Something to look forward to
This past year has been a difficult one at school. In addition to the budget cuts and the knowledge that I most likely won't have a job next year is the increased work-load heaped upon us by the district. Just the other day we all received books for a new art program which we are supposed to implement somewhere in our already packed schedules. It's really hard to stay motivated and positive, but I'm doing my best for the sake of my students.
It's been a hard year for Jeff too. As a real estate broker during the current economic crisis, deals have been pretty thin. Add to that the fact that he has to make three trips to the kids' school each day (Eamon is a "late-bird" and therefore starts school 3 hours after Vika), and it seems that Jeff has had little or no free time since September.
The kids see our stress and exhaustion and I'm sure they're feeling it too. So, even though we don't have a huge amount of disposable income, it's clear that we all need a vacation this summer. But where could we get away from it all without spending a lot of money. The answer may surprise you: Walt Disney World.
At the risk of raising Kate's anti-Disney ire, I have to say that I absolutely LOVE both Disneyland and Disney World. I grew up taking road trips from Arizona to Disneyland, and the park is the highlight of many childhood memories. However, in recent years, we've gone to Disney World more than Dinseyland - even though it's on the other side of the country. There's one simple reason for this: the food. Jeff and I are foodies, and Disney World offers much more in the way of dining than Disneyland. The Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to one of our favorite restaurants, Boma, at which you can sample African dishes such as bobotie, fufu and cocomisu (probably not really African, but still good). Epcot also offers samples of cuisine from all over the world, which we enjoy despite the fact that much of it is "Disneyfied." Since I am on a personal mission to both give my kids wonderful childhood Disney memories and have them grow into foodies like their parents, Dinsey World is always on my list of potential vacation spots.
The last time we went, in September of 2006, we were able to get the free dining plan, which saved us around $1000! Jeff and I enjoyed it so much that we swore that if they offered free dining again, we would try to take advantage of it. Well, check it out: Score! Because of tough economic times across the country, we were able to get a discounted rate on a room and park tickets as well. And, thanks to our air miles program, we are flying to Florida practically for free! It's almost as if we can't afford not to go to Disney World. That's how I'm justifying it anyway.
So, now we all have something to look forward to this August. The idea that we wouldn't be able to swing a family vacation this year was depressing me quite a bit, truth be told. Jeff and I have worked too hard! And while Disney World may not be the relaxing vacation we probably need, is there really such a thing as a relaxing vacation with kids? My guess is no. So we'll just embrace the crowds, the humidity and the chaos of the four Disney parks and have a great time making memories.
It's been a hard year for Jeff too. As a real estate broker during the current economic crisis, deals have been pretty thin. Add to that the fact that he has to make three trips to the kids' school each day (Eamon is a "late-bird" and therefore starts school 3 hours after Vika), and it seems that Jeff has had little or no free time since September.
The kids see our stress and exhaustion and I'm sure they're feeling it too. So, even though we don't have a huge amount of disposable income, it's clear that we all need a vacation this summer. But where could we get away from it all without spending a lot of money. The answer may surprise you: Walt Disney World.
At the risk of raising Kate's anti-Disney ire, I have to say that I absolutely LOVE both Disneyland and Disney World. I grew up taking road trips from Arizona to Disneyland, and the park is the highlight of many childhood memories. However, in recent years, we've gone to Disney World more than Dinseyland - even though it's on the other side of the country. There's one simple reason for this: the food. Jeff and I are foodies, and Disney World offers much more in the way of dining than Disneyland. The Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to one of our favorite restaurants, Boma, at which you can sample African dishes such as bobotie, fufu and cocomisu (probably not really African, but still good). Epcot also offers samples of cuisine from all over the world, which we enjoy despite the fact that much of it is "Disneyfied." Since I am on a personal mission to both give my kids wonderful childhood Disney memories and have them grow into foodies like their parents, Dinsey World is always on my list of potential vacation spots.
The last time we went, in September of 2006, we were able to get the free dining plan, which saved us around $1000! Jeff and I enjoyed it so much that we swore that if they offered free dining again, we would try to take advantage of it. Well, check it out: Score! Because of tough economic times across the country, we were able to get a discounted rate on a room and park tickets as well. And, thanks to our air miles program, we are flying to Florida practically for free! It's almost as if we can't afford not to go to Disney World. That's how I'm justifying it anyway.
So, now we all have something to look forward to this August. The idea that we wouldn't be able to swing a family vacation this year was depressing me quite a bit, truth be told. Jeff and I have worked too hard! And while Disney World may not be the relaxing vacation we probably need, is there really such a thing as a relaxing vacation with kids? My guess is no. So we'll just embrace the crowds, the humidity and the chaos of the four Disney parks and have a great time making memories.
First of all, NO, there are no relaxing vacations with kids. I went to Disneyland for the first time the year after it opened and my family traveled there from Tucson almost every year. I grew up being a Disneyland junkie and raised my daughter to be the same! Glad the tradition lives on. I'm really happy that you guys are taking this vacation, except for the part where I have to maintain your cats.....
I am soooooooo jealous! We were last there in 2006 (when you were there, remember?) and I've been dying to get back there! I keep getting the emails about the free dining plan thing, but we just can't swing it this year. Airfare alone kills us, and our frequent flier miles aren't the best-too few seats available!
So have a blast for us, enjoy every last crazy second of it, because even if you feel you need a vacation after you get back, you know you'll be thinking, "Can't wait to go back!"
Have a blast! I too grew up with some of my greatest memories going to Disneyland with my family! I now try and install them into my daughter too! I'm glad you guys are going to have fun after a stressful year!
That is awesome!!! I LOVE Disney. The kids have only been once, one wonderful day to Magic Kingdom in Disney World with us, their grandparents, uncles, and cousin. It is so expensive. I really tried to make the numbers work out for us this year, but couldn't - and then there was also the matter of not wanting to fly.
So instead we are going on a Carnival cruise this August! It'll be our first cruise (both as a couple and as family) and we are all so psyched. It's not Disney, but hopefully it will still be a lot of fun. As you said, you've just gotta have things to look forward during stressful times.
And next time you plan a trip, there's got to be a layover in DC worked in there. :)
We can still be friends. ;>
I hope you have a wonderful time! I think given the stress it's even more important to get away from it all once in a while.
I'm sure you'll have a great time! Although I hate to think of being there in the August heat -- we were just there in March and that was hot enough! But, may it will keep the crowds down? If so, it'd be WELL worth it!
Yay, it's going to be so great! Disney sure costs an arm and a leg, but if you are sensibile you can get some great deals. We went last year for three days (I was there for work) and we decided to go back next year and camp! Of course that involves road tripping it to Florida which I'm not too siked about, but you can't beat the cost of a "room"!