I'm Struggling - any advice?

[antmaril]

I'm struggling this year because I've made reservations at YC at the end of the June, but I can't get excited about it -- I haven't booked the air yet, so I can change my plans. I'm picturing myself on some of those rides and it's starting to get old. I know most people on these boards won't understand. I have always loved Disney World, but I can't shake this feeling. My son is a teenager now and I'm sure that has something to do with it. However, he isn't against going to WDW (we would also go to Universal). I just can't picture myself on some of those rides AGAIN. I know them by heart.

Does anyone else struggle with this?

I appreciate your thoughts!

 

[MELSMICE]

There's more than rides at Disney World. My DH always makes sure we do at least one thing new every time we go, whether it is a new restaurant, dinner show, or anything else. We're going to do horseback riding this year, Backyard BBQ, snorkeling at TL and hopefully a few other things.

Try to do a few things you have never tried. I'm sure you'll have a great time.

What about splitting a stay between YC & one of the Universal hotels. Maybe this will make you look forward to your trip more.

 

[followme2disney]

When was your last trip?

 

[grinningghost]

Yes, believe it or not, I do get those feelings too. And yes, I think part of it is due to DD being a teenager now. BUT, I am also looking forward to this trip in a whole new way. My DD will be bringing a friend to roam the parks with and DH and I get some time to ourselves. With that time, we're going to rent a Water Mouse boat and maybe play some miniature golf. We've never done that before due to "commando" park touring. We also plan to resort hop a bit too.

I've come to terms with it finally. I will go and ride all my old favorites, but I'm so excited about doing some other stuff too. And best of all, I can do it all on WDW property - I'll never run out of new things - it's just too darned big there!

Another recommendation: try a new restaurant on WDW property. There are so many, there's bound to be some you've never thought about going to before.

 

[minster22]

A couple of years ago my DH and I went to WDW with my 21yr old DS and because I spent more time that week with him than I had in a few years ( he lives out of our house now) it was truly a cherished trip. Now I am sure your son is still at home with you but that fun time spent together at WDW and Universal can be sooo much nicer than time spent debating over homework, chores and curfews. Also like several others mentioned there is much more to do than just rides. My DS loved Cirque du Soleil,we spent hours resort hopping with a snack here and there, in June watermice would be great. After many trips to WDW for me the rides are very much a smaller part of my trips, and my time spent is savoring everything WDW offers in a very leisurely manner. Oh, I almost forgot...we went to Disney Institute Spa and both had massages...he loved it!!

 

[nicolep91]

My advice will probably be in the minority here - but, what about taking a year off? Why spend the $ on a trip you're not really looking forward to. If the rest of your family is OK with it, maybe you should pick a different vacation destination for this year and save WDW for another time when you know you'll really feel the magic again.

Whatever you decide, I hope you have a nice vacation! Like minster22 said, it's nice just to get away from our everyday lives for awhile so that is going to be fun in itself!

 

[JonetteA]

I like the backstage tour. It ranges for $199, and includes lunch. It was AWESOME. A lot of backstage knowledge I never noticed before. The other thing I am planning to do this time is character meals I have never done before, as well as a hunt for hidden mickeys. I have a book called "Hidden Mickeys A field guide to WDW's best kept secrets" by Steven Barrett. As a WDW veteran., I went 5 times last year. I never noticed all of these mickey's. I am definately going to give it a shot to find as many as I can. Have you tried the cruise? It is awesome esp for adults. There is a whole section for teenagers as well.

 

[TChrist05]

Hello all......and I have to agree with all the opinions of all the posters...but I have a certain way of looking at it...I live in New YOrk and work in a supermarket in a managerial position, and am constantly with people....on the phone...on the computer....dealing with sales reps, supervisors....just people all the time. I found that special place....Disney World on my honeymoon almost 25 years ago. I have never traveled, since my parents could not afford to do it. My wife on the other hand was a traveler, and she introduced me to traveling. We have not missed a year going to Disney, and some years it is 2 or 3 times. I have from time to time said to myself when we were there a couple of days that maybe we should take a year off, and by the end of the trip I decide to skip a year....then a couple of weeks later I am ready to get back there. It is nice, for myself anyway, to get away from the telephone, the computer, the deadlines, getting up early, getting home early....dealing with unhappy customers or unhappy workers. I am not the type of person that needs to go on It's a Small World each time we go, but we just enjoy the nightlife, the night parades or the night festivities. We go each year after Thanksgiving to see the place decorated for the holidays, and I would never give it up. We started to cruise 3 years ago, and now cruise Disney once a year, although this year we will be doing it twice, a 7 day Magic and a 3 day Wonder. It is just a place I go to relax, get treated great. It is expensive, but something I feel I have to do...and there is more important things than money.......peace of mind....and with the world situation we are in right now.....it is the fantasyland I wish I was at right now.
Tom

 

[Planogirl]

We split our last trip between Universal and WDW, and it worked well for us. Universal was new and wore us out, and then we relaxed at familiar WDW. We tried some new things too which made it extra fun. For example, we spent one evening enjoying the activities at Fort Wilderness and we also spent some time at the resorts behind Epcot. How about the mini-golf courses? Cirque du Soleil? Trying new restaurants? Going offsite to shop at the outlets or trying some of the attractions on and around International Drive? Or even driving to the beach one day?

You may just need a change in your routine because we certainly did!

 

[cdpa4d]

I find my situation very similar to TChrist. My Wife and I went on our Honeymoon to WDW. After that first trip, I was hooked. I have been back every year for the past 9 years. We always find new things to do when we go back. We do enjoy Universal for a couple of days on each trip. That does help break up the trip. I thuroughly enjoy Disney. I know what you mean about the rides. They can get repetative. I think what I like most is the surroundings. Disney is truly a vacation setting. It makes me relax everytime I go there. The scenery is beautiful. Like TChrist said, it's just getting away from your normal routine which is important.
ADP

 

[antmaril]

Thanks to all of you for your replies! In answer to one poster, it's been two years since we've done WDW. However, we went to Universal over Labor Day weekend last year.

On the trip two years ago, we split our stay with Universal. Since our son is a teenager, Universal is a must.

We did Cirque du Soleil on the Labor Day trip.

When we discussed this upcoming summer trip, we decided if we go, we will try to do some new things. Try to eat in restaurants we haven't tried before (that is challenging because we do have our favorites - HA!) Perhaps we will do one of the water parks, which we've never done. Another thing I've been thinking about is trying a one bedroom villa at the Boardwalk (I don't think the Beach Club Villas are available during our dates). Maybe that would make it a little different for us. However, it is hard to give up Storm-Along-Bay at YC!!! Any thoughts on this?

Because my son is 16 and will be going to college in a couple of years, I know these family vacations are winding down. I cherish these times together as a family and I know that, if we go, we'll have fun. We love the Disney area and it's almost impossible not to have a great time (even with that heat and humidity!!)

I've tried to think of something else we can do, but when you have any only child, it is a little more difficult. He has a lot of friends at school, but not really anyone he feels close enough to to take on a trip for a week. A Disney/Universal vacation gives the three of us alot to do.

Obviously, we've taken other family vacations -- San Diego, New York, Cruise to Nova Scotia - but Disney is a favorite. (My DH might not agree, but he's always agreeable when I suggest Disney).

I'll have to decide in the next couple of weeks, I have airfare to book.

Thanks again for your thoughts. I'm feeling better about it already!

 

[MELSMICE]

Originally posted by antmaril
Perhaps we will do one of the water parks, which we've never done.

Definitely try a water park. I bet your son, you & DH will love it.

 

[HM]

The funny thing is I start feeling a bit like you before each trip now. "Why am I doing this again?" "Maybe I shouldn't have planned this trip." Once I get there, the feeling is absolutely gone. I find the magic is still there, the rides are still compelling, and I'm glad I'm there. Hope this helps. -HM