Disney not so great?

[Loritlc3]

Ok I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to take my kids to Disney this year. i am now a single parent of a 7 year old and 5 year old(their dad, my now ex is a deadbeat parent) and Never thought that I would have the opportunity. We are going with my brother, SIL and their 17 year old daughter. They have been several times and much prefer Universal to Disney. Well we are going in July and I am very excited. I have started buying things and am on this board as much as I possibly can.
Last night my SIL said that we are going to be disappointed. She said its hot, sweaty cranky kids and long lines and just an amusement park. Is she missing something? Am I? If it is just an amusement park then why does it seem so special? She says it is just hype because it is advertised so well.

Can you guys give me some input?

 

[WillowBelle]

Some people don't get it , which in return, I don't get those people .

My SIL HATES Disney also, preferring Universal. She is also a LOVER of the big roller coaster (which Disney has but doesn't specialize in like Universal). I know she has issues with the cost (don't we all ) of going to WDW over Universal. She also has never stayed on property. Hasn't instilled the magic whimsical world of Disney to her 3 kids (her kids are around 3.5 when they start watching movies with characters named Jason and Freddy rather than Bambi and Cinderella).

My next trip will be #19 for myself, #5 for DD10 and #4 for DD8. My girls love all things Disney so much that if I say, "guess what" their response is "we're going to Disney" . I already have a trip for 2010 in the works.

I have never been to Universal and have no plans of going (any time soon). I love the fact that at WDW the CM's are so happy and helpful. The park is so safe, as well as the surrounding resort area (DH didn't go last summer with DDs and myself and isn't coming this summer either, so essentially I'm a single parent on these trips). There is just something about the "feel" of stepping on to Main St. USA that makes me get all misty eyed every single time. I cry at 'Wishes' and 'Illusions' (yes, I'm a total geek) and I cry when I leave.

Take your SIL's opinion with a grain of salt. You've earned this trip and so have your kids! This is the trip of a lifetime for you - if your SIL doesn't like it, too bad for her. Your kids are the PERFECT age to take. They will still 'believe' in all the magic that they see. Looking at WDW through their eyes will make your heart melt. If your SIL starts to put a damper on things during your trip, I suggest you take your kids by the hand and tell her that it's time to split up -- then go your own way.

As a side note, your SIL is correct - July is hot and HUMID! Of course there are cranky kids, duh kids get cranky. And you know what you do - walk away from them. Feel bad for the parents who have moved heaven and earth for their kids to go to WDW to have them melt down because they're tired and haven't had a break. Take advantage of FP's when possible. If your on property, take advantage of the EMH's at every opportunity. Know in advance there are some things you are just not going to be able to do and move on. There's always next trip.

Just my opinion. Good luck with this trip!

 

[The Disney Bunch]

It can be a magical place - it can also be a place that is hot with crany kids - ignore your sil - make your plans & enjoy your planning - if it is your first time you will have a great time!
Disney is not an amusement park - Universal is an amusement park - not that that is bad - there are a ton of rides at amusement parks which are great. But Disney is an entertainment park - big difference - there are things in every nook & cranny to entertain you. Planning is key!
Enjoy!

 

[Darcy03231]

Your children are the perfect age for Disney and its definitely much more than an amusement park! I've been multiple times and its still one of my favorite places to go. I would just ignore your SIL at this point. Yes it will be hot and humid in July, but there are ways to deal with that (we went in August one year). One tip I have is when everyone is getting hot & tired - go back to the resort for a swim/rest for a few hours and go back in the evening. That worked great for us. We got up early, hit the parks for opening and around 1 pm had lunch. We then went back to the resort for a swim/rest for a couple of hours and back to the parks at night. While it was still hot, it was definitely much cooler than being there during the day. Make sure you drink plenty of water to keep from being dehydrated. If you can't go back to the resort, another great way to take a break is to find somewhere airconditioned and have a drink/snack.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

She sounds jealous to me...

She is right though, it will be hot and kids may get cranky but that's when you head back to the pool for a break. It is a truly magical place and most people feel that. There are some people who don't get it, but I have a feeling you are not one of them. Your kids are at such a great age, have fun I can't imagine that they won't.

ETA- I assumed this was a different SIL, if this is the SIL you are going with I agree, don't let her ruin the magic for you. Enjoy the parks with your kids and meet up for meals! I don't get why someone going with you would say you are going to be disapointed. Is she disapointed? why is she going?

 

[WantToGoNow]

WDW in July will be very, very hot - which tends to make people cranky (kids and adults). Plan your days well, take afternoon breaks and take advantage of the indoor, air-conditioned attractions.

I've been to both WDW and Universal. Now I like Universal but not with small children - there really is not much there for them to do. Your SIL has a teen -- Universal would be a perfect park for a teen. My children are the exact age of your children and they are so excited about our upcoming trip in November.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Planning is essential to a successful Disney trip. As the PPs have said, it will be incredibly hot and humid in July, and it will be crowded. Plan to be at the parks before opening. If you are staying onsite, take advantage of early Extra Magic Hours. If you are not staying onsite, avoid the park that has early hours for resort guests at all costs! You can get so much done in the first two or three hours of the day before everyone else gets going. Some people don't like to get up early on vacation.

Plan some air-conditioned sit-down lunches or dinners - you will need the break. You can make dining reservations 90 days out - don't wait.

Don't expect to spend all your time with your brother and his family. Your kids will probably want to spend most of their time in Fantasyland, while your brother's family probably wants to do thrill rides. Utilize fast passes so you can ride Peter Pan or Pooh or whatever is the favorite multiple times with minimal waits. Ride Dumbo first if it is on your list at all - the lines get huge fast and never get smaller. Try to do air-conditioned shows that seat a lot of people in the heat of the day.

If you have Park Hoppers, go back to the hotel for a mid-day break and go to a new park in the evening. If you don't have hoppers, take a break anyway. If it is too far to where you are staying to go back and swim, ride the monorail around to the other resorts and buy an ice cream or something. You can go commando straight through the day, but you'll all be ready to drop by 4:00. That's fine is you want to do it that way - find a nice offsite restaurant for dinner or eat at your resort. We prefer the mid-day break and coming back after dinner, but whatever works for your family. My kids are able to stay up late if they have a break for swimming. Just be aware that it always takes longer to get back to the parks than you think it will.

I like Universal fine, and I'm especially excited for Harry Potter to open there. We went to Universal when my kids were 7 and 4 - there wasn't that much for them to do. But I can see where a 17-year old would prefer Universal to Disney.

Have a wonderful trip, and spend the next three months planning!

 

[Tricia's mom]

Can you Tour the park with out her??
Be your own judge.
She doesn't feel the magic.

 

[crisi]

The Universal parks are different. There are a lot more thrill rides at the Universal parks. I can see why a seventeen year old would prefer them (but they, too, are "just amusement parks.")

Understand what you are interested in - families interested in 'big rides' are going to enjoy different things (and have a different plan of attack) than people delighted by characters. Or people who want an educational experience. Or people interested in shows.

Line management is essential during all but the slowest season at either Universal OR Disney. Understand how Disney's Fastpass system works. Have a good touring plan. Get to the parks early. Make sure you are spending the hottest parts of the afternoon in cooler places (Epcot has lots of air conditioning - or your hotel pool), go back in the evening.

 

[JaimeK]

I went to WDW when I was about 11 and I remember being VERY disappointed. I was used to going to Great Adventure, Busch Gardens, etc. and I was expecting something like that but more/better rides. That is not what WDW was about at all. It is so much more about the entertainment and shows than thrills.
I'm going at the end of the month with my two young kids and I can't wait to see it through their eyes this time

 

[NU2WDW]

How sad that your SIL feels the need to put down your choice of vacation for your children!

As others have said, they're in a completely different stage with their DD than you are with your children. For their ages I think they'll much prefer WDW. I haven't been to Universal but from what I can tell it's much more geared to thrill riders.

I can't recommend highly enough that you use a tour plan; I promise, you'll be glad you did. We used the Unofficial Guide for our first trip (our girls were 2, 3 & 5). We went in June and had very little problem with waiting in line. Also, if you end up with your SIL & Co. during your time in WDW, don't let them push you to do what they want or rush you around. Take your time and let your kids take their time. You will NOT be able to do everything and you & your kids will be the happier for not trying to. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[tzolkin]

OP: I'm a bit confused as well. If they don't like Disney, why are they going? Are they planning a few days at Disney and a few at Universal? Are you staying with them offsite or are you staying onsite?

I could definitely see where Disney could be miserable: heat, crowds, cranky miserable parents and kids... It really just depends how you go into it.

When people asked about our trip last year and found out we were there for 9 days with three little kids, they assumed it was way too stressful. But honestly, it was the most relaxing 9 days we have ever had. We went to a park for a few hours early in the morning (before the crowds/lines). We went back to the resort from about 12-5 (we ALL took a long nap, got out of the heat, away from the people). We then went back to another park for just a few hours in the evening and still made it to bed by a decent time. We were usually only in a park for 3-4 hours at a time. Never once did my kids nor DH & I get cranky or miserable. (Which was really incredible )

If you approach Disney as an amusement park that you stay at all day long and just go from attraction to attraction waiting in long lines in the heat, I think that would really spoil it for anyone.

I think you and your children will have a wonderful time. I'm just a bit worried about your extended family spoiling it for you.

 

[Elmo888]

In addition to gauging your kids' tolerance of heat and activity (take breaks when you suspect things are going south, either in the park with a snack or at the resort with a nap or some pool time, which is a break but is not a rest), I would find some touring plans to avoid the long lines.

I like the touring plans in the Unofficial Guide to WDW, which is a book (they also have a web site which is free if you have a book). I have also heard good things about tourguidemike.com.

Having a plan and being flexible will make things go much more smoothly. Also, with the ages of your kids, there will probably be times that you don't want to tour with your brother, SIL and the 17 yo (they will have different needs, won't need so many breaks, etc.) You have to cater to the "lowest common denominator" - if one of your kids needs a break, take it whether or not everyone wants to or not.

Have a great trip!

 

[dogodisney]

I have not read the other replies but wanted to share my feelings.


We went for the very first time in June 2006 and stayed at CBR. At the time we thought it was going to be our once in a lifetime trip.
Our first day was a little disappointing. We arrived to down pours. When we went to check in we were told our room was not ready so they gave us the building # and phone # to call to check back. We checked out the resort and went to the building where we were told we would be in. After several attempts and hours of waiting we finally were told our room was ready. We had been standing outside our room the whole time and never was a mouskeeper in it. We then get in our room and I was disappointed with it, thinking we paid all this money for this? We had to deal with the heat, humidity, lots of rain, crowds and the Brazilian student tour groups. But after all that, the day we were leaving, I was really sad. Although we had to deal with some disappointments, we (at least I did) experienced something I never had before. The magic that I felt was awesome. By the end of our stay I loved our room and what we paid for it was worth it. We were able to MK's rope drop and the opening show was simply amazing. During our end of the trip, I told DH that if we were to ever return, we would need to pull the kids out of school and go during a less busy time.
Well then winter of 2008 rolls around and I get thinking about Disney. I talked my DH into going again. We talked it over with the girls and decided that Sept. would be the best time to take them out of school. So I started making plans. In the meantime I found the DIS and learned about FD. This time our trip was wonderful! Although it was still hot the crowds were so much better and we only had one afternoon of rain. My Dh said to me maybe in 3 yrs. we come back for Christmas.
Well I happened to receive an email in January about the deals Disney was doing for the military. So I mentioned it to DH and we are going THIS December. I don’t have to wait 3 yrs.

My DBro and his family had gone several times and I could never understand how that could pay so much for a trip and what the big deal about it was. I now understand. I ahve been converted and am now a WDW fan!
So what I am trying to say is don't go with high expectations and you will not be disappointed. The magic that you will feel is indescribable. Go and have a fabulous trip!

 

[Ashlander]

My sister made a comment to me earlier this year when she found out we were planning on going to Disney again this year. She said "I thought you were not going to go every year...that it was supposed to be special". She just does not get it... Luckily I take comments like that much better from my sister than my SIL...

We love Disney...my kids love Disney. I hope we can go every year...we have so much fun.

 

[DISNEYNV]

if Disney were JUST an amusement park I hardly think there would be boards like these and so many different podcasts dedicated to Disney fans
We also love Universal but it's a different crowd and atmosphere than Disney is. I wouldn't call USF an average amusement park. It's not in my opinion.

I think your kids will have the best time. You are already more informed than your SIL just by being on the DIS. Take in what everyone here has to give and yes, it will be hot and humid and probably crowded in July. Getting to the parks at rope drop, taking a break In the afternoon, getting fast passes, and avoiding evening EMHours are key to having a great time. Take cues from tour kids too. If they are hot or getting cranky let them splash in the fountains or go back to the resort for a while. My kids love to just hang out on a playground If you and your kids have never been yet hey are the perfect age and will be in for an excellent time. I suggest that if your SIL gets crankier than the kids...ditch them for a while and explore on your own terms with your kids. Have a great time

 

[AndyMcV]

First off... let's back the truck up. WDW is NOT an amusement park. It's an experience. It is way WAY more than an amusement park. There are so many things to do and see and experience. In fact we've gone 4 times now and we haven't come close to seeing everything there.

Yes if you go on the hotest day of the year with a couple of already cabby kids, get there at 11am when everyone else in the entire world does, stay for 2 hours and then leave.... then ok you might say it's just an amusement park out of poor planning and frustration on your own part. However and this is a big however, if you do some planning a head of time and know what you're doing you will have the best time ever. Your kids will have so much fun and SO many memories that will last for years, yes years. Your kids are the perfect age to take to Disney. They will have such an awesome time.

Honestly do yourself a favor and totally discregard what your SIL has said. It's your experience with your kids. You've come to the right place to start your planning. If you're new to Disney you really should do some upfront planning and really that's part of the fun too. Ask as many questions as you can!!

Are you staying on site? Where are you staying? How long are you staying? Are you doing a the dining plan? Are you taking the magical express?

 

[tami82]

I say ignore your SIL. We are going in August and im very excited but on the other hand a bit nervous because I tend to over plan and play out things in my head of how everything will go and most of the time it goes well but there is always one little thing that didnt work out right the way i wanted it too. I am worried about the heat & humidity, along with cranky kids and sometimes a husband with a short fuse so it does worry me a bit. I guess we will do what everyone is saying by going in the morning, leaving early afternoon and possibly going back at night. Take many breaks from the heat, stay hydrated & snack as needed, and hopefully we will get through it all without any meltdowns.

 

[Loritlc3]

Thank you everyone for your posts I get more excited everytime I come on this board. In answer to your questions:
Once my husband and I divorced I figured I would never have the opportunity to take my kids on vacation let alone WDW(My ex is very self involved and only sees the kids 2 days a month). So I begged my older brother if they ever went again to take us with them. I could tell right away that my SIL wasn't into the idea(she made lots of excuses so I figured it would never happen. So last month my brother asked if we still wanted to gowhich totally shocked me. Actually we are probably doing this the dumbest way possible. We got the 7 for 4 deal at Disney but will be at Disney for 4 days and then go to Universal for 4 days. Basically we are paying double to do both. Last time they went they only did Universal.
I was afraid to go on my own with 2 kids not knowing anything about Disney which is why I wanted to go with them. I am starting to think I should just have asked him to drop us off at Disney and pick us up at the end.
I am supposed to research the dining plan to see if it makes sense but really can't decide.
We are staying at Music
Any extra tips?
Thanks
Lori

 

[3goofyboys]

When I told a certain friend of mine that we were going to Disney this fall, she said that she has no desire to ever go and wants to vacation in places "everyone can enjoy". That's okay, different strokes for different folks! I think to really "get" Disney, some part of you has to have a child's spirit, has to be willing to believe, to be in awe. Not everyone has that.

Your kids are at a great age for Disney, but if your SIL is starting to kill the magic for you at any point during the trip you might need to take a little break and spend some time with just your kids. I agree with the other posters, a Disney vacation does take some planning. It is not a vacation where you can book the room, get on the plane, & hit the beach. If you show up having done no prep-work, it very possibly will be a miserable, hot humid vacation with cranky kids. But obviously you know better because you're here! Have a magical vacation!