Surprise! We're going to Disney World. Will someone out there be happy with me?

[gourmet_girl]

Okay... I'll start here and introduce myself. I'm Crystal. Long time Disney crazy person, College Program alum (1989) and apparently the only one in my family excited about recent developments....

Last week, DH (who is a caricature artist) booked a 3-day gig for BNSF at the Orlando Convention Center for March of 2011. A vacation (esp. one of this magnitude) wasn't on the radar but with a client paying for the hotel and a per diem and with our free tickets on Southwest Airlines, it just seems cruel NOT to take the kids. So we'll be there. March 24-29. I'm very excited and can't WAIT to get the deposit for the job so I can officially book.

The problem is, no one else shares my happy about all of this. The last time we went was in November of 2001. That was the first trip for DH and my boys (then 2 and 5). We had a great time. My husband can be a big kid at heart and I know that once we're there and having fun he'll relax and love it.

But the boys. The boys will be 11 and 13 when we go. They don't remember it at all. When we told them they were less than enthused. My oldest said he'd rather go to San Diego and my youngest said he'd rather go to Japan. I know it will be fine but it sure is a buzz kill right now. If any of you have any good experience with taking preteen boys, I'd love suggestions. We won't be going commando as there are lots of things that they won't care about but we'll stay busy.

So... since I have no one in my meat space to keep me excited, I'm reaching out to some of you who can share my joy and do the happy dance with me.

I look forward to spending time here and planning a trip that will make my skeptical men realize that I'm the true genius of the family!

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

Just saw your intro. in the March 2011 thread - welcome! Sorry to hear your trip is being met with such lackluster enthusiasim - I hate to think about the day my kids aren't thrilled with a Disney trip! I'm sure once you're there, they'll be more than happy!!

 

[gourmet_girl]

Thanks. I'm sure they'll be amazed when they get there. They just don't 'get it" yet. I think they think of it as all one big Fantasyland or Princess-girly vacation. I have no doubt that once we've been there for a day or so, they'll be hooked.

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

That was pretty much my husband - his first trip ever was our honeymoon and he admitted after we came home that he thought it was just be us and a bunch of little kids - he totally didn't think there would be hardly any other adult couples w/no kids. He just kept saying how surprised he was that he had so much fun!

 

[Thumper_Man]

I agree. Once they get there, I'm sure the magic of the place will take over and they will have a ball. Before you know it, they will be kids again.

Anyways, I'll be happy with you. I'll be there in October. Can't wait.

 

[Thumper_Man]

Oh by the way, I see you only have 4 posts so far. Welcome to the Disboards.

 

[Deesknee]

You ALL will have agreat time! And I am very happy for you. I'm sure once your boys start talking to other kids who have recently gone, they will get very enthusiastic. Show them the pools, thrill rides, downtown disney, if all else fails show them the beautiful princess'. I know one of my DS became a bit happier when he saw Jasmine, come to think of it...so did DH.

 

[o2bnoz]

GourmetGirl, what are your kids interested in? I'll bet you can find some way to relate the trip to their current interests. For instance, if they're into Lego, talk up the Lego store at DTD. If they are into Japan (your younger son mentioned that) play up Japan in Epcot... thrill rides, play that up,, etc.. I'm SURE there are all kinds of things that they will love to do that they haven't even associated with Disney!

Also, water parks, great food, fireworks, .... oh my, I think they'll definitely GET excited!

Maybe order the vacation planning DVD (free) and let them pick out things they'd like to do. Or go to AAA and pick up brochures. I know there's a book about Disney for older kids.

You are going to have a FABULOUS TIME!! Until THEY get excited, come back and get excited with US!!

 

[gourmet_girl]

Thanks, guys. You're all making me smile. Yes.... they WILL get excited.

My oldest is all about sports and girls and, while the schedule isn't out, I'm pretty certain that the Atlanta Braves will be having their final spring training days there at that time. I'm hoping for a home game that he and DH can attend. We're also going to the Polynesian Luau because he can't NOT be impressed by the hula dancers.

My youngest will be easy. Water, thrill rides, animals, science and technology are his things. He'll ride ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. I'm hoping for weather that is warm enough for us to enjoy the pool. And I'm letting him choose our TS restaurant the day we're at EPCOT. If he wants to eat in Japan, then eat in Japan we shall.

I'm actually looking forward to doing Disney for them - being able to skip some more childish things and not feel guilty. I've honestly ridden IASW and WtP enough.

 

[Hallowishes]

Youre going to have a terrific time! Your son who wanted to go to Japan is going to really get a kick out of world showcase at EPCOT! I think people who arent familiar or dont really recall their times at WDW, once they get there and realize they are on vacation start to loosen up!

 

[brianheather]

I am happy for you...I think once you get there you will enjoy it. Well I know you will but your boys and Dh will be fine.. Have a great time planning!