I was listening to the Dis Unplugged, one of my favorite Disney podcasts, on August 17, and they were discussing whether being extremely organized was good or bad. They all agreed that they saw miserable families in the parks all the time in a sort of tug-a-war with their spouses and their kids. As I listened I thought this was really sad. Why would you want to go to the happiest place on earth and be miserable? Can this be avoided?
I think it can be, but it takes acceptance and compromise. First you have to know what kind of a person you are. Are you a planner, a leader, a follower, a morning person, a late night person, or some other type of person? It doesn’t do you any good to take advice from a podcast, blog, or book if that advice is not going to make you happier on your trip.
But it is not just about you. You then need to recognize the characteristics of the other people you are traveling with. If you are a planner and you are traveling with people to prefer not to plan each detail out then there are going to be clashes if you do not address these differences. So what is the trick to happiness at the Disney Parks? Communication.
Before you leave on your trip have a powwow with all the members of your group. Find out what each person wants out of the vacation. You might be surprised to learn that they want something very different from you. Write down what everyone wants and then start to blend all the parts into one great trip. Not everyone will be doing what they want all of the time, but if they understand that they will get their turn then feathers are less ruffled. Also, have a quick meeting before entering the parks each day. If people know what will happen then they will be more content.
That doesn’t mean you can’t plan a few surprises, just make sure they are in line with what everyone wants. Nothing makes people more miserable than when a surprise is not appreciated, or when they get a surprise then never would have wanted.
Dealing with family can be tricky at the best of times and on vacation it can be deadly. But if you recognize what each person wants and strive to provide that want, including your own, then happiness is sure to follow.
Goofy Joke: (Take that frown, turn it upside down. All you need is a bad joke.)
Q: Why did Buzz Lightyear decide to vacation on Mars?
A: Because the moon was full.