Anyone have kids who don't like Disney?

[meeshi]

I've been wanting to go back to Disney since dd's wish trip in 2001, so I starting planning for a trip for Nov. 2005. I mentioned it to my ds-14 and he was less than thrilled. He loves the beach, so does my dd-16. They would much rather spend their vacation at the beach. So dh told me to wait a couple more years until he gets 2 weeks vacation and then we can do both. I guess I don't want to force them to go to Disney.

 

[momxx5]

Oh my, that is so sad. I cannot imagine anyone not liking WDW.
But teenagers are different - LOL!

Can you work out a compromise? Disney this year, the beach next year? Would you consider letting the 14 & 16 yr olds go off on their own(together) at the parks? My aunt & uncle let my cousins do their own thing and then they meet up for meals. (I'm not sure I would ever feel comfortable doing that though)

Could you pick a resort that has a beach theme? They may like hanging out at the pool. Or doing the waterparks - TL is like a day at the beach. They may like DisneyQuest. Let them in on the planning.

Would they do it "for the family"? Like, as the kids are getting older we will only have so much time left for a great family trip. I know teenagers are tough ones to figure out, but maybe if they realize that is would be for the whole family they would do it. I know they would end up having a great time.

Good luck.

 

[F1Julie]

How about a Disney cruise? You'd still get the Disney feel, but your teens could go to the beach as well. Plus, I hear the teen programs onboard are great. I remember when I was a kid, I was done with Disney around age 12. I also wanted tropical beach vacations after that. I had no desire to go back to Disney until I had my own little girl.

 

[meeshi]

Thanks for your replies, I appreciate them. I think I may just have to be patient and wait, as much as I'd rather not.

As fast as they are growing up, before I know it, they won't even want to go on vacation with us, so we might as well do what they prefer for the next few years. Then DH and I and our youngest DD can go and enjoy Disney.

 

[Laney's Mom]

My daughter, who has Down syndrome also received a trip through a group. We had the most magical experience, when I think back I actually get butterflies in my stomach. I hope that someday we can go back! I worry that by then my son will not want to go.

 

[Selina]

I think your kids would really enjoy Universal and Islands of Adventure much more than Disney at their age. If you stay at the Hard Rock Hotel (on-site) the pool has a lovely sandy beach side, underwater music and a fun curly slide that even adults enjoy. Staying on-site means you get front of the line to all the rides as many times as you like!!! and.....priority seating at the restaurants. Fabulous attractions and theming - such as Men in Black ride (bit like Buzz lightyear but much better!!), Spiderman ride, fun water rides and rapids that I am sure they will really enjoy plus there is loads more too.

 

[gr8tpanther]

I have an 11 year old that doesn't want to go... she has ADHD and BiPolar and doesn't do well on long trips with alot of activity. Not that she doesn't like Disney, cause she really DOES want to go, but the part of her that doesn't like to travel, wants to stay home.

Rather a hard decision there, because if I DO take her and she acts up or wants to come home, that ruins MY trip, but if I DON'T take her, then I will feel guilty for NOT taking her.... grrrrrr not sure, but I really don't think that she won't want to go when it comes to the final "you HAVE to choose NOW so I can make the plans"!

 

[djm99]

This is so funny to me, but I visited Disneyland twice and Disneyworld once as a teen and hated it ALL 3 TIMES!!!!! As an adult I'm totally obsessed (so I've been told). Now a mother of 1 beautiful DD4 for some reason SEE Disney differently.

I think it has something to do with watching Disney movies and being involved in the Disney mindset. Teenagers are trying so hard to disassociate themselves with "child-like" things. In many cases for adults Disney makes them "feel" like a kid. Well, at least it does for me. It gives me so much energy just to talk Disney. The planning process is a rush and being there is bundles of fun. My opinion!!!