You're going to Disneyworld WITHOUT US???

[2TxAgs]

Told the kids today that we're taking a quick anniversary trip to WDW in April. They were a bit taken aback, but after 5 minutes of grumbling, they're dealing with it. We'll see how things go as time gets closer.

We went once without them in 2001, but since we had a family trip planned for shortly after, they were ok (and much younger)!

We're hoping for a family trip next spring, but they're getting involved in sports and other activities which just seem to suck the $$ out of our pockets, as well as any free time we might have.

Anyhoo....we're treating ourselves to a Segway tour of Epcot and looking forward to our too-short visit!

TxAg

 

[jennb529]

You have more guts than I do DH and I were in Orlando this summer on our way to a cruise and while we desperately wanted to go to Disney, the guilt overcame me! How silly is that. I really want to go to Disney without the kids sometime, maybe when they are older, I can convince myself it is ok.

OT, where in Texas are you from? My dad grew up in College Station and my grandpa was a professor at A&M for many years. Unfortunately I decided not to go there, but most of my cousins did.

 

[mousebymarriage]

DH and I went without the kids for a 5 day trip in Oct. 2005 and it was great, I didn't feel guilty because the kids had gonw with us in Feb 2005. We just came back from a Grand Gathering Feb 5th and that was not a good trip. We went with family members which have joined us before and that was fine, the issue was with my DD best friends family, they were a disaster. Anyway, before this last trip my DH and I were talking about taking a trip in Dec. for our 15th wedding anniversary without the kids, now I feel guilty and want to take the kids but, DH says he doesn't want to go. He is being a jerk! The kids trip was also not a good one this last time because of the many, many problems caused by the other family. I know that if we are able to go in Dec. it will be our last one for a few years so, I want the kids to go so that they have good memories of Disney not of the trip we just took.

 

[j_lehr]

Go and enjoy yourself and don't feel guilty! I am sure you do plenty for your children and even moms and dads deserve some time away.

My husband and I went to Disney in Sept 07 for our honeymoon...my DD is from a previous relationship and she is 14. She was a little jealous but understood. We had taken her in Dec 06 and when we got back from the honeymoon we made plans for just her and I to go this March. But even if I hadn't just taken her or wasn't planning to take her again, I wouldn't have felt guilty. Grown ups deserve play time too! =D

Have a great trip!

 

[minkydog]

I hope you have a great time. We took a couples trip to Disney 2yrs ago and it was wonderful, very different than our family trips. My kids are older, 21,14,& 12. They understand that Mom & Dad need a little time off. they also know that if Mom & Dad get a vacation, they get the next one, usually to Disney World So, they go along and don't raise a fuss. Enjoy your trip and don't feel one bit guilty. You're teaching your kids that adults need their time, too.

 

[raysnkaysmom]

I too, went in October without kiddos after taking them in Feb...
Luckily, they took it quite well and were satisfied with souveniers and the plans for our next trip.
I only felt guilt for a bit when I first drove thru the gates.... the rest... HEAVEN

 

[phins_jazy]

DH and I want to take an adults only trip too for our tenth anniversary. I dunno how the kids will take it though. I've got 2 years to convice them though.

 

[eliza61]

My kids have been to Disney at least 6 times in the last 8 years, I'd strangle the little buggers if they got an attitude because Dh & I went by ourselves. We took our anniversary trip last March and it was heavenly.
This May, I'm going with my 3 girlfriends for a girls only spa long weekend trip. I can't wait, it will be a totally new experience doing the world without the dh and kids.

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

I really hope you go and I hope you have a great time ... Having said that, I don't think I could ever go to THE GREATEST PLACE ON EARTH without my kiddos! I don't know, it just feels wrong to me! Maybe its because I have been building up Disney, and Mickey, and Minnie and everyone else to my DD3 & DD16months since the second they came out of my womb (and a little before ).... or maybe its just because my kids haven't been there yet - the first trip will be this Dec - or maybe its because they are still so young. Don't get me wrong, I don't think there's anything wrong with what your doing, you know your kids, and how they will react etc., and I'm sure you 110% deserve a vacation without the kids, I would just choose somewhere else IMHO (its like the kids waking up on Christmas morning and telling them "Aw, Santa was just here and he gave us our gifts, but he couldn't find you guys! Better luck next time!) Again, don't get me wrong, I would love to go there kid-free because going anywhere without kids (even the mall) is easier than with, but seeing the expressions on their faces when they see all the magic makes up for all the hell it will be taking the afternoon breaks, potty breaks, listening to them whine because they need a snack, or that 1000 piece of candy, or crying just because its hot, or raining, or Mickey didn't wave to them.... Maybe your right.....

 

[2TxAgs]

Hey Jenn...we've lived around Dallas for the last 20 yrs; before that, we spent 4 yrs in College Station. Loved those A&M years!

Sharp...your kids are still young - don't TELL them that Santa came early for mommy and dad - just take a bit of time for yourselves and enjoy it. It's nice to dawdle over lunch if you want, or spend more time in World Showcase than the kids might want. After you've gone WITH them, consider taking some time to go WITHOUT - it's a different experience!

Have fun,
TxAg

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

Hey Jenn...we've lived around Dallas for the last 20 yrs; before that, we spent 4 yrs in College Station. Loved those A&M years!

Sharp...your kids are still young - don't TELL them that Santa came early for mommy and dad - just take a bit of time for yourselves and enjoy it. It's nice to dawdle over lunch if you want, or spend more time in World Showcase than the kids might want. After you've gone WITH them, consider taking some time to go WITHOUT - it's a different experience!

Have fun,
TxAg

DH and I went to Disney for our honeymoon and totally loved it. We had no kids, were able to go at our own pace - wheather that be fast or slow for the day - and were very hapy there. I totally understand that going this time with my kids will be 110% different! The days will be harder, longer, whinier.... And as for as going without the kids, I almost like your suggestion because I would love to go again one day with just myself and DH, and I think its almost a good idea NOT to tell the kids where we are going. I never lie, especially to my kids, but in this case, it almost seems like the better way to do it, at least for my family (mostly me!) I would just have to kid the $1000s of guilt gifts I bought them till Christmas or their birthdays!

 

[Snow Shoe]

Enjoy yourself!!!!!! We've done it several times and it was GREAT! Now don't get me wrong, I love all of my kids, their all grown and gone now, but I'm a strong beleiver in that parents need vacations just as much as families do. Not having to worry about what the kids are doing 24/7, breaking up disagreements, whinning (do you want some cheese with that whine), or planning aroound what the kids want to do. Parents need some time to themselves to do what parents do, be adults and have adult fun. Have a wonderful time, and don't feel gulity about going!!!!!

 

[tikimimi]

Enjoy that trip with no guilt! You can always bring them back something special. We took ours to the area a couple fo years ago and gave htem the choice of WDW or that other park. They chose that other park but then were disappointed when we told them they were going on a shuttle there, because we were headed to MK. We are going on a Disney cruise this fall - sans children. They were a little put off at first, but oh well, they'll get over it! We took them skiing in CO this past Christmas, so it isn't like they haven't had some big fun lately. Have a blast and keep dating each other - your children will be better off if you do.

 

[Kimmumum]

I say go for it and don't think twice. However I do know how you feel. DH and I went this past January for 6 days for the marathon weekend. DS13 was fine with it (but he would have liked to have gone). DS9 (he turned 10 the day after we returned) was another story. He was soooo sad and mopey before we left. He told us how unfair it was etc. That made me feel guilty however then he got mad. I was fine with it when he was mad. We needed some mommy daddy time. He got over it....eventually.

The funny part is that we told the boys they could call us whenever they wanted. My little one called us once and my hubby told him we'd call him back. He asked if we were at dinner....no dh said. He asked if we were at Epcot....no dh said. Dh said we'll call you back. Dh got off of the phone and started laughing hysterically. What were we doing????? We were......riding Buzz Lightyear (what were you thinking????? ) Buzz is my sons favorite ride. Dh didn't want to tell him where he was until we got home.....and then he just had to because it was funny.

Go have a good time. The kids will get over it. You need "you" time. We also did the Keys to the Kingdom Tour since kids can't go until they are 16.

 

[MissyDVC]

Go and have a wonderful time! DH & I celebrated our 15th Anniversary there alone 2 years ago and it was great We go times a year with the kiddies and they were fine with Mom & Dad having a celebration together because they appreciate that they get to go alot....and they are only 7 & 9! But they are GREAT kids

 

[leighe]

DH and I have yet to take our DDs! (They are just 2 and 7 months however.) We have gone several times alone. They will be making their first trip this summer and I am soooooooooooooooo excited!

Our "grown up" trips are fun too, though. Go and have a great time!

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

DH and I have gone a couple of times without the kids. Once I went with my parents -- and no DH or kids.

I thought my kids might be upset, but instead they told me all the things I "HAD" to do when I was there.

Have a great time and don't feel guilty.