Small Vent about Friends opinions!

[Luv2trav]

Especially friends who do not have any children!! One of my best friends called me the other day and I told her I was trying to find a vacation for our family this year. I have 2 small children 3 and 1. Anyway, she sprouted off immediately "You not going to Disney again are you?" We have been there the last 2 years and YES we were looking to going to Disney again. First of all she has absolutely NO idea what WDW is about. She just assumes it's nothing but Dumbo rides and Mickey walking around. Well she goes on to say "Why don't you go to the beach instead" "I bet that would be easier with children your age". Mind you we have went the last 2 years with a 18 month old and a 2 year old and 6 month old... We KNOW what we are getting into. She then says "Wouldn't it be more relaxing to sit on the beach instead of fighting all those crowds?". At that point I just went off on her. I said "How relaxing do you think it will be to keep a 3 year old from running off, throwing sand, running into the ocean and a 1 year old from crawling/walking off the blanket, eating sand etc etc etc..." That does NOT sound relaxing to me... Don't get me wrong if it was just my DH and I we would love to go to the beach but with such young children it would be a big PITA!

I was so frustrated after that conversation... First of all I NEVER comment on her and her DH's vacation habits and they have some what I would consider weird as well.... Unfortunately I do not think they will get the whole WDW thing until they have children.. She swears even after she has children she is not doing the "Disney thing"... Well her loss is my gain! Whatever..

Thanks for letting me VENT... Sometime DH feel like we have to lie about where we are going so we can avoid the RUDE comments!

[gingermommy94]

Oh my...I can totally relate!!

We've gone to WDW the past two years. We were going to skip this year, but then decided that there wasn't anywhere else we'd rather spend our family vacation time.

Well...let me tell you..I felt like I was doing something bad once everyone started finding out that we were going back. I felt like I had to defend our decision. Sheesh...it's our money, our time, our family, and our decision to make. Why doesn't anyone think anything of it if a family goes to the beach every year or camping, etc??

Oh well, there are some people who will just never understand. That's ok, I'd rather be the kind of person who understands and appreciates the Disney magic :love:

[carol1231]

Oh no, don't lie about going to Disney. Hold your head up high and shout "I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!". But by all means, leave your friend at home until she "converts", I think she would just be in the way.

[Traveliz]

Oh my - I know there are some beach lovers who do feel comfortable taking their little ones to the beach but I am right there with you on that not being relaxing at all with little ones (I wouldn't get a minute's rest fearing one would slip into the water)

You go to Disney and have fun and next time you want to talk vacation locales come here instead of to your friend!

Liz

[3Mousketeers]

I know what you mean. My 6 yr old will be going to WDW for the 5th time (10 mos, 2, 4, 5 and 6) in Feb. The trips have varied from a couple days on the way to visiting my grandparents to a full week. We have 3 kids now and have found that Disney in some shape or another (on site, off site, a couple days, a week etc) is the best family vacation for us. I think people who haven't been assume (a) its hugely expensive, (b) young kids don't appreciate it and (c) wouldn't it boring year after year. You can explain all these things to your friends (if its worth it to you.) I definitely have had well meaning friends say "How can you afford?" I tell them we usually go off season and when we stay on site we use annual passholder rates (ie. AKL in Feb will be $151/night). That's not any more expensive than a nice beach hotel somewhere. Some friends really want to be educated about how to plan a WDW trip and realize they really can afford it. Or others will just stick to their opinion and an explanation is not worth it.
Whatever you decide, have a great trip and don't let it bring you down! :D

[ToyStory Fan]

I have some friends like that too, and they just don't get it. Having kids changes your perspective on things (at least I thnk it does). Certain things become less important. I have plenty of other friends who have the same view as yours - dumbo shake hands with Mickey - oh what fun :rolleyes: Yet these are the same people who view a family vacation and fun for the kids as spending time on the beach in the Carribean - c'mon - we really KNOW who that vacation is for. Having kids means that sometimes you do things to spend time with them doing what THEY like to do - the fact that I love WDW as much as my kids is my own business.

Don't let them bother you - but if and when they have kids and come to their senses then you can give them the old "I told you so", or if they don't you can always give them the snide remarks back - like when they tell you they are taking their kids to the Carribean "because they really enjoy the white sand beaches"

[cslittle999]

I think it depends on what people want out of a vacation. My family just isn't the sit on the beach type. After a couple of days we would go stir crazy without something else to do. For us vacations mean going places where we can do day trips or on-site activities. Disney provide all of that in an affordable package. After all where else can you go that provides such a variety of activities.

People without kids think that you can just drop them off at daycare and then do whatever you want but when I'm on a family vacation I want to spend time with my family.

Don't worry what other people think. You're providing the vacation that your family wants that is what is important.

[Mortlives]

I don't understand people who assume that you must have the same type of vacation they do. Even if we were going somewhere with a beach, we would have to be off and doing -- snorkelling, sightseeing, shopping. We just aren't the sort to "relax on a beach". I know a lot of people enjoy that, but I find it much more relaxing to see and do things on vacation.

My brother's been talking about bringing his family to WDW with us some time, and even there, their idea of a vacation is different from ours. They would want to share a villa with us :earseek: You know, I love my brother and his family, but that is not my idea of a vacation. :earboy2: I'd like to show them around, but not share a room with them. So, there you go. Actually, I've completely lost where I was going with this. Except, I feel for you. I don't get commenting on someone else's vacation like that.

Kungaloosh!
Morticia.

[Mama2jasminANDcaitie]

I TOTALLY know what you mean. Growing up my family NEVER took a vacation. I mean not once. We never went ANYWHERE just for the sake of going somewhere. If we went ( I was raised in Alaska) "out" we visited family. I remember hearing about the great trips my friends went on to Florida and Hawaii... and where did I get to go? My great Aunt Betty's house in Colorado.. and what did I do? Help her weed her garden. Ill admit. My kids will be visiting great great Aunt Betty this fall... BUT only after a 7 day vacation to WDW this spring. UGH!

Now that I have kids. We go. WE go to the beach, the mountains, and yes we go to WDW! My parents see this as an almost criminal waste of money. I am pumped about our vacation. I mean really exited. You all know the look on a childs face as they walk down Main Street USA.. its money I would spend over and over again.

My parents think we should buy a new couch, and take the girls to.. GET THIS.. camp at the state park. that is.... (here is comes) IN OUR TOWN.

I say WHO CARES. Let them nag at me. I am seeing the mouse. riding splash mountain and eating overpriced turkey legs! YAHOOOOOOOO :jumping4:

[Beth E. (NJ)]

Remember, opinions are like tushies, everyone has one!

Does that make you feel better? :D

[F1Julie]

People without kids for the most part really just don't get it. As for a beach vacation, I tried that last Spring at Myrtle Beach when my DD was almost 4. That was not a relaxing vacation and I am so glad it was only for 3 days. I love going to the beach, but not with a preschooler. She wanted to go into the ocean by herself or with her cousins the same age. That is just too scary for me. I'll take WDW any day. When she's older, I'm sure I'll swap WDW back to beach vacations, but not with a little one.

[aec]

Try to give your friend the benefit of doubt. She's probably just trying to be helpful. Anyone without kids would not realize that the beach with little ones is hard. Also most people with and without kids would probably agree with her thinking that WDW with two toddlers is a challenge. I love disney but I would not have attempted it with a 1 and 3 YO. JMO

[Microcell]

You all are the only ones who even know that we are going to Disney except for DH's work, because he changed locations a week ago and we won't get all the rolled eyes, etc... I don't know why people are like that. Why should they care? My dumb sister and her husband keep asking why we don't vacation without the kids! Because we like to spend time with them? UGH!!!

[fran99999]

Get this I asked for a 3 days off to take advantage of my FITS tickets last October. They were good for 30 days from first day of use for those who dont know. This was going to be about 3 weeks from my previous vacation to WDW. But it is very slow this time of year.

I put in for the 3 days ( I had 373 hours of vacation due me at the time). I said I wanted to go back to Disney. I was told "NO" Ok I said I had just returned a few weeks earlier. Later that day my boss said If i wanted to go away on vacation that week and was going somewhere else I could have the time off as this is a slow time and I really wouldnt be missed that much. I said maybe I would go to Canada to visit my family She signed my vacation OK. So you guess it Off i went to WDW. LOL

When I got back they asked how Canade was I said It was great I had the time of my life. LOL

:jumping4:
Now SSSHHHH dont tell on me OK

[mkutch]

I can so relate to this. My kids are 2 and 10 mo. My oldest has been to Disney 4 times and my youngest twice. We have a close friend that has 2 kids close to ours in age and just don't get it. They have gone to Disney with us and have had a completely different experience than us. They refuse to go back until the kids are older. They figure why spend the money when they can see "characters" and get just as excited to see Chucky Cheese. Well, let me tell you I'd rather see the kids over and over again get excited to see Mickey and not some other cheesy mouse. Plus -we go more for us than the kids - at this age at least. We are headed back this March for birthdays. Can't wait!!!

[herprettiness]

I live in Colorado and I hear this a lot from my family, who by the way NEVER took me to Disney World. But, that's another tragic story. I find it funny though, because these are the same people who take an annual camping/fishing trip. I guess it's okay for them to do the same thing every year, just not me. I also agree about the preceived high cost. Disney is really competitive with resorts and cruises for familys. Although I think Disney shoots themselves in the foot by raising admission prices. They always get a ton of press everytime they do this. It leaves an impression that Disney is too expensive. If they want to increase their reservations, they should advertise a price reduction in admissions.

[Mady/Sophiemom]

I have a similiar problem with a friend from work. She wants to take her kids to Disney but her hubby keeps saying no, because it's too expensive. Now realize that they went to Gatlinburg for 7 days, and couldn't understand how they spent over $1500.00.

If I hear "Your spoiled" one more time, I'm going to scream. We go to WDW every other year, and do a cheap (because we get a free condo) beach vacation in between.

She called me spoiled again this morning when I told her we were flying a day earlier because of flight times and prices. How spoiled can I be? I'm working 70 hours OT in two months to pay for this trip.

[dcg0317]

When I told the X that DS and I are going to WDW in August she asked why? She told me DS has been there already (with me) once and to DL with her and this would be my 4th time down, well I like Disney and my DS likes Disney and we talk and plan together, some people just don't see the magic and so be it, just don't tell me to go somewhere else when I love going to Disney.

[DisneyMomx7]

I hear it all the time from friends and family. "Aren't you sick of Disney yet". The first time we went in August 2003 they kept saying why are you going when ds is not even 3 yet - he won't remember it. First of all he remembered EVERYTHING, and secondly I guess they assumed we would only be going once. We went in July 2004, we're going in July 2005 and January and July 2006. I assume we'll just go every year as long as we can afford it. I really don't care what other people think. We all love Disney and understand it's magic.

[simba928]

I'm only 14, so I dont have any kids, but I kinda know how you feel. When i tell my friends that I'm going to Florida, they immediately say, "Are you going to Disneyland AGAIN". They have no clue that Disneyland isn't even in Florida and what Disney is about. It's YOUR vacation. Who cares where YOU choose to go while your on it? I would choose Disney over the beach any day. My friend has this quote about color guard (it is so true), but I think it's true for Disney too:
Disney, for those who get it, no explanation necessary, for those who do, no explanation possible.
If she wants to miss out on the best thing in the world, that's her problem, but that doesn't mean you have to lie about what you are doing.

[henrylovespooh]

My husband had never been to Disneyworld before and we went for our first time together when our son was only 7 months old. People told us we were nuts. The trip was wonderful and relaxing and contrary to what many said, my son thoroughly enjoyed himself. We went back two years ago when he was 2 and my daughter was 11 months old. Again, I heard everything from "the kids won't remember it" to "why not go somewhere where you can relax?" You know what, both of my trips to Disney were relaxing. My kids were in strollers, they ate and stayed free, we were never at a loss for something to do, and the weather was always nice.

I had my first child at 35 so I'm sure I said some stupid things to people who had kids. But I have always been a Disney lover so I would never tell anyone not to go there. I have been there as a kid, as a single adult and as a parent. I have never had a bad time.

When someone tells you you're crazy for going again, tell them they're crazy for never having gone.

[PrincessCandaceMarie]

Shout it from the rooftops when you go to Disney! It's something to be proud of! So forget your silly friends comment and enjoy your self!

[lovesdumbo]

I have a friend who is a Disney fan yet she doesn't understand why I or anyone would take any child because they won't remember it. :rolleyes: BUT...my kids do remember amazing details of our trips and we all have a blast and that is part of who they are-having fun as a family is helping them become the people they are....

I'm with you on the beach thing. How exhausting and boring!

I can't wait to return to Disney. I used to go without DH and all my friends told me I was having an affair with Mickey.

[dcg0317]

I have a friend who is a Disney fan yet she doesn't understand why I or anyone would take any child because they won't remember it.

I tell people that is why they make cameras and video cameras, I sure don't remember some of the trips my parents took us on but seeing those pictures and hearing the stories sure is fun, and you be surprised how much little ones will remember.

[DisneyPhD]

We have been getting that "your going back eye roll for years, :rolleyes: " but that was long before we even had kids (oldest will have been to WDW 5 times before she turns 4 years old, and that isn't counting one trip to VB last year too.) Now that we do have kids and are DVC members we don't seem to get as much of the questions, infact they are shocked when we go somewhere else.

Our good friends were not WDW before having kids, more the travel to Mexico, Irland and India people. They went for the 1st time with us last year (there kids are the same age as ours) and the loved it so much they are dying to go back again next month with us. The do admmit it is the perfect vacation with young kids, but want to branch out when they get older (we will see about that! :earboy2: )

I must admit we like trips to the beach too, and go there often (mostly Virgina Beach and Outerbanks of N.C. where our family is.) but we went to Vero Beach last year and loved it. We are heading back this May too. (but going to WDW for 4 days 1st, since we have AP's!)

Most people just don't get it, they think WDW is a once in a lifetime vacation. When you have that attidute it is too much stress and you have less fun. It is much better to go as often as you can, and take your time. Must people I know that don't love WDW, and have been there, stayed off prop and went to MK for one day. As much as I love MK, there is so much more to the resort then that, even for families with young children.

So while many of our friends and family don't get it, at least we have each other, fellow DISer's.

[jeepgirl30]

This is our first trip with the kids and everyone keeps telling me the kids are too young and won't remember it anyway so why waste the money. Then they say well stay offsite since the kids won't know.

I explain I am taking them this year no matter what and staying onsite.

They don't know my kids, my DD will be 5 when we go. She talks about stuff that happend when she was 2. Maybe when she is 50 she won't remember the trip but guess what? I will! She'll remember it for awhile and she'll love it when she is there so she's going.

We did the beach last summer and no it was not relaxing! DD was 4 and DS was 18 mths. She wanted to go to the pool or sit in the shade, DS wanted to run head first into the ocean every chance he got. He took naps so I'd go back to the condo with the kids during peak sun and cooked dinner for everyone while DS napped and DD watched the Disney channel. We did have a nice time overall and went with friends but not my idea of a great family vacation.

They are my kids and its my money so I will do as I think is best. That happens to be Disney.

[toystorymom]

I really hate when people say "they won't remember it anyway". Well, if that's the case, why take your kids to see their grandparents, or to the library, or send them to preschool? The point is, they have an amazing time while they are there and isn't that what vacation is all about?!

We just spent Christmas vacation at Disney and very few people even knew we were going. I too was sick of hearing "Again?!?" It was our 3rd trip in 3 1/2 years, and we did many things we had never done before and we've already made a list of things we still want to do. See, already planning for next time although I'm not sure when that will be.

I know plenty of people who go to the same vacation spot year after year, for some reason with Disney they think that's weird. Also, we do things as cheap as possible. We have driven from MA, stay at the Values, eat breakfast in the room, etc.

To each his own. At least you know those of here on the Dis definitely get it and can share the Disney magic with you!

[minkydog]

Get this I asked for a 3 days off to take advantage of my FITS tickets last October. They were good for 30 days from first day of use for those who dont know. This was going to be about 3 weeks from my previous vacation to WDW. But it is very slow this time of year.

I put in for the 3 days ( I had 373 hours of vacation due me at the time). I said I wanted to go back to Disney. I was told "NO" Ok I said I had just returned a few weeks earlier. Later that day my boss said If i wanted to go away on vacation that week and was going somewhere else I could have the time off as this is a slow time and I really wouldnt be missed that much. I said maybe I would go to Canada to visit my family She signed my vacation OK. So you guess it Off i went to WDW. LOL

When I got back they asked how Canade was I said It was great I had the time of my life. LOL




:earseek: I can't believe the boss was willing to give you the time off only if you were going somewhere other than WDW. Heck yeah, i woulda lied through my teeth, in that situation. the nerve...

[Amirah95]

That's why you have friends at THE DIS. We are your support system...people don't understand me or my family either. They can't understand why we do WDW every year and guess what...THEY WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND! To each his or her own...do what's best for you! We all will back you up here! :)

[Meredith'sMom]

DH and I decided to honeymoon at Disney and all sorts of people questioned us, wondered why we didn't go to St. Lucia, Aruba, etc. I love the beach (grew up in FL) but I love Disney World much more (went every year as a kid). We are also not sit on the beach type people, at least not for 7 days in a row.

We are now taking DD to Disney and we know we'll hear it from our in-laws. They will probably think we're borderline cruel for taking a baby to Disney. What they don't understand is that my daughter LOVES to stroller, can nap in it, etc., and that we're going to go at her pace.

I just had a friend say to me yesterday "I've never been much of a Disney person." Grrrrr.

[Mainebound]

Especially friends who do not have any children!! One of my best friends called me the other day and I told her I was trying to find a vacation for our family this year. I have 2 small children 3 and 1. Anyway, she sprouted off immediately "You not going to Disney again are you?" We have been there the last 2 years and YES we were looking to going to Disney again. First of all she has absolutely NO idea what WDW is about. She just assumes it's nothing but Dumbo rides and Mickey walking around. Well she goes on to say "Why don't you go to the beach instead" "I bet that would be easier with children your age". Mind you we have went the last 2 years with a 18 month old and a 2 year old and 6 month old... We KNOW what we are getting into. She then says "Wouldn't it be more relaxing to sit on the beach instead of fighting all those crowds?". At that point I just went off on her. I said "How relaxing do you think it will be to keep a 3 year old from running off, throwing sand, running into the ocean and a 1 year old from crawling/walking off the blanket, eating sand etc etc etc..." That does NOT sound relaxing to me... Don't get me wrong if it was just my DH and I we would love to go to the beach but with such young children it would be a big PITA!

I was so frustrated after that conversation... First of all I NEVER comment on her and her DH's vacation habits and they have some what I would consider weird as well.... Unfortunately I do not think they will get the whole WDW thing until they have children.. She swears even after she has children she is not doing the "Disney thing"... Well her loss is my gain! Whatever..

Thanks for letting me VENT... Sometime DH feel like we have to lie about where we are going so we can avoid the RUDE comments!

I just want to say that I have had the samw conversation with friends. I completely sympathize. So many people just do not get it!

We tried Bermuda with the kids before WDW -- a DISASTER!!. WDW is a safe, easy, vacation which is not subject to climate problems (can enjoy in rain, hot and cool weather). The only negative in my book is the cost, which exceeds that of most beach vacations, no matter how you slice it. But it is so worth it!!