How I Survived 11 Days at WDW with a Disney-Resistant Husband **2/20 THE END **

[OllieDannyandMe]

I love this trip report and every trip report you have written here on the DIS!

You really do have a way with words. Are you familiar with the mega-successful blogger, The Pioneer Woman? I love reading her stuff, too, and you remind me of her. You keep things real and are just so open and honest. I can identify with you and the things you go through.

It makes me feel good to read your trip reports--it's like someone understands my world! Thank you for sharing!

I can't wait to read more!

[heaven2dc]

I'm so sorry to hear about your MIL's sister! You are so right - life is so short and you never know when the last time you spoke or saw someone might indeed be your last.

Your children are so adorable - you all are a beautiful family! I have to agree with you that I don't understand why your husband doesn't seem to enjoy Disney as much as you when he is there but raves about it to friends and family! I think it may be the long lines - my late husband was like that (he never had been to WDW - he passed away at a Kissimmee motel on our first journey there in December 1994). I remember saying to him that he will encounter crowds and lines and was worried how he would handle it. Two of my sons are like that and one of those is my youngest son who will be going on his first trip to WDW this year. Will be interesting to see how he enjoys it...

[kschafer]

Gosh Trish, I remember in your PTR when your plans for this day got changed what a bummer it was to give up Teppan Edo. the concept that you would drive 2 hours to meet local family at the beach only to have them show up hours later is simply foreign to me! However, it does look like you had a wonderful time at the beach and enjoyed the company of the cousins once they arrived!

How nice the kids got to meet and spend time together! But so sorry about the family's loss.

[lexmas]

Looks like you had fun at the beach, even though you were waiting for company the whole time! I have been known to be late, but never THAT late!

And dinner sounds great too...how sweet of them to have a cake and a present!

I'm so sorry to hear about your MIL's sister. My dad died of cancer (one year after finding out he had it, 6 weeks after being told they thought they got it all) at 63, 6 weeks before my daughter was born on what would have been his 64th birthday. So I am reminded every day of how short life is. (Poor death reminder DD! Obviously, it's not her fault, but it is very unfortunate. ) Life is short.

[klacey1]

Sounds like you guys had a really nice day with family!! I love the Gulf coast-- and your cousin's house/pool is beautiful!

[JMcDisney]

Ok, I have just started reading your report, and let me just say that I am floored by your daughters b-day party! If you don't do this for a living, you totally should! Everything looked awesome!!

[DrMomof3]

The beach looks lovely!!!
Sorry about your loss.

Amanda

[Glite]

Originally Posted by DisneyBoundinDec

Looks like you guys had a great beach day! And I agree about the Gulf Coast.. I grew up in Florida.. on the east coast.. (we've been in Maryland for about 11 years now.. dang jobs! )
And even though I grew up on the east coast.. when we go back to Florida for a beach trip, we always go to the west coast.. the beaches are so nice and the water is perfect and calm for the kids..

oh.. I told my dh about your dh... and how I am really enjoying your trip report even though I want to kick your dh in the butt.. (please don't be offended that I want to do that), and my dh even said your dh is being a butt head.. he told me to tell you to not take him on your next trip! this is coming from a semi-resister..

Yeah! Leave him behind, tell him that you will mail him a post card and that you will bring him back a souvenir.

My DW is a resister when it comes to the athletic club and taking the family swimming and enjoying the day. She goes sometimes, but not a whole lot. I take DS1 & DS2 and we go, just the 3 of us. I wish she would go more often with us, but I go anyway to get the kids out the house and to hang out and have some fun. DW likes WDW and loves being there, but she is not a fanatic like I am. She is fine with going once every 3 or 4 years, and I always tell her that I like to go once a year or once every other year at minimum; then I tell her that the kids and I are sure going to miss you, and we will bring you back a t-shirt.

[Dug-says-HI-THERE!]

I have to admit.....I also am married to a DISNEY-resister. Yes, it's sad, and the last THREE Disney Trips (see below) have been sans husband. I think that my insistence, without being annoying has finally paid off, since he's agreed to the 2011 trip. Granted, my parents are springing for the room (courtesy of their DVC), so that may have had something to do with it.......

[cdotla]

Originally Posted by swwake

Even with all the stress - that looks like a fun day at the beach. I'm glad you got the kids out of the sun before too long - you wouldn't have wanted to ruin the rest of the Disney trip. It's kinda cool that you got to mix in a beach trip with the Disney trip. I love all the family pics. As we get older, we realize how important family really is. So nice of them to make the birthday cake for Katie. And that house is beautiful. So sorry again to hear about Heather. I hope that the family has found some closure and is at peace now with her passing.

You are absolutely right about everything! At first I wasn't keen on leaving WDW property, but it ended up being a nice little break in the middle of the trip, and a great reminder of how special moments with family can be!

Originally Posted by kate_wdw

Sorry, I missed that! I've always wanted to visit PEI. Maybe one of these days...

There are so many great places to visit aren't there?

Originally Posted by Harlie

Hi Joining in on your trip report! I just caught up Great stuff so far. I can totally agree with you about the Canada 360 show is missing too many of the other great provinces. IMHO the show could have used Some Rider.....Errr....Saskatchewan footage lol!

Look forward to reading more!

Thanks for finding me, and welcome! Glad to have another Canadian on board!

Originally Posted by Queenofallthings

Great update! Those beach pictures....beautiful! In all of our trips to Florida, we have never gone to the beach

How wonderful that you got to spend some time with the cousins, looked like you were all having a great time!!

The beach really was great. A pool can sometimes be easier, and less work, but there is nothing like the waves and sand.

Originally Posted by PrincessInOz

Gorgeous shots Trish! I'm glad the day worked out...despite missing out at the World and TeppenEdo.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by DisneyDoc5

I'm glad there were lots of 'good' things about your beach day (the drive aside), because I'm sure it was challenging to drive away from WDW for the day. I have cousins like that, I don't see them too often, usually once a year (in a few weeks actually), but we always have a fabulous time together and you're SO right, it's a great reminder of how important family is! Thank you for sharing your trip, good and bad, and your feelings about it so honestly with us, I really appreciate it!

Thank you!

Originally Posted by Native NYer

The beach is absolutely beautiful!

It certainly was!

Originally Posted by DisneyBoundinDec

Looks like you guys had a great beach day! And I agree about the Gulf Coast.. I grew up in Florida.. on the east coast.. (we've been in Maryland for about 11 years now.. dang jobs! )
And even though I grew up on the east coast.. when we go back to Florida for a beach trip, we always go to the west coast.. the beaches are so nice and the water is perfect and calm for the kids..

oh.. I told my dh about your dh... and how I am really enjoying your trip report even though I want to kick your dh in the butt.. (please don't be offended that I want to do that), and my dh even said your dh is being a butt head.. he told me to tell you to not take him on your next trip! this is coming from a semi-resister..

There were definitely a few times I felt like giving DH a kick in the butt on this trip. However, none of them had actually happened yet...to this point nothing had really gotten me too worked up. But the next day (Day 5), things took a nosedive.

[oboedm]

Signing onto your TR! Your kids are so cute and I love all your pictures! Can't wait to hear more!

[cdotla]

Originally Posted by CJsMom

Hi cdotla - I happened upon your thread and the title drew me in - I, too, have a Disney-Resistant Husband who sounds like he could be brothers with your DH. After three trips (two short ones without kids, one longer one with kids in 2007) he had decided that there is no reason to ever go back. I don't think he will hold to it - the kids will see to that - but we certainly aren't planning annual trips or buying into DVC anytime soon. I feel your pain while reading about his impatience with the lines and the chaos at the character meals and shows. My DH is the same way - hates crowds and lines - and also doesn't like the amount of money that Disney costs (even though I spend hours finding bargains, planning trips at slow times of the year and planning itineraries to avoid lines). Anyway, I definitely want to read your Childless Mommies TR because I am heading down to Food and Wine in November with several girlfriends to celebrate our 40th birthdays! I hate to say it, but without DH, it will be a much easier trip.

How exciting!!! I am sure you will have a fabulous time travelling with girlfriends for F&W! It is such a different experience doing Disney without the kids. There will likely be a number of moments when you see other families with kids your kids' ages and wish they were there with you. But personally, I experienced many more moments of sheer happiness to be able to eat, drink, shop, drink, tour, listen to music, drink, lay poolside, drink, ect without them.

Originally Posted by kaysmommie

I loved your update! Looks like a great day at the beach and spent with family .

Thanks Nichole! It was a great day!

Originally Posted by eandesmom

What a fun, but sad update!

I love the Florida beach and it is worth the 2 hour drive each way. Much as I love the pool...it is not the same as playing in the surf. Just the sound of the surf relaxes me. Your pictures made me wish we had a beach day scheduled!

Those rays are something else! I actually just ordered some special sunscreen for our trip as it is so much more intense there I'm upgrading what we are using all around for better protection. I am glad at least the kids didn't get burned but ouch for you and Chris.

It sounds like a lovely day and evening all around.

How very very sad about Chris's aunt.

Thanks Cynthia!

I think in our haste to ensure that the kids weren't burning, Chris and I forgot about ourselves. Plus, there is always that thought...I tan, not burn....that I let slip into my mind, sometimes underestimating the amount of sunscreen that I need.

Big lesson learned this trip...it is so not worth it! I love a tan, but I literally can't stand seeing burn on my skin, or anyone else's for that matter. I think it took at least 3-4 days for my redness to go away. So again...big lesson learned!

Originally Posted by Disney Geek

The West Coast beaches are awesome, we always spend a week on the west coast either before or after our trips to the world!

Glad you had a good day at the beach, seems like it was well worth the drive! I saw some new sunscreen at Shoppers Drug Mart that is SPF 100!!! I will have to try it next time as I always burn in Florida!

Looking forward to your next update!

Wow! SPF 100??!!!

Not sure about that...I do like a little color going onto my skin...but, I will be using at least an SPF30 from now on!

Originally Posted by disneybarbie

looks like a nice day at the beach, despite the long drive there & the late arrivals !

Your DH's cousin's house looks so much like my parents' house in Bradenton FL!


Emma x

Thanks Emma! I didn't know your parents' house was in Bradenton. Great place! Close to beaches AND awesome shopping!

Originally Posted by akkascott

I started reading your TR because we're staying at the Beach Club next March, but since then I've come to realize that we have a couple of things in common! We also have two kids (DD14 and DS12) and are Canadian (live in the Prairies now, but DH was born and raised in Charlottetown). In fact, we're traveling to the Maritimes next month to visit with friends and family on PEI and two of DH's sisters in Halifax.

Anyway, I'm thoroughly enjoying your TR! Thanks for the time and effort that goes into each "episode".

So glad you are reading! And yes we do have a few things in common.

Hope you have a fantastic trip to the Maritimes next month. We have been having absolutely fantastic weather here lately! Hopefully it will stick around for your trip!

[cdotla]

Originally Posted by OllieDannyandMe

I love this trip report and every trip report you have written here on the DIS!

You really do have a way with words. Are you familiar with the mega-successful blogger, The Pioneer Woman? I love reading her stuff, too, and you remind me of her. You keep things real and are just so open and honest. I can identify with you and the things you go through.

It makes me feel good to read your trip reports--it's like someone understands my world! Thank you for sharing!

I can't wait to read more!

WOW! Thank you so much! What an amazing compliment!

I actually used to read the Pioneer Woman quite a lot, but haven't been over there in a long time. I will have to check her out again!

Thank you so much for posting - your comments really mean a lot!

Originally Posted by heaven2dc

I'm so sorry to hear about your MIL's sister! You are so right - life is so short and you never know when the last time you spoke or saw someone might indeed be your last.

Your children are so adorable - you all are a beautiful family! I have to agree with you that I don't understand why your husband doesn't seem to enjoy Disney as much as you when he is there but raves about it to friends and family! I think it may be the long lines - my late husband was like that (he never had been to WDW - he passed away at a Kissimmee motel on our first journey there in December 1994). I remember saying to him that he will encounter crowds and lines and was worried how he would handle it. Two of my sons are like that and one of those is my youngest son who will be going on his first trip to WDW this year. Will be interesting to see how he enjoys it...

So sorry to hear about your late husband's passing. That must have been so difficult for that to have happened on your way to a vacation - how terrible!

Hopefully your son will enjoy his 1st visit this year! Get him prepared for the crowds, and then, hopefully let the Disney Magic do it's work!

Originally Posted by kschafer

Gosh Trish, I remember in your PTR when your plans for this day got changed what a bummer it was to give up Teppan Edo. the concept that you would drive 2 hours to meet local family at the beach only to have them show up hours later is simply foreign to me! However, it does look like you had a wonderful time at the beach and enjoyed the company of the cousins once they arrived!

How nice the kids got to meet and spend time together! But so sorry about the family's loss.

Hey Katie! The wait on the beach initially wasn't that bad - we were having a lot of fun hanging out ourselves on the beach. But by the end, we were definitely wondering what was going on.

Chris and I have decided though that the next time we make plans to meet the cousins, we will meet them at their place, or they can come to ours. No way are we going someone like a beach, or restaurant, and waiting for them.

Originally Posted by lexmas

Looks like you had fun at the beach, even though you were waiting for company the whole time! I have been known to be late, but never THAT late!

And dinner sounds great too...how sweet of them to have a cake and a present!

I'm so sorry to hear about your MIL's sister. My dad died of cancer (one year after finding out he had it, 6 weeks after being told they thought they got it all) at 63, 6 weeks before my daughter was born on what would have been his 64th birthday. So I am reminded every day of how short life is. (Poor death reminder DD! Obviously, it's not her fault, but it is very unfortunate. ) Life is short.

So sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. And even sorrier he did not get to see your daughter. Chris' Dad passed away around the time Katie was born too...however, we were lucky that he did get to hold her as a newborn baby just before he passed on.

Life really is too short, isn't it?

Originally Posted by klacey1

Sounds like you guys had a really nice day with family!! I love the Gulf coast-- and your cousin's house/pool is beautiful!

Yes, it was a great day! And both of Chris' cousin's homes was beautiful. What I liked best about it was that it was in a beautiful residential area where all the homes were meticulously maintained and gorgeous, and there was so much activity of the street. Kids and men out playing basketball, women jogging and walking, and a really nice warm community feel.

We met about 8-10 neighbours who were out and about just in the couple hours we were there, and they were all so nice and friendly. They kept calling the group of us "The Canadians" and tried to recruit my husband & I to move down.

Originally Posted by JMcDisney

Ok, I have just started reading your report, and let me just say that I am floored by your daughters b-day party! If you don't do this for a living, you totally should! Everything looked awesome!!

Thanks so much for posting, and Welcome!

And thank you for the nice comments about my daughter's party! I really enjoyed putting it together!

Originally Posted by DrMomof3

The beach looks lovely!!!
Sorry about your loss.

Amanda

Thanks Amanda!

[cdotla]

Originally Posted by Glite

Yeah! Leave him behind, tell him that you will mail him a post card and that you will bring him back a souvenir.

My DW is a resister when it comes to the athletic club and taking the family swimming and enjoying the day. She goes sometimes, but not a whole lot. I take DS1 & DS2 and we go, just the 3 of us. I wish she would go more often with us, but I go anyway to get the kids out the house and to hang out and have some fun. DW likes WDW and loves being there, but she is not a fanatic like I am. She is fine with going once every 3 or 4 years, and I always tell her that I like to go once a year or once every other year at minimum; then I tell her that the kids and I are sure going to miss you, and we will bring you back a t-shirt.

You know...your post has got me to thinking. DH and the kids have expressed a couple of times that they would be interested in going camping - you know, pitching a tent, and eating by campfire. Doesn't appeal to me in the slightest! I have always flatly turned down any suggestion of joining them, joking that they can go and I will enjoy a little spa weekend at home!

However, I just had an "A Ha" moment. This might be my equivalent to Chris' WDW. While they have yet to go camping, and have only talked about it, perhaps next time the subject comes up I will shock them and agree to go.

Then again, maybe I should leave well enough alone....I could be a big liability out there at a campsite. Perhaps there are things that we are best to enjoy one-on-one with the kids.

Originally Posted by Dug-says-HI-THERE!

I have to admit.....I also am married to a DISNEY-resister. Yes, it's sad, and the last THREE Disney Trips (see below) have been sans husband. I think that my insistence, without being annoying has finally paid off, since he's agreed to the 2011 trip. Granted, my parents are springing for the room (courtesy of their DVC), so that may have had something to do with it.......

Thanks so much for posting and Welcome!

So sorry to hear we have another wife of a resister to add to our numbers. However, glad to hear your husband has agreed to another trip! Hopefully staying DVC will convert him!

Originally Posted by oboedm

Signing onto your TR! Your kids are so cute and I love all your pictures! Can't wait to hear more!

Thanks so much! Great to have you along!

[LilAnn]

absolutely gorgeous photos as usual! Your cousin's house is beautiful too! Looks like it turned out to be a nice day after all. Thanks again for sharing all the details - the good, bad and ugly!