Just back - a few highs and lows

[2Tiggies]

Originally Posted by joolz1910

I have already started saying, 'When we go again, I would like to...'
I think this is going to become a very expensive interest lol.

You have no idea how true that is! Now, add to it an expensive hobby that you can take to Disney - like a nice camera that loves accessories ......

I also thought our first trip was a once in a lifetime experience. It felt a little extravagant when I booked it. Yet it's become part of our lifestyle now. We've forgotten about things that we used to need, which have been forfeited for many years so that extra money can be placed in the Disney Fund. I have no regrets whatsoever.

So glad you enjoyed it and all your planning and research really seems to have paid off

[joolz1910]

Originally Posted by 2Tiggies

You have no idea how true that is! Now, add to it an expensive hobby that you can take to Disney - like a nice camera that loves accessories ......

I also thought our first trip was a once in a lifetime experience. It felt a little extravagant when I booked it. Yet it's become part of our lifestyle now. We've forgotten about things that we used to need, which have been forfeited for many years so that extra money can be placed in the Disney Fund. I have no regrets whatsoever.

So glad you enjoyed it and all your planning and research really seems to have paid off

I just added it all up and it came to just under £7500 for everything. I would definitely pay that again for a return visit, although we could only afford to do this every 3/4 years.
I have already started saving.

[wayneg]

Originally Posted by joolz1910

I have already started saying, 'When we go again, I would like to...'
I think this is going to become a very expensive interest lol.

I saw a finacial advisor many years ago. He told me I would be looking to retire age 45-50, I am now 45, I reaslistically only see myself retiring thru ill health.
A mixture of getting the travel bug & recession means the retirement pot is not worth a great deal anymore but lots of great memories.

[joolz1910]

Originally Posted by wayneg

I saw a finacial advisor many years ago. He told me I would be looking to retire age 45-50, I am now 45, I reaslistically only see myself retiring thru ill health.
A mixture of getting the travel bug & recession means the retirement pot is not worth a great deal anymore but lots of great memories.

After losing both of my parents, I have come to realise that you need to live your life to the fullest. My daughters will have their WDW memories for a lifetime and will hopefully recognise the value of 'family time' when they themselves have children.

[2Tiggies]

Originally Posted by joolz1910

After losing both of my parents, I have come to realise that you need to live your life to the fullest. My daughters will have their WDW memories for a lifetime and will hopefully recognise the value of 'family time' when they themselves have children.

Yes. This! Exactly what you said

You'll possibly find that your daughters will talk about the times you had together on this trip for many years to come, whether you're not you go back within a couple of years.

Oh, and I have also learned over the years that every trip is wonderful in it's own way, but there will always bee something special about the first visit

[Laurafoster]

Originally Posted by joolz1910

After losing both of my parents, I have come to realise that you need to live your life to the fullest. My daughters will have their WDW memories for a lifetime and will hopefully recognise the value of 'family time' when they themselves have children.

Couldn't agree more. My parents started my Disney addiction when we first visited in 1998 when I was 13. The following year my sister passed away and made all of us realise exactly what you posted.

Our disney trips have become a lot more family orientated and we have taken numerous trips with parents and grandparents. We have great memories of those trips and constantly find ourselves saying "remember when.......". It's lovely to have those memories to share.

[wayneg]

Originally Posted by joolz1910

After losing both of my parents, I have come to realise that you need to live your life to the fullest. My daughters will have their WDW memories for a lifetime and will hopefully recognise the value of 'family time' when they themselves have children.

I lost both parents under age 60, Karen lost her Dad under 60. We might regret not saving more for the furture but losing 3 parents before retirement age doesn't inspire me to save.