Trying to decide if we should do WDW without the kids?

[cwnhokie]

I am trying to plan a short trip for our 10th anniversary in August. I've narrowed it down to WDW or a cruise. Our boys are 3 and 5, so it would be nice to do WDW without the having to keep up with them, but would we feel to guilty? Would a cruise be more relaxing? Oh, decisions, decisions? Also I'm trying to decide if we should do it in August for our actual anniversary or wait until it gets cold around here to get away? Any suggestions anyone? Thanks!

 

[Hobbes]

Why not split the difference and do a Disney Cruise? I don't have kids but if I did I don't think I could go without them-the guilt would be horrendous...

 

[Goofy DS]

We did WDW without the kids for our 15th anniversary. IT WAS GREAT!
Our anniv is in June but we went right after the kids went back to school in Jan. It was not busy at all and we took the time to do lots of stuff that the kids wouldn't want to do.
We went to Jelly Rolls on the Boardwalk, we took a "Keys to the Kingdom" tour, we just slowed down and enjoyed each other!

It was the best trip I taken to WDW!

 

[cwnhokie]

I suppose I should add that we took the boys to WDW last May for a week and this past Feb/March for 10 days and hope to do a Disney cruise in Fall of 2007. So this trip is just a little bonus rest and relaxation time, probably a quick 3 or 4 days. It's not like we are going without them and they have never been.

I think WDW could be a totally different experience without them, Goofy DS those are some of the exact things I was thinking we would like to do. We have been to two dueling piano bars elsewhere and loved them and the Keys to the Kingsom tour just seems facinating, but not for our kids.

 

[pamjb]

DH and I went to WDW in October 2005 without the kids. The kids complained (2 boys ages 15 & 11), but we are doing it again. We enjoyed Food & Wine fest and bought into DVC. We are going again this October with another couple.
I also have taken the kids without DH. A win-win situation as I get to get more than once

 

[WillCAD]

Why would you feel more guilty about going to WDW kidless than taking a cruise?

Vacation is vacation - go where you know you will have a great time.

 

[cwnhokie]

DH and I went to WDW in October 2005 without the kids. The kids complained (2 boys ages 15 & 11), but we are doing it again. We enjoyed Food & Wine fest and bought into DVC. We are going again this October with another couple.
I also have taken the kids without DH. A win-win situation as I get to get more than once

Ahh, Food and Wine Fest, that sounds perfect! How were the crowds? How's this sound... Thurs. 9/28- Sun. 10/1 POR, free dining, no kiddos. Or does anyone have a better suggestion for resort?

I'm thinking hanging out at the resort, strolling (around by ourselves with no strollers), eating, drinking, people watching, sleeping all night long in a comfy bed, magical express, no rental car, no bags in the parks, nice meals at our own pace, hubby could golf, I could do ... anything I want, anything else?

 

[Jesussavedme]

Why not bring the kids along, whichever you decide - cruise or not, since Disney has the childcare at the resorts and on the cruise, it would allow for alone time for you and DH and you wouldn't have the guilt of leaving the kids! (But you shouldn't have that guilt anyway)
My DH and I bring our 2 year old every time (we go once a month, with our AP's). We have learned to squeeze in some time for ourselves here and there, even though he is with us 24/7. We'll spend some time at the resort playground and sink our toes in the sand at the beach, or let him play in different areas at the parks, where we can sit on a bench, hold hands and watch him. Then he'll eventually fall asleep in his stroller and the rest of the night is ours!

 

[Jesussavedme]

Hey, sounds like you're in the process of planning a wonderful time for you two! Food and Wine is usually crowded. I've been 5 times and it's always been crowded, but it comes with the territory. It is nice and relaxing, even if you have to wait in line to buy your sampling, you won't have the kids being impatient, so just stand there and sip your wine and enjoy!

 

[tmtg]

Do wdw w/o the kids. I'm sure that you'll be going back again with them in the future, so take this trip as an oppurtunity to be able to tour the parks at an adult pace!

 

[Vivianne]

I think you both should go for it! Why deny yourselves a short trip for your anniversary? I've never done a cruise so I can't comment on it.

However, the gift you give your kids,
Two well-rested happy parents = Priceless!

 

[midwestdee]

Absolutely - go for it! Your kids are still going to be at the high maintenance ages for a while. If you are lucky enough to have trusted family to leave them with - enjoy it! I love my kids - but what a production number hauling all that stuff around and going at their pace. We did take advantage of the child care at the resorts and it is great - but a few days of just the two of you sounds like a lot of fun. Have a great trip, pack the sunscreen, not the guilt - As for timing, that is personal preference, you already know the crowds will be worse in Aug. than later in the fall. Since I'm a cheap skate - I would go off season, but that's me.

 

[cwnhokie]

Thank you all! Now I am torn. I've priced 3 nights at a mod. with dining or a 4 night royal caribbean cruise for about the same price. On one hand it would be a lot of fun to try WDW without the kids and enjoy food and wine fest. On the other hand, the cruise would probably be more restful, we get an extra day, and all the food is included. Also some friends are now thinking about joining us and I think they are leaning towards WDW. Oh, and did I mention I'm very indecisive. Choices, Choices, Choices!

 

[tmtg]

then why are you wasting our times asking for advice!!

HAHA just kidding If you're going for your aniversary i'd suggest just the two of you on a cruise, but if u bring friends, wdw for sure.

 

[Danaans]

Go. Experience. Enjoy.

There is much for grownups to enjoy. Make sure when you do, you make it for a time when most of the kids are in school still....

I mean not to be mean or anything but, if you don't have your children along...why have to put up with others kids....

My husband and I have done it both ways with children and without, and each time it has its unique benefits.....

 

[disneymom3]

Funny, I was pricing cruises yesterday too! And well, I put down my deposit for WL this morning!

I love love love cruises. Can't even tell you how much. But I also love disney and it is actually easier to relax on a cruise with kids than at WDW with kids. Don't know why, but it is. I think cause they are more contained or something and you don't have to be go going all the time. Plus, if I am going on a cruise, I want to be interested in the ports of call and I am just not interested in either Easter or Western Carribbean ports. I would need to do a 7 day and that is going to cost a bit more.

So, off to WDW with just me and DH! Good luck with your decision.

 

[MissMichelle]

I can tell you I know the feeling. I am also taking a "Parents" only cruise. No kiddos. But it is for my birthday. Me and DH have been together over 10 years (I am 25 so since I was 15) and we have NEVER gone away alone..we have 2 children. I have family that lives next door (I am LOVING that I will have them home in their own house while we are away as they will come and stay here) and while I am VERY sad , mainyl due to WDW being "Our vacation spot", I also have such a sense of relief....Now if the next 163 days would get moving! HAHA

ENJOY YOUR TRIP!

 

[paslea_pooh]

We are going to the World in Oct(1-5). This will be the first time we go anywhere without the kids. Last year we went to a B&B for one night, I don't think that counts! My Mom is staying at our house and watching the girls. I feel bad BUT DH and I will be married 20 years in 5/2007. We are planning on celebrating our anniversary early at the F&WF. They don't know yet and they are going to hate us. We are planning on going back for Xmas of 2007 and they just went this past Nov '05. So technically we aren't the worst parents ever!

Some of the things I've got planned are

California Grill (late ADR's, so we can see Wishes)
Adventurers Club @ PI
Jellyrolls
Rose and Crown (ADR's so we can see Illuminations)
Maybe visiting some of the bars on the monorail.

Any other suggestions?

 

[cwnhokie]

I can tell you I know the feeling. I am also taking a "Parents" only cruise. No kiddos. But it is for my birthday. Me and DH have been together over 10 years (I am 25 so since I was 15) and we have NEVER gone away alone..we have 2 children. I have family that lives next door (I am LOVING that I will have them home in their own house while we are away as they will come and stay here) and while I am VERY sad , mainyl due to WDW being "Our vacation spot", I also have such a sense of relief....Now if the next 163 days would get moving! HAHA

ENJOY YOUR TRIP!

So are you going on a cruise or to WDW or both?

We are pretty sure we are going to do WDW Sept28th - Oct 1st or 2nd. It seems that a bunch of other couples in our neighborhood may be joining the bandwagon. Now to decide which resort. I'm thinking a moderate, don't know which one yet.

 

[Disney MAINEiac]

The two best trips we ever took to disney were when we went solo (kidless) They're to old to pull it off now, but you won't regret it. And don't feel guilty, most kids never get to go in the first place.