Need to let off some steam!

[Leshaface]

I normally just let this slide but it's really bothering me and maybe others feel the same way out there, I'm not sure, but I hope i'm not alone..

My husband and both sides of my family, besides my mom and my brother, think that I'm going overboard on trips to DL (Does DL and overboard even belong in the same sentence? )

Anyways, the story goes, my parents would take my brother and I to Disneyland every year, once a year for our family vacation, and that lasted up until I was a senior in highschool. As a family that was our last Disney vacation before my dad passed away suddenly and right before a Disney trip that I was planning to rekindle the family tradition..

As a child and now as an adult, Disneyland to me, is very happy, comforting, and safe...I get made fun of a lot for coming on the disboards, checkin' out allears.net, watching disney movies, planning vaca's, etc...but in reality, it's just one of the ways in remembering my dad, not in sad depressing ways, but in very joyous ways.

My mom and brother do understand why I would do this, as now I've gotten my brother the same way !

Without my parents, instilling this love of Disney into my veins, I certainly wouldn't be typing this right now.

Why can't my love of Disney be the same as my husband's love for sports?? He's getting his masters in sports administration so he has espn on 24/7,with his internet browser on sports related sites at the same time...I don't criticize him for his love of sports, but what bothers me is being ridiculed for having the same passion for something that makes me happy...I just think that these arguments are very sophomoric and not worth wasting my words on ..

I'm just curious: Is anyone else going through the same thing as me? Do you think i'm going overboard with my "obssession"?

Thanks you guys for letting me vent!!!!

 

[21yankees]

You are so not alone. I go on the Diva trip every year. When I first mentioned it to family (ie not my husband) they actually laughed and thought I was being ridiculous. At that point I don't discuss it with them. When it comes to the time and they ask what I've planned I let them know and then quickly change the subject.

I love Disney and feel the stress fall off of my shoulders once I walk through the tunnel. Everyone has a place where they can feel safe, have a great time and enjoy themselves. Disneyland is that place for countless people.

Steph

 

[PetitePixy]

(Does DL and overboard even belong in the same sentence? )

I agree, I don't think they do at all!
Psssh, I don't think you are even remotely close to going "overboard" Then again.....that just might be the disney fanatic in me too, lol. But I mean come on, an obsession on Disney isn't healthy? Just as you said your husband is with sports, or how even moms are obsessed over a book series, we all have an obession.

I grew up Disney as well. My room and bathroom as a little girl was always a different disney theme after a few years, I played Disney movies (mostly The Little Mermaid) to death, and we went to DL every other year.
Now that I am an adult...I think my love for disney has grown even more. I visit DL at least twice a year (I went 3 times alone last year, lol) I play out my POTC dvds to no end, and I even named my dogs after Disney characters.

So save to say...yes, I can relate to you, LOL.

 

[DizMe]

Oh no, you're not alone. I would guess the vast majority of regular posters here have the same obsession! I have to admit that at times I feel embarrassed by it, because most people I know are just dumbfounded to learn that I really WANT to go to DL every year. I don't usually go into how many trips in a year I would do if I could This year, I've been 4 times and have 1 more trip to go. Compared to many on this board, that's nothing, but in my "real" world people would not understand and so I normally don't share that information.

My dh has only gone on one of the trips this year. Once a year is more than he wants to go but he does it for the fam. My girls are right there with me, but they're just little kids. My sister is as enamored of DL as I am but no one else in the family comes close. DH's side just looks puzzled when I bring up DL, and I get a lot of odd looks when I talk about it too much. No one else has much to say on the subject so I don't talk about it any more unless I have an upcoming or just-completed trip and can't help it

Yes, sigh, I don't know why Sports is so acceptable in American society. For some reason, it has almost been elevated to a religion. I am like the non-Disney people when it comes to sports--I don't get it. Don't have any interest and am bored to tears when everyone around me is discussing it. I can't understand why there isn't the same negative reaction when someone displays excessive interest in sports, but that's the way it is. Many of those who complain about the exhorbitant cost of DL tix think nothing of plunking down huge amounts of money for sports tickets, golf gear, club memberships, etc. The amount of time spent following it in the paper, news, internet, magazines, and so on is mind-boggling to me. And yes, my dh is one of them!

 

[PinkBudgie]

I would say don't argue about it. You both have different interests and that's ok. Talk about time and spending limits for both sports and Disney that you both agree on.

 

[Sherry E]

Well, as I posted on the 'Disneyland: Want or Need?' thread yesterday, Disneyland holds an emotional connection for me, and my trips there have enormous and priceless restorative and calming effects on me today......so I can only assume that it is the same for other people as well. I used to think, 'Well, maybe I just like all the really cute knick knacks and souvenirs and I am addicted to those,' but I find that even when I buy nothing in the parks I still am happy being there. The upbeat and joyful atmosphere is infectious and energizing. So I think that there are those of us who are in that camp (Camp #1) - where we feel really connected to Disneyland much like many men feel connected to, say, fishing - because it reminds them of their childhood with dad out on the lake. And then there are those in Camp #2 who enjoy Disneyland simply because it is an amusement park, but they also enjoy Six Flags (blech!!), Universal, Knotts and Sea World for the same reasons - and no single park is better than the other. They are all just fun places to go on some fun rides. And then there are people in Camp #3 who downright hate Disneyland - either because they hate amusement parks in general or because they insist that Disneyland is the amusement park that is only "for kids," and they cannot possibly conceive of enjoying themselves.

It sounds like you are more in Camp #1 and your DH, etc. are in Camp #2. You can work with that equation/mix. It is when you hook up with Camp #3 people that there becomes a real issue!!

 

[MagicalMomAZ]

You are SO not alone. I have posted this before but my DH is NOT a Disney fan. He thinks Walt Disney & every imagineer invloved when they created DL was drunk or high.....he thinks the adult undertones make it creepy & NOT the happiest place on Earth.

HOWEVER.....he didn''t get to experience DL as you or I did as children.

My grandmother would plan a DL trip for every grandchild (7 total!) as soon as they were "of age" (4 yrs old!) & EVERYONE went. Every grandchild, grandparent, parent, aunt & uncle - it was a PRODUCTION! She saved money for THREE yrs everytime to make it happen! That's dedication if you ask me & really showed us she wanted us to have memories that lasted forever.

Now that both grandparents are gone I can really see the effort the put into these trips. My poor Grandpa went everytime...but was NOT into rides, but for some reason I never realized he didn't go on any until I was an adult? He was there for us & I truly treasure the love that went into that. I honestly don't know if I could stand in a ride line for 2 hrs (no FP back then!) & not go on!!!

When we went the first time together DH hated every second of it. It was hot...the lines were long...& it was expensive. Why would he like it!???
Fast forward 5 yrs & our DS is now 3.5 & he goes again. This time January, not August - this time we saved money by staying off-site in cheaper motel, we ate some meals in our room to save money, it was cooler, the lines were shorter. And it was DS's first time & DS was in LOVE w/ Buzz Lightyear.

DH suddenly "got it"! Here he was watching someone he loved beyond comprehension experiencing "the magic" for the first time. Some people NEED to see it through the eyes of their children to understand WHY it's magical.

Our memories are wrapped up in family & childhood. Our DH's were not. But once kids enter the horizon & he gets to see what it does for his child, I feel DL suddenly is renewed w/ a deeper meaning.

In the meantime just let him know it's frustrating when you truly love something that has a lot of meaning for you & he ridicules it. Let him know that even tho sports aren't your thing you'll always support his love of it.....& then give him a break.

Wow. That was a moutful!!!

 

[KCmike]

My father just passed away two days ago. He was 65 years old and was a half a year away from retiring. He wanted to travel. He saved his money and waited for the day to enjoy his retirement with his wife, my mom. LIFE IS TOO SHORT to get hung up on what other people think of you. I am a frequent poster here on the disboards and I absolutely love DL and WDW. I am lucky that my wife loves it as much as I do. When my next trip to DL passes away I will still be on here enjoying the excitement of someone else planning their trip or someone posting a picture that brings back the love I have for Walt's park. In short what I am trying to say is don't be ashamed of what you love. Stand up and be proud of it. Your parents passed on a special gift to you. Pass it on.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

My father just passed away two days ago. He was 65 years old and was a half a year away from retiring. He wanted to travel. He saved his money and waited for the day to enjoy his retirement with his wife, my mom. LIFE IS TOO SHORT to get hung up on what other people think of you. I am a frequent poster here on the disboards and I absolutely love DL and WDW. I am lucky that my wife loves it as much as I do. When my next trip to DL passes away I will still be on here enjoying the excitement of someone else planning their trip or someone posting a picture that brings back the love I have for Walt's park. In short what I am trying to say is don't be ashamed of what you love. Stand up and be proud of it. Your parents passed on a special gift to you. Pass it on.

Nicely worded KCmike....I am sorry about your father.

 

[nunzia]

<<You are SO not alone. I have posted this before but my DH is NOT a Disney fan. He thinks Walt Disney & every imagineer invloved when they created DL was drunk or high.....he thinks the adult undertones make it creepy & NOT the happiest place on Earth.>>>

Wow..that's a little extreme and sad.
I have a very strong emotional attraction to the Disney universe, but Disneyland in particular. My kids (all grown with kids) loved it and still do, my DH loves it and pretty much enjoys any vacation I put together, there or elsewhere.
I know I'm lucky.
To the OP I would explain it to her husband the same way she wrote her post. It was very well put.
I don't get why people put us down "you are going to Disney again?" So what...They are going to a ball game again? I have relatives that go to Mexico every year..usually the same resort with the same food and entertainment. So? If they enjoy it, so what? Live is too short worry about what other people do so I pretty much don't talk to the 'others' that don't get it about it. My daughter in law had never been..we took her and my son and their kids..at the end of the trip she pulled me aside and said "Now I get it." that made the whole thing worth it to me.

 

[PrincessYessenia]

I feel the same exact way. Being someone who went to WDW since I was in my mothers womb, Disney means a lot to me! But for my DBF, it means NOTHING! Disney means to me what Football means for him. And it really bothers me that he quite frankly makes fun of me when I want to watch a Disney movie, or act like a little girl when I get excited about my upcoming trips to WDW, and DL. Granted, there are certain Disney things he does enjoy.

His first trip to WDW was with my mom and I to Star Wars Weekends at the then MGM Studios, now Hollywood Studios. He liked it a lot and had a lot of fun but he still isn't even half as much into Disney as I am. So the only times he's ever gone to WDW is the three times he has gone with me, but idk, he always gives me crap about it. I suggest almost every day that we take a day trip to WDW since we live about an hour and a half away, and he literally laughs in my face and scoffs.

I think the problem lies in the fact that he never grew up liking Disney and never had the privilege of being taken to the parks as a kid. I always tell him he was deprived of it as a child, which makes me realize how lucky I am to have been able to do as many trips to WDW, and on the DCL that I have. But I wish I could just share it with him and have him see everything the way I do. Everything Disney is absolutely magical and I just wish he would see it from my perspective. It would make our relationship better (and more fun!)

Disney, for me, brings back childhood memories. Whenever I go to the parks I'm always saying things like "remember when you used to carry me on your shoulders to watch the fireworks!" and that always brings a smile to my moms face!

Don't feel horrible, you're not alone.

 

[Leshaface]

I agree, I don't think they do at all!
Psssh, I don't think you are even remotely close to going "overboard" Then again.....that just might be the disney fanatic in me too, lol. But I mean come on, an obsession on Disney isn't healthy? Just as you said your husband is with sports, or how even moms are obsessed over a book series, we all have an obession.

I grew up Disney as well. My room and bathroom as a little girl was always a different disney theme after a few years, I played Disney movies (mostly The Little Mermaid) to death, and we went to DL every other year.
Now that I am an adult...I think my love for disney has grown even more. I visit DL at least twice a year (I went 3 times alone last year, lol) I play out my POTC dvds to no end, and I even named my dogs after Disney characters.

So save to say...yes, I can relate to you, LOL.

I play out all my pixar dvds! Monsters Inc rocks!

You are so not alone. I go on the Diva trip every year. When I first mentioned it to family (ie not my husband) they actually laughed and thought I was being ridiculous. At that point I don't discuss it with them. When it comes to the time and they ask what I've planned I let them know and then quickly change the subject.

I love Disney and feel the stress fall off of my shoulders once I walk through the tunnel. Everyone has a place where they can feel safe, have a great time and enjoy themselves. Disneyland is that place for countless people.

Steph

Oh, that wonderful, wonderful tunnel! Don't you just love it?

Oh no, you're not alone. I would guess the vast majority of regular posters here have the same obsession! I have to admit that at times I feel embarrassed by it, because most people I know are just dumbfounded to learn that I really WANT to go to DL every year. I don't usually go into how many trips in a year I would do if I could This year, I've been 4 times and have 1 more trip to go. Compared to many on this board, that's nothing, but in my "real" world people would not understand and so I normally don't share that information.

My dh has only gone on one of the trips this year. Once a year is more than he wants to go but he does it for the fam. My girls are right there with me, but they're just little kids. My sister is as enamored of DL as I am but no one else in the family comes close. DH's side just looks puzzled when I bring up DL, and I get a lot of odd looks when I talk about it too much. No one else has much to say on the subject so I don't talk about it any more unless I have an upcoming or just-completed trip and can't help it

Yes, sigh, I don't know why Sports is so acceptable in American society. For some reason, it has almost been elevated to a religion. I am like the non-Disney people when it comes to sports--I don't get it. Don't have any interest and am bored to tears when everyone around me is discussing it. I can't understand why there isn't the same negative reaction when someone displays excessive interest in sports, but that's the way it is. Many of those who complain about the exhorbitant cost of DL tix think nothing of plunking down huge amounts of money for sports tickets, golf gear, club memberships, etc. The amount of time spent following it in the paper, news, internet, magazines, and so on is mind-boggling to me. And yes, my dh is one of them!

You summed it up perfectly

I would say don't argue about it. You both have different interests and that's ok. Talk about time and spending limits for both sports and Disney that you both agree on.

It's not even really arguing, it's more getting ganged up on, and then I have to save my poor little self. Can you put a limit on Disney?

Well, as I posted on the 'Disneyland: Want or Need?' thread yesterday, Disneyland holds an emotional connection for me, and my trips there have enormous and priceless restorative and calming effects on me today......so I can only assume that it is the same for other people as well. I used to think, 'Well, maybe I just like all the really cute knick knacks and souvenirs and I am addicted to those,' but I find that even when I buy nothing in the parks I still am happy being there. The upbeat and joyful atmosphere is infectious and energizing. So I think that there are those of us who are in that camp (Camp #1) - where we feel really connected to Disneyland much like many men feel connected to, say, fishing - because it reminds them of their childhood with dad out on the lake. And then there are those in Camp #2 who enjoy Disneyland simply because it is an amusement park, but they also enjoy Six Flags (blech!!), Universal, Knotts and Sea World for the same reasons - and no single park is better than the other. They are all just fun places to go on some fun rides. And then there are people in Camp #3 who downright hate Disneyland - either because they hate amusement parks in general or because they insist that Disneyland is the amusement park that is only "for kids," and they cannot possibly conceive of enjoying themselves.

It sounds like you are more in Camp #1 and your DH, etc. are in Camp #2. You can work with that equation/mix. It is when you hook up with Camp #3 people that there becomes a real issue!!

Well, I guess I can proudly say that it took a few good years to get my DH out of Camp 3 and is now lingering more towards Camp 2! Am praying for him to be a Camper of 1 someday!

You are SO not alone. I have posted this before but my DH is NOT a Disney fan. He thinks Walt Disney & every imagineer invloved when they created DL was drunk or high.....he thinks the adult undertones make it creepy & NOT the happiest place on Earth.

HOWEVER.....he didn''t get to experience DL as you or I did as children.

My grandmother would plan a DL trip for every grandchild (7 total!) as soon as they were "of age" (4 yrs old!) & EVERYONE went. Every grandchild, grandparent, parent, aunt & uncle - it was a PRODUCTION! She saved money for THREE yrs everytime to make it happen! That's dedication if you ask me & really showed us she wanted us to have memories that lasted forever.

Now that both grandparents are gone I can really see the effort the put into these trips. My poor Grandpa went everytime...but was NOT into rides, but for some reason I never realized he didn't go on any until I was an adult? He was there for us & I truly treasure the love that went into that. I honestly don't know if I could stand in a ride line for 2 hrs (no FP back then!) & not go on!!!

When we went the first time together DH hated every second of it. It was hot...the lines were long...& it was expensive. Why would he like it!???
Fast forward 5 yrs & our DS is now 3.5 & he goes again. This time January, not August - this time we saved money by staying off-site in cheaper motel, we ate some meals in our room to save money, it was cooler, the lines were shorter. And it was DS's first time & DS was in LOVE w/ Buzz Lightyear.

DH suddenly "got it"! Here he was watching someone he loved beyond comprehension experiencing "the magic" for the first time. Some people NEED to see it through the eyes of their children to understand WHY it's magical.

Our memories are wrapped up in family & childhood. Our DH's were not. But once kids enter the horizon & he gets to see what it does for his child, I feel DL suddenly is renewed w/ a deeper meaning.

In the meantime just let him know it's frustrating when you truly love something that has a lot of meaning for you & he ridicules it. Let him know that even tho sports aren't your thing you'll always support his love of it.....& then give him a break.

Wow. That was a moutful!!!

DH thinks the same way about Alice in Wonderland!

My father just passed away two days ago. He was 65 years old and was a half a year away from retiring. He wanted to travel. He saved his money and waited for the day to enjoy his retirement with his wife, my mom. LIFE IS TOO SHORT to get hung up on what other people think of you. I am a frequent poster here on the disboards and I absolutely love DL and WDW. I am lucky that my wife loves it as much as I do. When my next trip to DL passes away I will still be on here enjoying the excitement of someone else planning their trip or someone posting a picture that brings back the love I have for Walt's park. In short what I am trying to say is don't be ashamed of what you love. Stand up and be proud of it. Your parents passed on a special gift to you. Pass it on.

I am very sorry to hear about your father. My parents were all set to retire as well. And your right: Life is too short to care about what other people think about you...but when it is pretty much a daily thing, it gets really old.

<<You are SO not alone. I have posted this before but my DH is NOT a Disney fan. He thinks Walt Disney & every imagineer invloved when they created DL was drunk or high.....he thinks the adult undertones make it creepy & NOT the happiest place on Earth.>>>

Wow..that's a little extreme and sad.
I have a very strong emotional attraction to the Disney universe, but Disneyland in particular. My kids (all grown with kids) loved it and still do, my DH loves it and pretty much enjoys any vacation I put together, there or elsewhere.
I know I'm lucky.
To the OP I would explain it to her husband the same way she wrote her post. It was very well put.
I don't get why people put us down "you are going to Disney again?" So what...They are going to a ball game again? I have relatives that go to Mexico every year..usually the same resort with the same food and entertainment. So? If they enjoy it, so what? Live is too short worry about what other people do so I pretty much don't talk to the 'others' that don't get it about it. My daughter in law had never been..we took her and my son and their kids..at the end of the trip she pulled me aside and said "Now I get it." that made the whole thing worth it to me.

Uggh EXACTLY!

I feel the same exact way. Being someone who went to WDW since I was in my mothers womb, Disney means a lot to me! But for my DBF, it means NOTHING! Disney means to me what Football means for him. And it really bothers me that he quite frankly makes fun of me when I want to watch a Disney movie, or act like a little girl when I get excited about my upcoming trips to WDW, and DL. Granted, there are certain Disney things he does enjoy.

His first trip to WDW was with my mom and I to Star Wars Weekends at the then MGM Studios, now Hollywood Studios. He liked it a lot and had a lot of fun but he still isn't even half as much into Disney as I am. So the only times he's ever gone to WDW is the three times he has gone with me, but idk, he always gives me crap about it. I suggest almost every day that we take a day trip to WDW since we live about an hour and a half away, and he literally laughs in my face and scoffs.

I think the problem lies in the fact that he never grew up liking Disney and never had the privilege of being taken to the parks as a kid. I always tell him he was deprived of it as a child, which makes me realize how lucky I am to have been able to do as many trips to WDW, and on the DCL that I have. But I wish I could just share it with him and have him see everything the way I do. Everything Disney is absolutely magical and I just wish he would see it from my perspective. It would make our relationship better (and more fun!)

Disney, for me, brings back childhood memories. Whenever I go to the parks I'm always saying things like "remember when you used to carry me on your shoulders to watch the fireworks!" and that always brings a smile to my moms face!

Don't feel horrible, you're not alone.

You're right. He wasn't as lucky as me to be able to take a family vacation to Disneyland. I also feel very privileged that my parents scrimped and saved to take us to DL and stay on property, and buy us pretty much whatever we wanted. We don't have kids now, but when we do, and he sees his little girls face light up when Cinderella is in her view, hopefully THAT will ignite something!



Thanks everyone for all the support!

 

[nunzia]

My father just passed away two days ago. He was 65 years old and was a half a year away from retiring. He wanted to travel. He saved his money and waited for the day to enjoy his retirement with his wife, my mom. LIFE IS TOO SHORT to get hung up on what other people think of you. I am a frequent poster here on the disboards and I absolutely love DL and WDW. I am lucky that my wife loves it as much as I do. When my next trip to DL passes away I will still be on here enjoying the excitement of someone else planning their trip or someone posting a picture that brings back the love I have for Walt's park. In short what I am trying to say is don't be ashamed of what you love. Stand up and be proud of it. Your parents passed on a special gift to you. Pass it on.

Well said, and my sympathy to you and your family.
You bring up another good point. BALANCE. I know so many who were going to do things "later" and the later never came. Even though I could certainly do better by boosting saviongs and such, vacations are a priority to us for the right now, because you never know when your chance to do what you love with those you love will pass away.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

My father just passed away two days ago. He was 65 years old and was a half a year away from retiring. He wanted to travel. He saved his money and waited for the day to enjoy his retirement with his wife, my mom. LIFE IS TOO SHORT to get hung up on what other people think of you. I am a frequent poster here on the disboards and I absolutely love DL and WDW. I am lucky that my wife loves it as much as I do. When my next trip to DL passes away I will still be on here enjoying the excitement of someone else planning their trip or someone posting a picture that brings back the love I have for Walt's park. In short what I am trying to say is don't be ashamed of what you love. Stand up and be proud of it. Your parents passed on a special gift to you. Pass it on.

Mike I am so sorry to hear about your dad. You're right, life is too short.

 

[KCmike]

Thank you DisneySuiteFreak,
I don't want to hijack this thread but I want to thank everyone for their kind words. We put him to rest today. It hasn't hit me in the face that He is really gone. One day a time is all we can do I guess.

 

[Leshaface]

Thank you DisneySuiteFreak,
I don't want to hijack this thread but I want to thank everyone for their kind words. We put him to rest today. It hasn't hit me in the face that He is really gone. One day a time is all we can do I guess.

there are days where I still can't believe he's gone, but it does get easier each day...lol and don't worry about hijacking! This thread was all about support!

 

[usschmidt]

Thank you DisneySuiteFreak,
I don't want to hijack this thread but I want to thank everyone for their kind words. We put him to rest today. It hasn't hit me in the face that He is really gone. One day a time is all we can do I guess.

Mike, I lost my dad just last Labor Day weekend. We had just arrived in the park about an hr before when I got "the" call. It was very unexpected. It's taken me this long to start feeling "normal" again. It will happen, it just takes time to figure out what your new normal is. I can honestly say I don't really remember those first 6 months after he passed. Give yourself time...

((((((((((hugs))))))))))

 

[Leshaface]

Mike, I lost my dad just last Labor Day weekend. We had just arrived in the park about an hr before when I got "the" call. It was very unexpected. It's taken me this long to start feeling "normal" again. It will happen, it just takes time to figure out what your new normal is. I can honestly say I don't really remember those first 6 months after he passed. Give yourself time...

((((((((((hugs))))))))))

I'm sorry about your father as well. So you were told when you were actually in the park??? Not meaning to be weird, but do you ever associate your fathers death with disneyland now? Like whenever you're there, is Disneyland not the same to you anymore? For me when my dad died, I hated being in Long Beach on Sundays (my dad died on a Sunday, when I was living in Long Beach) so for the longest time I would always travel to my hometown to stay for the weekends. It was an association that I hated!

 

[usschmidt]

I'm not weirded out by the question at all...no worries there In short, yes it was weird at first.

The trip was a belated birthday present to my girls (see siggy). Our intention was to spend 3 days there, upgrade to AP's, and not tell the girls a thing about it until we got on the road (7hr drive.) We finally get there (dh ended up having to work the day we were supposed to leave) and get to the park just in time for fireworks. We then make our way to Fantasyland. We ride a few rides and then decide to go on Pinocchio. I thought I heard my phone ringing, but decided it was my imagination. I mean, who would be calling me at 11pm on a Sunday night? We get off the ride, I'm standing in front of the carousel, and the phone rings again. The CNA at my dad's nursing home called to tell me what had happened. It was the most confusing, horrible, surreal thing I've ever experienced. I knew my dad was not in perfect health, but there was no indication given to me that he was ill, let alone dying. We had to go back to the hotel, book me a flight to Oklahoma, drive back to our home, and explain to 2 little girls why we had to leave. On our way out of town we stopped by and upgraded to AP's and promised the girls we'd return as soon as mommy got home. We went again 2 weeks later...I don't remember the trip at all. We went at Thanksgiving...I barely remember the trip. Our February trip is the first trip I really remember. I prepared myself and my family that I probably couldn't be around the carousel or Pinocchio's w/o crying. My 7yo gave me big hugs and my 5yo held my hand. My dh was wonderful as well.

All this being said we're planning a trip at the end of the summer for the girls' birthdays again. We will not be going over Labor Day weekend...not only b/c our AP's will have expired, but b/c I don't think I can handle it.

Thanks for letting me share. I've shared this story a few times on DIS and everyone's been soooooo supportive. Their love and support really made all the difference in the world.

 

[Leshaface]

I'm not weirded out by the question at all...no worries there In short, yes it was weird at first.

The trip was a belated birthday present to my girls (see siggy). Our intention was to spend 3 days there, upgrade to AP's, and not tell the girls a thing about it until we got on the road (7hr drive.) We finally get there (dh ended up having to work the day we were supposed to leave) and get to the park just in time for fireworks. We then make our way to Fantasyland. We ride a few rides and then decide to go on Pinocchio. I thought I heard my phone ringing, but decided it was my imagination. I mean, who would be calling me at 11pm on a Sunday night? We get off the ride, I'm standing in front of the carousel, and the phone rings again. The CNA at my dad's nursing home called to tell me what had happened. It was the most confusing, horrible, surreal thing I've ever experienced. I knew my dad was not in perfect health, but there was no indication given to me that he was ill, let alone dying. We had to go back to the hotel, book me a flight to Oklahoma, drive back to our home, and explain to 2 little girls why we had to leave. On our way out of town we stopped by and upgraded to AP's and promised the girls we'd return as soon as mommy got home. We went again 2 weeks later...I don't remember the trip at all. We went at Thanksgiving...I barely remember the trip. Our February trip is the first trip I really remember. I prepared myself and my family that I probably couldn't be around the carousel or Pinocchio's w/o crying. My 7yo gave me big hugs and my 5yo held my hand. My dh was wonderful as well.

All this being said we're planning a trip at the end of the summer for the girls' birthdays again. We will not be going over Labor Day weekend...not only b/c our AP's will have expired, but b/c I don't think I can handle it.

Thanks for letting me share. I've shared this story a few times on DIS and everyone's been soooooo supportive. Their love and support really made all the difference in the world.

Wow, thanks for sharing! I didn't want to seem intrusive on a subject that is really emotional and personal. Your children sound like little warriors, holding your hand and hugging you...that's awesome.

I'm sure your upcoming trip may be a little difficult, but I'm pretty assured, from the sound of it, that your hubby and children will take good care of you!