For those who have to save for WDW

[mm6mm6]

Just a little bit of a rant, but I hope it makes some of us feel better:

My best friend is quite rich. Millions actually. He left the family business and bought his own business in Florida. I don't get to see him as much as when he lived here in Illinois. We've known each other since High School.

I was talking to him on the phone the other day and he said, "Oh, did I tell you we're going to Disney?"

I told him he didn't and I asked excitedly, "Where are you staying and how long are you going for?"

"I dunno. My sister booked it. My mom and dad and my sister and her husband and three kids are going along with me and my girlfriend and her son. I don't know where we're staying. I don't even know when we're going. Sometime for Christmas. I know we'll be there Christmas day. It's gonna suck. It's going to be so crowded. I know I'm gonna hate it. I wish I didn't have to go."

This is the problem when people have too much money. He has a new Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG. This is a super fast car that cost well over $100,000. I asked him how his car was. He said it was okay. No biggie.

For those of us who have to save our pennies for a trip to WDW, for those of us who try to decide if we should save our money to stay at a Moderate instead of a Value, for those of us who are on MouseSavers.com's email list, for those of us who use coupons and for those of us who buy Disney tshirts and gifts at home on sale to bring to WDW for our kids, I say this:

Be happy you have to save and scrimp and make due to take your family to WDW. Enjoy the fact that when you're there, it actually means something to you. You relish the time with your family, making those magical moments when you see a character you don't have a photo with already. My friend will be dragging his girlfriend's son away because he won't want to stand in the line to get a picture with Koda from Brother Bear. We'll run up and stand there to get that pic!

Those of us who go to WDW once a year or less because it's our family vacation and it's special because we truly appreciate what we're doing should take solace because our lives are that much more wonderful because of it.

If you can afford to go to WDW once a month for a week at a time, how special could it be?

My friend really showed me what's important in life.

Enjoy your magical times at WDW and don't feel sorry for yourself because you are staying at a Value Resort for four days instead of a eleven days in the Roy Disney suite at the Grand Floridian.

You've got it better! You really do!

Merry Christmas everyone!

-Steve

 

[HLDisney]

Thank you for this post! It's a great reminder to be thankful for what we have.

Helen

 

[ceecee]

Maybe he's downplaying it so you don't feel bad. Saying his car was great, etc. would sound like bragging! Sounds like he's single? WDW at Christmas may not be the most fun he could have.

 

[dzneelvr]

At least we don't have to worry whether people love us for our money or outselves and the old adage: money doesn't buy everything is certainly true! Merry Christmas everyone

 

[lilmis1107]

Great post. It's reminds me of my boss and his family. They have ALOT of money, but they don't treat their family with respect. I feel so rich when I think of how close my family is. I would much rather have family, even if I have to skrinch and save every little bit of money to go to Disney. It's MUCH better than the wealth they have!
Thanks for the post!
and MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!

 

[eliza61]

Just a little bit of a rant, but I hope it makes some of us feel better:

My best friend is quite rich. Millions actually. He left the family business and bought his own business in Florida. I don't get to see him as much as when he lived here in Illinois. We've known each other since High School.

I was talking to him on the phone the other day and he said, "Oh, did I tell you we're going to Disney?"

I told him he didn't and I asked excitedly, "Where are you staying and how long are you going for?"

"I dunno. My sister booked it. My mom and dad and my sister and her husband and three kids are going along with me and my girlfriend and her son. I don't know where we're staying. I don't even know when we're going. Sometime for Christmas. I know we'll be there Christmas day. It's gonna suck. It's going to be so crowded. I know I'm gonna hate it. I wish I didn't have to go."

This is the problem when people have too much money. He has a new Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG. This is a super fast car that cost well over $100,000. I asked him how his car was. He said it was okay. No biggie.

For those of us who have to save our pennies for a trip to WDW, for those of us who try to decide if we should save our money to stay at a Moderate instead of a Value, for those of us who are on MouseSavers.com's email list, for those of us who use coupons and for those of us who buy Disney tshirts and gifts at home on sale to bring to WDW for our kids, I say this:

Be happy you have to save and scrimp and make due to take your family to WDW. Enjoy the fact that when you're there, it actually means something to you. You relish the time with your family, making those magical moments when you see a character you don't have a photo with already. My friend will be dragging his girlfriend's son away because he won't want to stand in the line to get a picture with Koda from Brother Bear. We'll run up and stand there to get that pic!

Those of us who go to WDW once a year or less because it's our family vacation and it's special because we truly appreciate what we're doing should take solace because our lives are that much more wonderful because of it.

If you can afford to go to WDW once a month for a week at a time, how special could it be?

My friend really showed me what's important in life.

Enjoy your magical times at WDW and don't feel sorry for yourself because you are staying at a Value Resort for four days instead of a eleven days in the Roy Disney suite at the Grand Floridian.

You've got it better! You really do!

Merry Christmas everyone!

-Steve

Ok Steve,

I'm going to be the one to take friendly exception. If I'm reading your post correctly, you are assuming that because those of us who might be doing well financially, we have no appreciation of our gifts. That some how because you have to save a little better, you are happier on your trips than me. That because I am not middle class I some how don't know what is important in life?

Wow!! talk about classism (is that a word?).

As a person who doesn't have to scrimp, let me first say that I work damn hard for every single penny or luxury item I have. I am well compensated and not about to apologize for it.
Your friend is voicing a common complaint among all income levels. Disney at Christmas is packed. It does stink. So because I have a 6 figure income I'm not supposed to complain?

Sorry Steve,
All I'm reading is that your supposed best friend is not acting how you feel he should be acting and all of a sudden it's because he has too much money.

So on behalf of all the people who don't have to cut coupons let me say we are all not the shallow people you have painted your best friend as.
I have a firm grip on what's important to me. I thank God for all the things he has blessed me with and I'd like to think that I'm a pretty decent human being regardless of my income.
Oh and I still think Disney is a pretty special place regardless to how many times a year I go.

Merry Christmas to you also.

 

[smokeyblue]

Sorry, I have to disagree with you. I don't think he was showing lack of appreciation for being able to afford such things with ease, I think he was just being a guy. Most men I know don't care about the details unless it involves fishing, hunting, football, car racing, golf or the like. Frankly, I wouldn't be too excited about a Christmas trip to Disney because of the crowds either;just my personal preference.

 

[Justsyd2]

I don't think that your friend did anything wrong. In fact, I'm glad to hear that he's not drooling over a car or a Disney trip. He sounds like he's grounded, and not bragging because he has money.

Disney at Christmas is going to be a nightmare, so I completely understand his concern.

It sounds like maybe you have a problem with him not being the one to "hold" things over you...like an expensive car and a Disney trip, but if he did, you'd probably say that he's bragging...

 

[mm6mm6]

Uh-oh. I guess I need to clear some things up.

If anyone has money and still enjoys WDW and everythng else in life, more power to them and that's fantastic! What I am saying is not to those who have money. It's to those of us who don't. I am trying to point out that there is no need to wish we had more money as it can (not will, can) lead to no longer appreciating the small things in life. Not that WDW is small, obviously it isn't.

I'm just trying to point out that those who treat their WDW vacation as the biggest thing in their life should enjoy it for what it is.

As to my friend, remember I said he is my best friend. No matter what. I've known him for almost 30 years. He has been twice divorced and admits to me he has a very sad life. He sees a psychologist on a regular basis. His girlfriend has a son from a previous relationship. She left my friend after a 5 year relationship for another man six months ago. She is carrying that man's baby right now. She left that man and went back to my friend. He took her back. He's with her now because "it's the holidays" but he doesn't think he'll stay with her beyond the first of the year or after the baby is born. She told the baby's father she had an abortion but he saw her at a store and knows she is still pregnant. He has retained an attorney to prove paternity. Talk about a messed up situation.

Despite all of his money, he life is a debacle. He admits it's a debacle. Even though I've tried to give him advice, he admits he is unable to take it. He says he knows he should but he just can't seem to do it.

I tried to get him to at least enjoy the time with his family at WDW he has coming up. But he can't....

Like I said, I mean nothing against those who have money. I'm a guy who loves all things Disney. I take in every moment with my DW and DD12 when we are encompassed in all things Disney.

I just wanted to bring a little holiday cheer to those who appreciate WDW. No matter how much money they have!

 

[hipchickie]

Maybe he's downplaying it so you don't feel bad. Saying his car was great, etc. would sound like bragging! Sounds like he's single? WDW at Christmas may not be the most fun he could have.

I was going to say the same thing about bragging.

And I love disney, but based on what I have heard, You couldn't pay me to go xmas week, I am definitely not into crowds. Plus, if you are no disney fan to begin with, or when you if being with his family is going to be a constant reminder of what he does not have, it could be plain torture.
I am going to be taking a family vacation next year with several family members that I really can not stand. Am I excited? Hell no! It is my vision of hell. I may confide that in my best friend, because she would understand - that even though it is a vacation some would envy me for taking, she would listen and understand.


A recent thread was saying how our children should feel so lucky to have parents to bring the to Disney. While it is a nice trip, I would rather see any child spend time with the adult in their life, who cares about them and tries to teach them how to be a good person. The measurement is not a picture with a Disney character.

 

[eliza61]

Uh-oh. I guess I need to clear some things up.

I'm just trying to point out that those who treat their WDW vacation as the biggest thing in their life should enjoy it for what it is.

Despite all of his money, he life is a debacle. He admits it's a debacle. Even though I've tried to give him advice, he admits he is unable to take it. He says he knows he should but he just can't seem to do it.

I tried to get him to at least enjoy the time with his family at WDW he has coming up. But he can't....


I just wanted to bring a little holiday cheer to those who appreciate WDW. No matter how much money they have!

Hey Thanks Steve for coming back. That was very nice.

One of the things that makes Disney such a great place is that they make vacations magical no matter how you are going or where your staying.

I have 3 kids, 2 sons and my niece (daughter) and one of the things we try to instill in them is hard work ethics and appreciation. Right now it's a tough sell because they are turning into materialistic teenagers (current argument is why I am not about to spend 200 bucks on a Iphone for a 13 yo but thats another thread )
It is very sad when people can't see the forest for the trees so to speak. I think it's a very human thing especially during this horrible recession to think "If I only had a couple of hundred grand my life would be so much better" and we know that's not necessarily true.

Disney is a great place and that is why so man millions of us keep going back.
Definitely can't hurt to remember the reasons why.

 

[smokeyblue]

I'm sorry; I still don't get the point you're trying to make. Anyone can be sad, depressed, miserable, lonely if they're rich poor or inbetween. Really what I am seeing is that your friend is mentally ill and his actions and feelings are being influenced by the same. I mean why make an example out of your best-friend? What does it prove? It doesn't seem like money is even an issue here, he seems like he has a medical problem!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

OP--I see your point, I really do, but I get the feeling that "the rich" can't win for losing with a lot of people around here. If he had said, "Woohoo, I'm going to Disney World for Christmas!!!", you likely would have come on and posted about what a braggart he was. Or if he went on at length about how fabulous his car is.

I also don't think the problems in his life have anything to do with money--just with poor choices. How many people on these boards are also dating someone with a child from a previous relationship, for instance, or took back a cheating spouse or girlfrined. This "friend" is no different. It does show that money isn't a guarantee of happiness, but most of us knew that already. And I also know plenty of poor people who have an entitlement attitude, so it's really not fair to put that on rich people, either.

OTOH, you are perfectly within your rights to be grateful for what you have in front of you--a loving family, a roof over your heads, full belly. Anything else is just gravy. If going to WDW every other year helps you to appreciate it more--by all means, get the most out of that trip.

 

[mm6mm6]

Oh boy Part II: I didn't want to dwell on the negative. Yep, for thirty years I've tried to help my good friend "see the forest through the trees." That's why he's still my friend.

In an attempt to get back to my op, when a kid saves up for a special toy (let's say a Wii game they would like and they save their $3 allowance every week until they can buy it), it means a lot to them. Because they worked for it. Imagine a kid with a Wii, X-Box, and a PS3. And 100 games for each. They start to lose meaning.

When someone saves their money to buy a convertible they only drive during the summer and keep for 30 years, it means something. When someone buys several very expensive cars and trades them in on the latest one, it seems they just get bored.

Again, I'm not saying everyone! Jay Leno has hundreds of cars and I get the impression that he enjoys every single one.

I really wish he would have said, "Woooo hoooo, I'm going to Disney with my whole family and it's going to be great! We're staying at the fanciest resort and in the biggest rooms!" That would have been terrific! He's actually the most generous guy with money I know. He wears blue jeans and tshirts and you wouldn't know he had money if you met him. I've been with him when salespeople treated him like dirt because of his appearance. I thought, "Boy did you just make a big mistake. He would have bought that (car, truck, jewelery, motorcycle, ATV, etc) right now."



If I can put it even more in a nutshell, I'm trying to say don't wish you could afford to stay in a Grand Floridian suite every time you go to WDW. No matter where you stay, it's WDW and it's wonderful! Money doesn't always make it better!

 

[Planogirl]

I think that what it comes down to is that money alone can't buy happiness. It helps people get to where they want to be but you still have to have that appreciation and a sense of fun for it to matter.

 

[Swimalie]

I agree with those who have said that your friend probably down played the trip because he's a guy and not because he doesn't appreciate the trip but because of when he's going. I have a friend who went this past summer. I know, based on her husband's job, that they earn about what my husband does and are very comfortable financially, just like us. But if I ask her where they ate and what they did, she couldn't tell me nuch. To her, it was just another trip. So it happens in all levels. I wouldn't call us "rich" but we're comfortable. For me, I will know all the trip details but then again that's me. That is not my friend. Income and class level has nothing to do with that.

 

[Helene]

OP,

Just wanted to say that I understand your point

Have a Merry Christmas!!

 

[mward73]

While I understand what you're saying, I have to disagree with him not appreciating being able to afford to go. We're lucky in that we don't have to save to go on vacation, HOWEVER, we do watch what we spend each month, use coupons to save money, etc. Now, that being said, you couldn't pay me to go to Disney at Christmas. As much as I'd love to go there again soon, I would find myself in a nightmare if I were there with that many people. Maybe he doesn't like the crowds?

As for the car, while he spend a load of money on it, it's probably just a car to him - maybe he doesn't want to brag about it. DH bought an expensive car (before we were married) and if anyone asked him about it, he'd say it was ok. Now that I got him to sell it, he talks about it all the time like it was the big love of his life! lol I don't think he "gets" that he spent that much money on a car that he didn't need (he could've bought a more practical car). He was young, single and wanted to have fun.

 

[Mad4Mickey]

I have done both , scrimped and saved just to get my kids there and they never ate a TS the 1st 2 times they went . But they were there ! We stayed at the DL now the POR and we loved it every single second of it .
I was able to save enough for them to eat CP for breakfast 1 time during the next 3 trips.
As I got older I got better with my money and now I own DVC so my kids who are 21 and 23 will now be staing at "home" SSR in a 2 bedroom villa . They will be eating at every place they ever wanted to eat at and we will have just as much fun as we have always had.
This is going to be trip 41 ( I think LOL my DH says 43) and it will be my SIL and Granddaughters 1st trip .

We love it no matter when we go and we are very blessed to be able to go 3-4 times a year . ( THanks American for such cheap air LOL )

 

[nunzia]

Amen.