When the kids are no longer children...do you keep going to WDW??

[DVCismyhappyplace]

My parents took us when we were kids. I'm an adult without kids now but DH and I still go to WDW at least once a year. As a matter of fact, before I was married, my sister and I bought into DVC because WE loved going to Disney as children AND as adults!

 

[DisneyMim]

We've been going to WDW forever. We have been DVC members since 1991 and our kids have grown up with Disney and think of it as our second home. They are in their 20's now and still love to come with us. Of course, they get their own room and bathroom!! This was one of our "future sights" when we bought into DVC and it has been everything we were hoping. Of course now we don't "do" our trips the same as when they were kids, but believe it or not I enjoy them even more. Yes it can be hard to find a time when we can all go, but when we do we have a wonderful time. Dinners have become a huge part of our trips and we spend the time talking and laughing and catching up. People have actually come up to us and told us that we are just having too good a time!! I think if you make vacations a priority they will stay that way. This year for the first time since we were first married my husband and I went without the kids!! We had a blast!!! Our kids were backpacking in Europe at the time and we kept e-mailing each other and they kept asking us if we were okay and did we get lost without them. Yes we did miss them very much, but we loved our vacation. I think it's important to try to spend time with your family at least once a year for a vacation, Disney or somewhere else, even for just a week-end. Disney isn't for everyone and not everyone likes it, but for us it has worked out.

Enjoy The Magic!!

 

[KerryCM]

My 3 children are all grown with families of their own. We are lucky that my husband and I treat everyone once a year to a family trip. I have to say my children get just as excited about the trip and planning as my grandchildren do. We are spread accross the country, so this is our 1 time to be all together. We plan 2 meals together and then everyone does their own thing.

 

[winterman]

DH and I took our kids twice and then went by ourselves when DS was a freshman in college. (DD was in high school and stayed home.) We had such a good time going by ourselves that we did it 9 more times in the next 13 years. One of those trips our kids did come with us - we were celebrating DD's college graduation. Actually, that trip with our adult children made it clear to us that we enjoyed WDW more when it was just the 2 of us.

Sadly, 2 weeks after DH and I returned from our last trip to WDW, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and died 13 weeks later, in Jan. In Dec. I will return to my favorite vacation spot without him and that will be very hard but there is no place where I would rather go. The next trip will be an entirely new experience as I will spend 2 days alone and then be joined by DD, DSiL and my (then) 6 month old grandson.

 

[DisNance]

We've been to WDW at least once a year for the past decade, often going with relatives who have children just a bit younger than our son. But our son (now in college) and his cousins (now in their late teens) all have developed a "been there, done that" attitude about WDW. So, when we excitedly bring up a potential trip to WDW, the "kids" roll their eyes and tell us they'd rather go somewhere else. On the other hand, my wife and I enjoy going as much as ever! Admittedly, however, even our focus has shifted somewhat from the parks and just being at an on-site resort is now as much a part of the vacation experience as anything else..there just is just something about being at WDW, walking around the resort grounds, etc. We still like going to the parks but I think we could just spend a week at a resort and that would be fine with us...but the "kids" aren't interested!

So, are we the only parents in the world who want to keep going to WDW even after the "kids" get older and lose interest? Maybe there is a support group we could join?!! (LOL)

We have gone with our kids every year since they were very young. Now they all have families of their own. Sometimes they still come with us. But, my husband and I really enjoy just being at Disney. I agree with you that it's not really about the parks at this point. I just love the "Disney Feel" that you get just by being at the resort. We are leaving for our next trip in about a week

 

[KonaKaiTom]

DH and I took our kids twice and then went by ourselves when DS was a freshman in college. (DD was in high school and stayed home.) We had such a good time going by ourselves that we did it 9 more times in the next 13 years. One of those trips our kids did come with us - we were celebrating DD's college graduation. Actually, that trip with our adult children made it clear to us that we enjoyed WDW more when it was just the 2 of us.

Sadly, 2 weeks after DH and I returned from our last trip to WDW, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and died 13 weeks later, in Jan. In Dec. I will return to my favorite vacation spot without him and that will be very hard but there is no place where I would rather go. The next trip will be an entirely new experience as I will spend 2 days alone and then be joined by DD, DSiL and my (then) 6 month old grandson.

So sorry for your loss. But much respect and admiration for continuing on the memory and building new ones! Lost my dad under very similar circumstances --- he never knew he had it, died 6 days after being admitted to the hospital.


Tom

 

[*Fantasia*]

Yes!

 

[Caseheidi]

DH and I have been married 11 years, been to WDW 7 times and will visit DLR for the 4th time next month. All but the last (and one coming up) were before children for us. We love doing Disney no matter what. We love sharing it with others as we have a few times, but there is something really special about doing it as a couple. We have had big kid moments, and some real romance together. While I will be sad when our kids don't want to join us (DD is currently 3) I will always enjoy time alone there with my love!

 

[Amy&Dan]

I have a son who is 17, and a16 year old daughter. Dd is definitely more into it than ds, however ds, once there, enjoys it. I find the waterparks and Disneyquest really appeal to them the most.

Also the dining is fun for them.

Ds would have liked to do something else most likely, but he was overruled!

Its our last trip with him for awhile since he's enlisted in the USMC and leaves for bootcamp in Feb.

Its sort of sad when they grow up! But then again, dh and I are already planning ahead for our future kidless trips!

And someday we'll go with our kids when they have kids.


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[disnut8]

We've been to WDW at least once a year for the past decade, often going with relatives who have children just a bit younger than our son. But our son (now in college) and his cousins (now in their late teens) all have developed a "been there, done that" attitude about WDW. So, when we excitedly bring up a potential trip to WDW, the "kids" roll their eyes and tell us they'd rather go somewhere else. On the other hand, my wife and I enjoy going as much as ever! Admittedly, however, even our focus has shifted somewhat from the parks and just being at an on-site resort is now as much a part of the vacation experience as anything else..there just is just something about being at WDW, walking around the resort grounds, etc. We still like going to the parks but I think we could just spend a week at a resort and that would be fine with us...but the "kids" aren't interested!

So, are we the only parents in the world who want to keep going to WDW even after the "kids" get older and lose interest? Maybe there is a support group we could join?!! (LOL)

Just wait, just wait. Once your kids have kids, you will be back with everyone. I really got the Disney bug when my son was 16. He decided to come along a couple of times but only for the offsite stuff. And then he found someone to settle down with so they brought our ready made granddaughter (age of 5) to Disney World with them to meet us. And then they brought her back at 6-1/2. And then they brought her back when she was 13 along with her five year old brother.

Meanwhile, we've been going on our own for every three day weekend we can possible squeeze in along with a couple of week long trips for the Food and Wine Festival.

 

[DizneyNutz]

We've been to WDW at least once a year for the past decade, often going with relatives who have children just a bit younger than our son. But our son (now in college) and his cousins (now in their late teens) all have developed a "been there, done that" attitude about WDW. So, when we excitedly bring up a potential trip to WDW, the "kids" roll their eyes and tell us they'd rather go somewhere else. On the other hand, my wife and I enjoy going as much as ever! Admittedly, however, even our focus has shifted somewhat from the parks and just being at an on-site resort is now as much a part of the vacation experience as anything else..there just is just something about being at WDW, walking around the resort grounds, etc. We still like going to the parks but I think we could just spend a week at a resort and that would be fine with us...but the "kids" aren't interested!

So, are we the only parents in the world who want to keep going to WDW even after the "kids" get older and lose interest? Maybe there is a support group we could join?!! (LOL)

DW and I go frequently just the two of us. We also recently tried Disney cruising and loved it so now we are taking a Disney cruise just her and I and a seperate WDW vacation with grandkids. Have you thought about trying a cruise?

 

[stpats317]

We took our first trip in 1997 when our daughter was 7. We are arriving late November on what was planned to be a belated 27th anniversary trip for my husband and I, but guess what...our daughter, now 25 and a certified Disney freak, was offended that we would even consider going without her. To quote "Disney has always been a family thing. I have to go." Well, we love spending time with her and WDW is our favorite vacation destination so off we go. Could not be more excited and now I have a riding partner for those roundy-round rides that my darling husband can't handle. Win win.

 

[carrie1626]

Heck yeah! Our kids are 2 teens and one 6 year old and the older two could take it or leave it. BUT, we as parents will always go. In fact we are heading out tomorrow for 9 days at the world without the kids in celebration of our anniversary.

LOVE IT
You're very lucky!!

 

[carrie1626]

My parents took me on our first trip in the 70's. I have a sister 10 yrs younger. She got to go on many,many more trips than I.

We've all gone together ( my husband and kids, too). And my parents and adult sister have gone together alot. Last year it was just me, sister and parents (now 78/74).

I just convinced my husband to spend 5 nights FL in Nov for our 25th anniversary. We're only doing the F&W festival for 2 days but THAT makes me estatic
If the new MK fireworks show on the castle starts while we're down there I will twist my husbands arm until it falls off because I wouldn't want to miss it.

My kids are now adults- DD almost 23 always wants to go, DS 19 not so much. I'm counting on him to return if he ever has kids.

And my parents play it by ear now ( health) but they will always LOVE their DISNEYWORLD

Thank You MOM AND DAD for giving sis and me that passion

 

[tennessee]

we go more now without the kids and have more fun. Its so nice to do what u want and not listen the kids. We are looking forward to taking the grandson on his first trip there.

 

[dopeylover]

I shutter to think of the day this will happen for us...But our DD is 2, so we're a ways away from that. We will definitely still go once the kids tire of it. I never did, but you never know, she might! I can't see a time when we don't, god and finances permitting.

 

[HeyIt'sMe]

Our DD (15) is a sophomore in HS and still loves to go to WDW with us.

My DH & I were talking about future trips and how once DD is in college she probably won't want to go anymore and that will enable the 2 of us to take longer trips in October (our favorite month to go). When DD was little we'd go for a full week but now that she is older we go for shorter trips over Fall Break so she doesn't miss too much school. Well, DD overheard our conversation one time and she said "What? You aren't taking me to Disney World anymore once I am in college??!?". So, at this stage she's still looking to join us on Disney trips for the foreseeable future; which is fine by us! We'll see if that changes as she gets older. But, DH & I plan to continue visiting WDW as long as we can --- kids or not!

 

[Magalex]

We have one 12 yr old DS. We have been taking him to WDW since he was 4 years old. We all love Disney very much. We were there in June 2012 & are planning our first trip to DL then back to WDW for the summers of 2014 & 2015. We have so much fun together at WDW. It will be heartbreaking the day he is no longer a young kid. But my DH & I will be very excited to visit WDW during the cooler seasons & maybe actually buy annual passes to visit a few times during the year. Hopefully we will enjoy WDW trips with grandchildren

 

[kathie859]

Oh heck yeah!!! We went a few times when the children (now 37 and 31) were growing up. Now that we're empty nesters, we take a trip or two by ourselves during the year and BONUS---now we get to travel with DD/DSIL and the 3 DGK's. Earlier this year, during a visit to DS (he's the 31 year old--not married/no kids) who lives in SoCal--we spent the weekend together at DL. We had a blast!

Quite honestly, we enjoy WDW/DL as much, if not more, than ever. We did briefly flirt with the idea of hitting DLP in May--but decided to stay in Paris to do some touring.

 

[cey]

Our first trip was in 1987 when our DSs were 4 and 7. We have never stopped vacationing at WDW, sometimes with our adult children and sometimes without. In 2014, it will be with our first grandchild!...... It IS the CIRCLE OF LIFE!