Weird for wanting to go to WDW?

[PIRATEGIRL007]

It's ok. Really it is. There is a whole group of people just like you and outsiders don't get it. Buy the book Mousejunkies, you will realize you are one and feel alot better about it. Not many people get it, but many Dis'ers will. Even my big sister didn't get it when I drug her down there in 2004, but now she is planning a trip with her family and 2yr old for next year and is so excited she can't stand it. Its lke the magic addiction took a couple of years to sink in with her.

 

[krosmith]

You know I have been planning our first Disney trip since November. We travel a lot. Every six months we drive from Houston to Philadelphia to take my brain-injured son for medical treatment. The whole trip takes a little over three weeks. We have been doing this for 6 years now. As my son grew more stable we have tried to take side trips to add some stress relief. We have been to other parks, and historical sights. A good part of the time my son and I are sitting on the sidelines waiting because where ever we are is not accessible. Disney World is the first place I've read about where that will not be the case. He won't be able to go on every ride but there are many he will be able to go on. WDW makes an effort to be inclusive for everyone. For the first time in Dec. Edward will be like any other child and get to feel the excitement of rides. He won't be excluded like he is for many many other places.

We haven't been yet, but the fact they include children like my son in their planning, means they have me as a customer for life. While I doubt we will be able to afford to go every year, I would not hesitate to go there if we could.

My advice to you is: Never let someone steal your joy! If WDW makes you happy, go as often as you can, whenever your circumstances will allow you. There is enough stress in our lives, your entitled to some happiness.

Kathryn

 

[ms.yt]

Yeah, it bugs me when people say this, too. I haven't encountered it too much because most people in my life know I'll not just sit around and be insulted. My husband, however, has had to deal with it from his mother & sister at work a few times. Last week they made a comment about us going again (even though this is nearly a free trip for us because I'm going to a convention) and "why don't we go somewhere else?" The same day my SIL was talking about going to a Keith Urban concert that week, her third in less than 2 years. My husband pointed out to her that her going to see the same artist over and over is really no different. It's just what we both like to do. If I had been there, I would have mentioned to his parents that we don't necessarily understand why they feel the need to follow around the local high school basketball team to all their home and away games when they don't even have any family on the team, but that's what they want to do with their time, just like Disney is what we like to do.

Everybody seems to think their hobby is perfectly reasonable, but going to Disney every year is just absolutely loopy! I personally don't understand the appeal of driving 6 hours round trip every weekend to the lake, but tons of people around here do it. It's not my cup of tea, but they're free to do what they want!

 

[kmcford]

I get this a lot. For me my kids are only this age once. Right now my kids are 11, 6, and 2. There aren't a lot of things that we can do that all 3 will enjoy. My DH wants to do the whole grand canyon thing. I can't imagine doing it with a 2 year old. For me those trips will be better when they are a little older. There is a finite time in their lives that Disney will be this magical. Yes, they will enjoy it when they are older like I do but there is something so neat about going as a kid. And yes, disney is expensive but when I price it out against other things like a cruise it is still less expensive.

 

[buckylarue]

I could see only going to WDW every 5 years or so...

Year 1 - Orlando

Year 2 - Anaheim

Year 3 - Paris

Year 4 - Tokyo

Year 5 - Hong Kong

Year 6 - back to Orlando!

 

[jmskinner]

You know I have been planning our first Disney trip since November. We travel a lot. Every six months we drive from Houston to Philadelphia to take my brain-injured son for medical treatment. The whole trip takes a little over three weeks. We have been doing this for 6 years now. As my son grew more stable we have tried to take side trips to add some stress relief. We have been to other parks, and historical sights. A good part of the time my son and I are sitting on the sidelines waiting because where ever we are is not accessible. Disney World is the first place I've read about where that will not be the case. He won't be able to go on every ride but there are many he will be able to go on. WDW makes an effort to be inclusive for everyone. For the first time in Dec. Edward will be like any other child and get to feel the excitement of rides. He won't be excluded like he is for many many other places.

We haven't been yet, but the fact they include children like my son in their planning, means they have me as a customer for life. While I doubt we will be able to afford to go every year, I would not hesitate to go there if we could.

My advice to you is: Never let someone steal your joy! If WDW makes you happy, go as often as you can, whenever your circumstances will allow you. There is enough stress in our lives, your entitled to some happiness.

Kathryn

You are exactly right, WDW does include everyone. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[BABY_EINSTEIN'S_MOM]

Welcome to the club!! I believe most all of us on these boards deal with others questioning our "obsession" at one time or another! Whether we actually get to go to Disney often(or just talk about it alot!) people will always have something to say.

Oh well, you learn not to let it bother you, when you realize that you are most definitely having more fun than the naysayers are!!!

 

[Toluca Legs TurkeyCo]

they're missing out

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

If you are middle class or lower and you want to go to Disney repetitively during an economic downturn then, yes, it is weird. Otherwise if you are upper middle or better and can safely afford to go without making any major sacrifices then hell who cares what you do with your money. Give it to the mouse all you want - he doesn't mind!

I am pretty certain this might be such a (I don't even have words) kind of response.

I just... I would be so ashamed of myself if I ever said that.

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

Back OT, I don't happen to make a lot of money but the money I do make... anything extra goes to vacationing and lately it's mostly been to WDW and NYC.

I ride my bike back and forth 2 miles each way, to work everyday because it's better for the environment, my body and my wallet. I don't have to pay any rent because our house is completely paid off. A relative works for a cable company so we pay about $13/month to have everything basically except ppv channels... HBO, Showtime, Encore, HD DVR, every channel almost. The only major expenses I have are for my Blackberry and food... and now my new passion of scrapbooking.

I do not make a lot of money which might put me in the "middle class or lower" category but I can still afford to go to WDW.

My friends, co-workers and non-immediate family think I am nuts, I don't care.... but I also don't tell most of them where I am actually going. In January, I am going to Lake Tahoe according to them to do some skiing... hopefully that will explain any tanning I get. But I use fake-n-bake tanning at home anyway. In April I am going to San Francisco to visit my dad.

They're just jealous. I wonder, like many of you, what would happen if they were questioned on their passions? Drinking or smoking their money away... those friends have no right judging me... vacationing other places, sure- I understand that... Blazers season tickets?... brand new car every year?... vacation home?... children?... I like my choice MUCH better.

 

[ToddyLu]

Know how you guys feel. Everyone at work thinks Disney is good but not great like I do. Recently at my new job....just in coversation I informed my boss that I would be happy to help her plan anytime. They have done the DCL only and loved it. She had no clue about the BBB and she has a 4 yr old DD.....she said " you mean they have that there?". She was really excited. Another co-worker went the week of Springbreak/Easter this year and thanked me so much for telling her about the DIS and ALLears...she said her family appreciated all the planning becasue of the crowds and they had a terrific time.

DH and I recently purchased DVC and I am hoping htis gets us down there more often. Had I gone to WDW at age 6-7 (first trip at 32) I would be living in Orlando, done the College Program and now be a Cast Member. There is so much attention to detail. We have done Washington, DC, New Orleans, camping, NYC...but Disney is the vacation Mecca..where else do you see individual countries within walking distance, a drum and fife corp, Piglet dressed up for Halloween, 6 million christmas lights dancing, Darth Vader, a giant Swan atop one of the largest hotels you have every seen, talking trash can, famous mouse who communicates so well without talking that he is loved by everyone....blah, blah, bibiddi, blah..I could go on all day...but the point is I don't have to here on this site.

 

[lustergirl]

Good Morning. I have some people who I work with who are the same way. They just don't get it.I guess they would rather go lay on a beach somewhere, that isn't for me though. I stopped sharing my disney trip info with alot of them because of this. Am I less excited to go- no way!!!

 

[antmaril]

I told my good friend recently that I needed a Disney trip planned so I can look forward to it and she told me I needed a "12 Step Program"

I don't think any of my friends understand my love of Disney World. My husband passed away last year (he didn't love it as much as I do, but he humored me). Now, I don't have anyone to travel with me

 

[lustergirl]

I was telling my boss that I would be up at 6 this morning to make my ADR's. Her exact words were "Let me get this straight, you are getting up early in the morning to make ressies for somewhere you are going to eat 3 months from now?" Well yea- comes with the territory of being OCD in regards to disney.

 

[lustergirl]

I told my good friend recently that I needed a Disney trip planned so I can look forward to it and she told me I needed a "12 Step Program"

I don't think any of my friends understand my love of Disney World. My husband passed away last year (he didn't love it as much as I do, but he humored me). Now, I don't have anyone to travel with me

Sorry for your loss.

 

[Metsoskil]

As with anything else in life, who cares what other people think? Do you need their approval to enjoy your vacation? Do what you want with your money.

My kids are 3 and 6. We've been going to WDW every August since 2007. This will be our 3rd straight year. We will have APs this year, so we are also going in December as a family, DW and I are going for a weekend together in March, and we will probably go next June as a family. I could care less what other people think about the number of times we go.

I could put the money in the bank, buy a new car, or put an addition on my house with the money we spend on vacations each summer (we also go to the beach for a week and do several day trips to places like the Bronx Zoo, Museum of Natural History, etc). But when my kids grow up and think of their childhood, they aren't going to remember that they drove around in a BMW (or whatever) as opposed to a Honda Civic, or that their house had a two living rooms instead of 1. They are going to remember the experiences that we have as a family

We don't make a lot of money - we're both teachers. We put ourselves on a very tight budget during the school year to ensure that we have a nice stash of money during the summer to do what we do. I can't think of a better use of money than to create memories. After all, money comes and money goes. Memories last.

As the kids get older, we will take them places other than WDW. But right now, a vacation in Europe or the Carribean wouldn't be as much fun for them. They are too young to appreciate much of what those other places have to offer, and travelling w/ young kids makes it difficult for us as parents to enjoy all of what those places have to offer. Right now, WDW is the perfect vacation for us.

Even though my Disney obsession is well known by others in my family, my friends, and my co-workers, not many people comment on it in a way that is offensive because they know I'm not interested in their opinion. Likewise, I could care less what they do with their money.

 

[sassyredhead]

I recently had a co-worker comment, when I mentioned our trip scheduled for next year, that she doesn't understand how I can like "that plastic-y, annoying place." I like this person despite her frequent guacheness, so I said:

1. My husband works 60-70 hours a week at a high stress job. He likes to vacation at a place where he doesn't have to think about work and is familiar with the vacation environment.

2. I work in a job where I make recommendations that affect lives, sometimes for good, sometimes for ill. I love to shed the mantle of responsibility during my vacation and just be a kid again. WDW allows me to do that.

3. Our daughter is growning up fast, but still raves about WDW at 11. These memories, both future and past, are priceless . . .

She hasn't made a snide comment since.

 

[Nikisha421]

I got this quote from another DISer who respond to an OP question of the same type"...those who have to ask will never understand..." to anyone who has to question your love of WDW will never have the same love and understanding!

 

[J3nn78]

We hear it all the time. People just don't get it. My parents insist that my boys will get tired of it. Friends are always telling us there are other places to see.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

YES! We have people say things like that ALL the time. We have been to WDW on 35+ trips as a family and are just now getting used to ignoring the Disney "haters."

We live in Ontario where a vast majority of people own or rent cottages. So when someone asks me why on earth I want to go to Disney for the __ time and what I could possibly want to do there because it is for "kids," I ask "Why on earth do you want to go back to that cottage where there is nothing to do but get eaten alive by mosquitos and lay by the lake??"

Most of these "cottages" are like second homes! You pay for the house, the property, the taxes, the electricity, the maintanence and when you go there you have to cook, clean etc. But, some people love it!

Disney is my "cottage" and I'll keep going back again and again!

If you are middle class or lower and you want to go to Disney repetitively during an economic downturn then, yes, it is weird. Otherwise if you are upper middle or better and can safely afford to go without making any major sacrifices then hell who cares what you do with your money. Give it to the mouse all you want - he doesn't mind!

I agree with most everyone that this is a post that is out of line. I hate when people define things by "class" like there is an actual measure of what is lower, middle or upper.

If Disney were only appropriate for "upper class" why would they offer accomodations, tickets and dining to suit every budget?

Additionally, who are we to make a judgement on where any family *should* spend their money?