Fred and Wilma - They're Back and They're Child Free

[wilma-bride]

Pre-Trip Report

Featuring:

Me (Joh, 37) - self-confessed WDW addict. Loves Eeyore, Francis Floot, Tower of Terror and Ghirardelli's Mint Bliss Sundae.
DH (Gary, 43) - indulges my obsession (anything for a quiet life). Loves Tigger, Francis Floot, Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls and Tony Roma's ribs and loaded mash.

Extras:

DD1 (Sian, 17) - at that age where a trip to Weymouth with her boyfriend is far more exciting than WDW with her 'rents
DD2 (Rhiannon, 16) - would probably love to come but doesn't want to spend 2 weeks with 'you two doing boring adult stuff and smooching all the time'
DS (Daniel, 7) - won't even notice we're gone once he is with his beloved Grandparents

Pre-amble:

Some of you will know that DH and I are lucky enough to be able to have at least two child-free weeks every summer when our kids visit their respective grandparents. The girls usually spend time with their Grandma up in Cleveland, whilst Daniel goes to the beach to see Grandma and Grandpa. This year is slightly different in that, for various reasons, the girls are not making the annual pilgrimage to Middlesbrough, however, when this holiday was originally planned, they still were.

In August 2007, Gary and I were lucky enough to book a last-minute trip to WDW child free. We spent a week at 'The World' and took a 3-day Disney Cruise, which left us well and truly hooked.

This is us about to board the Disney Wonder in 2007



It was total bliss (despite the oppressive heat and humidity and a serious case of sunburned feet)

However, in August 2008, having just had our loft conversion completed, our time was spent cleaning up after the builders, re-carpeting and re-decorating.

Last August, with an impending trip to WDW taking place just a couple of months later and the balance of the holiday due at the end of August, we really couldn’t justify (or afford) any time away by ourselves. Having spent the entire two weeks at home (with the exception of a day trip to Alton Towers) completely bored stiff and missing the kids desperately, I was determined that I would not let an opportunity to escape child free pass me by again – note I wasn’t that desperate that I didn’t want them to go away again this year though

I love them really - the 5 of us on the Disney Wonder in Oct 09



Having tried hard to maintain my ‘Bad Mother’ status since October – and succeeding for the most part (just ask Daniel how long it took the tooth fairy to visit after his last milk tooth loss) – what better way to outdo myself than to plan a holiday without my kids! Unfortunately, my partner in crime (Ms Natalie Longstaff) had buckled under pressure and decided to take her children with her on holiday so it was up to me to maintain the reputation all by myself.

Back in February, when this all began, the Longstaffs were on the verge of booking a trip to Egypt. Discussions were held as to whether or not we would accompany them since a) Egypt is on ‘The List’* and b) Gary was excited at the prospect of going somewhere that wasn’t Walt Disney World. This idea was quickly dismissed, though, when we realised that the Longstaffs’ idea of a trip to Egypt consisted of 2 weeks in an all-inclusive resort, sitting on a sun lounger by a pool. The thought of visiting Egypt and not seeing a single pyramid, sphinx or mummy (other than bad ones ) did not fill either of us with joy. Let’s face it, Nat and I have loads in common but our ideas of what constitutes a great (non-WDW) holiday are poles apart. Gary and I are not ‘sit by a pool’ kind of people.

We briefly considered whether to visit ‘the real’ Egypt on our own but discounted that option as too expensive – I’m afraid that, for me, while we are the sort of family that can only afford one holiday a year, WDW will always win out as I worry too much that any other destination will compare unfavourably – as when we do get the chance to visit, we want to be able to enjoy excursions and immerse ourselves completely in the experience.

So, we were back at square one. Never one to miss an opportunity – and given that I had tentative agreement from Gary that we would go somewhere in August – I broached the subject of WDW.

Surprisingly, DH was an easy sell. I mentioned how we could take that much-longed-for trip to St Augustine and that, if we timed it right, we might even be able to catch a pre-season NFL game and the deal was done.

I managed to secure flights with VA for just under £400 each M+M, flying out on 25th August and back on 5th September. Following a minor panic when we realised we woud be away for DD's GCSE results, the education board (or whoever ) did us a massive favour and announced that GCSE results would be available two days early this year, on Tuesday 24th August. Phew, serious Bad Mother episode averted.

So, there you have it - happy parents, happy children - yes, believe it or not, they are all very happy to be doing what they want and for us to go away (even to WDW) without them. Now all I needed to do was deliver on my promise to DH that the holiday would cost no more than £2000 total

Next up...The Plan





*’The list’ is an extremely long list of places Gary and I plan to visit when the kids have left home, we are no longer paying a crippling mortgage and we can afford several holidays a year

[darthtatty]

fab pre trip
cant wait to hear all your plans.

[jjk]

cant wait to hear your plans

[Pegasus928]

WDW without the kids. I can only dream of such a time at the moment - but it will come

Looking forward to hearing more about your plans

[mandymouse]

Great start Joh, I look forward to hearing all about your plans

[jockey]

Great report looking forward to more

[Muscateer]

Great start Joh, look forward to reading more

[Tammy Stringer]

Great start Joh - can't wait to read more.

Not long now till you go - how exciting

Tam

[buzz for boys]

Great start and Im too dreaming of the day we get to holiday without the kids !!
Cant wait to hear all about it :-)

[Jordanblackpool]

Great Start! Id be sold on the NFL Game too!

[Ware Bears]

Originally Posted by wilma-bride

Unfortunately, my partner in crime (Ms Natalie Longstaff) had buckled under pressure and decided to take her children with her on holiday so it was up to me to maintain the reputation all by myself.

Great start. BTW, who is Francis Floot?

[wilma-bride]

Originally Posted by Ware Bears

BTW, who is Francis Floot?

Elaine, he is one of the 'Citizens of Hollywood' found at Hollywood Studios. He is absolutely hilarious and we try to make a point of making sure we see him every time we visit.

http://www.studioscentral.com/citize.../francis-floot

[Ware Bears]

Thank you!

[binkytell]

oh im so jealous, me and my hubbie were supposed to spend my 40th
birthday next april in disney world but instead were expecting a surprise arrival on 2nd january so holiday now cancelled, will have to plan for my 50th instead

hav a magical trip

[disney_princess_85]

Great start Joh, looking forward to more.