Staying off site/Am I selfish to be disappointed?

[kidzmom3]

This November my extended family is going to the World for our bi-annual Thanksgiving day 10 day trip. My father-in-law pays. Completely, for everything. We rent a house in Kissimee because we are 10-11 people. But my DH and I took the kids in September and stayed onsight for the first time and LOVED it. He asked me if I mind staying in the house and of course I said no. I know how lucky I am to get a free trip. But I honestly feel sad to miss some of the magic. So what do you think? Selfish d-i-l or crazy dis lover? Either way I know I will have a good time. I just think I could have a better time onsight. Has anyone ever rented a villa? Is it like a house, do you feel ON sight?

 

[Disneydenise]

It is going to be different type of vacation. I don't think it is selfish to like something different. If you all get along and enjoy each other it will be a blast. If I was given a trip with my inlaws I would decline but many people enjoy family trips. Many folks like to be away from the Disney atmosphere for a break and have said they feel as if they are having 2 vacations when they stay off property. Go and enjoy this trip for what it is, free time with family at Disney. I think it can be great.

 

[siouxi31]

I went through the same thing last summer. Went last minute with my mil who paid for the hotel. She selected off site so I had to swallow my disappointment. The best thing was that I only went to the resort to sleep or swim. Once out of the parks I spent alot of time hanging around the YC/BC/BW area. Had dinner there, walked through the resorts, sat on a rocking chair. It felt great and lessened the disappointment. Have a great trip.

 

[Landof10000lakes]

Once you've stayed on-site, it is hard to enjoy anything else. No, you are not a bad DIL, just a crazy disney fan! I would also suggest LOTS of on-site activities. First, get your own rental car! Even if it is a small mini-compact thru priceline at $12.00 a day (HA HA)

With your own car you can:

a.) Go to Beaches and Cream for a wonderful icecream cone
b.) Walk around the BW at night and enjoy the entertainment
c.) Go to DD and shop
d.) Go to Fort Wildreness for the nightly Chip&Dale movie
e.) Have a fun dinner at AKL
f.)Go to WL, rent a boat, and travel the world on water (okay, just the lake, but it is fun!)

Staying off-site does not mean you have to live off-site. Just use it for a bed and shower and be on-site as much as possible.

 

[Bstanley]

I certainly understand - the 'feel' of an offsite WDW vacation is definitely different from the feel when you stay onsite.

I don't think recognizing that is selfishness, it's just awareness

You'll just have to try to organize as much other 'Magic' as you can to 'mask' the lack of Resort Magic! I've never managed to convince my sisters (and their families) to go to WDW with us so I can't really speak with authority, but I would think that the fun factor of doing the Christmas events with a gaggle of family would help 'Mag-ify' it...

Also - remember - you're an evangelist! Convert these heathens to the true Way of the Mouse! Organize a family dinner (The Boma, yummm...) at AKL and arrive early enough in the evening so that you can visit and see the animals. Or have dinner at Chef Mickey's just before MVMCP - and then simply walk over to the MK. Or have a dinner at the YC/BC and then walk over to EPCOT for the Candlelight Processional. Show these poor misguided lost folks the 'Magic' and convenience of staying onsite so that their eyes will be opened to the truth of the onsite experience! Let the Mouse be with you!

 

[eeyore0062]

I wouldn't say you are being selfish, just disappointed! I know that I never stayed onsite until I was an adult and could afford to pay my own way. Now, my choice is to always stay onsite when I am paying for it. However, I would never turn down an all expenses paid vacation just because you are staying offsite. I know that you wouldn't either! Just put the focus on the parks this time, and only go back to sleep and shower, and you won't miss staying onsite quite as much. As long as you get along with everyone who is going, it shouldn't be a problem. In our extended family this is not the case, so we all make our room ressies separately and stay where we like, then we meet up in the parks and for some meals. Too many strong personalities in my husband's and my families---lol

 

[Kay1]

I like both on and offsite hotels and think you're very lucky to have such a wonderful f-i-l. It was considerate of you to hide your disappointment and I hope you'll be able to keep that up. This is just one trip of many you'll make in your lifetime and it sounds like the focus is more on family than entertainment, so enjoy your family while you have them and be grateful for them. Disney will always be around and with all the money your f-i-l is saving you, you'll be able to arrange a trip on your own terms all the sooner.

 

[Bill From PA]

I've been off-site once and on-site 5 times and I'd much prefer on-site. If it came down to 'off-site or nothing' I'll take off-site. Any offers?



Bill From PA

 

[kidzmom3]

Thanks everyone. You are all right. I would NEVER turn down a free trip to Disney. And we do all get along. A little friction with my m-i-l but otherwise great. And my 19 year old sister in law and her friend came with us 2 years ago and were great. They helped carry tired kids (my 3) were upbeat and willing to go on big rides. (which I will not but my DH loves). My 23 year old brother-in-law is more of a stick in the mud but still kind and loving. My father-in-law is fabulous!! He won't even let me buy a soda with my money. And if we say, lets get some popcorn, he comes back with 4. Sooo, I am giving up the disappointment and am now really looking forward to the trip. Maybe someday he will let us all pay for our own hotel rooms and he could pick up the rest. I wonder if the Christmas party will start by the time we leave?