Disney a guilty pleasure???

[GONETODISNEY]

Once again I am getting hyped about next trip to Disney in May. I mentioned to my mom that I was waiting for the codes to come out so that I can book the room and her response was....."Oh my Disney again?" Ok, yes we have been 4 times in the last 2 years and I understand that not everyone can do this. (My parents took my brothers and me 1 time while we were kids) How do I explain to family and friends that this is when my family is the happiest? We don't fight, we have fun and we play together. Or, should I even have to explain this to defend myself?
As you can tell I love Disney and so does my family. I don't like having to feel guilty about these trips. Does any one else face this? Are you too a Disney Junkie in a world where not everyone can experience this? Some thoughts please.........:wave:

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by GONETODISNEY
Once again I am getting hyped about next trip to Disney in May. I mentioned to my mom that I was waiting for the codes to come out so that I can book the room and her response was....."Oh my Disney again?" Ok, yes we have been 4 times in the last 2 years and I understand that not everyone can do this. (My parents took my brothers and me 1 time while we were kids) How do I explain to family and friends that this is when my family is the happiest? We don't fight, we have fun and we play together. Or, should I even have to explain this to defend myself?
As you can tell I love Disney and so does my family. I don't like having to feel guilty about these trips. Does any one else face this? Are you too a Disney Junkie in a world where not everyone can experience this? Some thoughts please.........:wave:

My mantra has always been " when you pay my bills then you can tell me what to do. Until then, your opinion is very important to me, but, don't be upset if I don't happen to agree". Simple, easy and polite.

I would, however, like to hear that your family has fun other places than Disney.

[goofy4tink]

I get the same reaction. I even got it from my dh until our trip last summer!! Now, we own DVC at BWVs. I don't try to justify to anyone. My family used to go to the same lake in NH every single year, the first two weeks in August. Then my dh and I started going to Cape Cod every summer. I spend about $600 more to go to WDW, for the airfare. And we're planning on a trip to Vero Beach in 2005 and then maybe a cruise several years later. WE find so much to do different on each trip. Now, we don't feel that 'have to do it all, see it all' pressure. We just take our time, ambling around. It 's getting to be even relaxing!! So, either people get it or they don't. I can't worry about what they say or how much they roll their eyes. Now, all this being said...my dh did ask me what kind of deal he could make with me to keep me from obsessing about our August trip. He does get tired of talking about it all the time. Only trouble is, I don't!!!!!

[skoi]

We get this too. We've had some sort of Disney vacation every year since 2001. The funny thing is, most of the people who run their mouths about our vacation choice go to the New Jersey shore every year! Same shore town, either renting a condo on the same block, or staying in the same hotel. We don't spend much more than they do either, sometimes less, and hey, I think Disney is worth the extra 100 or so bucks we're putting out.

Just my opinion. I'm sure when some of these people finally want to go to Disney, they'll be hoping to take advantage of our DVC points.

Hope you have many happy Disney vacations.

Julie

[RachelTori]

Hey GoneToDisney - we've gotten the same reaction & negative comments too. There are plenty of us Disney Fanatics out there! I feel that if we're paying all our bills and not relying on others to support us -- it's really not their concern! Enjoy your magical times and don't feel one bit guilty that you're doing something you love!! ;)

My DD and I will be at POP in 13 days!!!! :Pinkbounc

[DisneyObsessed]

Life is too short. Enjoy what you enjoy. None of my friends and family understand why we keep going. Oh well, their loss.

[stacy6552]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by GONETODISNEY
[B]"Oh my Disney again?" Ok, yes we have been 4 times in the last 2 years

Have you joined the vacation club yet? It might be about time.

[wuv tigger]

The people who usually say this are the ones who do no research, go at peak time, sleep late, get to the park at 11:30, wait 2 hours a piece for 3 rides and swear never again.

I think that if you want the most from it, it is harder than just calling a rental agency and getting a beach house. However, if you put the time in there is an almost unlimited amount of fun things to do for every age. Just read these boards for a few hours and you will be amazed at the things you never knew or even thought about. We like going and will continue in the future.

David

[Simba0319]

I get the same thing all the time..but luckily my best friend is also a Disney freak so I do have an ally...

::MickeyMo ::MinnieMo ::MickeyMo ::MinnieMo ::MickeyMo ::MinnieMo

[GONETODISNEY]

Thanks everyone. It's nice to know that I am not the only one hearing these comments. Yes, I am a Disney addict. I love the peaceful feeling I get standing in front of the castle watching Tinkerbelles flight. As far as expense, using the codes I have found that costs are equivalent to renting a house at the beach-- something those of us from North Carolina do frequently. The difference is that at Disney we have so much to do. All members of our family have fun whether we're riding the RNR coaster or eating breakfast with Mickey. Where else can you have all the wholesome fun available at Disney? Besides, last year at the beach we were terrified we would be eaten by a shark!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the help and reassurance. I will not be intimidated by others...I will enjoy my Disney vacation!:Pinkbounc

[Partridge4ever]

I feel exactly the same way. I was just thinking the same thing this morning because we're going at the end of February for my daughter's birthday instead of having a big party (we just did the 4 night cruise and 4 days at WDW in October). I dread telling our friends and hearing the snide comments. They're really just teasing, but it gets to me. I even considered keeping it a surprise til the last minute, but DD was starting to ask about planning her party. We have APs and DVC, we'll eat breakfast and dinner in our room, so it'll really only cost us lunch and gas money.

Since joining DVC we've managed 2 trips a year, sometimes three. DH's cell phone rings constantly when we're home and he's always disappearing upstairs to his home office. At Disney we get his undivided attention. :D

[Kevs mom]

We are taking our third trip in the last four years and I too just received a kind of negative comment from my sister-in-law over the holidays about it, I asked her if she and her husband would still like to plan a cruise with me and my DH for the summer of 2004 and she said "well maybe if you guys stop going to Disney World all the time you can afford it"! I was really taken by surprise by her comment and didn't really know how to respond but I feel like the rest of you, if it is something that my family enjoys time and time again then it shouldn't bother people that we go back, like a lot of you pointed out people return to the same beach and lake year after year after year and nobody says anything to them about that! It's nice to know that all of you love Disney as much as I do, it's kind of like a "support" group :teeth: HA HA!

[tci1212]

Plenty of people take the same vacation every year to other destinations, without a comment being made, but for some reason it seems that people who have either never been to Disney or went during peak times when it was 95 degrees and so crowded they couldn't move have the most negative things to say. I hear over and over again how I should go somewhere else. My husband doesn't even want to go he says he fells like we are in the boonies when we stay at the cabins in FW! Oh well I always find someone willing to take the trip with me. we will be there shortly and I can't wait.:tongue: ::MinnieMo

[mtdevine615]

My Dw and I get this all the time also. Some people including family just don't get it and never will. If you feel that you must respond to their questions just tell them your going to Florida, it's a big state.:firefight

[photobob]

Until you really been biten by the Disney bug it is hard for some to understand. I get the same reaction from people at work, so I don't bring it up. I wouldn't let what others think determine where I go for family fun, and I agree there is no place I'd rather be with my wife and children than WDW.

[SYDNCLAIRESMOM]

When I get a comment about it, I say "I do it for my kids"
Thats my job as The Mommy. Making good memories is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. They stay with us forever. :D
Dont feel guilty, youre a good parent.::yes::

[frannn]

Friends and family do not understand, yet they usually go to the same desination year after year also. I know it costs a lot due to the fact that we have to fly there, and I often ask myself two questions:

1) Am I being selfish planning these WDW trips and spending all this $ on character meals, plane fare, etc.? We could just drive up to an all inclusive hotel in the Catskills and pay less for the family to hang there. DH wouldn't mind that, either. Probably enjoy it just as much as WDW.

2) Will I make myself tire of it early by going there year after year?
I would rather plan and anticipate each trip with excitement rather than dread. I don't want to "exhaust" my excitement by forcing each vacation to be WDW. Then I'll be thinking of the lines, the heat, the costs, more than the excitement.

These questions are always answered once we are actually at WDW. Once I see the look on DD1's face, and the stress leave DH, I know I made the right decision. DH won't admit it, he loves it too. He is a different person in WDW. He gets a lot of vacation time, and he would be content to sit and spend it watching old 007 flicks on tv. But I only take 1 vacation a year, and WDW is the only place where I feel the evils of my everyday life can't touch me. We stay at the AS, mix character meals with counter service and off site bargains & vouchers, and shop a lot at the outlets. If I ever feel that I am tired of it, we can skip a year. That has not happened yet. In fact, we were forced to skip a year when DD1 was born, and I definetly missed it! Yes, the $ can be well spent elsewhere, but would would be the ultimate cost to my sanity in the long run? Regardless, the bottom line is that no one is forcing "them" to WDW, and as long as it makes me exstatic, I will go as much as I possibly afford to. Isn't that the whole point of a vacation? ::yes:: :teeth:

[Gluman11]

Guilty.............guilty.............guilty...... ....

[Zippa D Doodah]

In the nature of my line of work, I don't relaly get vacation unless I get out of town -WAY out of town. WDW is just far enough to be safe. It also happens to be a place where me, DW, and our two kids have a blast every single time we go. We are going in March for the 4th time since 2000. Each time we experience old favorites and new adventures as well. It is well worth the money, aven though I have pretty much quit trying to explain that to people.
I do consider it to be a "guilty pleasure" of sorts, but I don't feel as if I need to explain our frequent trips to anyone.

Viva Mickey!!!!

[PamNC]

Yes, we certainly do face this. We get it from most folks. In fact, I am in the process of writing a book. Shhhh. It's a secret (not anymore, huh) because I'm in the beginning stages. The book is entitled "Notes from a Worldphile" and it's all about folks like us who are absolutely addicted to Disney. A big part of it focuses on folks and their comments like "Are you going to Disney again." Or my favorite from an ex-coworker, "You need to expand your Horizons." Guess how I responded to that one? I said "I did...I rode it three times when we were there." I'm taking comments and quotes from people and making a chapter out of it. I'm hoping it goes well.

What's wrong with taking your family to Disney for each vacation if that's what makes you happy? And folks who just don't "get it" - well...I feel sorry for them. A lot of people I know go to the same beach every year. What's the difference? We like to go places other than Disney too, but we certainly go at least once a year and enjoy it to the hilt every single time. You go where you want to go - it's your money. And what a wonderful place to be addicted to.

It's a pleasure - but not a guilty one.

PamNC

[jaysue]

We choose to use DVC as our vacation home in much the same way as some people have 2nd homes, cottages, mountain chalets, lakeside lean to's etc....

Yes, there is some guilt here in how fortunate we are to be able to have a vacation home etc. but no specific guilt about WDW/DVC/Disney per say

thanks
jaysue

[kbhehl]

I didn't take the time to read all the other replies (just scanned them abit), so I hope this is not redundant.

The first thing I thought of, and this depends on your Mom's age, is that some parents who lived through the Depression, even as kids, have this mindset that you can't go "throwing money away" on things like WDW. Maybe she's just worried about the money. But of course, if you're looking for codes, I'd guess you look for other ways to do WDW cheaply (us, too), so there's no guilt there.

And if it's not the money, but the fact that you go to the same place a lot, it's like a lot of the other people have said: Many people take vacations to the same place every year.

If your family (or even just YOU) loves to go somewhere, and being there makes you happy: DO IT!! I'm heading out soon with my SIL, who's never been. Between us we have 7 kids, 5 of whom are 12 -17 years old--Boy do we need a break! Sometimes grown-ups need a chance to experience the freedom and magic that come from being a kid again, with or without the kids!

It's sweet, safe, clean, happy, and youthful. The service is top-notch, the variety of things to do is perfect for families, and the sunshine is what I personally need for my sanity!

Hooray for the Mouse, and hooray for those of us with the ability to find joy in sharing sweet and innocent times with those we love!

[CJK]

Boy, am I glad I found this thread!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am absolutely addicted to Disney! Since 1998, dh and I have been to Disney 6 times. One year we actually went 3 times because we had AP's!! I have found that NONE, absolutely NONE, of our family or friends understand why we continue going back, spending soooo much money. My family even grew up with Disney as did dh's family. Now, however, my family has decided that we need to "broaden our horizons" and go to other places.

I confess that now, I feel a sense of dread when I have to tell family/friends that we're going to Disney for a vacation. I brace myself for snide comments, rolling of eyes but I think what bothers me is how people actually seem to LOSE respect for us with every trip! This astounds me. These are people who have been to Disney and just didn't "get it".

This year we've decided to go somewhere else. I hope I don't compare this trip to our Disney trips! It's nice to know I'm not alone on this one! Thanks OP!

[capnho]

This is a really interesting thread. I have certainly heard these comments made to a good friend of mine who goes to WDW every year. I'm kind of immune to it, since my parents live a half-hour away from WDW and we go to Florida every year to visit them and my brother's family, who live north of Orlando. This gives us a built-in "excuse" to visit Disney every year. ;)

It's interesting, though, that people think it's strange to go to WDW every year, but don't think twice about renting the same house on Cape Cod or the Jersey Shore every year. We also go to Vermont every year (my FIL owns a vacation home there) and no one even thinks twice about it, but I'm sure that if we went to WDW every year there would be some comments.

[frannn]

lots of $ spent, since they aren't as WDW-budget minded as we are. They probably look at the cost of the more expensive WDW hotels, UPH tickets, and sit down meals, and compare it to less expensive vacation options. Or, they compare the WDW theme parks to Great Adventure type parks, and wonder how you could spend a whole week there....or they may have gone at a crowded time and waited on tons of lines, in crazy summer heat....or maybe they are just JEALOUS! I know I am when I see some of your countdowns here on this board!

[junio]

I went back to Disney exactly 2 months after I finished my College Program. My mom thought I was crazy and my grandmother thought it was a waste of money. But it was my money. And I had friends there that I wanted to see before their time to leave came. I am not planning to spend the whole Summer in Florida and a Disney cruise for either the last week of May or the first week of June.

[MarcoS]

My family has also heard the "Disney again" comment many times. It got to the point where our friends and family said "if you love it so much why don't you move there"? So we did. And now we love it even more often.

As I read on these boards months ago...

For those who get the Disney magic no explination is needed,
for those who don't get the magic, no explination will help.

[kbhehl]

MarcoS:
wow--that's my goal! I've been twice (last year--with plans to go 3 times this year!) and we're already DVC members, AND IT'S JUST NOT ENOUGH!!!!!!! I GOTTA MOVE TO FLORIDA!!
So how were you able to move there? Work for yourself or what?

My14 yr. old DS already thinks I'm way too obsessed with Disney--although he happily accepts the benefits of my *hobby*. I don't even need to hear it from outsiders!

[Joan S.]

OH NO!! You are making me feel so OLD! SO here goes my story,we went to DL in 1986 (myself, Dh and DD age 2) and I was HOOKED!! In may of 1987 I was pregnant and we made our 1st trip to WDW! Well 16 years and 2 children later it is still our FAVORITE place to vacation!! We became DVC members in 1993 (the year I had my 3rd child) and have added on points twice since then! :eek: We are currently thinking of adding a few more at Saratoga Springs! We have cruised on the Disney Wonder(4- days)and the Magic (7-days-eastern)We are now planning on a 7day Western! We have gone at least once each year and as many as 3x in one year!Our favorite time to visit is in the summer(because we can stay the longest then-2 weeks!)We have been there twice at Christmas time and once for New Years EVE!We celebrated our 20th Anniversary by taking our children to WDW and then on the 7-day cruise where we visited ST. Thomas(which is the place we honeymooned in!)My Dh also insisted on a celebration in WDW for his 50th Birthday instead of a party back home. We live in the Northeast and have both flown and driven to Florida.(depending on our budget) Our next trip is planned for the 2nd week in Feb. we went this same time last year(the weather was GORGEOUS!) and missed the biggest snowstorm in the Northeast! My children are now 19,16, and 10.And we still enjoy going as a family! My memories(and pics and movies) of each trip become more precious as my children grow. My Dh and I plan( in about 8-10 years) to retire near WDW and continue to enjoy the MAGIC and hopefully one day to share it with our grandchildren! Over the years I too have heard the negative and sometimes hurtful comments from friends and family. But now I just smile and tell them the truth I AM IN LOVE WITH MICKEY!:teeth: And he misses me so I have to go and see him AGAIN!;)

[GONETODISNEY]

Wow!! Who would have thought that so many of you have heard the snide comments as well! I am thrilled to know that I am not alone in my love for WDW. My kids can't wait for the next trip to get here. My son is convinced it is a "treat" for his exceptional work with his Accelerated Reading program. Now in addition to lunch with the principal of his school-he also wins a trip to Disney! The truth is of course that our many trips to Disney occur because our family spends fun time together. There is no greater feeling than hearing the song When you Wish Upon A STar while fireworks go off over the castle. (You know you love it too! )::yes:: There is no need to justify Disney, just nod say yes and think of the new memories you'll have. Isn't that what life is all about! Others who don't "get" Disney may drive new cars, but this mom is going to have memories of time well spent with her kids!::MinnieMo ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[Castillo Mom]

Our first trip to WDW is coming up in August, and I've already heard negative comments from a family member of mine. We live in California about 20 minutes away from Disneyland and have been there many times to say the least. My cousin went to WDW a couple of years ago and she didn't care for the MK, said the one out here was a lot better and thought Epcot was boring. Epcot boring! Well, she's not into educational type entertainment anyway. As for comparisons to MK Orlando/MK California, I guess I'll have to see when I get there, but I know we're going to love it. She doesn't think the trip is worth it, but to each his own. We're very excited. We're going to WDW!!!!!!!

[bexareaglecheryl]

I think us Mom's especially like going to WDW because it is truly a VACATION for us. When our family went to my husband's family's cabin high in the mountains of beautiful Colorado during our summer vacation last year, I was exhausted. Not only did I have to plan the entire trip, but I had to grocery shop once we got near the cabin, I had to cook 3 meals a day because we were so isolated, do laundry and clean up the cabin for the next visitors. Now this to me is not a vacation (however mind blowing the scenary).

WDW has only been our vacation destination twice and we are hooked. Because of a layoff we have not been able to afford to go since Dec 2000. We saved all last year for our November 2004 trip with my entire family and I refuse to feel the least bit guilty when others ask us why we are so crazy about WDW.

In 2000 we visited in Jan and Dec and there were many people who seemed to chastise us because we went twice in 1 year. I got tired of telling them that if they went on their summer vacation in July of one year and went again in June of the next year then they really took two vacations within a year too. Sheesh! I don't understand why people are so judgmental. Let other people enjoy themselves and have fun with their lives. I bet they would be madder than hell if we gave them grief for what they choose to spend their money on/car they drove/etc.

Didn't we all learn our lessons on 9/11 to enjoy each other and take joy in your life and in your family? WDW and the joy of anticipating the next trip as well as actually taking the trip brings our family closer together. My daughter is a sophomore in high school (16) and she plans on going with us every time we go even after she graduates because she loves it when we're all together at WDW. There is just nothing else like it.

WDW reminds us of the happiness that should be the focus and choice we make each day.

[MaryKatesMom]

For the last 7 years my family and I have gone to the NJ shore and rented a condo or house at the same time that my sister families and parents go. All of the packing from sheets to towels and food, etc. I just DO NOT enjoy the vacation! Not to mention I cook, clean, laundry etc. Don't get me wrong, there is something special about the smell of the ocean and watching the sunrise is special. And as long as my DD's enjoy it I'll keep doing it.

However, WDW is MY vacation. I enjoy every second begining with all of the planning. The service is always top notch and the excitment in the air is magical.

My parents are going with my sister's family in March and they aren't putting allot of thought into what they are doing when. Without at least some planning, (at least use EE!) they won't get the most from their time there.

[Maridw]

I get the same response from my sister. We did get a variation on that this year. She made the comment to my mother that we have the money for Disney but not to go home. So when we went in November we didn't tell anyone in the family.

I look at it this way, we can book our room and pay for it all year long and we know that money is budgeted out for the trip. We can't pay for plane tickets all year, they want the money right away. We can try to budget money or save money for a trip to CA from FL, but it is quite expensive and we feel if we are going we want at least two weeks there not just a few days.

All our family is in CA except for my sis, who now lives in Las Vegas. She used to be in LA and never came to visit us and we were 12 hours away, but we went there twice.

I don't feel guilty about our trips, I just enjoy them and know that after our last trip we will have to plan a trip to CA in the near future and start budgeting for that. Especially since we did three trips to WDW last year. :earseek:

[loriandmatt]

I get this all the time.

Not so much from friends as i don't have time for many and the few i do have time for are a bit wacky about WDW as well.

However family on both sides give us slack about our WDW vacations. DH's side has tapered off as it must not get under their skin as much, but my side of the family likens our family addiction to smoking crack.

I don't tell them of our trips until the last minute to avoid aggravation and i have begun polietly answering back with the following statement. "We are paying our bills, doing what needs done with our house, children's education and retirement. We all enjoy doing this together, so that's what we are gonna do. You enjoy spending your time in a secluded cabin in the woods with no electricity and no people for miles, we prefer something at the other end of the spectrum. Our's isn't right for you and your's isn't right for us - I'm glad you are happy with what you do with your time. If your not glad for us, that's your option." This statement doesn't keep them from giving me crap the next time we tell them we are going to WDW - but keeps them off my back for the current trip.

- lori