Call me the Disney Scrooge if you want, but I think I would rather have a root canal then take my kids to Disney World. Or Disney Land. Or Universal Studios. I just cannot think of anything that sounds less like a vacation.
And it’s no secret that “vacation” with a baby or toddler is a misnomer. There’s not much “vacation” about packing diapers, wipes, bottles/sippy cups, pacifiers, extra clothes for when they inevitably soil 3 pairs a day, lovies, toys, bedtime books (don’t mess with the bedtime routine), formula/baby food, specific snacks, iPads, baby sunscreen (of course they need a special kind?), regular sunscreen, baby FACE sunscreen… oh ya, and maybe something for me to wear too, if there’s room.
And that’s just getting ready for the vacation!
But when I get to said “vacation” I want to enjoy some part of it. Even though I know it’ll still be work because of the kids, I don’t want to be miserable.
And Disney sounds miserable to me — the heat, the lines, the crazy (insane for 6!) expense, the rides (I’m too old, the toddler is too small), the overpriced meals I pay for that I know they are not even going to eat, the exhaustion, the crowds, the souvenirs (that cost an arm and a leg and they beg for, but they break or lose 30 seconds later)! It all sounds awful.
Even the helpful blog posts on How To Do Disney or Top 10 Reasons to Vacation at DisneyWorld – scare the crap out of me! They have lists of things to do and how to prepare and it all seems like SO.MUCH.WORK!
Don’t get me wrong though, I don’t mind work. And I don’t mind sacrificing things for my kids. But I sacrifice a lot as a mom. I don’t want to sacrifice vacations too.
BK (before kids) vacations meant drinks with umbrellas by the pool, napping on the beach, long leisurely lunches on a patio.
Maybe vacations won’t look like that for a few years now. But there has to be a happy middle ground. Because standing in line for 3 hours to see Mickey Mouse sounds like pure torture and I refuse to do it.
Natalie’s recent post on The BEST Vacation for a SAHM (spoiler – a cruise) sounds like one great option!
Or a nice trip to the beach where the kids can play in the water and sand. I might not get to nap, but at least I can get that drink with the umbrella!
And I love the idea of taking my kids site seeing around the country/world and seeing all the great things there are to see. Also work with toddlers, but definitely less torturous and more rewarding for everyone.
So what do you think Moms? Will I regret this stance? Am I a horrible mom for denying my kids Disney? Dare you try to change my mind??
It really comes down to the age of your kids, in my opinion. We went to Disney World when our kids were 9 and 6 and could not have asked for a better vacation. I looked at those parents with babies and strollers and was so happy that was not us! Our kids walked all day and carried their own packs with water, snacks, and anything else they wanted. But when our kids were 3 and 6, yes the cruise was perfect for us.
Amen, especially after that Alligator attack. I don’t like crowds and lines either and $4.00 soft drinks. Have fun in Seattle.
There really are ways to make a Disney vacation pleasant. Lol. Wait until your youngest is at least 6 because before that they will miserable. Try not to go in the middle of the summer. October is a great month to go. Rent a home instead of a hotel room. It’s cheaper and you can all get away from each other at the end of the day. Get to the parks early and then go back to the house for lunch and a rest. Then go again in the evening. That just makes the trip more relaxing and pleasant. Have been to DW 5 times and these are the lessons I have learned to make the vacation more relaxing and pleasant for everyone. I hope this helps.
Amen sister! You have just said everything I’ve been thinking every time my kids ask for Disney…there is not enough vodka in the world to get me thru that kind of “vacation”. For the same price (and 1/2 the hassle), I’d rather take my kids to The Louvre! or Pompeii! Or Yellowstone. Pretty much anywhere but a theme park.
Oh I hear you! I have never been to Disney, and I have no desire to go (with or without kids in tow!). I can take the family to Europe for the same price. I guess it’s a matter of what you enjoy. Glad Disney is there for those who enjoy it.
I googled ” bad parent for not taking my kids to Disney” and your awesome blog came up! I feel much better and not so alone. It’s not that I don’t think Disney would be fun but that it’s so far away and living in NH, we have so many beautiful and fun things to do here.
I hope my kids are like me when I was a kid. I never enjoyed theme parks – hated the heat, standing in lines, the crowds, the overpriced trinkets (ok, I probably liked these when I was 10 but definitely not now!)
I went to Disney when I was young and I don’t really remember it! I do know it was really hot and there were a ton of people. I much preferred our vacations to beaches , etc.
I don’t see our family being a Disney family. My kids are only 3 and 5 months so maybe 5 years down the road I’ll be surprised but good Lord- I hope not!
Don’t feel bad. I feel the same. All my friends are “saving” for Disney. Im saving to take my kids to Yosemite and Iceland. Im from Florida and went to Disney numerous times. I don’t remember those vacations at all. I can’t justify the expense. I could literally take my kids almost anywhere for same price.