Hey howdy hey it’s Saturday! Today I’m going to take a moment to discuss something that we MMMs feel very strongly about. You see, we all know that everyone knows we love Disney and probably a bit too much. But I’d like to discuss exactly WHY we love all things Disney, especially vacationing at Walt Disney World.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re the type that loves to vacation at Disney as well, but I’d really like to address the folks that always have a reason to not go. We’ve heard a million different excuses over the years, and I’d like to discuss the main ones that always seem to come up. So here it is: my top 11 (yes 11, because there were just that many that we felt really needed addressing) list of WDW excuses.

1- Its too expensive. Let’s just get this one over because it’s definitely one of the most over-used reasons for not planning a family vacation to WDW. And truth is, yeah it DOES cost money. I’m not going to sugar-coat this fact. It’s not a cheap vacation, but neither are most all other vacations. And to be honest, as our MMM fans have stated, there are plenty of ways to go and save money. Do a little research and find deals for room and dining discounts. I promise there are deals out there, and they can save you enough money that your kid’s dream Disney vacation might actually cost less than that fancy cruise you’ve been wanting to go on. Check out our FB fan page, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you want some help finding these deals! Part of the Disney magic is everyone helping spread the pixie dust around!
2- I can only go if I pay it off first. This one is very close to the first. But here’s the thing, as my fabulous MMM fans have said over in our private group (send us a pm if you’d like to join!), there will always be financial problems and honestly, your kids will only be kids for so long. I’ve known several parents to say that they regret not taking their kids when they were kids because they just couldn’t at the time. Truth is, where there’s a will there’s a way. If you’re wanting your family to have an amazing Disney vacation, just book it! Somehow things will come together and even if you don’t end up at every fancy restaurant or do every extra park perk, you’ll still have a magical vacation filled with loads of lifelong memories. I promise! We had a MMM fan suggest doing the Disney Visa card with 0% interest and paying as you can. That’s much easier than paying all out of pocket and much more fun the completely missing out because you think there’s just no way to do it.

3- I’m too old. Okay seriously?! This one makes me laugh so hard! I realize I’m not “old, old” (I’m 33) but I’m old enough to know that being “old” is completely irrelevant when it comes to WDW. One of the beautiful things about Disney parks is that Walt himself set out on a mission to create a park that was fun for everyone, not just the kids. The very idea for Disneyland actually came while he was sitting on a park bench eating peanuts and watching his girls on a carousel. His dream was to have everyone involved in the magic, and boy did he succeed!! Even if you don’t ride the attractions, there’s plenty to see and do to keep everyone in your family happy. Believe me, I’ve traveled with my family and our ages ranged from 11mos to 84!! And you better believe that my grandmother had just as much fun as my kids did!

4- My kids are too young. Okay, this one is a personal pet peeve of mine. I’m not going to lie and say that taking a baby anywhere at all is easy, but the benefits and memories far outweigh the hassles of bringing your baby. Personally, I don’t believe there’s any age that’s too young. And even better, if they’re under three, they get in for free and can still ride, see, and do loads of things!! Most of the rides have no height requirement and even if you’ve got your infant there, baby can ride too! And the characters and Cast Members love seeing little ones there and make an effort to make things easy for both babies and parents. Each park even has its own baby center stocked with everything any parent would need as well as luxurious changing stations and a play/rest area for Moms and little ones who need a break from the heat outside.

5- My kids will never remember it since they’re too young. This one stems from the last one and honestly is just as absurd. First, if you think you’re going strictly for them, well then loosen up and make things fun for yourself too. Because honestly, taking a small baby or toddler is actually MORE fun for the parent because, even if they don’t remember it, you will!!! I have the best memories of both my girls as toddlers waving their fat little hands to the characters as they rode past at the (now retired) “Celebrate the Magic” parade. And all the little smiles and excitement when they saw Mickey, Minnie, and all his pals. It makes my heart melt just thinking about it. So, come on now, do it for yourself!! Furthermore, you’ll leave with loads of photos that will be so fun to share with them when they’re old enough to know what you did to make them happy even before they could remember it. Lastly, I know several people personally who have taken their 2yos and those 2yos could tell you every detail about their favorite parts of the trip. My 3yo knows not only what rides were her favorites, but can even sing the songs associated with them!

6- My kids are already too old. On the flip side of the last one, I assure you that this one is just as nonsense. I wasn’t able to go to WDW for the first time until I was 20 and I went with my parents. And while I wasn’t a kid anymore, it didn’t make it any less magical. It just made me want to go back more to experience more of what I had never seen before. Like I said earlier, there are loads of things to do for all age groups and older kids will find just as much joy as the littles will. Don’t miss out just because you think that it’s just for 5yo’s! (And yes that’s me at 20 with my future husband! Wow, now I really do feel old!)


7- I went 30 years ago and hated it so I’m never going back. One of the things that Walt enjoyed most about building Disneyland was the fact that, unlike his animations, if there was something he didn’t like, he could always change it. (Which is one of the reasons he became obsessed with the park and really became detached from animation because once a movie was completed and released, he still saw things that he could improve, but could no longer go back and fix). Just because you may not have enjoyed it way back when does not mean you won’t now. There’s a lot that’s changed in the 43 years that the Magic Kingdom has been open. The New Fantasyland area actually just opened it’s final attraction earlier this year, and they are constantly adding more and taking things away that are no longer enjoyable/relevant. Give Disney a chance again! Especially if you’re a food lover. I love the attractions, etc but I go for the food! And I’m almost positive it’s way better than it was 30+ years ago. Additionally, you know what you like. Do a little research on our blog as well as Disney’s website to seek out the things that will excite you most and make it a point to do those things. Don’t just go with no idea of what to do and say you hated it just because you had no idea what to do or where to go. And ask us questions! We’ll be glad to answer any you might have to the best of our ability.

8- I hate amusement parks/rides. Alright, hmm, how to tackle this one. Honestly, this is the one that most people will fight the worst no matter what you say. To be straight, the Disney parks are (like I’ve stated above) created for everyone. They are in no way like Six Flags or other thrill ride parks. There really is something to see and do for everyone regardless if you like rides or not. Also, it is not a carnival. You will not have to use tickets to ride all the rides or play all the games. Your park admission includes almost everything. And if you book with free dining, even your food is covered! There are shows, games (and not like rigged carnival games), and much more to explore and enjoy. So, get out of your comfort zone a bit and open yourself up to a most magical experience. If you do, you’ll finally understand why so many people love Disney parks.

9- Florida is too hot! Really folks? Though it may not be a wintry wonderland like Walt’s hometown of Marcilene, MO, Florida has seasons as well, and the fall and winter months are great times to go. Not only do those months provide cooler weather, but they’re usually lower crowds (aside from Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Years weeks) but they also provide super fun experiences like Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. They even make it snow on Main Street!!
10- This one’s for military families specifically: I’ve heard it’s impossible to get into Shades of Green (the military resort) so we’ve just never gone. Not only is it not difficult to get in, but even if there isn’t availability for when you want to go, don’t miss out on an amazing family vacation because of one resort being full. The value resorts offer everything you’d need at reasonable rates and are on property with included transportation to and from the parks.

11- Disney World/Land is too far away. This one is just laughable because if this is your excuse for not taking an awesome vacation, then chances are you’ve never traveled anywhere outside your home state. And if you have traveled outside your home state and are still using this excuse, then just go ahead and explain to your kids that you don’t really want to go to Disney and just don’t have a better excuse. Truth is, traveling anywhere for an amazing vacation is going to take either a long drive (ours is 8 hrs to WDW) or a flight. I totally get that long car rides can be rough with kids, but with a little planning it’ll be no problem! We’ve even driven there overnight and let the kids sleep the whole time and then magically wake up at WDW! If you have to drive during the day though, just pick up some fun Disney activity books and check Pinterest for fun ways to make the time pass. There are loads of road trip games that can be Disney themed to make them extra fun and build the anticipation without fighting and screaming the whole way there. And don’t sweat the stops! If you have to stop for potty breaks, then just stop! It doesn’t have to be a hassle! It’s all about your own attitude. The kids will be happy if you’re happy.
So, there you have it. My list of the top 11 most-used excuses for not going to Disney parks. So quit making excuses and book your family a most magical Disney vacation now!! ~M °o°