Solo trip with kids? Would you?

[mshanson3121]

So, DH is not a fan of heat, crowds or theme parks. He could really care less about Disney. We took a big family vacation last summer to Disney. And don't get me wrong, he enjoyed himself, and of course he loves seeing the kids enjoy themselves, but, he could care less if we ever go back. He's willing, but only because we (kids and I) want to.

So, we have been planning a return trip next summer, for 12 nights (spending 5 days in MK parks, 1 day at Lego Land and 1-2 days at Disney water parks).

However, MIL mentioned that she is going to be going to Florida for 2-3 weeks again next winter (Feb). We have the option to go with her (we would just stay one week). However, since DH teaches, it would just be the kids and I going.

Now, the obvious downside is: DH wouldn't go with us, and so it wouldn't really be a "family" vacation. But, the plus side is, is that it would save us $2000+. We could then take half of what we saved and do a smaller, lower-key family vacation together in the summer, and then maybe I could take the other half and surprise DH with a golf club membership which he has been wanting for several years.

So... WWYD? Could you do a vacation like Disney without DH? The children and I have only ever done one "vacation" without DH before (3 nights away) and we all missed him, but that said, that was also a few years ago when they were much younger.

 

[DisneyChris2016]

How many kids do you have and how old are they? Would your MIL be accompanying you to the parks? All of my advice might change depending on the answers to those two questions...

 

[Mousemommy1]

Agree with PP, how many kids and how old?

I would have no issues taking our older two (12 and 9) by myself. But throw in our 16 month old toddler and you couldn't pay me to do it alone, DH's presence would be required.

 

[mshanson3121]

How many kids do you have and how old are they? Would your MIL be accompanying you to the parks? All of my advice might change depending on the answers to those two questions...

Kids would be 9.5 and 6.5. Unsure on MIL. Probably she'd join us at least a couple days, but not all days. That said, I'm fine being in parks with them alone. I often take them to the carnivals, museums etc... by myself when DH is working (we homeschool). I guess I just wasn't sure if... I dunno. It'd have the same "feel" without him? Will we enjoy it as much? Would you consider spending that much money on a vacation without him? (We can only afford such a large vacation about once every couple years).

 

[scrapquitler]

So, DH is not a fan of heat, crowds or theme parks. He could really care less about Disney. We took a big family vacation last summer to Disney. And don't get me wrong, he enjoyed himself, and of course he loves seeing the kids enjoy themselves, but, he could care less if we ever go back. He's willing, but only because we (kids and I) want to.

So, we have been planning a return trip next summer, for 12 nights (spending 5 days in MK parks, 1 day at Lego Land and 1-2 days at Disney water parks).

However, MIL mentioned that she is going to be going to Florida for 2-3 weeks again next winter (Feb). We have the option to go with her (we would just stay one week). However, since DH teaches, it would just be the kids and I going.

Now, the obvious downside is: DH wouldn't go with us, and so it wouldn't really be a "family" vacation. But, the plus side is, is that it would save us $2000+. We could then take half of what we saved and do a smaller, lower-key family vacation together in the summer, and then maybe I could take the other half and surprise DH with a golf club membership which he has been wanting for several years.

So... WWYD? Could you do a vacation like Disney without DH? The children and I have only ever done one "vacation" without DH before (3 nights away) and we all missed him, but that said, that was also a few years ago when they were much younger.

I would do it.

 

[cedricandsophie]

We have a disabled adult daughter who loves Disney and we always her best friend with us. My husband loves dw way more than me. I just love hanging at the resorts. But I give in and go at least one day to make him and the girls happy. For over 20 years I have taken my daughter and grandkids to a dude ranch every summer. My husband doesnt ride and might enjoy it for a day but never a week. I have expanded to about two weeks to include other stuff while we are out west. I love it. I love doing what I want and hanging with the kids. Usually while we are gone he does a long driving trip which he loves to do. Everybody is happy and gets to do what they want. So I am all for families enjoying what they want and doing it separately sometimes. I also go away for long weekends with girlfriends at least twice a year and he goes with his friends a couple times. So I guess maybe we are more independent than some couples.

 

[SDFgirl]

My DH is the same way. He'll go every 5 years or so, but it's pretty low on his list of dream vacation spots. He enjoys it, but...not nearly as much as the kids or I do.

I frequently take trips with my kids and my mom, who is a Disney World nut too. We have a blast! I always miss DH a little bit, but it's now more a place I see for building memories with my mom and my children. We have so much fun and I have awesome memories of being with my mom there.

I think you could totally go and have a blast...it's all what your mindset is!!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Kids would be 9.5 and 6.5. Unsure on MIL. Probably she'd join us at least a couple days, but not all days. That said, I'm fine being in parks with them alone. I often take them to the carnivals, museums etc... by myself when DH is working (we homeschool). I guess I just wasn't sure if... I dunno. It'd have the same "feel" without him? Will we enjoy it as much? Would you consider spending that much money on a vacation without him? (We can only afford such a large vacation about once every couple years).

At those ages, I wouldn't have an issue, other than I'm lucky that DH loves Disney as much as me so he'd want to go. We would definitely miss going without him.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

If your DH is ok with it, I would do it. In fact I have, many times! I have gone to WDW alone with DS8 about 10 times since he was 3. My DH has gone with us about 4 other times (yeah, we've gone quite a bit!) My DH really doesn't like WDW (He much prefers a really low key beach vacation or a see-the-sights big city trip). He really doesn't understand the appeal of what he sees as a "theme park".

The trips are VERY different. DS and I go a little more park-heavy on our solo trips. When DH comes along, we switch it up with more signature dining and more down-time at the pool. Even when DH goes, there are times DS and I will end up at MK on our own for 1/2 a day just to do the roller coasters.

If your DH is ok with it and it means you then go on a different (perhaps more enjoyable for him) trip next summer AND he gets the golf membership I would go for it! DS8 and I have our own WDW memories that we share and he and his dad have things they do together without me as well.

 

[henry72]

I would do it...in fact, I have. We had a WDW vacation planned and my husband all of a sudden couldn't go (work issue). The kids and I invited my mom instead and had a wonderful time. The kids were 4 and 7 at the time.

 

[HerbivoreMom]

I would absolutely do it!

I take my son on vacations frequently without my husband. We enjoy ourselves just as much or maybe even more without him around. Don't get me wrong, we love his presence too, but when he's stressed from missing work or spending money then it's no fun. So we go without him half the time.

The only real issue I see with your plan is the MIL. Do you get along well enough that this won't be super stressful for you? If so then do it! If not then just plan a different trip.

 

[2kidsForMe]

I would absolutely go! I have taken my kids on solo trips to Disney every year since they were preschoolers. We go every August. DH is not a fan of the heat and crowds of a summer visit, but we love it. We just plan other things with him throughout the year. The time I spend alone with my kids at DW is priceless to me (love our trips with DH too of course).

 

[MamaBelle4]

I'll be the dissenting opinion here, I wouldn't. I just don't think we would enjoy ourselves as much. I stay at home with my babies (7, 5, 3 & 1) while DH works. Then, when my oldest gets home from school we have dance 4 nights a week. Then weekends are spent running errands, maintaining the home and cleaning. I feel like we spend so little quality time together so I wouldn't.

 

[DisMom829]

I'm going with just my DD in 21 days. This is our second trip without DH & DS. The first time DS had a Boy Scout camp out and I went with DH's Aunt & cousin. It was a girl's trip and we had a blast. This time it is more of a mommy\daughter spend some time alone together trip. DH will be back home working and DS is going to summer school to get ahead a high school credit. The guys have afternoon fishing trips planned while we are gone.

I Say go and have fun!

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I would go.

DS goes in 2018 for his senior trip and I'm planning a girls only trip with DD within months of his trip.

Go and have fun!!!!

 

[wilkeliza]

I would go simply because of the pros you mentioned. Going with out your DH would give you and your kids a week in Disney where dad isn't just going along for the kids and as you said you can then use half of the savings for a family vacation that summer. Would the summer vacation be something your DH would enjoy more and then be more likely to be positively involved (not saying he isn't involved at Disney but kids know when parents are just going along vs enjoying themselves). Also if it allows you to give him a gift like a golf membership it seems like taking a trip he doesn't really like but you and the kids do on your own would be beneficial to all.

 

[TwoMisfits]

So, DH is not a fan of heat, crowds or theme parks. He could really care less about Disney. We took a big family vacation last summer to Disney. And don't get me wrong, he enjoyed himself, and of course he loves seeing the kids enjoy themselves, but, he could care less if we ever go back. He's willing, but only because we (kids and I) want to.

So, we have been planning a return trip next summer, for 12 nights (spending 5 days in MK parks, 1 day at Lego Land and 1-2 days at Disney water parks).

However, MIL mentioned that she is going to be going to Florida for 2-3 weeks again next winter (Feb). We have the option to go with her (we would just stay one week). However, since DH teaches, it would just be the kids and I going.

Now, the obvious downside is: DH wouldn't go with us, and so it wouldn't really be a "family" vacation. But, the plus side is, is that it would save us $2000+. We could then take half of what we saved and do a smaller, lower-key family vacation together in the summer, and then maybe I could take the other half and surprise DH with a golf club membership which he has been wanting for several years.

So... WWYD? Could you do a vacation like Disney without DH? The children and I have only ever done one "vacation" without DH before (3 nights away) and we all missed him, but that said, that was also a few years ago when they were much younger.

I would likely not do it. If it was my own mom, maybe, but staying with the in-law without the main child would be a little weird to me. Plus, I don't know where you're flying/driving from, but you do risk getting caught in weather on the way down and back (and having your vacation cut short/extended unexpectedly). And even Florida weather is unpredictable that time of year (although warmer than most places). Water parks and swimming would likely be no gos (and it seems with your previous schedule, your kids enjoy these). And it's a lot of money to spend for your spouse to get no benefit. A weekend away with the kids, maybe, but I don't spend thousands and not include my spouse. Instead, we plan for when he can go and we change up where and how we go each year, trying to make sure both kids and adults have their own activities on each trip for fun.

 

[mshanson3121]

I would likely not do it. If it was my own mom, maybe, but staying with the in-law without the main child would be a little weird to me. Plus, I don't know where you're flying/driving from, but you do risk getting caught in weather on the way down and back (and having your vacation cut short/extended unexpectedly). And even Florida weather is unpredictable that time of year (although warmer than most places). Water parks and swimming would likely be no gos (and it seems with your previous schedule, your kids enjoy these). And it's a lot of money to spend for your spouse to get no benefit. A weekend away with the kids, maybe, but I don't spend thousands and not include my spouse. Instead, we plan for when he can go and we change up where and how we go each year, trying to make sure both kids and adults have their own activities on each trip for fun.

Yes, they did absolutely love the swimming and I know my son wants to go to the water parks. We could travel later - mid to late February or early March for better weather, though I know it can start getting quite busy in March with the spring break crowds. That said - we live in Canada, so even if the temps are only 60F, that's a heck of a lot warmer than our normals of 0 or 10F, lol. But yes, there is a chance our flights could get storm delayed. As far as MIL, we have a typical relationship (ups and downs) but we travel well together.

 

[loves to dive]

I'd go, my honey hates to travel period. The only time I get him to go with me anywhere is if we are going diving. Otherwise, it's always me and my son or me solo. He is o.k. with that, he once volunteered to come to Disney with us since we stay in the deluxe resorts and I'd told him he wouldn't even have to step foot in a park. He was very wishy washy about it and said it wouldn't be his favorite thing to do but he'd go if I insisted. I knew he wouldn't enjoy it and would most likely bring us down so I told him he didn't have to.

 

[Minnesota!]

Yes. I am doing it in June.