Driving myself nuts. WWYD?

[ZehnJahren]

Thanks for all the info!

[Tinetine]

I think you are a very generous person, and I really appreciate that you are trying to build memories for you and your family . However, one thing I would consider is the parent's financial situation ....We were really struggling when our kids were born, and my parents would come with really expensive gifts for my daighter (jacadi clothing, or handmade wooden toys)... I was grateful for the gifts, but then I thought that if they really were trying to help me, maybe they could have bought diapers or groceries, things we really needed but could barely afford. I just want to make sure the parents don't resent you if the kids have a really luxurious vacation , and maybe they are struggling to clothe and feed them ? Maybe you could spend some time with them closer to home, and offer them some gift cards to their favorite store? I'M sorry if my answer is innapropriate,I know you mean really well

[ZehnJahren]

Originally Posted by Tinetine

I think you are a very generous person, and I really appreciate that you are trying to build memories for you and your family . However, one thing I would consider is the parent's financial situation ....We were really struggling when our kids were born, and my parents would come with really expensive gifts for my daighter (jacadi clothing, or handmade wooden toys)... I was grateful for the gifts, but then I thought that if they really were trying to help me, maybe they could have bought diapers or groceries, things we really needed but could barely afford. I just want to make sure the parents don't resent you if the kids have a really luxurious vacation , and maybe they are struggling to clothe and feed them ? Maybe you could spend some time with them closer to home, and offer them some gift cards to their favorite store? I'M sorry if my answer is innapropriate,I know you mean really well

Aw, no that's not inappropriate. The kids have everything they NEED. They're definitely clothed, fed, and loved. But there's just not room for anything else. Trust me, if they NEEDED something, something like food or clothes or anything at all for school, those needs would be met by our family. There's just no room for something fun like this.

[luvsJack]

Just by reading your responses, it sounds like you really want to do this. I say go for it.

Is there anyway the parents can give the kids some money for souvenirs? Even if its just enough for one each? Or if the kids have birthdays coming up, someone might could get them a disney gift card so they could spend that?

If none of that is possible, they are old enough to understand if you tell them ahead of time there won't be any extra money for that kind of stuff. They may still be super excited just to go or you could give them options for a cheaper fun vacation where you would have money for "extras".


As for the kids being "too old" We just got back from a trip with 30 kids ranging in age from 11-15. They had an absolute blast.

Someone said "when you can afford it". Sounds to me like you have all your bases covered and this money is strictly for vacation, so I would say you can afford it.

[Mary*Poppins]

Originally Posted by ZehnJahren

I've lived away from them now for almost 3 years, and so much has change. I'd be taking a chance - the family said they would love it, but the family also said they all argue a lot when they're together....

You said you've lived away from them for almost 3 years, are you still close enough with them where they would be comfortable going on a trip with you without their mom?

I also wanted to ask if they all enjoy thrill rides? It might be hard if one doesn't...

I think it is really sweet of you to be considering this, I saw parts of your other thread gathering info about going.
Are you doing the YES tickets and does that mean you have to go to classes with them, will it all be the same class? sorry i don't know alot about the YES tickets...

[Keli]

I'm the wrong person to ask here if you want someone to talk you out of it, lol. Because I would do it for sure in your situation. You will build memories with those children that they will never ever forget.
If they are well behaved with you then I wouldn't have too much concern with the crowds because they are old enough to understand they need to stay with you. Crowded parks require a lot of planning when it comes to rides IMHO, so I would have a plan walking into the park that morning with lots of breaks and places to rest built into it. Definitely do-able.
Memories are worth a lot to me and I would treasure the ones I created with little ones in the family that I love.

[mommyof3princess27]

I just wouldnt want them to be diappointed if they couldnt get any extras like a mickey ice cream. I know if someone were taking me, I wouldnt mind no extras but you know how kids are. If you do take them, u will give them memories that will stick with them for ever

[eliza61]

Originally Posted by disneyfreakk

I think the kids would be too old to really enjoy Disney. Aren't they at the "I'm too cool for this baby stuff" age?

LOL. somebody should tell my "kids" that. Mine are 20, 18 and my niece (who lives with us) is 17.

Op, I say go for it also.

Also have the kids try and earn some extra money for spending. We always did this with our kids. they saved allowance, birthday and christmas gifts. It's amazing how kids will really think if they want that souvineer when they have to part with their own dollars.

Don't stress to much about the "extras". Some times I think we sell kids short, your nephews and nieces sound like great kids so I don't think they will really "whine" about what they can't get.

Can you look into the dining plan? I don't use it but it use to give you one snack credit.

[luvavacation]

I am going to weigh in on the ages, and say that, if the kids are as close to you still as they were before, and the thought of being with them fills you with joy, and vice versa, then don't let the ages be a consideration. My children are 21 and 17, and love Disney to this day. In fact, at 12, my eldest found out about College Internships at Disney in a field of study she hoped to pursue at University. She completed her Internship last year, and has gone on to be a Disney Rep at her University, and feels that she gained so much from following a dream she didn't even know existed before our trip. What I am saying is, perhaps the kids may not be at an age where the Princesses and characters will cause them to squeal and faint, but there may be something else for them to experience that will guide them towards future goals?

As to the money part, you seem to have a really good financial outlook for yourself, which is wonderful! In this case, what I ask is, if God forbid something happened and taking the children were never to be, would you regret that more, or regret going on your own more? Only you can answer that question.

This question comes from a person that took her parents on a Disney cruise, spent so very much money that was supposed to be shared with her idiot sibling that never has had enough to pay her back, and yet regrets not a penny. My Father passed away 6 weeks after our family cruise, a cruise filled with such joy for him and my mom, and whenever my memory recalls him sleeping on deck 4 in a comfy chair, with a contented smile on his face, any remembrance of how long it took to finally pay off that cruise fee falls away. So, what I am saying, from sappy old me, is that, if you have a good financial position, money is only money, but memories will last a lifetime.

Realizing, of course, that the above statement is often not approved by everyone! But we all have to make a decision that is best for our own life and heart, and I hope whatever decision you make, you find joy in it.

[Nancyg56]

I would take them but as someone else suggested, give them time to earn some spending money. You could enlist them in planning so they know what they are working towards. IF the children have enough time to save they will feel that they are contributing to their vacation and will have an investment in keeping it fun.

I think that staying offsite would be fine given that the kids will not know what they are missing with onsite resorts.

[RadioFanatic]

I only read the first page, so I'm unsure if you already had this suggestion, but could you do a different, and cheaper trip with them and then go on your solo trip? Such as the beach, a different amusement park somewhat closer, a closer tourist destination you could drive to so you don't use your SW points? You would have the same memories without as much expense.

[Sparkly]

Originally Posted by ZehnJahren

If I wait until after that in 2014/2015, they will be 15, 14, and 12. Seems "too old" for a first trip...

Not true. My first trip was when I was 9 and it was amazing. Even though we stayed at a crappy Travelodge offsite, it was love at first theme park for our family.

[Auntie Sherry]

In my option I would take the kids. I went on two trips with neices. One I paid for one parents did. It was so worth it. They will always have those memories of a special time with their aunt and so will you. Sounds like you have a good vacation account plan and will always be adding to it, so I would go now while the kids are at the age they are. I think it is a perfect age. They will not get too tired ,and you don't have to deal with strollers plus they are young enough to be into the magic and old enough for all the attractions. As far as your problems with lines. When I go I use fast pass all the time and you don't need to wait long. You don't need to stay on property to use it. I always have a fast pass in my hand so I never wait more then 15 to 20 mins even when I went on Fourth of July Week. Have you tried priceing the Pop Century resort ? They usually have a good deal and have free dining. I went with my neice stayed there got the free meal plan and we never spent one cent on food. We also ended up taking home several snack items. That would also elimanate a rental car by using the free Magical Express service. I just remember that I did go once by myself. It was fun to do what ever I wanted whenever I wanted but there was no one to share the fun with and kind of lonely. I don't think you would look back and regret it and if this is the kids only chance you will be giving them a gift of a lifetime. Hope this helps and whatever you do you are happy with your choice. Please let us know what you decide and Have a Magical Time either way.

[hsmamato2]

Ask yourself which would be more enjoyable to YOU? going alone at a quiet time,or going with the kids,and being pretty busy? I know what I would enjoy more,so that's what I'd pick. Either way it sounds like you'll be rebuilding your vacation fund anyway.....so pick what you want to spend it on! you earned it,you should spend it how you like! (this shouldn't be about just what the kids would want,this should be about YOUR first choice)

[nilseks]

If you can swing it, I would take them. And here is why...

When I was growing up, my aunt and uncle were very poor. We used to go on vacation every year, just get in the car and drive all over the place. So one year we took my cousin b/c my aunt and uncle couldn't afford to do vacations. He had the best time ever. I still remember how joyful he was, and let me tell you, I only see him every few years now because he lives halfway across the country, but he still talks about that trip EVERY SINGLE TIME I see him. And we are in our 40's now! You are talking about building a memory of a lifetime, something those kids will always remember about you. Can't really put a price on that.

In my teen years our family fell on hard times of our own and didn't get to travel much. Those pre-teen travel memories are still some of my very favorite of my life.

If you do take them, you will need to set ground rules as far as behavior. My children are 8 and 11 and at that age we have found that writing down expectations on a piece of paper for everyone to refer to goes a LONG way. I would hope their parents would talk to them regarding being respectful and grateful. Most kids behave better with everyone else than they do with their parents, so I wouldn't worry too much about arguing. They're old enough to know better.

There's no wrong decision, as long as you won't look back and regret. If you have any inkling that you will regret taking them, then go. As a cancer survivor, I can tell you that life is too short to look back with regrets! And THAT is why we go to Disney every year and experience the magic!