HELP!! Should I go to WDW with SIL or just our family?

[MomofKatie]

Here's my dilemma:

DH, DD, and I have been planning a WDW trip for Oct/Nov 2007. We were planning on staying 7 nights, renting points at OKW. We already have 5 days park tix and 3 plusses paid (leftover from last trip), and we want to get the DDP. The trip would cost around $1900 for the 3 of us.

DH is not much of a Disney fan, but he'd go on the trip, just because it was a vacation with his 2 "girls". DD would end up taking 5 days off school for the trip- she will be in 4th grade. The weather will be great, and Oct/Nov is our favorite time to do Disney.

Here's where it gets difficult:

DSIL called me last night. She and her DH, and 3 kids (all close to DD's age) want to go to WDW, and they would like us to come with them. They are planning a 6 night stay at an offsite condo on MLK week (January) 2007. We would do some meals at WDW, but do some cooking at the condo. DD would have a blast with her cousins, and it would be really nice to go earlier than the end of 2007. The trip would cost around $1300. DD would miss 5 days of school, and she and I would add on 2 nights at OKW after DSIL and family left.

BUT- and this is a big BUT- DH would not be able to go on the trip with us. His job constraints prevent him from being able to take time off in January. He told me that not going to WDW doesn't bother him, but the fact that we would be going on a vacation and he couldn't come along to spend time with us would bother him.

What do you think? Should we wait until we can go on an on-site vacation that we can all go on, or should we go earlier for less $$ and more fun for DD, but miss out on the on-site resort for most of the stay and DH?

 

[bopper]

I think it is really up to you and DH. Can you all go on an additional vacation another time? If not, if it would really bother him, then I would go with the original plans.

 

[WDWLinda]

I'd feel guilty going without my husband and having fun - then you're taking away his vacation. Unless you and your daughter go to Disney in Jan., then do a non-Disney trip in the Fall with your husband. I know its VERY tempting to go earlier, but your daughter will also have fun with just you and your husband, its just too bad it'll happen so much later.

Can you convince your SIL to go when your husband can make it?

Good luck, this is a tough one!

~Linda

 

[WaltD4Me]

I don't know, that's a tough one.

It is the first trip to Disney for your girls? I think it would be a shame for Dad to miss his "girls" first trip to WDW.

And how would you feel? I think it would be hard for you to be on a vacation like that without your DH?

The immediate thing I thought when I read your post was to go with the whole family, but I see the other side too and it's advantages.

 

[HopperFan]

If you can afford to take two vacations next year, one with the relatives and then another with your husband then to me you have a choice of which would be better for your Disney experience. If this takes all your holiday funds and you will not be able to take a second vacation with DH then there would be no decision for me, I am going on vacation with DH.

We are very fortunate that we take several vacations a year, and this year I am taking one to WDW w/out him (and one with).....but if it were a matter of one big vacation only, he would come first. Sounds like you planned this trip first, I think they should go when you are going if they really want to be with you all.

 

[Sue Sullivan]

Personally, I would wait on my husband. Family time is so special, especially at Disney.

 

[Houston_Disney_Fan]

Gosh, I'd do both.

But if I couldn't, then go with the plan that was made first. It's important to have a vacation with your DH, even if he's not crazy about the place.
I understand how you feel...my DH is definately not a Disney person either. He tolerates it for the sake of the kids and myself. The dining plan seems to help him get through it, lol.

 

[Goofy Rulz]

I would probably wait to go with my husband. Any chance your SIL can go later w/you? If not and you want your DD to have a good time (which she would anyway w/just you and DH) maybe she could bring a friend along on your trip. Or maybe there are other family members you could invite to go when you go.

 

[MomofKatie]

Thanks, everyone, for the replies- I guess DH wins out !! That was my first inclination, too- but I know DD would love to be at WDW with her cousins. DSIL is a teacher- she just can't see taking time off school (and she and BIL are "no taking the kids out of school" types too) unless there is a holiday day or 2 involved, and Value Season is in effect. So, they will not be going when we will (Halloween week).

We'll wait and do it in the fall- DH will be happy y'all stuck up for him .

 

[suevee]

How well do you get along with your SiL's three kids? Have you ever been on a trip with them before or will this be your first? Your DD may have a great time for a bit, but be prepared for bickering and some fighting unless your neices and nephews are perfect. Also it is different when one parent is going with another couple, no matter how close. If it was just you and your SIL, but BIL changes the makeup.

I would wait for my husband and have a special family trip. He will appreciate it.