once we get there it will be well worth it. Have a great trip!

 

[Mrs.Morrow]

Seriously - - Hakuna Matata.

We have never stressed about any vacation - - - - I honestly do not understand people - - If you get so stressed out about booking a Disney Vacation you really SHOULD look for other things to do.

A vacation should be a chance to loose some stress in your life - - - not gain more BEFORE you even get there???

Take a breather people - - - - - please - - life is far too short to be up at 12:01 waiting to book fast passes for a "Dopey" mine cart ride.

I think it’s more stressful this time because it’s the last time we’ll be going for a while so we want to get in as much as we can. I know we can’t do everything Disney has to offer, just want to make the most of it. I know once we get there we’ll be the happiest people.

 

[Mrs.Morrow]

Stress is a choice.

You’re right. Planning a Disney trip of all things should not be something to stress over. I’ll keep that in mind

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

Stressing over a vacation is never good. Stressing while on vacation is even worse!

Pam

 

[Ricky Spanish]

Just made fast passes today.
No stress here.
No dining reservations either.
Never have a problem getting a table.
Matter of fact, last year we walked up to the Biergarten at lunchtime on the day before Thanksgiving.
We got seated, no problems.
Disney is a stress free zone for us.
There are more important things in life to worry about than if we will ride Soarin or eat at Be Our Guest.

 

[jaklgreen]

I don't think WDW vacation planning is any different from any place else. You need to plan when you go on vacation(well you should). I am planning our first ever trip to Hawaii and I have put in more time and research into this trip then most Disney trips combined. I don't find the planning stressful. I find going to a destination and not knowing where I am going or what to do stressful, not to mention a waste of my vacation time and money.

 

[ELG13]

With it being your last trip for a while it's understandable why it's stressful. You want to squeeze all the magic out of it. We did a big trip last year and while I enjoyed the planning, my husband was so stressed that I noonger included him unless it was something I knew REALLY mattered. It's a lot to think about so far in advance but after last year's trip I realized we didn't do some things we thought were must dos for us and we didn't even relaize it until we got home lol!!!

Enjoy the ride bc it will be over before you know it and you will miss it...oh and wine. Lots of wine helped me

 

[yensid67]

Stressing over a vacation is never good. Stressing while on vacation is even worse!

Pam

NEVER A GOOD IDEA!
Hey Pam...If you do not stay on property at Disney resort hotel, can you still use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner for FP's, Dining Ressies, etc?
I assume the answer is going to be NO!

 

[Crazydisneygirl]

I would be stressed it if was my first time. Last trip was 2014 and we are going again in September so we have an idea on heat/crowds. I get advice from everyone on where did they want to eat. Then my job is to fit it all in - what day which park, getting the reservations 180 days out (got all we wanted). Next up is fastpasses. But I also love my spreadsheet with hours, reservation etc.

We also get the hopper to allow us to go to different parks in the afternoon or evening. We stay within walking distance to Epcot so many meals are there after a rest in the afternoon.

I have found there are many night that MK is closing due to the Halloween parties. That made me move a few dates around. As this trip get more and more expensive ( in 2014 went with 5 adults for the same cost of 3 adults this time - same dates/hotel. Crazy. I will not be back for at least 4 years so want to make this trip very special. Also the last trip my son will be going on with us. So ,trying to make it the best ever.

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

We do help those staying off property but we do charge a planning fee for that if they book the accomodations on their own. Planning comes free of charge to those that book with us though and that is whether you stay on or off property.

Pam

 

[WDWMPrincess]

Is it just me or is planning for Disney getting increasingly stressful every year? I've been going to Disney for years with my family and my last two trips have been with my SO. I've never seen my parents become as stressed anywhere near to how I am. Planning for Disney used to be the second best part of the trip now I almost dread it. Last time we got the DDP and felt everything was too based on where we're eating. No DP this go around and I still feel like we're not getting the most out of our trip. I understand that you shouldn't be planning out every last detail and things change, but between reservations, making use of park hopper, and short park hours (going in September), I feel I have to have to plan everything. Any advice?
Thank you

Edit: This is the last time we’ll be going for a very long time which is why I want to get the most of out the trip and do as much as we can. That is why it’s stressful, or maybe a better word as another poster said “an annoyance”. We love Disney or else we wouldn’t be going. We look forward to the trip, counting down every day. Everyone has a different way of doing things.

I last planned a Disney trip back in 2002 and as far as I can tell the planning hasn't changed much in complexity. If anything I'd say it has gotten easier. Back then Cindy's Table was one seating a day at breakfast and required a commitment to have everyone fully dressed and somewhat awake at the specified entry kiosk as dawn was still creeping over the horizon. None of the shuttles were running that early so we had to drive out and pay for parking for the day.

I still felt like I had to had to plan everything and feel like that now as well, though. I do it for all our trips so here I was thinking that's just my style of travel, though.