Go without DH

[Rneighh]

My husband is not as big a fan of WDW as I am. We just returned from a 10 day trip in FEb. and he says he will do a cruise in 2004 but wants to stay away in 2003. My duaghters 13 and 10 want to go next year as well. Should I go without him? We usually travel as family and I am not sure how I will like traveling without him? Any one ever leave their spouse at home and take their kids? Should I consider bringing my Mother ?

Renee

02 CSp
98 off-site
97 DxL
79 off-site as a teenager

[SandraC]

I feel for you! I have thought the same thing! I have several friends who easily go on vacation without dh and even without their kids. I wish I could do that, maybe one day I'll get to the point that I feel comfy enough ~ but for now, we like the family thing. My kids are younger than yours dd8 and ds2 so it helps to have dh around. All our past WDW trips, dh and even dd didn't really care that they were in WDW, the only thing they cared about is that they were on vacation and there was a pool. BUT THAT CHANGED! Last April we went to WDW and they all got into it! So they are all very excited about this April 2002 trip. But before their excitement, I thought about just taking the kids to WDW and bring my MIL too. She is the primary care giver of my kids when I need a babysitting and my kids adore her. I am very lucky, MIL and I get along great, even better than my own Mum! I think if my kids were older and dh didn't want to go, I would go without dh ~ we would just make a second family vacation with him later in the year. S

[NCRedding]

I went to WDW Dec. 2000 without my DH, and with my DD (then 8) because I wanted at least one trip where I had done all the research, and then wasn't overuled by DH on what he wanted to do, and where he wanted to go. It was great!!!!!! If I could I would take all trips without him and just take my DD--we both love Disney. My next plan is a 2 week trip in June (as DVC member) with DD one week alone, then with DH (if he insists) the next week. I think your children are great ages for doing a solo trip--not a difficult to manage with just one adult. Go for it!

[mjenni27]

There is no way that I would go on vacation without my Spouse!!!! When you got married, you ceased to be two separate individuals, and became one team. Would you go with only one of your legs saying "well I don't like that it overrules what this leg wants to do". Heaven forbid! If your DH does not want to go, then find out what he wants to do. When was the last time that you took a vacation where HE wanted to go. Just a thought but maybe he would rather do something else. Rather than just blowing him off as NCRedding would have you do, try to find common ground. Yours is a marriage not some kind of business dealing. It is much like these marriages with his and hers checking accounts. If you cannot even share money, what kind of real intimacy do you have.

Sorry for the vent, but I find vacations to be a time for family to pull together instead of drifting further apart.

[Spirit Feather]

We vacation seperatly all of the time. My DH was in the Navy for years and if I wanted to go anywhere, I had to just pack up the kids and go. If we had waited for him to be home we would have never gone anywhere.

The kids and I love to camp and DH is usually working so we just pack up and go. No big deal. I know that seems really strange to a lot of folks. Just the way things work for our family.

Sign me,

Independent Woman (who relies on her hubby's pay check for fun and travel!)
:sunny:

[NCRedding]

Spirit Feather: Thank you for your reply. I deleted my first reply that was inappropriate (I've never been personally attacked in a post before--so it really threw me off course); yours fits so much better. I am also lucky enough to be married to a man who is secure enough in our relationship that he doesn't resent these trips without him. Tag me an independent woman (who is also in business with my husband), who uses OUR money to go on vacation to relax.

[SandraC]

It's a wonderful thing that I drag dh on vacation he doesn't want to go on because he ends up having a ball!

My kids are little and no one really to leave them with (inlaws are great sitters for a night, but not over night, rest of the family lives very far away). If I had family who I would feel comfy with leaving the kids, I would consider and weekend away with dh. I can't wait until my kids are older and I'll consider vacations with THE GIRLS! I have a great circle of friends with older kids and they go away all the time, just the gals. They have such fun! Right now, the family vacation thing works for us and we love it, but there will be a time when the separate vacation thing will work for us and we'll love that too!

dh's is a cyclist and he's been thinking about a grand biking tour which would require an over night or two. I think it's wonderful that he has interests outside of *the family* When the kids are older, we will all get into the cycling thing. It's all just timing right now.


Renee, GO HAVE FUN WITH YOUR KIDS!

[jamsmom]

I think you should go alone. That will allow you to have the quality time with your girls. If money isn't an issue, I think it would be cool to have a yearly mother/daughters trip. You can alwys go on another vacation to your husband's liking. OR..... he can take them some where for a couple of days for father/daughters time.

Go for it and have a great time!

My son and I always go alone. We love WDW. Why should we miss out because Jim doesn't like it like us. It gives him time for himself, too.

[ReneeQ]

My husband and I LOVE to vacation together and do at least once a year. BUT he is not a Disney fanatic AND I get a lot more vacation time than he does. I take AT LEAST one Disney vacation a year without him, and usually another vacation in addition to that one without him. I went with my girlfriends to New York in June 2001 AND with the same group of friends to Disney in Jan. 2002. We don't have children, but I have also taken my godchildren to Disney, just me and the kids, and had a blast.

You know the saying, absence makes the heart grow fonder? Well, we've been married 12 years and it works fine for us. We also take trips together (did the 7 day Disney cruise in Oct. 2001) but I think it's a little absurd to think someone should never go a trip without their husband. We enjoy the time apart to do our own things, and our marriage has not suffered or grown apart because of it.

[SandraC]

WHEW! I am soooo pleased that this thread stayed *nice*, good Disney fashion! I am thrilled one post didn't spoil the bunch! *Venting* is okay. But this is a nice wholesome family board where we like to support each other! *Vent* away ~ but be nice. Sandra

[Rneighh]

Wow I guess I opened a can of worms. Mjenni27 my husband and I have a fantasic marriage in fact I work fulltime in his office. I just adore Disney and he tolerates it every few years. My kids would love a girls only trip. We have the income to take several vacations a year and in fact spend most of summers showing draft horses (hubby's passion) and sheep.

We each to independant things but we spend lots of time together since we work together. I think I will take your advice (at least most everyone's) and plan a girls only trip. We usally go for 8-10 days since this is our first without DH maybe I should plan a shorter trip.

Any suggestions on which hotel. I love to look of AKL.

Renee

[*Belle*]

DH is a very experienced skiier and enjoys his time on the mountains. (also not a big Disney fan) I could never ski to his ability and to be honest I don't love to ski. There have been many times DH has gone on a ski trip and I have taken the children to Disney without him.(DH also takes the children skiing and I stay behind) It can be a wonderful bonding time. We have loved everyone of our trips togather as well, I think you should go, as long as your family is happy with the decision.:)

[tjmw2727]

I have done solo mini-vacations with each of my dd's since the age of about 4. I have more vacation time than dh so before the girls were in 1st grade we did long weekend WDW trips. They are some of the best times we have had - 1-1 time with mommy. Sure we missed dh and my other dd and that's why I kept them to about 4 days. I have also extended a family trip to wdw again due to having more vacation time than dh. We did a week together and then the girls and I did 3 more days after he went back to work - they were 6&4 at that time. Dh isn't a big park lover and dosen't do well with crowds so we take it slower with him. Alone the girls and I do what we want when we want. We also do many family things like camping and hiking and ski vacations.

If you think it would work for you and your family then by all means go for it. If your leary about it maybe start with a long weekend!

Enjoy
TJ

[tjmw2727]

Glad your considering it! Personally when I am solo with the girls I like either the Monorial or Epcot resort convenience. If you spend alot of time at MGM and Epcot than the Epcot resorts can't be beat. S/D often has some great rates. If you like MK then our fav is the Polynesian followed by the Contemporary. If price is a consideration our fav moderate is CS followed by the CBR.

Check out the resort board here, there are lots of helpful people to answer questions and give more detailed information and suggestions.

TJ

[mjenni27]

Sandra said "WHEW! I am soooo pleased that this thread stayed *nice*, good Disney fashion! I am thrilled one ridiculous post didn't spoil the bunch! *Venting* is okay, but save it for the debate boards. This is a nice wholesome family board where was like to support each other! *Vent* away ~ but be nice. Sandra"

I would suggest you reread the thread then. Renee asked an opinion and I gave mine. I never said not to go on trips without the hubby. Nor did I ever say not to spend one on one time with the kids without the spouse. That is an assumption that so many of you have read into my post. And for that, so many of you have lambasted me. Actually quite the opposite is true. I believe you should "date" each of your children at least once a month, one on one. And there isn't a thing wrong with spending time with friends out for the evening or the weekend away. That is healthy. What is not healthy to your marriage is telling him that "since you don't like it there anyway, I will just take the kids and go without you this time and you do whatever you want to do". That is a surefire way to sow discord into your marriage. It tells the husband that the pecking order places the children above him and he will grow to resent the time you spend with the children. He may tell you that it is fine, but it will not be.


But I have learned something from all of this Sandra, according to what you are saying "on anything but the debate board, don't give an honest answer, give the answer the person wants to hear". Does that about sum up your feelings

[SandraC]

Hi Renee, glad you think you'll take the girls to WDW, you'll have a wonderful time. About resorts ~ I see AKL with great rates all the time on mousesavers.com When deals on deluxe resorts pop up, they seem to be with AKL and WL. You stated you are considering a shorter vacation. What about a two resort trip? AKL and perhaps somewhere you've been for *comfort*? It would be like two trips in one! We are touring AKL in three weeks, I'll post what I see ~ I'm sure it'll be great! I have a permanent smile on my face with WDW so close! Your girls are great ages! Have a blast! Sandra

[ABCMom]

Just a reminder that this is a family board where opposing opinions are welcome and appreciated. Attacks on other posters are not. Please be respectful of one another and ALL sides and opinions.

I think this is a good topic and both sides have made good points.

[klynn]

I've never done a whole vacation without DH. But I have taken the kids alone up to a week before he came. Even though we had fun, it was kind of hard on me because I have 2 young kids and I didn't have a extra pair of hands! Also, for me, it just didn't feel the same. It was like our vacation didn't start until DH arrived. It's always more fun when he is along. However, I would go again with just the kids.

[Rneighh]

Mjenni27 --- I think you missed the point of your own post. You were very negative and said I gave up my personal identity when I married -- that we are no longer two but one. And I basically will end up in a divorce if go without him.

My question was aimed more at people who had gone without a spouse and how that affects the whole feel of the trip. I know he does not mind and does not want to deny my kids or me for that matter the thrill of Disney. He just does not get the same thrill.

I wanted to know if single spouses felt safe and not too over stressed with extra pressure of being a single parent for a week.

Renee

[SandraC]

Renee, my friend Laura is a single mom of 10 year old twin girls and a 14 year old girl ~ she takes the girls on vacation all the time. They haven't done WDW yet ~ but they are always trekking to places for weekends and week long trip (the girls are into dancing ~ and they go to dance expos all the time). She said she feels very safe. I posted a similar question last year about safety concerns. I was hoping to get out a couple night during last years trip to see Fantasmic and Illuminations alone while dh watched sleeping kids back at the room. I would have taken the WDW bus system and was concerned about doing it alone. I had lots of replies that it's very safe. I think if you keep heads up you'll be just fine! Sandra

[hrhdec01]

I'm kind of in the same boat. I'm planning a trip to WDW alone with the kids 12, 9, and 6. I'm off
for the summer and DH has to work. We did the big vacation (all 5 of us) in Dec. and bought APs. I'm for getting
the most for your money. It's a lot cheaper to go with 4 people rather than 5 and we have the
tickets. I'm more concerned about the drive. I figure that it's about 20 hours for me. The most I've
driven alone with the kids was 12 hours. That trip included the dog so I assume it'll be a little
easier this time. I feel safe on Disney property and using their transportation. Otherwise, I wouldn't be
planning to go.
Tracy

[SandraC]

I've had a change of heart ~ I can't see me ever leaving dh for a trip. As a matter of fact, I am shamed that I even considered it. He is such a great guy and he deserves my total undivided attention at all times. I hope he forgives me for ever letting the dreadful thought enter my pretty little head. I think I'll get out the sexy apron tonight and slave away in the kitchen making him a great dinner. I will beg his forgiveness and let him plan ALL our vacations! Oh yeah, I need to mention one more thing....April Fool's! Have a wonderful happy and humour filled day! Sandra

[Jordan's MOM]

Sandra C, you are too funny! I love your posts. BTW, before I was married I was a Sandra C. My Ds saw you post I was reading and Said you got to tell her that! Anyway thought this post was interesting and here's my 2 cents for what it's worth and without judgement! Right now we can only afford one big (like Disney) trip a year. It is important for our busy family to spend that one trip together.HOWEVER, if we could afford a second trip, DH, would be happy for DS and I to take a solo trip to Disney. DS and I are bigger WDW fans that DH and so we compromise at Disney one year and somewhere else the next. I also think that it is very important to foster individual relationships with in your family. DH and I try to get a way at least once a year alone for a week-end and DS and I sometimes get season passes for a not too distance theme park that we enjoy that DH does not. DS and I are looking at taking a week-end beach trip this summer alone too. Different things work for different families. If we could afford a second big vacation, DS & I would go to DW with DH's blessings.BTW, I asked him about it!

Jordan's mom

[SandraC]

Hey There "JORDAN'S MOM!" aka the ORIGINAL SandraC! LOL! I'm glad you took my last post in the good humour that it was intended! I really got into the "April Fools Day" spirit when I got nailed this morning on the THEME PARK ATTRACTIONS boards. Someone posted we were going to have to pay for FP. I fell for it soooooo bad! It was a hoot! I knew I would try a HA-HA on the boards. Again, thanks for seeing the humour ~ it's nice to know that folks still have a sense of humour and lighten up on such a fun and silly day! WDW is about fun! So let's all get with the spirit of WDW and enjoy! SEIZE THE DAY! Have a good one! Sandra

[skiwee1]

My husband doesn't like WDW too much either. He can handle it every 4-5 years and that is it. So I do leave him home! My mom loves WDW as much as I do so I take her and my little girl and we have a blast! DH and I go on many of vacations together but we perfer to split for these trips. He enjoys his time too as he and our son, who also is anti-Disney, go out on our boat every day and thoroughly enjoy themselves. If anything, going on seperate vacations say a lot of good about a marriage. One, that you can be secure in your relationship and trust each other to do things apart sometimes. And two, that you are mature enough to realize that marriage doesn't mean that you are glued at the hip. I think as long as you vacation as a couple just as much as apart shows that you have a great marriage.:D

[SandraC]

Hi Renee, I was curious, will you be driving down to Florida with your girls? I see you are from Ill. How long is the drive? Would your mom help you drive? I am considering the same thing when my kiddies are older. What resorts/hotels have you stayed at before? You are sooooo brave to be doing the cruise. I fear boats, even gorgeous big ships like Disney's. What time of year are you planning on going? You can get excellent rates at AKL during certain times of the year. Your girls are at great ages to help out planning! Chat soon! Sandra

[BethR]

Let me interject here with a few reminders from our Guidelines for Posting:

The purpose of these boards is to give the fans and visitors of Walt Disney World an opportunity to share their experiences with one another. This is to be a fun and enjoyable exchange.

Also:

If you have a personal comment for that person, please direct it to them via email. If the use of the boards for personal messages continues, those messages will be deleted. Remember, if the message is not intended for EVERYONE, it does not belong on the boards!

And:

NO FIGHTING!...Messages that are argumentative or sarcastic in nature will be deleted without discussion.

We would all be better served by following these guidelines.

Thank you!

[Rneighh]

Sandra -- we will fly. IT is a 20 hour drive. We are planning on a late Feb/early March trip to get away from the nasty northern Illinois winters. On past family (with DH) trips we have stayed at DxL and CSP, and off-site. I think my Mom would enjoy AKL with a savanna view especially if she decided in stay in the resort one day while we did the parks. She is not a thrill rider so on the day we want to do MK with Splash, Space, Thunder -- she may stay back at the hotel. I would love to stay for our usual 7-10 days but I may "kill" her if I am locked in a room that long with her -- kidding. She has not been to Disney since 1978 --- Epcot was just being built. I know she will love being on grounds and not having to drive around.

MJenni --- I cook, clean (bathrooms too), mother my children, work full time, and take care of 26 head of horses, 30 head of cattle, and 30 head of sheep. It all gets done and it all gets done well.

Renee

[Rneighh]

To everyone --- I don't mean to attack but I have been attacked and judged and I don't like it.
But I do love Disney and these boards. I think when I retire I want to be a CM at the Haunted Mansion or ToT. Until then I will have to satisfy my Disney addiction with an annual trip -- with or without my DH.

:p :p :p

[ChiTownZee]

When you got married, you ceased to be two separate individuals, and became one team.

ROFLMAO, good golly!!! I wasn't aware that I died at my ceremony and was re-born into some kind of hybrid team entity! LOL
Personally, I am still very much an individual, just ask DH! Besides that I think my boss frown upon DH sitting next to me at work and I would become very annoyed if I couldn't do things individually.

Renee! I say go!! Maybe for a shorter time than you would normally go so you could still do something special with your Dh. I would LOVE to have a girls trip to WDW! Think of the all the girl-talk and giggling! Hey, can my DD and I go with? :D

[WebmasterAlex]

Wow... I am not getting something here. All of the friends I know have a different marrige "style". Some of them are joined at the hip, others take a lot of freedom... but I have never found one group to be any happier than the other.. the important thing is that the couple is in sync. Were I have seen problems is where one person is attached and the other wants freedom but nobody is describing that here. Somehow (and I can read no need to post a lot of he said, she said) this turned in to attacking each other over just having different styles! With the divorce rate in this country, if a couple finds something that works for them, my feeling is god bless.. but it may not work for someone else.
The original question was, what experiences have people had in traveling without their spouse and would it make sense to bring help..

I think your kids are a great age for a solo trip with mom! They are old enough that they will listen and hopefully not be the "handfull" they can be at a younger age! Just plan your hotel, etc to make transportation easy.. it depends if your kids are still Magic Kingdom types or have moved on to AK and Epcot. As for bringing Mom, I don't think it is neccesary UNLESS it will add to your enjoyment. I know people that have tried a trip like this with 4 and 5 year olds and have regretted it, but at your DD's ages? Go see the mouse.

[Barb D]

My DH has a "been there, done that" attitude about Disney. The kids and I could do it every year and not get tired of it. My sister lives in Orlando, so my mom goes with the kids and I. We combine a visit with my sister, a short visit to WDW (2-4 days) and a visit with my grandparents on the gulf coast. DH happily stays home. We've done this 3 times now, and will probably do it again. BTW, he's not really interested in ANY vacation, so if we didn't go without him we probably would never go anywhere.

[mikesmom]

My DH loves to go to WDW - we even own at DVC. But, that being said, DS and I have gone down to WDW by ourselves. It is sort of like a "date" - it's amazing how much good solid talking gets done between us. I also have vactioned there with DH and without the kids.

[cleo]

I so agree, mikesmom! DS and I have the best conversations when we travel together!

I couldn't imagine leaving DH home if he wanted to go somewhere with us, but I never hesitate to go without him when he'd rather not. DS and I travel together a few times a year during DH's busy season and it's really a delight. We not only have the pleasure of doing things we enjoy, but also the pleasure of coming home and sharing our memories and our pictures with DH. Everyone's happy and it's wonderful to have that special time with your kids. I hope you have a great trip. :)

[Jordan's MOM]

While DS (9) and I have not traveled to WDW alone, we have done other things including a large amusment park closer to our home. We started this when he was preschool age, getting season passes. There is nothing like the bonding one on one time. Somewhere like that you have nothing else to focus on but each other. Some of my best memories are of these times. Just like DH and I like to travel alone for bonding time, I cherish this alone time with DS. DH and DS get this time by going to all kinds of sporting events without me, oh darn!While we we have a strong solid family, I also have an incredible bond with each of them and they with each other. Cleo and Mike's mom, are these DS's not wonderful???!!!


Jordan's mom

[tmli]

My husband HATES to travel. Therefore my DS(5) and I travel to WDW without him every year. Sometimes we take my parents, sometimes we don't. When its just the two of us we just plan a little different. First of all staying on site was the only option. My husband would be worried about us if we were driving around in a rental or using other transportation. When we arrived at the airport we latched on to a real nice baggage handler and asked if he would stay with us as long as he could. They can go much further through the airport than a person without a ticket can. He took care of my luggage(in Toronto you have to keep it with you through all customs check etc.) and all I had to do was keep track of my son and deal with customs and security checks. Cost me $20USD he was very pleased and so was I. We had also arranged for a town car in Orlando. Was a little more expensive than Mears but they met me at the baggage area and again I only had to worry about my son. And of course as you all know once your in the world everything is only a bus ride away. We felt safe everywhere, even after dark. While we have fun with family members, our trip alone is our favorite memory. Now we're going to get an AP for the two of us and do it much more often. Besides my husband misses us so much when were gone He REALLY appreciates us when we return.

[SandraC]

Hi Tracey! WELCOME! I am in Ontario, Canada too! I giggled when I read your DH HATES to travel. When I first met my dh 19 years ago YIKES! He hated to travel too. He would tune the car radio thinking we were losing the station if we drove around the corner! LOL! When I met dh, he was a private pilot, our first date was in a Cessna 152! He had never been in an airplane that he did fly himself or jump out of (skydriver dude!). His travel experience was limited, a couple times to the Maritimes as a kid and teen ~ he mainly stayed around Ontario. When we started travelling as a couple, we took short and frequent trips to Niagara Falls and up north in Ontario. After being together about 3 years, I took him to Vancouver and Seattle (my family moved out there for a while ~ I used to live there too ~ I've lived all over the place while dh went from living with his parents to living with me ~ talk about opposites attract!) dh was nervous about not being the pilot but he did great. Never too thrilled about venturing out of Ontario, he would still agree to more trips and further away. He even admits that he's never too thrilled about the idea of travelling but he ends up having a blast while on vacation. Because he opened his mind to travel, my formerly "reluctant traveller" now really looks forward to trip! This April 2002 trip will be our 5th WDW trip together as a couple. We went twice before kids, once with just dd (ds wasn't born yet) and last year with our two kids and in a couple weeks with our two kids again. DH's trips of preferrance when we met was camping and travelling around Ontario without any direction or plan. At first I totally didn't get it! But because dh went along with my trips, I went along with his trips. We started seeing the benefits of both ways of travelling. DH and I are like the TV show "GREEN ACRES" I am spoiled Lisa and he is her hubby who climbs poles to make a phone call ~ LOL! After last years amazing WDW EVERYONE is looking forward to this WDW trip. We might consider a PEI trip soon. While not my first choice, I would like to see it. DH has come far, we are starting to talk about a European trip with the kids when they are older and DH thinks it's a great idea! WOW! Happy Days! Sandra

[tmli]

Thanks for the welcome SandraC. Talk about opposites I was a travel agent when we met. Had cruised and travelled lots, he was an auto mechanic. 5 star dining was eating in MacDonalds instead of drive thru. Now we own our own business and as he mixes with different people he's definitely more "Refined". He actually asked me to order a copy of the Disney Planning Video for him to look at. I think I'm wearing him down.

[SandraC]

Tracey, have you checked out the Canadian Boards? Lots of great info there too! Chat soon! Sandra

[LBYC-19]

Life is too short! Why not?

I wish my mom was alive, I'd love to take her to the world, especially if DH wasn't thrilled about going...have a blast.

[siouxi31]

I've done the Disney trips with and without my husband and sometimes without the kids.
My husband does not get "vacation days" at work so if he doesn't work, he doesn't get paid. Also, I travel for work so I would find myself in LA over a weekend with no plans--what to do? Go to Disneyland!
The first time was w/out husband and kids. I made it for two hours, and was so bummed that I left the park! I later told myself that I would never let that happen again---I should have enjoyed myself. Since then, I have been twice alone--I enjoyed every minute of it. We stayed at BC, I ordered a pina colada, propped my rear in a chair while the kids swam and I phoned my husband. He loves Disney and especially the BC so this one was tough for him to swallow--but he's not the jealous type so was also glad to be able to share the experience as I told him where I was and what I was looking at. The other thing he loves is the "Beatles" group at EPCOT. I phoned him while I was there too so that he could hear the band--this one brought tears to his eyes. Maybe you would think that was cruel punishment for him but he would have been upset had I not shared the experience.
My point is, you'll find it difficult at first but do your best to overcome the guilt or sadness that you may experience. Hopefully you won't experience these feelings since your husband does not want to go.

[Rneighh]

It is a definate me, 2 DD's and Mom are heading to the mouse house next year. Mom is as excited as I am. I think she will love AKL . She is not much of thrill rider so she won't bedoing Tot. RR coaster, Splash, or Space but will love everything else.

As my DH said "go -- your Mom she is 72 go with her while you can. SHe will love it." HE is thrilled he does not have to go on the trip with her ;)

Now I have to decide on Feb or March -- any suggestions?

[SandraC]

YIPPY! What a wonderful way to spend time with your Mum! Just think about the cool three generation photo with Mickey!

I think in early Feb with weather is chiller than March but you'll find deals on AKL. I think you can get a good rate in March too. It starts to get busy Presidents Week to the end of April ~ Spring Break. What are you looking for? Deal? Good weather? Low crowds? YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A GREAT TIME! Sandra

[Rneighh]

We have always gone in Feb. and I have gotten great deals at moderates. I really love the look of AKL and think Mom will love it. I guess I am looking for a deal. I always have had deals and am not use to paying rack. We were there Feb. 7-16 and paid 84.00 per night for CSP. I loved CSP but Mom does two weeks in Cancun every year and I am afraid it will be all too familiar for her at CSP. I want this trip to be special.

HOw much worse are the crowds in March? We have been in both early and late Feb. and never really had a crowd problem.

Renee

[ncbyrne]

No one can tell you what to do, but I enjoy trips to WDW with and without DH. This year I have two trips planned. The first one is coming up...May 8-13. I'm going with two of my grown DDs and three DGD's (8, 8, 4). DH enjoys Epcot a lot...but isn't exactly crazy about MK, which is where the little girls will probably want to spend most of their time. DH also likes long, sit down dinners, not french fries, burgers, or quick counter food. Well, you get the idea....he's staying home in May. But, we also have another trip planned from Sept 22-28 with my DH's brother and his wife. If you really think you might like to have another adult along, sure ask your mother. I LOVE going with my daughter(s) and grandkids too!

[disneyfan551]

I'm SOOO glad I didn't skip this thread, it's been interesting to say the least! Since we can not "post things directly to other posters unless by email", may I say that the above post about "my DH deserves my undivided attention & from now on I'll just let him make all of our vacation plans...", is HILARIOUS!!! I would be out in the woods hunting with my DH & 7 mo. old DD every possible chance!! :p And, I just can't see that happening!!

But, back to the subject...I encourage DW's to go to WDW without their DH's! Unless the DH's love it too! My DH is so "tired" of WDW, "it's the same stuff...". Well, phooey on that philosophy! I want to go to WDW EVERY year, and now that I have a DD, I will load her up too! My DH & I haven't been to WDW together in 3 years, but he "volunteered" to go this year, since the baby is going... Now, if he would just help pay for it, we'd be doing really well!

Two years ago, my best friend and I went to WDW, without our DH's-which we had "drug" down for the previous 2 years, and it was honestly the BEEEEEEST vacation I've ever had!! I love my DH, but we are mature enough to understand that we can both have different interests (& vacations!) without jeopardizing our marriage! He would MUCH rather me go with a friend, or family member, than him have to go and suffer through it! (And, you better believe I don't beg to tag along on his hunting vacations that he takes 4 times a year!!! :p )

Oh well, there is my 2 cents, along with everyone elses! IMHO, it's not the end of the world if you go on a vacation without your DH! (Just keep that in mind... MY OPINION ONLY.... :D )

...only 9 days to go!!! (no he's not screaming yet, but I'm sure he will.... :jester: )

[LKS]

For anyone who can take more than one vacation a year, I think it is great to do lots of different types of trips with different groups of people. My mother told me that she is the envy of all her friends for getting to vacation with us. We have a taken a couple of trips for just the two of us, and she and I just took my kids to Dollywood over spring break. My kids are just too young for me to manage all 3 alone at a theme park, but since yours are older, you probably could. I am still glad to hear that you are taking your Mom, because she will enjoy the trip too.

I do think the trips have a different feel. Ours are more relaxed without DH. We go slower and don't have that pressure to see everything. I think that comes from DH, and I don't mind that either, it's just different without him. He runs a much tighter ship and keeps us on schedule! With my Mom along, it seems I call all the shots, do all the driving and am very much in charge of everything, so you might want to be prepared for that if you are not used to it.

[SandraC]

If my dh couldn't or didn't want to go on a trip with us, I would ask my MIL, she's 73 years old going on 40! She's just been diagnosed with Parkinson's ~ she's doing great! She's like a mother to me! And she's the best grandma too! I think I'll call her now ~ thanks! Sandra