WWYD--gift from Parents

[sydneysmom]

I'm totally in agreement.... I'd MUCH rather have my parents company than for them to buy me something. Especially at Disney !!!! Those memories will live forever.

 

[clh2]

If they aren't interested in Disney...what about a Disney Cruise?

 

[EKW]

I think that your parents and children are both blessed to have you as their link!

You might do some research first, tempt your folks with stuff they could go do that might not involve being in the parks from rope drop to closing. If they know their time will be theirs...with times they join you for a bit in the parks, I bet they'll say yes!

Good luck!

 

[Jeff_G]

Another suggestion if they do not like the Disney one, have them put money into a college savings account for your children.

 

[m&m's mom]

A story to consider.
Christmas 2009 my cousin and her DH made the decision to spend their $ on creating memories and not "things". 4 months later her DH was killed in the line of duty (he was a policeman). Fortunately they had 13 years of memories before his death.
It made me very happy that we had brought Grandparents on our WDW and DCL trips for the last 15 years, since my kids were babies.
Try to talk your parents into the trip and make some memories.

 

[Disney2NJ]

Hi--I'm the OP.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I appreciate the diversity of the ideas and points of view.

My husband and I presented our counteroffer to my parents. I explained that we could easily come up with something to buy or fix for the house. I continued to share how they have taught me the value of family which is what made us propose an idea. I asked them to consider coming with us on our next Disney trip and that my younger daughter would be able to remember this trip where the first time she was too young. I told them not to answer on the spot to think about it and let me know. I think my Dad actually teared up a bit. I made sure my daughters were not in earshot during the conversation because I did not want to put any pressure on them.

I could tell they were definitely leaning towards "yes." We talked a bit about hotels and dates etc. My Mom said she felt like we would be getting the short end of the deal because they would be getting a vacation and we wouldn't be getting a gift. My husband and I were quick to tell them that we don't see it that way at all. We are very close with my parents and enjoy being with them so this vacation would definitely be a gift.

My parents are not "anti-Disney." They just wouldn't choose it as a vacation on their own. They love nature and hiking etc. and traveling to National Parks etc. When they came with us to Disney three years ago, we found plenty for them to enjoy. My Mom actually wanted to spend more time in Animal Kingdom than we were able to squeeze in. We kept a pace that they were very comfortable with. Since I know we will be back again, I don't feel like I have to get everything crammed in each trip.

Even if they decide not to go, based on their comments and emotion I think it meant a lot to them that we asked. I'm very happy with my decision and I may have even made them proud to realize I learned the lessons they taught me growing up!

Thanks again for all of the reponses!

 

[Helene]

Hi--I'm the OP.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I appreciate the diversity of the ideas and points of view.

My husband and I presented our counteroffer to my parents. I explained that we could easily come up with something to buy or fix for the house. I continued to share how they have taught me the value of family which is what made us propose an idea. I asked them to consider coming with us on our next Disney trip and that my younger daughter would be able to remember this trip where the first time she was too young. I told them not to answer on the spot to think about it and let me know. I think my Dad actually teared up a bit. I made sure my daughters were not in earshot during the conversation because I did not want to put any pressure on them.

I could tell they were definitely leaning towards "yes." We talked a bit about hotels and dates etc. My Mom said she felt like we would be getting the short end of the deal because they would be getting a vacation and we wouldn't be getting a gift. My husband and I were quick to tell them that we don't see it that way at all. We are very close with my parents and enjoy being with them so this vacation would definitely be a gift.

My parents are not "anti-Disney." They just wouldn't choose it as a vacation on their own. They love nature and hiking etc. and traveling to National Parks etc. When they came with us to Disney three years ago, we found plenty for them to enjoy. My Mom actually wanted to spend more time in Animal Kingdom than we were able to squeeze in. We kept a pace that they were very comfortable with. Since I know we will be back again, I don't feel like I have to get everything crammed in each trip.

Even if they decide not to go, based on their comments and emotion I think it meant a lot to them that we asked. I'm very happy with my decision and I may have even made them proud to realize I learned the lessons they taught me growing up!

Thanks again for all of the reponses!

I'm glad your parents were open to the idea. Unfortunately, my parents passed before my kids were born, I so understand the value of opportunities like this. DH & I also made the decision years ago to spend more or our $$ on memories, not things and we've never had a regret.

Sounds like there is a good chance you will be going....have fun

 

[Nancyg56]

My husband and I were quick to tell them that we don't see it that way at all. We are very close with my parents and enjoy being with them so this vacation would definitely be a gift.


Even if they decide not to go, based on their comments and emotion I think it meant a lot to them that we asked. I'm very happy with my decision and I may have even made them proud to realize I learned the lessons they taught me growing up!

!

As a parent I have to say that each time DH and I have been invited to join DD and family on a vacation we both have been so touched. There have been a very few times when we chose not to go but those times were not because we did not want to go but when we wanted to make sure that DD and DSIL got the chance to enjoy an "exclusive" family vacation.

Even if your parents decide that this is not the "gift" they want to give you I imagine that they are feeling as blessed to have your family in their lives as you feel about their presence in yours.

I have cousins whose adult DD's spend a great deal of time with them. They will often vacation as a family even though both girls are on their own now. I told my Dh that they were ridiculed by some family members when they all went to Hawaii on a 25th wedding anniversary trip and that I was sad that their own siblings were so disrespectful of their decision to go as a family rather than as a couple. My DH told me that he thought that their decision was appropriate, the anniversary was a culmination of all those years as a family and he would love it if our adult children accompanied us on a trip like that. Anyway, I hope that you know how happy you probably made your parents with your idea that you all share the gift of time together.

 

[Swimalie]

Hi--I'm the OP.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I appreciate the diversity of the ideas and points of view.

My husband and I presented our counteroffer to my parents. I explained that we could easily come up with something to buy or fix for the house. I continued to share how they have taught me the value of family which is what made us propose an idea. I asked them to consider coming with us on our next Disney trip and that my younger daughter would be able to remember this trip where the first time she was too young. I told them not to answer on the spot to think about it and let me know. I think my Dad actually teared up a bit. I made sure my daughters were not in earshot during the conversation because I did not want to put any pressure on them.

I could tell they were definitely leaning towards "yes." We talked a bit about hotels and dates etc. My Mom said she felt like we would be getting the short end of the deal because they would be getting a vacation and we wouldn't be getting a gift. My husband and I were quick to tell them that we don't see it that way at all. We are very close with my parents and enjoy being with them so this vacation would definitely be a gift.

My parents are not "anti-Disney." They just wouldn't choose it as a vacation on their own. They love nature and hiking etc. and traveling to National Parks etc. When they came with us to Disney three years ago, we found plenty for them to enjoy. My Mom actually wanted to spend more time in Animal Kingdom than we were able to squeeze in. We kept a pace that they were very comfortable with. Since I know we will be back again, I don't feel like I have to get everything crammed in each trip.

Even if they decide not to go, based on their comments and emotion I think it meant a lot to them that we asked. I'm very happy with my decision and I may have even made them proud to realize I learned the lessons they taught me growing up!

Thanks again for all of the reponses!

I'm so glad they are open to your idea. I love it and it sounds like they raised a great daughter.

 

[cassandrap83]

I think that in theory it's a good idea, but as a back up I'd consider one of the following:

Could you use a more energy efficient washer & dryer?
Is your refrigerator starting to show it's age?
Are you still watching tube-TVs?
Is your A/C about to kick the bucket?
Could you use a new playground for your backyard?

While there are many things you don't necessarily need right NOW, you may need in the near future.

How generous!

 

[horseshowmom]

You might want to check out Wyndham Bonnet Creek - great resort. The 4BR/4BA unit would be great for your family. WBC is surrounded on 3 sides by Disney, and you have to drive onto Disney property to get to it. We watched the fireworks from Epcot and MK every night from the balcony of the unit we had (2BR).

 

[hipchickie]

Love it! I am constantly telling my parents and inlaws that my kids would much rather they come watch them play at a sports game, or spend time with them than any gift they can give...I wish they would listen!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Love it! I am constantly telling my parents and inlaws that my kids would much rather they come watch them play at a sports game, or spend time with them than any gift they can give...I wish they would listen!

I hear ya! My in-laws spend ridiculous amounts of money on holidays and birthdays for the kids, but my youngest is now 16 months and they haven't seen him since he was 3 mths old...and that was very brief! They live in MI and we are in Charleston, SC but they fly for work so they have free airline miles to get here. One day they will regret it!

 

[disneychic2]

I didn't start going to Disney until I was an adult (30s) and now my parents are both 82 and there is no way they'll be going to Disney with us. That opportunity is lost. Our children don't necessarily love Disney, but I am hoping we will be going with all the grandkids at some time in the future. The problem will be if they can keep up with DH and I!! So, I'm glad your parents are considering the trip. Memories made last forever. So do missed opportunities. Hope it all works out!

 

[Marionnette]

Hi--I'm the OP.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I appreciate the diversity of the ideas and points of view.

My husband and I presented our counteroffer to my parents. I explained that we could easily come up with something to buy or fix for the house. I continued to share how they have taught me the value of family which is what made us propose an idea. I asked them to consider coming with us on our next Disney trip and that my younger daughter would be able to remember this trip where the first time she was too young. I told them not to answer on the spot to think about it and let me know. I think my Dad actually teared up a bit. I made sure my daughters were not in earshot during the conversation because I did not want to put any pressure on them.

I could tell they were definitely leaning towards "yes." We talked a bit about hotels and dates etc. My Mom said she felt like we would be getting the short end of the deal because they would be getting a vacation and we wouldn't be getting a gift. My husband and I were quick to tell them that we don't see it that way at all. We are very close with my parents and enjoy being with them so this vacation would definitely be a gift.

My parents are not "anti-Disney." They just wouldn't choose it as a vacation on their own. They love nature and hiking etc. and traveling to National Parks etc. When they came with us to Disney three years ago, we found plenty for them to enjoy. My Mom actually wanted to spend more time in Animal Kingdom than we were able to squeeze in. We kept a pace that they were very comfortable with. Since I know we will be back again, I don't feel like I have to get everything crammed in each trip.

Even if they decide not to go, based on their comments and emotion I think it meant a lot to them that we asked. I'm very happy with my decision and I may have even made them proud to realize I learned the lessons they taught me growing up!

Thanks again for all of the reponses!

I like the way you handled the conversation. Here's hoping that your parents agree to go with you. It's not something that mine would do but it sounds like yours are at least open to the idea.

 

[Debbie]

Since your parents like the outdoors, perhaps you could stay in the Fort Wilderness cabins. They are awesome and would be a gift to stay there.

 

[KBoopaloo]

I am so glad that the conversation went well and hope they take you up on your counteroffer. We just got back from a trip with our extended family (15 of us total). It was truly once in a lifetime and was such a special trip. I hope you can make a trip with your parents work!

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

Since your parents like the outdoors, perhaps you could stay in the Fort Wilderness cabins. They are awesome and would be a gift to stay there.

That's a great idea! My grandparents also loved spending time in the National parks, traveling for months in their motorhome. However, they both adored Disney World, too, and stayed at Fort Wilderness many many times. I think that would be a special treat for them. That, or the Wilderness Lodge, which is so reminiscent of Old Faithful Lodge and other National Park Lodges.