Driving myself nuts. WWYD?

[ZehnJahren]

This is the stupidest thing I've ever gone around and around with myself over.

I need help. Please bear with me, here.

 

[natenapril]

I think it would be rewarding to take kids who have no chance of going with their parents, IMO.nOnly you can really decide this though. I would wait until November so that you have additional time to save though. Only having $200 would be rough.

 

[ZehnJahren]

I guess I should clarify - I have to take the kids in the summer, and it has to be mid-June: non-negotiable. If I go by myself, it's late September (low crowds, AP expires in early October).

 

[ZehnJahren]

I think it would be rewarding to take kids who have no chance of going with their parents, IMO.nOnly you can really decide this though. I would wait until November so that you have additional time to save though. Only having $200 would be rough.

That's the thing.

 

[Disneychix]

I"m thinking of a few different answers here. How old are your neice and nephews? That would be a big factor in going with them.

1. Going with them now is within your travel means moneywise and trying to bring 3 kids with you will only get more expensive as time goes on. It might be a 'now or never' type scenerio. (which I think is VERY generous of you!)
2. Given your health issues do you think you could possibly keep up with 3 kids?

 

[TiggerTails57]

You need more than three months emergency fund.........anyhoo!

I'd go solo WHEN I could afford it.

 

[ZehnJahren]

I"m thinking of a few different answers here. How old are your neice and nephews? That would be a big factor in going with them.

1. Going with them now is within your travel means moneywise and trying to bring 3 kids with you will only get more expensive as time goes on. It might be a 'now or never' type scenerio. (which I think is VERY generous of you!)

1) They are 12, 11, and 9.

 

[dhardawa]

If crowds are an issue, I'd wait and go by myself later in the year. The place will be mobbed in mid-June.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I think it's really nice to want to take your niece and nephews to WDW. However, it sounds as if doing so would really be a financial stretch for you, especially since it seems as if their parents aren't contributing.

I think you should take your solo trip. Why not do something less expensive with your young relatives, such as visiting them in their town and doing some fun things there? Less expensive, less stressful than taking 3 kids on your own to WDW, and probably just as much fun for them.

 

[disneyfreakk]

I think the kids would be too old to really enjoy Disney. Aren't they at the "I'm too cool for this baby stuff" age?

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

12,11,9 that is what the OP said anyway

 

[ZehnJahren]

hm....

 

[Shagley]

I think the kids personalities would have to be the deciding factor if it was me. IF they are the type of kids that you think would really enjoy it and would appreciate it then it would be wonderful memories for all of you. If they are the type of kids that will complain about the heat & the crowds, would whine that they would rather be playing video games and would make the trip not much fun, then I would use the money for a solo trip.

 

[sksjasams]

If you can afford it, and if you want to, I think it would be an amazing and wonderful and generous thing to do for your niece and nephews.
It would be a lifetime memory for the 4 of you.

NO - they are NOT too old. That is ridiculous. My DS was 10 when we went. He loved it, still talks about it and hopes we can go back some day, and he is 13 now. They are at a great age. Old enough to do all the fun stuff and be a little independent, like knowing what they want to eat and what they want to do, and being able to go to the bathroom alone.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[evcollins]

How very thoughtful of you. Of course, don't go broke doing it! My kids are 7, 8 and 10. We are taking them to Disney for the first time in May. We moved away from our family (2 twin nephews) and we don't see them as often as we'd like. We would love for them to join us in Disney, however, I'm having a hard time swallowing the bill so far! Instead, we will be taking them on a camping adventure in NC. We'll be in a cabin, on the river, enjoying the water and having a great time outdoors! No crowds, no whining, and most importantly, we can be somewhat relaxed with all five kiddos.

Why not think about saving a seperate vacation fund for them and take them later? I'd say they'd never be too old to enjoy Disney. There's so much there! And being older means sleeping in and enjoying the late evenings. That in itself would be great.

Good luck with your planning!
ec

 

[Disneefun]

I'll vote for a hybrid approach. It's great you want to spend time with the kids, but maybe you could take them someplace cheaper and lower key (for you) like a beach, campground, national park,local attraction, etc. and then go on the solo trip (which it sounds like you'd enjoy more, anyway).

 

[jmv223]

If you can afford it, and if you want to, I think it would be an amazing and wonderful and generous thing to do for your niece and nephews.
It would be a lifetime memory for the 4 of you.

NO - they are NOT too old. That is ridiculous. My DS was 10 when we went. He loved it, still talks about it and hopes we can go back some day, and he is 13 now. They are at a great age. Old enough to do all the fun stuff and be a little independent, like knowing what they want to eat and what they want to do, and being able to go to the bathroom alone.

Good luck with your decision!

I agree with this completely! My kids were 9 & 11 the first time they went to Disney. I was a little worried my 11 year old would be "too cool" to want to meet the characters. We went to Chef Mickey's for dinner for the first night and he seriously had stars in his eyes. You would have thought Mickey was a rock star! The Memories are priceless! They are now almlost 15 and 17 and they asked to go to Disney instead of the beach this year, you're never too old!

You are an amazing Aunt for trying to make this happen for them.

 

[Pesky]

Have you thought about compromising? Given your issues with crowds and such, I would think a solo trip this year with continued savings and perhaps eying next year during the school year if the parents are amenable so the crowds aren't quite the issue.

 

[dhdozier]

I love to travel with my family - 3 nephews and my 2 kids, especially at Disney and other amusement parks. I have gone with hubby on couple trips and found myself longing for them even though I was having a great time too. That said, I do love time alone too and if Disney is where you want to spend it then you should indulge yourself. You are the only person who can really make the best choice in this matter. I did want to ask if you checked into Disney Yes program tickets - the savings are great and the classes you take to get the tickets are worthwhile! Maybe this could help lower the cost. Best wishes.

 

[DawnM]

Did you already imply to their parents that you would take them? They may be counting on it.

They are definitely not too old.

Dawn