Here is your warning: this trip report does not contain much pixie dust

[DisneyLover75]

I didn't think she was rude at all. Just honest.

 

[KellyNY]

I am one of the people that commented that you don't know what goes thru a parents decision till you are one..and I stand by that.I don't need someone else judging me.When I used to travel to Disney as a single or just married non-parent , I thought I would not be one that pulled their child out of school.Well fastforward till now.DH and I are on opposite vacation schedules and for reasons due to employment and job requirements ,if we want a family vacation, we have to go when my daughter is in school.Otherwise there will be no vacations till she is grown up ...not much way of family memories there...But hey different strokes for different folks.I voiced an opinion.

I agree, it is personal choice based on many factors, and you do not need to justify yourself on Dis, really. We all adults and know what is better for our families. As for OP comment, I do believe she planned her trip considering kids will be at school and parks will be empty, and was quiet upset when she saw the opposite, I don't think she wanted to hurt someones feelings, it was just a dissapointment talking, that's all.

 

[mefordis]

Are there really crowds in January? Are there any times when there are NOT crowds? I'm beginning to think it's always either crowded or REALLY crowded.

ITA. Crowds and kids would be expected, right? We always go in January (a supposedly low-crowd time and certainly during the school year) and there are always crowds and kids.... We have taken our daughter out of school for the past couple of years. Why is that anyone else's business?

 

[Miss M.K.J.]

We were there last week at SSR and I thought it was very hot and humid. When we got back to the room every night we would just fall out. My husband and I said that when we go back we will take some time out during the days. You just try to do so much it wears you out and then you aren't really enjoying yourself. We are planning on going back Feb. of 2011 cause I think for us we don't need to go before then. We went twice back to back in less than a year and we were like yeah yeah yeah we already rode that last time. You spend so much money and time on planning the vacation it's a shame not to enjoy it. I have felt just like you are feeling but give it some time and try it again later.

 

[Melissa<3Disney]

Interesting thread...it's turning into all of the other threads on pulling your children out of school. I just don't understand why get so bent out of shape.. it's Disney...I am a Disney fanatic and don't have children of my own. While crowds make me a little crazy.... I fully expect for there to be tons of children around at Disney at anytime of the year. Especially with every school district running on different schedules (i.e. regular, year round, home school) not to mention families from other countries who are also probably on a completely different school schedule! Just because there were kids at Disney doesn't mean their parents pulled them out of school. With that said.. I am so sorry you didn't have a good time OP! While I could go as much as my bank account would let me, my boyfriend gets the same way at Disney...we used to live in Orlando and go two or three times a year..he could maybe deal with it once every two years! haha... So like everyone else said we try and make sure we do other vacations in between! I'm making him go in March, because it's a family vacation with my family...but he seems a little excited.. so there may be hope for this one yet!!

 

[mefordis]

Wow, so your professor preferred to lecture to an empty hall? Just curious, what college did you attend? I had just the opposite in a professor: attend every lecture without missing and you will get an automatic A. But I've never heard of a professor saying it's okay to miss lectures.

What you say is based on facts, however, it is done with a very opinionated view as well. We used to take our kids out of school every year to go to WDW, they all make very good grades, don't get behind for the week, etc. etc. In many cases, the teachers actually are all for it (varied from year to year) . However, our school system (as many others I am sure) has changed to a "year round " school policy. This basically means that summer break is shorter, but you get a 1 to 2 week break at different intervals during the "normal" school year. So when my kdis are our of school the vast majority are in. Regardless of that fact, if I choose to take my kids from school for a week, I don't need another posters's approval, I have the principals and teachers that give me that.

The underlying overtone in the OP's comment and your's for that matter is that people are putting vacation before education and that couldn't be further from the truth in our case and I am sure many others. Each however, is entitled to their opinion. I just don't see the point in meaningless comments about how others choose to carrry on their family business. If that were the case, then I could say make sure you don't go one mile over the speed limit ever again, as it is putting safety of your family and others in much more jepordy. Of course, I am not like that, what you do with your kids is fine as much as what other's do with theirs. We all make choices, and mistakes for that matter. To each his own.

Oh and one more quick note, even if some people don't care about education as much vacation for one week, experiences and memories are also a part of learning in life. Many things you learn in life, you learn thru experiences you have and failures you may have as well, not from a book.


My freshman year in college, the professor on the first day of Physics said at the start of his lecture, " I don't believe in any type of homework or quizzes, I don't care about attendance, my lectures strictly follow the textbook. If you listen to the lecture and study the textbook you will pass the mid-term and the final , and in turn pass this class." Literally 9 or 10 people ( including myself) got up at that point and left. I went to taht Physics class 2 more times, for mid-term and final. I made a B+

 

[itchin2go]

Are there really crowds in January? Are there any times when there are NOT crowds? I'm beginning to think it's always either crowded or REALLY crowded.

I guess the term "crowd" is a relative one. I've never felt alone in the parks. I have thought a park was more crowded than the day before, or dead compared to the day before, but there are always plenty of warm bodies at Disney World, no matter when you go. We have seen waits of more than an hour at Soarin, for sure.

I understand the OP is venting, but to me it's like: crowds and kids at Disney World - who woulda thunk? I expect long lines. I expect hordes of kids. I expect tour groups and blockades of strollers.

 

[ChocoKat]

I am sorry the vacation wasn't as magical as you guys expected!

I know what you mean with the "Been there, done that" feeling.

DH and I are both DINKS (we haven't been lucky enough to have kids), but we are annual pass holders and go at least 6 times a year.

Our secret is to take it very very easy. Our motto: "We'll be back later anyway"

Just to give you an idea, on our last trip we only visited 2 parks and only for about 6 hours combined!. We were there to participate on the Expedition Everest Challenge 5K, we had fun on that, then we went to see the premiere of Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure for pass holders.

We didn't even set foot at Epcot because it was the opening weekend of F&W and we knew out of experience it was going to be a zoo.

We spent a looong time relaxing at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, we had the hot tub all to ourselves most of the day and the pool was half deserted because everybody else was running around the parks. Had a wonderful romantic dinner at Jiko one night... YUM!!! Had brunch at Kona Cafe one day to try to Tonga toast for the first time (OMG it was so good!!!).

I have been a conventioneer at CSR, didn't have time to enjoy the pools, nor interact with the CM's, too busy working, I didn't even get to see much of the grounds.

I do agree Pepper Market was icky, we had dinner there one day and decided we wouldn't repeat the experience.

Like others have said, take a break from WDW, I would recommend going early in the year, the temps are lower, I am like you, I HATE the heat ugh!
And the crowds are less, just beware of spring break

DH and I go on weekend trips all over, Disney is our "easy" vacation, since we go so often we don't really plan much anymore. Going to other destinations requires more thought and research, so if we just wanna get away fast and easy we do Disney.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Here's my one comment...several folks posted that it has been warm and they had sore throats after a day or two..especially if you combine with a headache - you are describing classic symptoms of dehydration. I'm not saying you didn't have a cold. Only what I've said before...it's SOOOOO important to stay hydrated at WDW. stress and dehydration and lack of sleep all contribbute to getting sick.

DFiL had this happen to him. I watched him go from coffee at breakfast to wine with lunch and dinner. I warned him he wasn't drinking any water. Sure enough, after dinner on the second day he felt miserable. Next moring, dry throat - just as I predicted. He still woudln't listen tome and it wasn't until he finally started drinking water that he felt better. to bad it was the end of the trip!

I can easily see how if you weren't feeling well, then dealing with any crowds was not fun. If you weren't inthe mood to be at WDW, I could see how something small like not being able to get ranch dressing would seem like a big deal.

 

[scdisneyguy]

Wow, so your professor preferred to lecture to an empty hall? Just curious, what college did you attend? I had just the opposite in a professor: attend every lecture without missing and you will get an automatic A. But I've never heard of a professor saying it's okay to miss lectures.

Wasn't like that with all professors or courses. I attended Clemson University. Also, the "hall" wasn't near empty. I had one Microbiology class that had over 120 students in it. This professor basically understood that education is what you make of it, plain and simple. You can go to class, do every term paper, lab assignment, and whatever, but if you don't have the sense to comprehend what you are being taught and ability to retain it, it doesn't matter. I mean let's face it, for the most part, the majority of things you learn won't be used in your career or job. I am not saying it isn't valuable to a certain point, but common sense, how to deal with and talk to people, and everyday morals and values will go with you more. Case in point, good friend of mine, graduated High School and College together, has a BS and now works at a job he would have never dreamed he would have to work at, much less with a degree. Higher education helps to open some doors that may not be open to you without it, but it's what you do inside that counts. In the real world a degree is only for self-satisfaction, it doesn't mean you will make more morey, have a better job, or anything like that. Experience in the workforce is much more valuable and that is the sad truth of it.

That being said, I wouldn't trade my time in college for anything. I am proud that I have a degree, want my kids to go to college, but in reality, my grandad was one of the smartest and most talented men I ever met, he dropped out in 8th grade. It's what you make of what you have, nothing more, nothing less. A degree just may give you more avenues to POSSIBLY show what you can do.

 

[tinksgilrs251520]

To the OP, (and young couples without kids)

Have you ever tried to pick your favorite park and then do other things at disney like DTD and the circus , balloon ride and then water sports fun like renting boats and stuff. I know when I plan i look at all these things and try to fit them in.... Disney is not just the 4 parks and thats it ... Maybe people are right and its good to take a break..... I hope when you go back you will have a wonderful time ....

 

[larryz]

Great advice, that's exactly what we were thinking! I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that we are both very sensitive to heat and we were miserable in the 95 degree high humidity. Maybe in 4 or 5 years (hopefully with a little one!) we'll try it again.

Let me suggest a Disney cruise. Still plenty of magic, without the stress and hassle of trying to hit the parks. If you can tolerate ship movement, go for the 7-day trips, but if you're sensitive to movement (or not sure about cruising), the three day trip is a great intro.

November thru February is a good time to visit the Caribbean...

 

[larryz]

While I am sorry your trip seemed less than magical.I , as a parent really thought the comment about parents Obviously not caring about their child missing school was really unneccessary and a tad snarky...those of us who take our kids out of school for family trips have our reasons.Perhaps when you have kids you will understand better.

The only reason I can think of is your selfish desire for fun outweighs the importance of a good education for your kids.

ALLEZ CUISINE!

 

[mefordis]

As parents, you make decisions for your children and you have your reasons for doing so. Most parents have the absolute best interest of their children at heart. You DO NOT need to defend your decisions to anyone. You don't need to share your decisions with anyone, either. It's between only the parents, your child, and teacher/principal. That is all.

 

[RMulieri]

The only reason I can think of is your selfish desire for fun outweighs the importance of a good education for your kids.

ALLEZ CUISINE!

whatever

 

[itchin2go]

The only reason I can think of is your selfish desire for fun outweighs the importance of a good education for your kids.

ALLEZ CUISINE!

Well, the OP was right. There's no pixie dust here!

 

[PrincessTiffany]

The only reason I can think of is your selfish desire for fun outweighs the importance of a good education for your kids.

ALLEZ CUISINE!

This is quite possibly one of the most stupid comments I have ever read on the DIS.

I mean really? Taking your kids to Disney for a few days during the school year means you don't value education?

Give me a break.

 

[Dr. M]

Hi! I'm one of those parents who absolutely LOVES taking my kids out of school for one week for our annual Disney pilgrimage. I do consider one week of off-season touring more important than one week of school (tongue-in-cheek, but also fact). By the way, I have attended some form of schooling from age 6 to 27, and I believe education is the most important thing, next to God and family. And I wouldn't take my kids out of school if I didn't feel the repercussions were next to minimal. By the way, all my kids are highly intelligent, well-rounded, straight-A students. Hoorah for off-season vacations!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I would just like to add that in addition to people who take their kids out of school, there are those of us that HOMESCHOOL (and there are MANY of us) that could have been at WDW on your trip. Sept. 22nd was homeschool days at WDW and many people come in for that and stay for a week or two. We were there last year for it. In addition, I believe lots of schools have fall break. Regardless, I doubt you will find a time at WDW that there are not lots of children in attendance.

I'm sorry your stay wasn't the best, it sounds like the heat and crowds have extended into the lower seasons, I doubt there will really be a slow season anymore at WDW...the secret is out!

 

[Hallowishes]

i just got back from my trip tonite! im sad but i do agree .. i had a great meal at tonys!