For the Florida regulars........justification?

[team harris]

I haven't posted for sometime as our next planned trip was not until Feb 2011(a big birthday celebration!) but I regularly keep tabs on you all with envy!

An opportunity has arisen for us to return this Aug. That means that we 'do' Florida every 18 months ish. Now I know I dont have to justify this to anyone but do feel judged that this is extravagant (often by those who haven't been and just dont get the Florida thing!) What are your thoughts? Do you get this sort of reaction? Do you think it spoils your children?!?


P.S. I really need a trip soon as I am running out of make up, need new jeans and have lost my Test Track antenna topper!

It probably does spoil the children. We went for our once and only lifetime trip laughing: )with the children in 2003 and then again in 2007 and taking them again in August.
Our philosphy in life is it is for living and gaining experiences and you can't tell me that you don't get them there
We work hard as I'm sure everyone else on this site does, for our family holiday, we have been to other places abroad as well as the camping (in the rain ) in this country and WDW is by far our favourite place where we can all share in the fun
Having said that, our boys are growing fast and we don't think they'll be wanting to holiday with us old 'uns for many more years and there are so many different places to visit. Every year we sit down with the brochures with the intention of a new place, but WDW just ticks all the boxes for each of us
I honestly don't think any of us are worse people for it!

 

[DebIreland]

In the weeks of treatment we booked a trip to florida,a trip to lapland and all the things we had put off over the years and then we sat and prayed that ds would make it through treatment and be able to come with us. Thankfully he did and we saw all the things as a family.

That's just fantastic. Your attitude is inspiring.

We have had an awful year last year when he was rediagionised and once again treatment commenced and we have rebooked a trip to florida

I'm so glad you're going back.

My answer is simple live for today and follow ur dreams we have had to borrow every single penny to go this time but the memories we will have as us all together as a family will out weigh any debt issue my deepest regret is that we didnt return with a well child !!

You're absolutely right. Memories like that are worth so much more than money. How is your son doing now?

 

[ChristieK0310]

I promised that when my dd was born I would ensure that she would do the things that my dh and I as children never got to do. This includes nice holidays. We were in Florida twice last year, are going twice this year and dd is currently 15 months - peoples reaction is often that she won't remember it, but I know that she won't but dh and I will.

The way I look at it is that dh and I both work very hard, don't smoke, drink (much!) or get to spend much time going out so if I can look forward to a holiday with my family every 6 months where I know there are no phones, stress or guilt for leaving dd in childcare etc. then it makes the rest of the year easier.

Just my thoughts

 

[ChristieK0310]

You can only regret the things u didnt do !!! When my ds was diagionised with cancer we were gutted that as a family we had put so much off for the daftest of reasons. We had looked at wdw brochures and talked ourselves out of it - wait till kids r bigger - wait till the dollar stronger etc etc. In the weeks of treatment we booked a trip to florida,a trip to lapland and all the things we had put off over the years and then we sat and prayed that ds would make it through treatment and be able to come with us. Thankfully he did and we saw all the things as a family. We have had an awful year last year when he was rediagionised and once again treatment commenced and we have rebooked a trip to florida - so many people have said to us but you have done that b4 or can you really afford to go again?? My answer is simple live for today and follow ur dreams we have had to borrow every single penny to go this time but the memories we will have as us all together as a family will out weigh any debt issue my deepest regret is that we didnt return with a well child !!
My answer to your question is the extreme but life is so precious dont let other people live ur life have fun and cherish every second as a family
x x x

Words so well said. I wish you every bit of luck for your son and your family.

 

[team harris]

I haven't posted for sometime as our next planned trip was not until Feb 2011(a big birthday celebration!) but I regularly keep tabs on you all with envy!

An opportunity has arisen for us to return this Aug. That means that we 'do' Florida every 18 months ish. Now I know I dont have to justify this to anyone but do feel judged that this is extravagant (often by those who haven't been and just dont get the Florida thing!) What are your thoughts? Do you get this sort of reaction? Do you think it spoils your children?!?


P.S. I really need a trip soon as I am running out of make up, need new jeans and have lost my Test Track antenna topper!

You can only regret the things u didnt do !!! When my ds was diagionised with cancer we were gutted that as a family we had put so much off for the daftest of reasons. We had looked at wdw brochures and talked ourselves out of it - wait till kids r bigger - wait till the dollar stronger etc etc. In the weeks of treatment we booked a trip to florida,a trip to lapland and all the things we had put off over the years and then we sat and prayed that ds would make it through treatment and be able to come with us. Thankfully he did and we saw all the things as a family. We have had an awful year last year when he was rediagionised and once again treatment commenced and we have rebooked a trip to florida - so many people have said to us but you have done that b4 or can you really afford to go again?? My answer is simple live for today and follow ur dreams we have had to borrow every single penny to go this time but the memories we will have as us all together as a family will out weigh any debt issue my deepest regret is that we didnt return with a well child !!
My answer to your question is the extreme but life is so precious dont let other people live ur life have fun and cherish every second as a family
x x x

I work in a school. Last year we lost one of children to cancer. She was truly amazing. The whole community pulled together to raise funds to send her to WDW. Sadly she died, a few weeks before her dream was fulfilled. I for one am aware that life is short and it is so important to follow your heart and dreams. She will be in my thoughts every day we are there - I would like to think she is the big WDW section in heaven.

Go ahead, however you manage it and make those memories to share together.

A big to you all and ENJOY

 

[tinkerbell 766]

I get the 'not going again are you?' comments from many a person and indeed endured 'why do you waste your money' comments when 2 years ago I achieved my dream of owning DVC. I don't care. I am a paramedic and see all too often people who are here and healthy one day, and dead the next day.
Go where you want, when you want and as long as it doesn't get you into financial turmoil, who has the right to comment.

 

[Cinderella]

Hi - I have been a lot, sometimes as much as three times a year. But my last trip was in October 2006 and I decided then that I just wanted to go every two and a half to three years.

Hopefully, I'll be going in June this year and if I can resist the temptation to buy an annual pass, I should be able to stick to less frequent trips.

My mother did the whole guilt thing on me and said it wasn't fair that I went so often and other people couldn't. I politely reminded her that some of those other people spend ridiculous amounts of money on cars, clothes, furniture and houses they can't afford and I don't.

Hey - and like you say, we can get clothes so much cheaper over there, so we're really saving money by having Disney vacations.

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

It is your money to earn and spend as you like! I wouldn't worry about what others might think - I would book it, spoil my children rotton while there, and make some great memories to talk about until my next trip!!! People always have opinions - and if they are negative it usually comes down to good old fashioned jealousy!!

 

[higgy66]

I can't understand how people can be negative about ANYTHING somebody else does - why does it concern them?

If somebody told me they were going to Florida seveal times a year I would be envious and want to know all the juicy details!

I do agree that most people who make the comments have never been which is even more annoying.

We run quite an old car so I know as soon as we start telling people we're going to Florida this year (i've only told the disboard!) no doubt the comments about "money spent on a car a better idea" but what will my children remember about a new car when they grow up!?!

Buzz for boys - so glad to hear you're getting to go back - hope you have a magical time.

 

[dc1964]

Nothing new to add, its no one elses business how you spend your money and time, maybe it is just jelousy.

 

[tony64]

Our first trip was the trip of a life time. I guess we will have lived ten lifetimes after our next trip in November.

We don't smoke or drink, but LOVE our holidays.
we all have different things that are important to us, it would be a dull old world if we weren't.

Bugger what anyonelse thinks and do what is right for you.

 

[Lizzybear]

I don't think it's just Florida, we got the same sort of comments about our west and east coast trips too. If we could afford to go away more we would, other people can think what they like. I think holidays seem to bring out the criticism more than other things you could spend money on, I mean plenty of people drink away £50+ a week in pubs and clubs which could easily add up to the cost of a holiday but I guess with it being in 'bits' it seems like less!

 

[CHEK]

We get the odd comment too!, but we're not bothered what anyone else thinks, DH & I both work hard, we don't drink or smoke, and have very little family time together, due to the nature of his work.. so for us family holidays are precious and this is where we are happiest I agree life's for living

 

[karriemouse]

We go to FL a lot as it's where we decided to buy a 2nd home, something we'd been thinking of doing and researching for a long time. But the thing which made us take the plunge was me being told I may have Multiple Sclerosis. We're making sure we go now incase I become unable to. I would hate to look back and say 'if only...'

Most people make comments and I joke it off, a few people are insistant and then I get fed up and tell them the reason. Some understand, some don't, either way - it's my life, my money, my business.

My parents have never been out of the country and only taken me to one place in Wales for holidays. Since I left home at 18 they have never taken a holiday. Such a waste of life!

Get out there, live your life and have fun!!!

 

[quackersnaps]

I am 21 years old. I have been going to Disney since I was 5, started with Disneyland Paris and my first trip to Disney World was in 1996 when I was 9. Up until I was 18 we went to Disneyland Paris every summer. From 2001 until 2005 we went to Disney World every Easter. Usually we would end up at one of them every Christmas as well. Personally I think Disney has been quite a big part of creating the person I am today...the atmosphere, the laughter, the message Disney puts across. If you are a real Disney fan it really isn't about the rides. I grew up with many people saying 'going to Disney again are you?'...'don't you get bored'...'aren't you sick of all those rides'. To be honest all those people just don't understand the true meaning. My last 2 years of education, taking my A-Levels were 2 of the hardest years of my life and looking forward to escaping to Disney helped me through it. We lost my grandfather to cancer in March of 04 and then my Uncle 10 months later in January of 05. After tragedy like that you really do realise that life is far too short. What anyone else thinks of says really does not matter and you need to make the most of every single day you have. If you can live doing the things you love with the people you care about you really have to do it. I took 6 months out for a gap year to Florida after the 2 tough years. Decided we should take a leap and started the process to move to Florida. Now since 2006 we have been living 5 minutes from Disney World. I am lucky to have been able to do this and now have the best life. I try to appreciate every single moment and to be able to step into Disney World even for an hour to soak up the atmosphere is just amazing. I find it inspirational, it reminds me to be the best person you can be. I even come up with the best ideas for my business whilst in Disney, it completely clears my head and relaxes me...(I am in the real estate business which with the economy and the market can be tough!) I also look at Walt Disney and see that anything is possible, isn't that a great message to put to your children. Some children do grow out of Disney so you should make the most of it whilst you still can. Personally I never will and I think my Mum is an even bigger kid than me! Spoilt by going to Disney World....there are a lot worse things in this world!

'Live each day to the fullest. Get the most from each hour, each day, and each age of your life. Then you can look forward with confidence, and back without regrets'​

 

[shazy03]

We manage a January and September break each year, just us two, no children by choice, we are used to the judgements, we both work hard and our hols are treat, enjoying a 5 bedroom villa to ourselves. We wouldnt borrow to go on hols, if you have the opportunity go for it. Life is far too short go enjoy the magic

 

[CustardTart]

Over the past few years we have taken as many family holidays as DH's work schedule has permitted. Our two eldest children are no longer a financial responsibility and we've used the spare cash for travelling with our youngest 15 year old son. Not just to Florida but also to the Caribbean and DCL cruising as DS likes to scuba dive. Is he spoilt? Like Wayne said, probably BUT he's a charming, articulate, hard-working young man who appreciates the experiences that come his way. DH's family have made some snide comments over the years but as we shared the wealth and invited his niece to come to WDW with us in 2006, I don't care what they think - it's absolutely none of their business.

Today DH's company is on the verge of going bust, all his deferred shares are worthless and it's not clear whether he'll have a job on Monday so we'll definitely have to reconsider future plans... Our Easter trip is paid for but after that who knows? I'm just glad we've had the opportunity to enjoy all the high quality and quantity of trips over recent times - you never know when it might end...

 

[Julia Ann]

yeah - i know exactly wot you mean, we have only been 4 times in 13 years and each time we get "you are going there AGAIN!" and always by the people who have never been!!!!

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

We first went back in 2002,seems such a long time ago now,we've now got our 5th trip booked for June. People say "all that money on a holiday" but to us it's not just an holiday,it's our family holiday!,the kids absoutely appreciate where they go,its priceless to us. We also like many other's don't smoke,nor drink,and work hard for our holidays,if we didn't have the money we wouldn't go simple as that.And I agree life is very short,so regardless of what people may think or may say it's their opinion..we are all different (apart from all of us here )

 

[wideeyes]

I get it too, I went in September, going to DLRP soon and WDW twice this year, My mum says things all the time about how it must be boring however she always does the same sort of caribbean holiday every year.