Tell Me I'm Not Crazy, Please

[sif]

I posted this on the "Disney for Families" Board also, so I apologize for the repetition. Just didn't know which board was more appropriate........

My family went to WDW just last April (me, DW, DS5, DS3 and DD5mos) and had a fantastic time. Now, here's the new development (stay with me here):

After I bought our airline tickets for that trip, I noticed that the price had dropped $56 per ticket. USAirways would not give me the lower price but they did give me 4 vouchers worth $56 each to use within one year (not later than April 2005).

Yesterday, just on a whim, I was checking USAirways website and noticed that they are offering flights to Orlando from Pittsburgh for $118 round trip !! After deducting our voucher, that is only $62 round trip! On top of that, WDW's website is offering rooms at the All Star resorts for $55/night in September. AND, we still have one day remaining on our Park Hopper tix from last April.

So, here's the thought, and tell me if I'm nuts. I'm thinking of taking my 2 boys (just me and them) down for a quick Disney fix in September. I don't want either of them to miss school/preschool, so I'd pick them up from school on a Friday, get to Orlando by dinner time, spend all day Saturday at MK and/or MGM and come back Sunday. The problem is, the latest flight out of Orlando on Sunday (at that cheap price) is at 10:15AM! I had hoped to be able to at least stroll around Downtown Disney on Sunday if not go into a park, but that doesn't seem possible now.

Still, I can do this entire trip, including air, lodging, rental car and park admission for 1 day for about $400-450.

I know the price is downright amazing, but does it seem worth the travel hassle in both directions for such a short, surgical strike at WDW? What would you do?

 

[Amirah95]

Are you going to back to WDW before April 2005 with the entire family? If not, then I say go for it. It will be a nice "back to school" present for your boys.

 

[MARCIAKAZ]

I dunno...if it were me, I'd check the school calendar for one of those 3 day weekends (teacher inservice day or something) and try to plan around that. A bit more money...but at least an equal amount more fun since the airfare would be the same regardless.

 

[fac]

I don't think you are crazy, sometimes it can be fun. I had been looking into similar planning for 3 to 4 days say the Jersey week or even the labor day weekend, not that I have the airline voucher, but I just like to return to WDW after our trip a few weeks ago. However, after looking for a few days, I still had not decided to return in September or November. A major reason was that I felt that 4 days 3 night will not be enough and I will be misearble when I come back I really do not want to take extra vacation days from work because I like to have skiing week in the winter.

In your case, it may be $400 - $500 "out of pocket", but you did use up the voucher and the park ticket which you could have used in a different time. Therefore the total cost will be higher.

But then it is really a personal decision, say it gives you time alone with the kids which is priceless (as they say in the commercial). Either way, have fun.

 

[dg39]

If you can do all that and not be exhausted on Monday morning, I say go ahead. If it were me the very thought of all that running around, walking around, catching planes, getting a car, checking in checking out and all the other things that this involves would bring me to my knees. I couldn't do it. But aside from me being tired, I just like to go to disney and take it all in at a pace thats good for me. It also seems alot of money to spend for really 1 day. This is just my opinion. I say if its good for you, then go ahead and have a great time.

 

[mbb]

The way I figure it...

Miss a couple of days of school vs. Magical time with just mom...

GO. Have fun...it'll be a weekend that you'll treasure when they absolutely can't miss school.

If it helps...we're taking our Grade one twins out for three weeks in January.

 

[MinnieGi]

Personally that sounds like a lot of hassle for just one day in a Disney park. Although for me the travel day usually exhausts me which is why I personally wouldn't do it. However maybe its not such a hassle for you and your boys.

I think I would look for a three day weekend in the fall to take them so you can have more time or take them out of school for a day or two. We took my DD out of preschool for two one week trips this past year and are planning to take her out for one week in Feb. Throughout the year there were many kids who missed weeks here and there for family vacation plans. I just mention this b/c I think it would be more relaxing and pleasurable for all of you if you had another day or two to spend at Disney. Even if you only use your one day in the park the other day or two could be spent doing DTD, resort pool, maybe a water park, water mice boats.

Good luck whatever you decide to do!!

 

[sif]

Thank you all for your replies and opinions. Well, we decided to go ahead and do it -- what the heck! You only live once.

I look at it this way: Since we were just there in April, we won't need to see EVERYTHING this time. We'll definitely hit the kids' favorite attractions and still be able to see some things we didn't have time for last time. As far as the travel goes, the boys were just perfect travelling companions last time -- so well behaved it was amazing. So I'm not the least concerned about that issue. Since it's such a short trip, I'll be able to pack very light, probably one carry-on suitcase for all 3 of us. And the total price can't be beat for the kind of memories this will make for the boys.

I know. It sounds like I'm trying to convince myself, and I have convinced myself. Every once and a while in life, you have to do something that doesn't really make sense. It'll be fun, though.

 

[fac]

good. Have fun.

 

[cannonn824]

I would do it no problem. I think I would try to surprise the kids so they would have no idea. I just think that you and the kids might want to take Monday off, to relax, or the kids might not do as good in school. Meaning there mind is still going to be down at WDW.

 

[sif]

Well after all that, it looks like this spur of the moment trip may not happen after all. After all of this to and fro, whether or not, should we or shouldn't we, I finally went to book the air tix, and the flights I had been watching for a week are no longer available. I'm angry at myself for waiting too long, but at least the kids had no idea so they won't be disappointed.

I will keep watching the flight schedule, since things certainly can change day to day. But I must admit, I'm kind of down today because I had finally allowed myself to get excited for this trip (for me AND the kids) and now its likely a no-go. That's life.

 

[Amirah95]

Never fret. You'll be going back in a little while even if it after September.

 

[smcbaker]

I don't see the $118 fare on US Airways but I do see a $140 RT fare on weekends in Sept, leaving around 4 PM on Friday and returning on Sunday. That might work for you. That said, I'm doing something similar. Found very cheap airfare, using the $55 AZZ rate at Pop Century and am going for a quick weekend/early 40th birthday trip with my DS8. Practical? No. Prudent? Probably not. Fun? You bet....and for two days we will enjoy ourselves!!!

 

[SharBear4]

I say "Go for it!" I am doing a 4 day trip in September with my daughter and friend because of the very same thing! We'll be flying out of Erie

 

[TDS373X]

I was just considering the same thing!!!! 100.00 RT from Indy 55.00/nite at all stars for 3 days at labor day..of course we'll miss 1 day of kindergarten..it's cheaper than going to Gatlinburg and WAY more fun....nice to know I'm not the only crazy one but on these boards it's like preaching to the choir

 

[sif]

My trip is back on! I managed to find alternate dates where the cheap flights are still available. The key was to go mid-week. Fortunately, DS's first day of kindergarten isn't until the Friday after Labor Day, so that frees up the middle of that week for our last minute, before school, surprise trip to Disney World. Same airfare, same $55/night rate at AllStar Movies Resort. Can't go wrong.

 

[JPN4265]

Here is my two cents. This is the kind of trip that GREAT memories or made of. A planned family trip is good, but to just pick up and go. What a wounderful idea. I say go for it!

 

[mbb]

Originally posted by sif
My trip is back on! ..... Can't go wrong.

WooHoo!! Good for you!

You'll have soooo much fun - are you going to wait until the trip to the airport to tell the kids???

 

[sif]

Thanks JPN4265 and mbb. I'm really looking forward to it!

We haven't decided when to tell the kids. Maybe on the way to the airport; probably no earlier than the day before, but we're just not sure. Last time, the buildup to the trip was really fun for the kids. But it would be fun to see the expressions on their faces when I tell them in the car on the way to the airport!

Any thoughts?

 

[cannonn824]

I think I wouldn't tell them until you are at the airport. Give them an excuse why you are packing a bag for them (ex: your staying at G-ma and G-pa for the weekend). Than when the see or read that you are going to see the Mouse they will be totally surprised. I don't think you will ever get a better reaction from them. Don't forget to bring the cameras.

Have a save and fun trip. Can't wait to get details.