Buyer's Remorse, Anyone?

[BCVNovember]

I needed this thread right now too. I am a single mom and have 3 little girls (ages 2, 5 and 7). I have been planning this vacation since February. I will be taking my girls along with my dad, who helps me out everyday, and we'll be staying concierge at the Polynesian (with the FTP). Somedays I think I could really save a ton of money if I chose to stay somewhere less expensive, reserved one room instead of two, cut out some of the character meals, etc., but this is the first vacation, for all of us as a family and it'll also be the first one we've had in 3 years and I want it to be magical.

I do not want to come back thinking that we missed anything or wishing I'd spent the money to stay where I really wanted to stay. It's easy to think that I can always go again and do things differently "next time", but as many of you have written, the "next time" may not come.

Anyway, I've done all the hard work now and need to start seriously thinking about packing soon!

We deserve this!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by cindyfan
This thread is exactly what we all needed to read!!!
Dreamflight99.........you are just AWESOME!!!
I plan to print a copy of this thread and give it to my DD.
She is a 27 yo high school English teacher, married and expecting her first child in February. They just recently bought a new house and she constantly worries about how much it costs going to WDW. She feels with the baby, she won't be able to return for quite a few years. I'm trying to convince her otherwise.

Thank you. I hope your DD realizes the importance of travel, and the actual impact of such trips on the formation of her "family" unit. Nothing, but nothing in this world binds us together more than our memories. The strongest of these, will always be the memories we share while experiencing places afar (together), such as WDW. Music, scents and sights can transport me in a moments notice (sometimes unexpectedly...always pleasantly). She will CHERISH these moments for years to come.

My DH also lost his father this past January. His DD battled lung problems too, and moved from Santa Barbara to Punta Gorda (Fla), to alleviate some of the afflictions of his asthma. He planned to visit us in WDW, a place he always DREAMED of visiting, yet... never made it. On both previous summer trips, he was just too ill to travel. We even looked into a wheel chair, etc., but he was not feeling well enough. He worked his entire life, and traveled for business only, not pleasure. He missed out on these simple joys, and lived vicariously through our detailed travel descriptions (nearly debriefings) and post cards. He expressed to DH on one occasion how he wished he could have done more traveling, as he does. He also told him he was "proud" he placed such an emphasis on these excursions, and prioritized time with family above all else. After all...that's the focus of a vacation. God Bless you and yours.

Disbug, BCVNovember, Kelli, mouseteacher, Kay...and all the rest...~What heartwarming posts you have contributed. Many of these have brought tears to my eyes. You guys are the BEST, and I am privileged to be a member of this board, associated with such a fine group of people such as yourselves. Thank you, for all the accolades with regards to my posts. I write purely and freely from the "heart", and my fingers are merely extensions...expressing emotions pulsing through my veins. I am humbled and appreciative of all the praise you have offered. Your opinions mean more to me than you'll ever know. Thank you. May the MAGIC always stay in your hearts, and the Pixie dust linger in your soul.



Always, XO

TTFN....DF99

 

[Bobump]

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WHO HAVE POSTED HERE!!!!

THIS THREAD IS ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YOU HAVE ALL SUMMED UP WHAT IS AND SHOULD BE IMPORTANT IN LIFE. SPECIAL KUDOS TO DREAMFLIGHT FOR HER INITIAL POSTING!!!!!

I JUST HOPE EVERYONE WHO READS THIS GETS THAT GOOD FEELING THAT I HAVE RIGHT NOW. YOU ALL HAVE VALIDATED MY OWN THOUGHTS ON WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT!!!!!!!!!

OH! AND SORRY ABOUT CAPITALIZATION BUT I WOULD JUST LIKE TO BE ABLE TO SHOUT THANKS AND SHARE WITH EVERYONE!!!!

THANKS AGAIN AND MAY GOD BLESS

 

[plutosmyfav]

I always have that sinking feeling right after I commit my credit card. But it fades and the excitement sets in and I have never regretted a WDW vacation yet!!!!!

I agree with the rest, memories are what makes life fulfilling.

Enjoy! Don't think another minute about what it costs

 

[Montana Minnies]

: Oh Kay
Thanks for the thread. Lots of good things have been posted. I don't think I can add much to what already has been said. I am going to reccomend that my older sister read it though. She has a difficult time with spending money too, but she loves WDW. She is a planner and a saver. I am more spontaneous and if I have it I will spend it!
So last summer I came into some extra money which I was going to use for my college education, but decided to take her to WDW instead. Best thing I have every done! She wanted to go next year, but "little sister" could not wait. We had the fortune of getting in on the FTP and stayed at AKL. First time ever for either of us staying on property. It was great. We're going again next year with 7 more family members. Willl it be expensive? Well being from Montana we will do the best we can to get the best deal possible and enjoy! Mom will be 84 and my youngest niece 14 has never been to WDW before so it will be well worth it! I can hardly wait to return.
Thanks for letting me share. Like I said Great Topic and have a wonderful at WDW enjoy, relax and have fun!!!

"Montana Minnes"

 

[bridgettesmom]

When I first planned my upcoming trip, it was with two of my friends.Well, AFTER I made the deposit one of them told me she was not going ,so, I decided to take my DN (niece).Well, two days ago my other friend bailed out,keep in mind that this is 4 days prior to arrival ,so,now I had $200 cancellation penalty ,since, I had paid for the reservation already.Only one of them was thoughtful enough to give me $100 .Anyway,then I read this thread and thought of my mom,who,as a divorcee made many sacrifices to bring me and my sister to Disney when we were little and I invited her to come with us.I cannot tell you what this means to me,my father passed away 3 years ago and I only wish I had spend more time with him.Last May,I took mom to Epcot and we had such a wonderful time,the last time she had visited was 1984 .This time we are going to MNSSHP and Epcot for the FW festival.She is really looking foward to riding MS .So, now I bring my mom to Disney just like she used to bring my sister and me when we were little.My budget went from $500 to way ,way,way more,but, the time I spend with my mom is priceless!!!!

 

[dreamflight99]

I hold some things in life to be self-evident, such as this creed, mantra, or philosophy (whatever you choose to call it!), following it through every facet of my life:

"BELIEF AND IMAGINATION MANIFEST REALITY."

IF you can BELIEVE IT, and IMAGINE IT....YOU ARE ABLE TO REALIZE IT.

"IT"...is ANYTHING YOUR HEART DESIRES.

WDW is a HUGE "IT" in my life. So...I work very tenaciously to make "IT" a REALITY!

So...write those "Five simple words" where you are able to view them daily. Repeat the phrase, and FEEL the FORCE of your own prevailing DESIRE. The power is within each of us. Just as it has been said over the ages...."When there's a will...there's a WAY!"

I've truly enjoyed this thread, and all the wonderful posts. I'm going to print and keep this one for some rainy days.

Thanks again, to all of you!

TTFN...DF99

 

[sm4987]

Don't doubt. I have buyer's remorse when I pay for my vacations to. I also know that when I don't go with my first mind, my vacations usually doesn't end up the way that I want them to. Just sit back and relax. We all deserve a vacation.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by sm4987
Just sit back and relax. We all deserve a vacation.

"DITTO"

Hey...I even shake my head in amazement as I leave the grocery store and/or Costco, and wonder WHERE/HOW I SPENT all the $$$? If we didn't have to eat...we could LIVE on PROPERTY @ DISNEY! So, I second-guess myself at the Gas pump too. (LOL). It's all a part of life, and only money. A simple "means to an end"...and I see my END at the tip of the VIBRANT RAINBOW at WDW in ORLANDO!

 

[marcyinPA]

Oy, do I know about buyer's remorse! When we went to WDW in 2002, my dh had just been laid off from his job (think *Lucent*....1000's of jobs gone ) We knew the layoff was coming, but we booked the trip anyway.

Now, we are planning another trip for May of 2004. My dh still doesn't have a permanent job, and the contract job he is working right now will end in January. He will probably go back to school then to finish his B.S. and will be collecting UE.

Call us crazy, but we NEED to go to WDW and take our kids on a fun vacation. Our lives have been in such upheavel for the past 18 months that we need something "fun" and "light" to look forward to. I refuse to stop living. It's taken alot for me to get to this point, because I feel so guilty about spending the money on a vacation rather than on something else. But like other's posted previously, life is so short and you just never know what path you are on. We have money in our savings account (a small buffer, but at least it's something) and we are trying to plan this trip as frugally as possible. We are paying cash, too, so we won't have a credit card bill dropped in our laps after the trip. (actually, we're using the Disney ViSA but paying it off right away)

I always think of my MIL, who planned for her whole married life to retire with my FIL and sail and do all of the things retired folks do. A year and a half later, she died of a brain tumor. Life is just too short to put it on hold.

Enjoy your trip...live each day like it is your last!

Marcy

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by marcyinPA

Enjoy your trip...live each day like it is your last!

...Because, Someday it will be.

I LIVE these words every day of my life, and take them seriously. I wish the best for you and your family. May you all live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live. Placing desire before need is as important as eating dessert before the entree. Sometimes, they are MORE important and vital to our very existence.

LIFE...is truly for the LIVING. And I believe, you're either busy LIVING...or you're busy DYING. Thanks for your post on the PROS of the Former! Hang~in there...the SUNSHINE is just around the corner. Things can ONLY get better.

TTFN...DF99

 

[Mouseteacher]

You are so right, Marcy. My mother couldn't wait for the day my dad retired so they could do all things they dreamed of doing including travel. Sadly, for my mother that day never came - she died of cancer at 57.

I believe we learn valuable (as DF said) life philosphy/ mantra/ creed from our own life experiences. Don't wait for tomorrow because tomorrow may not come (not to sound morbid but we don't know what's around life's corner)! We have a standing line in our family and my DBro's family who loves Disney as much as we do..."Life is too short...Let's go to Walt Disney World!!!! "

 

[CarolynU]

Don't feel guilty, go and enjoy the vacation. My husband and I work hard for our money, and when the children were smaller couldn't really afford to go as often as we did, but the wonderful memories of those times stay with us far longer than the payment. In fact our children are 19yrs and 21yrs now, both with long term partners, and they still all come to WDW with us every year. Sadly my husband has now contracted cancer, and so our next vacation at Christamas will have to be cancelled, so that makes the memories even more special, and you can't put a price on that. Go, and live life to the full.

 

[PattiPB]

I think this thread should be marked "Important" and stay at the top of the page for all of us to return to when the dark days come!

Thank you all for sharing your heartwarming stories! These boards are always informative, but when they turn inspirational the MAGIC is awesome.

Patti

 

[lenshanem]

As an adult do i remember what i got each Christmas or birthday? Nope. Do I remember family vacations? Yep.

There's the power in vacations!

Vacation memories last.

We joined DVc thsi summer. The other day my brother asked me what was so special about WDw that I must go so often. My Mom was sitting there and I looked at her and asked her if she had fun going with me and my girls this past July. Of course she said yes.

WDw is fun. Worth the money. Go and enjoy your trip!

 

[melindaandrob]

We just returned from WDW, stayed at the Polynesian Conceirge, it was.....incredible. Can't find the words.
This was our first time at the Polynesian. While waiting for the boat to take us from MK to the resort an older gentleman sat down beside me and said "Caught Mousitis in 1971. The only way I can cure it is to come here 3 times a year"
This amazing gentleman went on to tell me he was staying at the Polynesian, his 49th time. We talked about how others don't understand this desire to visit, he said he has had friends of his question his motives. Does he have buyers remorse? Nope. Isn't it funny how just when you are seeing the $ signs of your trip something happens to make you realize that life is too short?
So, anyone who is at the Polynesian and meets Arnie please tell him his friends in Ontario, Canada hope to see him again.

 

[2MuchOhana]

I don’t have any remorse; though at times I admit I have my concerns. Sometimes the daily stresses of life are so overwhelming; and there are plenty of days when nothing seems to be going right. At times it is difficult to remember, there is a rainbow waiting behind every storm; and the darkness of night gives way to the beautiful sunrise. Our time here on earth is fleeting at best; and it is up to us to cherish the what we are given. One of the greatest gifts we can give is that of laughter or the warmth of a smile. It costs us nothing and can brighten the day of someone that could really use a little bit of joy in their life.

Don’t regret it; but savor every moment. Time is a treasure that can not be replaced; and our memories are gifts that can not be erased. May the wonderful memories of our trips live in our hearts and minds until our time on earth is gone. Longer if possible.

 

[PieInYourEye]

Disney Resort... $150/night
Disney Tickets... $50/day
Disney Food... $12/meal
Disney memories with your family... priceless!

Remember too, take picture of the kids reactions. The "things" of Disney will be there later, the magical expressions on those faces will not.

 

[2MuchOhana]

"When I felt lost and lonely, not a dream in my head. Your words lifted my spirits high. I remember what you said. As long as there is Christmas, I truly believe that Hope is the greatest of the gifts we'll receive.

As long as our guiding star shines above. There will always be Christmas. So, there will always be a time when the world is filled with peace and love."

From: "Beauty and The Beast and The Enchanted Christmas"

This thread deserves to lifted higher! It has lifted my spirits on more than one occassion; but seldom leaves my eyes dry.

 

[disneydill]

Oh, Kay! - I know what you mean about the PK thing and the buyer's remorse - and to top it off - I'm now a "P" with two "PKs" of my own and a husband who is an accoutant! You would think that spending a fortune on WDW vacations would just about do me in! But my DH and I agreed a long time ago that as long as we were generous with others we could be generous with our family.
We have a close friend who always teases us about our spending on these trips (she spends money on expensive clothes, furniture, etc and we don't spend our money that way) so we took her with us to WDW earlier this year. Now she understands!

My philosophy:

A WDW vacation costs what it costs, but it is worth a lot more!