An Empty-Nester's first trip without the kids! Just Back

[dzneelvr]

DH and I just returned from a Dec 10-14 trip and we had a BLAST! We were pleasantly surprised with the manageable crowd levels, having never gone outside a busy summer or closer-to-Christmas time frame. We had no problems getting on anything--even Toy Story ManiaWe ate at Plaza in MK, St. Angel and Rose and Crown in EPCOT, Flametree BBQ in AK, Ohanas at the Poly, Brown Derby at DHS, and our foodcourt at ASMo. All great meals--R&C and Flametree got high marks and will definitely make our "repeat" list. As a couple, we were flagged to move in faster ques on most of the rides and it was neat having our Disney Reward dollars take us through the entire trip instead of running out half way throughBuses from the ASMo ran quickly with no wait longer than 15 minutes. I had a mix up with DH's ticket (I have an AP) that was handled quickly and efficiently by Elaine at DHS guest relations with a credit. I also had a situation handled by Disney Dining (I'm so sorry I didn't get her name) in that I was never told our night to attend the Terrace Dessert party was also a night for MVMCP and thus an extra charge for that ticket. Obviously, we were'nt interested in paying that much for desserts (even though it's an awesome experience), and she worked a way to get the reservation moved,then cancelled, so I was happy and another couple could get in to enjoy it. All this on the phone while waiting for the busTo be honest, DH and I were unsure if we'd have the same level of enjoyment with the trip without DS and DD (who were both finishing up finals in grad schools), BUT WE HAD A FABULOUS TIME. Temps so warm we needed no jacket M-T-W with only a sweatshirt on TH at night. I wore shorts the entire timeWe heard Jodi Benson read the CP at EPCOT, enjoyed all the special entertainment to be had from the British band in England to Christmas stories from around the world, to Mulch, Sweat and Shears Osbourne lights pre show at DHS, and toured the new Fantasyland at MK. I can't wait to see all the pictures.

 

[RaineinMD]

Im glad you has a wonderful time. DH and I honeymooned 33 yrs ago in WDW. Fast forward 4 kids later with multiple times at wdw, we are now emptynesters and are considering going back just the 2 of us. I am glad to hear that it is still a fun experience even without the kids....

 

[PeterPanic]

This may sound awful, but, I never went because it was fun for the kids. I always went because it was fun for me. They could join in or be little Debbie Downers, didn't matter to me.

It's amazing they grew up so well adjusted. I guess they were lucky and liked the place as much as I did.

 

[Pooh2]

We went for our 25th anniversary for 10 days without kids and had a blast. Looking forward to going for our 30th in 2014!

 

[BradleyB]

My wife took the boys in 2009. She commented that the happiest people she saw there were the empty nesters and young couples with NO KIDS!

That gave me the idea of a grown up trip.

I have never been, and neither has my MIL. She was supposed to go in 2010, but my FIL died a month before their trip. The three of us are going in April for an adult only trip. I am ready!

The boys are now 22, 21, 20, and 13 so they don't have to go this time. They are actually happy for us (or are looking forward to having the house to themselves! eek!)

 

[Sandi]

I'm glad to read these posts. DH and I are going in March without DD who is a high school senior and is taking her spring break with a friend and her family. DD and I have been doing WDW 2 times a year forever. DH isn't a Disney guy, but is going with me to make me happy. I sure hope he has fun, too. This thread gives me hope.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[sue and co]

DH and I are going for the first time without the children in just over three weeks for a 14 day trip. It is a combination of his 50th birthday, our 25th wedding anniversary and I'm having such a dreadful time at work at the moment. DH is a bit worried 'it won't be the same without the children' but I am so excited and have talked him in to it. For me it's chance to do things we couldn't do with the kids - Keys to the Kingdom, Keep Moving Forward Segway Tour etc, to actually sit with him at attractions and to just take our time and do what we as adults want to without being driven by their needs.

I would point out our three 'children' are now 19,19 and 22 and have all been to Disney with us five (the nineteen year olds) and four (the 22 year old) times and they are now all away at college.

 

[LovesTimone]

DH and I are going for the first time without the children in just over three weeks for a 14 day trip. It is a combination of his 50th birthday, our 25th wedding anniversary and I'm having such a dreadful time at work at the moment. DH is a bit worried 'it won't be the same without the children' but I am so excited and have talked him in to it. For me it's chance to do things we couldn't do with the kids - Keys to the Kingdom, Keep Moving Forward Segway Tour etc, to actually sit with him at attractions and to just take our time and do what we as adults want to without being driven by their needs.

I would point out our three 'children' are now 19,19 and 22 and have all been to Disney with us five (the nineteen year olds) and four (the 22 year old) times and they are now all away at college.

You will be surprised at how different the visit is, you will see things that you did not before. Being able to go at your own pace is great. Here are afew things that DH and I like to do when it's just the 2 of us.

Hand holding is a must!!!!!!! maybe a stolen kiss or two along the way

Spend more time at the resort, pool time just relaxing is great we bring a picnic of sorts to the pool, rolled meat and cheese, olives, crackers, and a adult beverage or two to enjoy. We normally take a break mid-day and head back to the resort for a while, or sleep in and have a pool morning and early afternoon then head to the parks after.

Trying some of the more grown up spots to eat, may I suggest Flying Fish, Narcossess, Victoria & Alberts, Yummy and Romanic. You have to do a character breakfast it so fun with out the kids.

On one night we do cocktails and appetizer's, you can do this around the world showcase, DTD, the monorail resorts, or the Boardwalk. We just stop in and see if we can get a spot at the bar, grab a appetizer to share and a cocktail, soak up the magic and check out the place, then head on to the next stop, shopping and checking things out as we go.

There is so much to see, and do. DH and I are planning a Decemeber trip. Wishing you a wonderful and magical trip.

 

[GoinPlaces63]

DH and I are going for the first time without the children in just over three weeks for a 14 day trip. It is a combination of his 50th birthday, our 25th wedding anniversary and I'm having such a dreadful time at work at the moment. DH is a bit worried 'it won't be the same without the children' but I am so excited and have talked him in to it. For me it's chance to do things we couldn't do with the kids - Keys to the Kingdom, Keep Moving Forward Segway Tour etc, to actually sit with him at attractions and to just take our time and do what we as adults want to without being driven by their needs.

I would point out our three 'children' are now 19,19 and 22 and have all been to Disney with us five (the nineteen year olds) and four (the 22 year old) times and they are now all away at college.

We have enjoyed the new found ability to do what WE want to do! It seems strange at first... You will adapt quickly!

We just did the Alaska cruise ALONE for our 25th. It was a blast! Our almost 21 year old lives at home while going to school. A little strange to leave her behind. Nice to relax and do what we want to do WHEN we want to!

Enjoy... Do a little pre planning. You will have a great time!