Taking a Year Off

[danielle782001]

We are just back from an amazing 10 days in WDW. We have been to Disney once or twice a year for the past few years.

We are thinking of taking a year off and not returning until July 2013. We think the kids need a year off to miss it and maybe get some of the magic back.

BUT the idea of my count down reading 720 days make me so sad and very scared that we are going to regret this.

Next is deciding what we do for our family trip next year. Use DVC or bank for a year?!?

So confused

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

If you have the points and want to take a year off from WDW, why not try Disney's Hilton Head Resort? It's beautiful!!! This would give your family a very relaxing vacation but with the special Disney touches.

 

[whamma]

I have a feeling it's too soon to make a decision about when to return. When we first get home from WDW, my family all feels like we could care less when we return. But after a few months have passed, I ask everyone if they are ready to go back and there is a resounding "yes" from all.

The benefit we have found in going once (or twice--or three times!) each year is there is not the pressure to do "everything". We can stick to what's new and what we enjoy or what we haven't done for awhile.

How about a DCL cruise instead? My kids have grown to LOVE the cruises. My DS 14 actually prefers the cruise to WDW. We've done 1 or 2 nights at WDW before then headed to a 4 night DCL. Obviously it's a greater expense but it's worth it!

Give it time. Then decide what to do next year.

 

[danielle782001]

If you have the points and want to take a year off from WDW, why not try Disney's Hilton Head Resort? It's beautiful!!! This would give your family a very relaxing vacation but with the special Disney touches.

I looked into that but I am not sure the kids would have enough to do. They will be 9 and 7. What do you think?

 

[danielle782001]

I have a feeling it's too soon to make a decision about when to return. When we first get home from WDW, my family all feels like we could care less when we return. But after a few months have passed, I ask everyone if they are ready to go back and there is a resounding "yes" from all.

The benefit we have found in going once (or twice--or three times!) each year is there is not the pressure to do "everything". We can stick to what's new and what we enjoy or what we haven't done for awhile.

How about a DCL cruise instead? My kids have grown to LOVE the cruises. My DS 14 actually prefers the cruise to WDW. We've done 1 or 2 nights at WDW before then headed to a 4 night DCL. Obviously it's a greater expense but it's worth it!

Give it time. Then decide what to do next year.

LOL...We also talked about the DCL...Good option too

 

[Alexander]

We LOVE DCL! We visit WDW 3-4 times a year but DCL has quickly taken over at least one of those visits. It is a great change of pace from WDW with exceptional service. You cannot go wrong. DH who was not a fan of cruising would rather cruise now that go to WDW. I know it's not a great use of points, but I booked 2-3 night and 1-4 night cruises on points and $95. It was a great deal for us as I made one phone call and it was $95 out of pocket.

 

[ssawka]

I also agree with DCL. Check to see if the offer a "kids sail free" again. If they offer the KSF deal, you could just rent out your points and pay cash. If the whole idea of renting out points scares you, you could always try Dave's service.

 

[RachaelA]

We're taking this year off due to certain circumstances (see ticker in my signature ). We actually just bought DVC knowing we wouldn't be going back until October 2012.

I think banking a year's worth of points every once in a while can be a good thing. When you go back to Disney, there will be a lot of new things plus you can use the points (or some of them) to stay in a bigger room or for a longer time!

 

[P-elmo]

We are just back from an amazing 10 days in WDW. We have been to Disney once or twice a year for the past few years.

We are thinking of taking a year off and not returning until July 2013. We think the kids need a year off to miss it and maybe get some of the magic back.

BUT the idea of my count down reading 720 days make me so sad and very scared that we are going to regret this.
:

I have no answers just wanted to say we're going through the same. We went in early Jan 2011 and won't be back until sometime between Nov 2012-Jan 2013. We have plenty of other fun things planned, but I am itching to go back now!

That being said, I don't think you'll "regret" it, other than missing Disney a lot. It should make your next trip super-special for the kids.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Bank those points and have a grand vacation in 2013. We're not going back until maybe Spring 2013 but we are leaving for Yellowstone, Glacier Nat'l Park and Waterton Park in Canada in less than four weeks (taking son to college and we get to vacation on the way). I'm really looking forward to this trip.

Breakaway from the rut and do something entirely different.

 

[BUDDYBEAR]

I HAVE NO ANSWER BUT GOOD LUCK

 

[quirty30]

I know just how you feel. We've been visiting 3-4 times since 2009. We have 2 more 4 night trips planned for this year. Next year, we are cruising on the Fantasy for 7 nights, then spending 3 nights at AKV Jambo CL. There will be no park visits and no other trips until 2013.

Something I discovered on our recent 9 night trip (split between BLT, AKV Kidani, & AKV Jambo) was how much we love just being at the resorts; swimming, dining, shopping, hanging out at the Community Hall & taking advantage of all the other activities that you ordinarily miss out on when taking on the theme parks each day. AKV is a particularly good example of a DVC resort that's so unique and can be a destination in and of itself. So if HHI or VB don't seem like they'd have enough for your kids to do, I'd highly recommend a WDW resort stays sans the theme parks. You'd be amazed how much there is to do. And I'd definitely recommend Kidani if you haven't stayed there yet (I see AKL in your signature as a home resort but don't know if you've tried Kidani.) The villas are HUGE compared to Jambo; there's room to spread out and a huge master bath, plus the extra bathroom. I'd love to escape there for a week!

 

[msabol01]

I looked into that but I am not sure the kids would have enough to do. They will be 9 and 7. What do you think?

There are plenty activities that are available at HHI if you choose to participate, or you can just relax and enjoy the beach. We went over spring break a few years ago and we had a great time! Yes there are no amusement parks, but the ability to rent bikes, boats, or participate in a campfire sing a long were also fun and a great way for the family to stay connected.

But if that type of vacation is not your cup of tea, DCL is another great option. So much so that we would probably cruise more often if not for our DVC membership.

There's also nothing wrong with banking and planning a bigger than usual vacation in 2013.

 

[disneychic2]

DH and I are skipping next year to save for a big European extravaganza. I know I'll be missing the mouse like crazy, but I feel I need to broaden my horizons a bit, right? I think whatever you do, you'll have fun as a family and if Mickey has to come a year later, he'll be that much more special for everyone. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Jason@dvcstore]

We are thinking of taking a year off and not returning until July 2013. We think the kids need a year off to miss it and maybe get some of the magic back.

I think good idea for the kids to miss it and get some of the magic back.

Next is deciding what we do for our family trip next year. Use DVC or bank for a year?!?

So confused

I say bank the points and then stay longer or get a larger room and bring other family members.

Jason

 

[AnnaS]

You have a few options.

Take a DCL cruise.

Try Hilton Head

Try Vero Beach.

RCI or

as Jason said, bank your points and invite a family member (perhaps someone close to same age as your kids) or a friend (anyone close to that also has kids close to your kid's ages).

Larger acommodations are a nice treat too!

 

[Knit1Purl2]

I looked into that but I am not sure the kids would have enough to do. They will be 9 and 7. What do you think?

We love the DVC Hilton Head resort. The pool and beach house are great. And there are plenty of kids activities to keep them busy. One thing that I like most about HH is that we can just relax and take it easy.

Our kids are now 18, 15 & 10, but visited HH several times when they were younger. We haven't been in several years and the youngest two are looking forwad to our visit next April.

Our favorite activities are the campfire stories, t-shirt making & crafts, swimming, kayaking and shuffle board.

Hope you try it out. I don't think you'll be disapointed!

 

[crisi]

We've taken the kids lots of places other than Disney. We've taken then along the California coast, to Mexico, to Hawaii, to Europe. We've cruised (while we've enjoyed it, it hasn't been our favorite). You might surprise yourself, your reaction may not be "how much we miss WDW" but "why have we limited ourselves!

 

[BabsBunny]

Either bank the points for an extended family vacation or sell them and take a week-long trip to city in Europe you've always wanted to visit. I recommend renting an apartment in one city through a website like vrbo. You can get to know the city and take day trips via train or bus. We've done it twice with our kids, and airfare and hotel rooms or the apartment (which I like better than two hotel rooms) cost us about $4,000 for four.

 

[Lost in Neverland]

We just went through this same dilemma. We were sort of getting Disney'd out. If that is possible. But our kids are now at the age when traveling out of the country is easier and I feel much more safe with them going. We decided to rent our points for one year and pay for a trip other than WDW. Our kids were to the point they thought the only thing in Fla was WDW so it was time. With our points being rented very quickly we completely paid for and have spending money left for the 7 day cruise we booked. We went with Carnival just so we are completely away from Disney. Next year we will be back but it is nice to take a break every now and then.