My upcoming trip isn't working out as planned.

[bizeemom4]

Maybe I'm too sensitive but I think that your family is being disrespectiful to you. You went out and got a job and worked and saved and planned all by yourself. You're basically giving this to them as a gift and they are saying No thanks.

I'd be very sad if my family did that to me. I'd sit down & explain how important and special this trip is to you. If it were me, I'd put my foot down & wouldn't let anyone weasel out of it.

 

[Traveliz]

Sorry about your penpal. Not much you can do about that though.

As for your son...since he is 15 and would be missing a week of school to do something he doesn't want to do - I think I would for sure have him stay home. My step son (who we had custody of) went on his last trip at 14. It was not fun...he wanted to sleep, not be with us, etc etc. Much more fun without him...sorry to say...but they can make the whole group miserable.

I would personally want my husband to go at least the one time and then he could see for himself if he wanted to go again or not.

Good luck
Liz

 

[dwkwootton]

I wish I could make this go away for you!!! My gut reaction is that you have done too much for everyone and the old adage of someone not appreciating what they haven't worked for could be kicking in. My sense is that you shouldn't bend over backwards anymore but try to work with what you've got. And I think the sooner a final decision is made, the better for everyone. You may find its best to go only with younger DS or to surprise your best friend or favorite cousin with an awesome trip just for "the girls". As for DH, what has he enjoyed most in previous vacations? Can you employ your parents to babysit ASAP to give you quality alone time without interruptions to have a heart to heart with your DH? Try to find out what he's looking for (if anything) in this vacation and maybe you could build on that. (There's plenty of down time available at DW if he's looking for rest.) If he flat out has no interest, remind him he owes you the respect to tell you now while you still have time to take someone in his place. As for your older son, only you know best what to expect from him. As other posters have said, most teens love the place and its likely he'll become a convert. However, my girlfriend lived the nightmare of dragging her teen along and having her vacation completely ruined. If this is a possibility it may indeed be best to leave him home. You may find that he'll want to go as soon as you tell him he isn't going anymore. We're huge animal people here and when I have to board my animals, it always makes me feel better to talk to the "animal hotel" about my concerns. I bet your boarder will be happy to talk to your younger DS and relieve some of his concerns. And it could be that some of younger DS' anxiety is over the general stress at home regarding the upcoming vacation. My very very best wishes for success go out to you!!!

 

[DisneyMan1016]

If I were you, I'd just take your younger DS. I took my DS 12 (actually, he "Magically" became 11 in WDW. LOL!!!) for a trip, and we loved it! He loves Disney and wants to work there someday (YES!). If he continues to have pet seperation anxiety, go alone. You'll love going on the attractions that no one likes, and you'll love the quiet! And if you need company, I'll be glad to go!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Only you can make this decision, but IMHO your kids are getting older, and you are about out of years for family vacations. I know the feeling, my DS is 12. If it were me, I'd make him go, and if his additude is less than cordial, I'd remind him who's in charge. I'm not a meany, and my DS (and everyone else who knows me) would probably tell you I'm a push over, but family vacations are the one thing that even I don't bend on. However, when my DH & DS expressed their displeasure in me once again planning a trip to WDW over Christmas, I modified the trip to include less of what I would have chosen to do and more of what they would enjoy. Out of 10 nights & 11 days at WDW, we are only spending 3 days in the big 4. I have some other great things planned, and am glad to report that they are now both looking forward to our trip. Good luck with your planning. I feel for you and hope everything works out.

 

[luvindisneyworld]

Have you talked to them yet?I would let them stay at home if I were you,and then plan a trip for you and your youngest DS again next year and dont ask the other two to go.

 

[LindaBabe]

IMHO, since you worked hard for the trip you should enjoy it - no guilt - no pressure - just go and be a kid. If the older boy doesn't want to go - don't force it. If you let him stay home graciously, you will build far more bonds between you than if you force him to go! If your dh answers that he'd really rather stay home, again, I'd let him, graciously. He may know best what kind of relaxation he needs. If the younger son wants to go, take him. If he doesn't - you go anyway. Grab a girlfriend to go with you - or NOT. you can still have a super fantastic time doing what YOU want to do when you want to do it. It won't be the trip you dreamed of, but it can be a good trip anyway.

Very often our dream trips don't turn into reality, even if everyone goes! that was my first trip - I dreamed it would be fun, romantic. HAH! The first trip my husband and i went, he was a grump. Just AWFUL. I swore I'd never vacation with him again.

About 4 or 5 years later, when I graduated college (at 50), I celebrated by going to the world with my girlfriend. we had a great time. Then I got involved with a Disney website and started going more and more often. Every trip was so much fun. FINALLY, my husband asked to go with me, and believe me he was good as gold on that trip! Put himself out to be charming, even. Well, now I let him go once in a while - but i'd still rather go alone or with girlfriends!

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

If you're flying on Southwest all of the money you spent on tickets can be banked for a year. You wouldn't lose a penny. Other airlines charge as much as $100 a ticket, but then the cancelled tickets can be used by anyone.

You can cancel a second room at Disney, if you have one, up to 5 days out.

If you have park hopper tickets they are good forever.

So if you and your younger son go together, instead of taking family members who won't appreciate the trip, you may be able to work out going twice!

I'd figure out which option YOU want the most and do that If it's really important to you to be together as a family, I'd do as another poster replied and ask your family for some consideration. If you'd have more fun running all over WDW with just your younger son (twice!), go for it. Sounds like you've earned a vacation!