Telling the kids

[my3princes]

My kids DSs are 8, 6 and 17mths. They go through phases of excitment and phase of been there done that. This will be the 5th trip for the older two. When they start to lose the excitement I try to do something to remind them of the previous trips. We either watch a trip video or look through a photo album or autograph book. It brings the WDW magic back into their eyes. We are also bringing our 4 yr old niece this trip and she hasn't been since she was a baby. She is very excited and likes to go through all of our pictures and watch Disney Movies etc. She is trying to learn all of the characters so that she will recognize them when she gets there. I am planning to have the 3 older kids color some Disney coloring pages. I will let each of them pick their best work and scan it into my computer and make a T-shirt transfer. They will each end up with their own one of a kind Disney T-shirt to wear prior to the trip. I think that it will be fun and they will enjoy telling everyone about their upcoming trip. Even though they lose the excitment periodically, when asked where they would like to go on vacation they always say "Mickey's House".

Deb

 

[hockey mom]

Diskim I also agree timing was probably the disappointment factor. Yesterday was Easter and they were looking for a gift to use right then and as everyone has already said the excitement will build as the days get closer.

We have 3 kids- DD15, DD 13, and DS 10 and we also did a scavenger hunt for money to use on our trip. My kids already knew they were going but they have been excited since the day we told them and this will be our 11th trip. My kids are all pin traders so that adds to the excitement of another trip.

 

[DisKim]

This is the REAL husband, no joke. I don't write as good as my English teacher wife (or well, oops).

Anyway, I blame myself. The same way an addict is enabled by the people around them, the first thing I did upon returning home last time was to order a new planning package. Then I would change the wallpaper on the computer to Disney themes, etc. Then, we decided to go again, and I fed the Disney beast constantly, meanwhile the kids are catching bits and pieces thinking, "well, are we, or aren't we?" I think the kids had an idea and were just like, '"Tell me something I don't already know."

I do have to say though, I only got to go once as a child when I was 5. I hardly remember it. I want to regularly break out of the routine mundane life and give my full attention to my family. I think Disney gives us this opportunity. The drive down from NJ to Fla will be more bonding time, ha ha. The other benefit is that it is time to spend with our Florida relatives, and some of our NJ relatives are coming too. In my opinion, time and money well spent.

In summary, translate the above to mean that because I was deprived as a child, I am forcing my family to relive the missed glories of my childhood! Poor kids.

 

[CheekyMonkeysDad]

This is DisKim's husband again. I intentionally made a new login so I didn't post under false credentials. Somehow, the cookies for DisKim were still in effect for the above post. Oops.

 

[zippehsmom]

Just yesterday my 15 year old DsS said he never goes anywhere fun like Miami, New York or LA. (Now last year he had an opportunity to go to California to a wedding, he met Shaq and Magic Johnson, but I guess that was not exciting enough) Now in between his Mom and our house he goes on at least 3-4 vacations a year. This year we're going to WDW and Williamsburg.

So I said since WDW and Williamsburg are not exciting you can stay home. Of course he said that's OK, he come with us. Gee thanks . I think he's in that teenage phase where everything else is more exciting than what you are doing.

I agree with everyoneelse once July gets here they'll be excited. Great Idea about the easter egg hunt.

zippehsmom

 

[cannonballer70]

I personally feel that unless you live fairly close to Disney, if you kids are unexcited about going means they probably are a bit spoiled. Most kids never get to go or adults for that matter and I think its a shame when kids are so spoiled that they don't appreciate what they are given.

 

[DisKim]

I personally feel that unless you live fairly close to Disney, if you kids are unexcited about going means they probably are a bit spoiled. Most kids never get to go or adults for that matter and I think its a shame when kids are so spoiled that they don't appreciate what they are given.

I think it is a bit harsh to call other peoples' kids spoiled when you don't know them. Yes, I spoil my kids. I forgo vacations alone with my husband and fancy dinners out in order to give them experiences that will give them happy memories of childhood. I'd personally rather have a good time with my kids and I sacrifice in order to do that.

 

[puffkin]

I just think that it is a sense of now. Kids have a hard time looking towards the future, they only focus on the now. I think that your kids will be very excited once July comes around.

As a side note, my parents didn't really believe in vacations. We went to the beach a few times, but only because my dad could go fishing and mom took us to the beach. I think that it is great for parents to spend quality time with their children and go on vacations. My parents spent a lot of time with us in other ways, but now that I am an adult, I wish we could of gone on some more family vacations because those are some of our best memories. I am sure your kids will look back at all these WDW trips in the future with fond memories!

 

[CheekyMonkeysDad]

Quickest way to get the claws out is to attack someone's kids.

I believe that kids get spoiled when parents shower gifts instead of their attention. In this case, we are giving our attention instead of going on a couples vacation, etc.

 

[cannonballer70]

Okay maybe I was harsh by calling her kids spoiled, but she did ask. I agree its great you are spending time with them but maybe next year a vacation somewhere else might get them a bit more excited. Just a thought.

 

[CheekyMonkeysDad]

I agree, cannonballer70. I think we are going to have to take a rest from vacations next year. We've had two fun years, but my house is calling for my attention too. I have some projects I'll need to invest in next year. How boring!

 

[HANDYMOM]

Originally posted by cannonballer70
Okay maybe I was harsh by calling her kids spoiled, but she did ask. I agree its great you are spending time with them but maybe next year a vacation somewhere else might get them a bit more excited. Just a thought.

When I first read your post, I thought it was a bit harsh too. But having thought about it more..... it takes someone from the outside looking in to give parents some perspective sometimes. How else are we, as the spoilers, ever going to know when to dial it back? We all love our children and while it's normal for us to want to give them the world as often as possible, it's probably not the way to raise appreciative, humble kids.

I don't think anyone should take this post personally. When I think of spoiled children, I think of those brats that go nuts in public places and are quieted with a new toy, candy etc. When you take your kids on so many vacations that they don't seem to appreciate it, the only person you're really affecting is you, and perhaps them in the long-term.

Bottom line, if you love your kids enough to save and sacrifice in order to go to WDW many times, at least you love them. Now if your kids start pitching fits.....bust some tail!

 

[Hieatt]

We have been to WDW several times in the last few years and our 4 and 5 year olds are thrilled when they know it's coming. We just decided to go down for a long weekend (it's crazy... we are driving from Cincinnati) for my daughter's sixth birthday. We are going to pick them up from school on Friday June 4 and tell them where we are going after they get in the car, and then drive down right then. Previously we have always told them with lots of notice to let the anticipation build, so I am excited to see how they react when we spring it on them.