Is your sister pressuring your mom to bring people down? Whenever my mom gets all crazy with an idea it's because she's trying to accommodate someone else's desires. Maybe talk to your sis to support your position?
I went when I was 11 and I still had a great time. We took DD when she was 2.5 (we didn't pay for parks or food or tickets) and it was fine but I can't recommend that age if it's most likely a "once in a childhood" trip like it would be for us normally.
I think a lot of Disney mania is from families that live a day's drive away and they do only one park at a time- maybe spend one night away from home. I can understand being obsessive with going there if you can split it up like that. But for us northerners it's a whole different can of wax.
We couldn't afford Disney this year, but we could afford to replace our furnace (in 1 day) when it broke on the coldest day of the year, so my pipes didn't freeze and flood water all over the basement. That is a GREAT MEMORY from this year.
kids are only young once and I'm all for making memories and having experiences even when there is something smarter you can do with your money. You only live once.
I agree - to a point. Disney is flipping expensive. There is no way around that. And memories can be made many, many, many ways and in a lot less expensive ways.
A childhood isn't incomplete if one doesn't specifically have DISNEY memories.
Post by jeaniebueller on Apr 4, 2015 7:51:47 GMT -5
Oh yeah, we stayed off propert last year in a two bedroom condo with full kitchen and the resort had a huge pool so we didn't miss anything IMO. Driving to the parks was NBD.
We have 50 states filled with amazing attractions, national parks, and things to do. Disney is not what I would consider the most amazing family vacation ever ok?
I thought that too but I went for the first time last year - at the age of 44. NOW my life is complete..... all my issues growing up are gone. I'm perfect now.
I think a lot of Disney mania is from families that live a day's drive away and they do only one park at a time- maybe spend one night away from home. I can understand being obsessive with going there if you can split it up like that. But for us northerners it's a whole different can of wax.
I can vouch for this. I'm a Disneyland gal. I think I'm up to 13 trips. Almost all of them were 1-2 days in one park.
We did go when I was a kid and we were broke. First, my mom is absolutely a "vacations over any other expense" person. She has and does put them above college savings and retirement. But also, it was the 80s/90s. Tickets were cheaper, there wasn't SO MUCH to buy/do, and I think DL overall is lower-key than WDW. We stayed at a Super8 or some such, ate breakfast at IHOP, and then stayed at the park open to close to get the most out of the $$$ tickets (and eating in-park wasn't too bad for just the two of us).
Disneyland really is one of the happiest places on earth for me and a big part of my childhood - but I didn't first go until I was 5, and I don't really remember that trip.
Just putting my .02 worth in on when you take a child.... my younger brother and I were both born in FL. He was born in Orlando. We went when he was a baby, which put me at around 4.5. I have no memory of that trip. Oddly enough, we also went to Busch Gardens when I was around the same age and I do have small memories of that. Specifically, I remember going on the log flume ride with my dad. We sat in the front row. That and some birds is all I remember from that.
So...I think your DD is too young anyway. I don't even think you owe your mom the explanation of why you can't afford it. Just "we can't swing it this year." Done and done.
"Not gonna lie; I kind of keep expecting you to post one day that you threw down on someone who clearly had no idea that today was NOT THEIR DAY." ~dontcallmeshirley
Ditto PPs. . You're doing the right thing. It's not a now or never thing and there will be other times to go. FWIW, we went maybe half a dozen times when I was growing up. The time that I remember most and by far had the most fun? I was in high school. Don't feel like you need to rush to get it in while she's little.
I'm a total lurker on this board, but I have to jump in and say the first time I went to Disney I was in my 20's. It. Was. Awesome. I do not resent my mom for not taking me as a kid. She couldn't really afford it. I turned into an 8 year old when I was there, I rode all the kiddie rides, wore mouse ears, waited in line to see princesses, whole nine yards. I have been forced back a couple times since because my in laws are major Disney people and I hate it now. To be fair, though, Disney with a bunch of grown adults repeatedly is not the same experience as taking your children.
I agree with your decision to wait until you feel more comfortable financially. It's not going to be a fun trip if you're stressed out about money the entire time or if you're resentful towards your mom for forcing your hand. Give her a realistic timeline, though, and maybe she'll back off.