ATTN: Empty nesters, has disney lost its magic?

[circus4u]

As former Florida residents, we had been going to WDW since it opened in 1971. Our four children were adults when we moved from Florida in 1996 due to a job transfer. My wife and I went back for the first time since moving in Nov 2012. We enjoyed ourselves so much, that we bought Annual Passes and have been back five times since then. We find ourselves able to do things we did not do with the kids, like tour the different resorts, eat at many of the restaurants, and just stroll through the parks. Rides are not a priority for us anymore although we will do some if the lines are not too long. If we use Fast Passes, they are usually for the character Meet and Greets. Yes, we enjoy interacting with them. We also do a lot of the shows. These are things that probably were not to possible when our children were young as they mostly wanted to ride. There is no rushing now; we don't do much planning, usually we don't know what park we will be at until we head to the buses. We take the first bus that isn't too crowded and go from there.

 

[winterman]

DH and I took our first solo trip to WDW when DS was a freshman in college and DD was still in high school. We loved it so much that we started going regularly. We did take one more family trip when DD graduated from college and we learned our lesson. It is much harder to keep 4 people happy than 2. It never made us sad to go without kids. It does make me sad to go now without DH, but not sad enough to not go.

 

[Pooh2]

You will find new magic!
We've had two empty nester trips and loved every minute.
You only need to focus on the two of you.
It's much cheaper to try lots of new restaurants and shows without 3 teenagers along!

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

Empty nesters and soon to be empty nesters,

Has disney lost its magic since the kids are now out of the house and gone. Has your strategy to approaching disney dramatically changed? Have you taken trips to wdw or dl without your children? If so, do you feel sad?

Oddly enough, DH and I enjoy WDW even more without a child/teen in tow. No need to feel like a pack mule anymore. We just carry a few things on our person and can skip the bag check. We can eat when ever we what and not worry about rushing back to the hotel for nap time. Yep... the magic is better than ever.

 

[Saxsoon]

I am talking about my own parents here.

I have been out of college for over a year with a job and my sister is a sophmore in college. I had moved from Texas to Seattle.

All four of us are getting together tomorrow for a week at the World and then a Disney Cruise. All of us are so incredibly excited.

 

[bcrook]

Since I bought DVC and have my own space in the villas and my kiids have been self sufficient at Disney for awhile, I can't really tell the difference if they are with me or not. I go out and do my thing, and if my kids want to catch up with me great. Once I stopped sharing those small hotel rooms, everything changed.

I took two adult only trips last year to wdw. They were a blast.

But I have fun no matter where I travel. Looking forward to spending several weeks in New England this summer with my wife and no kids. It will be a lot cheaper than the wdw trips.

 

[PeterPanic]

We will be empty nesters in a few years and I have a pretty good idea what vacations and getaways will be like and I doubt they will involve too many trips to WDW. It's not that WDW has lost any magic. Rather, when I think about the new, more adult-oriented style of Disney vacation that would entail, I realize that there are other things I'd rather do. Instead of having cocktails around World Showcase and dinner at Victoria & Albert's, we'd rather visit tasting rooms in Sonoma and have dinner at the French Laundry. Instead of the Food and Wine festival at Epcot, we'd rather go to the Food and Wine festival in Aspen. Instead of riding Kilimanjaro Safari at AK, we'd rather go to South Africa and a game reserve. Instead of dinner at Chefs de France, we'd rather have dinner in Paris.

We love WDW and went as a couple before we were parents and I look forward to going as an active grandparent if that day ever comes. But when it is just my wife and I, we will most likely branch out and see more of the world. An unpopular view here for sure, but I am just being honest.

What a bummer. Apparently you have allowed yourself to grow up! I guess we all have to do that sometime or the other.
Personally, I'm holding off until my 80's.

 

[cleophus12]

Been visiting WDW for 17 years with DD. She just turned 21 and is a Junior in college, and we just bought DVC in December! So excited!

 

[danceintherain]

DH and I honeymooned at Disney, so honestly, the kids have kind of extracted some of the magic.....
Waking up to a 2 year old face staring at you from the side of the bed is a bit different than a Mickey or Stitch wake-up call.

In all seriousness, part of the reason I love Disney so much is that there's so much to explore that every trip is different. It's comfortable for us. I can plan a trip in 5 minutes and know we're going to have a wonderful time. Other destinations don't necessarily have that, and we've done other destinations.
With kids...it makes sense to stick with the familiar sometimes. When our kids are gone, I'm sure we'll enjoy Disney and any other vacations we take plenty without them.
Heck...once we get our 2nd born's Disney initiation trip out of the way, hopefully within the next year, I will not hesitate to take a vacation with just DH. Their Grandmother will love it.

 

[amg35]

First I just have to say this - I can't stand when I read posts that infer that just because two adults w/out kids who happen to like going to WDW must not be well traveled or have no interest in traveling anywhere else. Perhaps because this is a Disney board, people aren't bothering to mention the other places they've traveled. Believe me, it's not that unusual or amazing that you travel to other places besides Disney. Most of us do. And I think people realize that visiting Paris in Epcot isn't the same as visiting Paris.

That said, we are two 40 year olds going this October and we can't wait! We have a blast going just the two of us. We will go again when Avatarland opens and hopefully more times after that. We love to go on rides, eat, and feel like a kid. No we don't go to WDW every year, but every 5-10 years.

Next year we plan to hit Islands of Adventure before a RC cruise. These are big trips (among others), we take long weekend trips to cities we like to visit in the states.

 

[JimmyV]

First I just have to say this - I can't stand when I read posts that infer that just because two adults w/out kids who happen to like going to WDW must not be well traveled or have no interest in traveling anywhere else. Perhaps because this is a Disney board, people aren't bothering to mention the other places they've traveled. Believe me, it's not that unusual or amazing that you travel to other places besides Disney. Most of us do. And I think people realize that visiting Paris in Epcot isn't the same as visiting Paris.

I responded to the OP with my own personal opinion and implied nothing about anyone else's travels and you should infer nothing about anyone else's travels. I could have simply said: "I don't see us going to WDW nearly as often" which would have raised the inevitable follow-up posts..."Why not?" Anticipating such questions, I preemptively answered them by giving my reasons. How my explanation was interpreted as assumption that others do not travel anywhere besides WDW or a lecture on how they should travel elsewhere is a mystery. I'd say that I am sorry that you can't stand my explanation, but honestly, I'm not.

 

[amg35]

I responded to the OP with my own personal opinion and implied nothing about anyone else's travels and you should infer nothing about anyone else's travels. I could have simply said: "I don't see us going to WDW nearly as often" which would have raised the inevitable follow-up posts..."Why not?" Anticipating such questions, I preemptively answered them by giving my reasons. How my explanation was interpreted as assumption that others do not travel anywhere besides WDW or a lecture on how they should travel elsewhere is a mystery. I'd say that I am sorry that you can't stand my explanation, but honestly, I'm not.

This is the sentence I find implies an insult, or at the very least is condescending - "we will most likely branch out and see more of the world. An unpopular view here for sure, but I am just being honest", - why would you assume people don't travel anywhere else, that's ridiculous - and I didn't ask you for an apology.

 

[Roxy13]

We just returned yesterday from our 31st vacation there. We started taking our kids there in 71 when it opened. We are seniors and taken about half of our trips after children were grown and always had a fabulous time including our trip before this one in January 2013.

Sadly this was our last trip to Disney. The atmosphere has changed completely. A stroller mom not looking where she was going plowed into me and tipped me out of my scooter and I wasn't even moving, she turned away and disappeared into the crowd, other people helped me up, and took me to the first aid station. Magic Kingdom was the worst park of all. We had planned 2 days and had 6 FP+ booked and ended up doing only one ride and leaving, not to return.

This is the new Disney I guess, but the lack of parental controls and crowds with only their family on their minds has ruined it for many. So sad, we have obviously loved the place but the way you have to plan with no wiggle room has put us at a big disadvantage. I guess it is time to pass the torch on to the younger folks now.

 

[gina2000]

We're expanding and extending our interests also as we have done several other times. We had visited WDW for many years just as we had visited many other vacation spots continuously. Then we changed based on resources, personal interests, and politics.

Nothing wrong with change. Nothing wrong with challenges. Nothing wrong with deciding that new places can be as wonderful or more wonderful as WDW. Some vacations are meant to challenge and refresh one's point of view. Other vacations are comfortable and easy. I'm not the same person I was 30 years ago so why shouldn't I have different ideas and preferences?

I'd like to head back to Europe. I'd like to head to Asia. Saying it on a Disney board doesn't diminish WDW's magic. It acknowledges that other vacation destinations offer options that are equally if not more appealing.

 

[aaturner]

We are not empty nesters yet, we leave June 13 for a graduation trip for our oldest who is graduating from High School. In planning this trip, I can not wait for my husband and I to be able to visit WDW alone. Not being tied to a school calendar or other activities. We can visit during Food & Wine or Flower & Garden, go and see the Christmas decorations in the first 2 weeks of December with lower crowds. Each trip is different, looking forward to this one as we have never been with older kids 18 & 13, so it will be very different from the other trips when we had a 5 year old in tow! Looking forward to making new "magical memories"

 

[minnie mum]

I responded to the OP with my own personal opinion and implied nothing about anyone else's travels and you should infer nothing about anyone else's travels. I could have simply said: "I don't see us going to WDW nearly as often" which would have raised the inevitable follow-up posts..."Why not?" Anticipating such questions, I preemptively answered them by giving my reasons. How my explanation was interpreted as assumption that others do not travel anywhere besides WDW or a lecture on how they should travel elsewhere is a mystery. I'd say that I am sorry that you can't stand my explanation, but honestly, I'm not.

I completely understand where you were coming from, and given the many, many posts I have read on other threads from Disers who seem flummoxed by the mere mention of vacationing in the real world, I also empathize with your assumption that SOME might consider it an unpopular opinion.

BTDT. We've been empty nesters for almost 20 years. We're full circle guests. Started out as young singles then with young children then teens, then back to just the 2 of us. First trip with DGS next year.

But we have never viewed WDW as our only option for vacations. We've enjoyed trips all over the world, and plan on more at more frequent intervals now that DHis retired. We will definitely not be going to WDW as frequently in the future. It is a nice vacation, but quite honestly some of the changes to the parks recently have curbed our enthusiasm.

 

[amg35]

We're expanding and extending our interests also as we have done several other times. We had visited WDW for many years just as we had visited many other vacation spots continuously. Then we changed based on resources, personal interests, and politics.

Nothing wrong with change. Nothing wrong with challenges. Nothing wrong with deciding that new places can be as wonderful or more wonderful as WDW. Some vacations are meant to challenge and refresh one's point of view. Other vacations are comfortable and easy. I'm not the same person I was 30 years ago so why shouldn't I have different ideas and preferences?

I'd like to head back to Europe. I'd like to head to Asia. Saying it on a Disney board doesn't diminish WDW's magic. It acknowledges that other vacation destinations offer options that are equally if not more appealing.

Again, to me, this reads that you are assuming you are one of the rare few that likes to see other places. Why are you even telling everyone about it in such a defensive way? Those phrases -unpopular opinion, or I may be in the minority but - say to me that you are trying to separate yourself from the masses because you went to Europe or wherever and you think others haven't. How do you know Joe Schmoe didn't go to Europe, because he doesn't talk about it on this board?

I guess I don't understand why people make these assumptions. It's a Disney board and people discuss Disney trips. I didn't realize we have to also list our other vacations destinations as well.

As I read this, I realize I sound mad, I'm not. It's just I find these types of posts odd.

 

[amg35]

I completely understand where you were coming from, and given the many, many posts I have read on other threads from Disers who seem flummoxed by the mere mention of vacationing in the real world, I also empathize with your assumption that SOME might consider it an unpopular opinion.

BTDT. We've been empty nesters for almost 20 years. We're full circle guests. Started out as young singles then with young children then teens, then back to just the 2 of us. First trip with DGS next year.

But we have never viewed WDW as our only option for vacations. We've enjoyed trips all over the world, and plan on more at more frequent intervals now that DHis retired. We will definitely not be going to WDW as frequently in the future. It is a nice vacation, but quite honestly some of the changes to the parks recently have curbed our enthusiasm.

Oh well, I'm out numbered it seems. My point wasn't to say people shouldn't go other places, but rather let's not be condescending to an entire group of people (who you have no idea where they have or haven't gone) while you are discussing those other places.

 

[minnie mum]

Oh well, I'm out numbered it seems. My point wasn't to say people shouldn't go other places, but rather let's not be condescending to an entire group of people (who you have no idea where they have or haven't gone) while you are discussing those other places.

Please excuuuuuuuuse me. I had no idea that mentioning alternative vacations that we have taken, or will take in the future constitutes condescension. You are attributing motves that have not been evidenced by anyone here. Why are you so defensive and confrontational about simple statements of preference? I'm outta here.

 

[amg35]

Please excuuuuuuuuse me. I had no idea that mentioning alternative vacations that we have taken, or will take in the future constitutes condescension. You are attributing motves that have not been evidenced by anyone here. Why are you so defensive and confrontational about simple statements of preference? I'm outta here.

That's not what I was saying, I was talking about statements like this (from you) - " I completely understand where you were coming from, and given the many, many posts I have read on other threads from Disers who seem flummoxed by the mere mention of vacationing in the real world" - when in actuality no one had even said anything like that in this thread, I find that condescending and I don't think I can be anymore clear as to why (and looking back I should have never gotten into this straw man argument in the first place), but have a good night Steve!