Time change woes and worries About This Page:

[SOmommy]

This may be one of my absolute biggest concerns about our upcoming trip. I'm not sure if we can pull off what I'm going to try to do, so I'm hoping others who've been in the same boat might have some insight. First of all, this is probably our only trip we'll make to the World. This is the once-in-a-lifetime trip that we've been planning and saving for for years, and I want to see and do as much as we can. I know we can't see and do it all and I'm not even going to try to, but I know the most recommended way to see the most is to start early and be at park openings, especially since we plan on taking a mid-day break. Now the problem is that to be at the park by opening we'll have to wake up at the crack of dawn Florida time, which is the MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT our time! Three hours ahead is a lot to adjust to, and we'll only be arriving the evening before we start touring.
So, my plan that we're already slowly starting is to try to go to bed earlier and earlier leading up to the vacation, and get used to waking up earlier too, so that we'll be mostly adjusted already once we're there. Thats my plan anyway, but then we have a lot of evening activities during the week that seem intent on sabatoging my plan .
So what do you think, can it be done? Any other suggestions? I really really want to be at the parks early, is it possible for a west coaster (and NOT a morning person at that) to do it? I'm not as much worried about the kids, they wake up early anyway, and with the prospect of DW each day I'm pretty sure they'll have no problems...just me .

[Tonichelle]

surprisingly enough I have NO PROBLEM waking up at the buttcrack of dawn Alaska time (early morning Florida time) to get moving at WDW... it's staying awake at night, but that's what midday naps are for.

also - don't go in with the mentality that this is your one and only chance. it puts a lot of pressure on the trip and makes for meltdowns when expectations don't look to be met. trust me, we had such a meltdown in 2007 with my family because we had that feeling. Now we're at least TALKING about going again, and it's not easy for my parents to afford a trip (the trip we took I helped pay for their portion with my aunt... as well as my brother's)... if it's meant to happen again it will.

[GingerJ]

It looks as if you're not going at the busiest time of year, so huge lines shouldn't be a problem for you, and you should be able to get into any attraction you want. I agree with Tonichelle that you should tone down your anxiety about this being your only trip ever. All that angst added to jet lag could easily ruin the trip for you. I've done the West Coast-to-East Coast trip many times and jet lag is the worst going east.

The parks probably won't open that early in mid-November, anyway, I would think. So: take it easy on yourself! My family is definitely not a commando-style, make-sure-you-do-everything group, and I find it works best for us to keep our plans loose, making sure we hit the attractions we HAVE to see first and then going wherever the mood strikes us, but we've made several trips.

That said, I think your anxiety level will decrease if you can do some planning ahead. Some specific suggestions:
-Since you're coming from West Coast, I'll assume you've been to Disneyland already and will likely return, so you may want to concentrate on attractions unique to WDW, as well as your can't-miss favorites (Space Mountain, Tower of Terror, whatever). Of course, it goes without saying that you have a PassPorter and have been marking down your can't-miss attractions!
-We usually can only manage 4 days at a time, so we get hopper passes and we select a different park to start off each day. We ride our favorite rides (especially Fast Pass ones), see our favorite shows, have lunch, etc., and then we'll often hit a different park--usually Magic Kingdom--and do whatever doesn't have a huge line that strikes our fancy. This plan could work for you if you're that type. Plan your day loosely to whatever is your comfort level, but be open to spur-of-the-moment magic. Why miss a chance to hug Mickey when you pass him on the street in order to get to Tomorrowland Speedway on time?
-For day one: Do you have another adult going who's an early bird? You could arrange for DH or whoever to bring everyone else to the park early the first day to do attractions you're not crazy about (Dumbo ride, anyone?), and arrange to meet them at a certain eating spot to have lunch together.
-Or, if no adults want/are able to get up early, you can make a late breakfast/brunch a much-anticipated event. For instance, order room service for a one-time splurge; try to get into the very latest spot for a character breakfast; or have breakfast in bed with items you brought from home. This way, you can plan your late-ish rising as an event and not punish yourself either with guilt or with getting so little sleep that you're grumpy & unhappy all day.
-The plan to get used to the time zone gradually is brilliant!
Good luck, and have a great time!
Ginger

[jimmymac]

The first day will be tough, but the rest of the week should be OK

[disney_duke]

I've found that it's much easier to adapt to the time change going Eastbound than Westbound. You may have more trouble upon your return home!! Either way, ! I'm sure you guys will adjust real quick once your in the WDW bubble!!

[janicelovesmickey]

try to sleep on the plane too. that always helps.

[truenancy]

I think you'll be just fine with a mid-afternoon nap - for all of you! You'll hit your stride and be fully adjusted in a day or two. It'll be uncrowded enough that even with the most complex plans, there will be time for spontaneity and changes. Good luck and have a blast!

[SOmommy]

Thank you so much, I love hearing how others have dealt. It does lessen the anxiety. I'm definitely not going to try to do it all, it is a vacation after all and I can't tell you how much I look forward to watching the kids have fun. I remember taking my oldest to Disneyland for the first time when he was 2 1/2 and it was like reliving it all for the first time, through his eyes. So precious! But I also don't want to sleep the day away and then get home having missed out on some great WDW only activities. Oh well, I'll attempt to be there for openings (they open at 9am while we're there) but if we don't make it we don't make it. I just really hope we make it!

I feel better now, thanks .

[AGentlRose]

Being on Pacific time myself, I thought it would be hard to adjust, but it really isn't. Try to nap on the plane. You'll be so excited once you get to WDW, that burst of energy will kick in.

[duck addict]

I am on Pacific time too.
1. I make sure the travel day is just spent getting dinner, maybe visiting DTD.
2. No problem getting up. (then again I am a morning person ) The excitement helps the process.
3. Make sure to reduce cafinated products (coffee, tea, etc). the night you arrives, so that going to sleep is a little easier.
4. If needed (and if you are the type) a little nitecap might help you relax and go to sleep