Anyone Else Not Have Such a "Magical" Disney Vacation?

You're not alone. I felt the same way after Disney World, it was my first time. My wife however it was her second trip and she didn't share my feelings. Its really for the kids so you feel the need to do it all. The cost was in the back of my mind like Ina G said, so you feel you have to see everything, do everything.
I've stated on here a few times that we had a blast, which we did, but it was mentally exhausting for me.
All that being said, we are planning a trip back in Dec '13. :)

Can't say I've never had a magical "vacation". However, I never look at it as a vacation. I never say "Disney vacation" because it's exhausting. It's a lot of fun, the kids love it, but it's exhausting.

ive never gone but ive heard this from quite a few people.. My aunt n uncle have been going every year since my cousins were mayb 2&4 yrs old..and my aunt said it didnt start really being fun until they were old enough that they didnt have to worry about stuff like naps and potty/snack breaks

I've taken our family to Disney Word and Disneyland many times. My first trip was in 1957 when the tickes were A,B,C,D, &E. E was for the WOW rides. That's where the phrase "E ticket ride" came from. We were occasionally stressed, but we had loads of fun. Our last trip to Disney World was on a 10-day park hopper. No stress, just fun. We were there for 14 days. The other 4 days were visiting other parks and attractions. I cannot even begin to tell you how much fun we had as a family.

My wife and I only looked at the clock to make sure we were there to meet the kids at pre-arranged meeting times to eat as a family and to make sure everyone was ok and having fun. We took 4 under 6 when our kids were little and we never watched the clock for naps or meals or anything except to note when the park was going to close.

But I'm a laid back kind of guy. When it became nap time, we'd feed the kids and sit down in the shade of a tree. The next thing you know, the kids are sleeping with full stomaches and everyone is getting recharged for the next walk in the park. If we missed their nap "time" by an hour, so what. Our kids would start to fall asleep in our arms and we'd stop for something to eat and naps. We always had a wonderful time.

Nap time is so the kids can rest. Their biological clocks will tell them when to sleep. Parents take advantage of the kids rest time so the parents can rest. My wife and I would divide the time up for own naps. I'd usually give her the first 30-45 minutes and I'd take the next 30-45 minutes. I knew the kids would have fun. My chief concern was that my wife have fun too. We love family and know every one in the family has a roll to play, including my wife and I. I guess that's why we had 8 kids. We have enough love to fill at least 8 hearts.

We just had our 25th grandchild (22 October) and we still love it. We don't get around as quickly as we used to, but we still love family and are so glad we had 8. Disneyland and Disney World are for "Kids of all ages".

If the kids nap at 2:00 pm instead of 12:30 pm like they did at home, don't worry, be happy. It will all work out in the wash. Hope you can relax more for your next trip.

Good luck to you and yours.

I have never been to Disney, but we have been to many places and felt like this. The problem is that you paid a lot of money for the trip and are "trying to make the most out of it".
The remedy is to relax and remember what the trip is for. It's not about trying to get the most bang out of your buck or seeing as many things you can in the time that you have. It's about being with your family and creating enjoyable memories for you and your children - even if that means you only see a fraction of the attractions.
We do still occasionally fall into the trap of trying to see it all, but most we try to remind ourselves that we will have a better time seeing a few things and having fun than rushing through all of it.
Good luck.

I know you want empathy, but I honestly have to say that our last trip was very magical. My husband lost his job the Thursday before we left for Disney. Talk about a stressful vacation with a black cloud over our head! Let me just say that something 'magical' happened EVERYDAY that we were there (e.g. we were asked to be in a parade, I was "serenaded" by four high school boys who were trying to cheer me up because I was crying on a bench the morning of our departure). As awful as the circumstances were, I look back and see just how magical that trip was. I hope that you can look back and find the magical memories you had with your family.

That's because, as my husband puts it, Disney is not a vacation - it's an adventure!

If this was your first trip to Disney World, it can be overwhelming. You feel like you have to see everything and do everything and dealing with kids that are preschool age and younger just makes it harder. We had a great time when we took my stepsons when they were 6 and 7 and at those ages, it's definitely easier. They can go longer, have more stamina and patience, and don't usually need naps in the afternoon (although taking some kind of break is helpful). We still had fun when we went back 10 years later, and our daughter was 3.5 - but we also stayed longer and felt less pressure to see everything in 1 day, because we knew we could always back a second day. We didn't pay too much attention to time, except to know when a parade or show was going to start, and to know when it was lunchtime and we should think about heading back for a rest.

Try to go back again when the kids are around 7 or 8. They should be easier to manage and they will remember more of it. Get the Unofficial Guide to Disney World for that year - they come out with a new edition every year and the following "touring guides" it provides can make a huge difference. Try to go for a week or more, because then that gives you a few extra days to go back to whatever park you want to visit again. And if possible, go at a slower time of the year.

Strange: I never looked at my clock, really....except for a special event we'd scheduled for the evening. However, I remember my parents doing that: trying to get it ALL done in one day and stressing out. We just go with it and have fun. Sure I want to see and do it all, but we will see and do what we can without making it too hard because that's more important. A lot of it is planning, the rest is just execution. Sorry you're so tired. :)
I thought Disney was totally magical when I took my 5 year old this May. It was short, short, short (3 days) but it was fun. I'd looked over the map and basic time for stuff the night before in the hotel, and knew that we were going to Magic Kingdom the first day, Animal Kingdom the second (it closes early so I figured by end of the 2nd day, we could use an early evening to eat out, walk around, swim, go to bed early) and then "whatever he chose" on the third. I plotted out which way we'd go and why. We were there early so we go to see the opening show, dancing, and fireworks that opened the gate up close. I had an amazing time just watching my son's eyes, lol. We rode the train to Frontierland and got there before anyone else that way and missed the crowd down Main St. We rode rides, laughed and laughed, did a lot of pretending. We ate when hungry, drank when thirsty, used the restroom when we saw one. (Snacks/drinks in the backpack). We left a little later than the normal naptime (because a nap was important for later that night). We woke up, showered, ate dinner, went to a pirates & pals party, cruise, and watched the fireworks from the water, and were surprised by Peter Pan when we docked. Just watching my son was more magical than I could have imagined. We did everything at Animal Kingdom (like 100 times on Everest, Dinosaur, and those rapids too), and we did miss Buzz Lightyear and the speedway at Magic Kingdom, we purposely skipped the Hall of Presidents and Haunted Mansion, but everything else we did and that's a success to us, even though we did hope to hit the speedway and Buzz.
November 1, I take my 2 year old (almost 3) to Disney. So looking forward to it! I've got a hotel closer with free shuttles every 30 minutes this time, instead of me driving back and forth. I'll have my backpack with snacks and drinks as before, but carrying the small stroller also. He probably won't use it much, but since I'll be alone with him I figure it's best to push it around than for my little guy to get too tired and cranky when we're halfway through the park and still have to walk far to the shuttle. :) We're going to be there before it opens (we're early birds anyway) and see the little show, go through the rides and shows, eat/drink as needed, potty when we see one, and just go with the flow. He'll have a slightly later nap (easy to do when they're excited and busy) so that he can see fireworks that night. I'm looking forward to it! But the only "scheduled" thing I have for 2 1/2 days is on the first day: get there before it opens (easy to do; we wake up at 6:30 every morning, and it doesn't open til 9), a character dinner at 6pm, and the fireworks that evening. Everything else is just "magic".

No - we love it and can't wait to go back for the holidays. The only and best way to do Disney is staying at a Disney resort on the dining package and go for at least a week. The key is to plan a little before your trip - plan which parks your going to and book your restaurants and shows based on that. We usually book a late character breakfast or nice lunch to slow us down and force a little relax time while enjoying a nice meal midday. We do quick service meals and shows or parades late day to wind us down. We have been going every year since my son was 1- he's now 4. We went back for naps and to re-charge since we were on property - it was easy. He loves it and knows what to expect which I suppose makes it a little easier. I disagree that kids should be older because a little magic is lost when they know the characters are dressed up people and not the magical creatures they see in the movies. I'm sorry your exhausted but if you were home you'd probably be chasing them about anyway. Dinseyland is much smaller and Adventureland is directly across from it so it may be a better option next time. If you go that route, don't bother staying at a Disney resort or getting the dining plan - it's not worth it since it's smaller/less options.

First, going anywhere with your age kids is a tremendous amount of physical work. Period. And being at work is going to be way less demanding than tending to wee ones all day.

Next, I tell everyone to forgo the park hopper passes. They are a total waste of time for someone visiting less than a week. The bus rides between parks and waiting for bus rides and walking to the bus terminal is a huge waste of time. Just stay at one park for one day, then go to another the next day.

Sorry you're so exhausted.
GL next time. Go when there about 7-8 years old. It's more magical for them.

You have to go with the right mindset. You go, take your time and see what you can see. Can't do it all unless you are there forv10 days. Then you alternate park days and pool days. Disney is an adventure. My husband and I love going now. We are retired. We go early Dec and are surprised how many older couple are there. We turn five years old when we go thru the turnstile. Lol. You really never come back relaxed if you have little ones.

I took my son when he was about 10---just to say--we did it! However, Its overrated and OVERPRICED. But, I will take my grandkids when I blessed with them--because again its for the experience.

Unfortunately I always use to need a vacation from my vacations. I liked to do as much as possible. Now I try to take a step back. We live only a few hours a way from disney so we use to go at least once a year. Learned to leave before the parade and spend the afternoon in the pool then go back in the evening. One park per day. But its not just disney it is when ever we go anywhere lol

That's why we haven't gone! It seems so stressful and scheduled. Sorry you didn't have a great time.

Disney IS exhausting with kids. One day I will go without kids and go at my own pace. Of course, by then I'll be old and my pace will be so slow that I'll wear my own self out! LOL!

Honestly, Disney is about the experience rather than a real vacation. I'm not one bit surprised that you are exhausted. (Need a vacation from your vacation, right!)

Dawn

I'm exhausted after bringing my two preschoolers to nearby theme parks for the day, I can only imagine how tiring 5-6 days straight of that would be...and having to come back and all share a small hotel room!

yes, it's definitely different with preschoolers. When they get older it's more enjoyable. I live an hour away from Disneyland so we go once a year for the day (round trip) and that's about all I want to take. Maybe 2 days in a row, but I can't imagine doing more.

I went to DW when I was 20 with friends and I really didn't love it. It's more enjoyable with my kids (now older - elementary - middle school age).

Next time just try going without the kids. It is SO SO SO much better - you can go on the big scary rides. no one gets to grumpy if you wait on lines and you can eat at the good restaurants. I have been to Disneyland once with my son (then 4-1/2). He enjoyed it - not a really big deal to him. I have been with DH and my parents 5-6 times (Disney World and land. Much better :)

when we went last year we chose to go in April a few weeks before Easter. I thought that we were smart and everyone would be going on their Spring breaks, which for us, was the week of Easter. I failed to realize that every state in the south took their break that week that we were there. I think we went on 4 rides total the entire time we were there. The fast passes were gone by the time we got in, the busses took forever, the dining places were mostly long ago booked. The person running the small world ride told me that that particular week was one of the busiest of the entire year every year. I felt sorry for the kids because we refused to wait over an hour in line for 30 second rides. Disney is a lot of work!

We've been many times because we live relatively close, but I completely get what you're saying. When you get home you need a vacation from your vacation!

Sometimes pre-schoolers just enjoy the beach or the pool more . . . depends on the kids.

omg I'm so glad you posted this.

I hurt my dh feelings so bad once when i told a girlfriend (when he was in earshot) that we never have nice relaxing enjoyable vacations.

But it's true, He is completely unrealistic about what the kids can handle. I get all mytar-y trying to carry the kids around when they can't walk at his pace any more, Then he gets mad at me, but if i wasn't carrying them he would be bitching that they were whining.
He always wants to spend a ton of money on souveniors but when the kids are fighting and whining that he got more or she got 2 and they are ocmpletely overwhelmed by the gazillion choices. It's ridiculous!!

All our friends are doing disney lately, so i think we are getting ready to try it this summer, but we haven't planned anything yet so who knows how great that will turn out.

lol like i said thanks for posting.

If you are laid back about it and forget about your watch it's more fun.
But also the ideal age for Disney is to start when they are 5. At 5 they will remember it.

I have had so much fun both times we went with and without kids.
Next time I'd advise forget the watch, unless you are wanting to see something that has a scheduled time, other wise don't watch the clock. Just go with the flow. That's why we don't buy the dining plans because we don't like to schedule our meals so we don't have to be somewhere at and certain time.

I took my middle school daughter to Disney World 5 months ago!

We had the BEST time. We left the hotel rm at 8am and came back at 10 pm.

I would rec waiting until the kids are over the age of 8 yrs of age to go again.

I heard soooo many screaming (little kids) there. The kids were just not into it...

Go to Sesame Place next year. Hold off on Disney for at least 5 yrs!!

I took my kids, (ages 12, 11, 8, 5, and 5 months) to Disney and Universal Studios this summer. I agree, it is very hard with young kids, and we did have a hard time. Me and my husband juggled watching my 5 y/o and 5 month y/o while we went on rides. Most of the rides we could not go on as a family and take the baby, so that was pretty hard..................

My 5 month year old was 2 months at the time.............She was very tired, and she cried a lot. Me and my husband took turns holding her in the baby carrier, or pushing her in the stroller, and holding her, changing her, feeding her, etc. She ended up taking a lot of naps in her stroller, or while someone was holding her. My five year old got very tired too, and she didn't like some of the rides, but she did enjoy meeting all her favorite characters at Disneyworld! Sometimes I would take my older kids on rides, and my husband would hold our 5 y/o, and let her take naps resting her head on his shoulder, lol!

Don't worry if your vacation was not as magical as you expected. It's hard with little kids!! I would suggest taking them back when they are older.

Hope this helps!!

We went to Disney for 4 days. Bought ParkHopper tickets for 4. My then 9y and hubby spent a grand total of 1 hour in the Magic Kingdom the first day and 1 hour the 3rd day. the rest of the time was spent at the hotel pool and on a speedboat in the lagoon.

My son who was almost 6 years old refused to ride on any of the rides, wanted to go home and was a horrible grouch for 3/4 of the day. He did not want to see the parade and he did not want to do any thing we suggested. Finally he snapped out of it and started having fun but it was really too late to do too many of the rides and things. We got in a few rides. Lovely lovely day (sarcasm). This is his personality though - he's moody in the extreme.