[jmg]

Originally Posted by floridaorange

If it were me, knowing what I know, this is what I would do.... Let me know if you have any questions about any of these parks, I've been to them all, the Disney Cruise is amazing... might be a fun alternative/investment. Your daughter will get an amazing Disney experience + you and the missus will get a super high quality cruise on a ship that won't rock like the cheaper cruise lines. They have highly skilled Norwegian captains and the ships have stabilizers that work remarkably well.

Disney 1 day - plan to arrive later in the day so that you can enjoy the park at night, all lit up + fireworks. If you can go around Christmas time it will be busy, but it will be extra awesome.

Epcot - Epcot is more fun for adults, but there is enough going on for children to enjoy it, especially your daughters age.

LegoLand - about an hour from Disney, LegoLand also has a waterpark (worth it, it's hot). Legoland is really fun for kids and less crowded than Disney, I've been 3 times. Recently went with my 10 yr old and 4 yr old for his 4th bday, they had a blast.

Island H20, great for taking a break from the theme parks and actually really fun for both adults and kids. About 20 mins from Disney.

Disney Cruise. This is an idea if you want to go on a trip that every one will enjoy and there are kids activities that give the parents down time.

Universal - I know you didn't ask, but the CityWalk area outside the park is fun for adults and kids and it's free.

Downtown Disney - Also free, it's easy to park because each spot has a green light or red light for simple navigation in the parking garage. It's basically a bunch of restaurants and stores, but I really enjoyed it last time I was there with my family. Recommend going later in the day to stay through dinner.

30 mins away from Disney is Winter Park, it's just a nice walkable part of Orlando with upscale stores and restaurants and a big park. Worth the drive to get out of the touristy areas.

We did this a few years ago, pairing the Disney Cruise after a few days at Disney World was the best decision we ever made. Why? Because Disney World is for the kids. We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Hotel and woke up to a view of the animals having breakfast, went to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom over 3 days, it was fun, but exhausting. You're in line, managing kids, etc.

Then we got on the Cruise and it was HEAVEN for the adults. The Cruise has the kids club or whatever it is, and we just dropped them off in the morning and relaxed all day. Picked the kids up every once and awhile and hit the pool, lunch buffet, etc. Food was excellent, we even ate at Remy's which is an adults only fine dining experience. Excursions were a blast, we got our own boat for our large group and just island hopped.

I'd say we spend over $10k easily over that vacation, but it worth it.

[JMcLellan]

Disney is a love/hate thing for me.

The wife and I took the kiddos to the Aulani resort in Oahu in 2019 and all four of us absolutely loved the experience. Highly recommend if you want an amazing mix of Disney and a nice tropical destination.

Where I hate Disney is their insatiable desire to put cruise ports all over the place and ruin amazing places that are untouched. I will highlight an example from a current cruise port being constructed on the southern tip of Eleuthera, Bahamas at Lighthouse Beach. I went to Eleuthera in February with a group of friends. We ventured to lighthouse beach and did the 2 mile beach hike to the end of the island. That place is absolutely incredible and in our 4 hours down that stretch we saw more giant stingrays in the water then we saw people. But we heard construction noises, saw cranes, and knew that if we came back in a couple years the experience wouldn't be the same. Disney is ruining that part of the island and it pisses me off. And to all those who plan to go visit that port once it is complete I hope you get sea sick and stub your toe on a rock.

[Clark_Kent]

Originally Posted by jmg

We did this a few years ago, pairing the Disney Cruise after a few days at Disney World was the best decision we ever made. Why? Because Disney World is for the kids. We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Hotel and woke up to a view of the animals having breakfast, went to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom over 3 days, it was fun, but exhausting. You're in line, managing kids, etc.

Then we got on the Cruise and it was HEAVEN for the adults. The Cruise has the kids club or whatever it is, and we just dropped them off in the morning and relaxed all day. Picked the kids up every once and awhile and hit the pool, lunch buffet, etc. Food was excellent, we even ate at Remy's which is an adults only fine dining experience. Excursions were a blast, we got our own boat for our large group and just island hopped.

I'd say we spend over $10k easily over that vacation, but it worth it.

This sounds like a solid approach. Did you use one of those Disney Planners or did you book it solo?

[jmg]

Originally Posted by Clark_Kent

This sounds like a solid approach. Did you use one of those Disney Planners or did you book it solo?

My neighbor works for Disney Vacation Club and I still know some Disney employees from when I worked there in college so it was a combo of hookups.

[bucketfoot]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Alright guys... we've booked a 2 bedroom villa at the animal kingdom resort - kidani village for early next year. It's on like donkey kong.

We will be at Animal Kingdom for 5 nights at the end of January and then at the Grand Floridian for 6 nights at the beginning of February

Then we tentatively go back in November for my daughter's Disney wedding (currently in the planning stages).

Clearly we have kids that have loved Disney and have made it worth every dime that we have spent on our trips to Disneyland, Disney World and Disney Paris.

[Car-Addicted]

Nothing says family values like Grown Men In Drag Greeting Children.

[bucketfoot]

Originally Posted by Car-Addicted

Nothing says family values like Grown Men In Drag Greeting Children.

People have dressed in drag for pretty much as long as people have worn clothing. There are a lot more people I would be concerned about when it comes to child safetly and family values before men in drag.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by bucketfoot

We will be at Animal Kingdom for 5 nights at the end of January and then at the Grand Floridian for 6 nights at the beginning of February

Then we tentatively go back in November for my daughter's Disney wedding (currently in the planning stages).

Clearly we have kids that have loved Disney and have made it worth every dime that we have spent on our trips to Disneyland, Disney World and Disney Paris.

Nice! We'll be there around the same time. Staying at animal kingdom resort last week of jan/1st week of Feb.

[Car-Addicted]

Originally Posted by bucketfoot

People have dressed in drag for pretty much as long as people have worn clothing. There are a lot more people I would be concerned about when it comes to child safetly and family values before men in drag.

Maybe you missed the word "Children" No I suspect you didn't. If we can't agree on the sexualization of children than I doubt we will agree on anything. It's still somewhat of a free country so you do you.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by Car-Addicted

Maybe you missed the word "Children" No I suspect you didn't. If we can't agree on the sexualization of children than I doubt we will agree on anything. It's still somewhat of a free country so you do you.

"Sexualizing" is defined as endowing with sexual character or quality. If they were dressing children in revealing clothing, that's sexualizing children. Children seeing someone in drag isn't sexualizing them.

Besides, children seeing drag isn't anything new. I grew up on Bugs Bunny seducing Elmer Fudd, and it was fine back then, why is it so offensive now? The only thing that's changed is too many people are insecure about their manhood that they think their child is suddenly going to change sexes, or, god forbid, become homosexuals, because they see a man in a dress. That's silly.

[Car-Addicted]

The fact that you need to use a dictionary definition of sexualization of children and not your own moral compass speaks volumes.

"We are creating a generation of super-sexualized children. A significant number of children are actually demonstrating sexual interest and/or sexual behavior at earlier ages than ever before in our society. Kids are being exposed to sexual matters that were previously only in the purview of adults and the greater the exposure, the greater the consequences can be."

"When parents fail to counter and buffer the plethora of sexual stimuli that confront children, they are left to their own devices to manage what they experience. Unfortunately, many will be confused and have difficulty making sense of and putting into proper perspective what they are exposed to."

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/b...dren-time-take

Considering the poor performance of Disney properties lately I'm thinking I'm not alone.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by Car-Addicted

The fact that you need to use a dictionary definition of sexualization of children and not your own moral compass speaks volumes.

"We are creating a generation of super-sexualized children. A significant number of children are actually demonstrating sexual interest and/or sexual behavior at earlier ages than ever before in our society. Kids are being exposed to sexual matters that were previously only in the purview of adults and the greater the exposure, the greater the consequences can be."

"When parents fail to counter and buffer the plethora of sexual stimuli that confront children, they are left to their own devices to manage what they experience. Unfortunately, many will be confused and have difficulty making sense of and putting into proper perspective what they are exposed to."

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/b...dren-time-take

Considering the poor performance of Disney properties lately I'm thinking I'm not alone.

I don’t need to use the dictionary. I just used one for you because you misused the word.

If you are saying exposing children to drag is exposing them to sexual themes, that’s one thing, but you said this was “sexualizing children”. That’s not what this is. You aren’t using this word correctly.

As far as moral compass, if my kid sees something new or confusing, I’m not going to demonize something I don’t understand or even agree with. I explain why this is happening, and why maybe they, as children, should or shouldn’t use this as an example to behave. What I don’t do is use a soapbox to condemn others based on my own moral code. From my experience, those who preach the loudest about their moral compass use this as atonement because have the most to atone for.

[wtwo3]

Guys... this thread is supposed to be my safe place to complain about this super expensive Disney trip. Let's not hijack it for something else.

[Car-Addicted]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Guys... this thread is supposed to be my safe place to complain about this super expensive Disney trip. Let's not hijack it for something else.

The title is "Disney World"as for super expensive Disney trips, Children are considerably more important than money. I will leave with Walt Disney's quote:

“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” – Walt Disney

[BMWILUVU]

I used to go to Disney every other year but since they started with this drag material and same sex programming, I've gone elsewhere the last 3 years. Do what you will with adult eyes but don't expose my children to it.

[TXSTYLE]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Guys... this thread is supposed to be my safe place to complain about this super expensive Disney trip. Let's not hijack it for something else.

No Shit!

These "Karens" boy I tell ya. SMFH. Butt-Hurt at any and every thing.

[Tyga11]

Most parents do not want their kids interacting with dudes in drag. Sorry if that offends you but it's the reality.

There is a good reason why Disney stock is at a 5 year low. It's a very toxic brand

[jmg]

Originally Posted by Car-Addicted

The title is "Disney World"as for super expensive Disney trips, Children are considerably more important than money. I will leave with Walt Disney's quote:

“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” – Walt Disney

That’s right. That includes trans kids who normally feel condemned and excluded.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by Tyga11

Most parents do not want their kids interacting with dudes in drag. Sorry if that offends you but it's the reality.

There is a good reason why Disney stock is at a 5 year low. It's a very toxic brand

That has more to do with Disney+ unless you believe the cherry picking right wing rhetoric scheming for conservative votes.

[carseatsm5]

I 100% understand why people do the Disney trip but wow that is a lot of money for such a manufactured brand experience. You could take the family somewhere real and enriching for that kind of coin.

I say this as someone living in SoCal who takes the kids to Disneyland every year. But just for a day!

[ErikJ1]

Originally Posted by jmg

That’s right. That includes trans kids who normally feel condemned and excluded.

Lol no such fuking thing...you have mentally ill parents that have purple hair,, are morbidly obese, poor and stupid that conspire against humanity by creating future mass shooters. Trans kids..😄😄😄..I want to be a Trans-Am kid..where do I sign up?

The fact anytime Disney is brought up, this is how always goes..that is pretty telling. I am 7 th Gen Florida Man and been to D 100's of times and I currently am a hvac/R contractor for them. It's so fucked up from the inside out, it really breaks my heart. I want the 80/90's Disney of my day back

[Car-Addicted]

Originally Posted by Lady Jane

This thread has gone off the rail. And before it is shut down down, I would like to offer this tid-bit:

Not really off track more of a question of whether The Walt Disney Company is delivering on their mission statement.

"The mission of The Walt Disney Company is to entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds and innovative technologies that make ours the world’s premier entertainment company."