[karliebug]

Every year we go to WDW. We have taken the kids every year since they were infants. They are 6,10, and 15 now. Lately, the two older ones have been asking to go somewhere else on vacation. It's not that they don't enjoy themselves, they just want to go somewhere else. I am really bummed. I would go to WDW every weekend if I could. We are going again in August (which will be our 2nd trip this year) and while I know they will have a good time, they just aren't excited about it. What is wrong with them????Do you think they were switched at birth????

[Towncar T]

Originally Posted by karliebug

Every year we go to WDW. We have taken the kids every year since they were infants. They are 6,10, and 15 now. Lately, the two older ones have been asking to go somewhere else on vacation. It's not that they don't enjoy themselves, they just want to go somewhere else. I am really bummed. I would go to WDW every weekend if I could. We are going again in August (which will be our 2nd trip this year) and while I know they will have a good time, they just aren't excited about it. What is wrong with them????Do you think they were switched at birth????

I think that when you remove your tongue from your cheek you will know that it's time to broaden your outlook. Apparently only 9% of Americans own a passport so the other 91% never leave the country. Fair enough, it's got a lot to offer. But I'm sure there's more to the USA than Disney. Ask them to suggest where they would like to go - then take them! They're probably just Disneyed out and will want to go again some time in the future.

[bumble]

Have you thought about going somewhere outside of WDW (even just for the day) on your next trip? There are beaches, the Space Center, sceince centers etc, and other places very near WDW to try.

[smee57]

How bad am I???? When I read the title of the thread . . . Do you like WDW more than your kids? . . . I laughed and thought, well, usually I like my DS better but there are days where I'd say I like WDW more than I like him!

[kizzmitt]

Originally Posted by smee57

How bad am I???? When I read the title of the thread . . . Do you like WDW more than your kids? . . . I laughed and thought, well, usually I like my DS better but there are days where I'd say I like WDW more than I like him!

LOL-I read the title the same way! (But I do like my kids better than WDW!)

[SplashMtnMan]

I don't know what to think on this...I grew up loving Disney and always dreaming of going to WDW, sadly my parents always opted for trips to the beach, camping and that sort of thing. I still had wonderful times no matter what we did, but always asked time and time again when we could go to WDW. Anyway, I finally got my first experience in July 2000 (being 29 at the time) at Disneyland and it was a dream come true. It was also DWs first time, we danced, sang, and just ran wild like little kids...such a wonderful experience. Oh, my parents and our DS had fun too!!!

Last summer we had our first experience at WDW...we were just in awe of how huge WDW really is and how much there was to do. Again, we had the time of our lives...funny thing is DW and I were non-stop and we had our 8 yr old DS and his g/f with us (just friend that is a girl) and we wore THEM out.

A few months ago we went to WDW again, this time with DMIL and our 3 yr old (other son lives w/dad in AK and will be with us this summer). DMIL is not the most fun in the world, and she complained alot about the walking, the crowds and just about everything else...although claiming to have a good time...needless to say that is the last time we take her, alot of money we could have used better elseware. DS had fun, but it was hard for him to understand the waiting in lines and he let his temper flare a few times which prompted us that he really isn't ready yet for another trip until he is about 6 or 7, so we will take him then. DW & I still had a great time and made the best of all the negatives which came our way (and there were many), but none caused by WDW.

The trip this summer will be our last for a few years and it will be DW, DS (9) & I and we are going to have the time of our lives...even splurged to stay at WL instead of SOG. Anyways, you all can read about it when we get back.

Now, I can truly say that DW and I love Disney more than the kids, in fact more than anyone in our family. We would go as often as time & money would allow...period!!!

As for the kids, well I think you should give them a variety of experiences...it is important that they get as much different experiences in their lives as possible. Go camping, go to the beach, museums, races, ball games, zoos, aquariums and anything else you can think of...if money allows, travel to different cultures. Of course WDW should be a must do on any parents list, at least once during their childhood (I am still hurt I didn't get to go back then)...but us parents have plenty of time to Disney ourselves out during the after-children-in-the-house years and then there is always the spoiling our grandkids to death part which I can't wait to do!!!

Don't be disappointed that they don't always want to go to WDW, kids have that weirdness about them of wanting to do more "grown-up" type things at times...just go with it and let them help out in planning the types of things they want to do...you'll still have fun no matter what.

Crazy thing is...the "grown-up" thing I want to do IS WDW...go figure!!!

Enough said.

[queensmama]

Remember that you are going on a family vacation. The family should have a say in where that vacation is taken. If you did WDW last year go somewhere else this year and return to WDW next year or sooner if you can afford it.

[MerlinMatt]

I must agree with Tom that it would be good for us to broaden our horizons. DW and I are desperate to take the kids to Europe. And we will. Soon.

As for how much the kids love Disney compared to me, well, it depends.

The thing I love about Disney is that there aren't any surprises. I can budget a trip, plan it, and have enough control where I know we'll have a great time. And I can afford it. It's not cheap, but it's not outlandish either. However, as a family, I think we're reaching our threshold of Disney. I really do believe that there can be too much of a good thing.

We bought AP's last December knowing that DGM and DGP wanted to see the kids in Disney while they were still kids, so we had a group trip planned for October. So, we're kind of getting Disney out of our system. Once the APs expire in December, it'll be a few years before we go back. In fact, I think it's likely that after October, there's a slim chance of a long weekend in WDW right after Thankgiving and that will likely be it until 2010.

Next year, we're going to Europe. I have no idea how we'll afford it, but DW and I have both had overseas trips and it's time for the kids to see the "other side of the pond."

[SplashMtnMan]

Originally Posted by MerlinMatt

Next year, we're going to Europe. I have no idea how we'll afford it, but DW and I have both had overseas trips and it's time for the kids to see the "other side of the pond."

DW & I try hard not to worry about spending on vacations and family time stuff...work usually only permits us to take one "big" vacation per year and a few small long weekend types. The smaller ones we can usually budget for and come out with minimum damage...the big one however we just plan on paying off over the next year. It has worked for us so far using this strategy, somehow by the time we get to our next big vacation, the credit card is back to zero and ready for the next big hit

[15 mins to wdw]

I can understand what your kids are saying. When My parrents planed vacations for my family I was lucky enough to go to WDW almost everytime. But I never saw the majority of the country. Once I got my first real job they gave me the opertunity to travel and asked me if I would do them the favor of living on the road. It was great I got to see the country. I loved every minute of it and spent 6 months on the road. There is so much to see in America that well WDW is awesome, its a great country full of cool stuff.

A couple of buddies of mine have been talking about a cross country road trip, were thinking about renting a RV and driving to California.

[Towncar T]

Originally Posted by MerlinMatt

I must agree with Tom that it would be good for us to broaden our horizons. DW and I are desperate to take the kids to Europe. And we will. Soon.

Next year, we're going to Europe. I have no idea how we'll afford it, but DW and I have both had overseas trips and it's time for the kids to see the "other side of the pond."

Don't get me wrong. I didn't mean that you would have to go abroad to broaden your horizons. The USA is so vast that you could take thousands of different holidays and every one would be new and stimulating. Not everyone has a big budget for the European trip, but it's certainly worth it if you can do it even once. And for those with real Disney fever, you can even get a fix at DLRP.

[wdwspider]

Well my child has been at least once a year since birth. He has most all of the animated films and family movies. I have been installing Disney into his absorbing brain.

So, to answer your question. At this point, the more I love Disney, the more he seems to like it too. He is finally at the age that he asks us when we can go to Disney again. That makes us want to go all the more.

[Cavey]

Right now, I agree with Matt that WDW is predictable regarding budget and expectations. As the kids get older, I want them to see Mt. Rushmore (that whole part of SD is interesting.), Grand Canyon (never been), Washington D.C., and the Rocky Moutain National Park (never been).

Yellowstone was once on my list, but I hear it's so crowded, it's not worth going, unless your going into the wilderness. I'll never go back to NYC.

When the kids are much older, I have a friend who back packs Isle Royale National Park for a week each fall. I'd love to do that.

All other sites on my list have cave destinations in mind.

[karliebug]

We do go camping in the summer. I want to take them to Washington,DC and the older ones are interested in Grand Canyon and Mt. Rushmore,too. But the youngest is only 6 so I wanted to wait a couple years until I thought she would appreciate it more.

[wdwspider]

We are planning a trip to DC next year. My son will be five. I think he will enjoy it even if he doesn't fully appreciate all aspects.

My brother will be stationed in Germany this fall for three + years. A trip to Europe is definitely in the cards for us. I am highly excited about that.