Holidaying elsewhere

[Princess Leia]

I am at the beginning of a family holiday in Lanzarote. The first morning I woke up - wait a minute I didn't need to get to rope drop. I felt I didn't really do anything all day. It is very weird. I realise that the last few years for summer holidays on the non WDW years we have done a road trip to Western Canada and a Mediterranean cruise. I am used to being busy and doing interesting or entertaining things. At least this time next year I will be back in WDW!

 

[crabbie1]

I am at the beginning of a family holiday in Lanzarote. The first morning I woke up - wait a minute I didn't need to get to rope drop. I felt I didn't really do anything all day. It is very weird. I realise that the last few years for summer holidays on the non WDW years we have done a road trip to Western Canada and a Mediterranean cruise. I am used to being busy and doing interesting or entertaining things. At least this time next year I will be back in WDW!

Your on holiday thats the main thing. I have not been anywhere other than wdw for the past 9 years. I cannot even look as I always end up saying "another £1500 we could go to florida". My DB could not understand my fascination but when he went he did. I must admit we are splashing out on a posh hotel for 3 nights in Windermere in November. Never been but DB nan had a cottage there so its his second home. When we reach november I will be saying only 6 months till Mickey. Have a lovely chilled holiday

 

[Princess Leia]

Thanks Crabbie1. The food is really good - may need to go back on Dukan on my return. We have been to Europe at other times e.g. Portugal in October. Been here 2 full days and I have not taken any photos even though I have a new camera. It is funny the things you miss. It was our wedding anniversary yesterday and I missed all the 'Happy Anniversary' wishes and my cupcake with candle at dinner.

 

[Princess Leia]

Oops children were reading over my shoulder in my last post. I didn't mean to reveal in this way but oh well! They are both very happy. Had a nice relaxing morning at the beach. DS and DH are away to play a game of rounders.

 

[queendisney]

no matter where else I go if its NOT Disney World then its 'just a break' for me. I've had a massive run in with the MIL recently and also a 'friend!!'. The MIL said 'I want you to go somewhere else' and the friend said 'why don't you go somewhere else'...They'll both know better next time, if there is a next time!!!! I am well travelled so I know what I like and my second home is at WDW...I would only being going through the motions and not really enjoying it if I was in the med...

Happy planning for next year when you get to go home where your heart belongs.

 

[Princess Leia]

no matter where else I go if its NOT Disney World then its 'just a break' for me. I've had a massive run in with the MIL recently and also a 'friend!!'. The MIL said 'I want you to go somewhere else' and the friend said 'why don't you go somewhere else'...They'll both know better next time, if there is a next time!!!! I am well travelled so I know what I like and my second home is at WDW...I would only being going through the motions and not really enjoying it if I was in the med...

Happy planning for next year when you get to go home where your heart belongs.

I have relaxed into now. My DD13 has been enjoying a bit more freedom and she has been able to go round with some friends she has made. DS9 is loving it and has enjoyed all the activities. Weather definitely much better than last July in Orlando. Away to do the aerial adventure.

 

[LarryFmScotland]

I'm not sure I consider WDW an actual holiday, I'm more tired there than anywhere, I think it's either a second job or an obsession. So I do try to have the odd break elsewhere. I'm not sure Disneyland Tokyo, which was my last trip counts as elsewhere though!

Cheers Larry.

 

[Princess Leia]

I'm not sure I consider WDW an actual holiday, I'm more tired there than anywhere, I think it's either a second job or an obsession. So I do try to have the odd break elsewhere. I'm not sure Disneyland Tokyo, which was my last trip counts as elsewhere though!

Cheers Larry.

Yes it's like an extreme sport.

The other good thing I did today was start using my new DSLR. I can practise at a relaxed pace before WDW next year. Gorgeous blue skies. Just going to have a swim in adult only indoor pool before dinner. Some indoor pools at WDW would be nice - when I head back to swim in the afternoon the thunderstorms usually put paid to that.

 

[Ware Bears]

Glad you're having a relaxing time even though it feels a bit strange!

no matter where else I go if its NOT Disney World then its 'just a break' for me. I've had a massive run in with the MIL recently and also a 'friend!!'. The MIL said 'I want you to go somewhere else' and the friend said 'why don't you go somewhere else'...They'll both know better next time, if there is a next time!!!! I am well travelled so I know what I like and my second home is at WDW...I would only being going through the motions and not really enjoying it if I was in the med...

Happy planning for next year when you get to go home where your heart belongs.

I'll NEVER understand why people get so worked up over where other people holiday ..... and it's something that seems to get even more exaggerated when the destination is Disney. Is it jealousy? My hairdresser's just started experiencing it - she went to WDW for the first time last year, was totally wowed by it so is planning on going back next year, and already her MIL is asking why she needs to go back again when she's done it now. This same MIL goes to the same resort in Spain the same two weeks every year and has done so for the last goodness knows how many years but apparently that's different!

I've got one friend who holidays at Butlins every year and another who always goes to Centre Parcs, what does it matter where they holiday so long as they're happy and have a good time.

We're off to south of France this summer, it's our first year of not going to Disney for 10 years and although I'm really looking forward to it as it's somewhere I've wanted to go for a long time, I'm really glad we're back to DL next year!

 

[Princess Leia]

Glad you're having a relaxing time even though it feels a bit strange!
I'll NEVER understand why people get so worked up over where other people holiday ..... and it's something that seems to get even more exaggerated when the destination is Disney. Is it jealousy? My hairdresser's just started experiencing it - she went to WDW for the first time last year, was totally wowed by it so is planning on going back next year, and already her MIL is asking why she needs to go back again when she's done it now. This same MIL goes to the same resort in Spain the same two weeks every year and has done so for the last goodness knows how many years but apparently that's different!

I've got one friend who holidays at Butlins every year and another who always goes to Centre Parcs, what does it matter where they holiday so long as they're happy and have a good time.

We're off to south of France this summer, it's our first year of not going to Disney for 10 years and although I'm really looking forward to it as it's somewhere I've wanted to go for a long time, I'm really glad we're back to DL next year!

I know people who haven't been don't get it. At least you have had a bit of variety a cruise, WDW, DL and DLP. Plenty of different experiences. Enjoy France!

 

[crabbie1]

The nurses at work call me miss alyson wonderland disney dudeess lol. I do not care what others think but all I know is I would rather go every two years to wdw than two times a year somewhere else. Yes there are loads of places we want to go but with mine and DB children all 11 and below its a magical place whether 3 or 73. I have been going for years and still have not done everything. Although we have dvc I would still be quite happy staying on Idrive as long as I went. Miss the eating off site . I know how you feel ladies. Thats a classic about the MIL going to the same villa every year etc. im glad we have these boards to sound off on. We all save and plan all have different budgets but all go cus we love it. Thats our business noone elses. We have had a year off this year but I sold my dvc points to other people so they could enjoy a delux resort at less than a moderate price. Ok off my soap box . As dorothy says "there's no place like home"

 

[kizzabel]

I could sing that song Elaine!
I really gets to me. People think its acceptable to berate you for your choice of holiday. I have some friends who comment on our twice yearly DLP trips as if I am pathetic. I save hard, enjoy making plans and should not feel ashamed but find myself not telling people where we are going as I cannot be bothered listening to their response!

We spent a few days camping this month and it was fine but its no DLH I was thinking of Spain for next year but wanted to visit America for my 30th in early 2016 so I priced up New York.... and then Orlando and its as cheap to stay onsite for 11 nights at OKW as 5 nights in NYC... or maybe I just made it look that way! Either way I'm saving!

 

[Princess Leia]

I am back in our apartment watching videos of Disney. Stacey has just started talking about the Disney Must Dos. At breakfast we started talking about what breakfast items we are going to get at Walmart for our stay at OKW next July. Donuts seemed popular choice. My daughter has enjoyed spending time with other teenagers this holiday.

 

[Princess Leia]

Thought I would come back and give a conclusion on our Non-Disney holiday. Those reading my earlier post saw me at the start of my holiday struggling with the concept of a 2 week relaxing holiday. I have to say it turned out to be a fantastic holiday. There were some real pluses

* Children were able to form relationships with other children
* Some freedom for teenage daughter - they had a specific area and activities for teens. She ended up spending all her time with the other teens including having meals with them. She has kept in touch since her return through Instagram and Snapchat.
* All Inclusive included all drinks, meals and ice creams. No tips required.
* Weather was fantastic - not like the weather in July in Orlando.
* Had indoor pool to myself most days
* Planned activities at resort were included and were a favourite with DS9
* Minimal planning required
* Good value holiday - returned without large credit card bill

I ended up having a really relaxing holiday which is just what I needed. My family had a fabulous time. It took a bit of adjusting having some time on my own. I just want to reassure others that yes you can have a great holiday outside of Disney.

 

[petals]

I've been to Lanzarote among other places before but can't sit still long enough to have a "relaxing" holiday. I always need to be doing something if not I feel like I'm wasting time or missing something.

 

[Princess Leia]

I went for some nice long walks - armed with my new camera, swam in the indoor pool and took part in some of the activities such as archery and the high rope course. I didn't sit by the pool - my idea of relaxing is much more active!

 

[Ware Bears]

We've just come back from holidaying elsewhere, it wasn't our first non-Disney break but was the first year in 10 years that we haven't been to Disney.

We had a lovely time - it's the first time DH and I have gone away on our own without our DDs (eldest is 22 now so a long time!) - we spent our days doing a mixture of exploring, visiting castles and churches, lazing round the pool and long leisurely meals. One day we went on a sightseeing trip which ended up being just the two of us plus the tour guide and during conversation it turned out he had been a CM in France, Epcot so we couldn't totally escape Disney! Back to Disney next year though - loved Disneyland so much we're going back there again.

 

[happyj]

We have been to many places before we found disney. We are DVC since 2005. ( wish we had bought earlier )
We are lucky to have found something we so look forward and enjoy. We go on our own now as daughter is soon to be married and her fiancé enjoyed Disney but wants to go other places.
She says "I have lovely holidays but there not Disney!!
People are always saying " you going back there again"
I bet the have not found there shangri la !!!
Thank you for the Dis for like minded people

 

[flortlebap]

I guess we are just lucky, but fortunately we usually do 2 holidays a year do I can indulge my disney habit lol.

We did NY in March and the Hilton in the Algarve in July, which I would highly recommend to anyone. The hotel and service was even better than that in WDW, if that's even possible

 

[SianBeau]

I always get the 'won't you get bored going to the same place every year?!' And oh 'your limited now to where you can go'. FYI no I won't, and no I am not. Granted I am addicted to wdw, gutted we haven't gone this year, but have just booked our accom & are planning for July 2015