[Jen]

I knew my expectations were too high

Don't get me wrong, the kids are very excited about the trip, just not as excited as I had hoped. My DD (8) was the only one who talked about it all day. She "packed" her bag already. My DS (13) told me this afternoon that he knew it was coming. (Remember, he overheard me about the flight arrangements...) So that would account for his lack of exuberance. My heart almost broke as oldest DS the read the letter from Santa and youngest DS broke out in tears "I don't want to go ~ I don't want to miss school" (he's the strange one in the family, so this was not totally out of his character)

Was talking to my mother about this and she told me when we were younger and my grandparents told us about our upcoming trips, we really weren't very excited until the few days before.

I tried to drag the kids to the computer to look at some disney stuff ~ no one was interested. And, DD (9) actually said that she was excited about the trip, but "Do we have to do the tea party" (another little piece of Mommy heart, shattered) I just hope its the flu talking and not her. (she's been real sick for over a week, but getting better)

Oh well, I know there was a lot more to think about today to. And I guess since this was not something they asked for or imagined that they might get ~ it was just a shock ~ I hope

Stu says after today, after all the Christmas cookies have been eaten, after all the presents have been looked over, after all the wrapping paper is gone, the trip will start to sink in. Gosh, I hope so. I feel big time Pre Disney Depression starting up again. DANAAAAAA!!!!!

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas.

Jen

[mickaholic4077]

Oh,what a let-down for you!! It just goes to show that kids will never react the way you anticipate. I'm sure that they will love WDW as much as you do,though. Don't worry about that!!

[MJD]

Same thing happened to a good friend of mine, I believe Stu is right. There are just to many things going on. Yesterday watching the parade we were out of control. You wait & see!!!!!

[royorb1]

I feel bad for you. I know what you were thinking, that you got your kids the most awesome gift you could get, and there can always be a little let down with that. But remember, you did get the most awesome gift for your kids that you could get, and they will come to realize that. Have a great trip!!

[Erin]

I think kids are just so into tangible objects. They don't HAVE it in their hands, so it's hard for them.

When they have to PACK their bags, etc. You will get your excitement you are looking for...and when they get off the plane, I bet you'll REALLY get it.

It's just not here yet, and kids are so "Now"...it's not a bad thing, they are just kids.

Don't beat yourself up! :c) You gave them a great gift (they just don't "have" it yet!)

:c)

[tigger]

Jen,

You gave them a great gift they just don't know it yet. Stu is right...let "Christmas" wear off and then start planning with the kids that excited about it. Disney excitement can be contagious...it just takes some longer to contract it!

[Top Princess]

The same thing happened to us on Christmas Day. We surprised our kids (DS 9 and DD 7) with a trip during April Vacation 2005. My DH was so excited to see their surprised faces. Well when they opened their present (which had a note inside written by my DH and some Disney Dollars) we were met with puzzlement faces. Later that day they did express their excitement. I know once we are down in WDW they will be so excited.

[disneyguy]

AWWWWEEEEEEE I feel so bad for you. It is tough around here because I seem to be the only on that is REALLY excited that we are going to Disney. My mom is just like "Ah, we are going back to Disney." She knows how much I love Disney and how much I am looking forward to this trip, and she tries to be enthusiastic but she has a really hard time. I am sure that the kids will get a lot more enthusiastic about it when the time gets closer, and if they still don't I know they will when they see the first magical signs that say Walt Disney World Resort, with the pictures of Mickey and Minnie.

[iluvwdw2]

I'm sorry to hear that your kids didn't respond the way you had hoped. I'm sure it will start to sink in. I did something similar with my ds, this Christmas, as well. When dh gets back home from deployment, we are leaving to go to disney. Since ds loves disney, we purchased the Florida Residents Season Tickets (upgraded our Play 4 Days tickets) and gave him a season ticket and I put disney dollars in his stocking for a gift.

He always starts with the gifts under the tree, first because he's used to getting "plain/boring" things in his stocking. Our stockings always reflect what is inside, so this year, he was so excited- as a matter of a fact, he's still digging in his stocking right now- because this year our stockings are disney themed- mickey, minnie and goofey. When he took his gifts out of his stocking, he pulled out his Disney money first and then, he had to do a scavenger hunt around the house for his next gift- his ticket. He found it in his new suitcase and saw that he had new clothes, as well. He was thrilled!!! Eventhough, he knew we were going on vacation when his dad gets home, he just didn't expect the disney money and season ticket. Plus, I made him really it want by doing the scavenger hunt (btw, each clue was attached to small, inexpensive disney trinkets). He's only 6, though. Sometimes, kids, especially, at his age needs a little push when it comes to excitement.

I recorded the whole thing, so dh can watch it when he gets home. Plus, ds can show it to his kids, decades from now, if he has any.

[monorail_man]

Originally Posted by stusbabydoll

I knew my expectations were too high

I know what you mean.

I told my in-laws that I was goign to take them all to DIsney this year and my sister in-law got all excited but the parents were just like "yeah. thats would be great."

[DisneyWorldFan]

Hey all you great folks out there who have (seemingly) ungrateful children and familities....tell them I'll gladly take their place! I even have my own annual pass that's good through November 2005. Just let me know when and where to meet ya'll...

[Disneybound]

I am also sorry to hear that you did not get the reaction from your children that you were anticipating. I can imagine how you must fee. Hang in there...I think there just may have been too much excitement going on.....maybe they need a little bit more time to let it sink in....that they REALLY ARE going to WDW

[cinderbella]

awee..i know you were so excited about this...but hey...keep your head up...i know once people have kids you mostly do the trip for the kids...but think of it this way...YOU get to go to wdw...jump in circles..do a dance...they'll get excitied once they see that castle!

[Dana]

Jen -
Ahh hon I'm sorry that they didn't get as pumped as you hoped. I know how excited you were about this....sorry. I think your Mom is right and that the trip will sink in before you know it. About the tea party, if your DD isn't up for it, just cancel it. No use in forcing her. Maybe wait till she's feeling more herself and show her what you do there and see what she thinks. Definately leave planning materials out and about for them to "come across" and definately go through the possible dinners etc that there are and give thme a chance to pick something they want. This may get them more excited. I think your Stu is right...after the holiday stuff is gone, they will get more into going to WDW. I'm here for you friend. PM me if you need a chat.