Driving myself nuts. WWYD?

[Darcy03231]

Will their parents allow them to miss school? I took my nieces (although I did it on separate trips so I only had one at a time) and I took one in October (the youngest so she missed kindergarten) and in December (the oldest so she missed school). We had a great time. The youngest was 4, almost 5, but the oldest was 11, almost 12, and she had just as much fun as the youngest did.

 

[Sal]

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?

I have to disagree! 9,11 & 12 are awesome ages to enjoy Disney. We started taking our DDs at age 5 & 9. We thought it was the perfect ages. Went again at 7 & 11...9 & 13..( every other year)..until last time at 23 & 27!! Every age is perfect for Disney!

OP, you have a tough decision to make. Your solo trip sounds wonderful, but there is nothing quite like experiencing Disney with the kids you love.

 

[Leshaface]

That is VERY thoughtful and generous of you to think about bringing your niece and nephews to WDW with your own money, no help from the parents.

Are they well behaved? Do they tend to run off when they get excited if they see something that intrigues them?

I've only been to WDW once in the Summer and that was the first week of June, and it was pretty busy. However, towards the end of the week, you could definitely tell that the crowds picked up, so i'd imagine that's how it would look during mid June. I'd be scared of them not behaving with large amounts of crowds without parental supervision (you're the cool Aunt taking them to WDW and their thinking could be, that you let things slide and you'd allow them to go crazy, but I don't know your niece and nephews.) If they do really well with listening then I say go for it!

However, that solo trip does sound tempting....drinks around the world sound pretty amazing, just saying.

Good luck deciding!

 

[clutter]

I just kept thinking - in 20 years, will I care that I spent that extra money? I know in 20 years I'd remember taking them with me, and they'd remember it too - is that worth the extra cash?

I think this is the question that you have to ask yourself and only you can answer it. Will you regret not taking them?

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Did you look into renting DvC points. Might come out less expensive than whatever hotel you are looking at offsite.
That said, June would be a dealbreaker for me, esp with so much shut down in MK right now.

 

[clh2]

Have you looked at the school calendars? Are there any opportunities to take them in the fall, when they would have off on a Friday or a Monday? Maybe sqeeze one extra day off from school to?

Maybe the weekend when it is Veteran's Day - maybe the kids have off?

I agree with a PP - they will always remember the trip - YOU TOO!!!

 

[mercydisney]

As other have said you are a very generous person and have a huge heart.

Any child would love a trip to Disney. Since you said that their parents are not well off I think any trip you take with them they will be happy. I came from a very poor family and even going to Mcd's was a freat treat.

That being said, I think if you have the money and do not have to think twice about it I would do it. But you are questioning your intentions so you really are second guessing yourself. Yes you have a vacations savings but if you spend it you will not have it to enjoy other outings things like taking your mom on vacation and knowing you have extra money in the bank. If anything your mom deserves it more.

You can take them all individualy for special occasions. Your 13 yr old niece should be graduating middle school. Take her 1st, when your other nieces and nephew graduate take them. This was you have time to save and you can go visit DW more then once.

If your nieces and nephew really want to go to DIsney they will find away to get their when they are older. I didn't get to Disney until I was 28 yrs old. It was the best memory that my DH and I share because he was the person who introduced me to the mouse.

 

[MSSANDRA]

I think that you would never regret the joy of seeing WDW though their eyes. It looks like you can make that budget work for the four of you. You can encourage them to save for any extras they may want or need. My only concern is can you emotionally handle the crazy crowds, heat and lines of summer? If you are sure you can, I would take the kids.

 

[gillenkl]

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?

. What? My kids are almost 13 and love Disney. Grant it our activities have changed over the years but Disney offers something for everyone.

 

[ZehnJahren]

If I wait until after that in 2014/2015, they will be 15, 14, and 12. Seems "too old" for a first trip...

 

[ZehnJahren]

Thanks for all the info!

 

[Tinetine]

I think you are a very generous person, and I really appreciate that you are trying to build memories for you and your family . However, one thing I would consider is the parent's financial situation ....We were really struggling when our kids were born, and my parents would come with really expensive gifts for my daighter (jacadi clothing, or handmade wooden toys)... I was grateful for the gifts, but then I thought that if they really were trying to help me, maybe they could have bought diapers or groceries, things we really needed but could barely afford. I just want to make sure the parents don't resent you if the kids have a really luxurious vacation , and maybe they are struggling to clothe and feed them ? Maybe you could spend some time with them closer to home, and offer them some gift cards to their favorite store? I'M sorry if my answer is innapropriate,I know you mean really well

 

[ZehnJahren]

I think you are a very generous person, and I really appreciate that you are trying to build memories for you and your family . However, one thing I would consider is the parent's financial situation ....We were really struggling when our kids were born, and my parents would come with really expensive gifts for my daighter (jacadi clothing, or handmade wooden toys)... I was grateful for the gifts, but then I thought that if they really were trying to help me, maybe they could have bought diapers or groceries, things we really needed but could barely afford. I just want to make sure the parents don't resent you if the kids have a really luxurious vacation , and maybe they are struggling to clothe and feed them ? Maybe you could spend some time with them closer to home, and offer them some gift cards to their favorite store? I'M sorry if my answer is innapropriate,I know you mean really well

Aw, no that's not inappropriate. The kids have everything they NEED. They're definitely clothed, fed, and loved. But there's just not room for anything else. Trust me, if they NEEDED something, something like food or clothes or anything at all for school, those needs would be met by our family. There's just no room for something fun like this.

 

[luvsJack]

Just by reading your responses, it sounds like you really want to do this. I say go for it.

Is there anyway the parents can give the kids some money for souvenirs? Even if its just enough for one each? Or if the kids have birthdays coming up, someone might could get them a disney gift card so they could spend that?

If none of that is possible, they are old enough to understand if you tell them ahead of time there won't be any extra money for that kind of stuff. They may still be super excited just to go or you could give them options for a cheaper fun vacation where you would have money for "extras".


As for the kids being "too old" We just got back from a trip with 30 kids ranging in age from 11-15. They had an absolute blast.

Someone said "when you can afford it". Sounds to me like you have all your bases covered and this money is strictly for vacation, so I would say you can afford it.

 

[Mary*Poppins]

I've lived away from them now for almost 3 years, and so much has change. I'd be taking a chance - the family said they would love it, but the family also said they all argue a lot when they're together....

You said you've lived away from them for almost 3 years, are you still close enough with them where they would be comfortable going on a trip with you without their mom?

I also wanted to ask if they all enjoy thrill rides? It might be hard if one doesn't...

I think it is really sweet of you to be considering this, I saw parts of your other thread gathering info about going.
Are you doing the YES tickets and does that mean you have to go to classes with them, will it all be the same class? sorry i don't know alot about the YES tickets...

 

[Keli]

I'm the wrong person to ask here if you want someone to talk you out of it, lol. Because I would do it for sure in your situation. You will build memories with those children that they will never ever forget.
If they are well behaved with you then I wouldn't have too much concern with the crowds because they are old enough to understand they need to stay with you. Crowded parks require a lot of planning when it comes to rides IMHO, so I would have a plan walking into the park that morning with lots of breaks and places to rest built into it. Definitely do-able.
Memories are worth a lot to me and I would treasure the ones I created with little ones in the family that I love.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

I just wouldnt want them to be diappointed if they couldnt get any extras like a mickey ice cream. I know if someone were taking me, I wouldnt mind no extras but you know how kids are. If you do take them, u will give them memories that will stick with them for ever

 

[eliza61]

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?

LOL. somebody should tell my "kids" that. Mine are 20, 18 and my niece (who lives with us) is 17.

Op, I say go for it also.

Also have the kids try and earn some extra money for spending. We always did this with our kids. they saved allowance, birthday and christmas gifts. It's amazing how kids will really think if they want that souvineer when they have to part with their own dollars.

Don't stress to much about the "extras". Some times I think we sell kids short, your nephews and nieces sound like great kids so I don't think they will really "whine" about what they can't get.

Can you look into the dining plan? I don't use it but it use to give you one snack credit.

 

[luvavacation]

I am going to weigh in on the ages, and say that, if the kids are as close to you still as they were before, and the thought of being with them fills you with joy, and vice versa, then don't let the ages be a consideration. My children are 21 and 17, and love Disney to this day. In fact, at 12, my eldest found out about College Internships at Disney in a field of study she hoped to pursue at University. She completed her Internship last year, and has gone on to be a Disney Rep at her University, and feels that she gained so much from following a dream she didn't even know existed before our trip. What I am saying is, perhaps the kids may not be at an age where the Princesses and characters will cause them to squeal and faint, but there may be something else for them to experience that will guide them towards future goals?

As to the money part, you seem to have a really good financial outlook for yourself, which is wonderful! In this case, what I ask is, if God forbid something happened and taking the children were never to be, would you regret that more, or regret going on your own more? Only you can answer that question.

This question comes from a person that took her parents on a Disney cruise, spent so very much money that was supposed to be shared with her idiot sibling that never has had enough to pay her back, and yet regrets not a penny. My Father passed away 6 weeks after our family cruise, a cruise filled with such joy for him and my mom, and whenever my memory recalls him sleeping on deck 4 in a comfy chair, with a contented smile on his face, any remembrance of how long it took to finally pay off that cruise fee falls away. So, what I am saying, from sappy old me, is that, if you have a good financial position, money is only money, but memories will last a lifetime.

Realizing, of course, that the above statement is often not approved by everyone! But we all have to make a decision that is best for our own life and heart, and I hope whatever decision you make, you find joy in it.

 

[Nancyg56]

I would take them but as someone else suggested, give them time to earn some spending money. You could enlist them in planning so they know what they are working towards. IF the children have enough time to save they will feel that they are contributing to their vacation and will have an investment in keeping it fun.

I think that staying offsite would be fine given that the kids will not know what they are missing with onsite resorts.