Any tips for first vacation without kiddies?

[tjkraz]

Looking for some advice...

Next month DW and I are spending 4 days at WDW. This will be our first trip alone together since our son was born over 3 years ago. I've had to leave on business trips for periods at least this long, so I'm not particularly worried about myself. But DW is another story. The only time she has spent away from either child was the couple of days she was in the hospital when DD was born about a year ago.

The kids will be staying with Grandma and Grandpa while we are gone. I'm taking a laptop PC along in case I need it for work, and I've even toyed with the idea of getting a couple of webcams so that we can say our "goodnights" every evening. But on another level, I think that may only help sustain the separation anxiety.

We already have a family trip planned for December, and our son is getting excited about spending extended time with Grandma and Grandpa while we are on this "adult" trip. I work 40+ per week and DW has worked part-time jobs at times. So I don't think there will be any real separation anxiety for him.

We both know that we need this trip to recharge and have some extended time alone. On many levels we are VERY much looking forward to it. The last two times we went, DW was pregnant and missed all of the thrill rides. So we're particularly looking forward to being able to hit all of those rides together (without child swap), since that certainly won't happen in December.

However, I would be foolish to think that DW would have dry eyes when we pull out of the driveway.

Any tips for easing the initial (and extended) heartache just a bit?

 

[stacy6552]

We have been traveling with out the kids at least once a year for most of their lives. Its very important. Just paint the picutre for her as you leave the driveway......

sleeping in....

want breakfast? No? just coffee? Whatever!

hit the rides...Together! With kids it will be a very very long time before you sit together on a ride again.

Bored? want to hit another park? whatever!

take the disney vacation club tour...because you can.....

skip Dumbos ride...because you can...

spend the entire day exploring the world showcase together......

have ice cream for lunch....no problem.....

go dancing after the parks close......or not....whatever!

(incert appropriate x-rated scinerios here)

 

[RUDisney]

Originally posted by stacy6552
(incert appropriate x-rated scinerios here)

Hah! This is too funny! When I read the subject line, I thought, "don't forget your birth control!"

Your DW will be fine. Especially if DGM and DGF know how to handle the kiddos at bed time. When my (much) younger sister used to sleep over, she'd be good until bed time. Then she'd want our mother. I'd lay her down and turn out the light. I'd tell her that if she'd just rest for awhile, I'd get Mommy on the phone. Of course, 5 minutes later, she'd be asleep and the next morning, she'd forget that she ever worried the night before.

Keep reminding your DW how much fun the grandparents and your DS will be having. There is a special bond when you get to have your grandparents all to yourself.

 

[lenshanem]

tjkraz, I look forward to hearing about your trip. We have one planned next February without the kids. It will be the first time I have left our youngest. I bet ya'll will have a blast! I'm looking forward to the long QUIET drive down.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by lenshanem
I'm looking forward to the long QUIET drive down.

In our case, we're flying this time so DW will be doped-up by the time we are taxiing the runway. Hopefully she will come out of her coma in time for Rock N Rollercoaster a few hours later.