What to do when kids & spouse don't want to go back?

[DisneyRookie2007]

In 2007 we went for the 1st time in February, albeit just for 5 days. Then we booked another trip for August 2007 for 10 days. Just when we thought we'd seen our fill of Disney, we booked another trip in May of this year and even included Seaworld for 2 days.

We are now only 4 months removed from our last visit and it seems like years ago. While we thoroughly enjoyed all our trips, my wife does not want to go back again in August as it was too hot and humid. April/May was the most comfortable weather we found.

We did and saw everything we wanted to this last trip and while the wife and kids are content to think of other vacation options, I'm totally hooked on going back again. The excitement and anticipation are long gone. We know what to expect on each ride and we know what the food tastes like and what to avoid. The last thing I want to do is drag them back to Disney when they'd rather be somewhere else.

I've read many comments where families go every year for 10-15 years in a row. I couldn't afford that, but what keeps you and your family wanting and willing to go back each year with som many other vacations options available.

How do I get the spark back into the wife and kids to want to go back. I'd go again in a heartbeat - the rest of the family wants other options, like an all inclusive to the Dominican, a cruise or something like that.

Any suggestions ?

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

We go every other year, but hubby likes to mix it up a little so we do some traditions and try new things each trip too. This year we are planning a few new restaurnats, of course the new rides and ICE (which I read about just this morning on DIS and now we are going for sure!!!) If that doesn't work, what about a Disney Cruise? We are planning on trying that on our next trip in 2010 (though I have been promised a day or two at least at MK.... I can't drive all the way to FL and not at least go to the MK!!!!)

 

[dhluvsDisney]

We go at least twice a year, and the whole family ( and I have 2 young adults and a pre-teen) loves going. It's never even a question. We did, however, try the DCL on NYE last year and are cruising again this Jan. They triple loved it! We now have 2 ways to go! I agree with trying the DCL for something diifferent, but maintaining the Disney environment.

 

[davidsprincess]

Get a new family . Just kidding. Try DLR. It is a little different from WDW.

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

Will you marry me?

Ok all kidding aside...what about a Disney Cruise?!
OR one of the big Royal Caribbean cruises like freedom of the seas or the new Oasis - there is lots to do and will be fun, and you will miss Disney, but once on that ship you won't even remember you missed it!

 

[maryliz]

but what keeps you and your family wanting and willing to go back each year with som many other vacations options available.

The way that I start to giggle uncontrollably the moment I see the "Walt Disney World" sign that stretches over the road ... the way that we all feel seeing MK in the distance the first time ... the immediate game of "what colour monorail will we see first" the moment we see the monorail track in the sky above us. It's truly a magical place, and I know there are many other options out there ... but none of us have the desire for now. I agree with the PP's that recommended DCL. You'll still get the magic, but with the ability to experience a totally new and different vacation.

Or, if your vacation time allows it, go in early December. The Christmas Season is something beyond spectacular at Disney.

Or ... like someone else said ... get a new family I can happily provide you with both a DH and DW, and 2 kids. I know that together with you, we can be a very happy "family of 5"! LOL

 

[dvcdisney]

We used to go once a year for 10-14 nights and it wasn't enough for my husband and I. So we have started going twice (14 nights each) a year and it still doesn't seem enough. We love the idea that we know what to expect. We also love the new things like Toy Story Mania. And we love our favourite restaurants. I guess it really depends on whether it's what your family wants.

I don't believe you can force them to love to go again and again. But you can make it interesting and different each time. Different resorts, different restaurants, rent a car and go out of the property (although, we haven't attempted this yet, I'm sure it can be done.... ) Try visiting other theme parks during your vacation etc. You can even take a day to drive to the coast. I guess it depends on whether they want to do these things.

Good luck.

 

[snickerboo]

When you go to Disney do you just do Disney (and Seaworld) or do you do some of the other Florida options? Last year we went for a Florida vacation with a little Disney. We did the orange groves. We saw manatee, dolphins and rays in the wild. We went to Ponce Inlet to the sea turtle rescue center and the lighthouse. Dh took ds to Daytona USA and we went to Daytona Beach. We stayed at Cocoa Beach. We drove into Disney for a day at MK and we spent our last night in Orlando and spent the previous day at SW. It gave us some variety while still doing a little Disney.

My dh wants to do something else but it's the kids and I who say, "no way!" Dh is getting pretty excited about MNSSHP, though. We're also talking about a future trip to Paris with a stop at DL Paris.

 

[ahalla]

I agree with Maryliz...there is nothing like seeing Disney at Christmas. We were there the first two weeks of December last year and we are going back the same time this year. It is absolutely beautiful! The weather is great...not too warm not too cold. And it's not very busy. Now having said all of that, we went 6 years ago, and at the time my ds was 7, and after that trip we said Disney could wait a few years. When we went last year our other ds was almost 4, to use the word magical almost seems ridicilous, but to see his face light up, and all three kids excited days on end, made waiting a few more years to go back just silly! I think it all depends on your previous trips and whether you feel the magic or not! Good luck and I hope my family never feels the way you dw and kids feel!

 

[yxe dad]

I had the same problem with my kids not wanting to go back, they were there last in Jan 06 and wanted to go snowboarding this winter(09) instead of WDW.

I really enjoy my WDW vacations and as you can see in my completed trips it hasn't stopped me from going without them(my ex watches them, I don't leave them home alone). Now let me tell you, going "kid free" is an entirely different WDW experience. Our trips have been more relaxed without running to get the next fastpass, going on Splash Mountain 8 times in a row, or having to find chicken fingers(for youngest) every night. Don't get me wrong , I'm not saying it's better but it's equally enjoyable. Maybe you and the wife could try this to get you down to WDW sooner.

The way I'm getting the kids to go back this year was to let them be part of the planning. So they said "we want to go to Seaworld", and I said OK, even though I don't care to go there. They said "No to US/IoA", and I said OK, even though it's way better then Seaworld. They said "we want to try the waterparks" and I said OK, even though I know my boys(9&11) and they won't spend more than 3 hrs there. They wanted Grandma to come and I said OK, my Mom loves Disney as much as I do, so it would be just mean to leave her at home. They said if it's hot "we want to go to the ocean", and I said we'll see. I have a suprise for my oldest, I got him/us Daytona 500 tickets and he loves NASCAR.
I also let them pick 7 of the 9 restaurants we have planned for ADR's.

They now are really looking forward to the trip and keep asking if I need more help.

Shayne

 

[ferris198]

I vote for new family !

 

[SandraC]

Plan a trip with us DISer who want to return and families don't.

 

[DisneyRookie2007]

I Now let me tell you, going "kid free" is an entirely different WDW experience.

I thought about that and even passed it by the kids last month....they said they wouldn't mind if we wen just the 2 of us. They are 14 and 13. However, they also said that after the 2nd trip that they had been "Disneyed out" and didn't care to go back anytime soon. But when we had such a harsh winter last year, they were more than willing to go back again in April! I'm afraid that if I make plans for the 2 of us, the kids will then decide they want to go afterall.

If we go without the kids, they have to realize we can't afford to go anywhere else for vacation as a family as Mom and Dad don't have a $$ tree in the backyard!

 

[highland3]

I know a good lawyer!!!!

Seriously, I'm the WDW fan in this family. The kids like it too... and DW... well, she could live without it.

We made a trip to Punta Cana in between WDW trips and I actually loved it too. It's a completely different experience, but was a great time.

I agree with the suggestion of WDW for Christmas... or try a late winter/early spring. We went in early March this year and the crowds were excellent for most of the week (until the cheerleaders showed up ).

 

[Sammyjo]

I have the same problem with my husband and my children. The solution , I decided to go alone!

 

[Narnia]

Take a trip camping or just site seeing localy. It's one of the funnest trips you'll ever go on. wait out a year then have fun. Having vacations so close to each other will make your next one not so exciting.

 

[DisneyRookie2007]

wait out a year then have fun. Having vacations so close to each other will make your next one not so exciting.

But you see, I want to go back every year, if not every 6 months.

Of course, financially we can't afford that and the thought of spending $1000 going elsewhere locally drives me crazy because I know if I saved that $$, we'd get to go back that much sooner. As an example, we went to Halifax for 1 overnight stay and to take in the local attractions. We spent over $500 on hotel, gas, food and a few souveniers. Not to knock Halifax, but it ain't Disney!

I guess I'll have to temper my "wants" vs "needs".

Maybe if I just plan a surprise trip for the family they won't have the chance to shoot me down and just be happy I took the initiative to plan a vacation on my own......afterall, being surprised is half the fun, right ?

 

[mkmommy]

Go on your own. My husband does not like to travel much these days, and the girls like to visit their grandparents, so I send them there and I go down for a short trip.

It is amazing what you can do on your own in a few days.