Driving myself nuts. WWYD?

[RadioFanatic]

I only read the first page, so I'm unsure if you already had this suggestion, but could you do a different, and cheaper trip with them and then go on your solo trip? Such as the beach, a different amusement park somewhat closer, a closer tourist destination you could drive to so you don't use your SW points? You would have the same memories without as much expense.

 

[Sparkly]

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

Not true. My first trip was when I was 9 and it was amazing. Even though we stayed at a crappy Travelodge offsite, it was love at first theme park for our family.

 

[Auntie Sherry]

In my option I would take the kids. I went on two trips with neices. One I paid for one parents did. It was so worth it. They will always have those memories of a special time with their aunt and so will you. Sounds like you have a good vacation account plan and will always be adding to it, so I would go now while the kids are at the age they are. I think it is a perfect age. They will not get too tired ,and you don't have to deal with strollers plus they are young enough to be into the magic and old enough for all the attractions. As far as your problems with lines. When I go I use fast pass all the time and you don't need to wait long. You don't need to stay on property to use it. I always have a fast pass in my hand so I never wait more then 15 to 20 mins even when I went on Fourth of July Week. Have you tried priceing the Pop Century resort ? They usually have a good deal and have free dining. I went with my neice stayed there got the free meal plan and we never spent one cent on food. We also ended up taking home several snack items. That would also elimanate a rental car by using the free Magical Express service. I just remember that I did go once by myself. It was fun to do what ever I wanted whenever I wanted but there was no one to share the fun with and kind of lonely. I don't think you would look back and regret it and if this is the kids only chance you will be giving them a gift of a lifetime. Hope this helps and whatever you do you are happy with your choice. Please let us know what you decide and Have a Magical Time either way.

 

[hsmamato2]

Ask yourself which would be more enjoyable to YOU? going alone at a quiet time,or going with the kids,and being pretty busy? I know what I would enjoy more,so that's what I'd pick. Either way it sounds like you'll be rebuilding your vacation fund anyway.....so pick what you want to spend it on! you earned it,you should spend it how you like! (this shouldn't be about just what the kids would want,this should be about YOUR first choice)

 

[nilseks]

If you can swing it, I would take them. And here is why...

When I was growing up, my aunt and uncle were very poor. We used to go on vacation every year, just get in the car and drive all over the place. So one year we took my cousin b/c my aunt and uncle couldn't afford to do vacations. He had the best time ever. I still remember how joyful he was, and let me tell you, I only see him every few years now because he lives halfway across the country, but he still talks about that trip EVERY SINGLE TIME I see him. And we are in our 40's now! You are talking about building a memory of a lifetime, something those kids will always remember about you. Can't really put a price on that.

In my teen years our family fell on hard times of our own and didn't get to travel much. Those pre-teen travel memories are still some of my very favorite of my life.

If you do take them, you will need to set ground rules as far as behavior. My children are 8 and 11 and at that age we have found that writing down expectations on a piece of paper for everyone to refer to goes a LONG way. I would hope their parents would talk to them regarding being respectful and grateful. Most kids behave better with everyone else than they do with their parents, so I wouldn't worry too much about arguing. They're old enough to know better.

There's no wrong decision, as long as you won't look back and regret. If you have any inkling that you will regret taking them, then go. As a cancer survivor, I can tell you that life is too short to look back with regrets! And THAT is why we go to Disney every year and experience the magic!

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

I would lean towards taking the kids. You've made other solo trips, and likely will make others. If you can do it financially, I think it would be a wonderful opportunity to show the kids a great time. I imagine that if their family is strapped for money, they may not have ever had a vacation and it could be a real highlight in their young lives. I also think it would be a tremendous bonding experience for you - and since you said you don't live near them anymore, it would be nice to catch up with them without their parents around and really connect with them. Years ago my husband's nieces were small, maybe 5 or 6, before we had kids, and I told my husband that maybe we should try to take them with us to WDW sometime and he thought I'd lost my mind. We never did take them, we had our own kids and the nieces' family moved out of the country for several years. We've lost the connection we had and don't really know them now. Looking back, I kind of wish we had tried to make the arrangements and take them before they grew up and life got in the way.

 

[DisneyEater]

Guilt trip time:

Going to Disney with my aunt and uncle when we couldn't afford it is still one of the very best memories of my childhood. I wasn't even that close to them before we left but by the end my uncle and I were having a great time together and those memories are the best I have with any of my extended family.

 

[jennykay]

I would, but my next vacation fund will be building towards Disneyland in 2013 for my mom's big blowout birthday family celebration (these children are not a part of my mom's family), plus a possible trip to Europe that I keep putting off. If I wait until after that in 2014/2015, they will be 15, 14, and 12. Seems "too old" for a first trip...

The first time I went, I was 14. Still magical! And I didn't go with my family, I went with a girl scout leader who was kind enough to help me raise all the money needed. We stayed offsite. My parents couldn't contribute at all. They let me take our camera and bought me film, so I brought home lots of pictures. They might have been able to give me a little souvenir money, but I don't remember. My first taste of a Mickey ice cream was the one I bought my daughter. All of this is to say that IMO there's no such thing as too old, and that first trip will be magical no matter what.
I can't make your decision for you, but I'd say the kids are old enough to understand about money and not buying extras. And they'll still have fun. And if you decide to go solo, make sure you're very comfortable with your decision so you don't feel any guilt while you're on vacation. In the end, it's your money and your vacation. You need to enjoy it!

 

[irishsharon]

Take the kids If I had the money to take my kids we would be going! I am planning a trip to Williamsburg(no airfare and free timeshare) I know my kids will love it, they have never been to disney so they don't know what their missing.My brother-in-law passed away suddenly at age 34,so it has made me realise that you need to enjoy today and those memories you make with others are so important. As others have said even if disney cant happen what about another kind of vacation.My family did not have a lot of money and I still remember the weekend trip my family took to the beach(my mom passed a year later when I was ten).Sorry to be such a downer but the gift you give these kids will be priceless

 

[Minnesota!]

Take them! You are only guaranteed this moment....use this moment to impact the lives of those 3!

 

[ZehnJahren]

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".

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.

The parents have sadi they would send the kids with a little money so they could buy a souvenir or two. I would be holding the money so it isn't all spent at once! They are definitely old enough to know about money; and we always had a rule when we went to Six Flags (that was always our special trip on their birthdays and then later, for fun) that they got two small things or one big thing - and they rarely asked for anything more.

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...

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...

Yes, they're definitely comfortable with me, 100%. They've been wanting to come visit me, but it just hasn't worked out. They DO love thrill rides, every single one of them are daredevils - must come from their aunt who always took them to theme parks young.

We can't do the YES program, unfortunately; no classes cover all their ages.

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.

Ugh, I agree - that's where my issues are coming in. I wouldn't be strapped financially if I took them, but I would be much reduced and need a good amount of time to build it back up. Oh the other hand, they'd love it and they're KIDS, and I don't get to see them and I miss them and they miss me.

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

I think we could do a mickey bar or two; just not one for everyone, every day.

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.

You have a lot of good points, also things I think of. I know there would be good memories and money IS only money in the long run (can't take it with you) but I grew up pretty poor myself - so the idea of having only $200 sitting in my vacation fund/backup emergency fund makes me a little nervous. However, I have a well-paying job and DBF backs me 100% and I have a REAL emergency fund should push come to shove. So I feel guilty NOT spending it on them when I know they can't go otherwise, and I feel guilty spending it when I don't want to burden anyone else if something should happen to my job.

In my option I would take the kids. I went on two trips with neices. One I paid for one parents did. It was so worth it. They will always have those memories of a special time with their aunt and so will you. I don't think you would look back and regret it and if this is the kids only chance you will be giving them a gift of a lifetime.

Man, I think the same thing!

 

[ZehnJahren]

Ask yourself which would be more enjoyable to YOU? going alone at a quiet time,or going with the kids,and being pretty busy? I know what I would enjoy more,so that's what I'd pick. Either way it sounds like you'll be rebuilding your vacation fund anyway.....so pick what you want to spend it on! you earned it,you should spend it how you like! (this shouldn't be about just what the kids would want,this should be about YOUR first choice)

Ha, I would like BOTH! I already did the math to see if I could do a short September trip too. But then, with all the airline credits gone, it wouldn't be affordable.

If you can swing it, I would take them. And here is why...

When I was growing up, my aunt and uncle were very poor. We used to go on vacation every year, just get in the car and drive all over the place. So one year we took my cousin b/c my aunt and uncle couldn't afford to do vacations. He had the best time ever. I still remember how joyful he was, and let me tell you, I only see him every few years now because he lives halfway across the country, but he still talks about that trip EVERY SINGLE TIME I see him. And we are in our 40's now! You are talking about building a memory of a lifetime, something those kids will always remember about you. Can't really put a price on that.

There's no wrong decision, as long as you won't look back and regret. If you have any inkling that you will regret taking them, then go. As a cancer survivor, I can tell you that life is too short to look back with regrets! And THAT is why we go to Disney every year and experience the magic!

Yep. Yes to everything you said.

I would lean towards taking the kids. You've made other solo trips, and likely will make others. If you can do it financially, I think it would be a wonderful opportunity to show the kids a great time. I imagine that if their family is strapped for money, they may not have ever had a vacation and it could be a real highlight in their young lives. I also think it would be a tremendous bonding experience for you - and since you said you don't live near them anymore, it would be nice to catch up with them without their parents around and really connect with them. Years ago my husband's nieces were small, maybe 5 or 6, before we had kids, and I told my husband that maybe we should try to take them with us to WDW sometime and he thought I'd lost my mind. We never did take them, we had our own kids and the nieces' family moved out of the country for several years. We've lost the connection we had and don't really know them now. Looking back, I kind of wish we had tried to make the arrangements and take them before they grew up and life got in the way.

Yes. Again, yes to everything you said. This is what is snagging me.

Guilt trip time:

Going to Disney with my aunt and uncle when we couldn't afford it is still one of the very best memories of my childhood. I wasn't even that close to them before we left but by the end my uncle and I were having a great time together and those memories are the best I have with any of my extended family.

Yep.

Take the kids If I had the money to take my kids we would be going! I am planning a trip to Williamsburg(no airfare and free timeshare) I know my kids will love it, they have never been to disney so they don't know what their missing.My brother-in-law passed away suddenly at age 34,so it has made me realise that you need to enjoy today and those memories you make with others are so important. As others have said even if disney cant happen what about another kind of vacation.My family did not have a lot of money and I still remember the weekend trip my family took to the beach(my mom passed a year later when I was ten).Sorry to be such a downer but the gift you give these kids will be priceless

Another kind of vacation is definitely possible; it's something I've been thinking of as well.

Take them! You are only guaranteed this moment....use this moment to impact the lives of those 3!

Again, yes.

I keep snagging myself on the "is the money more important than family? seriously??" question. The thing is, every time I'm like "yep, for sure we'll go" I think of the crowds. I am a rope-drop person; I want to be there when the park opens every day; that would help with crowds for a little bit - - but what then? At this late date, we'll be lucky to get a timeshare within 30 minutes of the park, so then there would be travel time built in (though my AP gets me free parking). And the longer I put off a decision, the worse it gets.

DBF keeps telling me to "take them take them take them", but he's also one who was cursing out loud at the Food and Wine Festival crowds when I took him for HIS first time!

 

[ilovemk76]

IMHO you should have never asked the parents until you had the money for the trip. Now that you have asked the parents, if you go on a trip by yourself, they may not let you plan a trip again.

Take the kids.

 

[Leshaface]

Do you know when you have to make a definitive answer by?

 

[ZehnJahren]

IMHO you should have never asked the parents until you had the money for the trip. Now that you have asked the parents, if you go on a trip by yourself, they may not let you plan a trip again.

Take the kids.

I have money for the trip, and did have it before I asked. I proposed a certain week that worked for that budget, and it did not work for one of the kids so we dropped it. Now I'm wondering if I should switch the dates, but the budget goes up; those dates have not been proposed. If I WOULD propose them, I would be taking them that week if all parents were in agreement (three parents to consider). The dates in June are the only possibility now due to budget constraints; also, I cannot travel in July or August for that length of time.

I have gone by myself in the past, and will go by myself again in the future. The parents know this as well.

Do you know when you have to make a definitive answer by?

Last month. Seriously, the sooner the better, as prices go up every single day. That's why I'm saying that time is making the decision for me, since I can't make it myself.

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

My vote is to take the kids. I agree that 20 years from now you will not miss the money but you sure will be glad you have the memories. I think it will be an amazing experience for the kids to have in their childhood.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Make a decision by today (deadlines are good)

If you decide to NOT go with the kids this year, make a plan NOW for next year. Commit to those kids one way or another

it is hard to be disappointed by adults, be there for them

 

[pigletto]

Make a decision by today (deadlines are good)

If you decide to NOT go with the kids this year, make a plan NOW for next year. Commit to those kids one way or another

it is hard to be disappointed by adults, be there for them

Best plan I've seen

Decide NOW or decide for next summer, book something and put a small down payment on it. If you want a little extra to play with make the trip next summer and maybe the kids could look for ways to earn money for the year. They would also get the benefit of planning and being excited!! The build up is often the best part.
Or take them now because it's sounds like in your heart you feel that is the best idea.

So either way, my vote is to take them.

 

[ZehnJahren]

Make a decision by today (deadlines are good)

If you decide to NOT go with the kids this year, make a plan NOW for next year. Commit to those kids one way or another

it is hard to be disappointed by adults, be there for them

Plans already made for next year, just not with this side of my family. I couldn't commit to them next year; that summer is already booked. Fortunately, they don't know anything at all, so there's no disappointment.

Decide NOW or decide for next summer, book something and put a small down payment on it.
Or take them now because it's sounds like in your heart you feel that is the best idea.
So either way, my vote is to take them.

Already have next summer's vacation figured out, and unfortunately it's with the other side of my family. These kids will not be a part of it since they're not related. My mom actually brought up bringing them anyway on our Disneyland trip in 2013, but once we talked it through we found it just wouldn't work for many, many, many reasons.

I wish it were an easier decision. I'm just so tight-fisted with money.

 

[adventure_woman]

I would definitely go. IMO life is too short. I'm not saying to go into debt, but it sounds like you still have an EF, so go for it. To me, it is one of those things that gosh forbid something ever happened, you wouldn't look back on it and say I wish we hadn't done that. I think you are trying to go budget wise, and it's a good plan! There is nothing like taking kids to WDW and seeing it through THEIR eyes!

Personally, I would book the timeshare now if you can get your deposit back. That way, that is all set.

As for the crowds - do rope drop and then when it gets busy, go to another park if you can't go back to your timeshare. The kids are old enough to know to be able to help you if you have an anxiety issue/etc. Just let them know before hand and what they can do to help! (I know my DD would be okay if I explained it to her and she is only 5!).

I agree - the kids will be great for you. It is when they are around their parents that it brings out the 'best' in them! My nephews are the exact same way!