It doesn't bother me at all. I don't need others to validate my vacation choices. I also love cruises, and people I know who've never been on one say they'd hate being cooped up on a ship. That's fine. I know people who love going to Mexican all inclusives, and I would never do that. Just not a fan of Mexico. Different strokes for different folks
I totally agree with this logic. Some people love themeparks in general - others just go mad for the whole Disney scene and can't get enough of it. I know people who cruise a few times a year - that would drive me nuts, personally, but if they enjoying it, who's that hurting?
The really big problem with Disney theme parks (and most amusement parks, in general) is crowds. We hate crowds. Who likes crowds? So, the question is: why would you subject yourself to that several times per year?!
That can really wreck anybody's vacation! And unbearable crowds are certainly not most people's choice for a vacation. It's not mine - and it's certainly not DH's.
BUT...we're going to dive in this year...for the kids!!! I didn't get to go to Disneyland as a child, and I always felt ripped off. When I went for the first time when I was 26, I was happy to wait in 1 hour line-ups to experience the magic for the first time!
To minimize the pain, I've bought ridemax and have already planned where to eat, plan to go early mornings, are staying right next to the park, etc. Everything I can do to try to make it pain-free for us adults will mean should enjoy ourselves too.
I am annoyed that I really have to plan this much just to have a nice experience, though. DH is totally against pulling the kids out of school for any sort of vacation, so we're stuck going during busy times. So, that means lots of planning for me to make sure we can make it as enjoyable as possible.
Let's just say, we'll only do Disneyland maybe a couple of times with the kids. I think that's more than enough. There's a load of other vacations we can do that are cheaper, require very little planning, and are a hundred times more relaxing
cloud9
, and can be much more educational and unique than theme parks. My theory is that kids appreciate their vacations more if it's a new and different place each time. I know I do. But - some people enjoy the familiarity of going to the same place for every vacation they do.
Again - to each their own. I know I am thrilled with the aspect that I get to see a different part of the world every year - rather than the same place. I think it makes kids more well-rounded and informed. And, you can still do 'kid things' in different places so kids can have fun at the same time!
Of course, personal finances come into play here. If you can afford to go several times per year during the off-peak times, why not? If you save up for 3 years to go during Christmas vacation - well, it's not going to be the same, now is it?
I just hope our experience is decent enough that DH will agree to us going back. It took A LOT (and I mean A LOT!!!!) to get him to agree to go this time - and I am not even Disney crazy! I just think every kid should experience Disneyland at least once while they're young enough to 'believe'!
Wish us luck!!!
You can talk all you want about this and that and why, but still..if their first trip is spoiled this way, it makes it unlikely they will try again and discover any sort of magic. Anyone else run into this?
.
