MickeyMonstersMom
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 26, 2002
- Messages
- 1,431
Help! I really need objective viewpoints on this!
I took my children on their first WDW trip last August for DD's 8th birthday, with the understanding that we'd come back for DS's 8th in 2006. I truly did not expect to return before then, but the Fairytale Package being offered this summer has made me think twice about it.
The IRS was particularly generous this year, so I have the cash to pay for the trip right now - an unanticipated gift, in a sense. However, we'd have to go again the same week as last year, and this would mean that my ex-husband would likely miss his daughter's birthday two years in a row. I asked his opinion, and he did not mention missing her birthday (I did suggest that he and his wife could also take advantage of the discount and book the same week), but he did comment that DD would celebrate 2 birthdays in a row at WDW, while DS does not have that opportunity, and wondered if that would seem unfair. He also said that the extra IRS money would be better used toward the kids' college funds.
I think the birthday celebration thing can be worked out (after all, who would complain about going to WDW??!) The second argument makes a lot of sense, though, and I wonder if I'm being shortsighted to consider a vacation over college planning.
The unexpected financial windfall makes the trip seem almost fated to happen, but I am truly conflicted over whether to do the responsible thing or the amazingly fun family-bonding thing. I can't be objective about it, so I'd greatly appreciate hearing from people who can. Thanks to all who read and respond - I appreciate it greatly!
I took my children on their first WDW trip last August for DD's 8th birthday, with the understanding that we'd come back for DS's 8th in 2006. I truly did not expect to return before then, but the Fairytale Package being offered this summer has made me think twice about it.
The IRS was particularly generous this year, so I have the cash to pay for the trip right now - an unanticipated gift, in a sense. However, we'd have to go again the same week as last year, and this would mean that my ex-husband would likely miss his daughter's birthday two years in a row. I asked his opinion, and he did not mention missing her birthday (I did suggest that he and his wife could also take advantage of the discount and book the same week), but he did comment that DD would celebrate 2 birthdays in a row at WDW, while DS does not have that opportunity, and wondered if that would seem unfair. He also said that the extra IRS money would be better used toward the kids' college funds.
I think the birthday celebration thing can be worked out (after all, who would complain about going to WDW??!) The second argument makes a lot of sense, though, and I wonder if I'm being shortsighted to consider a vacation over college planning.
The unexpected financial windfall makes the trip seem almost fated to happen, but I am truly conflicted over whether to do the responsible thing or the amazingly fun family-bonding thing. I can't be objective about it, so I'd greatly appreciate hearing from people who can. Thanks to all who read and respond - I appreciate it greatly!
It occurred to me that, with the low cost of the vacation, I could make a matching deposit into the kids' college funds by Christmas as long as I budget carefully. As for the birthday thing, how about this idea (if we do go, which seems more and more likely!): since last year was a celebration of DD's birthday, this year could be an "Unbirthday" Party for DS. 
Of course your ex would want you to spend the money on the kids college, that means less that he has to pay for. We are in a similar situation. We did not even bat an eye at my ex missing my ds's b-day. But we were never married & there is nothing in our custody agreement that says anything about it.
