Parents that don’t get it – “I want my kids to remember it ..”

[crisi]

I don't get it either IF they can afford to go. My sister and BIL for instance...have 3 kids (almost 8, almost 6 and almost 3 year old). Every year my sister comes up with a new excuse as to why they're not going with us. They have no problem buying a new drum set, laptops, kindles, etc etc. They never take their kids anywhere or do anything with them, I feel bad for them. The new excuse is they want to wait until the youngest will be able to remember it. Ok, I get that, but what about the older kids? Remember it? I only remember bits and pieces as a teen, so I'm not sure when they plan on going, lol.

They don't like Disney - frankly, it doesn't sound like they like to travel.

Every year I get invited to a Superbowl party, and every year I have some excuse to not go (its often Girl Scout Cookie Go Weekend - that's been a good excuse for a few years). I don't like it. I don't even like the ads.

I can't imagine being pressured to spend my vacation time and dollars doing something I have no interest in.

Your sister and BIL don't like to travel. Some people don't. When their kids are adults - or even teenagers and get opportunities through school - maybe the travel bug will bite them. Maybe it won't.

My daughter's best friends have a father who doesn't like to travel. They don't go many places. On the other hand, they have spectacular DREAMS about being able to travel. Which, in some ways, is cooler than my "I've been on three continents" daughter.

 

[DisneyNutMary]

My family is fortunate enough to live in an area where getting to WDW is affordable, and we stumbled onto DVC early enough that it has been affordable for us to go every other year. So with affordability not being a factor, we have chosen to go with our boys from when they were as young as 19 months old. They may not remember the trips, or details from the trips, but my DH and I do - and we have pictures for them to look at.
My two favorite memories in my life come from Disney trips, but funnily enough they were at vastly different ages for my boys.
My younger DS was three when we went to the (no longer in existence) ice cream social at the Garden Grill. When Pluto came by my DS got so excited to see him, but he was still very shy and wouldn't get out of his seat. Pluto leaned into the booth and licked him....at the time Pluto's tongue hung out of his mouth by a good five to six inches. My DS was so excite by this, I can still hear him as clear as if it just happened saying "Pluto licked me" in a fit of giggles. The picture of his smile is one of my favorite ever. Now that he's 15 and never willing to smile, that picture is even more special.
My older DS is part of a favorite memory too, but he was 20 at the time - two months ago. We had a mom/son trip in January, and we got caught in torrential rain in Epcot. He wanted a Kaki Gori, so we took it up to sit under the overhang of the yakitori house restaurant. We sat there barely sheltered from the rain while he ate. It was quiet, everyone was inside hiding from the rain, and it was just the two of us in a world far away by ourselves. This was a bittersweet moment for this momma, I sat there and enjoyed the moment because I know a girl will steal his heart away from me soon, and these moments will be gone.

Why anyone does or doesn't take their kids to WDW at any particular age is a personal decision, but I can truly say I have no regrets of taking my kids at any stage of their growth. From birth to adult Disney memories are a part of my kids lives.

 

[jensen]

I have often wondered why parents are in such denial for taking their kids to Disney. Did they have a bad trip when they were young or maybe they didn’t to go at all? I have talked with parents both as a Guest and as a Cast Member, but it seems more times than not I am left shaking my head at “I want my child to remember their visit?” Isn't that what a camera is for? or photopass?

I usually ask where do you all go for family vacation? I get all kinds of answers… the lake, the beach, skiing, camping, the cape, ……. They go on trips but not Disney.. Why?

So does anybody else understand why? Or maybe you are a parent that has waited until you child is older…. Do you regret waiting? Did your child really have a better trip? Or more fun? I get the money limitation part, but just because you don’t want to…. it is fair to have your kid miss out on one of the greatest experiences in life? Meeting those who live in your imagination? meeting the fairies, princesses or Buzz Lightyear, or how about the Mouse himself? Sorry to those I have left off... step sisters, aliens, dwarfs, dogs, snowmen and fine china...

I get this a lot, too. I always respond that I take them young to create memories for myself. And someday they'll create their own memories when they take their children.

I think that the people who say this are thinking that Disney is so expensive that they want to their kids to appreciate it... that whole "once in a lifetime" thing.

 

[SpringSprite]

I get this a lot, too. I always respond that I take them young to create memories for myself.

Exactly!! Our first trip will be this October with a 5 and 4 year old...we thought it was the perfect age for balance of our memories / their enjoyment. They probably won't remember this trip as adults but will certainly enjoy it while they are there!

 

[star04]

I went to Disneyland as a teenager about 15 years ago, and I don't remember a darn thing! (except for it's a small world)

My kids will be almost 5 and almost 3 when we go. They (and I) love everything Disney. To me, these are the ages when the "magic" is real. We are going for the moments, the now. Any memories will be a great addition.

 

[Gillyrose779]

When we told people we were taking our 2 and just turned 4 year old boys to Disney we got a lot of comments- mostly "they won't remember". So what- we remember- and it was amazing- the awe in their faces was wonderful. I think every age has a different experience and it is wonderful to see.

I think a lot of families assume it is a once in a lifetime trip and it is so expensive. They don't even bother trying to budget or look for sales. Disney is a lot to take in. It can be overwhelming to people who never go so I can see why they would think that.

We are now going again- just 8 months later- before by oldest starts school. He has been watching the Star Wars- Jedi training and is so excited to fight Darth Vader. I am so excited to see it. Even if he doesn't remember it I know I'm going to have the memory- and it's going to be a great one.

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

We live in Florida and are military and have been fortunate to be able to take advantage of the resident and military discounts over the past 5-7 years, making Disney an affordable vacation. The very first trip we took with our oldest son, he was 15 months old. I did not plan that trip for him - I planned it for ME! We hadn't been anywhere except to visit my in-laws for like 2 years and I was itching to get out of town something fierce. We got a letter in the mail from Disney one day with special Florida Resident rates -- and this was back in 2003, when people were still leery of traveling after 9/11, so the rates were very good. (As I recall, we stayed at CSR for about $80/night including taxes, and had 4-day resident park-hoppers for $99.) I was so excited when we got there I jumped up and down in the parking lot.

That trip was so amazing. Our son loved the characters and I have the sweetest pictures of him meeting Tigger, Pooh and Eeyore, plus we went to Crystal Palace (as a walk-up... it was so empty that Sept) and the characters paid such special attention to him. It totally reignited my Disney love. Now, our kids have been quite a few times and still love it and still ask to go back.

As for those "other" vacations -- we live at the beach, so beach vacations are out. We spend a few days there during the summer and we've had our fill. Camping: I do not camp. I do want to take the kids to Washington DC, the Grand Canyon and more. But, as most people who wait to take their kids to WDW so they'll remember it -- we're waiting for those trips until our kids remember it. I want our kids to remember seeing the Lincoln Memorial (and know something about who Lincoln was), understand and appreciate the history of the sites. Taking a 3-yr-old to a museum is not my idea of a good time (at least not either one of my kids at 3 - they would never have been patient). I want them to be in awe of the Grand Canyon, not be worried they'll fall over the edge. So to me, Disney World is the perfect vacation for families with young kids. Everyone has fun!

 

[goofymoma]

We our leaving for WDW in 67 days, yay!!! And this will be our 2nd family trip, I had never been as a child and my DH went 2 or 3 times from early childhood to teen. My 2 DS will be 9 and just 6, and I am one of those parents who said after the last trip I wouldn't go back until DS2 was at least 5.....and to be honest I'm still a little skeptical about this trip My boys are difficult on a good day, DS1 has Aspergers and DS2 has always been ornery and loves to set off his brother and has ADHD. To be honest this trip is for me and I am super, super excited that DS2 has hit the 40" mark!!!! He is such a peanut i was afraid we would still be baby swapping which is tough with an older child that doesn't so well in lines or just waiting.
My reason for not wanting to go back wasn't because we didn't have a good time, because we had an AWESOME time, the boys were 5, celebrated birthday in WDW, and 18 mon. but because they were soo small we didn't get to do a lot of things I wanted to do. We had taken our double stroller and we were at the parks from open to close for 6 days - DS2 would sleep or just chill in the stroller and got out for rides, shows, and he was even pulled out by Dale to dance with during a parade at MK. DS1 would sit in the back between walks to different areas, when we were in lines and even watched some of the shows from the stroller, and used it when he needed to decompress from overstimulation. Some may say I'm crazy for taking a double stroller for a 9 & 6yr old, but I can't imagine going without it!

Like pp's have stated it is truly a decision of what would be best for each family. Now that DS2 is out of the terrible 2’s, horrific 3’s and questionable preschool years, if finances allow I would love to start going every 1-2 yrs. But depending on how my boys handle this trip will be a deciding factor on if we go back in the next couple years or wait another 4-5yrs to try again. What I REALLY would love to do is a Disney Cruise, so I can have some childless vacation time while they are at the kids club , but DH is really opposed to cruises, so I have more work to do to convince him it'll be a great vaca!!

 

[dvczerfs]

We live in Florida and are military and have been fortunate to be able to take advantage of the resident and military discounts over the past 5-7 years, making Disney an affordable vacation. The very first trip we took with our oldest son, he was 15 months old. I did not plan that trip for him - I planned it for ME! We hadn't been anywhere except to visit my in-laws for like 2 years and I was itching to get out of town something fierce. We got a letter in the mail from Disney one day with special Florida Resident rates -- and this was back in 2003, when people were still leery of traveling after 9/11, so the rates were very good. (As I recall, we stayed at CSR for about $80/night including taxes, and had 4-day resident park-hoppers for $99.) I was so excited when we got there I jumped up and down in the parking lot.

That trip was so amazing. Our son loved the characters and I have the sweetest pictures of him meeting Tigger, Pooh and Eeyore, plus we went to Crystal Palace (as a walk-up... it was so empty that Sept) and the characters paid such special attention to him. It totally reignited my Disney love. Now, our kids have been quite a few times and still love it and still ask to go back.

As for those "other" vacations -- we live at the beach, so beach vacations are out. We spend a few days there during the summer and we've had our fill. Camping: I do not camp. I do want to take the kids to Washington DC, the Grand Canyon and more. But, as most people who wait to take their kids to WDW so they'll remember it -- we're waiting for those trips until our kids remember it. I want our kids to remember seeing the Lincoln Memorial (and know something about who Lincoln was), understand and appreciate the history of the sites. Taking a 3-yr-old to a museum is not my idea of a good time (at least not either one of my kids at 3 - they would never have been patient). I want them to be in awe of the Grand Canyon, not be worried they'll fall over the edge. So to me, Disney World is the perfect vacation for families with young kids. Everyone has fun!

thank you for your service to this great country!

that's how my family started going to wdw. in 1973 my brother was stationed at homestead afb. I don't recall fully but back then I think they allowed the military member in for free if they were in uniform. I recall my brother walking around in his dress blues.

I don't know about anyone else by I enjoy reading the different stories and reasons why people go and don't go. nice reading a thread without all the bickering.

 

[TipsyTraveler]

My mom has said they waited to take me because they wanted me to be old enough to remember. I went at ages:

4 -- I only have two memories of this trip, both "trauma" related.
9 -- Absolutely no memories of this one.
10 -- I vaguely remember standing in front of Small World.
17 -- Three or four memories involving my friend that went with us.

It is expensive and I understand people waiting until their kids are older. Even still, going by my experience, Disney trips may not be the memory-makers parents hope them to be. I do, however, clearly remember all my adult trips. If parents want to be sure their kids remember it, the best bet would be to wait until they're 30.

As for it being one of life's greatest experiences? Well, not every kid feels that way. When I was told at 17 that we were going to Disney, my response was "Again? Can I at least bring a friend?" I'm much more into Disney as an adult than I was as a kid. I'm sure I had fun on the earlier trips, they just didn't make much of an impression.

 

[dvczerfs]

My mom has said they waited to take me because they wanted me to be old enough to remember. I went at ages:

4 -- I only have two memories of this trip, both "trauma" related.
9 -- Absolutely no memories of this one.
10 -- I vaguely remember standing in front of Small World.
17 -- Three or four memories involving my friend that went with us.

It is expensive and I understand people waiting until their kids are older. Even still, going by my experience, Disney trips may not be the memory-makers parents hope them to be. I do, however, clearly remember all my adult trips. If parents want to be sure their kids remember it, the best bet would be to wait until they're 30.

As for it being one of life's greatest experiences? Well, not every kid feels that way. When I was told at 17 that we were going to Disney, my response was "Again? Can I at least bring a friend?" I'm much more into Disney as an adult than I was as a kid. I'm sure I had fun on the earlier trips, they just didn't make much of an impression.

I remember bits and pieces of my first trip when I was seven. but im old! I can remember what happened years ago but cant remember what I had for breakfast. (you'll see)

 

[TipsyTraveler]

I remember bits and pieces of my first trip when I was seven. but im old! I can remember what happened years ago but cant remember what I had for breakfast. (you'll see)

I can't even remember if I had breakfast today...

 

[DSNY4ever]

I can't even remember if I had breakfast today...

This is my husband! Haha, he remembers nothing from his childhood even college is starting to become a blur, and we are only in our 30's!

Being from California I have a lot of friends that make the pilgrimage to take their kids just once, so they want to do it when they "are old enough". We have already taken our 2 year old to Disneyland twice and WDW once. He has LOVED It every time and we have made amazing memories. I think we have set him up to be disappointed in every future vacation that doesn't involve the Mouse

 

[nadira36]

i keep seeing posts about being old enough for no naps!

come on!!!!! i have been going since i was 7 and i am now 48, been there way to many times and to this day, i still nap everyday between 2 and 4 while at wdw.

good thing i don't go with you people, you would have one 48 year old grumpy old man walking around with you.

your killing yourselves. you will never see it all as much as you try. all these trips and i haven't seen it all. in fact, they keep changing it before i can see it all.

DH and I take a nap everyday, if the kids let us. Sometimes the 2 yr old joins us.

That and saying they wait until the kid doesn't need to eat every 5 minutes. Come on! There's a mickey bar cart every 5 feet, I have to eat at least at every second cart, plus meals.

Some people are focused on one or two aspects of the park: rides, distance, money, but forget to see the big picture. These are often the same people arguing and telling their kids to have fun, 'or else'

Our kids went at 9 to 18 mos for their first trip. Our youngest will be 1 year + 2 days when he arrives at Disney for the first time. There is something awesome about the children growing up with magic part of their day to day life. It isn't until now, age 7+, that my oldest is beginning to realize the magic she grew up with isn't exactly the magic she thought. Her excitement about our up-coming trip is so much greater than it had been previous years - It makes me so excited. And for those reasons I don't understand the people who can afford the trips, but say they'll wait until the child's older (but then take the baby to hawaii instead). Ultimately, I think it comes down to not wanting to go in the first place, so they wait in order to do it all in one trip, and not return.

 

[ConvenientTruth]

I understand waiting....while Disney was "interesting" when we had infants or even toddlers, it is much more enjoyable now that they are a little bit older and can truly experience Disney.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I remember bits and pieces of my first trip when I was seven. but im old! I can remember what happened years ago but cant remember what I had for breakfast. (you'll see)

I went to Disneyland in 1977 when I was 10 and remember bits and pieces of it. To be honest, I remember so much more about the Universal Studios tour and numerous other parts of that trip though (we were gone 6 weeks)

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Our kids went at 9 to 18 mos for their first trip. Our youngest will be 1 year + 2 days when he arrives at Disney for the first time. There is something awesome about the children growing up with magic part of their day to day life. It isn't until now, age 7+, that my oldest is beginning to realize the magic she grew up with isn't exactly the magic she thought. Her excitement about our up-coming trip is so much greater than it had been previous years - It makes me so excited. And for those reasons I don't understand the people who can afford the trips, but say they'll wait until the child's older (but then take the baby to hawaii instead). Ultimately, I think it comes down to not wanting to go in the first place, so they wait in order to do it all in one trip, and not return.

I think you kind of answered your own question there. First, with the older child, you see that as excitement based on appreciating previous trips. Others might see that as finally being old enough to "get it". Neither POV is wrong, BTW.

On the second part, yes they just weren't interested in doing Disney "for themselves". A lot of people aren't. If the kids are going to have fun anywhere, and they're not going to remember, then the parents should absolutely go where THEY want to go. And for a lot of people, that's Hawaii or some other destination that is not Disney

 

[CAFarmerGirl]

I thought Disneyland was boring (went with grandparents as a tween every summer); I never understood the "magic". Until I took dd at age 8. She went dressed as Alice (it was Halloween), and The Queen pulled her out of the line. My dd actually started crying. Hmmm...typing this I am wondering why that was so magical. . BUT, she went and commiserated with Alice, who was so sweet and understanding about the mean Queen! Anyhow, we have been hooked ever since. We now have annual passes.

Having said that, I did take dd (and ds) at age 5 (it was fine enough that we returned 3 years later), but I would have not taken her any earlier. She used to cry on our local kiddie rides (think a much smaller version of the train ride). My son would have been fine, but my dd would have made us all miserable!

They have a choice next year of where to go and they both chose Disneyworld (well, Florida and all of the amusement parks). Let's hope dd doesn't cry on the Aerosmith ride like she did when she was 9.

 

[7RUs]

I understand why you don't understand. We LOVE Disney but the expense is intense. My kids love pouring through the Disney vacation scrapbooks we have created but I have been saddened by the fact that they don't remember a whole lot even when you think you have chosen the perfect magical age to take them.
I think its just that all of us are different and magic occurs for others at different places. For me regardless where we go (and most of the time it is Disney) its the memory of being together, loving and having fun!

 

[Eoywin]

My DH and decided on our Disney honeymoon that we were going to wait until any future children were at the very least potty trained.

Our daughter was born the year after our honeymoon - late 2007 and I got laid off.

Money was an issue in those early years - none for vacations. But I got a 2nd degree and then started working again.

Finally we got back to WDW last October for DD's 5th birthday. It was a magical trip and she still talks about it.

DH isn't a big Disney fan so DD & I are going back in 2016 for a girl's only trip.

Even if we had had the money, I don't think we would have gone any sooner. DH had thought 5 was a little young.