WHY oh WHY do these things happen to me??

[joshsmom]

Ok, I know there are far worse tragedies in this world than my WDW vacation. That being said, my trip to Florida is planned May 13-May 30 with WDW being May 19-30. Sounds wonderful, everything was fine UNTIL I got the news that there was an ERROR on the Calendar for Grad School!! As you can see in my signature, I actually graduate in December. However, we are not allowed to wear our cap/gown to the "Recognition Ceremony." You can only wear the cap/gown if you go to the May ceremony--which was originally on the calendar as May 11. BUT, they have now changed it to MAY 18!!!! Although this doesn't technically affect my WDW reservations, it does screw up my entire plan. We were going to drive down. Obviously I can't drive down leaving the afternoon of the 18th if my first day is the 19th. We also wanted to go to other places in Florida besides Disney. We can't extend our vacation at the end because DS goes to Summer Camp on June 3.

Here are my options: 1. Miss graduation (I really don't care about the ceremony itself. The school is HUGE and they are not announcing names. I will already have my diploma--but I wanted a picture in my cap and gown!!!) and continue with our trip as planned 2. Go to graduation, fly down and shorten our trip (REALLY don't want to fly because we were looking forward to driving and don't want to shorten the trip but . . .) 3. Go April 9th - 27th (DS will miss A LOT more school--14 day as opposed to 9 days and its a busier time in April at school than late May)

Any ideas?????

EDIT TO ADD: We don't buy the caps/gowns--we have to RENT them from the school. I thought about getting mine as early as possible, getting a picture taken and then moving on down the road. BUT I don't know how EARLY we can get them!! WHY OH WHY????

 

[swild19]

If they aren't reading names, I say miss graduation. You can always put your cap and gown on and go to a park or something and take pictures.

 

[PrincessJasmine08]

I voted to skip graduation. It sounds like a very "generic" graduation ceremony, and you won't miss much. Go, and have fun, you'll still have your diploma which is what counts.

 

[Big Vic]

Miss graduation.

 

[joshsmom]

If they aren't reading names, I say miss graduation. You can always put your cap and gown on and go to a park or something and take pictures.

I forgot to add the part about this--I edited my first post. THIS would be the optimal I think!

 

[MomPOM]

Definitely ditch the graduation.

 

[Kimberly815]

Skip it!!!!!

Have a great trip!!

 

[Goofy'slady]

I'd ditch it as well.

 

[Julieh22]

I am also graduating Grad school this year... and I also plan on ditching graduation! There are so many people that it is impersonal and I don't want to tortue myself or family (we don't walk across the stage or anything!). My vote would be to ditch graduation and take yourself out to eat or do something else special in WDW to supplement!!!! (get a graduation caked at a restaurant you are eating at?!!??).

 

[RoyalCinderella]

Another graduating grad student (sounds funny!) next May checking in!
The graduation ceremony sounds so impersonal - I'd definitely go with my original plans. I understand how important the cap and gown is. . .but you are being recognized in December. It would be a much more special, personal celebration in say. . .Le Cellier, etc. Maybe a graduation cake is in order?!
Guess what - Cinderella herself congratulated me during her breakfast on my bachelor's graduation - my mom set the whole thing up at check in! It was a complete surprise and Cinderella (my favoritest princess) was so sweet and kind. It was really a special moment I won't soon forget.
Food for thought!
Con"grad"ulations on your degree!

 

[joshsmom]

Congrats to all of you who are also graduating Grad school!!! I like the idea of celebrating somewhere special at WDW! There are some GREAT restaurants (well, so I've HEARD! Never been to any of the higher-end places!) at WDW and this seems like it would be the occasion to splurge for a nice meal!

I knew I could count on you guys to help me out!!!

 

[Karnak]

DS will miss A LOT more school--14 day as opposed to 9 days QUOTE]
Looks to me like you need to rethink the whole trip. A bummer I know, but given all the adverse effects of your dates I'd really try and schedule my WDW trip some other time. Especially since your son will have to miss so many school days. Nine days are simply too many to miss, much less 14! IMHO.

 

[Redbudlover]

Congratulations! No personal recognition, skip it! Rent your gown and get a picture of yourself at Narcoossees with the fireworks in the background!

 

[rie'smom]

DON'T GO IN APRIL!!! Sorry for yelling but I'd hate for you to run into the Spring Break crowd. I voted ditch the ceremony and stick with your original palns.

 

[Terk-1]

I voted for missing graduation. If the only reason for going to graduation is getting your picture taken, then I think it's ok to miss it. Plan a nice evening out and celebrate your graduation/accomplishment with your family at WDW!!!

I ran in to a similar situation. I finished my bachelor's degree at night and was able to finish in the fall. Received my degree in the mail in December. The only point of going to graduation in the spring would be a photo op and to spend $$ on a cap & gown, then traveling to Boston for a day to sit with all of the other day students, just did not appeal to me. I got my degree and was happy with that.

 

[MissionMouse]

During my Grad School Graduation we had to buy our gown, read our names, and we each shook hands with the Dean on stage. Afterwards the school provided a reception to include champagne, etc. This event was worth attending, but considering your situation and ceremony it sounds like you already have the solution.

Call the school and see when they issue the gowns...most likely the day before with gowns dropped off after the ceremony. If not, find out what their policy is on returns and late returns. I wonder what a graduation picture standing in front of the castle would look like?

 

[tink1978]

I would miss graduation. As a fellow grad school graduate, this would be my advice. You will have already graduated, just not worn the cap and gown. You can still purchase them and then have professional pictures taken so you can have them and enjoy them.

 

[daisyduck123]

Miss the graduation. I did not go to my graduate school graduation...do I regret? Not even the SLIGHTEST bit. I think I went swimming that day instead. I can't even remember. I do remember that I did not want my parents to have to sit in the hot sun for another graduation ceremony.

 

[Tinkerbell424]

I voted to go in April and I didnt read your post but your graduation is a big mile stone in ur life that only come's once and you can always go to disney world.But that's just my opinion.lol

 

[6mouskateers]

Sounds like a snooze anyway. We skipped DH's grad too (yawn!)

I would try to find a morterboard (sp?) with MOUSE EARS at the world--that's how I would take my grad picture--with Mickey.

You can always find a photographer to take traditional cap and gown photos if it will bum you out not to have pics.

Have fun whatever you decide.

Congrats on your accomplishment.