Throwaway, fake names, etc.
I (38M) have been planning a Summer vacation to Disneyworld and Universal with my wife “Peach” (38F) and my sons “Toad” (5M) and “DK” (3M). We also have a 1 year old baby girl “Star” but throughout the entire planning process, the plan has always been to have my wife’s mom “Daisy” (50’sF) watch Star and our dog at our house because she’s still a infant and we didn’t want to risk getting an infant sick or hurt while traveling. Daisy has always been fine with this and spoke about how happy she was to do this.
A week ago, my wife asked me if we could change our plans around to have Daisy join us. This means changing our room reservation and going for an AirBnB so we all have space to be together and getting her mom a ticket for the parks and the plane. I asked what happened with our original plans and she said her mom really thought it would be a more enjoyable trip if we all went-she and Star included. I asked who would watch our house and dog and she said we could drop our dog off at a friend’s for the duration of the vacation. I said I didn’t want to inconvenience our friend like that and Peach said, “Well, I can’t tell my mom to stay home after hyping up the trip so much.” So after talking about it for a few days and not coming up with a reasonable solution, I said Daisy could take my spot and I would stay home with Star. My wife protested but I said it was the only way her mom would be able to go that allowed Star to stay at home with family (my family lives far away). Peach and Daisy both tried to convince me to just change the plans so we could all go but I brought up how much more expensive it would be and the overall point-we didn’t want the baby to travel yet. I told them this was the only way. Daisy would just take my spot and they would have a vacation with the boys. My sons were pretty sad FOR ME that I won’t be going. Toad spoke about it with a bit of pity in his voice and I told him I hope he has a blast although I don’t know if he’ll really get it until he’s leaving for the trip and I’m not with him.
Now here’s the thing, I’m the only person who has ever been to an amusement park as I went to Universal with friends in my 20’s. Peach, Daisy, and our boys have not. I know that being at the amusement park is not all sunshine and happiness. It’s a lot of walking, a lot of waiting in line, and a lot of mediocre expensive food. If you’re lucky, you’ll get on 3 rides in an 8 hour day. I was mentally prepared for this-everyone else however has the idealized version of Disneyworld in their heads where they’ll eat a bunch of fun snacks and ride rides all day and take clear pictures in front of characters with no other tourists around. Hell, obviously I was excited to see Super Nintendo World myself. I’m just more realistic about the overall experience. Daisy can barely walk around Walmart once, so I don’t know how she expects to walk around the park. I remember overall taking something like 20,000 steps and going about 12 miles during one day there.
So instead of dealing with the BS at the airport and the long lines in the sun, I’ll be hanging at home with a week off from work with my baby girl and I am pretty pumped thinking about it. I never have extended time with my daughter and I know I won’t be on “vacation” in the traditional sense, but I feel like it would be good for my mental health to just sit outside with my dog and my baby just hanging out. Like I’m very much looking forward to a week of Dad and Star time. I will absolutely miss my family and still all the way to this morning, Peach was asking if I was “sure” about staying and there’s twinges of FOMO about it here and there, but this is what’s best for all of us.
Comments
Ahhhhh perfect
I’m happy for you! Enjoy your time with Star and relaxxxxxx.
Honestly, having been to Disney a few times myself, I completely agree. My tolerance for crowds as I have gotten older has also decreased exponentially; so right now a Disney trip doesn’t sound like fun at all, especially with young children in tow.
Dude you lucked out!!! Stay home this time then when baby girl is btwn 6-9 you can plan another trip! Daisy most likely won’t go then & everyone can have fun (plus no stroller!).
They make pop-up playpens for kids now with sun shades; I’m imagining going out to a park, letting the baby play in the grass, playing fetch with the dog, and having a picnic outside. Sounds great.
Master Class move right there.
I’ve never been to Disney world, and even I know it’s over rated… I love rides, there are plenty that are closer and less crowded. Sounds like a win win to me.
Enjoy you baby girl and puppers. Its a shame dad’s don’t often get uninterrupted time with their children (especially daughters) when they’re that young. Especially when the dad seems stoked about it. <3
That honestly sounds amazing. My favorite mothers day was when my entire family was planning a trip to the beach & I got badly sick right before. So what happened was my parents took my kids & I ended up staying home…it was heaven. I was able to relax & get over being sick & they all had a blast on the trip.
Have fun spending time with your baby!
I’m with you. I went to so many theme parks back in the day. I would be happy to stay home too. Honestly, your idea works out pretty well for all of you.
Sounds like a great solution. Make this your default whenever MIL wants to go on an excursion.
This is awesome. Come back and give us an update when they get back.
I’m with you. That sounds like the best vacation.
Ha! I see what you did there. Congrats!🎉
This is absolutely perfect
You definitely got W and plan and hopes sound rad!!
You definitely got the better end of that stick. Disney sucks.
I’ve never understood why people take babies to Disney anyway. Good for you.
You sir are a mad genius and I salute you.
When our kid was a year old, I took a month of parental leave, and my wife went back to work. You can do that in the UK.
Best month of my life! Bashed out the housework and meal prep in the first couple of hours, the rest of the day was all ours. I was seeing friends every day, concocting fancy new meals, going for long walks in the countryside – it was just lovely.
Enjoy your time, I envy you.
Congratulations enjoy your dad baby girl bonding time. I was 9 when we went to Disney I hated it we left 2 days in they never charged us the first day due to rain so we had 6 day passes that my parents sold. Tennessee Gatlinburg and catching my own fish for dinner near Cades Cove are some of my favorite memories from that trip. I’m 41 now and have no desire to go back.
Enjoy your time.
As a 54 yr old with health issues. There is no way in hell I would want to go to Disney. The walking, heat, and lines.
Daisy is going to wilt.
Your wife should never have asked you to change the plans and it was rude of your MIL to insert herself in your holiday. That aside, it sounds like a win for you.
Anytime you can avoid Florida, you did good.
You should get your MIL a gift.
Lol you lucked out! Especially with those ages that trip is gonna be rough! Expect some hate from Peach
Sounds like you’ll have more fun in a couple years when everyone can remember the trip.
Don’t let Peach see this!
You do not want her to learn your secret, or it will never work again.
Evil genius! You need to play up how much you miss being there!
I love it. And I love Disney. But a trip with MIK, when I’m the only one with park experience? I’d rather die.
MIL will probably regret this, because she’ll end up doing a lot more child care this way ….
Be brave and happy for them 😆 and resolve to take the kids to Universal when they are old enough to properly do a theme park. You’re good!
Well played, sir. Enjoy your precious time with your baby girl. That sounds way better than the theme park
I love Disney but I still say good for you! I would do the same and enjoy the relaxing week. I would love to hear an update when your family returns from their trip.
Going to an amusement park with a 5 and 3 year old and an elderly sound like my own personal hell and I’m a mother. I think you got the good end of the stick.
I love that Daisy can’t walk around Walmart but she thinks she’s going to do alright walking around DW & U. Expect calls from wifey crying about her mother.
I went to Disneyland when I was 14. Even back then (74), it was an overcrowded cluster-fu*k. I had a miserable time.
So, while it does suck, I don’t regret us never having that kind of throw-away money to take our 4 kids there.
Honestly, if I was presented with the choice of either staying home for a week OR spending a week at Disney World, I’d take the week at home. I’m 39 (turning 40 next month), and I wasn’t a big fan of crowds or amusement park rides, even when I was a child.
> If you’re lucky, you’ll get on 3 rides in an 8 hour day.
i hope that’s hyperbole. :O
We took my kids for the first time when they were 4 and 3. Holy chit is that a lot of work!!!! We called my son more more baby because he wanted more more more. Except those long azz lines don’t work work out like that.
It isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
My wife has it super panned. Taking all strategic. She had it all figured out. Fast pass and all the other perks. I couldn’t imagine going without all that work she put into it.
I just read somewhere on Reddit how people were claiming it’s allot more f’d now because of some of the changes so takes away from the experience.
I stay home and watch the dogs, horses and chickens while she does the things with the kids now. It’s a wonderful win for both of us. Next trip is hs grad trip for our daughter. She is going to be taking a bunch of girls somewhere tropical. (There won’t be drinking or any of the other bs) but they are all planning it out now. And
Proud of you for not referring to your MIL as Bowser 😉
High fives my friend!
Sometimes the universe gives you what you need
Been to Disney World-My feet will never forget!
Lucky. I can’t pull that off. My peach won’t travel by herself with the kids. You are one lucky Mario. Enjoy your staycation.
Update us after the trip
I had a dad who didn’t like family trips either and would opt out. It sucked to not share those memories with him.
BLISS you got the best deal in all of this. Let them deal with the craziness lmao. Your MIL did you a huge favor
Tell us how their trip went when they get back. Bet it’s hilarious
When daddy isn’t there to carry either one of the boys when they get overly tired and cranky, your wife is going to be hating life. Hopefully she learns her lesson on inviting her mom on your vacations. Don’t let her blame you when she gets back!
Haha love the Mario Names! You have 1000% got the better end of the deal, enjoy! Your daughter will probably enjoy you playing nintendo on the TV that she can watch here and there for a little bit haha
lol this is the way
As a German I’ve never been to Disney. Is it really that bad? As in 3 rides in 8 hours? Even 5 rides would be enough for me to simply stay home.
Evil genius!!
Who do you bet on pooping out first? The 5 year old or your MIL?
Unless 5 year old is also going to have a stroller which I assume your 3 year old will have. Your MIL is going to envy the stroller.
Having been to a couple 6 Flags, Legoland, & Universal – I’m definitely in your corner! (I was a temp disabled, which helped at some rides, but those parks are not anywhere I want to go agian . . .
Win win for everyone involved, very pure post, 10/10 no notes.
Ok, since you have the time, let me tell you: Making videos with your baby is fun as fuck. I used to make videos that copied movies.
“Yelling” at your kid to see their “war face” is a million times funnier if they’re babies.
Lol. Good times.
I am not a fan of Disneyworld for all the reason you mentioned. I am a huge fan, however, of Disney Cruise Line. I’ve cruised it with and without children. The entertainment is great, the food is fabulous, and the kids program is so good I had to force my kid back to the room to sleep.
Family vacations to amusement parks ruin a person could ruin even break up family- the heat alone is enough to make you snap
That sounds so lovely!
As a side note, you can rent a go cart at Disney to make getting around easier
When my twin daughters were about 6 and my son was 3, we took a big family vacation to Disney. On day 3 of 4, one of my daughters got a stomach bug. I “fell on the sword” and volunteered to stay behind that day. I had the only relaxing day of the trip that day. I stayed in the room, read a book, and had to “take care of” my girl, who mostly slept.
It was the only relaxing day of the trip, and everyone else thought I was very generous to forgo the Wild Kingdom. Win-Win!!!
Take Star to the zoo.
Enjoy the time at home.
Sometimes it works out so wonderfully that way. Enjoy the few days of just bonding with your sweet girl and doggy cuddles, pops. 😊
You won.
That sucks that you won’t be going. Lots of silver linings, but it’s still a cloud. I feel for you man. It does send a really good message though. It shows MIL (or anyone else you share the story with) that the boundaries you set regarding your kids are important. Not only is MIL unlikely to pull this kinda thing again, but she’ll remember that you’d rather not go on vacation at all than compromise on the kid rules.
I grew up in the 70s-80s in SoCal, and I have been to Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, and Magic Mountain more times than I can count.
We had passes many years of my life. If only to stop and use a washroom going between LA and San Diego.
You can’t understand how overcrowded these parks are if you have no frame of reference.
We used to think 30-45 minutes was a long wait. For real.
It was a rare day when we didn’t ride every ride at least once, still have time for the Main St Parade, and the visual stuff that wasn’t a ride.
You are missing out on absolutely nothing. I stopped going in the 90s when it started to get a bit crazy.
I don’t understand Disney stans. The experience is exponentially more expensive and exponentially worse. At all of these parks. It was already borderline to begin with.
You really dodged a bullet. More than you know. But I feel bad for your kids. They won’t be able to pull this off without you and your MIL will be dead weight whether you go or not. She will ruin the experience.
I hope you can gently use this as a teaching moment with your wife and show her the post and comments after she complains. She has to learn how to manage her mom like a big girl. She’s a mother and a woman now. She didn’t do her job.
I REALLY want to know the outcome. 🤭
Occasionally, the visit from St. Cancellus is a most welcome one.
You’re a great dad, OP.
Glad your plan suits you, and hope you enjoy your time.
I don’t understand people saying good job you dodged a bullet. Putting aside everything you said which is actually true about the park experience being overhyped, the whole point for you and your wife is to make great memories with and for your son’s. So you dodging a bullet sounds more like you dodging one of the better parts about being a dad, at least to me. Honestly, reading this just makes me sad. I think that’s honestly why your wife keeps asking you if you’re sure you don’t want to go. She knows you and your sons are going to miss out on making and sharing that together.
Daisy needs to rent a scooter.
You’re a nice guy, Mario. I’m glad you’re letting your family enjoy nice things, and being responsible! Enjoy the idle time, lord knows you work too hard fighting the Koopa Kingdom.
I love your attitude.
Being Dad for the win!!!
Please update when they get back from their trip. I can already see the regret happening especially with your sons.
Yeah man! I’d be checking out some library books and reading crap fiction while the little darling sleeps, maybe napping along with her too. Win/win!
I had a spotty employment record during the recession of the early 80’s, and the only thing bringing money were the make-work government projects designed to give us enough weeks to collect unemployment insurance (pogey). I decided to look at my periodically recurring enforced leisure as an early retirement instalment. I threw that time in the trash of course, bland blindness of youth and all that, but at least I didn’t feel guilty at my waste of time. I figured it was acceptable folly on my part and leaned into spending time like it was endless. All this to say it’s a retirement instalment while you’re young, healthy and free to enjoy your quiet time.
You’ve definitely got the better deal here 🤣🤣
As someone that “gets” to go to Disney 16 times a year… you are diabolical. (FM works in ride maintenance in the Magic Kingdom)
Disney limits how many tickets they sell per day and haven’t returned to pre Covid ticket numbers. So while still extremely crowded it’s less crowded than the pre- Covid crowds. However even during the school year, in the middle of the week, the lines are half an hour to 2 hours for the less popular rides and the more popular rides can be up to 3 hours. Due to the fast pass riders making the wait longer always add 30 minutes to what the current wait times show.
If you go when your kids are older, say when the youngest being over 42 inches I’d recommend Hollywood Studios most of the rides there are worth waiting in line.
Here’s my question: When you made the “suggestion”, was this your plan? As in, does your wife recognize you’re looking forward to it and not “taking one for the team?”
You sly dog. Don’t let them see your shit eating grin at the airport. Oh, and make sure Daisy pays for her sharet of this once in a lifetime trip.
Wow, yeah, kids that age all under 5? Yikes! The kids will have a great time I’m sure but MIL and wife? Not so much. I hope they know to schedule in nap breaks. And bring snacks. And memorize the map.
I can see you not enjoying it as much when you were 20. But kids get engulfed in the fantasy. Your wife is going to be dead tired when she gets home.
Disney is terrible. Congrats on the week off and bonding time with the baby! Well done.
Wow, yeah, kids that age all under 5? Yikes! The kids will have a great time I’m sure but MIL and wife? Not so much. I hope they know to schedule in nap breaks. And bring snacks. And memorize the map.
I can see you not enjoying it as much when you were 20. But kids get engulfed in the fantasy. Your wife is going to be dead tired when she gets home.
Update us when it’s all over. Because I have a feeling that trip will flop anyway.
Holy crap man! You won the jackpot!! A week at home with a dog and the baby? That sounds like a fine vacation to me!!
I just cannot imagine the frustration or the allure of going to two huge amusement parks with such young kids. My kid’s dad took her several places when she was younger and besides the pictures jogging a couple memories, it’s like she’d never gone!
My ex told me that they’d been in line for over an hour just to have her start screaming as soon as they set foot on the ride- so that was a quick, embarrassing exit.
I waited til she was a teen to make the more expensive memories.
I sure hope your family has a good time and doesn’t blame you when they experience the inevitable frustrations.
A win for everyone!
Damn I guess I am getting old because that sounds good to me also.
You did good OP!
You couldn’t drag me to the Orlando theme parks in the summer for anything! I really can’t imagine dragging kids through the Magic Kingdom and Universal when it’s 90+ degrees and the humidity is also 90+% It’s really not a Magical Experience when everyone is hot AF, soaking wet from sweating, they’re crying because they’re thirsty, hungry, hot, tired, need to go potty, and standing in line for 90 minutes isn’t any fun for anybody!
October-December the weather starts to moderate. The lines aren’t so bad. January – March is optimal.
Honestly, I’ve never understood why Disney is such dream vacation for so many families. However, I do like Disney Resorts. Their service is always wonderful. The kids always enjoyed the character breakfast in the morning and they could be happy riding the monorail around all day. The Waldorf Astoria which is close by is amazing. We had the best bacon ever there!
Arrange for your MIL to have a mobility scooter to be delivered to their hotel/vacation spot. This would also come in handy when the boys get tired and need a rest period. They’d have a basket to place their drinks or a backpack in. It’ll make their days go easier and you’ll have to listen to less complaining on the phone. Enjoy daddy daughter time
Enjoy your Staycation!
Does your MIL always insert herself in your plans. Is this a moment you will have to be kind with your wife about I told you so. Next time consult with me before making promises and shoot the MIL down until she finds out about costs, tickets etc
Pls keep us updated on the aftermath.
Yeah dude, you hit the jackpot. Enjoy the vacation time!!
Sounds like a win to me! Can’t wait for the post-holiday update!
I would kill for a good reason to avoid an all-family trip to Disney this summer. Unfortunately, I am the Grandparent in my scenario and have no valid excuse.
That sounds awesome, OP. Congratulations on your staycation. I hope you take your Bebe on some cool, not so crowded adventures.
I’m smiling thinking of the great loving you and Star will have. That stuff imprints on kids and it’s just a wonderful solution,
Your wifes a jerk for letting her mom manipulate her way into your family vacation. Your wife could’ve just told her this is a family vacation that you paid for and that you want to do with your sons and wife and not have to worry about the baby or the dog because they would be home safe and sound.
Subterfuge at its finest, sir.
Your wife will regret bringing her mother. And shame on your MIL for even asking to go.
Sounds like a plan to me! Good for you.
Good job, anytime someone is added to a plan that’s the door opening for me to exit.
W dad
Do you not think you have a wife and mil problem?
Updateme
You should have ended with “so here I sit, twisting my evil mustachios, the end “
Love this for you!!
Commenting because I’m going to need a follow up
and next year, you can plan another holiday to Disneyland and you wife will have to say yes out of guilt… unless you then suggest a holiday to the Bahamas instead…. Winner, winner, chicken dinner. Enjoy your time at home with Star. 🙂
Bro, these stories get stolen and uploaded to tiktok all the time. I think you made the right call here but you’re going to get so much shit if Peach or Daisy end up seeing and recognizing this story despite your attempts to anonymize it.
I remember we took our kids there at the same ages and we spent a few hours at the park, then went back to the hotel for the pool. It was hot and horrible, crowded, and not really super enjoyable. My oldest has exactly one memory- she got to meet (and hug) Ariel at the grotto. My youngest’s favorite stuffed animal came from there. We didn’t go back until the kids were much older(had a better time) and that was the last time we went as a family to Disney.
You, sir, have absolutely won this round. You’ll be relaxed and your wife and mil will come home frazzled from dealing with cranky kids all day/night. I give your wife 2 days before she realizes you bamboozled her, lol. She’s going to regret allowing her mother on this trip. I want an update after they get back. All in all, I do hope your boys have a good time.
Disney with a baby sounds like awful. Be just the two of you at home is a wonderful way to rest and bond. Amazing
That really does work!
It honestly sucks how much your wife let her mom invite herself AND YOUR FUCKING BABY to a theme park!
I advise you not answer too many texts during the day, take plenty of photos of you and Star, and don’t let your wife guilt trip you!
She is only thinking of the fun, she and MiL have CLEARLY no idea how much WORK parks are!
Great job 👍
You’re playing 3D chess my friend
Uh that’s the dream. No family for a week. Just a 1 year old? Definitely, I swear at the 10-15 month mark I thought my son was perfect.
All the personality and didn’t reach the asshollery of terrible twos yet.
Perfect, but I’d start planning a family only trip when your youngest reaches age 8. That way all of you can enjoy everything in the parks. Personally, I wouldn’t waste money and time taking a 3yr old. It’s all overwhelming and there’s only so many kiddie rides.
You absolutely made the correct call there! Enjoy your quality time with your toddler!
One of the best things about going places is watching my 3 year old experience it for the first time. I love seeing his happy face!! I’m sad for you that you are going to miss that with your boys! But also happy for you to spend one-on-one time with your baby girl! MIL messed this family vacation for you all. Hope the next vacation is better and will create lasting memories!!
What a chill time you’ll have – enjoy every minute!!! Hugs
Family trips were one reason I stopped after 1 kid. I remember how hard it was on my parents, with 3 of us. I knew i didn’t want that. Lol.
While I would regret not experiencing Disney with my kids and sharing in their joy, I’m with you. Some vacation plans are more headache than they are worth
While I would regret not experiencing Disney with my kids and sharing in their joy, I’m with you. Some vacation plans are more headache than they are worth
We went in the late 90s and I have tbh. My husband was a major lifesaver. He used to live in Southern California so he knew all about Disney. Ik you’re speaking about Orlando and even if they’re very different I can promise you your wife is going to be overwhelmed. She’s going to end up with THREE toddlers. Good lesson for them.
Sounds like the perfect bonding time with your little girl
You won the lottery!
Sounds like a wonderful solution to this dilemma. You will actually have a peaceful, fun filled time with your daughter. The house will be so quiet. Have fun!
If you only get through 3 rides in an 8 hour day, you’re doing it wrong. I’m not saying it can’t take that long, just that if it does, that’s probably on you.
immediately understood and sympathized with the title, but the more you explained about how you know how much their enjoyment you could contribute to given your ability to anticipate the issues they’ll encounter, although a lot of the result is their own fault, for pats on the back from the internet just makes you sound like an asshole. Sure, mom and mil could use a lesson, but it will still be at the expense of a big memory for the other kids. Happy you get to spend time with the baby tho
Went recently. Even with %100 able bodied people, it is a lot. We only did one day so we went all out. Rope drop, early entry, everything! But what made it work? Timing and physical ability.
We were done with Mario World after the first hour. Back up the escalator to the tour. Then to the Harry Potter wand thing. Never stopping! None of the snacks looked good enough to get, so it was pure rides. Such a great time. Told my son that if he can travel this good, we have many many more trips ahead of us. It was the first time he visited any park without a stroller.
Now, compare this with a previous Disney trip with my father in law (whom I adore. He’s great.) OH MY GOD IT WAS BAD! Started at the airport where he didn’t understand metal doesn’t belong in a metal detector. He got angry when I got him a scooter. He didn’t want to be in a group (????). Didn’t want to buy any food because it was expensive but also didn’t bring anything to eat. Would lie about where he was going. He keeps his phone in his sock so we could never reach him. Wouldn’t ask for help from employees at Disneyland to find a bathroom so almost peed himself.
My wife and I collapsed after the vacation and just went blank on our couch. “what… just happened?????” We had no idea he would be such trouble. Lesson learned. We have since been on more vacations with him but we then knew what punches were coming.
Your family is going to learn. Be there to support them when they get back. Be super nice and feel bad about all the hardships.
The Lord is in control!
Sometimes the best vacation is a staycation.
About 8 years ago, my husband, myself, and both our mothers went to a theme park with our kids, 2, 3, and 4 year olds. It was not really a fun time for any of us. It culminated in a screaming fight between myself, my husband and my mother in law outside a popular in-park restaurant. Not about anything in particular, we were just all stressed out and tired. The kids hadn’t slept because of the disruption to their routine, which meant my husband and i didn’t either, and my MIL was in the room sharing a wall with ours so we kept her up as well.
My husband, mom and our kids left the park early, packed our stuff, and just drove the 5 hours back home (my MIL drove herself).
How can you name everyone in your family after Mario Bros characters and not want to go on the Mario Kart ride with them!?!?!?! Or ride the DK minecart coaster together?! Your kids are gonna get to meet dragons at the Isle of Berk! You don’t want to be part of that?! This isn’t about you, its about them. Your sons getting to have these awesome experiences and you being there to share it.
(Im assuming you know that Super Nintendo World is in Epic Universe and not at Disney World and you are just saying Disney World as a catch-all for all of Orlando. Because if not, make sure your family is doing at least one day at Epic or there will be no Mario and that will make the trip even worse)
LOL
Man, I haven’t even made it to the end of your post because your fake names made me laugh so f’ckin hard! Daisy 🦆 is not even in the same realm as the rest of your Mario Bros family! Love it! 🍄🦍🍑⭐️
I grew up less than an hour drive from Disney world. I went more times than I can count as a kid (not sure if they still have that deal for FL residents where a season pass costs the same as a 1 day pass, but my folks took full advantage of during my childhood.)
I cannot stress enough how good of a choice you just made. It will be hot. The kids are most definitely going to cry more than once while walking or in line. The food is EXACTLY what you described, and probably even more expensive than you remember.
There will not be any rest nor relaxation for your wife or MIL this entire trip. Just exhaustion. Meanwhile you get to do whatever the hell you want probably for the first time in years for a WHOLE WEEK (well, whatever within the confines of taking care of an infant, but still).
Enjoy the week and at least try and pretend you didn’t have an absolute blast when they get back lol
Sounds pretty sweet!
I took my kids to Disney when they were younger and my favorite picture from the trip was captioned “Happiest place on earth!” with both kids looking grumpy, exhausted, and miserable.
Husband and I recently visited Universal sans enfants, they’re all grown and gone; we did the VIP tour and still spent a fraction of what we spent the last time we went to the park with kids. We had an absolute blast.
I was getting off an airplane in Orlando once. And all the young families getting off with me were ecstatically happy and excited. Then I saw the young families who were returning from Disney and getting on a plane to leave. Everyone parents and kids were exhausted and look like they had put through the wringer
Wise move.
As a Floridian I can say confidently that theme parks are the last place I want to be in the summer. Hellishly hot (95F), humidity is high (70-80%) no breeze and afternoon rains that just bump that humidity a few points higher.
Seriously, even if you gave me passes I wouldn’t go.
Take some selfies with Star while you’re on your staycation together!
Def dodged a bullet. We took our 9,7 & 4 year old in Dec of 2024 to U.S, and I had to sit out of allot with our 4 year old and ended up miserable because she was bored, Tired and over it… Disney is more family friendly in the sense of there’s more to ride with littles, but nothing beats being at home in the AC
I’d love to know how it goes. This sounds like a fantastic stay-cation for you. Enjoy it immensely!
UpdateMe
You gotta give an update after😭🙏🏻
Funny. To each his own.
I’m the opposite. I plan our Disney / Universal vacations. While we do walk a lot, we definitely do not wait in line that much, and I expect to get 15-20 attractions done in a day, along with pool and a nap in the middle.
There’s a right and wrong way to tour the parks and it makes a big difference. I wouldn’t give up the experience of seeing my kids enjoy Disney World or Harry Potter for anything.
Kevin Hart said something on one of his show that put a lot into perspective.
People invest a lot on their house. Big screen tv, gaming stuff, pool, grill, etc and whenever they have time off their partner all they want to do is go out and do other stuff like going to the beach and vacationing.
Its ok to like to be in your house that I am sure you invested a lot to make it how you want it.
I am in FL and trust me, I am not looking forward to taking my future kids to Disney or universal. I have done all parks multiple times and you explained it perfectly. The best you can hope is a cloudy day to discourage others from going.
I had the unlimited past at universal one year and when my wife and our friends wanted to go, I would just do the lazy river at volcano Bay while they do the different rides. Im good, enjoy your dry up walk the stairs under the sun for a 40 Sec thrill. I’ll just chill right here.
Take some photos where you match/ compliment her outfit colors and find a pretty neutral background. Create some timeless photos of the two of you.
I took a photo of my daughter and husband wearing a similar shade smelling roses that matched too. It makes for an incredible photo. Be creative, do a photo of her hand on top of yours. These will someday likely be her most treasured photos.
Have a wonderful and relaxing week!
You really came out on top of this situation, my friend! That sounds like a great all-around solution.
This post made me so happy. You’ll remember this week with Star so fondly!
I’m glad it worked out in your favor.
And yes going to amusement parks with voices is annoying Af.
You made a most noble sacrifice, smile.
I lived in Orlando for a while. When it was time to take some out of state friends to Disney, I took us to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg VA instead. No lines, better food, and no bored teenagers with fake smiles in cartoon characters costumes.
Take lots of pictures of you relaxing and having fun. Send them to them at the park
Give her what she wants and maybe she will think before asking the next time
I haven’t been to Disney worled since I was very little. I have no interest in going ever again because of how much of a nightmare it seems.
I am a Canadian, 39 year old mom of four. I’ll take a cottage any day.
You sly devil! LOL! You’re going to have the best, relaxing vacation ever! Best wishes to you, Star, and the pup!
Disney is such bullshit. I told my kids when some of their friends were going in elementary that we couldn’t afford and it’s mostly long lines in the heat. Anyway wouldn’t they rather go skiing or go play at the beach? Answer: yes of course they would.
Enjoy!
ngl i get why u said yes but like the fact she just switched up the whole plan for her mom is wild. u literally took the L like a champ and somehow still came out on top. disney w kids is chaos, and daisy bout to find out real quick.plus a week of peace w ur baby girl and no airport stress?? that’s not even a loss, that’s self care.