Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<And here I was just about to vote against the red-eye!>> I've got to go with the Inspector on this one. Having extra time at WDW doesn't do much good if you spend that day walking around like a zombie. Have fun no matter what you decide.
Originally Posted By LuLu LOL BT! Oh, I am SO confused! I even looked into booking a flight like Trippy first suggested, leaving LAX around 7:30ish am. But that would mean I'd have to depart on Southwest and return on Delta - I refuse to return on SW when their flights take HOURS longer (due to stop). And it looks like I need to decide soon, we're about ready to set our dates - well, not that I *have* to book my flight already...
Originally Posted By LuLu Before I read BT's post, mt thoughts were running with taking the daytime flight and staying on a later schedule than I'd keep at home. So I go to a park from 8pm to midnight that first day, and focus on doing late nights instead of early mornings. I know doing both and sleeping in the afternoon maximizes your time at the World - but I really think it'll just wear me to a frazzle anyway, and as Mark and Trippy say, I'll just be a zombie anyway. Oy! Need to see what kind of schedule sis's family intends to keep.
Originally Posted By Labuda "Ambien. We have people who fly back and forth to New York from LA all the time and take red-eyes. This only works under a doctor's care, and if it's used sparingly." Yeah, ambien is addictive, so one has to be VERY careful using it.
Originally Posted By Liberty Belle I returned yesterday from my overseas trip so this is kind of fitting! To get there, I caught a 14-hour flight to Anaheim. By the time I actually arrived at Disneyland (at about 10.30am), I'd been up for for about 29 hours but pure adrenalin saw me through until about 8.00 at night, when we left to go back to the hotel room for an early night. I've done that a few times now and the excitement of being at a Disney park always sees me through (but I might just be sad!) I definitely wasn't walking around like a zombie - in a lot of ways, my first day was the most fun. I've always said the worst thing you can do is sleep in the afternoon - you'll find it really hard to sleep that night and your body won't adjust. Good luck with it whatever you decide!
Originally Posted By LuLu BT, your "challenge" inspired me, I wanted to take it on... but it got me thinking about myself. Some people thrive on change and excitement - not me! The change in routine, time zone and diet alone will probably be tiring to me. I know it sounds weird to most people, but all the stimulation at DL even tires me in a day. I have a sensitive constitution and have learned how best to deal with it. So, I decided to do the "laid-back" thing and arrive at 6pm. When mentioning plans to DD today, she said "we better not be taking a red-eye! I was so mad at Daddy for booking the red-eye to Hawaii, I almost decided never to go back!" Surprised me, but like me she needs a good night's sleep! Everyone's input has been very valuable here, and I appreciate it. Plus I got some pointers for this trip, and possible future red-eye trips. Thanks again to everyone who posted!
Originally Posted By Clopin Big Thunder, When I fly back to HI, I take a flight out of LAX that leaves around 6-7 PM, that way, I feel like I had some time to still play around in CA the day I leave, then fly all evening and get back to HI around 9PM-ish b/c of the time change. Enough time to get a good night's sleep and then go to work the next day! The last couple trips I've taken, I've used the same flights b/c I like flying at those times.
Originally Posted By mousegrl I just returned from a trip to Kauai on a red eye. All I can say is Uggh! I was traveling with my 9 year old son who slept the whole trip. (Hubby did also) I, unfortunately, could not sleep a wink. We arrived at lax at 5:55am with a 8:15 am transfer to sfo. Then a five hour drive north home. I was completely worn out by the time we arrived to lax, so the plane to sfo and the drive home was horrible. I think it depends on how sensitive you are. I found myself to be way to sensitive for a red eye flight, and won't be doing it again. I know people who can sleep the whole time and love it. (BTW, my hubby slept a lot, and was still worn out by the time we reached lax- I have a picture of him asleep at the terminal with the most pained expression on his face.) It sounds as if you may be better off with the day flight. Get there for a nice evening, a good sleep, and then all ready for a fun filled rested day at WDW the next morning. Have a great trip!
Originally Posted By LuLu >>I think it depends on how sensitive you are. I found myself to be way to sensitive for a red eye flight<< Thanks mousegrl, you sound like my kinda gal ;-) I'm just glad I figured it out before the vacation, lol! Even tho I didn't go with what the majority suggested, their input really helped me to think about what would work for me.
