Considering going to DL without the kids. . .

[ekatiel]

Let me start of by saying that we took our kids, ages 3 and 5, to WDW last May, and will proabably take them again in the fall of this year sometime, or the spring onf next year at the latest. So, they aren't deprived. DH has conference $$ that he has to spend for work before August, and there is a conference that he could attend at the Grand Californian that happens to be a week before his B-day and two weeks before our 8th anniversary this summer. His work will pay for the hotel, his plane ticket, all his food, the conference fee, and a rental car. The conference is 3 days, but it starts early in the morning on the first day (it only runs in the mornings, so there will be plenty of time to play), so his work would pay for 4 nights of hotel. All we would have to buy is a plane ticket for me and park tickets for us both (DH and I split meals at most restaurants, so most meals will even be covered). If we took the kids with us, we'd need to buy 3 plane tickets and park tickets for 4 people, making it cost significantly more, and then we would not have the $$ to take them to WDW in the fall. So, am I a bad mommy for considering this?? I don't think we'd tell the kids that we were going to Disneyland-- we'd just tell them that we're going to California. . . Should we go for it?? And if so, what do I need to know about DL?? --Katie

 

[drag n' fly]

Lol no need to justify not taking your kids....nothing like mothers guilt eh?

Dh and I did a no kids trip to WDW in 2008 and guess what it was the best Disney trip I have ever taken in my life. Long ts meals, lingering over bottles of wine and endless sunning by the pool....it was pure bliss

DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[zeitzeuge]

I'd say do it and don't question it. You don't have to tell the kids. And when it comes to DL, you don't have to spend a lot of time planning and organizing things like you do for WDW. Just go and have fun.

 

[Steve's Girl]

Uhhhhh.....no, you are not a bad mommy! I'm off to LA for a work conference next week and I'm planning a little side trip over to DL myself. No hubby, no kids, just me! I need DH to stay home to help with the kids. This will be my first solo trip. I'm looking forward to it, but feeling a twinge of guilt at the same time. I'm sure I'll get over it as soon as I walk through the gate.

 

[letthembelittle]

I think that sounds absolutely wonderful!!

 

[ekatiel]

Thanks for making me feel better guys! If we don't use the conference $ before August, then we lose it, so I figured we might as well choose somewhere that looks fun! DH gets new conference $ in September with the fiscal year, and we are hoping to save some cash of our own and extend a conference at WDW into a family vacation, but we just can't pull that off this summer. Luckily, the kids don't even know that DisneyLAND exists !! I've never even been to California, so it will be a really fun trip if we can pull it off. Thanks again for your reassuring replies ! --Katie

 

[pixiewings71]

Go go go!!!! DL is so fun without the kids. And don't forget to go to a beach while you're here.

 

[goldies 5]

The guilt is a normal feeling of being a parent. It sounds like a great deal and the GC how can you pass that up?

 

[Peace.love.mickey]

DO it...don't question...GO!!!!!!!

 

[bumbershoot]

Since they are older, they don't know 'land exists (YET), and this is for a conference, I'd probably go.

So you know....you will miss them terribly, even while having a good time. You will have complicated emotions when seeing kids having tantrums...the feeling of "oh thank goodness that isn't us" combined with "oh gosh, tantrums aren't so bad" along with "oh how I wish that was my kid right now with me!" and at the same time "oh what a lovely time we're having". All at the same time.

And seeing kids being adorable, that won't come with a complicated emotion. I would try to avoid looking at kids being adorable.

Since DH is in a conference, you might end up spending time solo; I've done a few solo trips, and the link to links to all my reports is in my sig, if you care to peek.


And then when you get back, you'll have scouted it out for your kids, and I'm sure a family trip to Anaheim will start being planned.

 

[LavenderPeach]

Don't feel guilty! Just go and have fun! DLR is a lot of fun without kids. DH and I have been trying to adjust to going there with kids (well, kid - we only have one) since we spent so many years going just the 2 of us. In fact, I've been trying to figure out a way to get over there without DS since I seriously need a break.

Good luck making your decision and feel free to ask lots of questions!

 

[CrazyDuck]

Considering going to DL without the kids. . .

Nice!!! I'm considering going to DL without my wife! I'd rather take my DD6 than my DW!

 

[DizMe]

Well, if that makes one a bad mommy, then I'm at the top of the bad mommy list!! I go to DL without kids (or dh, for that matter, as he isn't into DL and stays with the kids ) about 3-4 times/year. We do 1 family trip there and the other times are just for me . I need to be the kid sometimes and not think about the many things I've got going on at home, so when a cheap SW fare comes up, I grab a ticket. I can usually fly down for $100 or less and the shuttle is only $7, but of course all of those costs multiply when you take the whole gang. Besides, as I said before, I need some me time and DL is the perfect place for it in my case.

A long time ago I maybe felt guilty about it, but that's way in the past .

 

[Disney Dreams]

Nice!!! I'm considering going to DL without my wife! I'd rather take my DD6 than my DW!

Now if Ms. CrazyDuck is a Disney fan, THAT sounds dangerous!

,
Dreams

 

[Mrs. Toaster]

Go and have a fantastic time! We have taken our kids to both DL and WDW several times. My hubby has had several conferences in Orlando, so we have also gone without the kids 3 times now. We always have a blast! I love taking my kids, but it is really a completely different experience without them.

What I love most is the ability to just do whatever we want. Last year, we made last minute reservations at restaurants, bought same day tickets to Cirque de Soleil, etc. It was a dream!

 

[cccdisney]

Go for it!! My dh and I went to DL alone a few years ago. We had a great time!
AND in 2 weeks we will be in WDW without our kids! We are meeting some friends for an adult weekend. I don't feel guilty. Our kids are not deprived (we visit DL a few times a year) and we need time away as a couple. Now must couples would not choose WDW (or DL) as a adult only vacation - but most aren't as Disney crazed as we are.

 

[Brady's Mom]

We have taken 2 parents only trips to DLR and had a BLAST both times. I am a huge fan of spending a little time with hubby and leaving the kids with Grandma. It helps recharge our parental batteries. And I agree with Bumbershoot - you will miss your kids and every once in a while wish they were with you - but you will also love how you can just go where you want and ride what you want and not have to meet anyone else's needs. Bliss, pure bliss!

 

[californiamomof4grls]

I know how you feel we are going by ourselves the first week of March and I keep thinking about the kids. That our Anniversary would be made better by taking the kids. But then I remember that in the 10 years I have been married I have been without my kids for only one night. SO although this will be hard on me and the kids. I can't wait!! You'll have a great time and you can always pick up some great stuff for them and bring it back with you!! : ) They'll appreciate us more when we come back, right?

 

[Judy from Boise]

Did someone say couples trip !
My favorite.....make sure to grab plenty of these!

I think it is a great idea, and it sure can help strengthen your marriage!

 

[Kayla's Mom]

DH and I went for our anniversary last year. It was great! We did the Segway tour, rode the Lilly Belle, did the Fantasmic dessert seating and had dinner at Blue Bayou....Do it!!