How do I convince My DH we need to go in Jan?

[Camping Griswalds]

We've been a total of 7 times with kids, the last ending in Jan of 04. We went the last 6 in a camper. The camper is now sold. I am missing Disney sooooooooo bad. I know I could finagle the money, but we do have credit card debt that should be paid off first. I would still do it in a heartbeat, if only DH would get the slightest bit enthused. He always would do this to me, but once we got there he really enjoys himself. Anyone have any ideas how to convince him to go? Should I just make the ressies and pay the deposit and see if we can come up with the extra money??? We could always cancel right?? Of course I could always promise *favors* but sometimes even that dosen't work!!!! Help!!!

 

[RoyalCanadian]

Nobody needs to go to Walt Disney World. Yes -- Disney parks are fun places to be but paying down bad debt such as credit card debt should take financial priority over vacations.

Sadly, you've come to the exact right place where people who don't have to worry about paying your bills will encourage you to take that Disney vacation, "there is no time like the present", "your children won't always be young", "the bills will still be there when you get home", "you deserve to go to Walt Disney World or Disneyland", "no dollar amount can possibly be put on the "magical" memories you will make there."

It's all nice to say all of that -- and I've read every single one of those excuses for someone else to take a Disney vacation on the Disboards -- however it is truly horrendous and irresponsible financial advice to suggest that another person go further into debt to fund a vacation.

Save your money -- pay off your credit cards -- set money aside for a future Disney holiday. Never borrow money for a vacation - it simply isn't worth the cost. Save for what you want; borrow for what you need. (Remember -- nobody needs to go to Walt Disney World.)

The vacation you take with money enough in the bank to pay for will be a truly magical vacation -- you won't face the stress of bills on your return home.

 

[Camping Griswalds]

Dude you sound just like my husband!!! I wouln't put the trip on the credit cards. I 'd just work extra or take some of the money we have coming in from e-bay from selling some season football tickets instead of going to the games ourselves. Neither of those options would pay off the cc debt which although not serious is more than it should be. Somehow I always find it more inspirational to work extra for Disney than debt.

All that being said though, thanks for your practical advice. It stings a little, but smells strongly of the truth.

 

[agotta]

I would agree about not putting the trip on the cc (don't know how I ended up on the family boards, does it sound like baby fever?). I convinced Dh to go to Disney in Jan if I rented our DVC points to pay for the entire thing. If there is a way you can save enough, without disrupting life (continue paying of those credit cards) than I would say go for it!

 

[Camping Griswalds]

So I convinced him to go! We're going to put all the $$ made from e-bay to Disney this year. It usually goes for some big Christmas present, so it will be this years BIG Christmas present. I've also decided to go into work more (if they call me in...I'm a nurse) and split the $$ 50% to CC's and 50% to Disney. I know from past experience I'll be working some night at about 3 am (doing this so can still be stay at home mom...daddy would be sleeping and I can nap when naps occur) and be saying to myself.."This 200.00 pays for a day trip to Seaworld...THis 125 gets us into Disney Quest" It never seems to be as inspiring to say, "this 200 pays down those stinking credit cards" I will be awfully proud of myself though to match a decrease in CC debt to a Disney trip!

 

[agotta]

Good for you!! Have a great time and keep us updated on the planninG!

 

[RoyalCanadian]

We're going to put all the $$ made from e-bay to Disney this year.

This sounds like a very responsible and well-considered compromise. The ability to save for a trip and pay down that nasty credit card debt can be a very satisfying experience. It really is a double reward for you.

"This 200.00 pays for a day trip to Seaworld...THis 125 gets us into Disney Quest"

Shovelling snow in the winter of 2004 took on a similar logic for me here in southern Ontario. With the Disney Vacation Club member information safely stored inside, I was able to say (with each shovelful of snow, each and every day), "In January of 2005 I will be at Walt Disney World and I won't have to shovel snow." It was about the only thing that kept me sane during a very harsh winter. In what can only be described as divine justice, it didn't snow at all at home while we were at WDW. Still, I didn't have to shovel snow.

 

[Camping Griswalds]

"In January of 2005 I will be at Walt Disney World and I won't have to shovel snow." It was about the only thing that kept me sane during a very harsh winter. In what can only be described as divine justice, it didn't snow at all at home while we were at WDW. Still, I didn't have to shovel snow.

Isn't it funny how our mind works? I know so many who say, "Disney in Jan? It's cold then." Yeah it might be, but it's still Disney and not as cold as MD, especially wonderful for us living here on the east coast...they get SUN!!! In our winter months all we get is grey!!! Seriously , months and days and weeks of GREY!!

Already working extra to go to Disney!! (and paying the stinking cc's too )

 

[RoyalCanadian]

I know so many who say, "Disney in Jan? It's cold then."

In what was a beautiful act of God -- it was 80-85°F the entire week we were there. The week before -- cold and wet. The week after -- cold and wet. We wore shorts the entire week.

 

[Nik's Mom]

Glad that you are deciding to go AND pay off debt. That's what we will be doing. I will pay off my credit card, then save for our WDW trip. Then pay off our car loan, then work on saving for the next trip, etc. I'm not that stressed about our student loans right now, but they will be the next to go after the car is paid off!

 

[Camping Griswalds]

In what was a beautiful act of God -- it was 80-85°F the entire week we were there. The week before -- cold and wet. The week after -- cold and wet. We wore shorts the entire week.

Yeah so bring on more of that "Isn't it cold" weather...right!!

 

[RoyalCanadian]

Yeah so bring on more of that "Isn't it cold" weather...right!!

If it keeps the others away -- I'm all for going during the "Isn't it cold?" season.