I think we are burned out....Anyone else experience this?

[rutgers1]

I never thought I'd say this, especially only 2 trips into my DVC ownership, but I think my family is officially burned out on Disney and might take a 2-year break. Here is why:
1) We have been there a bunch of times over the past 5 years. I feel like we have been on every ride and seen every thing that my 10 and 8 year old kids care to see at this point in their lives. Not only have we been on every ride that they like, we've been on them dozens and dozens of times.
2) We have been there twice over the past 6 months, staying 2 weeks one time and 9 days the other. This last time was last week, and the weather was cold, which forced us away from the pool and into the parks for longer periods of time. The fact that we have "been there, done that" in the parks started to become more clear. We had fun, but we didn't leave with the usual "Can't wait to come back!" feeling.

I think that our interest in Disney will be rejuvenated when the kids are a bit older and can be more independent. I think they will enjoy experiencing the rides without their parents tagging along, and I think my wife and I will enjoy the shopping areas without them pulling us to the next ride. We'll enjoy the pool more when we don't have to watch the kids 100% of the time. Etc. Etc.

I think we'll either rent our points out, bank them, or take a trip to one of Disney's other properties (Vero, Hilton Head).

Has anyone else experienced this?

[lisah0711]

Maybe you can bank your points and go to Hawaii in 2011! :thumbsup2 Or how about a trip to Disneyland or one of the other parks? Hope that too much of a good thing feeling doesn't last too long.

[tgropp]

My wife feels like this, even after only spending 3 or 4 days a year there. We pick our spots but also plan other activities other than spending the day at the parks. You will be surprised on how much you will enjoy WDW with only you and your spouse when your children are old enough to go on their own and just meet at meal time. It is always so nice to enjoy the magic, even if your stay is only at the resort. Especially if it is in a 1 or 2 bedroom.

[littlestar]

Yes, we have experienced burn out at times. I'd take a break from WDW.

Maybe try to take a trip to Hilton Head and a day trip to Savannah, Ga, and ride the trolley with on and off privileges for the day (great fun). Pick a time when the weather should be good. Hilton Head has wonderful bike trails, too.

Or go to Vero Beach or Disney's new Hawaii resort that opens in 2011.

[bgraham34]

I can't say that I experienced this but I can certainly see it. For me Disney makes me feel young so I always want to go back and have that feeling. I also don't have kids at the moment either. Sometimes you just need a break to appreciate it more.

[wdwnut]

When my kids were "teenish", I would drop them off at Disney Quest and do a bit of wandering around DTD. We also did things like miniature golf to take a break from the parks. I'm really sad the Adventurer's Club closed just before our youngest was of legal age. Now we also go to Karaoke at the Swan/Dolphin as well as a couple of other non-park options.

[christa112]

I can see how you can definately feel that way we have been 4 times since 2005 and we definately skipped over things on our last trip that we have done several times and of course we repeat things that the kids love. We have also tried to mix it up by staying at different resorts and dining at different places as well as adding the water parks and Disney Quest on one trip and of course doing pool days.

We are also going to take a Disney break. We are hoping to do a Disney Cruise and then our next trip to FL will be us staying on DVC property, but
hitting other Orlando Parks (Universal, Sea World, and possibly Busch Gardens). We have been waiting for our kids to get older to enjoy these parks especially Universal and now that Harry Potter is coming out we all really want to go.

[TisBit]

I can see where you are coming from, especially with two long trips so close together. One thing that has kept me from feeling that way is we have begun traveling with some of our family and friends. It brings things back into focus and stuff we would just skip, we now do. It's also just fun to go with someone who hasn't gone before or in a long time.

There are obvious downsides, but we don't make our plans dependent on someone else, if they back out, we are ok. It also makes it more exciting when we do end up with just a family trip, where we can focus on things we want to do.

Also, trying something new every time, maybe tours or activities you haven't done, can bring excitement back.

[omalley1118]

I always worry about this as well. We bought in last year. We have gone the last 3 years, and my kids are now 6 and almost 8. We have 2 trips planned this year!!!!! I know y'all will jump all over me for saying this, but WDW is about little kids to me. I keep feeling as though the "magic" will be over or at least not the same soon--thus the 2 trips this year. HAHA!!

[wildernessDad]

You've been twice in 6 months time. Give it some time, about a year, and you will be itching again. I think.

[RCM]

Did you ever hear the saying ........To much of a good thing isn't good? We have been members since 2004. We now have 4 married children, 1 child in college and 7 grandchildren 9yrs. & under. We planned on going every three years as a group and then inbetween my husband & I go with adult family or friends. We are going this June with all the kids and have 3 2/bdrm villas and are looking so much to the trip. Not for us but for them. The adult trips we don't have to set a foot in the parks because there is so much to check out at all resorts and just lazy around the pool. So far we are just excited everytime we go because we spread out the visits I think. We are even waiting ROFR for 50 more pts!

[BEASLYBOO]

I love the resort area and would just keep going just tor elax by the pool, hit the outlet malls and dine in/out of Disney. My son (13) however is suffering from Disney burnout. He's fallen in love with big roller coasters and the usual Disney rides no longer provide the thrills they use to for him. In the summer however he still enjoys the Disney water parks. I think in the near future we will bank our points for cruising and/or visiting other venues.

I look forward (no rush) to the time when he can see Disney through the eyes of his children, I still remember his 1st visit. Something new to look forward to.

[TLPL]

You feel burned out with the parks? or DVC? there are so many things youcan do with your DVC points, you don't have to have WDW vacation everytime. Go to Vero Beach or Hilton Head Island and have a vacation by the beach; or take a Disney Cruise; or go to California, Paris, Hong Kong or Tokyo; or even exchange with RCI and visit some place else. DVC doesn't mean you HAVE to go to Orlando every trip.

[2binak]

We've gotten burned out too but we've been been to WDW 3 times in the last year so it's time for a break.

Having said that, we've started making our vacations more about spending time at the resorts and less about the parks and that seems to help. When we're at AKV, we don't feel like we're at Disney at all, so for us, it's a little mini vacation within our vacation.

On our off years, we rent our points out to family & friends and let them experience some of the magic of DVC.

[kikiq]

I thought I might feel the same after my visiting spree during my DDs college program. Even tried to get my DH to Hawaii this summer instead of our summer WDW trip. BUT when I pressed DH on what he really wanted to do, he said his ideal vacation would be a week at SSR/WDW. He said it's not just about the parks, it's the resorts grounds and activities, exploring, and :eek:maybe go off property and see the rest of Orlando and Kissimee...Samantha Brown did a great bit about the surrounding community. There's quite a bit to see and do. And yes, maybe go on a Disney cruise...wait, that's our 2011 trip, DCL/WDW with our DGD who will be 2 then.

[rhonimouse]

We have been 3 times in 4 years and heading back in November, I am not burned out but my husband is getting there...He did enjoy our last visit (1st DVC visit) at the resorts (we stayed at AKV Kidani and BWV) with all their various activities. We had stayed at the values or campground previous to this. We are thinking that after Thanksgiving with family we will plan either a cruise or a visit to HHI or VB just to get a different Disney experience....I know it is not the best value for the points, but you could also trade into RCI and visit another part of the country that you have been wanting to see....

[zev]

Park burnout does happen. Just don't forget that your DVC is about a place to stay, not the parks. LOTS of options besides the parks at WDW. Like others have said now might be a good time to explore HH, VB, or even a trade to who knows what place. We did not even do the parks at all our last trip, but did a split stay with VB. Still had fun staying at WDW without the parks. (Don't tell.... we did go to Universal, lot cheaper and had adult options at City Walk. Still mad about Adventurers Club!) Good Luck with whatever you decide to do next.:beach:

[Starr W.]

We're taking a WDW break after our January 2011 trip, won't be back until November 2012. We will be at Vero Beach for spring break 2011.

[bwvBound]

Yes, I'm feeling the burnout. I think 2009 killed me with the "Birthday Free" promotion. I was the "+1" for a few family members and one special friend ... and combining these with our annual conference visit in January, D23 Expo in Sept, the "Princess and the Frog" event at the Burbank Studios in Nov and a holiday visit in Dec ... I'm Disney'd-out.

DH? Not so much. In fact he was disappointed last Saturday to find that Costco was sold out of their "4 days of play" passes for DL/CA. I'm guessing he was planning to pick up a pass for the summer season.

[Maistre Gracey]

Around 45 trips in the last 18 years, and no burn-out here.
I will say that we don't set the alarm in the morning to hit the parks early. We stay up late, spend lots of time kicking back in the nicer restaurants and the bars, and just overall soaking up the Disney atmosphere. The parks themselves are not a priority, although some individual attractions within the parks are.

The closure of the Pleasure Island clubs, especially the Adventurers Club, was a huge blow to our vacation habits..

MG

[Halle]

DH husband was burned out until we spent six days in Vegas, on day three he told me to plan a trip to Disney. I always carry my DVC card and was happy to accomodate!! We don't really do the parks much anymore. We enjoy lunch in Celebration, games at Wide World of Sports, craft and art shows in the area and love the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

[rutgers1]

I think that 1.5-2.5 years away will do the trick. I doubt we'll wait the full length, but I think we need to take some more non Disney vacations so that we appreciate Disney more the next time we go. Plus, I am starting to get the feeling that I am depriving my kids of educational experiences around the country. If we hit Washington DC and the Grand Canyon prior to our next trip, I think everyone in the family will be very happy.

I think my burnout would have been a lot less had the weather been nicer last week. Waking up to temperatures in the 30's kind of put a damper on things. We had a lot of fun (see jumping photos thread), but after spending so much time at the parks in recent years, we were really hoping for some pool weather. If the weather had been 72+, I probably would have spent most of the week by the pool.

I think the biggest question is whether we can bank the points and wait it out, or if we have to rent them out to pay for other trips.

[dmoore22]

Around 45 trips in the last 18 years, and no burn-out here.
I will say that we don't set the alarm in the morning to hit the parks early. We stay up late, spend lots of time kicking back in the nicer restaurants and the bars, and just overall soaking up the Disney atmosphere. The parks themselves are not a priority, although some individual attractions within the parks are.

MG

We can totally empathize with Maistre Gracey's statement. We have abandoned the commando cycle and savor our time in the parks and the resorts. We go twice a year (12 nights each) and manage to see and do something we have not done on previous trips. We savor the moments.

[pinnocchiosdad]

We enjoy our home resorts for what they are "resorts". We enjoy sleepy mornings in bed, long afternoons at the pool. We rent boats on the lakes, and take bus rides to DTD just for pizza at WPE. We have drinks at TOTWL at BLT in the evening, and go dancing at the clubs at BW. We have rented cars and ventured off grounds to Discovery Cove and Universal Studios. We have also taken tour of the Disney parks. There is a whole world to DW besides the parks!

[nunzia]

No burnout for us...now, my friend used to go at least once a year (DLR) and she is jout not wanting to for awhile. She is thinking all the construction walls and such in DLR are bothering her and she looks forward to going back after the DCA redo is done. For us, we have so many grandkids to take we really just enjoy it through their eyes fresh and new. We had planned a WDW trip (after 16 years not being) for Jan 10, but cancelled due to some large expenses. Glad we missed it...the weather was awful that week! So we'll still go there sometime. We had planned a just DH and I trip to DLR in May, now relatives are coming, so so much for leisure this time too..it will be our first Food and Wine so looking forward to that. Hopefully a cruise next year and one DLR trip..we are also doing San Diego and Sea World and Legoland and an AI in Mexico, so plenty of breaks from Disney. Disney just feels like going home, you know?

[jodifla]

no burnout here yet, and we've owned since 1996. We go from one to three times a year, normally, so I guess we've been to DVC easily 40 plus times. And to WDW way more than that from 1972-1996.

But we almost always have passes, so we just do a few hours in the parks, then are back at the resort. We normally bring friends so we are cooking and visiting with them. Or we get a sitter or take DS to the kids club and go out to nice dinners.

We also go to Vero Beach....have you thought about trying that? Or a concierge stay...we did the Whitehall in Chicago for our anniversary.

Or maybe a cruise on the new Disney Dream? Lots of options.

[mickeys girl 52]

?[/QUOTE]
I think we'll either rent our points out, bank them, or take a trip to one of Disney's other properties (Vero, Hilton Head).

Has anyone else experienced this

What about a Disney Cruise? Totally differant than the parks. My teen and pre teens love the ships.:woohoo:

[Tink-n-Belle]

We just came back too and I thought the same thing, I need a Disney break!! We were there 7 days (3 at BW & 4 at BLT) and only went to the parks 3 days. We had planned to go to SeaWorld on the 4th day but decided against it due to the fact it was only going to be 58 degrees. We also spent another 2 days at VB and that didn't appeal to me either. Maybe the weather had something to do with it since it was cold & rainy the whole trip. I mean we still had fun but it wasn't as magical as my last 5 trips. (However, VB is really a great place. Its a great beach side resort but you do really need nice weather to enjoy it as the two main draws, the beach and pool can't be used when its 58 degrees and raining.)

We have been to Disney 6 times since Feb 2006 so next year we are going to be taking a cruise on NCL in Feb and I really want to go on a Disney cruise with our points in the summer of 2011. Also, next time I really want to hit US and SW as the kids love Harry Potter and they are getting older and may want to experience some different rides.

After a 2 year break I will really be itching to go back to Disney--afterall it really is the best!!! Or I might really get hooked on the cruises!!

[skoi]

Half of our family (myself, dh, and oldest ds) are at that point. Dds and youngest ds aren't. So we decided to take a break from the parks this year.

However, I found out the youngest son of the family who will be hosting the two older kids and I in Morocco is hoping to come to the US late this summer, and though he's in his twenties, we'll be taking him to Disney for a few days. So much for my no Disney Parks year. He's never been out of his home country, but teaches English and loves the US, so what better place to take him than Disney?

But I totally understand the feeling.

Julie

[bmalonef45]

We worry about burn out as well but we've had a 1.5 year break and everyone seems pretty pumped about our next trip in May/June. We have never done the commando thing so there are still rides we've not ridden. As the kids 10&7 grow older we seem to get more into riding as much as we can but we do try to pace ourselves. I don't think I'll ever burn out, DW is one we worry about most. I've been twice on guy trips for golfing and even dropped by just to ride the monorail and show some friends the resorts on a business trip to Orlando a couple of years back. We like to Cruise as well and will be cruising 5 days before spending 4.5 at the parks on this next trip. I agree with the previous posters, if you change up your trips it really helps as the parks can burn you out at times. I also think varying the times of the year you go helps.

[jco_direwolf]

I
1) We have been there a bunch of times over the past 5 years. I feel like we have been on every ride and seen every thing that my 10 and 8 year old kids care to see at this point in their lives. Not only have we been on every ride that they like, we've been on them dozens and dozens of times.


Just so you have some perspective. My family has been going to DW for the last 6 years, 3 or 4 times per year. There is plenty to do that isn't rides in the parks at Disney World.

We like to go and use the resort facilities, we also love going to the parks to just hang out. Something else we do is we arrange trips to coincide with friends and family. When you go to the parks without any agenda and some friends it's a lot of fun.

johno

[FindTheMickeys]

I've been a member since 2005. I have taken a trip every year to WDW. Only 5 days each year, always with family or friends who have never been. So my enjoyment of the parks is in the eyes of my family and friends as they experience the wonders of Epcot and the Magic Kingdom for the first time. My parents are in their 70's and had never been to Disney:scared1: so I took them one year. My 75 year old dad fell in love with Soarin' and we had to ride it 4 times:lmao: My mom was more the Spaceship Earth lover so that was a 5 time ride as well:rotfl2: I will be taking 2011 off, but that is just to get my points back in line and to save money for my 2012 trip where I am flying my grandsons down for their second trip. So burnout? Not yet. Maybe one day, but I kind of doubt it:goodvibes

[Mickey'sApprentice]

We are also getting a little burned out.

My birthday trip last March was absolutely incredible!! Hubby and I were in a good mood for the entire week, and the CMs Happy Birthdays kept us that way.

Then we went back in January....Brrrr!

If we hadn't have been with cold weather yankees, we would have stayed in the room for the whole trip.

Now...we are going back in July with my sister, who has jokingly promised me that I won't freeze on the trip!

So now hubby and I are both looking forward to Thanksgiving in Hilton Head.

[Crystal_27]

Has anyone else experienced this?

Actually, the one year that we went in September, 2008 for 9 days and then turned around and went for 7 days in March, 2009 did make us feel a bit burned out. Going to the parks for week+ vacations within 6 months is just too much for us. We really only need to go once per year to get our fix, especially because we try and fit a cruise in every year too. To the OP, if you are burned out at the parks, you really should try a cruise *or* try and use your points for one of the beach properties. :thumbsup2

[permavac]

I think my burnout would have been a lot less had the weather been nicer last week...

I think if you're like us, your burnout may fade sooner than you think. My DH and I have been burned out a few times - we travel frequently and are usually at Disney twice per year. The times when we experienced burnout? When it was really cold in the Jan/Feb time frame (2 separate trips) and once in September when the crowds were unusually large and obnoxious. For us, burn out seems to occur when we don't have the best time. We come home saying "I don't know if I'll ever want to go back." Then, a few months later for some crazy reason :wizard: we feel like going back - if only to have the good time we know we should/would have had. Like a do-over. It seems to work because we usually do have a great time and can't wait to go back again ;) Anyway, it will be interesting to see how you feel in 6 months.

Terri

[mnra]

i was to Disney 5 times last year and I have nothing at all planned for this year. I would not say burned out more just realizing there might be other things to see and do then go to disney but then again can always plan a trip at the spur of the moments lol

[crisi]

We only go every other year to avoid this, but this year my heart really isn't into the planning or the anticipation. I think what I suspect would happen has happened - kids are at the age where there are plenty of other places to travel to where it isn't "been there, done that."

And it doesn't help that the food has gone so far downhill that we don't even look forward to dining any longer.

[WolfpackFan]

We're experiencing some burnout also. We've been averaging 2-3 trips a year for the last few years and I think we both agree, we're nearing the point where we're going to start cutting back some. We have only one trip booked right now - this October to celebrate my 60th birthday and do F&W for the first time. After that we've decided to change our trip planning somewhat. We have enough points to do HHI every year (that trip is non-negotiable according to my DW who bought those points :)). After that we're going to cut back to going to WDW every other year, alternating between AKV and VWL. During the odd years, we're going to use our extra points to either take DCL cruises, go an extra trip to HHI, hopefully book a stay at the DVC Hawaii resort or do an RCI exchange.

[BWV Dreamin]

We only go to WDW once a year. We have yet to stay at all the resorts. We usually only go for 4, 5, or 6 nights. We don't go to the parks on every trip. We change the times of year we go. With all of these variables no trip has ever seemed to be the same. I say try changing things up. Too much of a good thing is never good.

[Melrosgirl]

We are. I hate to even write that, but we are. We've been 12 times in 9 years and the last two trips (a year apart) were not the best.

The last trip was a mix of rude people and big crowds (during free dining). That combined with rides that we know by heart and we are done for awhile.

We are instead going to Vero Beach this year on points and a couple of days at Universal Studios. Next year...will be something totally different and not in Florida. I just wanted to see Harry Potter this year. :)

[ercrbc]

I grew up going every 2-3 years, it was the biggest thrill for my sister and I, and we didn't ever stay onsite (had family in town). Now after several years away I am able to take MY family. I like the idea of DVC because I know we'll be able to go regularly, but we won't go more than once a year. My DH would be the first to burn out. But by buying DVC we can change up resorts, ect. Plus I'll be able to see my family that's still in the area :)

Too much of a good thing can most definitely get old. I still get excited about Christmas every year and I've had 31 of those ;) Hoping if we make just one trip a year my kids will look forward to each of our trips and we will keep the magic alive as long as possible!:lovestruc

[LSchrow]

hoboy.....after reading some of these posts i think i may need to go into therapy :sad1:
twenty years ago, we would go about once a year.
since we bought dvc 10 years ago, i go 2-3 times a year :confused3

of course, things have changed over those many years. the once a year was usually dh, myself, and our 2 kidlets. now the kids are grown, so i go with now 25yo dd in may (flower and garden) and dh in october (f&wf :banana:). every other year, i join my parents and db/family for a few days in aug/sept.

it's no longer all about running around the parks tho...we go shopping at the outlets, eat offsite, have a footrace to epcot for a gray goose slushie, watch the shows on the BW, actually wait for the performers in epcot, stroll the beautiful trail to DHS, take a ferry or monorail ride, play mini-golf, do a tour or 2 or 3, chat with just about anyone that's open to it :rolleyes1, ride our favorite attractions over and over, sit and watch the dancing fountains, catch a movie on the BC beach, hit jellyrolls, etc.....

the things that never change (we know what makes us truly happy) are BWVs with BW view :cloud9:, and warm weather.

btw, i've traveled to almost every state, and made a number of visits to europe.
simply, no place makes me as happy as WDW :)

[DisneyMomJen]

I think my DH is burned out. We have gone almost evey year since we were married and 2 - 4 times a year since we bought into DVC about 6 years ago. This year we are doing the Mediterrean Cruise on the Disney Magic. I booked our airline tickets yesterday and my DH asked 'Are you sure you want to do this?' I mentioned that he wanted to try something different, so this is it!!! I think he will miss Disney after not going for a year. My 4 kids and I are definitely going to be 'home sick' if we do not go to the BCV in over a year.