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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Holiday of a lifetime woes

61 replies

Beachesandcream · 28/07/2025 11:40

I know I am probably being unreasonable but think it’s a mixture of nerves and self confidence. We are booked to go a wonderful much wished for holiday to Disneyworld for the first time. I had great plans of getting fitter and loosing weight before we went but due to a number of things this has not gone to plan. I am definitely fitter than I was - regular swimming and walking has helped ( I have a long term health condition which can limit mobility) in fact my joints feel the best they have in a long time. However my weight has not budged and I now find myself with less than 2 weeks to go still wearing a size 22 . I have just been trying on my holiday clothes and feel frumpy and hate the way I look in them. My bust is huge it’s 38k, it’s never been smaller than a g cup even when I was a size 12. I hate the way clothes hang on me. I would love suggestions on clothes that may hang better / hide my big bust . I am quite tall nearly 5 ft 9. I am feeling really down when I want to feel excited, I know we will have the most wonderful time but also want to feel good about myself. I know it’s too late for me to look better before we go so not really sure what I will gain from writing this but don’t want to tell my family how I feel as they are so excited.

OP posts:
EyeLevelStick · 28/07/2025 11:51

I can’t help you with the clothes thing, other than to suggest loose and floaty as it’s going to be really hot and humid in Florida.

However, you’ll find that loads of people are larger than you, and all your effort in exercising will really pay off for walking around the parks.

If you want information about seat sizes I’d recommend starting on the DIBB forums. I think you’ll find it quite reassuring, and you’ll get lots of unrelated planning tips too.

Have a wonderful holiday!

CharlotteRumpling · 28/07/2025 11:53

Ask for this to be moved to Style and Beauty. You will get helpful suggestions there.
I expect many people in Disneyland will be larger. Certainly nobody will be paying much attention to your size.

Lanzarotelady · 28/07/2025 12:03

If you haven't, get a good bra, lift those boobs, it will give you shape.
If you're going to Florida, I can assure you, you will not be the biggest there, far from it.
Loose and linen, thats what you need for Florida

PensionUpliftAdd · 28/07/2025 12:04

This is my take on hot weather holidays

Most of us will have worked & saved for a well earned holiday

I have certain clothes that I take on holiday, that I have worn many times & I know that they are comfortable.
Non iron, do not crinkle in the luggage
Easy to wash & dry if required

I take comfortable shoes, because we normally do lots of walking & exploring

A couple of swimwear
Micro fibre towel
Sun hat
Water shoes

A large, thin wrap that can be used as a scarf, beach wrap, skirt, skirt, entry into religious buildings, wear in evenings if cooler

I will probably never meet anyone that I know on holiday, so I enjoy myself to the max !

Everyone is a different shape & size, but we are all human

The Best thing that you can wear is your confident SMILE !

Enjoy your holiday

Youdontseehow · 28/07/2025 12:10

Aww @Beachesandcream I totally get where you are coming from! I’m smaller than you but (was) obese - 5’1, 12.5 stone, size 18 - boobs biggish but mainly was my gut and 5 bellies. Being short, I just looked sooooo dumpy. (I’m now on MJ and have lost 1.5 stone but not the point of the thread).

Agree with PPs - look at styling pages for bigger ladies on instagram etc for inspiration. There’s a woman who lives near me who is likely a 20/22 and she always looks amazing!

Being a bit fitter will pay off big time. And you are going to Disneyland - it’s probably the only place in the world where you are guaranteed to be surrounded by people much bigger than you think and much less fitter than you.

I hope you can make peace with your body and have a great time #makingmemories (sorry!) with your family.

Turmerictolly · 28/07/2025 12:14

You could join slimming world today (if you want to. If you stick to the plan, you’ll probably lose half a stone before you go. Although half a stone won’t change the way you look, it would be a start and make you feel more positive about yourself.

Good suggestions above re dressing for the heat and humidity.

BlotAnExpert · 28/07/2025 12:17

Firstly you have done amazingly well to get fitter, it's really hard to do and will make your holiday so much more enjoyable.

I hate this feeling and the subsequent panic buying of crap clothes. It's really easy to say but once you are there it won't matter anywhere near as much, the main thing is you feel physically comfortable walking about having a brilliant time. But I totally understand the feeling and it can be debilitating.

What do you have and what don't you like about it? What looks do you really like? Try and work this out before buying things for the sake of it.

I find shorts are rarely flattering but they are super practical so wear them anyway but maybe try to have some nice dresses for more relaxed days. Someone suggested floaty which can work and is good for the heat but with a big bust (36G here!) a bit of a waist is often more flattering, you can't hide them so rock them! I find Sainsbury's Tu clothes really good, they fit and wear well and it's nice to see them in real life, even if you have to order the right size online. Natural fibres are a must. It's really hard to say without knowing what you like but these look like flattering shapes

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc146676396

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc145994077

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc145904721

Wide legged trousers are very flattering and easy to wear.

A decent top in a load of different colours is also worth it's weight in gold as you can wear it with any bottoms and feel good. I love Rapanui ones but their sizing is limited. Maybe M&S, Uniqlo or Seasalt? Again, try and find natural materials. Same with a decent bra and undies.

Buy Gingham Printed Square Neck Midaxi Dress 18 | Dresses | Tu

Buy Gingham Printed Square Neck Midaxi Dress 18 at Tu. Thousands of products for next day delivery or free in store collection.

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc146676396

Turmerictolly · 28/07/2025 12:17

Linen shift dresses are quite flattering too I find and nice and cool in humid weather. Seasalt, Cotton Trafers, Next do them.

CopperWhite · 28/07/2025 12:18

You are going to Orlando, which is not somewhere that anyone overweight will feel out of place. You will have an amazing holiday, Disney World is awesome.

Newnameformenow · 28/07/2025 12:31

Please stop beating yourself up about it, be kind to yourself as you would a friend, sounds like you've had a lot going on.

I hope you find some clothes that make you feel great at the size you are and you have a great holiday!

Bowling4soup · 28/07/2025 12:32

Im a similar size to you, have a look at the Facebook page or TikTok etc of Plus Size Park Hoppers. They’re a group of women who visit the parks regularly and test the ride seats to see if they’ll fit or not and share online about travelling as a plus sized lady. (Been watching for myself)

I reccomend snag chub rub shorts for under dresses to stop legs chafing. I tend to wear dress and leggings/chub rub shorts every day as that’s what I feel most comfortable in. Try not to stress, wear something that makes you feel good :)

Tia247 · 28/07/2025 12:51

Diet is much more important than exercise when trying to lose weight (as oppose to just being healthier). Being fitter will be a big help though in walking around the parks as there is always a lot of walking at these places.

There is no point beating yourself up about what didn't happen and try not to overthink how you look - this is about having fun on a holiday of a lifetime not a modelling contest. Wear long floaty clothes that will keep you cool and comfortable would be my advice. Concentrate on comfort no matter what size you are IMO as the days may be long. hot and tiring. Just worry about having a great time!

OllysArmyRidesAgain · 28/07/2025 13:02

As someone who was a size 24 and not fit last time I went to DISNEY WORLD, here are my tips for survival.

  1. You will be small in size compared to many Americans
  2. My uniform is tailored but comfy shorts and a nice bright t-shirt, with socks and trainers. This means I fit in with most people around me, the clothes are comfortable, so I feel good. I couldn't wear dresses as a size 24 they just hung off my boobs and made me look ridiculous.
  3. You are likely to get Disney rash, don't be alarmed.
  4. I don't pack loads to carry as I can't be bothered, and the rides, food places and shops all have cold air con.
  5. If your health and mobility are not as good as your fellow travellers then consider hiring a mobility scooter in the park on some days. I did this on my last trip as we were in a large group and I have medical issues that just make walking and more importantly standing still extremely painful. With the scooter I was able to do everything I wanted.
Fifiellz · 28/07/2025 13:05

I went last year and I am overweight, not loads but enough to feel uncomfortable. Once I was out there I didn’t care at all what I looked like, I was having too much fun and there are so many people there in worse shape having the time of their lives.

Practically go for loose flowing dresse/linen shorts and I second someone else’s suggestion of snag shorts or cycling shorts because you will chafe. Even my daughters at size 8 and 10 had chafing. Also, shoes are so important, make sure whatever you take are well worn in and comfy - do not wear new shoes!!! I cannot reiterate this enough.

Also, everyone laughs when we said this but last August in Florida we were actually cold quite a lot. The air conditioning is ferocious and last august there was quite a few rainy afternoons/evenings. Especially in restaurants at night we all felt quite cool and wish we had taken a hoodie or 2.

Have fun, I am jealous, I want to go back!!

MincePiesAndStilton · 28/07/2025 13:46

You can lose a lot of weight in two weeks. You have shown that you can commit to a programme with your walking and swimming, well done - that will give you a much nicer time on holiday! Now apply the same to your eating for two weeks.

Porridge for breakfast, made with whole milk so it keeps you full all morning.
A salad, no dressing, for lunch.
Normal evening meal, portion size controlled.

No snacks, no treats, no alcohol. Weigh everything. You’ll be amazed what you can lose in two weeks.

Ireallywantadoughnut36 · 28/07/2025 13:46

We went to disneyworld in April, it feels like a really big deal doesn't it, because of the cost etc. You'll have an amazing time I promise! Number 1) that bit of the US and disneyworld itself were super super inclusive, I saw ladies way way bigger than a size 22 wearing everything and anything they liked, getting lovely compliments etc, the rides are all very accessible and they have many larger guests who are much better accommodated than uk theme parks. You'll be one of the thinner, healthier ones I absolutely promise you and at no point did anyone look at anyone, judge anyone or have any opinions on anyone's body that I saw or heard.
Number 2) everyone raved about the huge amounts of walking, it honestly was no worse than a day at legoland. If you can do a day out in the UK, you can do a day at disneyworld. Space out your rest days, get comfy with knowing you will miss some things, take regular breaks in the air con (the shows are great for this as its all sitting down, really sweet and cold!) Just get good quality, comfy shoes and take blister plasters in case, drink lots of water.
Number 3) you'll forget what you look like, it honestly wasn't important, there is so much going on, we mainly took just photos of the kids anyway and we just loved the magic. I was bigger at the time, I wore sports skirts I'd never wear at home and felt totally fine in them, I never wear short skirts here but there it just made sense. Lots of people wore cycling shorts or leggings and disney baggy themed t shirts which float over any worrisome areas. Chub rub shorts also were amazing under dresses. Everyone is a sweaty mess by the end of the day anyway and the US felt a lot less fashion conscious than the UK, most people seemed to just wear colours or characters they liked.

Most importantly - it is what it is, the majority of people wish they could be slimmer on hols I think, what do you do? Have a miserable time beating yourself up? Dont do it to yourself! Absolutely throw yourself into it, remember you're there to have a great time not look a certain way and you will honestly have a blast. When I look back at photos, I don't see my thighs at all, I remember the kids laughing, I remember the magic, the happiness etc. Just relax and go with it! Have fun :-)

Notwiththebullshizz · 28/07/2025 13:48

This will probably come across rude, I don't mean it to but honestly... You'll look rather small in comparison to a lot of people you'll see in Florida/Disney.

Also, I know it's really hard when you don't feel happy in your body's but you could (are) waste years being unhappy and missing out on just enjoying your life! You'll look back and regret worrying so much about it. You're right, it really is the holiday of a life time, don't waste that time worrying and wishing, have the absolute best time with your loved ones and make amazing memories!

the80sweregreat · 28/07/2025 13:48

I doubt anyone will notice , there is so much to see and do at the parks and people will be concentrating on having a good time and not looking at anyone else! Just wear what is comfortable for you and enjoy it all.

Mh67 · 28/07/2025 13:58

Not clothes wise but to help with body sweat in that heat. Take savlon as underneath big boobs can get sore also if you have an apron belly it's good for under that as well. Wear panty liners and change during day regularly it helps soak up sweat. If it gets to much walking in that heat you can hire a scooter or wheel chair. With regards to clothing wear what you are comfortable in

CookieSue222 · 28/07/2025 14:04

Bless you. I was in exactly the same position as you 20 years ago. 1st trip to Australia (sibling lives there), 1st flight for our 2 young kids - me not exactly beach beautiful! I agree with other posters that you need to take clothes you feel comfortable in. My photos (yes, real actual photos) show me wearing the same shirt at virtually every important occassion/landmark etc. (you could hand wash it in the hotels and it was so warm it dried overnight). We laugh about it so much now - I became known as the one shirt wonder downunder!

MrsTerryPratchett · 28/07/2025 14:04

Bowling4soup · 28/07/2025 12:32

Im a similar size to you, have a look at the Facebook page or TikTok etc of Plus Size Park Hoppers. They’re a group of women who visit the parks regularly and test the ride seats to see if they’ll fit or not and share online about travelling as a plus sized lady. (Been watching for myself)

I reccomend snag chub rub shorts for under dresses to stop legs chafing. I tend to wear dress and leggings/chub rub shorts every day as that’s what I feel most comfortable in. Try not to stress, wear something that makes you feel good :)

That’s a great recommendation!

Lioncub2020 · 28/07/2025 14:11

You've going to the US. You'll probably feel pretty slim when you're there in comparison to many. Wear clothes you are comfortable in - no one is judging you. If you want to fit in buy a baggy Disney T-shirt and mini-ears that is what most of other people seem to wear at Disney.

SassyLimeHelper · 28/07/2025 14:22

Have a look at Laura Adlington's instagram for some outfit inspiration - she is a size 24 and looks fab all of the time! She's got loads of summer outfit videos and has links to each outfit - lots of cool, floaty dresses.
Hopefully you can find some outfits that really make you feel good about yourself. The most important thing is that you enjoy yourself and have the best time.

triplechoc · 28/07/2025 14:24

Never been to Disney, but have recently returned from a sun holiday as a size 20 with big boobs, and have previously been on holidays as a size 24.

I spent years in black linen trousers in summer, because I dislike my legs. I made a conscious decision not to buy any more as it’s so hard to get ones that don’t immediately look crumpled and go baggy after wearing for a few hours. Instead, I have some thin, loose cotton trousers that hold their shape better and are cooler than black linen.

Light dresses with snag chub rub shorts are great, I add a belt to most dresses otherwise they just hang off my boobs. Use a hair elastic as an additional belt loop if necessary. I’ve had surprising success with midi dresses from Primark (via Vinted for me but presumably also in store), 100% cotton, not lined but not see-through either.

I wore shorts this holiday for the first time since I was a kid, and felt less self conscious than I thought I would (and usually do in summer clothes generally) and realised it was because I was dressed suitably for the weather, like everyone else, rather than trying to hide my legs. Having said that, I make sure my shorts are almost to my knees, and have some structure to them, as I don’t feel comfortable with thigh on show.

Sainsbury’s is good for sleeveless tops that don’t cling to every bump, either wide-strapped sleeveless tops or sleeveless shirts. I don’t like my arms but the difference in temperature was surprising, and I’ve continued wearing the tops since being home, when it’s been warm enough.

And obviously, your most comfortable shoes!

Have an amazing holiday!

TaupeLemur · 28/07/2025 14:29

OP I was worried about a DW trip a while back but got to Orlando to find that the one thing DW donAMAZINGLY well, and discreetly and inclusively, is cater for families of all shapes and sizes. They keep grps together on rides, and all seats, belts and buckles, lap bars etc are adjustable so little kids will have a snug for while the adult and larger people will be guided to larger seats, the correct side to sit on, the bar that adjusts individually etc.
There was anything any of us could go on - not the 6’5 uncle or the size 20/22 aunty.
There’s also rest areas, shade, water misting out everywhere to cool, and the best managing of queues I have ever seen. Always something to look at or do so you don’t even notice you’re hanging around.
They ruined all other theme parks for me for life! Wear comfy shoes, take your own snacks and bring re-fillable water bottles with ice. And temper you can take your own food etc in … it’ll save you a fortune to pack some sarnies if you can.

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