Remind me it's still magical and worth the expense

[Julia Ann]

Last trip was 2006 and we are having to save sooooo hard for our next trip for 2015 (which will be our 10 yr wedding ann and DD first trip, she will be 7).

Due to changes in financial situ and cuz of how much more expensive the trips now are.....we are aiming to save £5-6K which I know deep down will be so worth it but there is a little voice saying "will it still be magical? and worth all that money?" will DD really love it like we do?

It sometimes feels like the fading memories are not reminding me just how fabulous Orlando is, that's why I stay on this site to remind me.

and also glad for the threads on costs etc to keep me up to date and realistic so there's not a huge shock when I come to book

 

[married2mm]

oh,I could spend all day answering you- I'm totally obsessed/addicted!

not in any particular order,but here goes:

the heat when you step off the plane,the air,the friendly customer service people,the smiles!

the standard of accommodation,the attention to detail in the parks,the cast members making you feel special,the characters,the rides,the food,the shopping,the total innocence in a child's face in wdw,their happiness,your happy tears...

it's simply magical.

 

[TraciV]

Let me preface this by saying we (as a family) are fanatical about Disney. So much so, that my husband just retired from the Navy and got a job at Disney so we could move here!
No matter where you go you will compare it to Disney...every park, every hotel, every landscape. You are making a worthy sacrifice.
Just look at all the fun you have preparing!!! That alone makes Disney magical!!! There are so many unique memory makers! Things only Disney can make happen.
I could go on and on....but my babies have been coming to Disney World since they were in my belly. They are 24, 21 and almost 19, now, and they still LOVE coming here.
In short...it is sooooooo worth it!

 

[chmurf]

It will be magical if you let it be magical.

for me the excitation begins when I see the runway at MCO from the plane's window, and then "touchdown" ...
getting the suitcases, oh boy oh boy ... then taking the DME or the rental car and driving in the florida heat when the night begins to fall ... and soon ... soon we drive under that magical gateway (tears in my eyes as I write this post) and the first time we enter MK, catch a glimpse of the castle ... hell I'm 41 years old but I feel like I'm 5 ... I'm running all over the place like a kid in a candy shop ... It's home, and there is nothing like home.

 

[2Tiggies]

Just the fact that you have a 7 year old with you will make if magical.

Although it is by no means a requirement to experience the magic to the ultimate, having your own kids with you just throws something special into an already magical trip.

For as long as I live, I will never forget the look on my then 6 year old's face as we entered MK for evening EMH and as we came through the entrance, Spectromagic was coming past for the second parade of the night. Minnie (DD's favorite character) leaned forward, looked right at DD and blew her a kiss. I won't even try describe the look on her face, but will say that she was frozen on the spot with a trans-like glazed look over her face for a good while.

Now rewind back to the day before as we boarded our flight and took our seats in PE .... After saving for a good couple of years we took our seats and DD turned to me and wrinkled up her nose and announced "I don't like these seats. They are uncomfortable" I have NO idea what it was about that comment that upset me so much, not in itself, but more in it planting seeds of doubt in my mind as to whether I had sacrificed the last two plus years of our lives (surrendering ALL extras in our day to day living) for nothing. I spent the first half of that flight fighting tears feeling completely panicked that I had perhaps created unrealistic expectations for both of us. I can confirm that the question has never arisen in my mind since and we have been every year now since 2008.

I suppose what I'm saying is in the long road to get there, I'm sure most of us have some doubt at some stage.

You'll have a wonderful time and don't be surprised if you are pricing new packages (or at least want to) before you have even unpacked when you get home

 

[orangetiggs]

I have a different view, we loved it there and got married in 2008 as its such a magical place. I went while i was 24 weeks pregnant with our twins and i thought i could never enjoy it again as i love the rides etc. we took our girls in 2011 for their first visit, they were just under two and it was very hard for us as they refused to walk or get in the buggy so ended on our shoulders for two weeks.

We took them back last year just under three and i have to say the magic returned. They loved it and want to go back again

I was so worried that my magic for the place had gone and would never return but this year its going to be just as special as it was when we got married

Sorrry bit of a waffle

 

[WiganTony]

....... "will it still be magical? and worth all that money?" will DD really love it like we do?

Yes, Yes and Yes!!!!!

We have been six times since 2005 and still feel the magic each time we go.

With regard to "value for money" for comparison back in 2003 we had a week half board in Cyprus that cost us almost £2,000. Our trip this year for 17 nights cost us £4,500 (including 14 nights at OKW, free DDP, park tickets and car rental as well as flights) - we certainly feel that at around £80/night each, good value!!!!

Our DD was also 7 when we first visited and she absolutely loved it, and seven years on, she still does. Just wait until she sees the characters - make sure you have a camera (and tissues!!) at the ready.

 

[Julia Ann]

It will be magical if you let it be magical.

for me the excitation begins when I see the runway at MCO from the plane's window, and then "touchdown" ...
getting the suitcases, oh boy oh boy ... then taking the DME or the rental car and driving in the florida heat when the night begins to fall ... and soon ... soon we drive under that magical gateway (tears in my eyes as I write this post) and the first time we enter MK, catch a glimpse of the castle ... hell I'm 41 years old but I feel like I'm 5 ... I'm running all over the place like a kid in a candy shop ... It's home, and there is nothing like home.

Yep I remember it all now and why I'm saving like mad.... thanks all for reminding me, I think I need to get the old home videos out too

 

[married2mm]

Yes, Yes and Yes!!!!!

We have been six times since 2005 and still feel the magic each time we go.

With regard to "value for money" for comparison back in 2003 we had a week half board in Cyprus that cost us almost £2,000. Our trip this year for 17 nights cost us £4,500 (including 14 nights at OKW, free DDP, park tickets and car rental as well as flights) - we certainly feel that at around £80/night each, good value!!!!

may I ask,how and when you got that price?
when are you staying at okw?

where are you staying for other 3 days?
we're going in August for 17 days,and sadly it's £s more than that.

 

[Foxxie52]

Oh my goodness, yes! You have to go back!!! Especially with your daughter, she will love it!

I worked at EPCOT for an entire year and yet I've taken out a loan in order to go back! That's how much I love it! You'd think the pixie dust would fade but I've been counting the days since 300!

I know it'll take a while but it will be soooo worth it!