Have kids? Need budget help!

[encinc]

Don't give up on airfare not going down. I found that Southwest fares bounce up and down a fair bit. Lower fares on other airlines suggests that SW may have to lower their fares to compete. Keep checking everyday and maybe you'll get something that will work.

 

[ZehnJahren]

Oh I'm sorry to hear your update. Maybe you could take them during a school break? Around here, the kids get a long weekend in October because of teachers' meetings&Columbus day and a week in February. It'd give you more time to plan. You seemed so excited, its a shame that it isn't working out.

The kids will soon be going to THREE different schools, two of which are in different counties; the chance that all the kids will have the same break is very small.

Don't rule out a long weekend. The last two times we went MLK weekend. The kids were out of school for 4 days- one holiday, one staff development day and the weekend. The two days before that were finals week and since they were both in elementary that didn't affect them except that they were early dismissal days. I picked them up at noon on the way to the airport the first finals day and they missed one day of school. I didn't feel too bad because it was an early dismissal day which is a less productive school day anyway. We left at Thursday at noon and didn't come back until Tuesday afternoon which was 5 nights and only counted as one absence.

The best part was that the parks were practically empty and the weather was nice. We didn't even need our sweatshirts until the sun went down.

I have the problem that they'll all be in different schools, so I don't know that I'll be able to match up their breaks outside of summer. And I need to make fall plans early so I can let work know; if I waited to find out what schools they were in, and when the breaks are, it would be too late for me to take vacation.

Don't give up on airfare not going down. I found that Southwest fares bounce up and down a fair bit. Lower fares on other airlines suggests that SW may have to lower their fares to compete. Keep checking everyday and maybe you'll get something that will work.

I will still be watching and hoping. But as time wears on, the possibility of getting a good timeshare also goes down. I don't want a 30 minute drive to the parks; that doesn't sound fun for anyone, and it raises my costs in gas. I think I have about three weeks to wait, and if the prices AREN'T right, I'll have to scrap it and just plan my own trip.

 

[robinb]

I've been watching Southwest fares, but couldn't book due to waiting for the SW points to post to our new credit card. The flights just went up by a LOT and I can't imagine they'll go back down. With these prices it won't be possible for me to take them anymore; I had just decided if we couldn't go in early June that I wasn't going to take them in August due to it being so much more hot and humid, and also because they won't know when their school starts so I can't adequately plan. I won't take them when it's super crowded; I personally can't handle those crowds, so August probably would have been a bad idea anyway.

I'm very, very disappointed; other airlines have much better prices, but I had to be able to use the points in order to take them because I couldn't afford four round trip plane tickets. I am SO GLAD we didn't mention it to them at all; they would be crushed.

Thanks for all your help.

First of all, the SWA fares are likely to go back down. All airlines, ESPECIALLY Southwest, raise their rates over the weekend. Check back next Tuesday and you'll see that they are back down again.

Secondly, August is really not that bad. I have not read all your updates but I don't quite understand why your sister (right?) doesn't know next year's tentative school schedule. Ours is out already. Also, even though they go to 3 different schools they should have the same break as it's based on the district and not each individual school.

Lastly, you are sounding a little down . If you want this to work out ... it will. It might take more effort than you expected and it might be a tiny bit less than perfect, but you WILL treat your sister's kids to WDW .

 

[ZehnJahren]

First of all, the SWA fares are likely to go back down. All airlines, ESPECIALLY Southwest, raise their rates over the weekend. Check back next Tuesday and you'll see that they are back down again.

Secondly, August is really not that bad. I have not read all your updates but I don't quite understand why your sister (right?) doesn't know next year's tentative school schedule. Ours is out already. Also, even though they go to 3 different schools they should have the same break as it's based on the district and not each individual school.

Lastly, you are sounding a little down . If you want this to work out ... it will. It might take more effort than you expected and it might be a tiny bit less than perfect, but you WILL treat your sister's kids to WDW .

We've been given warnings for MONTHS about airfare rising ahead of the summer. I DO have some hope that the fares will go down again, but so many other things are riding on getting airfare pegged down - especially the time share. Already two of the closest time shares to Disney property aren't available.

I really don't know about August. It would be cheaper, but all the crowds calendars say 9s and 10s, and I don't know about that. I know hot, and I know HOLYCRAPIT'STHEHOTTESTDAYEVER, and that's what it sounds like to me. I have started to feel more and more uncomfortable with that. Hot I can do; deathhot just doesn't seem like a good idea.

The thing with the kids is this: my sister is moving in June. They don't know where yet, and she'll probably wait to decide since she's moving with her boyfriend. The oldest kid lives in another county with his dad, and the other two will be in two different schools (one in elementary, one starting junior high) in August - and they don't even know where that will be. We won't know anything about that for a couple of months.

Thanks for the hugs. I AM a little down trying to figure this out.

 

[torinsmom]

We've been given warnings for MONTHS about airfare rising ahead of the summer. I DO have some hope that the fares will go down again, but so many other things are riding on getting airfare pegged down - especially the time share. Already two of the closest time shares to Disney property aren't available.

I really don't know about August. It would be cheaper, but all the crowds calendars say 9s and 10s, and I don't know about that. I know hot, and I know HOLYCRAPIT'STHEHOTTESTDAYEVER, and that's what it sounds like to me. I have started to feel more and more uncomfortable with that. Hot I can do; deathhot just doesn't seem like a good idea.

The thing with the kids is this: my sister is moving in June. They don't know where yet, and she'll probably wait to decide since she's moving with her boyfriend. The oldest kid lives in another county with his dad, and the other two will be in two different schools (one in elementary, one starting junior high) in August - and they don't even know where that will be. We won't know anything about that for a couple of months.

Thanks for the hugs. I AM a little down trying to figure this out.

We've been in August several times, last time being last year. It was hot, but we didn't feel like we were going to die or anything. Every park except AK has so many places to get out of the heat, and we just used that, in addition to getting to the parks early, leaving for a midday break and returning near sunset. I also didn't find it to be that crowded. We rode everything we wanted, using the same strategies I just mentioned. I guess I have never been during a low crowd time, so these 9's and 10's just confuse me. I have seen pics at Christmas when the crowds are 10's and I have never seen it even close to that when I went in June, July or August. Even spring break was not like that. The only real crowds I have seen are at rope drop when everyone is smooshed together at the gates.

 

[HayGan]

That does have to be really disappointing for you. It is possible that the fares could go down. (I just saw an analyst yesterday on CNBC talking about the real possibility that crude has hit its realistic peak and that prices could very well start coming down a bit.) Keep checking as it is still a little bit early for SW's June sale prices (the recent sale was just thru May.)

Also, I know this has been brought up before but you may want to think about it again, what about taking each of the kids at a separate time? One this year, one next year and one the year after that. I know it isn't ideal but the older the kids get, it is only going to get harder to find a good time for all of them (especially since it sounds like there are some family dynamics as well that would make it difficult.) I'm sure the kids would all love to go together but if going separately is the only way it can be done, I'm sure they would prefer that over not going at all. Plus it wouldn't be as overwhelming for you (or as costly!) Just something to consider

Good luck

 

[robinb]

We've been in August several times, last time being last year.

I have also been to WDW in August and over Christmas/New Years. August is NOTHING like Christmas. I won't lie, it can be busy. It can also be hot. But all that means is that you plan for an afternoon break to go back to the condo pool to cool off a bit.

Also, do you have any idea how many condos for rent in Orlando? Just because a couple have already been rented doesn't mean that there are not another hundred that are still available nearby. Don't let that stress you out.

 

[ZehnJahren]

We've been in August several times, last time being last year. It was hot, but we didn't feel like we were going to die or anything. Every park except AK has so many places to get out of the heat, and we just used that, in addition to getting to the parks early, leaving for a midday break and returning near sunset. I also didn't find it to be that crowded. We rode everything we wanted, using the same strategies I just mentioned. I guess I have never been during a low crowd time, so these 9's and 10's just confuse me. I have seen pics at Christmas when the crowds are 10's and I have never seen it even close to that when I went in June, July or August. Even spring break was not like that. The only real crowds I have seen are at rope drop when everyone is smooshed together at the gates.

I've been in ALL the low crowd times, so going back to high crowds will be difficult regardless. I went to the "show me a picture of crowds" thread and browsed through it - all the August crowd pictures looked painful to me. My last trip in August was in 2000, and the crowds were low - but the parks have increased attendance so much. I'm just not sure I can do that. I haven't given it up quite yet though. What times in August did you go? Early in the month, or late? Even where I live, we get about a week of 101+ temperatures in the summer, and it's always early August; at my last job, we had a weather station that was on my desk (theme park), in early August the temperature in the park would be 105+ every day. I would think to myself "what kind of lunatic would take their CHILDREN out in this!" I could handle it, but you'd see the kids in First Aid....

That does have to be really disappointing for you. It is possible that the fares could go down. (I just saw an analyst yesterday on CNBC talking about the real possibility that crude has hit its realistic peak and that prices could very well start coming down a bit.) Keep checking as it is still a little bit early for SW's June sale prices (the recent sale was just thru May.)

Also, I know this has been brought up before but you may want to think about it again, what about taking each of the kids at a separate time? One this year, one next year and one the year after that. I know it isn't ideal but the older the kids get, it is only going to get harder to find a good time for all of them (especially since it sounds like there are some family dynamics as well that would make it difficult.) I'm sure the kids would all love to go together but if going separately is the only way it can be done, I'm sure they would prefer that over not going at all. Plus it wouldn't be as overwhelming for you (or as costly!) Just something to consider

That's encouraging about prices, though I have a feeling if a company can have that gas price come down but continue to charge you a higher cost, they will! Profits profits profits.

I did think again about taking them separately. But when I do, I imagine trying to tell the other two that I'm taking ONE of them to Disney with me (let alone taking one of them with me on a trip when NONE of them have been on a trip with me). The oldest is about to turn 13 this year - he's getting to the point where Disney "won't be fun" for a few years (I think I could luck out, as he still loves to hang out with his Aunt so I might have more time to take him than his parents would). The youngest saw a text I sent to her mom (my sister) discussing this trip (without saying Disney), and when her mom said she wasn't sure where her aunt (me) wanted to take her, my niece said "I wish she would take me to Disney World." Yep. So imagine just trying to decide between those two. Then add in the middle child who has so often been left out, who is the quiet one when his siblings are crazy, who never demands attention, who is a little scared to start a new school in the fall. Do I pick either of the other two over him?

I just don't think they'd understand if I took one of them. I really thought about it though. I haven't given up; it is just not looking as good as it did.

 

[torinsmom]

I've been in ALL the low crowd times, so going back to high crowds will be difficult regardless. I went to the "show me a picture of crowds" thread and browsed through it - all the August crowd pictures looked painful to me. My last trip in August was in 2000, and the crowds were low - but the parks have increased attendance so much. I'm just not sure I can do that. I haven't given it up quite yet though. What times in August did you go? Early in the month, or late? Even where I live, we get about a week of 101+ temperatures in the summer, and it's always early August; at my last job, we had a weather station that was on my desk (theme park), in early August the temperature in the park would be 105+ every day. I would think to myself "what kind of lunatic would take their CHILDREN out in this!" I could handle it, but you'd see the kids in First Aid....



That's encouraging about prices, though I have a feeling if a company can have that gas price come down but continue to charge you a higher cost, they will! Profits profits profits.

I did think again about taking them separately. But when I do, I imagine trying to tell the other two that I'm taking ONE of them to Disney with me (let alone taking one of them with me on a trip when NONE of them have been on a trip with me). The oldest is about to turn 13 this year - he's getting to the point where Disney "won't be fun" for a few years (I think I could luck out, as he still loves to hang out with his Aunt so I might have more time to take him than his parents would). The youngest saw a text I sent to her mom (my sister) discussing this trip (without saying Disney), and when her mom said she wasn't sure where her aunt (me) wanted to take her, my niece said "I wish she would take me to Disney World." Yep. So imagine just trying to decide between those two. Then add in the middle child who has so often been left out, who is the quiet one when his siblings are crazy, who never demands attention, who is a little scared to start a new school in the fall. Do I pick either of the other two over him?

I just don't think they'd understand if I took one of them. I really thought about it though. I haven't given up; it is just not looking as good as it did.

Both times we went in August, it was early-mid August. I'm a teacher so I have to be back by the 17th or so. I think the highest temp we had last year was 98. It's that hot back in NC as well, so it wasn't that terrible. I think anytime in the summer is going to be hot and more crowded than October or January. We just go into our trips with a positive attitude, because we are at Disney

 

[ZehnJahren]

I have also been to WDW in August and over Christmas/New Years. August is NOTHING like Christmas. I won't lie, it can be busy. It can also be hot. But all that means is that you plan for an afternoon break to go back to the condo pool to cool off a bit.

Also, do you have any idea how many condos for rent in Orlando? Just because a couple have already been rented doesn't mean that there are not another hundred that are still available nearby. Don't let that stress you out.

Yeah, I hear you. You're right. I just have seen so many people passed out in First Aid at theme parks in August; I guess maybe that would make me more advanced in keeping them safe.

Both times we went in August, it was early-mid August. I'm a teacher so I have to be back by the 17th or so. I think the highest temp we had last year was 98. It's that hot back in NC as well, so it wasn't that terrible. I think anytime in the summer is going to be hot and more crowded than October or January. We just go into our trips with a positive attitude, because we are at Disney

Yes, it's important to have the positive attitude, no matter when we go. I just wonder how the kids would feel going at a busy, surface-of-the-sun-hot time of year; I want them to have an exciting, relaxing time and give them a break from reality. I don't necessarily want them miserable from heat and exhausted. Ugh, I just wish the airfare would go down.

 

[torinsmom]

Yeah, I hear you. You're right. I just have seen so many people passed out in First Aid at theme parks in August; I guess maybe that would make me more advanced in keeping them safe.



Yes, it's important to have the positive attitude, no matter when we go. I just wonder how the kids would feel going at a busy, surface-of-the-sun-hot time of year; I want them to have an exciting, relaxing time and give them a break from reality. I don't necessarily want them miserable from heat and exhausted. Ugh, I just wish the airfare would go down.

In my experience, the adults are complaining about the heat and the kids are focused on what to do next,LOL. Our kids didn't want to leave for breaks last year, even when it was 98 degrees. Ice water is free and we got into the habit of getting a cup when we got off a ride to keep hydrated.Most of the ride queues and all the stores are A/C'd, so it isn't hard to get out of the heat, except in AK. Of course, we have the same humid heat in NC, so we're used to it. I would think the most important thing about going in the summer is to use sunscreen and reapply, and don't forget the top of the head and ears. We use the spray kind for that. Nothing like a sunburn to ruin a Disney day. My son is biracial and we always that he leaves home white and comes back black. We do try to avoid him getting a "red neck" though, LOL.

And can you link to the crowds picture thread? I can't find it with a search and I'd like to compare the pics to what we experienced.

 

[Beckypooh1972]

Hello.

I am seriously considering taking my niece and nephews to WDW with me this year - they are 8, 11, and 12, and have never been. I have been batting this idea around for awhile, but after a recent visit with the kids I realized my time is growing short to take them and them still be interested! Upon research, it's looking like we'd go 8/13 through 8/18 IF I could do it. Otherwise, I'd be going in September as I originally planned.

I'm sorry to have to tell you this but your window of opportunity has probably already passed unless your nieces and nephews are huge fans who have been begging their parents to take them.

My boss (a huge Disney fan) spent a bundle to take her beloved 10 year old niece to WDW and was so disappointed in the experience. The niece just didn't enjoy it that much - the crowds, the lines, she was totally underwhelmed. She wouldn't go near the characters, etc. My boss told me she thinks she would have more fun if she'd taken my 5 year old twins.

About 5 years ago, before we had our kids, our best friends (who had 3 boys aged between 6 - 11) went with us to Disney. The boys just didn't love it at all. They complained about the crowds, getting up early, the heat, all the walking and standing. Now, they were used to taking beach vacations so maybe that's why a busy WDW vacation was lost on them.

If you are still determined to take them, don't have huge expectations... just accept the experience for what it is and realize you might be disappointed in their reaction. I expect my kids will one day outgrow the magic too. sigh.

Becky

 

[ZehnJahren]

In my experience, the adults are complaining about the heat and the kids are focused on what to do next,LOL. Our kids didn't want to leave for breaks last year, even when it was 98 degrees. Ice water is free and we got into the habit of getting a cup when we got off a ride to keep hydrated.Most of the ride queues and all the stores are A/C'd, so it isn't hard to get out of the heat, except in AK. Of course, we have the same humid heat in NC, so we're used to it. I would think the most important thing about going in the summer is to use sunscreen and reapply, and don't forget the top of the head and ears. We use the spray kind for that. Nothing like a sunburn to ruin a Disney day. My son is biracial and we always that he leaves home white and comes back black. We do try to avoid him getting a "red neck" though, LOL.

And can you link to the crowds picture thread? I can't find it with a search and I'd like to compare the pics to what we experienced.

There are a couple that I like; here's one: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2048556&highlight=crowd

There's another one called something like "You say it's crowded? Prove it!" but I can't find it in my subscriptions for some reason. I love those crowd threads!

I'm sorry to have to tell you this but your window of opportunity has probably already passed unless your nieces and nephews are huge fans who have been begging their parents to take them.

If you are still determined to take them, don't have huge expectations... just accept the experience for what it is and realize you might be disappointed in their reaction. I expect my kids will one day outgrow the magic too. sigh.

While I've never heard them beg to go (because they 100% knew there was NO WAY they'd be able to), I am fortunate that I do know 3 things:
1) They love vacations, and love to "go away" for vacations. They do it all summer with their various relatives. Most of those vacations are low key (they spend a lot of time at the lake on a grandparent's boat), but they love going places - and one of their favorite places to go is to a theme park, any theme park.
2) They love me, and are always asking for me to take them somewhere. Anywhere. Usually the local theme park.
3) They're good-natured, go with the flow kids.

However, I do think you have a point. I know for certain the youngest wants to go; I was talking about my October trip at Christmas and she said she wished she could go - and now she's brought it up to her mom a couple of times.

But maybe I'll just call the two oldest today, just to chat, and work into the conversation that I'm planning another Disney trip and then ask if they'd ever thought they might want to go too. I haven't talked to the oldest in awhile, so he'd be particularly chatty. Then I could see what they say without giving it up.

If they say they wouldn't want to go, or wouldn't care, maybe at that point I could work in possibly taking just the youngest. You've given me a good idea!

 

[torinsmom]

I'm sorry to have to tell you this but your window of opportunity has probably already passed unless your nieces and nephews are huge fans who have been begging their parents to take them.

My boss (a huge Disney fan) spent a bundle to take her beloved 10 year old niece to WDW and was so disappointed in the experience. The niece just didn't enjoy it that much - the crowds, the lines, she was totally underwhelmed. She wouldn't go near the characters, etc. My boss told me she thinks she would have more fun if she'd taken my 5 year old twins.

About 5 years ago, before we had our kids, our best friends (who had 3 boys aged between 6 - 11) went with us to Disney. The boys just didn't love it at all. They complained about the crowds, getting up early, the heat, all the walking and standing. Now, they were used to taking beach vacations so maybe that's why a busy WDW vacation was lost on them.

If you are still determined to take them, don't have huge expectations... just accept the experience for what it is and realize you might be disappointed in their reaction. I expect my kids will one day outgrow the magic too. sigh.

Becky

I disagree. Until he was 15, my son was perfectly happy to go off to Disney with just mom. He gives me a terrible time getting up at home, but not in Orlando. It really depends on the child. Even last year, he was happy, as long as we also hit Universal. He didn't want to cut WDW out and just do Universal though, so he is still a Disney fan.

Seriously, at 10, this kid was acting that way? I just can't imagine.....

 

[ZehnJahren]

I disagree. Until he was 15, my son was perfectly happy to go off to Disney with just mom. He gives me a terrible time getting up at home, but not in Orlando. It really depends on the child. Even last year, he was happy, as long as we also hit Universal. He didn't want to cut WDW out and just do Universal though, so he is still a Disney fan.

Seriously, at 10, this kid was acting that way? I just can't imagine.....

I just called my step-mom and she said that a few years ago she had talked to the kids about taking them to Disney and they were excited but it never happened. I asked her if she thought the kids at the age they are now would want to go, and she was emphatic that they'd be thrilled (she spends a lot of time with them). The biggest seller would be a full week with me, plus another trip in the plane, plus Florida (the two youngest have been to Florida one time, while the oldest has been twice as one of his grandmas lives down there, and they loved it - they were always on the coast, though).

At 10, I was already a solid Disney fanatic; I was trying to plan my own trips at that age!! Never mind that I was using my parent's money in my planning.