Disney vs. Europe Vacation

[sandieb]

We love Disney and have gone every year (at least once) the last 12 years. Next year we are going to Europe for a month with friends - visiting Paris, Normandy, Bavaria, Prague, Venice and Florence. We figured it was time to do something different. So today I was reading the Disboards as we were driving back from the beach. I realized that I would rather take a megatrip to Disney with my grandchildren than this Europe trip. I said something to my husband, who said "OK".

Has anyone else experienced something like this? What did you decide? Thanks!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

My reaction would be the exact opposite. I love going new places and learning new things. Add in the pending FP+ mess and I thinking 2014 may be the anti Disney year.

 

[bbn1122]

I would go Europe if you have never gone before...

.....I want to take a Disney Med cruise in Europe in the next couple of years...that may be a way to see Europe and get your Disney fix....go to Paris first then fly to Barcelona and pick up the Magic....

 

[mrsdrake625]

If it were me: definitely Europe!!! You may not have the chance or time to go again later. Disney is a lot closer, and it sounds like its easier to make it down/over there.

I'm so jealous, I would absolutely love to see all of those places!! Either way, have fun.

 

[hakepb]

Are you at least planning a visit to EuroDisney so you can cross off setting on a Disney bucket list?

For instance, I do not have a burning desire to visit Tokyo, but I do really, really want to visit DisneySea.

 

[darkwing818]

If it were me: definitely Europe!!! You may not have the chance or time to go again later. Disney is a lot closer, and it sounds like its easier to make it down/over there.

Europe for a whole month; Absolutely. Paris, Venice, Florence (sounds like Dream).

 

[ldo]

we did Europe this summer--Med cruise, Paris (including Dinseyland PAris) and London. After I had planned it all for countless hours, part of me thought "I really just want to take the kids to WDW for 2 weeks."
We had a great trip. It's different than WDW, and Europe is a lot of travel to/from and a lot of planning. But, it is so cool--if it was up to me (now back 3 weeks), I would go again next summer--I always feel that way when we get back.
So, go to Europe--WDW will always be there. Elaine (ps--please ask your friends to plan down days to recoup, rest, relax--or hike and shop and sightseeing. Traveling to/fro and different hotels along with sightseeing and walking can be a bit "grueling."

 

[pachelbel9]

My parents took our family to Disney numerous times growing up. They own DVC, so we still go, now with kids of our own in tow. That being said, I wish my parents had swapped a Disney trip or two with a European trip when I was a kid/teen. My first visit wasn't until my 30s. I've gone 3 times in 4 years. Exploring new cultures is fascinating. As great as the world showcase is, it's no substitute for the real thing. You should definitely go to Europe!

 

[wordwitt]

Is there some way you can do both? Because count me in the "you should go to Europe" camp. Yes, it's different from WDW, but really worth it if you haven't been for the history and the grandeur and the art. And the food. ha ha. I love Disney, but no way would we have bought into DVC if I didn't know we could also take annual trips to various points in Europe. I love Epcot, but it's somewhat like being in Vegas, only less seedy. And what I mean by that is, there is true value in seeing the "real thing."

 

[amym2]

Having lived in Florence for 3 months and visited Venice, Paris, and Normandy, I can tell you, GO! The culture, food, and educational opportunities are outstanding in all of those places. Take time to get off the beaten path, especially in Tuscany. Have you traveled much in Europe? Or is it possible you just aren't sure what to expect?

We LOVE Disney, and I spent way too much time on here dreaming about trips, but I wouldn't hesitate to visit Europe instead, especially if we were traveling with friends. And I agree, I love the WS at EP, but nothing compares to eating Italian food IN Italy. It's never the same here, never.

 

[amym2]

Ooh, just realized I've been to Bavaria, too. Definitely worth a visit!!

 

[Pakey]

I've done 9 international vacations outside of North America. We've done 2 mega WDWvacations with kids/grand kids and had a blast (and several before having grand kids).

As much as I loved those grand kid trips, 8 of 9 of those international trips were better.

And you can do like I did, visit Disney while there. I loved DLRP!

 

[taaren]

From a slightly different perspective ... a lot of what makes a trip great to me is who I travel with. So ... take in to consideration ...

Will your friends be disappointed if you don't go to Europe? Will they go without you? (Will you be sad to hear the stories of parts of the trip you missed out on?)

Or

Are your grandkids the perfect age for that mega-trip? Will it be harder to take them for trips due to activities in future years? I know my friends with teens have a really hard time scheduling any family trips due to the busy activity schedules.

(I'd go for friends in Europe, personally, but I'm still in the early parenting years, so a child free trip sounds like to me.)

 

[AnnaS]

Definitely Europe. Europe is not a yearly trip that is doable - Disney is. As much as we love Disney, I would definitely skip Disney for a year or two if I have been going yearly for the past 12 years.

Good luck. Let us know what you decide.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I have difficulty walking. It is harder for me to get around in Europe. Our first European vacation was in 1995, a road trip and then a cruise through Greek Isles. Since then we've been to British Isles, Amsterdam, Scandinavia, the Baltics, most recently we were on DCL's transatlantic cruise, so we did sightseeing in and around Barcelona.

I have NEVER been excited about going to Europe, but I have NEVER been disappointed in the trip!!! The only destination I was excited about was going to Poland, the homeland of my grandparents, but I was also blown away by what I saw in St. Petersburg, Estonia, Finland, more.

So, my suggestion is also, go to Europe, but I would probably not plan on the whole month. I would go over the plans and pick the part I was most interested in.

Bobbi

 

[dvc_john]

I've been to Europe 7 or 8 times, including to 5 of the places you listed (Paris, Normandy, Bavaria, Venice and Florence.)

Just reading this thread makes me want to go back, so I vote for the Europe trip.
While in Paris, stop by Disneyland Paris to get your Disney fix for the year.

 

[Starr W.]

Europe!-my 1st visit was my senior year in HS. Spent a week in Copenhagen. We were able to see Queen Margrethe do her annual birthday balcony appearance.
Have done multiple(10-12) leisure/business travel to Italy/Germany. We honeymooned in Bavaria & Austria, started with Oktoberfest! Went to London for the Golden Jubilee celebrations back in 2002. Would have loved to have to have visited this summer to see the Coronation exhibit at Buckingham Palace.

A month in Europe, I would be all over it, so would my boys. Both want to see Paris, London, Rome. 12 yr old wants to go to Poland, to explore his heritage. Read that on his rainbow list on the last day of school in June. 1st I have heard about that.

If we want to go see DH's relatives, we'd also need to stop in Orleans, France & Stockholm.

The boys handled the long haul flight to Hawaii 3 yrs ago so I think if I gave them the choice of WDW or Europe, I know the results. They even picked Washington DC over WDW for this coming Thanksgiving.

 

[luv2sleep]

We love Disney and have gone every year (at least once) the last 12 years. Next year we are going to Europe for a month with friends - visiting Paris, Normandy, Bavaria, Prague, Venice and Florence. We figured it was time to do something different. So today I was reading the Disboards as we were driving back from the beach. I realized that I would rather take a megatrip to Disney with my grandchildren than this Europe trip. I said something to my husband, who said "OK".

Has anyone else experienced something like this? What did you decide? Thanks!

Is the trip and its planning overwhelming you? I know cruises are my go to piece of cake vacation because they are so easy. It's hard to want to do something else. WDW was easy too. When I think of planning a Europe type trip I get anxiety. I love to travel but traveling with a child can be such a hassle sometimes. For me to go he'd have to be at a go with the flow easy age. That might not be until he's 18! .

Also, WDW is something you know and somewhere you know what to do, where to go, and how to get the most out of. It's hard to venture into the unknown. Have you thought of doing a med cruise? If I went with my kid that's what I'd do the first time. I've traveled Europe alone sans kid and I had no issues. Again, taking the kid would be my roadblock.

 

[Mjkre]

If it were me (parent, not grandparent, of 3), I would do Europe! However, you need to do what makes you and your DH happy. How about, 3 weeks in Europe, ending with the grand kids for a week in Disney!?! Everyone is happy!

I can tell you, we took a year off from Disney and visited the National Parks here in the US. Best decision we ever made.

 

[dbs1228]

We have gone to Disney every year for 18 years BUT we are fortunate to be able to do other vacations also. I say go to Europe!!!! Our DD studied abroad in Florence last summer - DH and I did a impromptu trip for 9 nights (planned it 3 weeks before we went) and it was one of the best vacations we have ever had! We went to Rome and had previously visited Venice a must go back for us!

We love our Disney vacation but I think a big part of that is because it is in our comfort zone and we know what to do. Europe is an adventure for us and I cannot wait for many more trips abroad!