Josh is super-excited about the fact that we're going on a trip. He told me tonight that everyone's first vacation has to be Florida. So I guess that's where I'm going. I am a little scared. Josh said we'll spend half the trip in Miami, and half doing the whole Disney-area thing. Isn't Disney for little kids in preschool? Josh did not like this question - he was offended, and insisted that it will be fun. He also said I need to get a one-piece bathing suit because we're going to hit up water parks. I am confused by what else there is to do besides Disney in the Disney area. Seaworld?
I have been instructed to just get the time off from work and clear my schedule, and to not look things up on the internet. Too late. Already looked at the costs to get into Disney and Seaworld. It's not pretty.
According to Josh, the reason to make your first vacation in Florida is so you can see the worst of Americans, so you know how not to behave when you go out of the country. I asked Josh if I need to fill out an application to get on an airplane, but he said no, that I just have to bring my school ID. I am not sure he's right. They would just let someone like me walk right onto an airplane? Also, while I'm freaking out, what is the deal with all the frisking and picture-taking the airport security people do? I keep hearing like these vague yet scary things about how they take pictures of you naked or feel you up or something. WTF? Does everyone just like ... accept that? What happens if you refuse?
Josh is really excited. He has big plans, and said we're going to do every single corny thing that I should have already done as a little kid. At one point Josh even said he's not sure we'll be able to fit everything in, and might have to go a second time. I'm going to get to come back right? Right?
13 comments:
Try not to worry, because no matter what, in the end everything will work itself out. And do not look things up on the internet, it'll just drive you berserk lol. When the time comes for vacation, just enjoy and relax...it's well deserved :-)
your so cute (thats a compliment by the way ;-)
Try relax otherwise youll find it hard to have the amount of fun you deserve to have and could have on your vacation!!
I'm not sure your school ID will work -- according to TSA: "Effective June 21, 2008, adult passengers (18 and over) are required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID that contains the following: name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature in order to be allowed to go through the checkpoint and onto their flight."
You can probably get a state ID pretty easily though..
You should probably check out a Walmart while in Florida...since you'll be observing the worst of Americans.
Yes, you definitely need a state-issued ID. I think if you go to the DMV you can get a non-driver's ID (like the equivalent of a driver's license, for ID purposes only). Also, yes, you pretty much have to just accept the security screening, whether you choose to walk through the x-ray scanner or have a pat-down. You can request to have the pat-down in a private space, behind a screen or something if you want, but that's about it.
Oh, and there's LOTS to do at Disney, and Seaworld, and MGM Studios, and Epcott Center, etc, etc. It's been many years since I've been there -- I'm sure there's way more than I know about -- but very few things there cater to little kids only. Also, in addition to everything else, there's the beach!
Also, Sam, really, the only way you're going to enjoy any of this is if you close your eyes and ignore that such things as prices exist, and since Josh is taking you and WANTS you to do that, and can afford it, it would really be best for both of you. Make him lead you through the admission gates blindfolded, if that will turn it into a game and distract you -- whatever works. Just go have fun!
Yep, definitely need a state issued ID. If you plan on getting a passport eventually and you have time, maybe it's worth it to just get it now instead of having both a passport and a state ID?
It's cute that Josh is really excited. I've never been to Florida and on the west coast (I'm from Los Angeles), people usually head toward Hawaii or Mexico for those sunny, relaxing vacations. I've decided I have to go to Florida now though someday so I can go to the Harry Potter theme park (yes I'm 28yo. shhh! moving on!). But, from what I've heard, Disney World is WAY better for adults than Disneyland over here, which IS very much a kids' theme park.
Try not to worry about the money. I mean, I know you can't not worry about it completely. But just try. Try to suspend reality just for a little while...that's sort of what going on vacation is anyway. :)
You totally have to wear comfortable shoes. It's been a zillion years since i've gone, but Disneyworld is huge. It's almost like Disneyland, just way more spread out. Don't forget to get mouse ears with your name on it. The last time I got mouse ears I went to Disney land with my girlfriends while in college. We all got hats and wore them. It's so not even embarrassing while you're there. Don't freak out at the prices though. Everything, even bottled water, is totally expensive. I'm generally very thrifty, but try to forget that when I go on trips, so I try to budget for the additional money that I otherwise never would spend back home. You'll have so much fun if you let yourself. Just enjoy and don't worry. You so deserve it.
ditto to the previous posters, you need either a state ID or a passport. A passport can take up to 8 weeks, so you're probably better off getting a state ID if you're going soon. (You can get an expedited passport in under 2 weeks for $$$ but since you're not leaving the country, don't bother.)
Wear sneakers during the day at Disney. Do not attempt cute shoes. Reserve the cute shoes for going to dinner.
yes, you will go through security and walk thru a scanner. They will not see you naked. Its not impossible, but you are unlikely to be pulled aside for frisking. If you are they will use a woman to pat you down. And its a pretty cursory pat-down....you aren't fondled or anything. If you refuse they probably won't let you on the plane. If you are frisked they usually go through your carry-on luggage, tossing it all about and then shove it at you to repack it. I get more annoyed about them effing up my luggage than being frisked.
ps. enjoy being responsibility-free for a few days.
Be one with the comfortable shoes. They are a must. Other advice as a seasoned traveler and a travel agent: Make SURE you get the NY State ID. You will NOT be allowed on the plane without either the State ID or a passport. Arrive at the airport very early so if the lines are really long you don't have to worry. Those 3 things will help make the trip really carefree.
If you'll have your passport by then, that will suffice. A non-driver's license will be easier to use and less worrisome to carry about, however, and you can get it and know you have it instead of wondering when your passport might arrive, and it will come in handy too in a couple of years when you want to drink legally in bars and such. A non-driver's license you can carry around in your wallet, while a passport should live in a safe-deposit box.
And yes, bring either the passport or preferably the state-isssued non-driver's license and you will be allowed on the plane.
Unfortunately, the best thing to do is to just go along with the screening. The U.S. approach really is not the best way, but what can you do. Josh will know the regulations for your carry-on items. Best way to avoid more intrusive screening is to just be cooperative about the initial screening. It stinks.
We are all so glad you are agreeing to do this. You will be making Josh so happy, and you will be happy too if you can let yourself enjoy it. Yes, it will be one expense after another that will freak you out if you let it, but just try to avoid noticing as much as possible.
When you can't help but notice, remind yourself that it is all part of one gift, that accepting such a gift is a good thing and doesn't make you less independant or less frugal or indebted, that it is in fact the gift that Josh wants you to be giving to him, and that Josh loves you and just wants you to be happy and wants to have a fun vacation with you.
Is there something Josh can say that calms you down about the expense, something that helped to convince you to go? Maybe you can arrange with him in advance that when you get freaked out about some price you can tell him simply that you are getting freaked out,a nd he can say whatever it is that will reassure you and calm you down.
And yes you will come back. If part of your anxiety regards your experience with the atrocity that happened to some people who were traveling by plane and the people who didn't come back to you that day, that is perfectly understandable.
It's very sweet how excited Josh is. You are the one making him so excited! This is because he loves you and wants to be with you and make you happy and show you the world.
Sam, here's my experience as an adult who didn't get the whole Disneyland thing either. Although it didn't sound like my ideal vacation destination by any means, I went as the guest of friends who wanted me to go along with them--they paid for everything because they wanted me to be able to join their family on the trip. I felt kind of strange about that at first(it is mortifyingly expensive), but I ended up having a good time anyway. While it's still someplace that I would never personally choose to spend my hard-earned money or vacation time on, I am grateful that I once had the experience and the opportunity to find out for myself what all the hoopla was about.
Same with the airport security. It's a necessary annoyance in today's world but not that big of a deal to go through. It's good that you'll then be able to see for yourself what it's really like.
I agree with Alisha and the others. YOUR gift to Josh is going along with him to someplace that he loves and wants to share with you. If you can find it in yourself to some way let go of the cost issues, you're likely to have a great time. If you're concerned about flying, get the doctor to give you an anxiety pill to take before the flight. You don't have to take it, but you can have it there if you need it.
Travel is a great education in itself. It will help you grow. You don't want to miss out on it if you don't have to.
After admirably dealing with everything life's thrown at you so far, I have no doubt that you can conquer Disney
I wish you the best on this next step in your journey.
I just got back from Disney World today! I went with my daughter and two of her kids (the five-year-old and the eight-year-old). My daughter is seriously OCD (not really, but close) and she had the whole five days planned to the minute. She made us get up at 6 am! But, yes, Disney is fun (if souless), expensive and very tiring. Enjoy the sunshine!
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