{Lacey asleep on my lap on the last leg of our flight}
Let’s start at the very beginning, shall we?
For almost a fortnight Lacey asked me everyday, “We go see Mickey now?”
We’d tried to tell her about Disney World and the princesses. We showed her videos and pictures, but all she seemed to remember was Mickey.
I wasn’t looking forward to the flight to America. I’d always thought that even if {by some sort of miracle} I ever won a flight to anywhere overseas I’d decline the offer. I wasn’t ever going to plan a trip myself, and if something ever came up I’d just say no. I feared that I’d never last a flight more than two hours long. When I was offered a trip for the conference, I didn’t even hesitate. I was nervous, but there was no way I could decline {I was too excited!}.
I was on strict instructions from Hubby not to research flying. I’m a Googler. I like to read up on everything, so as soon as I started asking about Delta’s safety standards and track records to Hubby, he asked that I just stop. So I did {just like a good wife}.
A friend suggested I talk to my doctor about getting some medication to help with the anxiety. I’m not a big medicine-taker, but I knew that I didn’t want to be freaking out for 20-odd hours. My doctor couldn’t understand my dilemma and suggested that I ‘just get over it’. I wanted to give him a spiel about fear being irrational and all that, but instead I just told him straight, “I wish I could. I really do. I’m petrified, it’s as simple as that.”
We packed our bags and I was right on our weight limit {I have a great talent of always hitting that target without trying}, and headed for the airport. I felt more excited than nervous, thankfully, and ready to board.
Two tiny pills later {he gave me a tiny dose I was told} and we were up in the air. I didn’t feel any different at all, but perhaps that’s just how they work.
Flying with a toddler wasn’t easy. The movies seemed exciting for all of about 33 minutes. Dancing in the aisles was all she wanted to do. I managed to get through one movie and a TV show, whilst Hubby cruised through four movies.
As we walked into the Orlando airport there was a man in shackles, a green prison outfit and police guard waiting to be extradited. I smiled at him. I was definitely in America.
{The sign that our chauffeur Tim held at arrivals}
We were given VIP treatment from the very beginning, with the friendliest chauffeur waiting for us at arrivals. As we sat in the car en route to Disney listening to Tim talk about the magic of Disney I knew that we were about to experience something pretty amazing…
I feel the same about flying, I hate not being able to be in control, I have only been overseas once & I was little, but now the thought freaks me out. Much rather stay in Australia.
I hope you fears have gone now.
The more I read about your adventure, the more I want to go!
“just like a good wife” – love it 🙂
My hubby would be the one getting those little pills! xo
Flying the 30 minutes to the gold coast had me so anxious I was teary and shaky. I'd love to travel further but don't know how I'd handle it..
You'll be a pro flyer before u know it, you're trip sounds amazing! Can't wait to hear more.
Looking forward to hearing more. Last time we experienced the magic was ten years or so ago. Way before we had children anyway ;-).
Telle, I'm so nervous about taking the boys to Europe long-haul! But at least T won't be getting through 4 movies and me none – that's the beauty of twins and two parental laps – we'll both suffer equally. But you did it! You survived! And we will too 🙂
xxx
LOL!! I was following you…and definitely understand about anxiety. But, the prisoner at the airport…welcome to America comment just took the cake. And I cannot stop laughing….
Insanely, insanely Jealous. But then again you do deserve to experience amazing things 🙂 x (even if it does terrify you to fly there! life is about jumping into things and LIVING!)
SO exciting! I'm really enjoying these posts. Congratulations on surviving the long flight with a toddler! V impressive. Hope you're having a blast!
Heidi xo
What a fantastic looking trip… I'm jealous!
Totally agree – flying with or even without kids in tough. I have to endure the 24 hrs from Aus to UK once a year with kids…
But thats why I created 'the little hip traveller' to take the fear out of travelling with kids.
Have a look – there's plenty of tips when travelling with kids.
Loving reading your posts BTW.
X
Loving all your Disney posts so far, Chantelle.
I'm really shocked that your doc said that. A fear of flying is extremely common. I can't believe s/he told you to get over it!
My partner has a shocking fear of flying and I know what it's like to deal with someone who has that anxiety. It's serious!
I'm glad u got something to help you with it.