Why should I have to justify myself?

[MartDM]

We work hard for our earnings and have no debt, so I never feel the need to justify how or where I spend vacation funds. We typically go to WDW once a year and go elsewhere once a year, in addition to some shorter local getaways.

WDW is lovely, fun, and we've built some incredible memories there, but I personally feel that it's my obligation as a parent to give my son a well rounded life and for us that means visiting other locations in addition to WDW. I must admit, I do feel a bit bad for those that limit themselves to taking all their vacations at WDW because they are missing out on some incredibly cool experiences out there in the real world. We've had some equally grand experiences on all of our non-WDW trips and never regretted the additional life experience for us & our son.

That said, I'd never expect anyone to justify their choice to only go to WDW. It's your money and your family and you should call the shots. Everyone knows what's best for them and theirs

 

[Shaden]

The most common criticism we get about going to WDW repeatedly is that "there is a whole world to see" ...

My response "Yes, and its all at Epcot" ...

 

[Texas Barbie]

I get it all the time, too. I just smile sweetly and say "It's my happy place." Seems to put an end to the questions.

 

[pavicich]

I think there is a genuine difference though. Sometimes people generally don't understand and are genuinely asking the question. Maybe they have never been or have only been and made mistakes like standing in way too long a line/not realizing the need to plan/etc. these don't bother me.

When it seems people are trying to put it down or make you feel bad about it is when it becomes rude. Most of the time the comments are that they would rather be doing something more relaxing on a beach/swim resort. Never mind that Disney has some of the most amazing pools of course! These people usually don't have the luxury of taking an annual vacation and most likely are just envious that you travel as frequently as you do!

 

[momof2n2]

I think there is a genuine difference though. Sometimes people generally don't understand and are genuinely asking the question. Maybe they have never been or have only been and made mistakes like standing in way too long a line/not realizing the need to plan/etc. these don't bother me. When it seems people are trying to put it down or make you feel bad about it is when it becomes rude. Most of the time the comments are that they would rather be doing something more relaxing on a beach/swim resort.

I like how you say this.

.............................

I don't get the question as much as I used to; we don't go as much as we used it! But I think a lot of folks think Walt Disney World is gauche. I've met a lot of folks who are happy to point out that there are much more "sophisticated" things to do. I'm so tired of having Europe suggested to me. Now, we actually canceled our WDW vacation for this year b/c of FP+. It is amazing how many people seemed relieved that we aren't doing "that again."

 

[Karlzmom]

Hi All,

I'm sure a lot of ppl here that love Disney as much as I do have the same issue as I do. People are always asking if I'm tired of going and that it's stupid to go so many times and that I should go somewhere new. I feel that if I enjoy something, why should I have to change that solely for the purpose of change. Personally, I like knowing that if I'm going to spend a lot of money on a vacation, I know what I'll be getting in return. It's not just about going on rides or even the parks themselves, it's the whole experience that people don't understand. I've been going twice a year for the last 4 years and I realize that it is a lot but why not enjoy what I love. Do any of you always feel the need to have to justify yourself to friends or family? There are a lot worse things money can buy you in life. As long as it's not effecting you financially, I say have fun and do what you love. Love to hear opinions.


Thanks

I feel you, but I also note that we bring it on ourselves by "over sharing." Think about what the people around you say about their upcoming vacations....not much most likely. At most you get a general location mentioned but they don't talk about what they are going to do each day, where they are are going to eat, which hotel they picked, etc. etc. etc. Disney encourages us to plan with specificity way in advance - most other destination really don't. So, we have bought into each aspect of the trip and we want to share...and share...and share.

I liken it to someone getting married. We all know a bride who has shared the planning details, maybe even "overshared" in our opinion. We learn in detail about her decision on the cake, which flowers and the heem lngth of the bridesmaids dresses. Now, picture the same woman planning her wedding every year. What might have seemed cute the 1st time around just can't muster the same interest or joy from bystanders on her on the 4th go round. KWIM? That said, we can share and open ourselves to be judged/critiqued or simply go and enjoy without looking for approval and interest. If sharing is part of our fun, we don't get to dictate how others are going to react. So, just come here and we can cheer and obsess together!

Happy planning....

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

Very few things free your soul as much as not giving a crap about what other people think.

But even better, very few things are as entertaining to me as continuing to do something I know annoys you if it was none of your business in the first place. I'm probably going to get more creative about it as time goes on.

To this post I say and.

 

[JimmyV]

We're fortunate enough to travel to many countries and, so far, 44 states interspersed with our frequent visits to WDW, so we don't get the odd looks and questions that many do and have never had to deal with it. But I would have no patience with anyone questioning how I spend my money. The way I look at it, everyone spends money on something that others just don't get. For some it is cars. For others, jewelry. For some it is Disney. Someone once told me that at least once every day you should stop in your tracks and ask yourself: "What could I do right now to make this day more fun?" and then act on it (within reason). For if you are not pursuing enjoyment out of life, then you aren't really living. There is no need to question anyone's decision on how they engage in that pursuit. All that said, when I think about people who have walked around the France pavilion 27 times, taken dozens of photos of the fountains and mock Eiffel Tower, never miss an opportunity to get a Napoleon at the bakery, but have never once considered actually going to Paris, I do scratch my head and wonder. But I would never say anything to them about it.

 

[HMANSION LOVER]

Hi All,

I'm sure a lot of ppl here that love Disney as much as I do have the same issue as I do. People are always asking if I'm tired of going and that it's stupid to go so many times and that I should go somewhere new. I feel that if I enjoy something, why should I have to change that solely for the purpose of change. Personally, I like knowing that if I'm going to spend a lot of money on a vacation, I know what I'll be getting in return. It's not just about going on rides or even the parks themselves, it's the whole experience that people don't understand. I've been going twice a year for the last 4 years and I realize that it is a lot but why not enjoy what I love. Do any of you always feel the need to have to justify yourself to friends or family? There are a lot worse things money can buy you in life. As long as it's not effecting you financially, I say have fun and do what you love. Love to hear opinions.


Thanks

This may not be the case with the rest of the posters but, it seems to me that the people I know very well who say I'm insane to be going back AGAIN either can't afford it at all or went once and cannot afford to go back. Let's face it we fanatics can really run up quite a bill between staying on site, meal plan, park hoppers with water parks, bags full of souvineers etc..... Yes we could find a less expensive vacation but as a previous poster stated we enjoy the experience and we know what we are going to get, not to mention all the other things there are to do in and around Orlando

 

[Ofinn]

This may not be the case with the rest of the posters but, it seems to me that the people I know very well who say I'm insane to be going back AGAIN either can't afford it at all or went once and cannot afford to go back. Let's face it we fanatics can really run up quite a bill between staying on site, meal plan, park hoppers with water parks, bags full of souvineers etc..... Yes we could find a less expensive vacation but as a previous poster stated we enjoy the experience and we know what we are going to get, not to mention all the other things there are to do in and around Orlando

I know a lot of people that could afford to go multiple times a year, but aren't interested in Disney. Disney is not for everyone. I think of Disney as more of a middle class vacation destination than an upper class vacation destination. As my sister in law would say "Epcot is just a fake Europe ". We have been to WDW 9 times, but now I'm feeling like been there done that and it's time to move on to other things. I don't think you can blame people for being a little judgmental. If someone eats the same thing for lunch everyday or takes the same vacation every year people are going to roll their eyes. It's just human nature. If it bothers you just ignore it. I do think a lot of people are afraid to try new things so I can completely understand both sides.

 

[Muziqal]

I know a lot of people that could afford to go multiple times a year, but aren't interested in Disney. Disney is not for everyone. I think of Disney as more of a middle class vacation destination than an upper class vacation destination. As my sister in law would say "Epcot is just a fake Europe ". We have been to WDW 9 times, but now I'm feeling like been there done that and it's time to move on to other things. I don't think you can blame people for being a little judgmental. If someone eats the same thing for lunch everyday or takes the same vacation every year people are going to roll their eyes. It's just human nature. If it bothers you just ignore it. I do think a lot of people are afraid to try new things so I can completely understand both sides.

It's probably why Aaron Sorkin made so many jokes about Epcot in the West Wing (re: fake culture). However, had it not been for Epcot I would not have traveled as much as I have in my life. It was my gateway drug.
I read a lot of caste mentality in these types of threads. "They can't afford it". "It's jealousy". Also, "it's my money, I'll spend it the way I like". That's ludicrous. We're all brought up to be good consumers. But, don't be silly, how you choose to spend your money does affect people. Where your diamonds came from. Where your coffee brands are from. Where your Nike shoes are manufactured. Where your disney souvenirs are made. Where your paper cups go when you're done your third disposable cup of coffee and your bottled water you buy in the parks. The fact you support animal cruelty by spending money at SeaWorld (watch Blackfish sometime). You as consumers all affect each other. The only people I feel sorry for in this whole thing are the kids who actually never get to experience it. Ever.

 

[Bullseye]

This may not be the case with the rest of the posters but, it seems to me that the people I know very well who say I'm insane to be going back AGAIN either can't afford it at all or went once and cannot afford to go back. Let's face it we fanatics can really run up quite a bill between staying on site, meal plan, park hoppers with water parks, bags full of souvineers etc..... Yes we could find a less expensive vacation but as a previous poster stated we enjoy the experience and we know what we are going to get, not to mention all the other things there are to do in and around Orlando

I know a lot of people that could afford to go multiple times a year, but aren't interested in Disney. Disney is not for everyone. I think of Disney as more of a middle class vacation destination than an upper class vacation destination. As my sister in law would say "Epcot is just a fake Europe ".

Yeah but he's talking about the people he knows...who can't really afford to go regularly or at all so maybe they're rolling their eyes because they're envious unlike your SIL who can afford to really go to Britain or France.

 

[Cee]

I know, it's confounding to me. Folks have cabins or beach homes and go every weekend, every year to the same place and it's never questioned. What's the "diff"?

Next time just say, "You're going to the beach? AGAIN?!?!?"

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[dissupermom]

I'm going "home" in May.. all I heard was "again? you don't get tired of that place"? NOPE!
then when I made plans to go to myrtle beach, people said "oooh, that's nice". then I said we were following that up with pigeon forge, tn. they said "huh"?. dollywood? the great smoky mountains? "huh"?
I agree. the same people who ask about treks to wdw, are the same folks who hit the jersey shore year in and year out.

 

[momof2n2]

I'm going "home" in May.. all I heard was "again? you don't get tired of that place"? NOPE! then when I made plans to go to myrtle beach, people said "oooh, that's nice". then I said we were following that up with pigeon forge, tn. they said "huh"?. dollywood? the great smoky mountains? "huh"? I agree. the same people who ask about treks to wdw, are the same folks who hit the jersey shore year in and year out.

Dollywood rocks. We skipped WDW in 2009 for Dollywood. Wondered if we'd regret missing Mickey. We never blinked. It was a fabulous vaca!

 

[imadisneygirl]

Hi All, I'm sure a lot of ppl here that love Disney as much as I do have the same issue as I do. People are always asking if I'm tired of going and that it's stupid to go so many times and that I should go somewhere new. I feel that if I enjoy something, why should I have to change that solely for the purpose of change. Personally, I like knowing that if I'm going to spend a lot of money on a vacation, I know what I'll be getting in return. It's not just about going on rides or even the parks themselves, it's the whole experience that people don't understand. I've been going twice a year for the last 4 years and I realize that it is a lot but why not enjoy what I love. Do any of you always feel the need to have to justify yourself to friends or family? There are a lot worse things money can buy you in life. As long as it's not effecting you financially, I say have fun and do what you love. Love to hear opinions. Thanks

I feel the same way. I live in FL and am a passholder, so I go whenever I can. But, my husband always makes comments as to why I feel like I need to go all the time, or why I'm so obsessed with it and once we move we aren't going to vacation here, blah blah. But like you, it is the experience, I love walking down Main Street, I love the smells of the bakery... Just everything! I was fortunate enough to vacation here every year growing up, so I grew up on Disney with trips, tv shows, movies, etc. And my husbands family is the same way as him, they don't understand my feelings behind Disney, which is fine. The ones that get me, do. the ones that don't, well they should know by now how much I love Disney and shouldn't even bother wasting their time questioning it haha. If you love coming to Disney and don't mind spending the money then who cares what other people think. It's your life, your vacation, unless they are paying for your vacation or traveling with, I wouldn't even bother justifying myself. We here get you haha or at least I do. Do what you love, go where you want, it's your life, enjoy it! I

 

[Bradyboy89]

One thing that I think outside people don't get is that it's not even just a vacation for me. Yea it's fun and relaxing and all the things a vacation should be, but the real reason I keep going back is for the roots it has in me. I went often as a child with my family and remember nothing but happy times. Things aren't as solid with my family anymore but going to Disney let's me relive a little bit of that every time. Now i get to share it with my soon to be fiancé and some day hopefully my own kids. I'm sure many other people go back for the nostalgia as well.

 

[nooneshome]

It is sad to say but I miss getting those looks when I would tell people I am going back to WDW. In the last few years we have drastically reduced our visits. In fact I get more of "when are going back" questions. Now I just live through my co-workers trips and the Disney shrine my office has become. I have 157 Hidden Mickeys in my office, I counted them the day they upgraded my computer.

 

[isabellea]

I think there will always people who judge what other people do. Every summer we drive 24h to St. Pete beach for a two-week vacation. Then on our way back home we stop at WDW to visit friends who live in Orlando and to visit 1park (we usually stay onsite for 3 nights). Well this year I got comments from friends like Again? and some from this board practically wrote it was stupid to go to Disney for only 1 day. Well I don't care! For us 1 park per summer is perfect because I don't think I could survive the heat for more than 1 day early August and we get to live the Disney magic every year versus a week every 5 years. Do what you want and just ignore the jealous/nosy people!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I'll admit, I'm one of those people who doesn't quite "get" why some people go to the same destination (not just Disney) over and over to the exclusion of all other destinations. It's not the repeating of favorite places - I get that. It's the unwillingness to try ANYTHING else I don't get. But, it obviously works for some people so what do I care?

And at least they don't find themselves with my problem - wanting to return to 15 or 20 places I've been before