Healthy FamilyWe aren’t saving up to take our kids on a family vacation to Disney World. Here is why–and what we are saving for instead!
First of all, I would like to make it clear that I don’t think there is anything inherently wrong with going to Disney World.
I went several times as a child, and it was great, family-friendly fun. My parents coupled the visits with business trips my dad had in Florida. We spent a few days at the beach while he was in meetings, and then we headed down to Disney. They even pulled us out of school in mid-October to do it. Back then, it was bliss.
My husband also has fond memories of going to Disney World with his family. His grandmother helped pay for them to go.
Our kids play with Disney princesses and our firstborn, now 6 1/2, has even started mentioning Disney World as some kids in her class have gone.
But my family is not currently saving up to take our kids to Disney World this year or even in the near future.
It doesn’t mean we won’t ever go, and it doesn’t mean we don’t want to travel with our children. (Quite the contrary, in fact.)
Lately, I have been burdened by the societal pressure to take a trip to Disney World. It doesn’t take too much poking inside the blog world to find families who view a trip to Disney as a must-have.
Yes, some families can simply go and have fun and enjoy family time. But, for others, it seems to be a sole purpose in life–to the point that families are going into debt over Disney!
I just don’t think it has to be that way.
There are several reasons why we are not planning on taking our kids to Disney World anytime soon:
1. We don’t want our children to feel entitled to a Disney World vacation.
The media often elevates Disney World as being something every child should be entitled to experience. That should come as no surprise. We live in an entitlement culture.
This doesn’t mean that every family to takes their kids to Disney World does so out of entitlement, but we want to be extremely intentional to guard against this.
We don’t want our children to grow up thinking that life is all about their personal entertainment.
2. We don’t want our children to view a trip to Disney World as the pinnacle event of their childhood.
Not only does our culture preach Disney as something every child should experience, but it also portrays a trip to Disney World as the ultimate childhood experience.
We do not want our children giving Disney this high priority place in their lives. Yes, we do want to take them one day (when they are much older and will hopefully create real memories and appreciate it more!), but we do not want them to ever view it as being the highlight event of their childhoods.
3. We don’t want to succumb to the pressures of a high consumerism culture.
Let’s be honest: Disney is big money. Even though I am OK with our daughters playing princess, sometimes I do wonder if we are feeding this consumeristic, materialistic culture too much all ready.
This culture is one that demands we spend money on this toy and that gadget and this “magical” trip. We don’t want to give into that pressure.
We don’t have TV in our home (just Netflix), so our girls thankfully aren’t exposed to commercials for Disney-like toys. When we visit family who do have TV, they go crazy over whatever the commercials advertise because they want it! (Yes, those marketers are very savvy to hit our children in order to get to us!)
There are many families who save for a trip to Disney World and are careful to guard their children from falling into a more materialistic mindset, and this is how we hope to do it one day. For those of you who have done Disney this way, I applaud you!
4. We don’t want to “keep up with the Joneses.”
I always thought this expression was funny when I was a kid because my mom’s maiden name is Jones.
We simply don’t want to emulate our neighbors. Yes, many families go to Disney World because it is their dream vacation. And that is good for them.
But it’s not our family’s dream vacation. A one-day vacation? Yes. But it’s not something I want to do just because society says we have to keep up with what the family down the street is doing.
If everyone were jumping off a bridge, would we do it too?
No. We want to be counter cultural.
For us, that means skipping Disney–for now.
5. We want our kids to explore the world more than Disney World.
All of the above reasons we are not saving up to take our kids to Disney World is secondary to this one.
The number one reason we are not planning a trip to Disney World anytime soon is because we’re saving up to take our kids to Costa Rica instead.
Now, some of you may be picturing us on an exotic vacation to a pristine Costa Rican resort.
Not so much.
You see, my husband and I met while doing missionary work in Costa Rica 12 years ago. Even before we met, he and I both had a desire to serve internationals, whether in their home countries or in the U.S.
We want to instill that same love in our children and hopefully ignite in them a passion for embracing other cultures and learning other languages.
So, this year, we have made it a goal to pour a lot of this site’s earnings into a summer trip back to Costa Rica. My husband and I returned to the United States after serving in Costa Rica (two years for him and one year for me) back in 2004, and I haven’t been back since! (He has gone back on several short-term trips.)
We will celebrate our 10-year anniversary this summer (which is quite the accomplishment itself!), and we are excited about the possibility of taking our children to the country where we met.
We want our girls to experience how children in other countries live. We want to take them–and us–out of our comfort zones.
Along with exposing our girls to the Spanish language and Costa Rican culture, we are looking for missionaries to partner with while there.
Eventually we want to take our children to other countries as well, but we are starting with Costa Rica first because we are familiar with the country, culture and language, and we feel it will be a starting point for international travel with our family.
That grandmother that helped pay for my husband’s childhood trips to Disney World? She was also a major influencer on my husband’s desire to partake in international missions.
I think Gramma would say it’s OK to put Disney World on the back burner for now.
Should everyone delay Disney?
Please do not read this post in judgement of those who do take their kids to Disney World.
Each family has to determine their own family culture and values and what is best for them.
Many, many families (probably yours!) can take their children to Disney World without giving them a sense of entitlement, without making them feel like this is the ultimate childhood experience and without feeling the pressure to consume more and conform to societal pressures.
(Other families have free time shares, grandparent funding, etc., so they can go to Disney without even having to save up!)
I simply want to encourage you to think through these things before just spending all of your savings–or going into debt!–over a trip to a place that may not be the best decision for your family.
We want to take our girls to Disney World one day–just not now.
We hope that when they’re older, we’ll be able to help them see that Disney isn’t something you’re entitled to. We’ll point out that their friends in other countries (like the ones we hope they will meet this summer in Costa Rica) may never get to go to Disney World.
By the time we eventually take our girls to Disney, we hope they will be old enough for us to teach them that a trip to Disney World is not the pinnacle event of childhood and that we are not just doing it to “keep up with the Joneses.”
We have good friends who have already gone to Disney and have worked to address these areas with their children.
In fact, some of our friends took their three children to Disney World right before Christmas this year. Their children knew it was their Christmas gift. The family then spent Christmas day serving the homeless in a local soup kitchen.
That’s the type of Disney experience we want our girls to experience–one day.
Update: We finally did take that trip to Disney World in October 2019–and it ended up being a truly magical vacation. While we are glad we waited, we would go to Disney all over again (and hope to do so again within the next few years! Honestly, I enjoyed Disney more as an adult than I did as a kid! Read all about our budget Disney vacation here.
Want to foster a spirit of gratefulness and generosity in your kids–instead of consumerism? I HIGHLY recommend the book Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch. It rocked my world, and resonates so much with the way my husband and I hope to raise our three girls! You can get the book on Amazon here.
Stacy
Costa Rica sounds much better than Disney to me! I know people really enjoy Disney, but I don’t imagine putting money into it when I could use it elsewhere – like on books or other experiences! I’d rather take a trip to a quiet cabin, but that’s my personality talking.
I agree than the entitlement culture is prevalent and we need to take steps to make sure our children don’t fall into that.
Congrats on ten years of marriage this summer!
Erin
Thanks, Stacy! We are excited!
Love
This felt a bit sad, too introspective and judgmental. We’ve also not elected to take our kids to Disney. Thankfully and humbly, we have the means, but just don’t feel like it yet. Kids are 7 and 4. Anyway, I hope you got that trip to Disney bc it seems you thought a lot about it and that’s okay!!!!! It’s okay. The way we feel is. Okay. But this did sound like masked envy.
It’s ok though. You still seem like a lovely wonderful person
Bisco
First of all I’m not a Disney Employee. In fact if you knew me you would probably think i was the last person on the face of the earth that would go to Disney world. 55ish year old man that ran a large company for 30 years. My career was constant chaos. On and off flights 2 or 3 times a week. Taking care of 3,000 employees. You would think a deserted island would be my break. Although I have done pretty close to the deserted island several times over the years, I have been to Disney many times. I have been blessed to afford these types of vacations and feel for those that cant. We have two children, both in their twenties now and we still go. We have been all over the world and my children would tell you that their fondest memories are hands down from Disney. Now you could say that my note is highest level of entitlement but both of my children were grounded from birth as to how far a dollar goes and how you earn it. I started with nothing and worked very hard to achieve the career I have had. All that being said there is really no place on earth like Disney for a child. Are they overpriced-yep. Is it a pain in the ass at times-yep. Are there long lines- lord yes. But every minute there for a young child outweighs all the negatives anybody can come up with. My wife and I still get there every couple of years by ourselves as there is a great deal of adult fun as well but my favorite part of every trip now is going to Magic Kingdom, sitting on a bench and just watching the smiles and wonderment on children’s faces. Having said all that, I also get some entertainment from watching the long line of train wreck families that either didn’t understand what they were getting in to, didn’t plan well or just simply try to do too much while their there. If you take your children, which I obviously advocate for, its all in the planning. Dont try to hit every park just to say you did it. Let your children’s ages and their ability to absorb and enjoy the parks dictate your plans. The secret to Disney for young children is getting to the park first thing in the morning and getting out of the parks by nap time. I know everybody wants to get their moneys worth but your children’s enjoyment should be your guiding light. With Disney sometimes more isn’t better especially if you have young children.
Denise
I agree. We have six kids. The last time we went with all six was the year that Disney did “Give a Day, Get a Day.” All of us volunteers a certain amount of hours to earn our tickets. We had to pay for my son because he was five at the time and too young for the program. We went to Disneyland last year because our second oldest works there. We are going again next week because it is our Christmas present from her. We only have four kids at home now, but if we had to pay for parking, food and the tickets to get in, we would be looking at $650 minimum. We spent less than that when we pulled our trailer to Pismo Beach and stay for 8 days. We always have a fun time at Disney, but I don’t want it to be an all the time thing. There are more things to see and do than to spend a lot of time at the Magic Kingdom.
Erin
I loved when I read about the year they did the volunteerism thing! What a neat experience with your family!
Leslie
I agree 100%. We have done Disney in the past but the children were young and do t remember it. Our church is taking a trip with the he high and my daughter wants to go. All the Girl Scout troops are doing it with their cookie money earnings. I just don’t see the value in it. No educational value. Mostly standing in line waiting for the rides. I can think of so many other things with some form of educational value attached or some form of life experience or meaning than going to Disney. Especially considering they recently raised their prices. We are saving to take our girls in a cruise for a vacation. We do a ton of community service and I would love to take the kids on a mission trip but I personally want to wait till my youngest is a little older before I do that. For now a Hawaii trip where they can see Pearl Harbor and go to a pineapple plantation and see a luau would be great or going snorkeling or swimming with dolphins or even a day at the beach using their imagination while playing in the sand has more value in my opinion than Disney!
Erin
It sounds like you have some great trips planned!
Sarah
My kids are 3 & 6 and have been to Disneyland twice. We make an effort to get down to SoCal as often as we can, to spend time with my grandparents (91 & 93). They live about 15 minutes away from Disneyland, I grew up in house across he street from them. My husband and I both LOVE Disneyland (we kind of go for ourselves). We only go for a day and spend the rest of our week with my grandparents. Although I love taking the kids (since it was a really fun part of my childhood, living so close), I’ve been worrying about the entitlement issue. The other day, my daughter said something about “When we go to Disneyland this year…” Um, what? I didn’t say we are going to Disneyland this year. We are going to try to get down there again this year as my grandparents health has been declining, but she doesn’t know that. I want them to know that their great grandparents are why we go, but I just don’t know if I could spend a week down there and NOT go. It’s so great that you are able to take your kids to Costa Rica! I look forward to taking my kids on mission trips when they get a little older. My husband has never been on one, and I’ve told him that if we ever get to the point where we take yearly vacations when the kids are older, I’d like to alternate vacations with mission trips every other year. I feel like it’s essential to understand what life outside the United States is like.
Erin
We too feel that it’s essential to understand what life outside the United States is like! I know not every family can afford it, but it’s what we are saving for now. I love your every other year idea, and I think the fact that Disney is just 15 minutes from your grandparents makes it’s more of a no-brainer (and more affordable!) for your family to go more often.
Emilie Sellers
I actually don’t see her comment as a comment of “entitlement” at all….I see it as what’s been the norm she’s been used to.
Diane
We took ours when there were just three of them and I was 7 months pregnant. At the time they were 5, 4, and 13 months. I don’t regret it one bit and we will likely go again soon. I think it is great to want to take your kids places to serve God but you don’t have to do that on foreign turf. We are supposed to be teaching them that wherever they are is their mission field. I’m afraid sometimes Christian parents think that vacations like Disney or a week at the beach are a waste of time and money when you could be teaching your kids to serve somewhere. Teach them to serve everywhere. Your kids won’t feel entitled to Disney trips unless you make them feel entitled to Disney trips. Teach them to love people everywhere and to tell everyone they can about Jesus, whether that’s in Costa Rica or Epcot.
Erica
Love LOVE LOVE your response!
Lindsay
I LOVE your response as well!
danielle
Thank you! I agreed with your reply 100%! This article makes me sad. Not because of their choice but instead for the judgement. We love family time and disney world. I wouldn’t trade the memories we’ve created for anything!
Erin
Danielle,
There is no judgement whatsoever. I tried to make that clear.
Annie
Ha ha ha! Okay…. what I really am reading here is that you are trying to alleviate yourself of some guilt and you are looking to your readers to say “that’s okay”. In your article above you plainly state that you plan to take your children to Disney some day (that’s cool, you should – it is a wonderful experience for kids). However, not this year. “This is not the year for that”. Why? Because you want to take your children to Costa Rica, where you and your hubby met and it just happens to be around “your” 10 year anniversary. So it’s a little trip down memory lane for you and your hubby as well. There’s nothing wrong with that but I sure as heck would not write a whole blog post about it attempting to get validation for a decision that my husband and I have made (Costa Rica…. met there…. anniversary….). Yeah. There are a lot of us parents who would say, we don’t need a little trip down memory lane right now, we are putting our children first and taking them to Disney now when they are little and can really enjoy it (especially if they are into playing with Disney figures). When they get older, Disney may not seem as magical of a place and then what? Not judging…. just saying…
Wendy
Well put!
Erin
Wow, Annie. No, that’s not it at all. We have chosen Costa Rica because we both know the country well enough to feel confident taking our children there as a first international experience. 🙂 It just so happens that we will have the money in time to coincide with our 10th anniversary, which we think it is a neat coincidence. As far as being selfish for going somewhere our whole family will love? I am sure my hubby and I will enjoy DW again someday, too, but we never, ever want our children to feel like the world revolves around them.
Lisa
I agree! And for someone who says ‘no judging’ this article is full of judgemental comments! Go on your trip , go to Disney , don’t go to Disney , we don’t care about your reasons for not taking your children , just like you probably don’t care about my reasons for taking my children. It’s just a place and I doubt children read that much into a trip to Disney , they are 6, not 26! Get over yourself and live a little.
Jeanette
Lisa, I soooo agree with you!
Jeanette
Annie, that was my exact thought, “you are trying to ease your guilt” plain and simple.
Erin
Jeanette, I have no guilt! Why would I feel guilty for not taking them to Disney! I think I would feel guilty for just doing it because society says to, though. Why should anyone feel guilty for not taking their kids to an amusement park? I love my children dearly, but their entertainment is not my number one focus on life.
Ali
🙌🏻 Hey Annie, say it again for the people in the back! 🙌🏻 The author just made her entire post a “judgement piece” with just 1 quote…”I am sure my hubby and I will enjoy DW again someday, too, but we never, ever want our children to feel like the world revolves around them.” I am sincerely trying to figure out what the correlation is and how we got “entitled children” from a vacation. Where I’m from, the “entitled children” are the ones driving $40,000 cars at age 16 or being handed a $1,000 cell phone, etc. 🤷🏻♀️
Guest
When you have to use several disclaimers to try and convince readers (or yourself) that you are not being judgmental, that’s a big clue that what you’re about to say is indeed completely judgemental.
In addition, when you give a numbered list of reasons why you feel a certain way, in a blog type format, you inherently imply that the inverse is true as well. For example, I’m not going to DW because I don’t want my kids to feel entitled. Therefore those who do take their kids to DW must not care at all about having entitled children. (as if a trip to anywhere is going to create an entitled child).
Also, are you serious about this overwhelming societal push to take your family to DW? I feel like I’m living in a different universe. I can honestly say I have never experienced this.
Erin
Hi Guest,
I am in no way trying to convince myself. I know my heart. But I knew that readers often misinterpret things as being judgement–no matter what the subject. I am constantly astounded by what others perceive as judgement. I even wrote a post about why I was waiting to send my child to kindergarten until age 6, and people accused me of judging those who send their children at age 4 or 5.
Since when does having a differing opinion equal judgement? I think a big problem with our culture today is how incredibly easily offended people are.
Just because our family chooses a different way does not mean we are judging others.
I am absolutely serious about the overwhelming societal push to take your family to DW. In fact, many of the responses to this post (mostly on Facebook but also some here) proves my point. This post came after conversations we have had with personal friends–those who have seen and felt this push. I am glad you have never experienced this, but it is very real.
Meyana
Yes, i have experienced this with different friends & people i know with commentary such as “Oh my gosh, you have never taken your children to Disney? You NEED to go… I also do not feel the overwhelming need, but it has been brought to my attention upon occasion.
Michelle
Erin,
Don’t let negative comments like this get at you. My husband and I are not Christian, but we follow ya’lls blog because we agree with many of the values, from an existential standpoint, and let me tell you. You ladies never have a judgmental tone, you always rise above it, and your reasons are valid and well thought out, even if we do not always agree.
I shared this article with my husband and he was in agreement and specifically said “I really like how she doesn’t judge others, or try and condemn anyone.”
Those of us who read you to learn about different parenting strategies, we know that you are providing your perspective and your reasons. There is a reason you are sharing it, because you think it is best for you, and for us, we feel it is best for us.
Thank you.
Erin
Thank you for this very thoughtful and kind reply, Michelle! I am honored that you read my blog!
Josie
I agree with Michelle!! My husband and I feel the same way!
Angela
I think she and her husband should raise their children. The way they think is best. If there concerned about entitlement and consumerism. Then amusement parks are not somewhere they should go. I think however she should condemn those parents who feel differently. My sons trip to Disney Land did not ruin him. Nor did playing soccer. Those things my son did. Make her kids ask for things. My job is not to make her life easier. That is exactly what she wants.
Jeanette
Exactly Danielle, we just got back from a seven day trip taking our daughter and our 3-year old grandson to Disney. At his age he still believes in the magic and wonder, 5 years from now that won’t be the case. I just finished 2 years of chemo for breast cancer and decided that once I came out on the other side of that challenge I would take one grandchild each year for a trip to Disney. After each one has been to Disney once, something they will truly cherish, then we will begin to travel with each in United States (and yes my husband and I travel quite frequently internationally and hopefully when our grandchildren are much older we can take them on international trips, they should be able to appreciate that experience more at that point in their lives) It’s all about timing in my mind and it makes me sad when parents make excuses for their decisions not to take their children to Disney and judge others for making lifetime memories for all.
Erin
Hi Jeanette, First of all, congrats on finishing chemo! My mother has had ovarian cancer twice and has been through chemo twice. I know it does a number on your body, and I am glad to hear you are doing well!
I make no judgments on those who take their kids to Disney. I simply want to make people think before just jumping into saving their entire savings on a trip that may or may not be right for their families. I feel completely confident in not taking my kids to Disney now, and as I stated repeatedly in the post, we will take them one day. I don’t need to make an excuse for not taking them.
Krystal
Then why write the blog at all? You are making many assumptions…such as “spending all of your savings on a place that may not be worth it.” I assure you, many of us are not using our entire savings to take a trip to Disney World. I can see multiple amounts of cultural experiences in Epcot. Costa Rica is nice, but most younger kids would rather be at Disney World…Magic Kingdom especially, since Epcot is geared for culture and small children find it boring. Being a child is all about magic, colors, fun, and laughter… I hope your kids find that in Costa Rica; I didn’t. Also, saying that this article is not meant to be judgmental does not mean that it is not. To those who take their children to Disney as a main vacation, your words are judgmental regardless of how you “meant” for them to sound. Next time, just give your opinion and don’t say anything about “not meaning to judge someone,” because you are.
Erin
You don’t know my heart, Krystal. No one can make you feel judged. That is a choice you make yourself.
Anna
I don’t know. The first time I went to Disney World I was 10, and the experience was as magical for me as it could be, and was probably more magical than if I was, say, five to seven years old, since I could actually remember the trip. And I don’t think the author of this post is trying to be judgmental about parents who take their kids to Disney. In fact, she says that she wants to take them to Disney World at some point in their lives, just not at the moment, instead preferring to take them to Costa Rica, where she and her husband can cement the value of service, taking others and their viewpoints into consideration, and the importance of being grateful for the things they have. And isn’t that a wonderful message to teach to children?
Also, connecting to the entitlement, I feel like today especially, kids are brought to Disney World JUST BECAUSE, “they’re young, this is what they’re into, it’s fine.” I remember when I was excited about going to Disney World I asked my friend if she had gone before, she said, “Of course I have, lots of times when I was younger.” Though her intent wasn’t to be mean or entitled, I felt that kids here get to go to Disney solely because they’re young and into Disney. I never asked for a trip to Disney when I was little, and when my parents surprised me with a trip, I was so happy. In retrospect, I feel like surprising me with a trip when I was older was better parenting on their part, since it showed me I wasn’t allowed to go to DW just because I was young and could afford to. Surprising me with a trip allowed me to appreciate the things I got the chance to do, and it made me feel like I earned the trip.
Alexa
Yeah you didn’t read the article when she said she wasn’t judging. Reading comprehension!
Ali
I agree 200% Danielle. I felt sad and a little angry as well. You don’t have to go to Central Florida to encounter entitlement, it’s on every street corner, in every town in this country. We are 100% that typical “Disney Family”. We go at least once a year and twice when we can manage it (we live around 5 hours from there). My husband and I spent 8 amazing days there on our honeymoon, all 6 of my grandmothers grandchildren took her back for one last magical adventure not long before her passing in 2011 and I have honestly never seen her so happy. We first took our only child when she was 9 months old and have spent many of her “milestones” there as well (16th birthday, 18th birthday, high school and college graduation. She even worked there during college with their college program). And come April of 2021 she will also be enjoying her honeymoon there! We have travelled as a family both domestically and foreignly, have been on several mission trips to Costa Rica with our church. But regardless of where we end up on the map, our hearts always bring us straight back to Disney. The mother/daughter only trips that she and I went on are the absolute happiest memories I have. I think there is a sort of stigma attached to the Disney name/brand and by all means, don’t go if you don’t want to, but please don’t be so quick to judge me and my family for doing so and don’t assume that we have never travelled elsewhere just because we keep coming back to the place that makes our hearts smile! °o° ❤️🖤 °o°
Crissy
I totally agree about the entitlement of children today. Disney is beautiful and wonderful. My husband never went as a child. Then, when he finally went as an adult with to children (at that time), he didn’t really care for it. Funny how life works out! I applaud you for your mission work in Costa Rica. What a humbling experience for your children. And, I do believe more parents should be exposing their children to the struggles of others. I do hope people see that their are so many opportunities to help in this country as well. For example, I live in Connecticut, and there is a huge problem with childhood poverty.
Erin
We would love to take our children on domestic mission trips one day too (like to Connecticut! I didn’t know of the poverty level there! We were actually low income for quite a few years ourselves).
Shay
I think you are kind of looking at this in an adult perpesctive. When you are the age of 4,5,6,7 the list goes on, you will absolutely enjoy Disney World. All the colors and music and characters and rides are fun! Of course when you get older you are going to want to spend your money on a trip like Costa Rica to enjoy yourself but kids aren’t going to understand that that’s a beautiful and amazing trip. They are going to remember Disney world where dreams come true! Not the place where mommy and daddy met.
ckw
Great response.
Laura
I would love to take the kids (6,7) to Disney next year…if the savings are there and vacation time approved. I DO agree that one can serve in our own country. I understand there are 3rd world countries that can benefit from mission work but let us remember that the Word of God is to be preached everywhere. Our children need to see that although we live in a wealthy country, we have many, many poor who need our help. Perhaps earmarking some of that money saved to go towards different charities here in the US and going to serve the homeless here as well.
Erin
I love the idea of earmarking that money and serving both locally, domestically and internationally!
Erin
I agree Erica. I don’t think they are a waste of time at all. And I love what you said about teaching them to serve wherever you are. Thanks for commenting.
Machon
Awesome!
Jennifer
Love your comment. We are a Christian homeschooling family and we are in ministry full time. We serve often. We take educational trips often. But Disney World is SO MUCH FUN and we go almost every year. Not because tbey are entitled. ..because it’s fun!!!!!
Nothing wrong with that.
I didn’t love this article:(
Erin
Jennifer, I didn’t say that every family that goes to Disney has an entitlement complex, but I do feel that it’s a big problem in our society, and I feel that DW can be that if people aren’t intentional. It sounds like you are a great mom. 🙂
Erin
Hi Diane, I absolutely agree that we are supposed to be teaching our children to serve others and share Jesus everywhere we go, but having experienced international missions since I was a teenager, there is nothing else quite like it. It is life changing, and we want our children to grow up with that experience.
Diane
We would love to do that one day too. To me, traveling out of the country is a privilege we are not able to afford our children right now. We live in lower Alabama. Disney World is only 8 hours away, a day’s drive. I definitely want to get our kids involved in foreign missions as they grow but now is just not the time for us. Plane tickets, passports, etc. are not feasible for us right now. I don’t think it should cost an arm and a leg to serve… anywhere and I also don’t see a Disney vacation every now and then building an entitlement issue in my children. I know them and we talk frequently about how blessed we are just for having simple things like beds and hot food, running water, a microwave… They know they’re not entitled to things like Disney trips and they’re only 2, 4, 7, & 8 years old.
I guess I just don’t understand the need to write about how you see nothing wrong with Disney trips but then you state elsewhere that you don’t want your kids to feel entitled to them yet, in fact, plan to take them in the future. Do you think taking them on a mission trip type family vacation first will stave off their ability to ever feel entitled so you want to get that out of the way before Disney? I guess I’m just not following that part.
As far as the keeping up with the Jones’ comments, I don’t know. I didn’t know anyone that was going to Disney World when we took ours. It was just something fun that we wanted our kids to have memories of while they were little. Most of the people I know who take their kids to Disney do so because they have fond Disney memories and want to pass that on to their kids. While, I concede, there are probably thousands of people who book Disney vacations because Mr. & Mrs. Jones did or because it’s just another status thing to check off of their checklist… that’s not the case for most Christians (whom I assume your blog post is targeted toward) and your post came off a tad alienating. It made me feel guilty for a moment that instead of taking our kids to help out in a foreign country, we decided to splurge and have fun in Disney World.
I am sure that is not the purpose of your post but it did come across that way and I can see why so many are taking offense or feel they need to defend their choice to provide their child with a Disney vacation over more pious trips. Just something to think about. I don’t think you came off as judgmental or anything, I think it just could have been a better thought out post. What was wrong with just announcing Costa Rica as your vacation destination decision for this year and your hopes for your trip? Why even bring Disney into it?
Melissa
thank you! That’s exactly how this struck me and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it – you can say you mean no judgment but the title of the article alone is provocative enough to turn a fun announcement (trip to Costa Rica) into a debate over how intentional we need to be in creating fun family memories, otherwise our quality time with our kids might turn them into entitled consumers, lol. Funny how both parents mentioned in the article have fond childhood memories of Disney without any negative selfishness impacting their adult lives – I agree it’s extra fun to ring kids when they’re young enough to be so joyful about meeting Mickey, etc. – I know part of my ongoing love of disneyland is nostalgia since I was able to go there often as a young kid (as part of visiting extended family in the area)
Diane
I agree. I never got to go to Disney World as a kid. The closest we got was DollyWood in TN haha! But even that was so fun and I never felt “entitled” to go. I remember it being fun and happy about spending time with my parents, having fun together. I think family bonding is important no matter where it is done. We took our kids to Disney World at a young age because we wanted them to remember it being a “magical” experience but also because we love spending time with them.
Erin
Diane, no one can make you feel guilty. That is something you choose to feel. I didn’t intend to make anyone feel guilty or judged. Rather, I wanted to make people think before spending their savings on going somewhere just because the family next-door is doing it.
I have been burdened to see the societal push for “good parents” to take their kids to Disney. I see parents left and right doing this to just try to keep up.
I find that so sad! It doesn’t have to be that way!
Clearly, that is not why YOU have taken your kids to Disney, but that is why some do, and I want them to know it doesn’t have to be so!
The only reason I mentioned the mission trip was because it is more important for our family for our children to experience the world than Disney World. Will we take them to Disney one day? Yes. But it’s not our number 1 priority in life.
I agree that it costs more to take them to other countries. I never said it didn’t. It is a privilege to be able to do so–and a sacrifice. We have gone from being a low income family to being able to afford this from incredibly sacrificial work.
Many, many families will never be able to afford to take their children on a mission trip, but I see other families who take extravagant vacations, put their children in every lesson and sport imaginable, clothe their children in top-of-the-line clothing, dine at expensive restaurants and then say: “I could never afford to go on a mission trip or even give to missionaries.”
Clearly, that is not your family.
Diane
I agree 100% and I think mission trips are important too. I do think this could come off as “shaming” parents who choose Disney World over foreign missions though. I know it is not your intent and perhaps it’s just a convicting lesson. People don’t like to feel convicted but it is good to be every once in a while anyway.
Angela
The way other people spend their money. Is not something that affects you or your kids. There values are different then yours.
Jamie
Totally agree with your response!!! I couldn’t have said it any better. We have been several times and my children do not feel like they are entitled. They know how lucky they are to get to go. It can be a great educational experiencte. I agree to encourage to minister everywhere. Sometimes I think too much emphasis is put on issues that take away from some of the fun life can hold. I totally agree with visiting other places other than Disney as well. Our family has many trips on our list to do that do not include Disney. However we just went to Disney in November AND Already Plan To Go Back IN 3 Years When Our Now 19 Month old Is older.
Emilie Sellers
AGREE! I also believe that there is spiritual growth in spending time WITH your kids on vacations. That’s the time when you can really spend time with them and pour into them because you are away from home and the demands of life. We don’t go into debt for vacations. We save each year and budget to afford vacations wherever we go….past vacations include: the beach, Williamsburg, DC, the mountains, and yes, DISNEY. My kids were 2 and 4. They STILL remember it and talk about it. I can’t wait to go again! And yes, I have every intention and hope that when they are older and able to fully participate, we will be doing foreign mission trips together. For now, we serve our local community through options offered at our church (Food Bank food distribution, aiding needy families during the holidays and otherwise, donations of food and clothing to aid facilities, etc). We also participate in donation options through Samaritan’s Purse like shoe boxes and other donations like animals.
Erin
I love your ideas for serving in your local community, Emilie. Thanks for sharing.
Christy
Fabulous – Love your reply… We travel all over and yes once a year we go to Disney and we do not go into debt in order to do so – We plan at the correct times and avoid peak times so it’s rather cheap… We also do lots of volunteer work and are very involved with our church. My daughter just donated half her Christmas money to buy bibles to send to our Missionary Church in St. Lucia.. She is 6.. We do Christmas boxes and LOVE LOVE LOVE doing that each year and many other fabulous outreaches both here and abroad. Going to Disney does not mean you are “keeping up with the Joneses” It is a choice to spend time with family and make memories. To each their own but I find articles written like this to be very judgmental in their “non-judgemental” post. Why do you feel it necessary to point out all the bad about Disney Vacations is it to make yourself feel better? You don’t want to go – great don’t – no one is making you but this is no better than all those articles you say make you feel bad about not going… Why as Christians do we do this? Why must we justify everything??
Erin
No, Christy, I did not write it to make myself feel better at all. I have simply been burdened by the huge societal push that everyone must take their kids to Disney to keep up with everyone else. This post came out of conversations I have had with friends who have said: “Well, I guess I need to save for Disney so I will be a ‘good parent.'” I don’t think it has to be that way at all, and I wanted to make people think before rushing to keep up with the family next-door. No one has made me personally feel bad about not going. I don’t feel bad at all and feel very confident in that decision. I am not sure where you read that?
Sybil
I have noticed that Disney fans always get put down and shamed for simply enjoying Disney. I have grown up on Disney and I have not felt entitled because of it. Going to the Disney parks was a fun place my mom, sister and I could go and have fun together at (especially after church).
I will agree Disney is expensive, but traveling around the world is not in financial reach for many families either and Disney for many families across America is a better choice cost wise. Plane tickets alone, to Europe, could be half the cost of a Disney vacation. At my church the Pastor’s son and fiance go to Disneyland whenever they get the chance. Disney is a great place to make wonderful memories and I know it is not for everyone, but what bothers me, is that Disney fans continue to be put down for our personal interest.
Jessica
I would love to take my 7 year old daughter, but it is a big expense. We have a camper and prefer to spend the summer in the north east with a week exploring another state and weekends in the country. She isn’t the princess type, i don’t even know how many she could name. I have never been but would love to go once!
Beth
We don’t watch TV much, so my son didn’t have any familiarity with almost any of the Disney characters, but we had decided to bring him this year. They have a lovely camping ground on-site that is extremely reasonable. I think the benefit of driving there is that you’d be able to do other things in FL like go to the Everglades national park and Cape Canaveral. Worthwhile, when your child is a bit older and can spend more time in the car to get there. (We only drive overnight to our parents house right now, because it’s a 5 hour trip, and that’s too much for an active 4 year old when they’re awake!) Good Luck!
Erin
Good point about driving. 🙂 That is what my family always did when I was a kid. I remember enjoying a stop-over in St. Augustine.
Erin
We hope to go one day–just not now. You are right in that it’s a big expense–not one to take lightly!
Christy
The Camp Ground at Fort Wilderness is Fabulous…. It’s one of the best Camp Ground Resorts we have ever stayed in… You can have a full vacation without ever leaving the Fort… However if you plan during off seasons you can go for much much less than you think… You are welcome to send me an email and I will be happy to pass on the money saving tips we use to plan… [email protected]..
Love
This felt a bit sad, too introspective and judgmental. We’ve also not elected to take our kids to Disney. Thankfully and humbly, we have the means, but just don’t feel like it yet. Kids are 7 and 4. Anyway, I hope you got that trip to Disney bc it seems you thought a lot about it and that’s okay!!!!! It’s okay. The way we feel is. Okay. But this did sound like masked envy.
It’s ok though. You still seem like a lovely wonderful person
Kristy
I also have no desire to take my family
to Disney. The funny thing is my freshman twins are there right now with their high school band. (It’s a 25 hour bus trip from where we live.) My oldest went 4 years ago with the band – my youngest will probably also go in 4 years. Did they love it – absolutely. I have never been, neither has my husband. We both feel if we are going to have a family vacation, we want it to be somewhere relaxing and where we get to spend a lot of time with our kids. Our short 2-day trips to Cedar Point were fun, but exhausting and we really only saw our kids sporadically since we all paired off to ride age appropriate rides. This summer we took our family
of 6 on our first big vacation ever after my son graduated from HS. We went to an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica for 5 nights for less than a vacation to Disney would have cost (from what I have heard that friends have spent there with smaller families) We came back relaxed and refreshed without a bunch of themed “souvenirs” lol. I also have nothing against Disney – just would really rather spend my family time elsewhere!
Allison
You cannot compare Cedar point to Disney. The customer service there is exceptional & unlike any other place in the world! Especially with you never experiencing it yourself you cannot judge that.
Erin
Wow–crazy that Jamaica was less expensive! Sounds like you had a blast!
Lisa
Why are you overthinking a trip to Disney?? I understand the financial part to not going as it is quite expensive. However, why can’t a kid just experience some fun with their family? We spend enough time as adults working, keeping up with the house and bills, and so many other responsibilities. I always think back to my childhood vacations with my family whether it was a trip to Disney or a road trip to New Hampshire and all the fun we shared. And as for not having TV in the house because of Disney advertisement and thats when you feel kids ask for things….the answer to that is just say “no.” Your the parent. Let kids just be kids whether it is taking a trip to Disney or playing with a princess barbie doll. My 18 year old son just graduated high school in June. I watched him cross the stage as now a young man and long for the days when he played with Buzz Light Year (yes a Disney character). He now has a lifetime of responsibility ahead of him but will always have the memories we shared of just “having fun” and being together as a family.
Melissa
I don’T really think she’s over-thinking this. I think she’s a blogger who wrote a post. 🙂
Erin
Not really overthinking it. Our kids love Disney and have a lot of fun with it. We do have TVs in our home, and do quite frequently say no. We will eventually go but have just chosen other travel right now.
Erin
I just want to be intentional with our vacation decisions. I think too many people just go to Disney because everyone else is doing it. Sounds like you have some great memories from your trips!
Melissa
I am a mission-minded Believer, Floridian, & current Disney Passholder. 🙂
You are SO RIGHT– if for no other reason than #5! We have had passes several times in our 13 years of parenting, but our missions trips & travels to the ACTUAL places some of Disney is modeled after is WAY better!!
Go. See the world. Tell the world.
Teri
Can you tell me how you go about planning a mission trip for a family?
Erin
Hi Teri, I would first make contacts with some missionaries from your church, etc. and go from there.
Erin
Thanks for getting my points, Melissa!
Amber
My kids were 3 and 5 when we went and 3 years later they have very clear memories of the whole vacation. It was worth the money to me. They had so much fun and so did my husband and I seeing them enjoy it so much.
Erin
I’m glad you had a good trip!
Rebecca JoY
This is a timely article. We are grappling a trip to Disney in May. I was a single mom for 10 years so our trips were camping if we could even afford that and a few local trips my parents paid for (which I am so grateful.)
My sister and I were both victims of hurricane Sandy. Both our homes were badly damaged. She is home with my 4 year old nephew, but we still are not. On top of all that my stepfather was recently diagnosed with cancer.
So my mom said let’s all take a trip to Disney. My kids are 17, 11, and 1. My oldest might be off living his own life next year.
It is rare to have a place we can all go and enjoy, and my 2 oldest and hubby love rides.
Plus after all we have been through I think we will go. We will not go into debt but it will derail out debt repayment (the hurricane put us $20,000 in debt so far.)
I wouldn’t necessarily pick Disney if it was my choice but it is nice their will be something for everyone to do. I even will use the baby as an excuse to go back to room daily for nap while everyone else still out.
I agree mission work is amazing. But we can all share God’s love everywhere, including Disney.
Erin
I agree Rebecca. We can serve anywhere. I don’t think Disney is bad. Just not right for us right now. I am deeply sorry for your struggles. I pray the Lord’s blessings on your family.
Claire
I totally agree Erin. (And once again, I’m sorry that you have gotten one very rude comment and another one that accused you of being judgmental, when you clearly explained that you have no problem with families who make different choices.) Disney is not a priority for our family. If money were no object, sure, we would go. But since it is, we have other things that we would rather save up for. For some families Disney is a priority, and I think that’s great. It can be a good way of modeling the value of delaying gratification and saving for a longterm goal, one that will result in wonderful family memories.
Erin
Thanks so much for the encouragement, Claire. I love the idea of saving for a long-term goal with your family.
cara
We took our kids to Disney in 2010, just 8 months after spending a month camping our way through the national parks in South Dakota and Wyoming. We did it as an “Every child needs to experience Disney once” thing. Both boys on the way home said it was “ok” but they liked the national parks better. They felt like all they did was wait in lines for some “ok” rides and people in costumes. I agree. A few years later, they don’t remember much about Disney, but they still talk in great detail about our trip out west. For the cost of one week at Disney, we are going to Utah’s national parks for a month this summer. They will come away great memories of the outdoors, photos of our country’s amazing landscapes, more understanding of the history and science of the area, and exposure to Native American culture. All this is real, not fabricated. Most importantly, they will have their parents’ undivided attention for a month. No TV, limited cell phone, no computers, no work. Disney isn’t for everyone, and it certainly wasn’t for us, but if you and your kids enjoy it, go for it. And if you choose to put your money into a mission trip in a foreign country, that’s great, too. The most important thing is spending quality time with the kids away from a screen. No child remembers their greatest day playing video games and no adult remembers their greatest day on social media.
Claire
That is so awesome, Cara! Another type of experience I want to give my son is trips to living historical museums, such as Plymouth Plantation, Old Sturbridge Village, etc. He’s the type of kid who would be fascinated by things like that.
cara
We spend a lot of time going on Family Field Trips. We live in New England and love Sturbridge and Plymouth. Another favorite is Williamsburg in Virginia. The kids love the Junior Ranger program at the National Parks. And they love going back to school talking about the things they leaned when they study them in school.
Erin
Thank you for your comment.
Erin
Oh I love your vacation plans, Cara!! What great memories you will make!!
Zach
I’m sorry… but this entire article reeks of self-righteousness.
“Look at what we do and why what we do is better than ‘those people’ that take their kids to Disney…”
Sadi
Yes.
T.R.
Wow, did you read this part?
“Please do not read this in judgement of those who do take their kids to Disney World.”
“Each family has to determine their own family culture and values and what is best for them.”
This is what she and her family chose to do. She’s not telling everyone they should do it. I don’t see any judgement.
Erin
Actually, Zach, I never said nor implied anything of the sort. I explicitly wrote quite the opposite of that.
Christy
yes
Erin
I’m really not sure how you got that at all.
Ryann
Agreed.
Keith
My daughters first Christmas we bought into the Disney Vacation Club and now at 7 and her little sister at 5 we have been 8 times. This makes my wife happy because Grandma and Grandpa are an hour away and with each visit we stay with them a few days. we did our research and got a great deal on the DVC and have no regrets. We have also acquired a “pop up” camper and go several times over the year, I didn’t want the girls to think everything in life is a four or five star vacation. Many times we are next to $60,000 to $120,000 mobile homes and I want the girls to learn that life is not about “keeping up with the Jones’s”
It can be very stressful when a family saves up for that one Disney trip and tries to do just too much at once. life is about balance and choices when we go to Disney I enjoy watching my girls be princess’s because I know these times are going bye so very fast. the memories and photo’s I have I wouldn’t change for anything, and most of the Jones’s I know are anti Disney one day and having “The best trip ever” the next year. work hard, don’t raise spoiled brats, and do what you love because life is too short!
Erin
Sounds like you have a great plan, Keith!
Sadi
someone posted your article on facebook and I discovered you through it. I must say that your judgemental self righteous tone is not very nice. Why not do Disney when your kids are young enough to experience the magic?? I think mission trips are amazing especially when kids are old enough to truly understand. And you even stated in your article that you went to Disney as a child. While everyone who commented on the article posting on Facebook totally disagreed with you most people here seem to agree which makes sense if they follow you regularly.
Erin
If you sees judgement and self-righteousness here, you are reading into things, Sadi. I worked very hard to write contrary to that. I want to make people think. I went to Disney when I was an older child–closer to 12 or 13. I want my kids to experience mission trips from a very young age, so it’s normal for them.
LauraLou
I really just think it’s what fits each family. I would rather be doing things like Erin. IMO, I would rather my kids grow up seeing my husband and I do service for others and viewing that as a regular part of life than waiting until they are able to understand that we took a one (or few) time mission trip to help people who have less than us, but with Disney World they went at young ages and were actually too young to see how amazing it was and I believe that took away from the experience as I enjoyed it thoroughly at 15. But that is simply how I feel and how I would like to have done for my family. Every parent has to make choices that are best for their own family. With blogging, we may be able to see a side of things through another parents choice for their family that we never would have thought of on our own.
Meghan
I’m sorry, but this is some parent bashing if I every saw it. Please don’t take on the holier than thou attitude. Just because parents make the decision to take their children to Disney World does not mean they are “succumbing your children to consumerism”. Parents don’t save and save for a trip to Disney World because they feel pressure from society to do so, they do it because it is just an all around great place for families and every age can have a great time. We just got back from a trip to Disney World and each member of our party had a wonderful time. We hope to be able to go to Disney every couple of years.
You sum up your article, well it’s okay if you do, it’s just not our choice. Wow thank you, I’m so glad you think it’s okay that I took my children to Disney World. Enough with the parent bashing. Any article that would make a parent feel guilty in the slightest about their choices is rubbish. I’ve never been to your site before, but I already find it distasteful because of this parent bashing. To me, you come across as the type that wants others to know what a great Christian you are, you have to write about all your service work. Even your name “Humbled Homemaker”. Do you know what humbled as a core value even means?
Krista
I agree. It has a very passive aggressive tone.
T.R.
“Please do not read this in judgement of those who do take their kids to Disney World.
Each family has to determine their own family culture and values and what is best for them. ”
As for bashing, it looks like you are doing your fair share in your own comment. If you love Disney, you have every right to go and enjoy it without guilt. Why get all twisted up because someone else doesn’t share your view?
Erin
Meghan, I did not bash in the least. I’m glad y’all had a great time. That was your choice, and this is ours. Nothing wrong with either one of them. No one can make anyone else feel guilty. That is an internal decision. Also, my blog isn’t the “humble” homemaker but the “humbled” homemaker. There is a big difference. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by.
beth
I don’t want people to say this is a rude post, but just saying you don’t have a problem with other people doing it doesn’t change the judgmental self righteous tone of your blog. Almost 8 years ago I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. As I was fighting my battle I realized while I had many wonderful memories with my kids, we had never done a big family vacation. After 6 surgeries, chemo, and radiation, we took our girls(17, 13, and 5) to Disneyworld. It was amazing, we bought a picture package so I was in all the pictures and transportation was provided. That first year I was tires and everything took me forever. We have a Disney fund and we have been back numerous times. My kids comment every time how much more I am capable of doing. This time my 10 year old looked at me and said, “I don’t remember you ever being sick”. Our Disney trips have an amazing value to my girls and not because they feel entitled, but because they mean something important to them. They talk about so many amazing memories with me and when we are planning a trip their favorite things are picking out the country in Epcot they are going to learn more about and planning off days around the pool. They have learned many things from these trips and I personally wouldn’t trade them for anything.
P.S. my daughter’s all do missions trips when they are old enough to understand and make that personal commitment
Erin
Beth, There really is no judgment on my part. I am so glad that you built those memories and overcame your cancer. I’m not bashing Disney at all. We will eventually go…just not right now. This is what we have chosen, and it is right for our family.
brandy
Wow! Rude much?! What in the world does cancer have to do with this article?? I hope your children do not grow up to be as hateful as you are!!
Marie
Brandy..it does matter if one of those kids reads this article. I personally know two kids who have gone to Disney as Make a wish and they do not feel entitled, keeping up with Jonses or any other way, but Blessed….and their parents both have taken them to Disney on there own…saving
Erin
Marie,
I think that is amazing and wonderful! I am not implying that kids who go to Disney are entitled or whatever. I think that is a totally different situation. This post came from some conversations that I had recently with other friends. This is just a choice we are making for now. I do not think Disney is bad in and of itself.
CC
I don’t think that you should have to defend yourself, Erin. People are taking things the wrong way. It’s sometimes hard to convey feelings (and tone) online.
Lia
Just say that you can’t afford it. There’s nothing wrong with admitting that. I think if you had money this post would read different. But there’s nothing wrong with not going to Disney or the beach vacation, or Hawaii. Some people can make their own fun closer to home. All I’m saying is If you lived in Florida & received free tickets to go, you would go. It doesn’t matter how you spend time with your kids, just make sure you do
Erin
Lia, I’m not sure where affording it comes into the picture. Going to Costa Rica will cost much more than going to Disney World, but it’s something I’m willing to sacrifice for.
Lindsey
I like this article, even though it’s not what our family is doing. We have three kids and we are planning a second Disney vacation for September. It’s not my ideal of the perfect family vacation, but it works well due to the ages of our kids (3,6.12) and how easy everything is at Disney. I’m also taking my 12 yr old daughter to New York in March with my dad (again, not my idea!)!But, I’m with you on taking the kids to Costa Rica! I went with a friend a couple of years ago and it was amazing! It’s such a beautiful country. I’ve always preferred seeing God’s beautiful creation over man made building and such. That’s what I hope to be able to do as they get older. I want them to see God’s handiwork. I just want everyone to be old enough so we can hike to the Rio Celeste. That was the highlight of my trip. Have fun and know that they really aren’t missing much anyway!
Erin
Thanks for your kind reply, Lindsey! I hope y’all have a blast on your trip!
Marcy
I think taking your kids to Disney would be great experience for them. Although it is costly, the memories (depending on the age of the children) is priceless. Just seeing the glow in their faces is reason enough to go. I do not feel you will enjoy it as your selfish thought process won’t allow you to have fun and you are obligated to take it away from your children.
It would probably be best if you let a relative take them so they can actually enjoy all Disney has to offer. The ads are not wrong, it is a magical place and a privilege as well.
I would also agree that taking them to other countries to learn and experience other cultures is very beneficial. Why not choose a country you and your husband have never been too and make it a family learning event?
I find it sad that you have to generate responses by posting your defiance to Disney as if you are seeking attention. Why not express your desire to take your family to Costa Rica, present all the wonderful possibilities and stop trying to trample on the eagerness of others that want to go to Disney?
Erin
Marcy, I’m not trampling Disney. Our kids love Disney, and we will eventually go when they are older. I don’t think Disney is inherently bad or anything like that. We have just chosen to focus elsewhere.
Marie
I used to think the exact same way. But then my sons love for Cars made me agree to take the kids anyway. And it chang d my mind completely. You can take yOur kids to Disney Land and still raise good kids with all the attributes listed above. Just like every other life experience its all in how you handle it as a family.
Erin
I agree that it’s how you handle it, Marie. Spot on!
Rebecca
I think it is ok not to have Disney on the list EVER. It’s family preference. We prefer camping, hiking, and getting away from the crowds. Crowds make me anxious. My husband agrees. I would rather spend our limited vacation time recharging in nature than waiting in line. There is nothing wrong with Disney. It is just not for us. With the cost of a Disney vacation for 5 people we could explore every national park and state park within 10 hours of us. Like I said, it is just preference. Not right or wrong.
Erin
I really like your viewpoint, Rebecca! My hubs and I aren’t much for crowds either! Nature is so relaxing! There is no universal right or wrong with this.
Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life
I agree with this completely, Rebecca! My family loves to go camping and exploring together. And I think that the pace of Disney would just end up stressing us out. Traveling to parks and such suits our family better as well. And you’re right- it’s not just about the money, it is also about the fact that vacation time off is limited too.
Verna
Agree. With a family of 6, Disney would be too expensive for us. I admit that there are times I envy families who can afford taking their kids to Disney. But we have chosen to enjoy road trips and exploring national parks and museums. Thank you for sharing!
Alexis
Disney would be great, our little boy would love it. It’s not for us this year. or likely next and the one after. There are family members he has never met and I can’t choose plastic and flashing lights, no matter how fun….. when there is a teacher in Je Ju that would love to hoist him up and show him something he’ll see nowhere else? or his cousins in Sydney? too much world, to many lovely people for me to choose Disney just now….. one day. Just not soon.
Erin
We feel the same.
Jenni
I understand that for some families a Disney trip might be the only vacation they take. For most, it’s one of many. We have been on mission trips, we’ve adopted from West Africa (taking our kids there during our trips) and we do road trips to see our country too. Disney did none of the things for them as you mentioned, it allowed them to be kids and live carefree for a week. Some of my kid have disabilities and have overcome huge obstacles so that week was a well needed respite. Instead of putting Disney World against missions, why not show all the good that serving others does on its own merit? I appreciate your point of view even though it’s not why we have decided for our family.
Erin
Thanks so much for the respectful comment, Jenni! The reason I highlighted Disney is because I have felt burdened by the mentality in our country that Disney is the be-all, end-all. There is nothing inherently wrong with it. Originally, I wasn’t going to mention our mission trip, but now that it’s becoming a reality, I decide to add it in because international travel is really a big reason why we want to delay DW as well!
Mary Ann
I live in Sarasota, Florida and we drive over to the four Dismey parks frequently because it’s not a major expense for us like it would be for most of your readers. We have a pass and we carry a backpack of water and granola bars. The main park we visit is Epcot. My daughter has a “passport” for all the countries and we learn everything we can about one, and just hang out there and be French or Japanese or whatever for the day. And you can see princesses there–bonus! It is a treat, but I agree with you not elevating it to some godlike status.
Erin
Living locally would make it much more realistic! I hope when we do eventually go to really enjoy Epcot. I think that would be my favorite–even though I hated it as a kid! LOL
T.R.
First, you are a VERY brave woman for having written this. I admire you for that. Because ever since I had my son (who is seven), I have seen how people have very strong, emotional responses to Disney. Those that love it passionately have a very difficult time understanding those folks who don’t share their enthusiasm and loyalty. They think there’s something inherently wrong with a parent that doesn’t want their child to have that experience (and often), which I find rather sad. Is Disney really the only magical place in the world where a kid can have a wonderful time?
We like Disney okay but my son could care less. He saw “Frozen” and said, “It was okay. When can we go see the Lego movie again?” Legos are his true passion, so we went to Legoland amusement park in Florida as part of our vacation this past year (a week at a beach an hour away). He is also very keen on filling his National Parks Passport with more stamps. Does this make us better than anyone else? Definitely not! We just have different interests and priorities.
Will we get to Disney some day? Yes, probably. I went once as a kid (pre-Epcot, gasp!) and liked it fine. I don’t think it’s “evil” or a bad influence. But choosing to go elsewhere for reasons that are appropriate to your family is not wrong. I’m sorry you are getting judged so harshly and I didn’t feel any judgement in what you said. Thank you for being brave enough to share your point of view.
Erin
Thank you, TR! I had no idea that there were such DW enthusiasts out there!
jeremy
I think your reasons are altruistic, but I’d like to challenge you to reconsider your alternative. This article is very thought provoking for this:
http://aswwu.com/collegian/voluntourism-more-harm-than-good/
Erin
Jeremy, thank you for the article. We have served on the mission field and been through years of training. I do agree that if not done correctly volunteerism can do harm.
Keline
All these people taking about money…isn’t it more expensive to go to Costa Rica?Especially if your kids don’t have passports? If they don’t, that’s an entitlement issue in itself. I can scrounge $ for Disney since there are so many deals, but go to another country? Your reasons are good, but it still sounded kind of judgmental. Good for you, but my family could never afford trips anywhere more than two hours away so I want my kids to experience Disney at least once. Also, if you instill good values in your kids it won’t matter where you take them or what you buy them as long as they know not to expect things just because.
Erin
There truly is no judgement on my part, Keline. Our kids will go eventually when they are older. It’s just not our priority right now. I do totally agree with what you said about instilling values no matter where you are or what you are doing. That is an excellent point to remember.
Theresa
Very nicely written. Neither my husband nor I had been to Disney as children, so we took our sons about 5 years ago. It was fun. That being said, I doubt we will ever return. Like you said, the whole world is out there. We rarely revisit a vacation destination. I know people who make the trip every year or a few times annually, due to owning a time share, relatives in the area, because it is close by for them, or because they just plain love it there. If that’s what makes them happy, good for them; it’s not my job to question their path. My family can only follow our own path and that path to fulfillment happens to be visiting a different location for each major family vacation, so we get the opportunity to explore together while enjoying a break from routine. We do take repeat day/weekend trips to local attractions, but for the formal vacation, having experiences from around the globe has fed our souls so much more deeply than a return trip to Disney. As long as people are listening to their own hearts and not their neighbors’ voices about where the best trip will be, all is well.
Erin
Love this: “As long as people are listening to their own hearts and not their neighbors’ voices about where the best trip will be, all is well.” Totally agree!
Marie
We have been to Disney several times…. And I agree it is a personal choice. Although the writer claims that she doesn’t have a negitive thought of those of us who do like Disney, the list of why not go seems pretty negitive. I do not feel Disney is something anyone should desire for the sake of saying they went. It is expensive, like most trips that include an amusement park. We live near Cedar point…expensive too and some make a vacation put of it. Points I want to make. My first trip to. Disney was in the 70’s . My single mom sold anything not nailed down to take my sister and me to Fl and Disney. We had terrible experiences as young children and my Mom wanted, needed to give us a dream…she did and I still cherish those moments. I have been back several times, including taking my Mom back, awesome . I do not feel entitled, my kids don’t feel entitled. We feel blessed. We get to enjoy an amusement park we like. We like amusement parks, we like riding, junk food, characters, and all of it. Disney trips are not not pinnacle but can be extremely meaningful days of great bonding, as any trip ..We don’t try keeping up with Jone’s.. Don’t wear all the finest, or drive the newest. As some do. Some people spend $$$$ on other types of travel or items that aren’t needed, and that is great, but I would be a bit upset if my kids read this article and made to feel bad for loving amusement parks, Disney in particular . They know of their parents hard work and how carefully we choose our vacation time…if we get vacation time. There is a great place and foundation, ” give kids the world,” located by Disney… Great place to give back..Maybe Disney seems magical to some because of its fairy tale surroundings and it gives some people a place to escape the realities of their own world, like the many kids who “make a wish” to go. There is a reason for that. It isnt consumerism, or entitlement, perhaps it is just plain Magical for people.
I want to add as a side note….we love giving back with our time and any resources…I think that is ultimately the goal we should all have. Please don’t think I am against that or feel that it isn’t the upmost importance. We have and continue to do that as well…. I have even heard myself and others be called, “entitled” for adopting internationally… Perhaps that is why I feel that it is a much over used word
Erin
Thanks for sharing your opinion, Marie!
AmyR
Thankfully my in-laws take each of their grandchildren to Disney when they are nine. Love the tradition, and I don’t have to go!
Erin
Haha–that is nice of them!
megdalena
Children don’t garner the “entitled” attitude from the things they do, but from the attitude of those around them. My family saved like crazy for a year to go to Disney, all of us! Collecting cans and saving change. My parents had an attitude of “if you want to go you have to save”, so no, I didn’t develop entitlement-itis, and neither did my brother or sister.
So, go whenever you want, just carry the right attitude about it so your children understand: ” this is a *special* thing, not a *just cuz you exist* thing”.
Also, I highly recommend that you take the kids when they are older. My family went when I was 15 and I honestly barely remember it. And take lots of pictures. And don’t “split up so everyone can see more”, I think that was another mistake we made because of the few memories I do have it’s mostly me and my dad. No clue where my mom and brother and sis were! Lol
Erin
Thanks for the tips, Megdalena! I love that your whole family worked hard and saved together!
Sarah
we are disney timeshare owners and go to Disney twice a year. I would go regardless if I had kids or not. However, my kids know how lucky we are and even aid in the money making process to go. They help me go through old toys and clothes and decide what we can sell to a second hand shop because they know Disney is expensive. They sit patiently in the shopping cart at the store as I scan things in my Shopkick app because they know mom is earning points for Disney gift cards. We don’t have to save a ton per say because the time share saves us a ton plus we usually all fly free with flight points. I know my kids will have wonderful memories of the family time together. We have used the disney time share to go to vero beach as well as disney world and will someday use it at Hilton head and aulani in Hawaii.
Erin
I mentioned timeshare holders in the post, and it sounds like you are doing an awesome job of helping your kids see the blessing of Disney!
Jan
Wow! This blog opened a big can of worms! Perhaps mentioning a specific ” non destination” was a mistake . Many people treasure their vacations with their families and even though you probably did not mean to judge, you did by singling out a big, popular vacation spot. I love Disney world myself and it was never in our family budget when our children were small. We lived close enough to Disneyland to take a day trip and my children loved those trips. We took many camping trips to national parks but we as a family spent travel monies to fly across the country to visit their grandparents as I felt family connections needed to be maintained. I enjoyed seeing my grandchild’s excitement at Disneyworld last year as well as my adult children. I also enjoyed collecting shells on a day trip to the beach. I think children have frozen moments in their life memories that will hold a special place in their childhood.
I think mission trips are wonderful but I don’t think small children get the full impact. I don’t think they have a social awareness at a young age and that they will not take the same things away from such a trip as older children.
I think that everyone can agree that age appropriate learning and leisure experiences are key to a successful vacation. Every vacation does not have to have an educational or religious purpose. These experiences will come no matter where you visit. It is all in the planning and the execution.
Time with the family is the most important whether it be to a park , a museum or the zoo.
Erin
Thanks so much for your comments, Jan! I chose Disney because it seems to be a big societal push to go there. It sounds like you’ve had a great experience!
Ashley
Geez people! It’s an article titled Why WE’RE not saving for Disney. It isn’t called Why YOU should NOT save for Disney. Hey, not everything is about you! Read it. Think about some point of view that you maybe hadn’t considered. Decide if its something you want to reconsider. She says SO many times that this is not about YOU.
I found this article Interesting. We are not believers but I still appreciate your point of view on travel and experiencing more of what the world has to offer. You gave me some things to think about. Thanks!
Erin
Thanks, Ashley! 🙂
Jeccika
Frist i would like to say is that it is great that you can take your kids to other countries. But why say that you are not taking them to Disney and why not just say where you are gone and why you are gone there. I don’t think that a family vacation should be about showing how bad the world is and how much other people are in need. It is good that you want to help and show your kids that helping is good. But i thank that there are times that it is ok to get away from it all to let them be carefree and Injoy life without seeing the bad. I want my kids to injoy the the world and see all that it has good and bad about it, but if i can i want to show them that a dream of one person can make so many happy . I have had to wach my oldest son fight for his life and to just site up sense he was born and if i have to take him and his brothers to a place that has a man in a mouse costume to see then smile i will. That is what i want them to remember when they grow up is the fun.
Erin
Jeccika, There is both bad and good in the world and we want our kids to experience other cultures and appreciate the home, etc. God has given us. I chose to highlight Disney because I am burdened about the societal push for all to go there.
Tiffany
I think many commenters are missing the point of the blog post. Erin hasn’t bashed anyone’s choice to go to Disney. She never states Disney is bad. She’s simply saying that right now, her family is choosing a different place for a family vacation. There are reasons for going to Disney. There are reasons for going elsewhere. Each family should decide what’s best for them and there shouldn’t be judgement in either case.
I believe Erin’s post is simply pointing out the unspoken assumption that every family has to go to Disney. We experience this ourselves with our friends who have gone. We’ve never been and at the moment, have no desire to go. But instead of “Where are you guys going for vacation?” we hear “What do you mean you’re not going to Disney?” It doesn’t matter if this has actually happened to you or if you personally believe everyone must go – it’s the pressure put onto families from society as a whole.
I lump it in with the “white picket fence” theory. Of course you don’t HAVE to live in a 3/2/2 with a backyard in a picturesque neighborhood, but somehow society has groomed us to think that’s how it should be. In the same case, society has groomed families to think they HAVE to go to Disney when they don’t have to.
The negative responses to this post prove my point. Erin doesn’t want to go, but suddenly a large portion (but not everyone) of those who have gone take offense to the fact they have and had a great time. Don’t take offense – share what a great time you had and encourage Erin to consider it for a future trip! No one should be taking offense to the fact that Erin doesn’t want to go to Disney. Doesn’t that sound so silly?
Our generation has grown up with Disney, so it’s not to be surprised that Disneyland/Disneyworld is one of the most popular choices for parents to take their kids – and even enjoy for themselves! But that doesn’t mean everyone has to go, or even has a desire to go. If you want to save up and go to Disney, then do it. If you want to save up and go to Costa Rica, then do it. And in either case, have a great time!
Erin
THANK YOU, Tiffany! You got my points exactly! I agree with the picket fence analogy too!! Happy New Year!!
LauraLou
Good response!!!
Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life
This is a great response!
Renee Vrtiska
Thank you for this article! I completely agree, except we don’t plan to ever take our kids to Disney. There are just too many other things to experience out there! If my children grow up to feel that they were deprived, they’re welcome to spend their own money later. In the meantime, we were able to seize the opportunity to live in Europe for 5 months when my husband’s company offered the chance. We couldn’t have afforded the expenses the company didn’t cover if we had taken our children (currently 2, 4 & 7) to Disney recently. Instead they have lived in a different culture, visited 5 foreign countries, and my son is bilingual. We will continue to spend our family time (and money) on experiencing God’s great big world, not on a corporation’s commercial interpretation of the ideal childhood. Disney didn’t invent childhood “magic”. God has provided this experience in all corners of the world!
Erin
Wow–Renee! What a neat upbringing for your kids!!
Jessica
I think every family has to do what is best for them. We are Florida residents and are very thankful for all the tourism that Disney and the theme parks bring to our state and our economy. My husband and I love Disney and go often. There are lots of ways to have a great Disney vacation without going into debt. I think its a great experience for chidren and adultsof all ages, I have really fond memories of going with my parents as a child and plan on many trips with my children in the future. Children are only small once and Disney is something I look foward to sharing with my little ones. I am a Christian and I feel that there is plenty of room for Disney, missions trips, and lots of other ways to always love and serve Jesus. Everyone has to decide what experiences they feel is important to share with their children.
Erin
I agree that everyone has to decide for themselves. Thanks, Jessica!
Ammie
I think this is wonderful and an eye-opener. Thank you for sharing this. I think this world needs to let go of all the commercialized things in the world or just a little bit. Lol Thanks again!
Erin
Thanks, Ammie!
kim magee
Well i hope your choices are right for your family, since losing my Mum, Im very determined to create as many wonderful childhood memories as i can with our girls, at age 4 our twins girls had no idea about Disneyland from Australia, but we threw in Disneyland as a stop on our world ticket, that inspiredme to want more Disney with them, and this Dec we did a WDW xmas, a Disney Cruise, Scotland and Disneyland coming up on the way home, we have got to watch them laugh, play, and dance with characters they still believe in, they have been to a few places around the world, and we probably wont do Disney again until their teens, But im glad we did Disney as they are too young to apprieciate the beauty of scotland, thailands culture etc
Erin
I’m so sorry for your loss, Kim.
Elizabeth Barry
I think my boys were about 10 and 12 when we went the first time. The second trip was about 3 years later. They were big enough to ride some of the more adventuresome rides and we all had a great time. We got a good deal staying on site with a meal plan. There is no rush to go to Disney. Actually, I’m a fanatic who would love to retire there 🙂 As for children feeling “entitled,” I don’t think it is a function of how MUCH children are given, I think it is a function of HOW things are given. My children are very grateful for anything I give them, and always say “Thank you.” My 19 y.o. just thanked me for paying his tuition lol.
Erin
I do love that point about HOW things are given. Thanks, Elizabeth!
Alex
Kids can feel just as entitled by international travel as they can by going to Disney. So there goes that. Also your disclaimer at the end of each section saying ‘no judgment to families who do go, im sure your wonderful’ is essentially line starting a sentence with ‘I’m not judgemental but….’ or starting a sentence with ‘I’m not resist/sexist/any ist but…’.
Your “no judgment whatsoever” is pretty transparent. Any kid can feel entitled from any trip or anything you give them. It doesn’t matter where you go or what you do. It matters how you act that gives your kids entitlement issues.
Erin
I agree that kids can feel entitled by international travel as well and it’s all how you go about it. I don’t think you read my article. I think you read into things that weren’t there. I said repeatedly that we want to take them to Disney one day.
Disney
You have every right to bring your children wherever you chose to. However, I completely disagree with this. If I had children I would much rather bring them to a place for vacation that magic is. Somewhere they can have fun, see their favorite characters in real life and enjoy it the most while they are young. Sure, Costa Rica might be entertaining in it’s own way, but it’s not Disney. Children would have more fun with the characters and rides than seeing how other children in other countries live. That’s nothing in comparison to what Disney offers. Plus going out of the country isn’t that much cheaper. Epcot has the World Showcase where you can show your children different countries without leaving the country. Animal Kingdom is also filled with things from other continents. Hollywood Studios brings you to a movie studio. And Magic Kingdom brings fantasy alive. You come off as a real snob in this article. You make it sound like you are so much better than the people who bring their children to a place of happiness and a place where they love because you go to some other country for missionary work. It doesn’t make you any better than anyone else. You don’t need to go to another country to teach your children another language either. Just teach them as they grow up, my sister taught her daughter some Spanish as she grew up, didn’t bring her to another country. However, to be fair she hasn’t brought her to Disney either so I mean she’s done neither. But you can go to Disney and spend as much money as you want and your children will have an amazing time and there is literally nothing wrong with that. You shouldn’t belittle others for loving Disney. And honestly, it’s pretty ridiculous that you don’t have a TV because you don’t want your kids seeing commercials. That’s ludicrous. There’s nothing wrong with advertisements. Your children’s friends are going to be talking to them about things and they won’t have a clue what they’re talking about because they can’t watch any current shows or see any advertisements because you’re keeping them in a bubble from it. But that’s your life and your decisions on how to raise them. No one is going to tell you how to raise your children, so don’t try to make others feel bad because they are doing what others are and love and you are keeping a sheltered and snobbish lifestyle.
Erin
Hi Disney,
Love your name. 😉 I find it interesting that you accused me of belittling in this post, when in your comment you:
1. Called me snobby.
2. Said: “There’s nothing in comparison to what Disney offers.” (belittling others’ vacation choices)
3. said it was ridiculous and ludicrous that my children don’t watch regular TV
4. said I am giving my children a sheltered and snobbish lifestyle
Who is the one belittling? I did not belittle anyone for their choices. It is their choice. I also never said that we don’t watch TV. We use Netflix and Hulu. I do not think Disney is bad in and of itself. It’s just the perceptions behind it that I was discussing. I have had many conversations lately about Disney with friends and the pressure that can be felt. The world offers so much more than Disney ever could…like actually seeing elephants roaming the plains of Africa or watching a volcano erupt. Yes, Disney is fun, and yes it is magical. And our kids will have a blast when we eventually do go. But I would rather introduce to the world first hand, even if it does cost us more than a trip to Disney. I don’t think that makes anyone better at all. Just our choice.
Alex
Just write about where you are saving to go, that’s wonderful! Who cares if you don’t want to go to Disney now, that’s fine. You shouldn’t make assumptions about people who do go, that’s all
MP
I agree! Well said.
Erin
Alex, I am not making any assumptions about people who go to Disney. None whatsoever. Many of friends have gone, and we will go eventually…just not where we are focusing right now.
Keelie Reason
Man, I read so many comments and I wonder if I read the same article. Why so much hate? You just expressed your opinion. You didn’t tell the readers that they shouldn’t go to Disney. Besides, it is a vacation spot. Would everyone have gotten up in arms if you told them not to go to Gatlinburg or the beach or something?
I’m really glad you guys are planning a family missions trip. I applaud your convictions to take your kids overseas while they are young and impressionable. that is something I would love to do for my family one day. Seeing how the rest of the world lives is such an eye opening experience. I think that it will really help you reinforce what you are trying to teach your children.
Keep up the great work with your blog. I’ve read a lot of the articles you write. I’m very blessed by them.
Erin
Thanks, Keelie. Evidently there are a lot of people out there who REALLY love Disney! I knew it was a big thing but I didn’t know it was THIS bad! I thought this post might ruffle a FEW feathers–not the whole hen house! I was just hoping it would make people think before spending their entire savings on a vacation that someone else says they have to take (society)!
Thanks again!
ashley
I read through the comments after reading the blog post and was shocked. I never realized how many people would become offended by this opinion. If you make a decision that is best for your family and are confident that you have – then you shouldn’t feel bad about it or let anyone make you feel bad about it. If you know going to DW or not or maybe going later is best for your family, then make the proper choice. Be open to seeing it from the other person’s perspective to, at the very least, understand why they have made a particular choice. Going abroad seems to fit better with Erin’s family values at this point in their lives…maybe that is not the case for you. Simple as that.
On another note: I would like to hear how people brought Jesus into Disney World. I love testimonies & agree that we should be reaching out to others no matter where we are.
Brenda
I agree. I would also love to hear how families are using time at Disney to not only connect with each other, but to also connect with strangers in a way that furthers the kingdom. I’m sure many are doing it and I’d love to hear how. Great suggestion.
Erin
Thank you, Ashley. That would be nice to hear.
Momof3
I am going to disagree strongly with this article. We are at Disney frequently, and my children are not entitled brats. Disney World does not make children entitled brats, that happens long before entrance to the happiest place on earth.
As I write this, I am thinking of last week, on the 27th when I attended the Candle Lighting with my husband and children at EPCOT. Listening to Blair Underwood read the Christmas Story from Matthew, accompanied by a full orchestra and 300 voice choir was powerful.
Disney has given our little family a time for connecting, breathing, and taking a break from our lives–Judging this as being peer pressure, or anything else is misleading and unfortunate to other families who may struggle, like us, to make these connections in every day life. (My husband travels for a living, and I work for a living, but I’m sure you will have something to say about that as well.)
Go to Disney, don’t go to Disney, but your claims cannot be further from the truth!
Erin
It sounds like y’all have had a wonderful time and built many amazing memories. I think that is great. This is how our family is choosing to focus right now. I see nothing wrong with Disney, except in the societal pressures that are often placed on it.
Cheryl
I’m sorry you are getting such rude comments. Obviously they are a) not reading it in it’s entirety or b) do not like anyone to voice anything perceived to be against Disney. I do not detect a bit of hostility or self-righteousness in your post and have in fact gone out of your way to repeat that each family has different goals and priorities during different seasons of life.
I have never been to Disney and my husband only once when he was very young. We honestly have zero desire to go to Disney and for us we would rather go to the beach for a week and be able to relax and spend time together before my husband begins his busy fall travel season. We are hoping as they get older and because we homeschool, that we will begin to join my husband on some of his business trips around the country, like to New York City, Chicago & San Antonio.
Love your blog so keep on posting! Happy New Year Erin!!!
Erin
Thank you for your commenting perspective!
Melissa
I liked this post very much. The nicest part of it for me, was when I saw Volcán Arenal’s picture!! I am from Costa Rica and I was like, wow that looks a lot like here so I stopped reading and scrolled down.
I hope you can come back to Costa Rica very soon and now with your kids to have a great time! Blessings! 🙂
Erin
LOVE Costa Rica! Thanks, Melissa!!
Tanya @ Kentucky Sketches
Loved this! Disney has never even been on my radar for a trip with the kids and I’ve gotten some strange looks when I’ve said so. I went years ago and while I enjoyed it, I also look back at it as little more than a blur of sensory overload! I’ve never much cared to go back. Besides, while I’m happy for anybody who wants to go and has the opportunity to do so, our family could probably do TWO vacations elsewhere for the price of one Disney trip. And there are a hundred other places we’d rather go. My kids are strange enough that their dream vacation, (besides London, England, which I don’t see happening any time in the foreseeable future,) is a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia!
Anyway, enjoyed your post. Costa Rica will no doubt impact your children in lasting ways Disney never could. 🙂
Erin
Thank you, Tanya! Love your vacation plans!
Brenda
There is a part of me that is shocked at how defensive a few people were about this blog post and another part of me that knows I would have felt just as defensive a few years ago. Today, this is really simple to me. If you can afford to go to Disney and want to go to Disney and God hasn’t convicted you that you should use the money for something else, Go To Disney. If you can’t afford it or even if you can afford it, but feel like God is telling you that the money could be used more effectively another way, then Don’t Go to Disney. Either way, be confident in your decision and don’t worry about anyone else’s choices. That’s what Erin did in this blog. She shared why her family is choosing to forego the Disney experience right now and she got people thinking and chatting about it. I think the most important thing for all of us to remember is that whether it is Disney, Costa Rica, the beach, or just to a movie or dinner, all of those things are luxuries that many, many people in this world will never experience. If we are on a computer, tablet, or phone reading this blog it is safe to say that we are blessed beyond measure when it comes to material things compared to many. Thanks for what you do with this blog Erin. Both your post and the comments were a great read!
Erin
Thank you Brenda!!
LauraLou
My in laws are part of the Disney Vacation Club and because of that my 4yo and 5yo have been to Disney World and on a Disney Cruise and another trip is being planned, probably for this summer. We have friends with kids around the same ages as ours who asked excitedly how the kids did it, how we liked it, specific details about what we did, how much is was…they all say they were thinking of going soon.
I tell them not to. I tell them we only go because that’s how we spend time with my in laws and because sometimes we want a vacation but we’re broke but we are able to use our in laws points and go to Disney for about the same price as 3 trips to Lego Land and our kids are too short for the playground at Lego land.
They’re always taken back by my answer. That’s probably because I’m a fanny pack short of being a Disney fanatic. They say we’re lucky we have in laws/parents/grandparents with Disney Vacation Club. We are!! But I explain further that my in laws bought it to be passed down in the family and honestly that’s probably all they have to pass down. We live 2 hours away but rarely spend time with them. Their house is not a safe place for the kids. At the time that we took the kids to Disney, we lived in the same town as my in laws and my kids were certain they lived in Disney World since that trip was the most they had been around them. I explain that there have been times throughout the years when my in laws have seriously struggled with money and it was hard to pay their dues for Disney. I explain how my husband and I fought on the Disney Cruise, despite its magic, but got along wonderfully camping at the state park. I encourage them not spend all their money on it because my 4 year old remembers almost nothing and hated the drive and my 5 year old only remembers the highlights. I, on the other hand, had parents who said “someday” and when we finally went it was my Sophomore year of high school. I thought I was too old and dreaded the baby rides. My parents had never been either. I will never forget how my moody 15yo self and my put together 39yo mom turned into giggling 5yo best friends the first time we saw Cinderella’s castle in person. That is one of the best moments in my life, and it has a lot more to do with my mom than disney world.
And even though I didn’t go until I was 15, I chose it for my senior trip and our honeymoon and I’m a fanny pack short of being a Disney fanatic.
I think you’re making a wise decision. I think someday your kids will thank you.
Erin
Thank you LauraLou. I love your perspective.
Kristina
This is an interesting article. I disagree with most of your points (for our family, at least), but I do enjoy hearing about how other parents do something differently. After all, it’s possible someone might even have a better idea than mine 🙂
I feel like childhood is such a brief time, and growing shorter with each generation. I feel time and society infringing on that innocent period more and more as my girls grow older, and I resent it. While I’m all for teaching them to serve and understand they aren’t the center of the universe, it makes me sad to see kids whose parents (friends of mine) have focused so much on things like Toys For Tots and service projects that their kids are unable to see the magic of the Christmas season anymore–only kids who don’t “get as much as me”. (I know the post isn’t about Christmas but as we’re just past the holidays it’s on my mind and kind of fits with what you were saying.) It seems like reactionary thinking that has backfired. I don’t mean that we should be teaching our kids “Santa will bring you whatever you want because you’re a kid and you deserve it”–that’s exactly the kind of entitlement you’re talking about avoiding, and I agree. But there’s time enough to introduce kids to the harshness of this world. My point in all of this is, while I think it’s wonderful that you want your kids to see the world and the people in need that live in it, I hope you’ll also balance that with protecting their innocence and the magic of childhood as well, for as long as possible. Because Disney is one of those places that caters to kids of all ages, it was important to me to take my kids at an age where they can still appreciate the magic as a child. I absolutely want to spend time introducing them to other parts of the world, too–along with the idea that people in other parts don’t live the way we’re fortunate enough to. But there’s time for that when they have the maturity to fully comprehend it. Anyway, thanks for posting this. I agree with a previous comment–you’re brave to do so, and yes there are a lot of Disney enthusiasts (myself included) that get very emotional about this subject!
Erin
Thank you for commenting Kristina and sharing your perspective in such an amiable manner. I really don’t have anything against Disney in and of itself.
Melissa
Great ! A few less people in line !
I’ve been to the same Disney you are discussing in this post, but a different experience. Disney doesn’t have to be like what you made it out to be in this article. It’s that way for you because if your poor attitude. I don’t feel pressured to go. Having gone both as a child and an adult, I don’t feel entitled to a disney trip and neither do my children. I have traveled to Europe with my children and spent less on disney trips.
I think you should change your attitude and try disney again. It doesn’t have to be what you made it out to be.
Erin
Melissa,
I never said Disney is bad or there is anything wrong with it. I really don’t have a poor attitude toward Disney, and I don’t think Disney in and of itself makes people feel entitled…I think the parents do that. Our girls love Disney princesses, etc. This post just stemmed from some conversations I have had recently with friends about societal pressures, etc.
Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life
I know several people who have gone to Disney world, including close family member, and they loved it. They’ve encouraged us to go. But we just don’t think it’s for us. At this point, our kids don’t really even know who a majority of the characters are, and we would rather spend our limited time off and limited resources to do other things together– traveling, exploring the outdoors, and so on. No slam against those who choose to go to Disney, we just aren’t likely to be there. 🙂
Erin
Thanks, Lisa.
Lesley
I think that where you choose to take your family on vacation is a family choice. We take our kids to Disney World every year, and we love it! Our oldest was 2 the first time we took her and our youngest was 7 weeks. It truly is a magical place and every single visit is a new adventure for all of us. I don’t care that my girls don’t remember those first few trips, I do and my husband does, the looks on their little faces as they experience Disney magic at every age is priceless. I just booked our next Disney trip this morning! We go on lots of other family trips as well (we’re headed to the Bahamas in February), yes my kids have traveled internationally, they LOVE getting passport stamps! Not every destination is for everyone, if a trip works for your family go, if it doesn’t choose something else.
Erin
Thanks for your perspective Lesley.
Rosa Martinez-Button
I live in Florida so I’ve been there several times. I took my son and daughter, she passed away and my son is an adult with his own children so we all went with the granddaughters. I enjoyed our time there and none of the children felt entitled, I guess living here helps. We haven’t gone back because I think once is enough and there are many other things to do and places to go.
Erin
I really don’t think Disney in and of itself makes kids feel entitled. I think that has a lot to do with how the parents present it. I had wondered how often people living near DW or DL went.
Kari
Wow, I can’t even begin to understand why anyone would criticize someone who doesn’t care to go to DW. Why would anyone else care what another family chooses to do? I happen to agree with the post. We took our children to DW. It was OK, but it isn’t someplace we want to return to. It isn’t real! It is superficial, conspicuous consumption. Our favorite place is Hawaii, by far. It is glorious, beautiful REAL nature. Our next trip is to New Zealand. But we will not go back to Disney. It is simply not appealing to us. And so what? Why would anyone care? Our choices do not affect anyone else’s life.
Erin
Oh, I would love to go to New Zealand! .
Kate
Honestly I felt like you could have written the same article, but without mentioning Disney at all which feels unnecessary and sort of sensational.
I think it’s wonderful that you want to take the children to go to Costa Rica to do missionary work, but even the most mature and wonderful children have a hard time grasping that concept in the same way as adults. Personally I think it’s a lesson that would be much better learned as a tween or early teen. Disney, on the other hand, has let it be widely known that the optimum age for their park is about 8.
I definitely don’t think anyone should go to Disney if they are struggling with mountains of consumer debt or because they’re afraid the kids will be traumatized if childhood passes them by without going. However, at the same time, I really don’t see what the harm is. I really think it would be hard for people who parent the way you guys obviously do to raise entitled children and I certainly don’t think your efforts will be derailed by a trip to Disney when the kids are young and in a better position to enjoy it, particularly if that’s what they’re interested in now. It reminds me of when I see parents struggling with kids at a local historical site I enjoy. The kids are so clearly not interested, but mention the amusement park down the street and they really want to go. In a few years, when the history lessons finally sink in, the historic district is a much more desirable location to them because they can relate to it better.
We’ve yet to go to Disney and I don’t think our daughter feels entitled to a trip. Despite watching plenty of PBS kids and the Disney channel, she’s yet to ask for one. We plan to go this year because we feel this is the age to do it. I just can’t see her (or anyone for that matter) getting that excited to go on a missionary trip at that age. When she’s older, absolutely, but not now.
Erin
Kate,
The mention of Disney really stemmed from some recent conversations I have had with friends. We discussed some of the societal pressures and the push to put Disney on pedestal. We like Disney in our home and have no problem with it, except when it becomes the end all be all (which is not for many people). I’m sure your daughter does feel entitle at all. I was not implying that. It sounds like you are doing a great job teaching her to serve others. I just don’t think it’s ever too early to introduce my children to different cultures. Kids understand much more than we often give them credit for. They are quite excited about going to Costa Rica. I truly hope your trip to Disney and make many wonderful memories. 🙂
Lori S
We are planning a trip to Disney in 2016. We will not be going into debt over this trip. We plan on saving up money before we go. If we don’t have the money in hand to go, we aren’t going! My husband wants to take our kids because he went several times as a child! We are going on a trip this year to Colorado to see family and vacation there! I think everyone has to choose what vacation is right for them and we should never strive to keep up with the Jones!
Claire
Well said, Lori! There are valid reasons for many different approaches to vacation decisions, and I for one enjoy hearing about different perspectives (especially when they are presented charitably as yours was).
Erin
That sounds awesome Lori. Thank you for commenting and sharing your perspective. I hope y’all enjoy your trip.
Jennifer Lambert
Excellent Points! I absolutely agree with you. I do not understand the Disney mentality. It’s like a cult or something and people will argue you into the ground if you don’t agree that it’s the most magical or happiest place on earth.
Me?
The most magical places on earth involve art and history and worshiping God through His creation and the wonders man has created to honor Him.
The happiest place? Living with my family of 6 where the Air Force sends us, which right now, is in Germany. We are so blessed and I PRAYED to get out of the American rat race and slow life down and focus on more important things than $5k vacations to amusement parks.
We have different priorities than some families.
Does it make me better? No. Does it make them less? No.
I couldn’t possibly understand “making memories” while standing in lines and fighting the crowds at an amusement park. I’d much rather watch Paris walk by a cafe while I practice my college French or show my kids Kandinsky art. I look forward to exploring historical sites in the UK and Europe. That is making memories and will reinforce my kids’ homeschool education and shape their biblical worldviews.
Disney is just fantasy. Very very expensive fantasy.
http://royallittlelambs.com/learning-to-be-content/
Erin
Thanks, Jennifer. Love following your IG feed and seeing all the amazing places you are experiencing with your family. I feel the same!
Claire
Regarding the magic of childhood: I was not in a hurry for my son to learn that there are children in the world who go to bed hungry. But by the time a child reaches school age, they have probably begun to hear about that reality. At that point, it can be appropriate to introduce a new kind of magic: the joy of giving (which is especially appropriate at this time of year).
Erin, again I am sorry that you are being assigned (by Christian commenters) of ulterior motives and being judged as being judgmental. It’s ironic.
Erin
Thanks, Claire!
Taffy
The Arenal region of Costa Rica is absolutely magical ! We want to teach our children the same thing but we have been to Disney. For our family each vacation no matter the destination is not about ” stuff “…. We are not a stuff family but a memories family.
Erin
Love that about it not being about stuff but about memories!
Lillian
We have 4 children with an age span of 10 years and no, we did not take them to Disney World. My husband and I are not amusement park type people so it isn’t our kind of place. Instead, we took them to multiple places in the United States. We were not able to take a vacation every year, either. They all have fond memories of our vacations and trips we took. The last big one we took with all four of them was to Washinton, DC for 10 days. We live in central US so the drive was 3 days out and back in January. Just part of the adventures we took them on. When our boys were still in preteen and teens, we got involved in a ministry that worked in the south Texas and just across the border in Mexico. They learned about cultural differences through that. My older girls did mission trips in college with my oldest being on the mission field for two years out of college. With that all being said, I encourage those with young children to be sure to give your children a wide variety of experiences. Those experiences will be groundwork for them as adults. I am not against going to Disney World, but I have a hard time seeing it benefiting children by going every year.
Erin
I have a hard time seeing it being beneficial to go every year as well. I love where all you’ve taken your kids!
Sarah
My husband and I LOVE Disney World and are huge fans. However, I am very sorry to see such bashing of your post. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. We have made great memories at DisneyWorld and Disney Land, but the world is big. If your kids can experience other cultures, awesome! Having traveled across the US and been to South Africa, nothing compares to different countries, rich culture and dynamic experiences. With that said, not everyone is afforded that opportunity and Disney allows families to come together to experience memories that they may not ever be able to experience given their life circumstance or financial situation. Lets stop bashing each other in the comments and realize we all come from different places, circumstances and situations that afford us different opportunities and priorities. I think what is right for you, might not be right for me, ect. This post was not intended to attack the Disney fans, but to say this isn’t right for their family at this time. Let’s lift each other up instead of tearing each other down.
Erin
Thanks so much for understanding where I am coming from, Sarah!
Claire
Some of these comments blow me away. “Ease your guilt” about not taking your kids to Disney? “Making excuses” about not taking your kids to Disney? Please! Disney is a great place to make meaningful memories, but there are lots of other options to make memories too. Disney is not a birthright, and it is not essential to a happy childhood! And these same people are the ones accusing Erin of being judgmental. Unbelievable.
Erin
Thank you, Claire! “Disney is not a birthright, and it is not essential to a happy childhood!” <---That is one reason I wrote this post...I want to dispel that thinking! I hope some people got that!
christine k
I will never take my kids to Disney, and feel zero pressure to do so. My husband and son hate rides, and I hate heat, and nothing annoys the hubby like crowds of people, so it pretty much ends there lol. If my parents want to take the kids, they can go…but I don’t see that happening. We use vacations to escape civilization!
We have friends who go every few years and think nothing about sticking it on their credit cards, but that’s their choice, and really, most people stick everything on cards it seems, but I enjoy living debt-free.
Know what I’m saving for? Scotland! 🙂
I love those Disney princesses though…especially now that Princess Leia is one of them!
Erin
Oh I didn’t realize Princess Leia was now a Disney princess! Hubs is a big Star Wars fan. He will love that for our girls! Scotland–what a great place to save for! I went to Scotland on my first international missions trip! I agree about escaping civilization! LOL Glad you feel zero pressure. My hopes are that some people will read this post and realize they can say no to the pressure as well!!
Lori
Totally agree! We are currently on a one-year cross-country RV trip with our family of 7, and have been staying in San Diego – home to Disney, Legoland, Seaworld and more. But we have been spending our time pier fishing, swimming, visiting free historic sites and state/national parks nearby. We have seen seals and sea lions on the beach, caught stingrays, walked through historic districts and had the most fun of our lives – all without setting foot in a theme park! There are so many more rewarding ways to spend time and money on the family – at least for us!
Erin
Oh it sounds like you guys are having an amazing time!!!
Lauri
I love your post! We are missionaries in Costa Rica! We have a church, children’s home and feeding ministry to the hungry indians. If there is anyway we can be blessing to you or help you plan in any way please let us know.
Erin
Awesome, Lauri! I would love to connect! Can you email me at thehumbledhomemaker at gmail dot com? Thanks!
Solveig
I admire your choice, but I really don’t understand why Disney World looms so large that you feel compelled to go to such pains to justify your choices. Believe it or not, there are people out here who care so little about Disney World that it isn’t even on the radar. My three girls are a bit past this stage now, but when they were little, they knew very little about Disney princesses. They were too busy running around outside, taking care of all our real live dogs, cats, chickens and goats, building things, creating art and music and reading. The real world is much more colorful, interesting and multidimensional than amusement rides and plastic princesses. And really, you don’t have to go outside of your own backyard to learn this.
Erin
Thank you, Solveig. But I didn’t write this to justify my choices–at all. I wrote it to make people think before using up their entire savings to take a trip to Disney because they feel a societal push to do so. This post was born out of conversations with other parents who feel they are being bad parents if they don’t save up for a trip to Disney, and that is sad. I agree with you that we don’t have to leave our backyards to learn about the real world, but we want to instill a love for international cultures in our children in a very real-life way–hence saving for them to see the world before Disney world. Thanks for commenting!
Lydia
Besides the fact that she wrote this article very sweetly and openly stated that she didn’t have anything against the family that IS going to Disney, I don’t get why any of you readers are getting so “touchy” about her being judgmental. Who gives a care? She is entitled to whatever she believes and how she wants to raise her kids and so are you. I read blogs all the time that I don’t agree with, who cares. I did happen to agree with this however and found it really awesome. I also want to take my children to experience other cultures. My husband and I are not saving to take our kids to Disney right now because we are saving every penny for a 6 month trip to Brazil, that after we get visa’s worked out will eventually lead to our full time move there. If went to Disney. awesome. but don’t upset because this woman shared the reasons why she isn’t.
Erin
Thank you, Lydia! Happy New Year! 🙂
TK Sparrow
Great article! Sound advice or a better way to look at things.
Erin
Thanks!
Jennifer Fugate
We’re going to do this http://discovercorps.com/our-trips/family-friendly-trips/
Erin
AMAZING!!! Thanks for sharing, Jennifer!
Lisa
This article isn’t really about Disney World at all, but about a mother patting herself on the back for supposedly rising above all the “consumerism” in the world. Personally, I love going to Disney World and so do my children and grand children. We have made so many awesome family memories there and I do not regret nor feel guilty for the money spent on Disney vacations. Well worth it. 🙂
Erin
It’s not about me patting myself on the back, Lisa. It’s about making people think before just spending their savings on a trip to somewhere society says they need to go. If it’s been their lifelong dream to go to Disney, fine. But if not, no one should feel like they are a bad parent just because they choose something other than Disney. I said multiple times in the article that we want to take our kids there one day. 🙂
Lisa
Actually, you are patting yourself on the back. Read your article again and “listen” to the tone. Why would you single out Disney World anyway as a place you are not going to save up to take your children? If you just wanted to tell your readers how you want to raise your kids in this world you could’ve had the same article leaving out Disney World. That is why I said you are patting yourself on the back….”We don’t want our children to feel entitled,” We don’t want them to succumb to consumerism,” “We don’t want them to feel the need to keep up with the Jones,” etc. What does Disney World have to do with this? I don’t know anyone who goes to Disney because “society” says they should. And I know plenty of parents who haven’t taken their children to Disney and they don’t feel and are not looked at as bad parents. Like I said, this article does not seem to be about Walt Disney World at all. Families can take vacations where they want, be it Disney World, Universal Studios or Cedar Point and parents are going to spend lots of money for all of these places. BUT the point of a family vacation is to spend time quality together, have fun and have experiences that may not be available in everyday life. Disney World checks all of those boxes for our family. In fact, my son and his wife, who have never felt entitled to a trip to Disney World, have purchased trips to Disney World for other families who might not otherwise be able to afford it. They love going to Disney world and have such wonderful memories of it, they want others to be able to have the same.
Erin
Lisa, how do you know my intentions? I think it is WONDERFUL that your son and his wife have bought Disney packages for others. I specifically wrote about Disney because I see all of these things in Disney: I see people feeling that children are “entitled” to a Disney World vacation. Even some of these comments prove that. I see that Disney feeds a high consumerism culture if we are not careful. I see that many go to Disney because they want to keep up with the family next-door. In short, the obsession with Disney is a perfect picture of our society’s focus on entertainment and personal comfort above all. The reactions to this post, indeed, prove my points. Does it mean that every family succumbs to this? No, absolutely not! But I wanted to write a post to make people think before they just spend their savings on Disney. I do not think Disney in itself is the problem. I do think that the pedestal people have placed it on is. I was going to write this before my family even knew we would have the opportunity to go to Costa Rica. But now knowing that we will have that opportunity, I thought it would be the perfect place to point out that there is so much more to seeing the world and experiencing the world than what can be found in Disney World. I hope, in turn, other families will re-think their reasonings for going to Disney and maybe opt for something else next time–something countercultural and perhaps something more meaningful–something that will change their children’s lives and worldviews, not just give them a magical experience.
Mary
I wonder if it’s regional? I’ve never been to Disney, never taken my kids to Disney and feel zero pressure to do so. My kids watch the Disney Channel regularly and have never mentioned going to Disney either. I know some families who’ve gone, but Mexico seems to be the destination of choice for families at our school.
I think that might be why your post comes across judgemental (even though it’s unintentional). It almost seems like Disney was picked as an easy target to make a point about swimming upstream. And your comment here seems to reinforce the message I think some readers are taking away from your original post. When you say that you hope people might choose a ‘perhaps more meaningful’ destination, that makes it apparent that you don’t think a Disney trip has potential to be all that meaningful. I can see where that would make the Disney crowd a bit defensive.
This comment isn’t intended as criticism, but food for thought.
Erin
Thanks so much for the thoughtful feedback, Mary! I had never thought of it being a regional thing, but it may very well be!! I had no idea people were so passionate about Disney!
Liz
I went to Disney many times as a kid and I remember it very fondly. My husband, however, has never been.
We both turned out pretty OK if I do say so myself. 😉
Although I loved (LOVED!) my trips to Disney, I wish I would’ve had the opportunity to visit other parts of the world as a kid now that I look back on it.
I don’t have kids but I can imagine being a parent is hard enough in this world without feeling the pressure to give them a $10,000 Disney vacation on top of it so I can really appreciate your desire to be intentional with your kids.
PS – If you have room in your suitcase after you pack for Costa Rica, please let me know. I’d love to be a stowaway! 🙂
Erin
Oh I’d love to take you, Liz! LOL!! Thanks for commenting!
Kelly
Growing up my parents couldn’t afford Disney World, but after my siblings and I grew up they could afford to and often. Disney as a older teen and adult was a lot of fun. They still continue the tradition of taking us, and now our kids too. Growing up, during vacations we often did something educational, like check out a museum or tour a historic house. With Disney we spend time at Epcot going through the more educational exhibits. We have talked to our kids about how not everyone gets to travel or go to Disney World, how it’s not something they should expect to just get.
We are much more concerned about teaching our children about travel and how there is a big wide world out there just waiting to be explored. My husband and I have traveled a lot in our years before kids and off and on after. While I LOVE Disney, I would much rather save up to take my kids to Europe
Erin
I am so glad to hear you enjoyed it as a teen and adult as well! Europe would be nice! It might take more years’ of savings, but it would be so neat!
Shelia Stovall
My children are 27 and 21 and I never took them to Disney. Instead I took them to London (twice) and Rome. My mother-in-law took my daughter to Disney so I had the chance to ask her which she enjoyed most. She answered, “Rome.” She doesn’t care if she ever visits Disney again, but would love another trip to Europe where she can tour real castles and perhaps get a glimpse of a real princess.
Erin
I love that, Sheila! What memorable experiences!
Katjo
Wow. Just wow.
First, let me say that I applaud you, Erin. You answered each comment with grace and kindness no matter that some were quite rude.
I visited DL several times as a child because we had family quite close. I enjoyed it. None of my three children (ages 12-25) have been there. Why? Because it’s not a necessity to a happy childhood. My kids love camping more. I hate the commercialism and consumerism. I also know that nowadays, they are in bed with a lot of companies that I try hard NOT to support e.g. Monsanto, Tyson, etc.
Some people will overlook these things when it pleases their flesh.
I vote with my dollar.
God bless you for your choices.
Erin
Thank you so much, Katjo. I think you get me perfectly.
lyss
No, I have never considered going to Disney World. Not saying it’s wrong to go there- I’m just not really into disney, or theme parks, or whatever Disney World/Land is. I can only think of one person I know who has been there. You mention the “societal push” of having to go there. I guess I’m just in a different circle of friends, as I’ve never felt pressured to go to Disney. None of my friends have taken their kids there, either. There are lots of ways/places to spend a vacation. There’s no need for any of us to feel like we have to go to a certain place just because “everyone”(whoever that includes!) is going there.
Not sure I understand all the rude comments, though. Sounds to me like this subject was on Erin’s mind and so she wrote a post on it. I’m not a blogger, but I think that’s what bloggers do. : )
Erin
Haha, Lyss–yes, that’s what bloggers do! I think it was mainly a lot of really big Disney fans who got offended! :/ But we are fans of Disney too, and we hope to take our girls–one day. Thanks for the comment!
CC
You have a very good point in your article. While each family is different and unique with circumstances, financial situation, and desires, I have seen the Disney thing as something to “check off our list” as a parenting accomplishment. This has been very apparent in my life. We have taken our kids twice, but both times the grandparents paid. I felt like we somehow “accomplished” something by taking them there. And I’m ashamed of how I feel. It’s a fun place and we have many great memories, but it’s not a requirement for parents, nor should parents feel badly for not being able to go. Many may not have the desire to go, and that is perfectly fine too!
I do have to say that the time spent together at DW and the laughter we shared together will be a memory that will never fade. 🙂
You were simply stating your opinion in your article and I can really see your point. It’s too bad that so many people felt you were judging them when you clearly stated you were not. We have freedom to state our own opinions.
Erin
Thanks so much for understanding, CC! And I know you will always treasure your memories! Don’t feel ashamed, though! It’s not why I wrote the post–more to make parents who are currently feeling guilty for NOT already having taken their kids to Disney to know it’s OK if they don’t!! Happy New Year!
Jody
Why I am not saving for DW– because we will never be able to afford it. My kids think it’s pretty cool to go to grandma’s.
I hope my children will survive such an un-magical childhood.
Erin
Jody, my favorite memories are of visiting my grandparents’ farm when I was a child. I think your children will turn out just fine!
Cassie @ 3Dinosaurs.com
I loved this post! we are not saving for Disney either. We have friends who tell my kids that they are missing out because of it. But my girls enjoyed their trip to the grandparents so much more!
I love exploring around our area and doing hiking trips and so do the girls.
Thank you for writing this.
Erin
Yay for grandparents, Cassie!! I don’t think we are missing out at all!
KC
I totally disagree! We have been to Disney 4 times in the last 5 years. My kids don’t feel entitled. We don’t do the fancy expensive meals, they don’t get souvenirs every store we go into. But they do have a blast. There is just nothing like it. If you had just said it was expensive and everyone thinks you should go and you don’t feel the need to go then that would have been fine. But the fact that you say you aren’t going because you are going to Costa Rica to mission work and celebrate your 10th anniversary, if feels like you are trying to convince yourself it is the right choice. Just as someone else said, you don’t have to go overseas or internationally to witness. You have PLENTY of opportunities at Disney or anywhere really. As a Christian myself there is nothing worse than reading an article like this that is so judgmental. Gives us a bad name!!
Erin
Honestly, KC, I think the comments and response to this post give Christians a bad name. There may be nothing like Disney, but there is also nothing like getting out of our cushy culture and comfort zones to witness life in other countries. I am in no way, shape or form trying to convince myself that it is right for me to go to Costa Rica over Disney. Why would I feel guilty about not taking my children to an amusement park? This summer’s trip just so happens to coincide with our 10th year married. It’s not an anniversary trip, but we feel it’s a little gift from God that the same time we had the funding happened to line up with that. He has done a lot in our marriage. 🙂 There is no judgment for those who go, but I do feel burdened that so many in our country would prefer to witness to others at Disney than anywhere else.
Taylor
We are indeed saving for a Disney trip. My husband and I have both never been to Disney, but always wanted to go! growing up my extended family took trips to disney several times and we never understood why we couldn’t go. My mom and dad had four kids so it really was unrealistic with their budget. My husband grew up in a family with 6 kids so it was unrealistic for them as well. Today though my extended family still takes yearly trips to Disney with their kids and grandkids. My 4 year old (who will be almost 5 when we go) has been asking to go since she could speak and saw the first commercial with cindereLla. we discussed it at the beginning of this year and decided to save money we would use for silly things like eating out once a week and go! we’re all very excited. My daughter is helping save too 🙂 she’s been putting change in out savings jar.
Erin
That’s awesome Taylor! I love that you are including your daughter in the process.
Erin
I hope you enjoy your trip!
Sarah
I was sent to this site by a friend of mine, who had just been discussing a similar topic with me. I not only had no interest in Disney as a child, but my parents couldn’t afford to take us anywhere we couldn’t comfortably drive in 6 hours. I have no intention of taking my son to Disney at any point- I’d rather take him to places that are real, with interesting history and culture. As a child I preferred museums to anywhere else we could have gone.
However, I do find it odd to say you want your children to appreciate other cultures- while trying to convince all the people in those cultures to convert to your religion. I don’t find missionary work to be “serving” anything other than a desire to push beliefs on other people, and it certainly doesn’t engender respect for other people’s cultures and beliefs. It gives the message that what other people believe isn’t good enough, so you should try and make everyone believe what you do.
Claire
I can’t imagine that Erin is going to Cost Rica with the intention of trying to push her beliefs on people. Most missionary trips have the intent of helping to meet the physical (food, shelter, etc) needs of people in impoverished countries. Sure, the Missionaries might share their faith on occasion, but I’m sure (in Erin’s case anyway) that it is not in a pushy way, and that she would help these people even if she weren’t allowed to mention her faith at all. She is trying to be God’s hands and feet by feeding the hungry, and modeling this to her children.
Erin
Thank you, Claire. You are so kind.
Erin
I didn’t say exactly what we will be doing on our trip. Maybe I should write a separate post on that closer to time. 🙂 I believe that we plant the seeds of Jesus and he brings people to salvation. We don’t push. 🙂
Sarah Wilson
Erin you seem to have a lovely heart, and it can’t be easy responding to some of these comments, however you always respond with grace. The criticism that one is exposed to really puts me off blogging. Perhaps that would be a good topic for a blog post – ‘Coping with Criticism as a Blogger.’ Be encouraged 🙂
Claire
I totally agree, Sarah! Some of these comments just amaze me (especially the judgmental ones that accuse Erin of being judgmental!). A couple of comment threads on Erin’s blog have been instrumental in my decision not to have a blog of my own. It shows just how critical and hurtful people can be.
Erin
Oh I’m so sorry it has caused you not to want a blog! LOL I have had to grow some thick skin…that’s for sure. :/
Claire
That’s okay Erin, I’m just thankful that there are blogger like you who are willing to put yourself out there (knowing that there will be unwarranted criticism) in order to spark interesting thoughts and discussions.
Erin
Thanks again, Claire!
Erin
You are so kind, Sarah. Thanks so much!
Jetta
I have mixed feelings about this blog. The tone comes off with a bit of…guilt. If you are against consumerism than don’t go. Period. That is your decision for you and your beliefs. It needn’t be a “lesson.” Those kinds of lessons are so wasted on kids. And really? A gift should simply be a gift. Treating it as anyhing more makes it NOT a gift–which negates the whole point of going. Even young kids can *get* this without becoming “entitled.”
But yes. Disney is the most consumeristic vacation you could have–though there are way more effective ways to shut down consumerism in your house (like shutting off cable). We aren’t rushing to get there and probably won’t any time soon, but most of it is logistics (we have 3 dogs–one who is elderly and doesn’t travel well and another doesn’t board well). If we had the opportunity, we may plan to go. It isn’t off the books for the future, but neither my husband nor I are crazy excited to do it either–and our child is just fine with not going (we don’t have cable 😉 ).
Neither my sister nor I went when we were kids. I was annoyed at a lot of decisions my parents made for us in the name of “non-consumerism,” but this wasn’t one of them. A neighbor friend invited my sister when she was a teenager and our mom and stepdad said no (I don’t agree with that–the neighbors were good folks and my sister was old enough). When my sister finally went on her honeymoon, she said it was one of the most disappointing experiences of her life.
Anyhow… Disney? Meh. No biggie. I don’t feel “denying” our kid from going or taking her make any huge difference either way. Teaching “values” is a much bigger lesson, and one vacation isn’t going to make or break it.
Claire
I don’t think Erin was trying to imply that this one decision (of postponing a trip to Disney and focusing on a missionary trip to Costa Rica) was going to “make it or break it” when it comes to teaching values. It is likely one of a series of paths they’re taking to instill values, and I’m sure she would acknowledge that other families could instill these values just as effectively by making very different decisions.
Erin
Yes–thank you, Claire!
Erin
I agree that one vacation won’t make or break it, Jetta. We hope to take them one day–just not now.
Erica
Very insightful article. Our family has done Disney World, and we did have quite a bit of fun. But I do agree that there are more meaningful trips. We took our son for an extended stay in Italy and that was such a lovely trip. There are a lot more opportunities to serve Christ somewhere like Italy (or Costa Rica!) than there are at “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Good luck and God bless.
Erin
Thanks, Erica! Italy sounds…divine! Haha! I would love to go one day, and we hope to eventually take our kids to Disney too! We are so excited about the Costa Rica trip!
ęłćżźć
są nieodporne przytoczyć pełnię scen weselnych,
kolektywnie z tajnymi, jeśliby ufają iż posłannictwo się na nie dostarczy im nazwaną przewagę.
Są srodze trzeźwe plus jeśli rzeczywiście wówczas potrafię
uwzględnić – srogie. W 4 ewenementach na 5 przejrzyście ciekawe obejściem twierdzeń do uzbieranego dorobku.
Jessica
I was reading your blog about Netflix and stumbled upon your blog about Disney (and read it because we are planning trip to Disney).
Why we are saving for Disney….. My husband’s 30th birthday was approaching and he had a sibling & brother-in-law both recently have huge 30th surprise parties. Neither of us know many people, let alone that many friends, so I wanted to do something unique for him. I asked him if he could go anywhere, where would he want to go. He said Disney, so I did some research and planned for almost a year and got us a great deal for us and our 2 sons (youngest got in free due to being under 3). He just turned 2, but I thought, hey, if he doesn’t like it, we didn’t waste any extra money on a ticket. Turns out, he enjoyed every minute of it, he sat right through the shows and watched intently (not up and down the aisles as I feared). They kids loved it so much (my oldest was almost 4), that they have been saving their own money to go back. Now I don’t know if they remember it, but they talk about it so frequently, that they seem to remember it (my earliest memories are from a vacation I took in Flor at 3 1/2yrs old). Funny enough, my husband didn’t actually want to go to Disney, he doesn’t like to travel and that was just the first thin that popped in his head. Oh well, at least the kids benefitted, lol
Anyways, they are 7, 5, & we have a 3 yr old now (I was pregnant with the first go around).
Here’s a tip for those who are planning this trip: go during the slow season (we went from ride to ride and my kids were never bored enough to ask for souveneirs).
My children have learned a lot of responsibility with saving money, learning about money itself (the math), an definitely patience. We will throw in something educational too (a trip to everglades or Kennedy space center).
PS Santa bought my kids their tickets, and they saved for the hotel (from b-days, Christmas, or doing extra chores).
Erin
Thanks for sharing those tips, Jessica, and I hope you have a blast! Happy 30th to your husband!
Tony
funny story. When I was little (4-5 or so) I made a mention here and there of wanting to go to Disney, but not to the point of begging. And basically was told we don’t have the money to go. When I got older, (14-ish). my mom asked me if I wanted to go, I said not really. She started crying because she always wanted to take me there, and since I was older I didn’t want to go anymore. ( Yeah I know, you’re never too old for Disney, but I just wasn’t interested anymore). While she was crying I was just thinking to myself… “Really? you’re crying about this?” It wasn’t a big deal to me what so ever. haha.
I still have good memories of vacations though. Spent many of them in the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. which is basically my Disney 🙂
Heidi
Ok… So I saw the title of this on Facebook and I was very curious….. My first thought as I began reading this was that you must think your better than those of us who would LOVE to give our children the Disney experience. I am all for blogging about life, thoughts, etc. But I don’t think you realize how you are coming across. I think we all need to be careful of the things we blog/post…. So you want to go somewhere other than Disney great! Is this post really necessary?
Erin
Hi Heidi–thanks for the feedback, but I’m not trying to say at ALL that my family is better. I actually wrote that we do hope to take our kids there one day. I just don’t think Disney has to be the be-all, end-all and I want parents who feel the societal pressures to go there to know they don’t have to. Hope that makes sense. 🙂
a pastor
When I was in seminary, I did an extended essay on national identity and pilgrimage sites (eg. czestochowa, poland, and santiago de compostela in spain). I did an informal survey of about 80 people, and asked them where they thought the american “national pilgrimage site” was. The OVERWHELMING answer– Disney. Apart from a handful of people who mentioned the white house or the capitol or the liberty bell, almost everyone said Disney was the one place that most Americans felt they “had to go” at some point in their life.
That revelation made me extremely uncomfortable.
Disney is fun, sure, but if we’re honest, it is also perhaps the purest example of the religion of consumerism in the world. Is that to say we have to boycott? Maybe not, but we should be asking the question about buying into the false promises that Disney makes us (all your dreams will come true, experience of a lifetime, etc). To think seriously about it at the very least helps prepare us if we do shepherd little ones through the parks.
Erin
Wow–this is SO insightful! I think you sum up well why I felt prompted to write this post…even if I didn’t verbalize it 100% how I intended! Thank you!
Kim
I gotta say I loved the post, and am so glad I only have boys & they are not into Disney princess’! LOL! Growing up the closest I ever got to Disney was Sunday night Wonderful World of Disney on TV & my grandma taking us (as in rounding up the all the grand kids) to Disney movies when they came out. (the old original ones) We did take our son when he was 5 thinking he would enjoy it, but all the rides(he’s a roller coaster kid) he wanted to go on he was to small for. Hubby & I weren’t to impressed with it, to many long lines & a 5 year old that got grumpy cause he couldn’t ride the big boy rides! LOL…….we have no desire to go back & the boys could care less they are happy going to the nearest water park
Erin
And I bet the water park is a lot cheaper too! LOL Thanks for sharing your experience, Kim!
Agnes
I am surprised so many people say they have never felt pressure to take their kids to Disney. I have three children and have never taken them to Disney. I have had many people tell me “you have to take your kids to Disney”. We will probably never take our kids, I have never been to Disney and really have no desire to go. We have taken our kids to the beach, the Smoky Mountains, and are currently saving for a trip to the Grand Canyon. My daughter has also mentioned wanting to see Niagara Falls which we may also go to one day. Also we would like to see the Rockies one day.We have also spent significant amounts of money so that they can pursue sports they are interested in. My children are not deprived just because they have not been to Disney. I totally get this post as I do not judge other people who take their kids to Disney, but have felt judged for not taking them. I really don’t care if other people take their kids to Disney or not. I could really care less in general where people take their kids on vacation. The important thing is spending family time together and making memories, whether this happens at Disney or somewhere else really is not important.
Erin
Love this comment, Agnes!! You get it! And those family vacations sound amazing!!
Emily S
Love this post! While my children are grown now and I have grandchildren, I appreciate how you are teaching your children not to follow the “norm”. When my kids were 9, 11, & 13, my mom and I took them on a two week camping vacation our West. It was the highlight of vacations for them. And the longest one. My boys also did mission trips in the US, to Chicago and to Kentucky. My daughter was able to go to Alaska through 4-H. They learned many valuable skills through these adventures and that serving your fellow man is rewarding. Keep on raising your children the way you want to!
Erin
Thanks so much, Emily! It’s great to hear from a more seasoned mom–and grandma!
[email protected]
I loved your reason #5. We also want our kids to see and explore the world. A world with sticks to dig into mud puddles, a world with mountains to climb, a world with beautiful people. By the way, I think we overlapped in our time in Costa Rica! I studied in San Jose in 2003 and returned in the summer of 2004 to work at ESEPA seminary in San Jose and in La Fortuna de Bagaces. Small world!
Erin
Thank you, Sarah! And WOW! We did overlap! That is so very cool! I am excited about going back!
Brandy Taylor
Erin-Thank you-you did a nice job. And you handled the negativity with class and grace.
Erin
Thank you, Brandy. Happy Easter!
Reader
◄ Proverbs 22:6 ►
It’s about parenting and guiding, if your doing it right what’s your concern. furthermore 6 year old children could care less about Costa Rica, they are 6!! Second, Disney is magically its supposed to bring you back to your childhood clearly you didn’t have a wonderful one. Third its Disney world, I’m sure you will see poverty and Spanish culture.. I feel it’s a bit selfish to deny your young child a chance to experience the magic at a prime time in her youth. numerous people posted you feel guilty, maybe you subcontiously do, if disney does anything it fosters hope, imagination and dreaming. Qualities a lot of intelligent people possessed, if you don’t learn to dream and create you can’t push the human race forward.. You clearly missed the point of what Disney does as a whole. Clearly you need Disney more than they do.
Claire
I’m not sure why you feel that you’re in a position to judge the happiness of Erin’s childhood just because she’s not planning to take her kids to Disney in the near future? Furthermore, I think it’s a stretch to say that “Disney fosters hope”. You’re making Disney into a false idol. Jesus fosters hope, and I’m sure he can do it through many channels, not just Disney. My nieces went to Costa Rica a few years ago, when they were 6 and 3, and they loved it. It’s beautiful to see a young child with a heart for helping others, and see them learn to feel empowered by serving. Obviously service needs to be balanced out by fun, and any regular readers of Erin’s blog can see that her kids get plenty of that.
Danielle @ More Than Four Walls
I love this! It is so easy to get caught up in the trap of comparison and feel as though you need to chase lofty things (Disney, expensive toys, etc) so your children have a great childhood like the kids down the street.
As a budget coach I see many families who have gone into debt over Disney, etc when that’s really not necessary. I completely agree that if you’re going to take a big trip like this the best advice is do it debt free and low cost.
Trish
It’s funny, we actually did Disney and then 2 weeks later I went to Costa Rica and I could tell you with great certainty, that I’m sure my daughter would have liked to Costa Rica much better! Great article 😀
Guest
I like the article. I get what Erin is trying to say but I get what other readers have complained about. While it wasn’t her intention Erin’s writing does seem a little well not snobbish but definitely has that “better than everyone else” vibe. That said I do have a suggestion for Erin:
Young children will not be able to understand the significance of “where mommy met daddy”. They may think it’s cool but they really won’t have that full understanding until their older and have comprehension of what love for another person is. Erin made the argument that she wants them to remember Disney world? I think remembering an international trip of such significance would be a better memory. Save Costa Rica for when the children are old and can really appreciate it.
As for Disney? Whether you take your kids every year or they go once as a child, it’s still a magical place for children. But no matter where you choose to go, as long as your with your family, trips and vacations can be made special in their own way.
Casey
I think this blog or entry of “Why we are not doing Disney” is a little ridiculous. You just stereotyped most of American. I AM SAVING FOR DISNEY. I am by far trying to keep up with the Jones’, Or give my kids a misperception of what every one thinks Disney is. We choose a vacation every year and we do it as a family. What I teach my kids is that no matter where we go we have to save up, we have to put money aside. Disney Trip is as expensive as going to Costa Rica. Instead if saying that social media pushes this on families, and bash Disney, you should have just said the trip we choose is such and such, bc my isn’t ready for Disney. That would have been more appropriate.
Casey
My sentenced should have said that I am not trying to keep up with the Jones’. And the last sentenced should say, bc my Family is ready for Disney…..
Shui Lann
Judgmental! Here let me have a crack at it! We cancelled our trip to Disney when they started doing homosexual weddings, many years ago. What worthwhile truth do your kids learn from Disney? (Homosexuality?) So our kids are deprived, right? There are so many amazing adventures to be had, and yes, so much suffering to confront and relieve. We want our kids to grow up with a heart to serve, not the other way around. Why would we waste these precious years and finances spent in lala land, teaching our kids to fritter away a fortune, consumed on themselves and their entertainment while others literally starve to death? So now you can rant at me. Go for it. Just my $.02. You do your thing and I’ll do mine.
Heather
That sounds like a nice vacation.
When I was dating my husbands the company he worked for earned a day trip to the Disney is FL. So 300 people loaded a jumbo jet in Northern IN early in the morning, were dropped off at the park for the day. It was exciting, but it hasn’t come up as a request as a place is or our kids want to go. We have boys and they don’t like roller coasters. I grew up with 7 siblings and we went to Cedar Point for day trips yearly. That is special in my mind. We do love to plan our vacations months in advance, and count down together. They say the anticipation of a vacation is good for your health. Our boys favorite week away is a week on the farm at their grandparents sans their parents. Blessed to have time with just my husband.
Nancy
I don’t have kids but my sister has 7. They have NEVER been to Disney. Partly out of financial reasons. But you know what? the kids don’t miss it. They have never been there to miss it. The prefer camping and spending time together in other ways. This notion that you HAVE to take your kids to Disney or they will somehow miss out on a part of their childhood is ABSURD! Kids don’t NEED Disney to be happy or to “make memories’ There are other ways to make memories with your kids. Yes Disney is nice and all but not everyone wants or needs to go and that’s okay. Stop making the author feel guilty for not wanting to take her kids there! As the guidbook says “There is NO law that says you HAVE to take your kids to Disney”. Kids need time with parents. It does not matter where or how. Taking your kids to Disney is fine as long as it’s for the right reasons. not because you feel guilty if you don’t take them or because you feel guilted into it by others who think you are depriving your kids if you don’t.
Nancy
BTW? My sisters kids have had a WONDERFUL childhood. They have gone to amusement parks and the like. But they didn’t need Disney to be happy. To say that a child NEEDS to go to DIsney is the most absurd thing I have ever heard. Kids NEED love. They do NOT need Disney
Nancy
One of the best trips we took as a family for several years was going to Joseph Oregon to a place called “Wallowa Lake”. It was peaceful and the kids loved it so much they begged to live there!They had go-carts and other things the kids got to do. It was maybe 1o0o dollars for a few days in the cabin. But it was able to fit me, my mom, my sister and her husband and several kids. I also got to take my nephew and my mom to Canada and he loved it. Vacations do not need to be overly stimulating to be fun either. I went to Disney once as a kid and you know what? I remember NOTHING of the trip except that I was afraid of the Haunted Mansion. And I was more then old enough to remember the trip. The trips I DO remember are the ones like the ones I mentioned above.
Julie
To those who commented so rudely, this is a blog, that means she/they can write whatever they like, with whatever opinion they like. If you feel like “who cares why you do or don’t take your kids” then maybe you should stop following this blog. She didn’t come into your house and shove her opinion down your throat. You voluntarily read this article. Maybe next time you should just keep scrolling. If you can’t give constructive criticism or say something uplifting then maybe keep quiet.
I love this article. We have never taken our children to DW either. It’s a matter of choosing how to spend our traveling savings each year. When you put Disney on a list next to Puerto Rico, Washington DC, or out-of-town family, it just doesn’t compare. Maybe one day when we’re done traveling to the other places we will make our way over to Disney, but for now we’re enjoying showing our children different cultures and American history 🙂
Unknown
Those who think Disney gives their children special memories, need to remember…childhood memories can be made anywhere, they don’t need to be in Disney to be special, unique or meaningful.
Leann
This blog just helped me so much! I was really feeling the pressure to take my son to Disney. I was just sitting here literally crying, because everyone else’s children are getting to experience this and we just can’t afford it right now. Thank you for reminding me that my son will still have great memories and a great childhood without visiting Disney every six months. I have been reminded that I am not a failure of a parent because we can’t swing Disney now, or anytime soon.
Aimee
It’s funny, I found this article shared on Facebook while searching Facebook for Disney Pin Trading pages coincidentally the weekend after I took our daughter to DW. Here’s my two cents.
I did kind of make it a really exciting/special experience for our daughter, and I probably made her think it was one of the most exciting things so far in her life, but it was also for me because it was my first time going as well (at 28) She is 7 1/2 and my husband and I thought that it was a good age. We chose Disney for a couple reasons.
– We would love to take her to another country like Costa Rica, England, Scotland, etc.. but that would have actually been way more expensive for us and my husband also has a super rational fear of flying (he’s an avionics tech, so he gets really worried about everything that could go wrong) He also is extremely worried about crime rates in South American countries. I would LOVE to go to South America, but with all the turmoil going on, I’m not sure that it’s really quite the same that it was 10 years ago.
– Since we live in FL, we were able to get tickets at a discount. Also, we didn’t plan a whole trip around it. We weren’t sure if we were going to be moving and we wanted her to be able to go before we did. We picked one park (Magic Kingdom), 1 day, and set aside a budget. We packed snacks and lots of water (that is nice, Disney doesn’t FORCE you to buy anything) Of course there were alot of things my daughter wanted, but she knew that she had to pick and chose. Did I get her a few souvenirs? sure, because it’s somewhere she probably won’t go again for a long time.
I agree with alot of your points. I definitely don’t think it’s worth going into debt over. Altogether between the hotel, tickets, and souvenirs we spent about $450, but I am a film photographer and I shot 12 rolls of film and the memories that I captured are worth far more than that. I do feel bad for those who pay the $15 dollars PER 4×6 image on the disney photo pass site though. I think that might be one of the biggest expenses ever. Also, I think what’s really ridiculous is the 400+ dollars that people spend on the latest gadgets like the newest iPhone, etc. So, memories that my daughter can have to hand down to her children are hands down way more important.
I hope you enjoy your trip to Costa Rica!
Deborah Ann Stubblefield-Wise
In 1992 I began saving money to take our 7 and 9 year olds to Disney for our first time. I waited until they were that age so that they could ride the rides and remember the trip. I am so very glad that we planned it that way. In March of 1993 my father died…in April of 1993 our 6 month old van was stolen… in May of 1993 our home was robbed (fortunately the vacation money that I had saved was not discovered)… In June of 1993, we went on the trip, stayed in a pop up camper at Fort Wilderness, cooked our meals, payed cash for everything, and had a wonderful time. Since that time, I have saved for every trip we have made and never touched our savings. My “kids” are obviously grown now and know how to save for what they want to do. We camped on most of our trips, whether it be at a beach or in the mountains. Those times of sitting around a campfire, laughing and talking are treasured memories….am now looking forward to sharing this type of vacationing with grandchildren:))
Trisha
Life is short, childhood even shorter I want my son to be entitled of everything I want him to have it all. I want him to know that he deserves everything he wants from life. He is an amazing kid, he is extremely respectful, he always has an attitude of gratitude and he never complains about anything. He deserves everything he wants not just what he needs. My husband and I both work for home so we decided to rent our home and move to California for a year just to take our son to all the parks on a weekly basis. We bought season passes for Disneyland/California adventure, Universal Studios, Legoland, Sea World, San Diego Zoo and Knot’s Berry Farm. So far it’s been the best year of our lives and we are loving homeschooling him. Just this past month we spent 21 days at the parks. I believe every child deserves that. We already have enough to deal with as adults no reason to do it as a child. I wish my parents would have given me the opportunity I have given my child. It has nothing to do with keeping up with anyone or doing what others are doing. I really don’t care if other people go to Disney or not. We do what we love and what makes our family happy! We had the best day ever as a family yesterday we left Disneyland at 12:30am after riding star tours 6 times in a row! LOL Obviously my son’s favorite ride and watching the most beautiful fire works! Love Disney! We all wish we could live there. 🙂
Angela
My husband was stationed in San Diego. My son Joshua is now 23 years old. Sea World had free days. For Military families One of the best days I had with him was at Sea World. We spent time petting the sting rays. He also thanked me for taking him. Since he is my only child. I treasure those moments.
Guest
As another commenter pointed out- you *are* patting yourself on the back. You are purposely depriving your children of an experience because you don’t want them to “feel entitled to it”- Life is short, I have memories of Disney from when I was 3. I shake my head at anyone who purposely goes out of their way to like something just because it’s popular- it’s hipster consumerism at it’s best. There’s a reason WHY people go to Disney- it’s family friendly, nice, clean and offers an exploration of many things from science to culture all at once. I’m not trying to sell you on the idea, but dragging your children to do mission work when you conversely don’t think they are capable of remembering anything in Disney World is laughable. So which is it? That they will remember and so they should only remember that which you spoon feed them or that they won’t remember anything so what does it matter where they go? Your article- even if you don’t intend it to be- is extremely judgey and prideful. You are proud of your choices and feel the need to broadcast them and talk down to anyone who does otherwise. God goes everywhere- how about teaching that instead of regionalising it to where you see convenient.
Claire
http://thefederalist.com/2015/07/31/why-i-wont-go-to-disney-world/#disqus_thread
Mandy Tirado
You’re a WONDERFUL mother to think this decision through so thoroughly and to know your kid’s needs. Good for you to revisit the place where you met your husband! Celebrating your love is so important and your children will reap so much from that experience. I’m so happy for you guys!!! 🙂
Jeanette Clark
I read this when it was first posted and commented at that time. Since then I get notifications each time someone posts, ye that is because I said I wanted them. Each time this pops up in my email feed it makes me laugh when I see the word “Humbled”. There is nothing humble about this post, it is judgmental in every way possible. And don’t start with she didn’t say this or she didn’t say that. There are more ways than one to communicate your judgmental attitude and this post is a perfect example. I may feel the same way but I don’t appreciate the attitude of if you DO save to take your kids to Disney you are neglecting their community education and appreciation and awareness of the worldwide environment. Say what you will, I have unclicked the notification on this string, I’m tired of the parent-bashing of those parents who enjoy Disney as much as their kids and want to take their kids and enjoy the experience.l
Mandy Tirado
You’re misinterpreting Erin’s point and perpetuating the patent bashing. Erin it’s an amazing blogger who allows God to work through her for His glory. This blog’s message isn’t intended to display her superior parenting or even suggest that she’s a superior mother. This blog post explains God first, Spouse second (because marriage is sacred and needs to be celebrated, protected and enjoyed) and her kids come next. Her family isn’t of this world even though they live in it, so Erin and her husband are making choices based on that.
And yes, Erin is humble. She lovingly puts up with hateful comments as she serves her Christian community online. I’m personally very grateful for this blog as it edifies my faith. God has used Erin to speak to me and humble me as well.
heidi
This whole thread… perfect example of why I don’t have a blog.
Nancy
We took our children when they were young several times to Disney~ our grandchildren now have experienced Disney and we will definitely keep going back. None of them have an ‘entitlement mentality’ about anything in life~
Becca
Wow, I can’t believe the comments here! Here’s something for the haters: We take our kids overseas every year. In fact we just got back from a week of camping in New Zealand. I’m American; my husband’s Australian; we live in Australia, met in the US, married in Fiji; this year for the anniversary of when we met we took the kids to Fiji and the US and Disneyland. I think that hits all the boxes for people who were criticising you. Next year we’re taking the kids to Japan, and going to Tokyo Disney. (I’m more excited than the kids – they liked Disneyland but preferred the LA Zoo. But Tokyo Disney is cheaper than Disneyland so why not go again?) We go wherever we can get cheap tickets – the kids have been to very poor countries, not so poor countries, and very wealthy countries. My 9 year has been to 11 countries; my 6 year old has been to 10 countries (+ 1 for both if you count the small town we visited that has declared itself a Republic) and we hope to keep taking them overseas every year and keep adding to that country tally. Because why not? We can afford it; Australia has dirt-cheap international air fares (we paid about $250 return per person for the airfares to Japan) and hotels are so expensive here, we usually end up spending less money than people who vacation domestically. South and Central America and Africa are the most expensive destinations, so we haven’t taken the kids there yet; but hopefully one day . . . .
Josee
Capitalism = Disney but Disney also = grat experience
My fist time at disney was this year at the age of 20.
One think I dislike: toys and goods are TOO expensive.
Disney may look classical, but it is an experience to live once in your life. Disney offert the best service you will ever had. Everyone always smile and guide you when you’re losted or have a question. Employees are everywhere! I never had to find someone when I have a question, cuz they all know the place and the way for all attraction
Attraction are… impressive ! If you have to go somewhere, Hollywood studio is the best place for all ages. All the classic are there and Frozen is the center of the park . Fantasmic show, fire works, Musical comedy make you feel in hollywood.
Restorant are an experience you can’t miss. Hight quality and save for the more frigile. The cultivated fruit and vegetable on the site without toxic product. I appreciated that fact.
I think we all have to go to disney once whatever your age^^
We where all adults and all got a lot of fun !
IMPORTANT: I made all the reservation 4 months in advance. If you want feel all the magic and don’t want to run, you have to plan all restorants and attractions you wanna to try.
That is my opinion^^
have a great day !
Jay
I love every response you gave Erin. I’m headed to San Diego with my 6 and 8 year old, divorcef, first vacation. I’ve been feeling a lot of pressure to take them to Disneyland when my money isn’t exactly fluid. Did I mention, i’m working only part-time and going to grad school full time. So I’m just grateful that my mother is coming to shoulder some of the expense. I don’t think the ticket prices are worth it for my family right now, but I do feel guilty for not being able to make it a priority especially for the 8 year. They are very grateful and smart children and I just want to give them everything. Disney IS made out to be a must-have and I don’t like that I am being so affected by its influence. Thank you for your post. I am grateful for you.
Heather
I know this was posted a while ago but I just wanted to thank you for this article. You have articulated very well why I am having reservations about taking my kids to Disney. I got a quote on a 2 day Disney World trip through a travel agency and while the price wasn’t as bad as I was expecting I have still been struggling with making the decision to go.
I Google reasons not to go to Disney and I kept getting lists about how much of a hassle it is for parents. Which really isn’t why I am struggling with the decision at all. It has more to do with the reasons you listed above.
Julia
As someone that just bought an annual pass to Disney this weekend, I say do what’s best for you. We just moved to Florida and bought annual tickets to the major parks within central FL. We enjoy traveling with our children and taking adventures. We hope to add international travel this year. OUr kids don’t watch anything but DVDs, PBS, and a little netflix. We will be homeschooling/road schooling. OUr kids have an entitlement attitude bc we showered them with endless toys for the first 4 years, not because of where we go. In our minds, struggling many years to birth living children, we over compensated in every way we could. So now we’re limiting the bought-goods. More library and park days, less consumer purchases. Although we have annual passes, you don’t have to buy everything you see. There is a word… *NO*. We’ve learned to say it. Our 4 yr old asked many times for glow in the dark junk from a disney walking cart. After the 4th or 5th *no* she understood and after a few minutes went about like nothing happened. We spent the time focusing on the rides, the hugs, snuggles, trying new experiences. Not the toys and junk. Minnie Ears for both and two meals and it was it. That’s how it is at Universal Studios and Legoland, too. After the first time, the kids get the idea that we’re not there to shop, we’re there to walk and play.
Gosh I know so many families with entitled children and they never once took their kids to Disney or on a *big* vacation anywhere. It’s about how you parent, not where you parent.
Erin
I agree Julia. It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job. I wrote this post based on some conversations that I had with other moms and some of the pressure they felt. I don’t think Disney is a bad place at all.
Aradhana
I have taken my six year old to Disney twice, yet I don’t see your article as judgemental at all. In fact, in many ways I agree with you. The first time we went to Disney, my daughter was 3. We visited her godparents who lived inFlorida, and they took us for Christmas. She was thrilled. We only went to Magic Kingdom. She spent the day meeting princesses. We went again when she was five. The first part of our trip was hiking in the swampland and going to St. Augustine with her godparents. We also spent a day at the beach. Then, we spent four days at Disney. She thoroughly enjoyed it, so I understand what people are saying about making the trip when the kids are young, but now we’re done. I much prefer our other trips such as to NYC (we live in driving distance and have a friend we can stay with), Sturbridge Village (20 mins away), Boston (an hr away), Philadelphia, Jamestown, Mount Vernon, Albuquerque, Houston (my hometown), and Sedona. (We have friends and relatives everywhere.). All these places, she’s seen real history, culture, or the real beauty of Gods creation. And the best was our trip to India. We went to visit when she was three to see her great grandmother. She saved up (and raised) 40 dollars from when she was two and bought/delivered toys to a local orphanage. It was absolutely amazing. We have been incredibly fortunate to have family everywhere and to find inexpensive ways to travel, but if I had to pick only one trip for whatever constraints, it would have been India. She saw her heritage, suffering, and an amazing opportunity to serve. Right now, I’m recovering from an injury (prayers welcome), but I hope to start traveling again someday. I hope to find more learning and service opportunities. Enjoy Costa Rica. Teach them your values, and enjoy. And everyone else, life is short. I have friends who go to Disney every year and those who will never go based on principle. I love them all. Please do what suits your constraints, values, and interests, and enjoy!
Shay
I appreciate this article, but I still struggle with guilt about the fact that I’ve never taken my kids to Disney. Our main reason has been financial, up until lately. Now we are able to go. My son is 14 and my daughter is 11, so they are well past the ages of thinking the characters are real. We are thinking of going at Christmas but aren’t sure. The thing I’ve despised is the way other parents made me feel about waiting this long. They don’t realize the delay was solely based on financial constraints, and believed I had some sort of principle that stopped us from going. But it was hard to tell people “we can’t afford it.” That invites even more judgment in this society. Especially stabbing, though, was a co worker who told me I would never get to see the “delight in my daughter’s eyes” upon seeing the various princesses. Gee, thanks a million for that reminder. So I can see why people get sick of the guilt trips they are put on by others. And simply put, is it really any body’s business where one family goes on vacation or the reasons they go there? When I take my kids to Disney, we will go for one simple reason: fun.
Annonymous
It was never even a thought to take our kids to Disney World… I agree with the ideas you’ve written and then some… we arrived at a place a bit more absolute, where we don’t consider Disney to be useful stewardship of money or time now or ever (for our family, not shaming others). I even feel our position would be easily defended to and accepted by our children. Our idea of a bucket-list trip would be to visit the holy land instead.
BUT NOW grandparents want to (and already booked without asking us) a trip to Disney, and for 2 whole weeks!!, which is more time than I can afford to take off of work on a “stay-cation”. What to do? Obviously a tremendously large gift to the kids in monetary value, but flies in direct contradiction with our personal and household values. Do we refuse the trip and spurn relationships with long-distance grandparents? Go along biting our tongue to them but shepherding the kids through the capital city of consumerism (well maybe Vegas is that capital, but close) whilst praying that they won’t return with inflated selfishness and entitlements? Certainly a first world, privileged problem to face, but this is the biggest most contentious issue facing our family right now.
Allison
This is an old post, but I wonder if your family ever made it to Costa Rica? And by chance did you ever end up take a Disney trip over the past 4-5 years?
Will
We did go to Costa Rica, and we are actually going to Disney this month!
Amelia
I have no idea how I ended up on this post, as a 17 year old who is definitely not a mom or homemaker. Oops!
This was a super interesting article! I’m from Southern California, I live pretty close to Disneyland, and so I never really understood people traveling from everywhere and spending so much money to visit. It was my backyard (kind of). My family had passes when I was 2 (and free…I don’t remember any of this), 7, and 12, and have visited for one day sometimes if we know someone who could get us in for free…and so I never would have considered Disney being a “highlight” of my childhood (actually the opposite because I lost two blankets there when I was little and I was very attached to my blankets, haha!). However, even though I never felt entitled to Disney (since we only visited on the rare occasion compared to many families I knew) it wasn’t necessarily a super special experience. All that to say, I loved going most of the time, and some visits were so magical because of the workers going above and beyond…but my favorite experiences there would have been just as magical if they had happened somewhere else, they just happened to happen at Disneyland
Ray
This is a very cool post! Perhaps rather than Disney world I would rather take my kids to Tokyo Disney. It’s cheaper and could just be one day of a longer trip to Japan! This could be done with any other DisneyLand around the world.
Nik
Also more culture, if anything. Haha
Liz
Fuck I’m glad your not my mom. With peace an love, you sound awful <3
FSR
Costa Rica is a wonderful choice! As a child of around age 10 or so my parents took me to Disney World, back then it was just the Magic Kingdom park, the other parks were still some years away from opening. It was wonderful, short lines, small crowds, you had to buy ticket books so most people only paid for what they really wanted to ride. However, I don’t remember that first trip all that vividly even though I was old enough. On the other hand my parents liked traveling and by the time I had graduated high school I had probably visited a dozen different countries with my family and remember each and everyone visit fondly and in detail to this day. I have been back a few times since over the years to Disney. It’s not the same. It’s crowded, the lines are really, really, really long, it’s hot & humid, it rains often in the middle of the day, I could go on but you get the picture. It’s not the same experience it once was and the price tag to visit all 4 parks is enormous, assuming you don’t extend a trip to also visit the Universal parks. You also have to plan practically every event, months in advance as reservations at the last minute for restaurants, etc… are often not available and the kids are crying and disappointed they can’t have lunch with their favorite characters. Young kids get cranky by around noon and older kids are tired of standing in line all day by early afternoon but trying to push on to try and ride everything. All around it’s a bit of a miserable experience if you don’t have a couple of weeks to take each park in stride over a couple of days per park rather than 1 day per park like most families try to squeeze in to cut back on expense but to also visit more parks. There is no shortage of theme parks, water parks and other attractions these days in the vicinity. Costa Rica is the better choice!
Ashley
Lots of negative comments…. I would say some of this is because the items listed here imply author’s feelings toward Disney since they aren’t inherently tied to the reasons to delay. I don’t want entitled children but I am able to take them to Disney and international trips. I am able to do both. Disney is a place that I get to enjoy my time with with my family in a special way. People don’t look at you funny for taking littles to restaurants. Love seeing their faces light up! I also love camping with them, traveling to far off places.
Will O
And we have since taken them to Disney, and we had a great time. This was specifically more about the pressure some people feel to do so.
Kristi
Wow these comments are quite something! I read this because I’m curious why people place so much emphasis on Disney, it’s not something I’m really familiar with. I’m in Canada so it’s further afield, and it’s an expensive trip. We went once (to Disneyland) when I was a child, it was part of a larger trip, -we had a great time – but going on an airplane for the first time, walking across the border to Mexico and learning about LA’s air pollution stood out to me more (ie as an adult that’s what I remember).
Going to Disneyland isn’t really a priority for me for my family, though it’s not ruled out. We don’t have a tv, our kids don’t watch shows, aren’t really into the characters, etc. so I’m not sure it would be super meaningful for them, and it’s very expensive and would be very stressful for us (crowds! so many people, worries about safety). Our priorities for travel are visiting family first and foremost, and then cross-cultural immersion and seeing other parts of the world. We are fortunate these are options for us. I don’t judge others for going to Disney at all – but I don’t get why it’s an expectation, that’s confusing to me. And the responses are so intense and so defensive – it’s shocking. How would going to Costa Rica be selfish? What an amazing opportunity for your kids! Not everyone can afford a trip like that, but you can, and that’s wonderful. I think early exposure to other languages and cultures and people is so wonderful (whether at home or further afield) and changes how our kids view the world. Not going to Disneyland/world isn’t depriving your kids of something – the vast majority of kids don’t go, ever, and still have satisfying childhoods. If you want to go and can go, great, but there’s nothing wrong with not going!