Is it wrong?

TrampDog

No better dog!
Joined
Oct 7, 2008
Messages
15
First, I am a Disney veteran. My first trip was with my parents way back in the early 70's (back in the days of tickets). Since then I have probably been to the World 35 times and the Land 6 times. I am now 44. Yes, an old fart. I am male, have a Wife and two kids. My Wife has been to DW 4 times and the kids have been there twice (they are 14 and 9).

I have had the fortunate ability to be an employee of companies that ran conferences in Disney. This obviously helped with my number of visits. In fact, I even had a seasons pass for two years (I live 1700 miles away from DW) because I was there so often.

I love Disney. I still smile every time I walk into the park. This year, I have the opportunity to return after a three year absence. This is mostly due to a conference I will be attending. Unfortunately, it is not prudent to take my kids out of school (High School is hard enough without missing an entire week). I never had a problem with going it alone before, but for some reason I feel guilty this time. I have booked an additional three days after the conference to hit the parks and will probably do some nights (after the meetings during the day) during the week. My feelings are that I am staying on property and almost everything has been paid for. Why shouldn't I enjoy myself a little?

So my questions to the community:

  1. Is it wrong to ejoy DW while the family is home?
  2. How wierd is it for a 44 year old guy to walk around the parks alone and have fun?
 
NO!!!

See my ticker? That is a Gals only trip. My family, including my 8 and 12 year old dd's will be AT HOME! And I will be having a grand time without them at WDW!:woohoo:

And even if you did look "out of place" by yourself in the world, does it matter? You don't know any of those people and won't see them again! Have a great time and don't even worry about what others think.

But if it makes you uncomfortable and you feel like you need a story just say "Uh, the wife sent me to get fastpasses", or "Wife took the kids to Bibbdy Bobbidy Botique and I am meeting them in a bit!" or at meals "Wife took the girls to the Princess meal and I am too much of a man for that!" :rotfl:


Or you could even use a better story "Undercover Imagineer Quality Control Inspector--shhhhh, don't tell"

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!
 
If you have the chance to go you should definitely go! I'd probably feel a little uncomfortable going to the parks by myself, but even so if I had the opportunity I'd definitely take it! :wizard:
 

If you are feeling bad about not including your family due to school, Is there a time that you all can plan to go together? I would not miss out on going to the parks and having a good time by yourself. But I can understand feeling guilty...I do too If I go somewhere fun and don't include my DH and kiddos...
 
... is to have a Disney Day alone! Really! I love to go with my family, and in fact DH and I have never been without at least one of our 'kids'. But the chance to do what I want, when I want, and where I want just intrigues me. On another note, we took our kids out of school when they were 16, 15, and 14 and there was no permanent damage done! One is in Grad School, one is headed to law school after already earning a bachelor's degree and the other has finished a fine arts degree. (Proud parents, obviously!). So if you do decide to do a family trip, just be prepared for a little extra work for the kids when they return and choose your week off wisely. Have a great time and bring them home a fun gift from Dad's Conference/Get-Away!
 
My mom used to visit me when I was a CM and she loooved going to the parks alone while I was working. She did the rides she wanted, watched the shows she liked and ate when and where she wanted. I bet anything you will not be the only adult there by himself!
 
Thanks to everyone for their great replies.

As I mentioned in the original post, I have gone alone in the past. It never bothered me then, but this time it was just something on my mind.

Anyway, I'll be there and I will enjoy myself. I've got my schedule planned with the must do rides and shows. I may even sneak away one night to Universal and go to HHN :scared1:.

I also have my favorite night planned as well. I used to do this every time I went, since it was always during the food and wine festival. I call it "drinking around the world". For some reason, I never remember making it more than half way around the showcase :headache:.
 
Trampdog, I'm pulling for you! You can make it around the world! Pace yourself and think smaller portions! DH, DS (25) and I hope to accomplish this in December. We may share a drink or two, however! Have a great time!
 
So my questions to the community:

  1. Is it wrong to ejoy DW while the family is home?
  2. How wierd is it for a 44 year old guy to walk around the parks alone and have fun?

First off - WELCOME!! When you get a chance, stop by the DIS Dad's Club - you'll find a lot of guys there that will "get" you! There's a link in my siggie below that will take you directly there...

Second - NO, NO, NO it is not wrong at all! Oh my goodness - solo trips are wonderful. Don't get me wrong, I love the family trips - but I've gone numerous times to both FL and CA while on business and had a simply marvelous time. I'm 38 and I love wandering the parks alone - and have lots of fun! Don't feel guilty about it - enjoy the opportunity to do it. Your kids will have the opportunity to go without you soon enough! :lmao: Seriously - there are so many folks that will say they could never go without their kids - and that works for them. If you are comfortable being by yourself and going to the parks - then why worry about it?
 
Without a doubt go!!!! I just went through almost the same thing. Long story short the stars aligned and I was able to go to WDW for one night for the MNSSHP for very, very little out of pocket. I live on Long Island flew down for one night. I left my DH and my 3 kids (ds 5 and b/g twins 2) home. Felt a little gulity at first, waving good bye that morning but got over it quick!!! Had a great time and I would do it again. It was a well deserved break from reality. Which we could all use once in a while. Someone put it best when I had posted my "should I go" post
"No guilt trips, just Disney trips"! ENJOY!!!!!
 
I want to add my $.02. Good for you to get a little down time and enjoy yourself!! Go Dad!!

BUT..... yes I know there's always a but....

I think your guilt is telling you that it's time to plan a family trip also! Your kids are growing up fast and some of my favorite trips were when the kids were really young or when they were in their teens. They'll be gone before you know it! Enjoy them and if you're lucky they'll invite you on trips with your grandkids!!
 
I want to add my $.02. Good for you to get a little down time and enjoy yourself!! Go Dad!!

BUT..... yes I know there's always a but....

I think your guilt is telling you that it's time to plan a family trip also! Your kids are growing up fast and some of my favorite trips were when the kids were really young or when they were in their teens. They'll be gone before you know it! Enjoy them and if you're lucky they'll invite you on trips with your grandkids!!

Yes, you are correct. It is time. I want to look into a DVC when I get down there, but I think I am going to plan a trip in lat April/early May.

I leave tomorrow for the World! :banana:
 
1. Is it wrong to ejoy DW while the family is home?

Nope. Not at all. It's probably far more harmless than if you went to a conference in Vegas and spent time "playing" there.

2. How wierd is it for a 44 year old guy to walk around the parks alone and have fun?

Next time you do it, take a look around. There are LOTS of 44 year old guys walking around the parks alone. When I've attended conferences there, it seems like many of the attendees come in a day early or stay a day late... so they can go to the Parks.

Last year I attended a police conference. The vast majority of them stayed an extra day and went to the Parks- many by themselves. Some of these guys were MANLY men... SWAT team members, etc... who are really into the whole COP thing. We're talking bad-asses. Even still, they went into the Parks to play. Not that they told their kids that...
 







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