Finding myself in a predicament...

[hkkatie]

We've been planning our Summer 2018 WDW trip for a couple of years already. Nobody in my family has ever been there before. This is definitely a bucket list trip for me, something I've wanted to do since I was a kid. When we first started talking about it, both of my older kids were totally onboard and excited. Now that a couple years have passed, their interest is waning. My husband is not really a Disney or theme park type of guy, so having him agree to this trip was a huge deal for me. We still have a year and a half to go and my older kids don't really care about going anymore. My younger two kids are too young to really care one way or the other. My hubby could take it or leave it. If I'm the only one who really wants to go, should I just forget about it for now? Why spend all that money when nobody else really cares? I mean, if we went to California instead of Florida, we would automatically save around $2k just on air fare, and that is very attractive especially to my husband. But it really pulls at my heart to have to give up my WDW dream....

Thoughts?

 

[uccats97]

If your kids have never been, they have no idea what they would be missing. Disney is not just for little kids! There are tons of things for tweets/teens to do. I say this is your dream and has been for years. Make it happen! Encourage your older kids to get involved in the planning. Let them choose dining locations, research new and different foods/snacks to try, learn about the rides and list out their must do experiences. Do they know about the water parks, mini golf, horse back riding, watersports, archery, movie theater, hot air balloon, etc.? Hopefully, they aren't just thinking "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" and dismissing everything else. Have them watch the vacation planning video, read some guide books, etc. The more they learn, the more invested they will become in the trip. Don't give up hope. Look for ways to help make this long sought after dream a reality!

 

[DisneyWorldbuff]

I volunteer to go with you!!!
Is there any way you and the younger kids could make the trip yourself? That would save a lot of money but still fulfill your dream of going to WDW. I'll admit that I'm the Disney lover in my family, but everyone still has a great time when we are there. My oldest is 15 now, and still loves going. I think everyone would probably have fun, but you're right that it is a huge expense. Try to find a way to make it work, I don't think you'll regret. Good luck!

 

[WhispyPixie]

IMO, you can't "not like" something that you have never experienced. I can say, My kids loved it...and as adults now...still can't get enough it! Good luck!

 

[Vijoge]

IMO, you can't "not like" something that you have never experienced. I can say, My kids loved it...and as adults now...still can't get enough it! Good luck!

You can't "not like" it but you can just not be interested in it. I personally wouldn't spend the money, at least not that much money, on something someone wasn't interested in doing, but that's just me.

 

[WhispyPixie]

You can't "not like" it but you can just not be interested in it. I personally wouldn't spend the money, at least not that much money, on something someone wasn't interested in doing, but that's just me.

Quite true! Quite thankful our kids ended up loving it after their first trip..lol

 

[Nayan]

You can't "not like" it but you can just not be interested in it. I personally wouldn't spend the money, at least not that much money, on something someone wasn't interested in doing, but that's just me.

I agree. Plus, if you go and they truly have no interest it could make your dream vacation a nightmare. Maybe go to Cali and spend a day at Disneyland instead?

 

[srwarden1928]

As far as older kids are concerned, DW and I took our niece for her first trip to WDW when she was 21yo. She had a wonderful time. She is not about to let her kids get that old before going, and she wants me along too.

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

If your kids have never been, they have no idea what they would be missing. Disney is not just for little kids! There are tons of things for tweets/teens to do. I say this is your dream and has been for years. Make it happen! Encourage your older kids to get involved in the planning. Let them choose dining locations, research new and different foods/snacks to try, learn about the rides and list out their must do experiences. Do they know about the water parks, mini golf, horse back riding, watersports, archery, movie theater, hot air balloon, etc.? Hopefully, they aren't just thinking "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" and dismissing everything else. Have them watch the vacation planning video, read some guide books, etc. The more they learn, the more invested they will become in the trip. Don't give up hope. Look for ways to help make this long sought after dream a reality!

Couldn't agree more!

OP, It sounds like you've been planning for a LONG time, so it may not be that they lost interest in Disney, but lost interest with planning the trip in general. I know for my kids we usually start planning about a year in advance, but by the 6 month mark they are just ready to go already. I say go for it! The kids will surely love it once they arrive.

 

[Vijoge]

Quite true! Quite thankful our kids ended up loving it after their first trip..lol

You're lucky. We took our youngest son when he was nine. After three days he wanted to go home and he's never wanted to go back, even when we offer to pay. Our oldest owns DVC and still doesn't care for Disney. He only bought it because his SO wanted it but he wouldn't care if he never went. He goes for the kids, but that's all.

 

[LuvMyEAR]

Graciously forgive the non-believers and carry on planning, if quietly for a while. You always have us DISers to share the joy.

It can be very hard for some people to maintain a high level of enthusiasm for a sustained period of time. it becomes unreal; an abstract concept of a date that never seems to come. I have a friend who just can't stand long range planning and if forced into that situation she is downright cranky about the whole thing before leaving home. She wants to decide and go, with a maximum 1 month lead-in. Me, I am 236 days from my next trip and will savour the anticipation for every one of those days.

Good luck and remember, she who makes the plans usually gets her own way.

 

[DLgal]

Go solo and leave your husband with the kids.

It's your bucket list trip, not theirs, and that is OK. Tons of adults go solo and have a blast.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

If your DH and older childern don't want to go, can you go alone with the younger kids and then do something else with the whole family at a different time? If CA is cheaper, you may want to consider going there and doing 1 or 2 days in Disneyland instead. No point in spending all of that money if a lot of people aren't interested in going.

 

[TwoMisfits]

I'm going to jump on the "try Disneyland 1st b/c it's way cheaper for you" option. Maybe they'll love it and then want Disney World with you...maybe they'll hate it (and maybe you will, too) and a future WDW trip will be a moot point...

 

[happymommy]

Go solo and leave your husband with the kids.

It's your bucket list trip, not theirs, and that is OK. Tons of adults go solo and have a blast.

This is a good idea to consider.

I went once as a child, loved it (the Magic Kingdom was the only park back then). Went a couple of times with just my mom for a day trip to Epcot (we were down in Florida visiting my aunt) when I was 20 and I think 21. I still loved it!

My husband and I went a few times before we had kids (even went on our honeymoon).

So, it's not just for kids at all. Any age can enjoy it!

But if they don't want to go really, and it's on your bucket list, I'd just go solo!

Now I go most often just with my daughter, who turns 18 on our next trip. She and I love going, and my husband and son are just not into it any longer. When she's in college, I can see going solo, maybe to go to the Food and Wine festival or just for a long weekend in the fall.

 

[MommaBerd]

@hkkatie - How old are your older kids? Do they like Disney movies, Star Wars, other Disney characters? Because that definitely helps if they are familiar or have enjoyed Disney characters, even if it was when they were little.

This isn't exactly the same, but prior to our first family trip, I was really concerned that DH would not enjoy WDW. He had been as a kid, but he recalled it as more of an amusement park that he didn't especially love; that it wasn't really anything special. He also didn't really "grow up" on Disney. Well, long story short, he loves it. But, the appeal for him, initially, was very unconventional - he was fascinated by the business culture and high level of guest service and attention to detail. It appealed to his entrepreneurial spirit.

My point is that there are so many ways for people to connect with Disney! My DH wasn't excited about going the first time, but he went because I wanted to go. I think more often than not, people go not expecting to enjoy it and come away with great memories and having an amazing time.

And, it's tough for kids to have to wait for something for so long and maintain the initial excitement. Have y'all taken other smaller vacations in the meantime? Because if your family has had to put ALL the eggs, over at least three years, into the ONE Disney basket, then that's doubly tough.

I agree with some of the PPs about getting the older kids involved in the planning process. And maybe introduce them to the Kingdom Keepers series of books to generate some more interest at their age level (if they are pre-/teens). Good luck!!!

 

[KayKayJS]

I don't know how old your kids are, but let me tell you a little story.

My parents asked me when I was a kid where I wanted to go on vacation whenever we had a little extra money (we lived in NW Florida). And I always wanted to go to Sea World or Atlanta or a local water park (lucky for them). Never had any interest in Disney World so they didn't force it.

We finally went for the first time when I was 13 years old and I lost my mind. I have been hooked ever since. I'm now 27, moved to Orlando and last year I got engaged at the Magic Kingdom. Heading to Aulani for our honeymoon.

I'm really glad my parents took me when I was 13, I can't imagine how my life would be different if they hadn't. I ended up going to college here (because I wanted to be close to WDW) and my fiance and I are both huge Disney freaks.

My point is, you wont really know unless you go.

 

[hkkatie]

Thank you all for your input. You've given me a lot to think about it. As a little background, we have been living in Hong Kong for awhile, and there is a Disneyland here. It is quite small, and we have gone a LOT over the years. My older two kids have grown bored with the park here, which is probably a big part of why they aren't too excited about WDW anymore. They are currently 9 & 13. (Will be 11 & 15 at the time of the WDW trip). My younger two kids (4 year old twins) have only been a couple of times and have absolutely LOVED it, but we don't go very often because the older two don't want to go anymore. (And because they keep jacking up the prices.....). As far as the planning for the trip goes, I've done pretty much all of it, but I do ask their opinions on certain things. I think that the poster who said it's hard to maintain excitement for that long is probably right. Maybe they feel like it's never really going to happen. We have gone to Disneyland and California Adventure a couple of times when we've gone back to the USA for a visit, the last time was 2 years ago. (My profile pic). We only went for 2 days, which was definitely not long enough. I do like the idea of maybe only taking my youngest two with me, but I think my older two would end up feeling left out and sad, unless my dh took them to Universal Studios/Harry Potter World instead.

As far as my hubby goes, he just doesn't like spending a lot of money. It's already going to be an expensive trip for us, with flying from HK, and then spending a few weeks visiting with our families. To add another several thousand dollars for the WDW trip is just about doing him in, even though we can afford it. I guess we'll just see how it goes. But if we are going to do WDW, I know I'll have to start thinking about our hotel reservations etc in about 6-8 months from now. I guess until then I can cool my jets with the research and planning for a bit. Maybe they're tired of hearing about it. lol.

Again, thank you all for your input. It is very much appreciated!

(Edited to add: Yes, I have suggested Shanghai Disneyland to my hubby several times, and even as a compromise to save money, but he has resisted. He does not enjoy traveling in China.)

 

[TwoMisfits]

Thank you all for your input. You've given me a lot to think about it. As a little background, we have been living in Hong Kong for awhile, and there is a Disneyland here. It is quite small, and we have gone a LOT over the years. My older two kids have grown bored with the park here, which is probably a big part of why they aren't too excited about WDW anymore. They are currently 9 & 13. (Will be 11 & 15 at the time of the WDW trip). My younger two kids (4 year old twins) have only been a couple of times and have absolutely LOVED it, but we don't go very often because the older two don't want to go anymore. (And because they keep jacking up the prices.....). As far as the planning for the trip goes, I've done pretty much all of it, but I do ask their opinions on certain things. I think that the poster who said it's hard to maintain excitement for that long is probably right. Maybe they feel like it's never really going to happen. We have gone to Disneyland and California Adventure a couple of times when we've gone back to the USA for a visit, the last time was 2 years ago. (My profile pic). We only went for 2 days, which was definitely not long enough. I do like the idea of maybe only taking my youngest two with me, but I think my older two would end up feeling left out and sad, unless my dh took them to Universal Studios/Harry Potter World instead.

As far as my hubby goes, he just doesn't like spending a lot of money. It's already going to be an expensive trip for us, with flying from HK, and then spending a few weeks visiting with our families. To add another several thousand dollars for the WDW trip is just about doing him in, even though we can afford it. I guess we'll just see how it goes. But if we are going to do WDW, I know I'll have to start thinking about our hotel reservations etc in about 6-8 months from now. I guess until then I can cool my jets with the research and planning for a bit. Maybe they're tired of hearing about it. lol.

Again, thank you all for your input. It is very much appreciated!

(Edited to add: Yes, I have suggested Shanghai Disneyland to my hubby several times, and even as a compromise to save money, but he has resisted. He does not enjoy traveling in China.)

Oh, so they are probably Disneyed-out...or hoping for a US trip to see something/anything different. If that's the case, and you are staying in HK for a while more, I would plan a US trip with no Disney and let the teen/tween see something else. I have 2 almost the same age (and 2 younger) and they are so excited for our TN trip in June to the Smokey's and the crazy and corny that is there b/c it's DIFFERENT! So, I'd plan somewhere totally different and take one for the team...WDW will still be there after a trip like that...and who knows, maybe you'll also like the other places...

 

[hkkatie]

Oh, so they are probably Disneyed-out...or hoping for a US trip to see something/anything different. If that's the case, and you are staying in HK for a while more, I would plan a US trip with no Disney and let the teen/tween see something else. I have 2 almost the same age (and 2 younger) and they are so excited for our TN trip in June to the Smokey's and the crazy and corny that is there b/c it's DIFFERENT! So, I'd plan somewhere totally different and take one for the team...WDW will still be there after a trip like that...and who knows, maybe you'll also like the other places...

Yeah, I have been thinking of some alternate trips if WDW really doesn't pan out... Most of my ideas involve some sort of road trip, which my kids are also not too fond of... sigh... We'll figure it out.