Oh Boy...I dont have enough money for Disney

[rantnnravin]

I like pie!!!

 

[Michelle and crew]

As usual when you criticize the military the point is totally missed.

MY point is that everyone pays taxes for things they don't like so the argument "Give me back my tax dollars that go to XYZ" is not a realistic one and it is also not a scenerio we would really want hence the line in my post be careful what you ask for.

Very happy you are peachy keen on the military, some people are not so and whether or not I vote is moot. Previous poster was asking for her portion of taxes that went to social services, if she gets a refund on what she doesn't like than every one else gets one also. Then where would we be. taxes are the price you pay for the current system.

Perhaps if the point is always lost when you use this analogy it isn't a very good one!

It sounds to me like just a way to express your political views while bypassing the rules against it.

 

[eliza61]

Actually I was directly answering this post and this post only

I'm sorry but I work 40 plus hours a week so my DD can enjoy many things. We are planning our first ever trip to Disney here shortly and to think that someone living off of my hard earned tax dollars is going for the 2nd time this year and planning a cruise next really fires me up. Not saying that there aren't many people receiving assistance that really deserve it and I honestly have no problem with that. If you have the money to plan these sorts of vacations multiple times a year, well give me my tax money back. I could really and honestly use it for my family's trip.

Not bypassing a thing.

 

[wtccheermom]

The only problem with that argument is that we all pay taxes for things we don't support. I vehemently protested the useless war in Iraq, can I ask for my money back on that (which since ~44 cent of every tax dollar goes to fund the military, I figure I'm owed a heck of a lot more than what you pay for social services)?

Unfortunately taxes are a requirement in our society, a society we supposedly built on freedom of choice (which nowadays people seem to be fling that word around).
So as aggravating as it can be (and I hate wasteful spending just like the next guy) yes, people have the freedom and the right to be absolutely, 100% irresponsible.
Be careful what you ask for, once we feel we have the right to "regulate" morality and behaviour it usually does not end well.
So as foolish as it is, we either fully support the concept or we don't because once you start using the argument "my tax dollars" then I get to use the same argument.

Why???? This thread despite the fact it was not the intention of OP for it to remain so civil is a nice one why go and do this.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

As usual when you criticize the military the point is totally missed.

MY point is that everyone pays taxes for things they don't like so the argument "Give me back my tax dollars that go to XYZ" is not a realistic one and it is also not a scenerio we would really want hence the line in my post be careful what you ask for.

Very happy you are peachy keen on the military, some people are not so and whether or not I vote is moot. Previous poster was asking for her portion of taxes that went to social services, if she gets a refund on what she doesn't like than every one else gets one also. Then where would we be. taxes are the price you pay for the current system.

Then how about if you are going to voice your opinion and criticize something then make sure you do so to the correct group. Criticize those whose job it is to MAKE the rules instead of those whose job it is to FOLLOW the rules. I can assure you that the rules are made by those in the buildings in our nation's capital, not by those on the ground wearing the uniforms.

Those same people in Washington are the ones responsible for the travesty of our welfare, healthcare and social security systems. Our system is flawed in many ways and it isn't the fault of the average worker like the soldiers or social workers who are simply doing their jobs trying to make a difference and trying to support their families. Sadly, many lower ranking soldiers families legally qualify for welfare benefits such as food stamps so I guess not all of that 44 cents is making it to the soldiers that are getting so much criticism.

Do some research on how civilian US contractors are bleeding the taxpayers for billions of dollars for useless equipment and research. Who approved that? Oh yeah, those guys in Washington again - and not a one of them in uniform.

 

[robinb]

Why???? This thread despite the fact it was not the intention of OP for it to remain so civil is a nice one why go and do this.

I have to disagree that the thread is particularly "nice". While I like DisneyMama409 as much as you do, I have seen more than one reference to people saying "I feel sorry for your kids.". Saying that is an attack on the poster through the poster's children. In my opinion, someone's kids are completely off-limits ... even if you feel genuinely sorry for then.

eliza61, while I agree with you in principle (as you know ) I also think that Jey12 was speaking in specifics (DM409's tax money spent) and not in generalities (all social services tax money spent).

 

[wtccheermom]

I have to disagree that the thread is particularly "nice". While I like DisneyMama409 as much as you do, I have seen more than one reference to people saying "I feel sorry for your kids.". Saying that is an attack on the poster through the poster's children. In my opinion, someone's kids are completely off-limits ... even if you feel genuinely sorry for then.
eliza61, while I agree with you in principle (as you know ) I also think that Jey12 was speaking in specifics (DM409's tax money spent) and not in generalities (all social services tax money spent).

I do not think any of those people were intentionally trying to attack her but genuinely do feel that way.

I think it is funny the OP has never shown back up because DM409 always came back with insults and threats.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

I have to disagree that the thread is particularly "nice". While I like DisneyMama409 as much as you do, I have seen more than one reference to people saying "I feel sorry for your kids.". Saying that is an attack on the poster through the poster's children. In my opinion, someone's kids are completely off-limits ... even if you feel genuinely sorry for then.

eliza61, while I agree with you in principle (as you know ) I also think that Jey12 was speaking in specifics (DM409's tax money spent) and not in generalities (all social services tax money spent).

I don't think DM409 has contributed any tax money to be spent. Did I miss the post about her having a job where she earns an income that takes out taxes on her? She is spending the tax money earned by people that work for a living that has been handed to her from government programs.

I don't see feeling sorry for children who are raised in less than ideal circumstances by irresponsible parents as being off-limits at all. DM409 put this info out there on the internet for all to read. Parents who are raising their children to lie and cheat the government system instead of teaching them about morals and values aren't doing them any favors in life and are just perpetuating the welfare cycle. I am certainly not going to cheer that parent on and enable them to go on luxury trips at the expense of the taxpayers.

 

[wtccheermom]

I don't think DM409 has contributed any tax money to be spent. Did I miss the post about her having a job where she earns an income that takes out taxes on her? She is spending the tax money earned by people that work for a living that has been handed to her from government programs.

I don't see feeling sorry for children who are raised in less than ideal circumstances by irresponsible parents as being off-limits at all. DM409 put this info out there on the internet for all to read. Parents who are raising their children to lie and cheat the government system instead of teaching them about morals and values aren't doing them any favors in life and are just perpetuating the welfare cycle. I am certainly not going to cheer that parent on and enable them to go on luxury trips at the expense of the taxpayers.

BRAVO!!!

 

[NaLisa]

WOW! This thread had really grown since the last time I checked. Sorry to say, I didn't have time to read through all the posts, but you've been given some great suggestions.

In case this hasn't already been mentioned, have you discussed the situation with your children? Explain to them your predicament and let them know you'd like their input (make it clear that the final decision is yours, but that their opinion matters to you).

Ask if they'd rather go now and buy few or no souvenirs (waiting until the last day of the trip to see how much money you have left over), or wait a few months until you can save up more money to splurge on meals and souvenirs. I'd bet they'd rather go now. Get all the free and cheap souvenirs, like the Kidcot stuff, pressed pennies, animation drawings, etc.

I think you can have a wonderful vacation without lots of fancy meals and expensive souvenirs, and it could be a good learning experience for your kids.

Good luck.

 

[snowy76]

I don't think DM409 has contributed any tax money to be spent. Did I miss the post about her having a job where she earns an income that takes out taxes on her? She is spending the tax money earned by people that work for a living that has been handed to her from government programs.

I don't see feeling sorry for children who are raised in less than ideal circumstances by irresponsible parents as being off-limits at all. DM409 put this info out there on the internet for all to read. Parents who are raising their children to lie and cheat the government system instead of teaching them about morals and values aren't doing them any favors in life and are just perpetuating the welfare cycle. I am certainly not going to cheer that parent on and enable them to go on luxury trips at the expense of the taxpayers.

ITA. The analogy to the military confused me. If my tax dollars are paying a soldier's salary, at least that solider is working, whether or not I agree with the job being done. If my tax dollars are simply being taken from my pocket and placed in another's via a welfare payment, and that money is taking a family to WDW while I'm searching couch cushions for change for our next trip that's a whole other ball of wax.

 

[disneyjunkie]

ITA. The analogy to the military confused me. If my tax dollars are paying a soldier's salary, at least that solider is working, whether or not I agree with the job being done. If my tax dollars are simply being taken from my pocket and placed in another's via a welfare payment, and that money is taking a family to WDW while I'm searching couch cushions for change for our next trip that's a whole other ball of wax.

Then the same can be said about welfare programs. Some of our tax dollars are used to pay the case workers salaries. (Someone has to do intake and recerts)

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I don't think DM409 has contributed any tax money to be spent. Did I miss the post about her having a job where she earns an income that takes out taxes on her? She is spending the tax money earned by people that work for a living that has been handed to her from government programs.

I don't see feeling sorry for children who are raised in less than ideal circumstances by irresponsible parents as being off-limits at all. DM409 put this info out there on the internet for all to read. Parents who are raising their children to lie and cheat the government system instead of teaching them about morals and values aren't doing them any favors in life and are just perpetuating the welfare cycle. I am certainly not going to cheer that parent on and enable them to go on luxury trips at the expense of the taxpayers.

You go girl

 

[disneyjunkie]

Why???? This thread despite the fact it was not the intention of OP for it to remain so civil is a nice one why go and do this.

You really think this is a nice thread?

 

[NaLisa]

Oops. Went back and read the thread AFTER my last post.

Still, I found the dollar-stretching advice very helpful.

And as the DIS veterans pointed out that the OP is basically a fraud, I wouldn't use her case--whether completely true, completely false or somewhere in between--as a basis to judge anyone else.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Then the same can be said about welfare programs. Some of our tax dollars are used to pay the case workers salaries. (Someone has to do intake and recerts)

But, those caseworkers, at least in Georgia, also work Medicaid and Food Stamps for those that are truly disabled/RSDI/SSI eligible. Some of those people have paid into the system.

Suzanne

 

[disneyjunkie]

The OP isn't the only DISer taking advantage of the system. There are plenty of DISers receiving help from the gov't (WIC) while funding trips to WDW. As a matter of fact I recall at least one DISer posting about her family getting WIC, yet they own DVC.

 

[disneyjunkie]

But, those caseworkers, at least in Georgia, also work Medicaid and Food Stamps for those that are truly disabled/RSDI/SSI eligible. Some of those people have paid into the system.

Suzanne

The OP may have paid into the system at one point. Just because she doesn't work now, doesn't mean she has never worked.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

The OP may have paid into the system at one point. Just because she doesn't work now, doesn't mean she has never worked.

I don't know, she may have, but she sure is milking it now. I was just pointing out that some caseworkers are alos working with people that paid into the system.

My job (not with the gov't) is to work with people in this capacity and I see also that shouldn't be going on, but what can you do. I guess I would rather see her spend her kids money on a trip for them, than to spend it on booze and drugs.

Suzanne

 

[hambirg]

Ok. . .time to hop in this mess.

I don't see how a family living off of public assistance could possibly afford these trips. . .unless they were committing FRAUD. We were just talking about this on another board, and living off of public assistance sucks! It certainly doesn't support the kind of lavish lifestyle the OP is implying. When my husband and I separated, I had been a SAHM for 10yrs, it was right in the middle of the economy tanking, and he wasn't helping with anything. . no child support. . .alimony etc. I didn't have a choice. I had 3 kids to house and feed. I got TANF and food stamps. I didn't like doing it. . .but just told myself that that's what it's for. Plus being on the system, the state gets involved in making the ex pay support. Anywhoo. . .what I got still didn't cover basic needs. Luckily I had savings that I dipped into to the tune of about $500/month. I certainly wasn't going to WDW or planning Disney Cruises. Like the PP who said it. . .I was couch diving for milk money. I'm an extreme couponer and we were living on RR's for toilet paper, shampoo and laundry soap. It's a good thing I had those kinds of skills. So I'm not sure where the OP is getting that kind of $$$. BUT it's certainly not from public assistance. . .unless they're collecting for several families or something. Maybe earning income illegally. I can understand why people feel outraged. This is the budget board for crying out loud! Most of us have to scrimp and save and do without to take our families to WDW. I'm hoping to take mine in 2011, but not sure if that is going to be just a pipe dream. My mom has promised the airfare as a Christmas gift. . .now I just have to use all of the great tips I get here to come up with the rest. So thank you Dis'ers for that!

So for any legitimate posters. . .to answer the original question. I think you can go to WDW with not too much spending money. With the DDP I probably would only give my kids $30 each to buy a souvenir. . .and they probably wouldn't even spend that! Without the DDP I would probably give them $20 a day for snacks and sovenirs. . .they could spend it all on snacks or save some for a souvenir at the end. I think it's a really good thing to give your kids a limited amount and make them pick and choose. It's a skill they will use for the rest of their lives. Most of us have to do it everyday! And I don't think it takes away from the Disney experience at all. The rides, the parades and the overall Disney Magic is free with your ticket.