Weird for wanting to go to WDW?

[SydneyFalco]

Anyway, I really don't appreciate being treated like I have a problem. It's not like I'm taking drugs, drinking, etc. Geez. It's only a vacation spot I enjoy going to so why do these people act like they are so superior? What if I said I love going to Hawaii every year? I wouldn't get nearly as much flack.

My mother in law goes to Mexico every year and she takes flak all the time ("Why don't you go anywhere different?" etc.) And nobody's jealous. That's just silly.

I've got friends who dig camping. I will never understand camping. I've got friends who like going on European trips where they stay somewhere different every night. That sounds like torture to me. And when I'm with them, and the topic comes up, I say so. They never get defensive, nor should anybody else. It's not so hard for me to comprehend that somebody might find the Disney experience weird and off-putting. This is, after all, a wholly subjective act we're engaged in.

 

[mefordis]

Yeah, she drives a huge, brand new leased VW mini van. I could say she could be driving a cheaper mini van and spending the remaining money on something else!

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.

 

[mefordis]

I understand that. I used to feel that WDW wasn't all that fun until I had kids and did research and discovered that anywhere else I take the kids does not compare to WDW in terms of ease and diversity in things to do. I've travelled quite a bit and I know taking an infant to a european city would not be fun. Or camping, or Yosemite National Park, or any of those places. WDW has a lot to offer adults as well as kids at the same time.

My mother in law goes to Mexico every year and she takes flak all the time ("Why don't you go anywhere different?" etc.) And nobody's jealous. That's just silly.

I've got friends who dig camping. I will never understand camping. I've got friends who like going on European trips where they stay somewhere different every night. That sounds like torture to me. And when I'm with them, and the topic comes up, I say so. They never get defensive, nor should anybody else. It's not so hard for me to comprehend that somebody might find the Disney experience weird and off-putting. This is, after all, a wholly subjective act we're engaged in.

 

[Disneyadore]

Do any of your friends or family think you are weird for wanting to go to WDW over and over agin?

I had a friend over today and I told her I am going back to WDW and first she says, "YOU ARE OBSESSED!"

Then she said there are so many other things she'd spend the money on.

Then I ask her what she would spend the $$ on and she says, "Help (like nannies and house keepers - she has 4 small children ages 1, 2, 3 and 5.)

She apparently has been to WDW once and stayed at "some asian place" which I"m guessing she means the Polynesian. And she said it was bad food and a lot of crowds.

Anyway, I really don't appreciate being treated like I have a problem. It's not like I'm taking drugs, drinking, etc. Geez. It's only a vacation spot I enjoy going to so why do these people act like they are so superior? What if I said I love going to Hawaii every year? I wouldn't get nearly as much flack.

<vent over>

Please say :"yes I think I do have a problem and its soooooooooo terrible crowded" and and and...... Don't praise Disney to much. Imagen the all did want to go also. The crowds would be horrifying.

Promise us you keep Disney a secret to us "lunatics".

 

[Angel Ariel]

My family has been accepting of my Disney obsession for a very long time, so they understand. They tease me about it, but they eunderstand

DH used to tease me about it more...but after 2 WDW trips, and one DL trip since we've been married, he's now the one asking to go to WDW for hte food and wine festival, and I'm the one putting the brakes on the plan making sure I can take time off from work and that we can afford it before we get excited about it.

Most often the question we get is how do we spend so much time there w/o kids (we don't have any yet). After I explain a few things, most people are like.."oooh, we didn't realize there was so much there for adults too".

 

[torsie24]

I think we all get this from non-Disney fans!

If you really want to get it in the neck from the miserable people in this world then go in 3 Disney vacations in 15 months and annouced you are having a WDW wedding!

That really gives them something to moan about!

This is my opinion on it:

We love disney, disney vacations make us happier than any other vacation. The more people who think we are crazy for doing so, then the less I have to wait in line!!!

 

[arielmomma]

Our friends and family think we are crazy for going to Disney so often, but we don't care! We love it! Sure, there are others things we like to see and do, but Disney is our first love! I figure that everyone has priorities and things that they like to spend thier money on. Some people like nice cars, fancy houses, or expensive hobbies. We live frugally on a daily basis and love to spend our money vacationing with the mouse. I could think of far worse things to obsess over!

 

[PrincessKara22]

I always say that there are two kinds of people in the world: disney people and non-disney people. Unfortunately, I think most people are non-disney people but that just leaves more magic for those of us in the know!

 

[Vemnox]

Why oh why would somebody say something like this??

Uh, because Disney is a luxury place that has a potential to get lots of people into major debt. The fact of the matter is it isn't a "cheap getaway".

 

[Vemnox]

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.

That was a constructive reply.

 

[sctigger]

I love WDW. If I could go every year I would. As it is DH and I try to go every other year. We don't ever tell anyone until we have to make plans for covering our business and arranging a dog sitter. We have some family members that think we are wasting money, and then we have one family member that gets jealous and wants to be invited. We don't have kids, so most people don't get why we keep going back. I have one friend who seems to understand. I think she caught the Disney bug when I invited her and her daughter on a family trip about 5 yrs ago. Now she tries to go every other year too.

 

[ms.yt]

Uh, because Disney is a luxury place that has a potential to get lots of people into major debt. The fact of the matter is it isn't a "cheap getaway".

A luxury place????? I know I always think of places where you see tons of people walking around wearing crocs and fanny packs munching on giant turkey legs as a luxury destination! Seriously, do you think the only way to go to WDW is by spending a ton of money? My husband and I spent as much in one weekend at a wedding in Washington, DC last year as my whole family did for a 7 day Disney vacation earlier in the year. There are value resorts, you know!

 

[danceintherain]

What is considered middle class?

Just for the record income isn't even an indicator of social class. As it is a socially constructed category, social class is mostly determined by occupation, marital status, education etc. I was shocked when I found out income isn't really a factor, but I've done quite a bit of research on the matter. (of course it is kind of an unmentioned factor as all those other categories greatly influence income)

Also, just about everybody thinks (or indicates) they're middle class, because in our society it is what is considered normal. It is ridiculous, therefore, to determine that only upper-middle class and upper-class individuals SHOULD be spending their money on vacations.
I think a better determination would be that individuals who do not have the money to go to Disney for vacation every year shouldn't do it, but as everybody has different ideas about what they NEED, I can guarantee you that people of all classes will be able to afford vacations.

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.

Just so you know the whole Grand Canyon thing is a one-day trip, unless of course you go rafting through it, or I think they have burrows that you can ride down to the river. Sure it's cool, but you would have to spend the rest of your vacation time in Flagstaff or something, and while Flagstaff is beautiful, Disney includes so many active activities to keep the whole family happy.

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!

I totally agree!


As for an answer to the OP question. I've come across some people who "don't get it" I actually had a conversation with my Mom the other day. She had just gotten back from a trip to California with one of her friends, and her friend is one of those who just "don't get it." She's been to Disney a few times in the past, but it wouldn't be her top vacation destination. She's a person who spends most of her vacations shopping. (well...most of her free time in general) Even though she's been to Disney a few times she has never spend any time in MGM/Disney Studios and can't imagine spending a whole week doing nothing but going to the parks.

Then, there's my brother who when he found out about our trip next week indicated that he doesn't really want to go to Disney anymore. If he came, he would rather go to Universal. Anyways, much to my mother's distress, he's not coming. He goes solely for the rides.

As for me... I realize that there are many perfectly acceptable vacation destinations, but I agree with many PPs about the stress involved. A trip to Disney is much more simplified and relaxing in my opinion. I know exactly what to expect, and all the CMs are there specifically for assisting "guests" or tourists. Many other appealing locations attract tourists by the swarms, but they don't cater to them the same way.
Sure I could go on a cruise, or to another resort somewhere, and I probably will at some point in the future, but right now I enjoy Disney, and I probably will continue going many more times in the future.

 

[geenerbell]

Uh, because Disney is a luxury place that has a potential to get lots of people into major debt. The fact of the matter is it isn't a "cheap getaway".

It can be as budget friendly as you make it. That's part of the planning and the knowledge that you learn from the boards (and other sources). It's all in how you implement your knowledge that really counts. I enjoy working to find the right combination of spending and saving to have that MAGICAL VACATION COME TRUE!!

 

[dzalice]

I get that response from some of my friends too, the "don't you know there are other places to vacation at" response. My sister and I (both single, no children, a bit older than the norm and still gainfully employed) are late to the yearly Disney trip mode, but we are trying to schedule one every year we can. Yes, we do make another trip elsewhere (next year we hope to go to the FEI Games at Kentucky Horse Park), but planning our Disney trip is our favorite mental past time now.

 

[RooRach0906]

DH and I get it all the time, we don't have children yet, so we get the "You don't even have kids why do you wanna go back?" We don't even go every year (although we would love to). We mainly get it tho from our friends, my one sister and his parents. I just don't let it bother me and my DH just says where else can I go that I don't have to drive or even thinking my whole vacation. I love it. The rest of my family love Disney and all they say is "I wish I could go this year." I will bring them all back a lil piece of magic. This year for me tho it is extra fun to plan b/c my DS, her DH and her two DDs are going two weeks after us, so we do a lot of planing together.

 

[MissStitch626]

DH and I get it all the time, we don't have children yet, so we get the "You don't even have kids why do you wanna go back?" We don't even go every year (although we would love to). We mainly get it tho from our friends, my one sister and his parents. I just don't let it bother me and my DH just says where else can I go that I don't have to drive or even thinking my whole vacation. I love it. The rest of my family love Disney and all they say is "I wish I could go this year." I will bring them all back a lil piece of magic. This year for me tho it is extra fun to plan b/c my DS, her DH and her two DDs are going two weeks after us, so we do a lot of planing together.

This is the same for us! DH and I have no kids and no immediate plans to have any, this year will only be our second trip to WDW and we are thinking about a third next year, and already people are making comments about it. Work colleagues tend to assume that we are not "mature" because we like Disney, and think it's ridiculous that we are so excited about going, and family members occasionally disapprove of the amount of money we spend. I don't let that get to me, the way I look at it, both DH and I work and save hard to go to WDW and I'm going to enjoy every minute.

I do get quite annoyed when people tell me there's so many other places to visit in the world, as if that means I'm obliged to visit them

 

[lunapnp]

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

Kathryn, you will LOVE Disney. It is absolutely amazing how accommodating they are for children/people with different abilities! (Make sure you check out the disabilities section on the Dis. TONS of great info!) It's funny that you mentioned this. Yesterday, I took my "normal" 9 YO daughter to a water/theme park in our area. It's the first time we had visited this park. (My oldest DD, who has CP, was away at summer camp so she was not on this trip.) I thought the entire time we were there that oldest DD would not be able to do this park...maybe a couple of areas would be easy for her to navigate. I kept thinking of how spoiled we are to Disney. There's very little at Disney that she can't do...and usually it's only because she doesn't WANT to do it!

In 3 months, we will be headed to Disney for the 6th time. Yeah, people think we're crazy. But, that's okay because we ARE crazy! And not just where Disney is involved. You know, some people vacation EVERY year to the beach or the mountains. That's their choice. I LOVE the beach but I LOVE Disney, too. As my DD gets older, it's just that Disney is easier for her and us...so that's where we cho0se to go!

 

[Planogirl]

I would be unhappy if I ONLY went to WDW. As it is we include WDW when we travel to central Florida because it's fun. I personally enjoy many other things too though.

People will always offer their opinions. A couple we knew used to go to Las Vegas twice a year and they always heard from others about that too.

 

[torsie24]

This is the same for us! DH and I have no kids and no immediate plans to have any, this year will only be our second trip to WDW and we are thinking about a third next year, and already people are making comments about it. Work colleagues tend to assume that we are not "mature" because we like Disney, and think it's ridiculous that we are so excited about going, and family members occasionally disapprove of the amount of money we spend. I don't let that get to me, the way I look at it, both DH and I work and save hard to go to WDW and I'm going to enjoy every minute.

I do get quite annoyed when people tell me there's so many other places to visit in the world, as if that means I'm obliged to visit them

Nice to hear from another Brit MrsStitch.

I think what it is with a lot of British people (and also maybe Americans who live far from FL?) is that for many many years it's only been the very privelidged who can do multiple trips to WDW. For example I went once in my childhood, and was considered (and considered myself) very lucky to do so! Everyone knew one kid who went like every year or every other year, and they were always the lucky kid!

So a lot of people have grown up thinking WDW is somewhere very unattainble to get to, and very expensive to visit. Which is think does lead to part of the animosity we get from family and friends who just stya in the UK or Europe to holiday....

Doesn't answer why they scoff or frown when we annouce DLRP trips though....