Here we go again: it's winter and I want a Disney vacation

[punkin]

...but of course I have no money budgeted AND we have so much going on right now (family stuff that could wind up costing us a lot) that's up in the air that I don't feel comfortable spending anything on a vacation until things are more settled.

So, I came here to find out what you do when there is no possibility of a vacation in the foreseeable future. I can't even plan anything for later because my life is so unsettled. I'm just a bit depressed and I guess that's really why I want to go on vacation so badly right now.

Eh, this turned into a pity party post.

 

[DawnM]

I too am itching to get down to Disney in the next few weeks. I wish i were planning an upcoming trip, but we won't go until late Fall at the earliest.

 

[eliza61]

...but of course I have no money budgeted AND we have so much going on right now (family stuff that could wind up costing us a lot) that's up in the air that I don't feel comfortable spending anything on a vacation until things are more settled.

So, I came here to find out what you do when there is no possibility of a vacation in the foreseeable future. I can't even plan anything for later because my life is so unsettled. I'm just a bit depressed and I guess that's really why I want to go on vacation so badly right now.

Eh, this turned into a pity party post.

sending a virtual hug Punkin. Hey no problem with the Pity party, some times you have to realize that yep, life sucks (just make sure you add "right now")

Anyhoo,
Some times what I do is "pretend" plan my "ultimate" vacation. not sure if this will make you feel better or worst but I do like looking at pictures of the parks and resorts. and for some reason it has to be pictures, the videos dont do it for me.

Can you take a "me" break? some times when I get a bit blue, I try and grab a few hours and "detach". for me it's musicals. I'll watch singing in the rain or Oklahoma. doesn't "cure" any thing but gives me a few hours to disconnect.

here's hoping your blue skies will blow over soon.

 

[kiki02]

...but of course I have no money budgeted AND we have so much going on right now (family stuff that could wind up costing us a lot) that's up in the air that I don't feel comfortable spending anything on a vacation until things are more settled.

So, I came here to find out what you do when there is no possibility of a vacation in the foreseeable future. I can't even plan anything for later because my life is so unsettled. I'm just a bit depressed and I guess that's really why I want to go on vacation so badly right now.

Eh, this turned into a pity party post.

It's ok! We all have same at times. I like to read through all the trip reports and see new photos of wow. I feel better living vicariously through others fortune or good times though. GL.

 

[tyniknate]

I go back through pictures and souvenirs and make a scrapbook to relive the trips I have taken. I'm working on our 2008 trip and still have the 2011 trip to do. Helps to see the fun we have had and know that "someday" we will get back there again. Makes me feel fortunate we have been there as often as we have been.....some people will never get there.

With my oldest son starting college this fall a trip to disney is no where in my future. And his brothers are right behind him.....so about 10 years of college to get through. Might get a trip in that time period, but might not.

In the mean time, Disney can be enjoyed without physically being there. If you have children (or even if you don't) Do theme nights......Pick a movie, have special food and enjoy the family time. Then, you can share your disney memories of that particular movie while in the park.....snow white ride, dumbo ride, meet and greet with mickey, peter pan movie, etc.

I read trip reports here and food reports and it almost takes me back to being there. Sometimes its just a 30 minute mental vacation, but it helps. Know you aren't the only one in this situation either.

 

[SaraJayne]

...but of course I have no money budgeted AND we have so much going on right now (family stuff that could wind up costing us a lot) that's up in the air that I don't feel comfortable spending anything on a vacation until things are more settled.

So, I came here to find out what you do when there is no possibility of a vacation in the foreseeable future. I can't even plan anything for later because my life is so unsettled. I'm just a bit depressed and I guess that's really why I want to go on vacation so badly right now.

Eh, this turned into a pity party post.

I know exactly what you are going through.

Due to MIL's illness the last few weeks, things are very unsettled here, too and the winter getaway DH and I were planning on has been put on hold indefinitely. I just want to run away screaming, to somewhere warm and sunny.

We do have an April Disney trip planned for DD, my mother and myself, but right now, that seems so far away.

 

[mrsklamc]

There with ya. And I have 3 friends on cruises & one at Disney right now, and my aunt was in Hawaii last week, which is my dream trip.

1) I try to focus on what I DO have that others are now praying for: health, family, a warm house, etc. Being mindfully grateful for what I DO have helps ease the sting of what I want but can't have right now.

2) Sometimes I do plan for future trips as someone mentioned.

3) I work on improving finances to help make that future trip come faster.

4) I create a local, less expensive experience and it helps to have something to look forward to; like a visit to a local museum or attraction or a day trip to a nearby city.

 

[hsmamato2]

I plan for trips I can't take.... pick a place and start planning,Disney,or anywhere! Eventually you know you will be able to go somewhere,and in the meanwhile keep dreaming!

 

[punkin]

You guys are so great. I am feeling better just reading your posts...and I am trying to be grateful for all I have (and it's a lot).

 

[pocomom]

I also make future trip plans. Love planning out trips. Figure out all the details, make a budget, if nothing else start a coin jar or something to start saving for it in a small way until you can do something more. For me it makes the waiting easier! My dd has some health issues and we are waiting to go to an out of state hospital that has a program her cardiologist thinks might help. We had a big 6 week trip out West planned for the Spring. I told the kids we're still going but we'll have to see when. They have really enjoyed researching the things we might do and started their savings jar. We try to do something about the trip every other day or so. It is keeping everyone's spirits up about the potential delay!

 

[3Gsandme]

We canceled our Sea Islands vacation this year in favor of Disney. I have no idea when we'll get there and that's where my batteries recharge.

To be proactive, I'm being "a good steward". Saving money wherever I can to maybe make a small trip this year a possibility. Even throwing your spare change into a vacation jar might make you feel like you're doing something towards getting there.

 

[tlh0726]

Give yourself something else to plan and look forward to.

I plan a "Cabin Fever" party for end of february or 1st week of March depending on DH's work schedule.

There is so much hype with the holidays in Nov, Dec, and then New Years Eve. Once that is over it is letdown with nothing after that but cold weather and spring being is so far off.

We done from simple appetizers only to a complete Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings. Some years we have totally supplied everything and other years we assigned a dish to everyone.

This year we are doing it on Daytona 500 Sunday and we will be doing top your own pizza with salad/veggie tray

 

[kiki02]

You guys are so great. I am feeling better just reading your posts...and I am trying to be grateful for all I have (and it's a lot).

It's not about the destination, it's about the journey.......

check out the relocated tourist.com if it's still up. I loved reading her blog on fl and wdw and moving there. Even if I WASN'T.

 

[Minnesota!]

I have it bad, too. Being frozen in the tundra for 6 months...really makes you crave sunshine and walking around outside in flip flops.

How am I getting through it? I am not I am really struggling (not necessarily b/c I am not going to/in WDW...just need a break). We did a 2 night stay at a local hotel/pool at the beginning of Jan and it was great, but like I said, I really need some warn sunshine. That is near impossible to come by in MN in Jan/Feb.

 

[Diegosmom]

What about making money for Disney...

We have a Disney cc so everytime we have to use it, like Tuesday DH needed new tires so he charged the $640...while a huge blow to the budget at least I could think huh that $6.40 in disney money lol...

Other thing is I like to do surveys and stuff on Sunshine Rewards...they pay out in disney giftcards (although I think you can do paypal too)...I'm not really good about doing it as I only have like $19 now but others make a lot just doing surveys while watching tv...and since it is in disney giftcards you know that it will eventually go to a disney trip and you cant rob the fund it something comes up.

 

[punkin]

I guess I could plan myself a birthday party at the end of February. Something cheap.

It's not really a money issue (so earning more is not going to help really). It's more an uncertainty issue. Usually I can find the money in our budget somewhere, but when you have a huge unknown hanging over you in addition to some pretty big "knowns" like college (DD20 is a junior in college and DD14 is a high school freshman), every spare penny earned or found will not be spent but squirreled away.

 

[mrsklamc]

I guess I could plan myself a birthday party at the end of February. Something cheap.

It's not really a money issue (so earning more is not going to help really). It's more an uncertainty issue. Usually I can find the money in our budget somewhere, but when you have a huge unknown hanging over you in addition to some pretty big "knowns" like college (DD20 is a junior in college and DD14 is a high school freshman), every spare penny earned or found will not be spent but squirreled away.

Oh I am totally there with you. I want to go to Hawaii, and we HAVE the money, but we're seeing an infertility specialist. So we can't spend the money we have because we don't know how much that whole process is going to cost.

 

[punkin]

Oh I am totally there with you. I want to go to Hawaii, and we HAVE the money, but we're seeing an infertility specialist. So we can't spend the money we have because we don't know how much that whole process is going to cost.

Yes, this is it exactly (not to mention the emotional roller-coaster we are currently riding)!

Good luck with your infertility issues.

 

[lizabu]

I like to eat something that reminds me of Disney. I bought a Mickey head cookie cutter last time I was in WDW. My kids love those Rice Krispie treats dipped in chocolate and covered in M&Ms and they aren't that hard to make. You want to line a cake pan with parchment paper and spray it with Pam. Make Rice Krispie treats and put it in your pan to set. Cut out with your cookie cutter. Put a Popsicle stick in it. Dip it in chocolate and sprinkle with M&MS minis. You have a treat that will take you back to WDW.

I have some Mickey head sprinkles I bought too and I will sometimes make cupcakes with Mickey sprinkles to remind me of Disney.

The winter blahs suck. I'm letting my girls plan a Valentines Day party to give us something fun to look forward to.

 

[runsandjumps]

When I miss Disney- I think to myself that when I do finally go back it will be all the more sweeter.

I also like to think that by waiting a little longer it allows me to plan my perfect vacation at exactly the right time.

Sometimes I wish I didn't have a Disney addiction. I think I would rather be addicted to video games or eating out at weird restaurants.