Go alone or not to go, that is the question.

[StuartJax]

Ever since my wife and I met 10 years ago, we have been regulars at Walt Disney World. We have Annual Passes and live close enough that we can drive down to the parks and be back in our bed the same day. We have always been at a Disney park for our Anniversary and try to attend as many of the special and holiday events throughout the year. Going to the parks is something we love doing together.

Here is my conundrum. About three months ago my wife hurt her back. We’re not sure what happened, it’s just extremely painful for her to sit for long periods and walk long distances, the two things that are needed for a trip Disney. The back pain caused us to miss being at Disney for our anniversary the first time since we’ve been married and now it may cause us to miss a trip this weekend to see the Osborne Lights and Cinderella’s Castle lit up. My wife hates that this is causing us to miss out on the Christmas festivities and possibly the last year of the Osborne lights if rumors of its demise turn out to be true. She has even said I could go down by myself if I wanted. She hates to think I will miss Christmastime Disney because of her inability to move around. I’ve never imagined being at Disney without her. We have rescheduled our Anniversary trip to spend a week there in January.

Here is the question: Should I go this weekend without her? Would the experience be empty without my wife by my side, knowing she’s at home with the cats?

 

[PrincessJo]

I can only tell you what I would do in that situation. I wouldn't be able to have fun at all if my DH wasn't there. I wouldn't go alone.

If her back problem is temporary, you can at least go again in the future. If it's a permanent thing, maybe it's time to come up with a new tradition... whatever makes you both happy and keeps the Mrs. pain-free

Good luck with whatever you decide! I hope your wife feels better soon

 

[StuartJax]

Thank you for the response PrincessJo. You're right. We have our belated Anniversary trip in late January to look forward to. No reason to push things.

 

[Random Ninja]

A fellow J-villain, hi! You said your wife can't sit or stand for a long period of time, how long can she sit? You could do an overnight trip to help with the traveling back and forth. Maybe you could make several stops so she has a chance to walk around. It'll make the trip down longer but it may be worth it to see the lights and decorations. A 4-5 hour trip is still not bad compared to most of the folks around here.

It'd recommend renting a wheelchair or ECV at the parks or from off-site. She doesn't have to sit in it all the time. When she needs to walk, just put your bags in the seat for a wheelchair and push or let you drive the ECV for a while. A wheelchair or ECV is nothing to be ashamed of; it's just a tool like glasses. If I could use one in the parks I'd do so in a heartbeat but it's not an option for me so I just take it slow.

You might want to check out the Jacksonville thread on the DisMeets board. There's a group of us planning a meet in January. http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3195349

 

[LSchrow]

She hates to think I will miss Christmastime Disney because of her inability to move around....

i know it's against popular opinion, but i think you should go.
from what you posted, she will feel guilty if you don't.

so, my vote is "GO!", but do things a little differently: carry your phone/tablet, send her videos and pix "in the moment", and make her feel she is there, with you, as much as possible.
enjoy what you have for 10 years together, just a little differently

 

[Chuck S]

Mother and I used to go to Disney together all the time. Since she passed 3 years ago, I have made several solo trips. Solo trips are "different" but still very enjoyable.

I've made it a point to try something new each trip, usually a restaurant I'd never tried, while still enjoying my favorite things in the parks. And there are some positives to solo trips, like the shorter single rider lines for some attractions. I still enjoy traveling with other more than solo, but I am OK with solo, too.

 

[PeterPanic]

Ever since my wife and I met 10 years ago, we have been regulars at Walt Disney World. We have Annual Passes and live close enough that we can drive down to the parks and be back in our bed the same day. We have always been at a Disney park for our Anniversary and try to attend as many of the special and holiday events throughout the year. Going to the parks is something we love doing together.

Here is my conundrum. About three months ago my wife hurt her back. We’re not sure what happened, it’s just extremely painful for her to sit for long periods and walk long distances, the two things that are needed for a trip Disney. The back pain caused us to miss being at Disney for our anniversary the first time since we’ve been married and now it may cause us to miss a trip this weekend to see the Osborne Lights and Cinderella’s Castle lit up. My wife hates that this is causing us to miss out on the Christmas festivities and possibly the last year of the Osborne lights if rumors of its demise turn out to be true. She has even said I could go down by myself if I wanted. She hates to think I will miss Christmastime Disney because of her inability to move around. I’ve never imagined being at Disney without her. We have rescheduled our Anniversary trip to spend a week there in January.

Here is the question: Should I go this weekend without her? Would the experience be empty without my wife by my side, knowing she’s at home with the cats?

My thoughts for what they are worth. I have been going solo for 12 years, but, my wife and I are divorced. I have gone on special trips without her previous to that to bring handicapped people there for a visit. I love the place solo.

OK, now that I have said that, what I have done and what I am currently doing is a long way different then what you are talking about. From what you wrote, it seems like she loves Disney as much as you. It is a valiant gesture for her to tell you to go, it is a more valiant gesture to decide that a trip without her would be empty and that you feel that before long she will once again be able to accompany you there and that will be a worthwhile trip. I don't see how you could enjoy yourself knowing that she is sitting home unable to be with you, through no fault of her own. Somethings are way more important then visiting a theme park. Supporting the one you love far outweighs any Disney visit.

I'm sure that I made myself pretty clear but in case I didn't...Do Not Go Without Her. You will regret it. IMHO!