Last Minute Trip - UPDATE Just got back!

[amylevan]

We'll be there 1/30-2/8. DS is missing 5 days of 1st grade. Our district asks for pre-approval for vacation days, which we received.

Missing the play would be a bigger concern in my book - and not the monetary value, but the Santa gift, entertainment value. Is the play something that she really wants to see and do you do to WDW often? Those factor in.

 

[TippeeCanoe]

I wouldn't call a trip to Disney a "learning" experience; other than teaching your children that it's okay to ignore their commitments when there's something else that they really want to do.

My daughter has been in school for eight years. The only time I've taken her out for a trip is when her grandfather was singing at the Vatican and we actually toured historical sites. Never for Disney.

Good for you. Other parents make different choices. My kids have learned a lot about traveling in general in our trips to Disney. Traveling anywhere is a learning experience.

In Kindergarten, her missing school is a non-issue. I took my kids out until they were in high school, then it got to be too hard. If you can eat the cost of the concert tickets, I'd go.

 

[disney world dreamer]

I wouldn't call a trip to Disney a "learning" experience; other than teaching your children that it's okay to ignore their commitments when there's something else that they really want to do.

My daughter has been in school for eight years. The only time I've taken her out for a trip is when her grandfather was singing at the Vatican and we actually toured historical sites. Never for Disney.

really? disney can't possibly be a learning experience?
i cannot even believe you feel that way.

 

[alliecat523]

I've taken my DD out of school a bit over the years for travel. Our district will actually excuse the absence if you can state some sort of learning experience.

Being in Kindergarten, I wouldn't worry about missing school at all. There are definitely lots of things she can learn at WDW!

 

[supersnoop]

really? disney can't possibly be a learning experience?
i cannot even believe you feel that way.

Possible? Sure. But it's not the purpose of the trip. Taking an educational trip? I'm fine with that. But trying to justify a Disney trip as an educational experience? That just doesn't fly with me.

 

[biondagirl]

I'd do it. I don't think missing a few days of kindergarten is going to hurt her. I took my son out of school until grade 2 or 3. Our school lets us have 5 days for an educational vacation.

My kids will be in 8th and 5th next year and are actually getting two days off next October. I am totally thinking of pulling them out for 3 more and heading down for MNSSHP and Food & Wine. We haven't been there for that in YEARS.

Have fun!

 

[PadmeNaberie]

Speaking as someone who was taken out many times for Disney, all the way through 12th grade, for up to two weeks at a time... DO IT I could go on and on and on about everything I learned at WDW!! The school might put up a stink since they are paid based on attendance but really, 3 days? Not gonna hurt anything

 

[KimBean]

Family memories will always be cherished. A random school week will not be remembered. Since you are asking the question that tells me you take her schooling seriously. Go, and build memories any time you can. My oldest is 15 and it happens in 2 blinks.

Edit to say - My 7 year old today told me antelopes are from Africa. I said, that is right, where did you learn that? (I was just curious, sometimes tid-bits like this don't stick with her.) And she was like Lion King, mom. Lion King.

 

[juliekzp]

Go for it. Three days of Kindergarten is nothing. In our district, you can have 10 unexcused absences without getting in "trouble." After 6, you do get a note home about the importance of school.

 

[anniemae]

In Kindergarten? Yes, I would pull her out for 3 days. Kindergarten is not required. I have friends who did not even send their kids to Kindergarten, they just started them in 1st grade. I would not even be questioning it, I would be too busy booking fp's and dining reservations!

 

[BrianL]

I wouldn't worry about school at all, but I would want to see Matilda. I hear its brilliant! It's a tough choice, but if that's your only bite at that apple, then WDW isn't going anywhere.

 

[famy27]

Possible? Sure. But it's not the purpose of the trip. Taking an educational trip? I'm fine with that. But trying to justify a Disney trip as an educational experience? That just doesn't fly with me.

I just can't agree. I find Disney to be an amazing learning experience every time. On our last trip, my DDs learned so much about patience, waiting in a queue, and interacting with people from all parts of the globe. They learned about sea animals (The Seas and Turtle Talk), storms (Innoventions), car design(TT), the state of California(Soarin), different countries(WS), how to follow instructions (Agent P) and agriculture(LWtL). And that was just at EPCOT. Of course, there was some straight up family bonding and fun.

My three year old decided she wanted to meet Aladdin and Jasmine. The line was 45 minutes. I warned her that it would be a long wait, but she was determined. So she stood in line the whole time with me. That's the kind of real-world experience that she can take back to the classroom when she needs to sit quietly or wait patiently for something.

I think you'd have to go out of your way NOT to learn when you're at WDW.

 

[KimBean]

We need to move this conversation on to what you need help with planning your trip? LOL!! My friend leaves in about a month and didn't get A&E fast passes and just told me I don't need to stalk for them, so I really need something to obsess over.

 

[niffer5150]

it's kindergarten. it's not even compulsory everywhere. i wouldn't even think twice about it. if you feel bad, see how many sight words she can point out while in lines.

 

[DM Minnie]

My son is in kindergarten and we are taking him out for 2 weeks. Myself and DH's jobs do not allow us to travel during school holidays and summer. Family vacation for now is very important time together with such busy work schedules. Once he is in grade 5 or over I will rethink our travel dates. Go for it!!

 

[starjazz]

Kindergarten? Come on. Let's not get preachy about missing some Kindergarten for pete's sake.

If you wanna go, go. No guilt.

 

[quandrea]

I wouldn't call a trip to Disney a "learning" experience; other than teaching your children that it's okay to ignore their commitments when there's something else that they really want to do.

My daughter has been in school for eight years. The only time I've taken her out for a trip is when her grandfather was singing at the Vatican and we actually toured historical sites. Never for Disney.

This is a bit sanctimonious, don't you think?

 

[ArwenMarie]

Kindergarten? Definitely. I wish I had pulled my kids out MORE when they were young...now I can't anymore because the makeup work stresses them out. Enjoy your trip!

 

[starjazz]

This is a bit sanctimonious, don't you think?

But Grandfather was singing at the Vatican!

 

[BlondeAppetit]

Go for it. There are plenty of "plays" she can see at Disney - such as the broadway-caliber "Festival of the Lion King".